Another day, another exciting list of tests and doctor visits. Today I had my PET scan and received more good news - the only spots that show active disease are my chest mass and the place in my neck where the lymph node was located. While my bone marrow results are still pending, my oncologist feels like I most likely have stage 2a Hodgkin's. This means that I will hopefully be able to have a shorter than "normal" course of chemo and possibly less radiation. There is a big push for oncologists to limit treatment to what is necessary in young (that's me!) women - so that I don't increase my risk for other health problems (breast cancer, heart disease) later on as a result of the original treatment.
I will have my port placed tomorrow and I am not looking forward to that. More than dealing with the pain, I have a hard time giving up control in the hospital. I am used to being "in charge" in clinic and the OR, so it is hard for me to just let go and put my trust in others for a change. But, I have no choice - I am now the patient - and all I can do is hope that everyone is paying attention and doing their best every single day. Already, I know I will walk away from this experience with a deeper respect for my patients and the burdens that they carry. That two lab draws in one day can be a big deal, and that "routine" procedures can still scare the bejesus out of some people...
We made plans to start chemotherapy next week. I will get 4 different chemotherapeutics every 14 days for 2 months (ABVD protocol). Then we will repeat the PET scan and hope that my chest mass has disappeared - if that is the case, then I fall into the lower dose treatment group. 70-80% chance....only time will tell.
Stay strong Julia :)
ReplyDeleteKelli