Decisions, decisions

[cynnalia]

I met with the radiation oncologist on Friday to discuss the possibility of radiation treatment to mop up any lingering cancer cells, if there are any. He showed me my PET scans and went over the fields he wanted to target and told me what the possible side effects were

Comments

[tigerpixieart]

What a hard decision :( You know how every drug they advertize on TV has a list a mile long of "possible side effects" with the worst usually only effecting a very small percent of people. Is there anyway you can find out the actual precentages of people who end up with each of these side effects? That may help you feel more comfortable choosing what is best for you.

[cynnalia]

I've tried to find out these numbers and I'm sure they're out there, but I can't find them. Wading through medical journals is just mind-numbing to me. >.< I've found other pertinent studies, though and feel comfortable with the decision I made.

[terrellztoonz]

Wow, that's tough to go through no matter what you decide to do. All you can do is what your heart tells you to.You are one tough chick! :) I really admire your strength. ((hugs))

[cynnalia]

Thanks so much, Terrell! *HUGS BACK* I'm gonna kick that cancer's butt so it NEVER comes back! lol

[faebyl]

oh wow! thats super tough, but do what you think is right, and be possitive:).(((hugs)))

[cynnalia]

Thanks! *HUGS* I've finally made a decision and feel good about it. Gonna do the radiation - I'd kick myself if I didn't do it and relapsed. I can't worry too much about what might or might not happen in 20 years. And hey, by then, medical advances may make this all moot!

[arslongu]

Supportive *hugs* coming your way.
Medical decisions are always hard ones.
Just do what you FEEL is right for you
is all that you can do in these cases.
More *hugs* for good measure!

[cynnalia]

Thanks, Gina! *HUGS* I've finally made my decision and I'm satisfied...I'm doing the radiation fields the doctor recommended, but he agreed to lower the dose to the armpit area and just do a boost on the neck.

[jenelycam]

Holy Hera, hon...Not sure what I'd choose... I know you'll make the right decision for you and I'm praying for you no matter whart y ou decide! *HUGS SUPER EXTRA TIGHT*

[cynnalia]

Thank you so much, Dawn! *GINORMOUS HUGS BACK* I've decided to do the radiation. I talked to the doctor and we agreed to do a lower total dose on the armpits (20 gy) and do the full 30 gy on the neck only. I can't worry about the far future - I need to focus on the current battle.

[jenelycam]

Good for you and I'm glad you can talk to your doctor about it and discuss it. *MORE HUGS*