Treatment Plan

The follow-up appt. with my surgeon yesterday revealed good news. . . no signs of cancer on my Bone Scan or CT scan. Relief doesn't really explain the feeling I had. I am so grateful that the cancer has not spread any further than the lymph nodes. I've been so scared that it could be other places and the burden that was lifted when hearing this good news was intense. I had the mastectomy area drained again with almost as much fluid as last time, but this time I could feel that huge needle a little more. Ouch. But, the good news about that is that it means some of the numbness is fading and my chest and arm may be closer to normal soon.

Yesterday I also went to see a Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in complimentary care for cancer patients. I had an excellent meeting with him and feel armed with more knowledge about holistic care for myself in general, but specifically through this very difficult time of cancer treatment. He was very hopeful and optimistic about one of the prime issues that concerns me. . . fertility. I was given information about a drug that can esentially put your ovaries to sleep before you start chemotherapy so that there is less chance of damage to the ovaries. He also gave me a good idea of what to expect with my Oncologist and ways to compliment my treatment. He is recommending much more focus and energy be spent on optimal nutrition to help beat this cancer than with a multitude of supplements. This is absolutely congruent with my thinking prior to even seeing him, so I was pleased that this was his approach too. I will follow-up with him periodically through my treatment.

There was a scheduling issue with my oncology appt. and I actually saw him early, which turned out to be today. He was a nice man who seemed very informed about what he does. He had specific treatment ideas, based on the standard of care and was very willing to spend time talking and listening to my concerns. He did not agree with all of the recommendations from the Naturopathic Doctor however. The differences are things that I don't have to make decisions about right this minute, but it does make me question who's ideas are better for me. Unlike the Naturopath, the Oncologist does not believe that the drug that puts your ovaries to sleep is that protective. He feels that there is still a good chance for damage, and that even if they are not damaged it may actually be a good idea to take them out anyway. Because my cancer is estrogen and progesterone receptor positive (like in most women), pregnancy and all of the hormones that come along with that, can be like "throwing gasoline on a smoldering fire" as he put it. My chances of a cancer recurrence will never be zero, but the purpose of the treatments ahead are obviously to get me closer to a zero chance. He believes that whether I am able to get pregnant or not, I should really consider whether I am willing to put myself at a higher risk of this cancer coming back. He said that he would not recommend that I pursue trying to have children after my treatment is complete. This is an absolutely devastating part of this cancer diagnosis that I have been struggling with deeply. I don't have to, nor can I, figure it all out right now so I'm not going to really try. I'm going to do my best to protect my ovaries and hopefully allow myself options down the road. Its rather overwhelming to even let the extent of that really sink in.

So, the treatment plan thus far includes 8 cycles of Chemotherapy, administered every 3 weeks, followed by 6 weeks of Radiation therapy, administered everyday, followed by (up to) 5 years of hormone therapy. My chemotherapy will be given both in Nome and in Anchorage, however, my Radiation therapy will all be done in Anchorage.

I will be going home to Nome on Thursday, 6/8, and will return in 3 weeks to start chemotherapy. I'm so looking forward to getting home and seeing my dogs. . . and maybe finding something else to write about other than cancer stuff!

Oh, one thing to mention, not cancer related. . . Erik is here visiting. I feel terrible that this is his vacation and its a little boring due to my lack of energy to get out and do stuff, but I must say its been really nice to have his company and support. He is a good friend to me and he loves me very much. It feels good to have that energy near me. . . so thanks for being here Erik!