Decisions, Decisions… Help With Those Tough Ones

PJ Hamel is happy to be alive. As always. Been Through It Author, breast cancer survivor Writer, mother, wife, volunteer, and survivor: PJ Hamel joins the... Send Message Subscribe: PJ Hamel

Tuesday, September 22, 2009
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Have you ever broken a bone?The treatment’s fairly simple. You go to the hospital. Have an X-ray. Get the break set, have a cast put on, go home. There’s not a single decision you have to make along the way.But get breast cancer, and what’s the first thing that happens? The surgeon ...

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Untitled Comment
Phyllis Johnson
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 08:56 PM

What a wonderful summary of the decisions involved in breast cancer treatment! It's so easy to second guess oneself. What helped me in making these decisions was to list the facts about the risks and benefits on a sheet of paper and then go with my gut. Once the decision is made, it's important not to look back.

re: Untitled Comment
PJ Hamel
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 09:39 PM

Indeed, Phyllis, plebeian though it seems in such a scary circumstace, it does indeed help to make a "laundry list" of pros and cons, just so you can feel completely organized. And I second your advice wholeheartedly - make your decision, and no looking back - never second-guess yourself. Thanks for your input - PJH

There is time to think...
Jo-Ann
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 10:18 PM

Great post P.J. I really like the fact that you stressed that we should not rush into a decision. Take time to consider all options. I didn't read about that until after. I don't think I would have made different decisions, and maybe the quickness of the process was a blessing in disguise, but if I was Queen of the Universe I would want every woman who found herself handed a breast cancer diagnosis to take her time.

re: There is time to think...
PJ Hamel
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 10:23 PM

AND I'd like the doctor, after s/he says, "You have cancer," to step out of the room for 10 minutes to give you a small chance to internalize the fact before the lava flow of doctor names, appointments, procedures, and tests comes gushing forth - none of which you can hear because you're in shock! that would be my "Queen of the Universe" decree... PJH

re: re: There is time to think...
Jo-Ann
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 11:48 PM

That would be sooo much more compassionate!

re: re: re: There is time to think...
Jo-Ann
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 01:40 AM

PJ - Your comments have been playing over in my head all week, so I ended up writing my own blog post about giving cancer patients more time. I hope someone, somewhere is hearing all of this chatter.

all the best

Jo-Ann

Lot's To KNow...
Peglove
Friday, September 25, 2009 at 01:30 PM
This is great. Just great stuff. All stuff the doc is saying right about now. Question: What about Pre-menopausal women? What does Tamoxofen or AI do to/for them? Thanks for this info. I am learning a ton about radiation right now: How it used to be, how it is now... This was very helpful!

re: Lot's To KNow...
PJ Hamel
Friday, September 25, 2009 at 01:59 PM

Thanks, Peg - Tamoxifen for pre-menopausal women (AI for post-menopausal) prevents estrogen from connecting with/feeding your cancer cells, so they starve. It's the standard of care once you get past active treatment, so long as your cancer is hormone-receptive. Hope this helps - PJH

Great Break Down
Haralee
Monday, September 28, 2009 at 01:25 PM

The decisions are one of the hardest parts of a breast cancer diagnosis. Not only after you make your choices there will be those well meaning family and friends second guessing you, like you need any help with that!

This is an excellent breakdown of the decisions that have to be made. Great Job!

re: Great Break Down
PJ Hamel
Monday, September 28, 2009 at 03:37 PM

Thanks (as always), Haralee, for connecting here. the best thing you can do is IGNORE any second-guessing! It's your body, your decision, and your life... PJH

upcoming mastectomy
Millicent
Wednesday, October 07, 2009 at 07:43 AM

Brief history: 2002--diagnosed with DCIS--lumpectomy & radiation; recent mammogram necessitated a surgical biopsy--DCIS is back after 7 1/2 years. Now I will have a mastectomy & am leaning toward reconstruction at the same time so I can get it all done at once. This post spoke to many of my questions, & I will refer to it in the days ahead as I prepare for the next step. Thanks so much for sharing your experience & knowledge on breast cancer!

re: upcoming mastectomy
PJ Hamel
Wednesday, October 07, 2009 at 09:33 AM

Thanks for connecting, Millicent, and the very best of luck to you as you go through treatment - PJH