Wednesday, April 21, 2010

RADIOPHOBIA. I admit it. I have it. Still a serious decision.

 My case - 2 of 25 nodes, no lymph/angio involvement, grade 1, pre-menopausal, er/pr +, hr2 -.  My other factors:  Did get a mastectomy with clear margins, clear margins for the nodes, as well.  I am getting chemo, and I will take tamoxifan which kills & protects against cancer cells.  I am 44.

My understanding from the radiation oncologist is that I am unusual in a good way.  I have heard this from my students and others.   Although when referencing my personality the words "in a good way" are often followed by some apophasis.  "You are weird, in a good way, except that you...dress funny...need to spank your kid...need a TV...should lighten up..."

Biologically, it is a little similiar.  It is good that I'm unusual, because the unusual things are good.  However, it puts me in muddy waters for making a decision.  "You are unusual...in a good way... except that you...might go crazy deciding!"  I think I will not go crazy.  I have strategies to prevent it.

Strategies:  No cancer talk after 4:30 pm, ask specific follow up questions in a timely manner, talk with my honey, family, friends, doctors and wise ones.  Then, no re-hashing continue to focus on healthy eating, exercise and right mindedness.

Hodgkins, 1991 - 3A, 9cycles ABVD, no rads & ILC 2010 2b, grade 1, er/pr +, her2-, multifocal >2cm, no lymph/angio, extranodal exten - yes, right mastec, 2/25 nodes positive, 4 cycles CT, rads - not sure as of 4/21

No comments:

Post a Comment