I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2008. Underwent lumpectomy and then re-excision. I had a very low scoring oncotype but opted to have four courses of chemotherapy just for precaution and then decided to opt for the accellerated partial breast irradiation which was two radiation treatments a day for five days because I live in a rural town about three hours away from the radiation facility and I was able to stay there for the whole week and get it done. I know it isn't a sure thing but this was most convenient for me at the time.
I've been searching the web today to find women who have had the MammoSite radiation. The 5 days as opposed to 6+ weeks sounds sooo appealing. But Dani's story has opened my eyes. My Radiologist Oncologist said she felt that I was too young and that I might not be happy with the "cosmetic" results with MammoSite treatment. Honestly, I've had large breasts and was not that worried about the cosmetic side, more concerned with best chance at no recurrance. But Dani's story has made me realize that the 6+ wks it takes for a proven therapy is worth the price to pay. Since my mass was only 5 mm, so tiny it couldn't be found by self exam followed by a lumpectomy & sentinel node plus one node biopsy - with clear margins in tissue and nodes both clear so I thought my chances would be improved for MammoSite. Dani, thanks for sharing your experience. 4 years later your story is still making an impact...it is just the info I needed to make my decision. God Bless, Terrie
Hi PJ and Terrie,
This week was our local hospital's big ride/walk fund raiser for cancer research. PJ and a bunch of folks connected to our support group walked to raise money. It is a lovely time to help out the folks who helped us, to connect with each other, and to remember and celebrate.
This week we also lost one of our group to cancer. Reading Terrie's note and re reading the story that PJ so beautifully wrote was a good reminder to me of the gifts I'm surrounded with. Thank you both.
Terrie good luck with your treatment. PJ keep at it, you've touched so many lives with your writing and your presence.
Hugs, Dani
Dani, I'm so thankful we're here - still here - to share our experiences. The years going by give us a lot of persepctive - on what we've been through, what it's meant to our lives and our friends and families, and how we can use the experience to help the women coming along behind us. Thanks for continuing to be here, and in my life - PJH
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Interesting to say the least. Everyone is different and unique. One does what one has to do at the time and regrets are just a waste of time.
It just goes to show you what I have said in the past and still believe in my heart; it's all trial and error. NOTHING is 100% for sure.
Danielle
You got that right, sister- We're all guinea pigs in this long, long, LONG clinical trial called cancer treatment! And I'm happy to help out - live and learn, with the important word there being LIVE. Thanks for connecting, Diane- PJH
Sorry - Danielle! Chemobrain means not remembering ANYTHING form one second to the next...
You have nothing to be sorry for. Your posts are interesting and informative and I appreciate you posting.
I was always a "blonde" with brown hair, and now the chemo gives me an excuse to "act" ditsy!! LOL
And I'm sorry if I seem a little cynical sometimes or "debbie downer", it's just that I do feel like a guinea pig sometimes and the more women I hear from, the more pessimistic I get about the treatments for breast cancer. Maybe someday it won't be so trial and error.
Danielle
Danielle, take heart. We'll all get through this, together. The "guinea pigs" we are now are payback for the women who've gone before us, who had disfiguring radical mastectomies and burning radiation and chemo that accidentally went over the line and killed them. Think how much better things are now. Consider how much better they'll be in the future, for our daughters, because we're taking the hit with these new treatments. You're doing a service to humanity, did you ever think of it that way? You're a hero. Never forget it. -PJH