Yesterday I saw the oncologist and the breast surgeon.
The oncologist is a numbers guy. He did a great presentation on the statistical outcomes of chemo based on my particular case, which he described as 'one that makes them scratch their heads.' Since I have had surgery and plan to have radiation I have a 25% chance of re-occurrence, if I add Tamoxifen my re-occurrence chances drop to 15%, if I add chemo it drops to 12-14%. So chemo only gives a 1-3% benefit. He said most women choose to do chemo even though there is little benefit but most men choose not to. I asked what he would do and he said he would tell his wife to take it, then I said, "No, not your wife, what if it were you." He replied that he would not take chemo for such a little benefit. So, of course, I told him I am not taking it. He said I was not crazy to make that decision. But he does suggest Tamoxifen. I suppose a 10% benefit would be better than none, but I am reserving my opinion on Tamoxifen until I do further research.
The breast surgeon discussed another option. This one would eliminate the need for radiation and would greatly reduce the chance of re-occurrence in that breast. The option was nipple sparring mastectomy.
As wonderful as no radiation and slim chance of re-occurrence sounds, I don't like the thoughts of mutilation.
I can wait until January to make any decisions. If I decide before then to start radiation I can do so. The sooner I start the sooner I will finish.
I am currently reading "Knockout" by Suzanne Somers. I am just getting to the part about alternatives to chemo, surgery, and radiation. I am hopeful that I will read something that will help me make the best decision!
Happy Thanksgiving! This year be thankful for your health!
Love to all!!!
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Thanks for the update... been wondering what was happening. Knowledge is power... this is just overwhelming I'm sure the amount of differing opinions. I love you
ReplyDeleteRhonda, I've been thinking alot about you and as I read your blog, it brings all those old feelings to life again.
ReplyDeleteEveryone is different..... I chose a mastectomy because I had been on a roller coaster of "scares" every six months for 5 years..... Because of the worrying, I had gained weight, my heart felt burdened all the time and I was tired..... so when the cancer reoccurred the decision was easy for me..... and I would not change it. Every journey is unique because every woman is unique... just remember "cancer doesn't always wait for you to decide or to read the next book".... get your research done and make a decision and start treating yourself. My friend Mary procrastinated in fear of the worst - and in the end.... it was the same answer she was told in the beginning except her tumor had grown.... the answer was still mastectomy and tamoxifen. Luckily, she's living cancer free. The tamoxifen has had few side affects - a little morning sickness in the beginning....
My point here is not to be a "hard ass" but at some point you have to make the hard decisions - Do I like feeling like I have two holes on my chest with water balloons laying on them? NO! But I sure do love holding that grandbaby against me and feeling her breath on my face - DON'T WAIT!!!!!!!
I'm thinking of you daily! Knowledge is power, that's for sure - but don't let it bog you down from doing what needs to be done to keep you in your life. Because it appears from here that you have a very good one...... Love to you dear childhood friend....
Hi Faye,
ReplyDeleteIt must be hard for you to read the blog and feel all those old feeling. I am sorry for that. I completely understand and honor the decision you made and think I would probably make the same one after 5 years on the roller coaster, I am just not that far into it yet and am still trying to take the path of least invasion.
As for taking my time to make the decision, I am on a time line. Since I am recovering from my second surgery I have until January to decide whether I want to take radiation or have more surgery. I am glad I have the time to think, it is a big decision, with no really good choices.
I appreciate your caring and input!
Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteWhether it came across correct or not - my point was that every woman's journey is different and how she processes it is different..... Just don't get caught up thinking there's an "easy" way to deal with cancer.... (I'm not too good at writing, but I can talk up a storm!)... You, like me have cancer in your family so you can't mess around with this crap! I just want you to ber okay.... and sometimes having too much time to think just muckies up the whole process..... It all comes down to go with your instincts... no one knows your body like you do. Be well.
Faye