First of all - Happy Birthday to my mom!
Second of all - I had my radiation oncology appt today and was told again what we kind of already knew from before - my situation is in a 'grey area' as far as radiation goes and I am expected to decide if I want it or not.
That is kind of the way docs work these days - no one wants to take responsibility for giving the wrong answer so they leave it in the hands of the patients - who, after all, have all the training & knowledge to make such a decision, right?? (yes - heavy sarcasm).
The good news is that the oncologist DID answer the question as to whether or not she would vote 'yes' for me to do it, and that if she were in my shoes, she would do it. But the main argument for me to do it is basically that there isn't a specific reason for me NOT to do it... HuH?
OK - I get it - it means I am healthy enough otherwise that there is nothing stopping me from having radiation. So then I have to weigh risks against benefits. So they tell me the risks are minimal. And they also tell me the benefits - for me - are minimal. But on the other hand, if I want to do EVERY thing I possibly can to fight cancer, then I should do it.... SHEESH.
5.5 weeks of week-daily (ie, Mon-Fri) treatments. I count that out to around 28 treatments.... plus I have to squeeze in the tissue expander fillers before radiation starts as it tends to thicken the skin and it won't stretch well after radiation.
I'm thinking I should do it - but I haven't done ALL my research yet. If any of you have any comments or opinions to weigh in on this, feel free to email me.
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Hi Shana,
ReplyDeleteI would say "yes" to the radiation. A gal I work with is going through this right now and is doing both chemo and radiation. She has just finished one of them. She still has to have the injection port in until the end of the summer. Let me know if you have any questions and I can put you in touch with her.
Stay strong!!!
Liz
Hi shana
ReplyDeleteI would vote Yes. Over here we don't get the choice as such like you have explained. We are just told. The radiation is used as a preventative and will zapp any little squatters dead if there are any lingering around.
Your skin will get thinner and tighter with the radiotherapy, just keep on slapping the cream on. I had expander implants and I have a great pair of 32F's compared to my 34B's.
Do everything you can to beat this thing for good.
Love and hugs
xxx