A little something

Editgrl said:

Heard back

My gyn/onc did talk to both my radiologist and another on staff who does the stereotactic radiation.  Apparently, both felt that rather than do stereotactic, they want to radiate the whole area.  Not thrilled about that, and gyn/onc offered to arrange a second opinion in San Francisco where they actually do that type of radiation.  In any case, I have a consultation scheduled to hear the reasoning behind the recommendation and exactly what they think needs to be treated.  Especially in view of the fact that my gyn/onc was not totally convinced that what showed up was indeed cancer, I'm a little surprised.  And dismayed.

Oh, sweeet lady, I hate that this is happening to you.  I hope and pray that every thing works out to the best.  The one good thing is that it was caught early.

Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann

Editgrl said:

Heard back

My gyn/onc did talk to both my radiologist and another on staff who does the stereotactic radiation.  Apparently, both felt that rather than do stereotactic, they want to radiate the whole area.  Not thrilled about that, and gyn/onc offered to arrange a second opinion in San Francisco where they actually do that type of radiation.  In any case, I have a consultation scheduled to hear the reasoning behind the recommendation and exactly what they think needs to be treated.  Especially in view of the fact that my gyn/onc was not totally convinced that what showed up was indeed cancer, I'm a little surprised.  And dismayed.

Yeah, I hear you. I start tomorrow on the pelvic radiation. What's helping me face it is that I understand the why of it between what I heard from others here, what I've read, and from the radiation oncologist who's overseeing my treatment. My gyn oncologist wanted wide field radiation, but the radiation oncologist is narrowing what gets treated using image guided 3D-CRT. He would have preferred to have used IGRT (Image Guided Radiation Therapy), but said that is extremely complicated and therefore extremely expensive and insurance companies don't cover it. The image guided 3D-CRT is a modification that pretty much does near the same thing. It molds the area targeted three-dimensionally to allow them to spare a lot more intestine, bladder, and the hip bones than the traditional wide field does. It gives me hope that I'll come through this reasonably ok, but boy, it sure was hard not to get emotional when I was going through the simulation today. Everything so far indicates I'm NED now, so I can't help but wonder if I'm doing harm when maybe I don't need to. Be sure you understand the different ways they deliver pelvic radiation because it sure helps to understand any explanations you get when you meet with the radiation oncologist. I was told that fatigue, diarrhea or constipation (depending on how I eat), and vaginal stenosis will be the main short term side effects to still expect. So sorry that you're having to face this decision yet again!

Chris, I know this news was not what you expected, but I'm sure your strength and positive attitude will get you through whatever comes next. Rebecca

So, so sorry to hear that news, Chris! As you know all too well, MMMT is incredibly aggressive so they need to use all the tools that they have at their disposal to combat it. Good news is that you still had this treatment available to you. Praying that it takes care of it and that you can get back to "normal" life again. Kim  

My thoughts and prayers are with you Chris.

Jerri

Dang it Chris, I am just catching up with my reading, this is NOT NOT NOT fair.  I know you will handle and I know you will beat it.  It isn't the end of the world but dog gone it.  I know they are doing marvelous things in directed radiology.  I am glad you are holding them to their responsibilty of letting you have the information so YOU can make an informed decision.  You know we are all so very much on your side and support you dear lady.  God bless you.