Well it's been almost a full month since I had my diagnosis. I still don't know staging or any other specific information. I have to say that not having someone tell me the results of last week's CT scan is disappointing. My MRI is this evening.
I got a call from the BCCA for my consultation appointment. I will be meeting with the radiation oncologist and the medical oncologist on Thursday afternoon. The appointment is about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, so I will go equipped with my questions. They will be laying out a treatment plan based on the results of the CT and MRI. Unfortunately, they have requested that I have another scan (I believe she said another CT). I have no idea why this would be necessary. Again, nobody tells you anything. Communication is severely lacking.
Anyway, I am just happy that finally things are moving. On a positive note, I suppose if something was critical, I'd be moved to a priority status, so maybe the waiting means that it isn't so serious.
I've spent a lot of time reading studies and looking at some of the research that's being done. I found some information on low dose aspirin and its effect on cancer... the results are promising for some types of cancer, but there are also other risks. Regardless, it shows that there is research being done and my guess is it won't be long before this disease is very curable. https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/fact-sheets/aspirin-cancer-fact-sheet/article/655237/
Interestingly, I find that I'm more concerned over the long-term implications of my diagnosis, rather than treating it in the short-term. Since I am only 47, I think about 10, 15, 20 year survival rates and the risk of recurrence. I know there are many people who are thriving many years after having had a similar diagnosis, but I guess I think about what my long-term sustainable lifestyle changes will have to be in order to ease my mind about recurrence. I'm positive that I'll get through treatment and win this round, but how do people go on with their lives without worrying about having it return?
Despite my health situation, I am quite enjoying our 17 degree Spring-like weather today. The flowers are starting to bloom and the birds, frogs, toads, and other wildlife are making a cacophony of sounds every morning. Good-bye winter!
This is the view near our house. We overlook a valley.
I got a call from the BCCA for my consultation appointment. I will be meeting with the radiation oncologist and the medical oncologist on Thursday afternoon. The appointment is about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, so I will go equipped with my questions. They will be laying out a treatment plan based on the results of the CT and MRI. Unfortunately, they have requested that I have another scan (I believe she said another CT). I have no idea why this would be necessary. Again, nobody tells you anything. Communication is severely lacking.
Anyway, I am just happy that finally things are moving. On a positive note, I suppose if something was critical, I'd be moved to a priority status, so maybe the waiting means that it isn't so serious.
I've spent a lot of time reading studies and looking at some of the research that's being done. I found some information on low dose aspirin and its effect on cancer... the results are promising for some types of cancer, but there are also other risks. Regardless, it shows that there is research being done and my guess is it won't be long before this disease is very curable. https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/fact-sheets/aspirin-cancer-fact-sheet/article/655237/
Interestingly, I find that I'm more concerned over the long-term implications of my diagnosis, rather than treating it in the short-term. Since I am only 47, I think about 10, 15, 20 year survival rates and the risk of recurrence. I know there are many people who are thriving many years after having had a similar diagnosis, but I guess I think about what my long-term sustainable lifestyle changes will have to be in order to ease my mind about recurrence. I'm positive that I'll get through treatment and win this round, but how do people go on with their lives without worrying about having it return?
Despite my health situation, I am quite enjoying our 17 degree Spring-like weather today. The flowers are starting to bloom and the birds, frogs, toads, and other wildlife are making a cacophony of sounds every morning. Good-bye winter!
This is the view near our house. We overlook a valley.
Once again, I'm very grateful for your blog that's tracking your journey. It's very helpful for me as a bystander (who tends to get the helpless feeling at times). I can feel included, but from a distance and somehow, that helps me (because we all know it's about me, right!? lol) I think of you daily . . . even more than I used to :) Hugs ox
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan! It's great that we have the ability to share our stories so easily now. I'm so grateful for all the support along the way. Although this is a solitary journey in many ways, I can't imagine doing it in isolation.
DeleteThinking of you today...and sending you positive energy to get you through your appointment and treatment.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cynthia!!! I appreciate that so much.
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