I had my oncologist appointment on Monday at 10:45. An hour and a half later I finally saw the doctor!
I'll keep this short on the "let's go through your medical history" details ad get to the good stuff! She told me that the characteristcs of my cancer (who knew that every cancer has its own characttistics) make it possible to get by without having chemo! Wait, what???? The old way of thinking is to give breast cancer patients chemo not matter what. But with the advances in recent technology and testing, the "chemo for everyone!" thinking may be obsolete! There is a test that helps doctors and patients determine if chemo will have any impact on their cancer coming back in the future. It is called Oncotype DX. Based on your cancers score, doctors are able to get a good idea on whether chemo outweighs the negative side effects. I am hoping I have a low score because if I do, more than likely I won't have chemo because my recurrence % would only go down by a few % points. If the score comes back in the middle, I will have a big decision to make. If the score comes back high, then I will have chemo. If i do end up having chemo it will be a short cycle of once every three weeks for 12 weeks. My doctor ordered the test just to be on the safe side. That's the good news!
Bad news is that no matter what, I will be on hormone therapy for the next 5 years. As some of you know, Omar and I had been kicking around the idea of adding another little one to our family. It was actually on our list of things to accomplish this year! This will no longer be the case. The moment my doctor told me I would be taking Tamoxifen i broke down crying because I knew i wouldn't be able to check off "make a baby" on the "to do" list for the year. My doctor will give me shots over the next five years to pretty much turn my ovaries off in addition to a daily dose of Tamoxifen. What this means is no kids for five years, if at all. The risks of having another baby at 39+ is something I am not ready to think about. same goes wwith adoption. i just can't think about it right now. not only has breast cancer taken my boobs, it's screwed up my family plan. I know that I have a beautiful little man, who i will be forever thankful for (well except for when he is in the middle of one of his infamous terrible two tantrums!), but I know he would be such a great big brother. There are 5 1/2 years between my brother and I, and we did great growing up, but I really wanted to have my kids 3 years apart. I guess that just isn't part of the plan. at least for right now!
to find out more info on the Oncotype DX click here oncotype dx info
I'll keep this short on the "let's go through your medical history" details ad get to the good stuff! She told me that the characteristcs of my cancer (who knew that every cancer has its own characttistics) make it possible to get by without having chemo! Wait, what???? The old way of thinking is to give breast cancer patients chemo not matter what. But with the advances in recent technology and testing, the "chemo for everyone!" thinking may be obsolete! There is a test that helps doctors and patients determine if chemo will have any impact on their cancer coming back in the future. It is called Oncotype DX. Based on your cancers score, doctors are able to get a good idea on whether chemo outweighs the negative side effects. I am hoping I have a low score because if I do, more than likely I won't have chemo because my recurrence % would only go down by a few % points. If the score comes back in the middle, I will have a big decision to make. If the score comes back high, then I will have chemo. If i do end up having chemo it will be a short cycle of once every three weeks for 12 weeks. My doctor ordered the test just to be on the safe side. That's the good news!
Bad news is that no matter what, I will be on hormone therapy for the next 5 years. As some of you know, Omar and I had been kicking around the idea of adding another little one to our family. It was actually on our list of things to accomplish this year! This will no longer be the case. The moment my doctor told me I would be taking Tamoxifen i broke down crying because I knew i wouldn't be able to check off "make a baby" on the "to do" list for the year. My doctor will give me shots over the next five years to pretty much turn my ovaries off in addition to a daily dose of Tamoxifen. What this means is no kids for five years, if at all. The risks of having another baby at 39+ is something I am not ready to think about. same goes wwith adoption. i just can't think about it right now. not only has breast cancer taken my boobs, it's screwed up my family plan. I know that I have a beautiful little man, who i will be forever thankful for (well except for when he is in the middle of one of his infamous terrible two tantrums!), but I know he would be such a great big brother. There are 5 1/2 years between my brother and I, and we did great growing up, but I really wanted to have my kids 3 years apart. I guess that just isn't part of the plan. at least for right now!
to find out more info on the Oncotype DX click here oncotype dx info
You teach us all how to be strong and persevere WITH a smile on your face! You are truly amazing! May God continue to take care of you and bless your sweet family.
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