Oncologist Appointment, Pre-Surgery Jitters, Scans, etc. . . .

I saw my oncologist today at UCLA. She wants me to have scans again. I wasn’t exactly expecting that. My friend took me up to UCLA and came in with me to my appointment (more for her curiosity and just seeing what it is like to see a cancer doctor . . . it is kind of interesting I suppose . . . I mean the facility is quite impressive and when you walk through the door between the waiting area and where patients are seen . . . well, you get a glimpse into why it is that UCLA is one of the top cancer facilities in the country/world, etc.).

Scans again. I wasn’t sure about mentioning that here . . . but, one friend knows and I acted (in front of my friend) like it was no big deal . . . even though it is a big deal as it means that my oncologist feels there is enough of a risk that it is worth checking it out. The last time I saw her, she said she didn’t want to expose me to the radiation . . . since she considers me “cured”. It doesn’t mean that I am not cured.

But, she just got back from a major conference (a huge advantage of having her as my oncologist, she is truly a world leader in cancer treatment, and, she cares about me)  and I think that the conference has influenced her thoughts on my case . . . so . . . more scans again. She said “Just because of your risk with, you know, being Her2+” and that “there are so many more treatment options now if there is a recurrence” but, “only if it is caught very early on” . . . So, I guess it is good, it was just a bit sobering. And, like I said, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to mention it here. But, I want the prayers that I know will come from those of you who read my blog and who pray and send positive vibes my way.

Statistically, I have a 50% chance of having a recurrence. BUT, my oncologist has always felt that I have less of a chance of having a recurrence because of my over all health, the diet I follow and the treatment that I chose to undergo (bilateral mastectomy – one side being prophylactic and not “necessary” and going through the radiation treatment). The 50% statistic does not take into account my age, health or dietary measures. It does take into account the Tamoxifen (which I am having difficulty taking/tolerating and because of complications the past several months, have been unable to take consistently). But, I will just do it and get it in my body and deal with the consequences.

Today was a bit of a wake up call . . . get back on my diet (which I have allowed to slack a bit the past few months) and get as much exercise as possible.

So, scans again . . . I thought I was done with all of that. It is a bit scary, and very much so for my parents, but, I had to tell them. And, now I am telling you 🙂

I think my oncologist is likely just being cautious and aggressive . . . which is what I want . . . not what I had early on in this drama with the “butt-head” oncologist who could not keep my diagnosis straight and confused me with other patients.

Please keep me in your prayers and keep sending positive thoughts my way.

Much love,

Lisa