Appointment today at the Johnson Family Center for Cancer Care once again but this time, I was meeting Dr. Tate, who I was hoping would be my new Radiation Oncologist. Carol and I met in the lobby about 9:50, I did the usual check in procedure as always, and sat down to wait for my name to be called. She had had a variety of challenging experiences in the past few days so I was totally focused on all that she'd been dealing with. How she fits us all in still amazes me!
I looked up to see a slender nurse in lime green scrubs, one of my favorite colors, open the door usually for the medical oncologists and heard my name. We got up, met Regina who works with Dr. Tate, and headed to my usual first stop...the dreaded scale. After being down eight pounds last time, it was a bit frustrating not to be where I was. Oh well, I have another week to work on it before I have to step on that scale again, thank goodness!
Before Regina could say anything, I just sat down and assumed the position...right arm on the counter, make a fist and get ready for the blood pressure cuff while you shut up, open your mouth and lift the tongue for the temperature probe. Almost got that to clock work now! LOL 97.2 for temp, 121 over 71 for blood pressure...I love it when my numbers are good. Carol took credit for this one saying I was so involved in listening to all her tales and situations this morning I didn't have time to work myself up! She and Walt are darn good at helping with the blood pressure before these tests, that is for sure.
Regina went over all the standard history stuff...again. She talked a little about radiation therapy then explained what would be happening. She set up the computer screen so we could watch a 10 minute video radiation, what the consultation involved, the simulation session, the markings and why they do them, and the reason to have radiation.
After we were finished, she asked me to open the door that we were ready. Dr. Tate soon followed. He was very personable, introduced himself to both of us, then sat down and rolled toward us. Like Dr. Alguire, he too showed he had done his homework, discussing my various diagnoses, knowing about the trip to Mayo, answering questions, and demonstrating he's also a kind and attentive listener.
Did the usual brief examination and discussed his basic plan for today and the weeks to come. He asked if I could stay and get the markings done today so we didn't have any more delay. I was glad to do it, especially when he said he would have the program for the machine ready by next Friday so they could run the simulation. Then I would finally officially start my treatments on Monday, Aug. 16, 5 days a week at 9:45 until Sept. 30. About six weeks or 30 treatments.
The intent is to kill the remaining cancer cells that may be lurking in the breast, those trying to grow and divide thanks to the estrogen still strong in my system, and eliminate any of those cancer cells they did see evidence of in the blood vessels in the tissue. He acknowledged that I had had quite a time getting to this point but that it seemed to finally bring a good diagnosis in my favor. He assured me that he felt my cancer was now a lower risk, that I have a very good prognosis, and that with the Arimidex therapy to follow, I should do very well.
At this point, he took a few minutes to go over what could happen to my skin and tissue over the six weeks; what they have available and can be done to help with any slight burning, itching, etc that may result; the possible side effects that are likely to occur (such as reddening of the skin area, a slight discoloration, rash, likely fatigue in the evening after the third week, soreness, etc)and covered the very unlikely serious things that could happen being that it is near my sternum, ribs, and heart. Then he said he would see me a bit later when I was getting my CAT scan to get the markings done.
As he left, in came Carol Nielsen and that was an amazing moment for me! Carol is the social worker with JFCCC and the one who accepted and shared the jewelry in her breast cancer support group that we made in Beads, Beauty and Beyond. I usually talked with her by email and arranged to drop off jewelry to her once a month. As incredibly busy as she is, we had not had the opportunity to meet. There were definitely happy tears, laugher, and hugs, resulting in a little longer conversation than the technicians had planned.
Thank goodness they are a patient, happy crew. LOL Before we knew it, the first hour was done and then some and we were off to experience part two.
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