Now that my pelvic lymph node tested positive for cancer, they are a bit more concerned about the lymph node in my armpit that showed up during the PET scan. They have ordered a 3D diagnostic mammogram for this Thursday. In addition, they have now ordered an ultrasound with biopsy as well. They want to rule out metastatic cancer before starting the chemo & radiation.
As long as these tests come back negative, we will proceed with the following plan:
Chemo and Radiation will be given concurrently. This is done so that the chemo helps to weaken the cancer cells so the radiation treatment is more effective. The radiation will be targeted specifically at my pelvic region to address any additional cancer in the pelvic lymph nodes. The chemo will then address any cancer cells that have found their way out of the pelvic region. It's a one-two punch to give me the best long term survival possibilities.
Both doctors reiterated the aggressive nature of my cancer and indicated that it was nearly unbelievable that it was caught in my annual exam. They were both amazed that I had no tell-tale symptoms, and I had not sought out a diagnosis from issues. Blind-sided is how I described this last month. But I am seeing the blessings over and over.
On October 10th, I will start chemo and possible radiation. Chemo will last about 4 hours and radiation should last 30 minutes to an hour. We will find out soon if I start radiation the 10th or 11th.
Radiation will then be 5 days a week for 25-28 days. The length of the radiation will be determined after my next CAT scan and exam on October 1st with the Radiation Oncologist. He indicated it will be the overall same amount of radiation, it will just be determining in what doses that it is administered.
Once a week, on Wednesdays, I will receive chemo and radiation. These will be intense, sucky days. The good news is that there will only be 5-6 of them. Then I ring the bell. And I cannot wait.
The chemo doc said that that the chemo will intensify the already bad side effects of the radiation and make them all worse. She said prepare to be tired like I have never been before. Nausea, vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea, lack of taste, hair thinning & some loss... many side effects and more.
Because the radiation is targeting my pelvic region, it will be wrecking havoc on my bowels, bladder and kidneys. The goal is to minimize the side effects and long term complications of these organs and the surrounding tissue.
We have chemo training on October 3rd to find out more of the nitty gritty of what to expect and how to help protect me during this time. Since the chemo kills not only the cancer, it kills the healthy cells too, I will be immuno-compromised during this time and for a bit after treatment while I recover. This will mean missing out on school, work & family events for a bit to try and keep me as safe as possible.
BUT the good news is the outcome is still promising, the doctors are still hopeful and while we are nowhere near "survivor" status yet- I am going to rock the hell out of cancer "warrior".
One doctor commented, "Sarah, at your age, with a husband, two young children, family and so much to live for, we are going to do everything we can to give you the best possible outcome."
And that is exactly what I am going to do too.
With this schedule, I will finish right at my 37th birthday, November 17th... and no matter how I feel, I am celebrating every day, every birthday and every breath.
More to come as we find out details.
Hugs,
Sarah
No comments:
Post a Comment