Clarification & Other Stuff

This would be part two of the blog I posted earlier. And I forgot some stuff. A senior moment, perhaps? Nah, if I don't qualify for senior discounts, it doesn't apply. Lol.

The radiation oncology department called me back to answer questions. What I learned is the CT scan was not really considered a diagnostic tool, but rather an imaging study so the doctor can look at the entire area and decide on the path, the dose, the length and so on and so forth for the radiation treatment. We know I have a cancer diagnosis. That said, had he seen anything alarming or something that would cause him concern and probably a change in the course of treatment (for example, if a new tumor that is visible was found and another surgery to take that one out was indicated), I would have been called in to discuss this. Apparently, he didn't see anything that would change his initial plan to proceed with radiation. That is a good thing. But I still couldn't get a straight answer as to did the CT scan indicate I was still cancer-free? I guess if there was some residual, that's what the radiation is supposed to zap anyway. 

As to the three week course of treatment ... it's no mistake. He has recommended 16 whole area sessions plus 5 tumor bed blasts for a total of 21 treatments. This is called the Canadian protocol and is usually reserved for smaller-breasted women. Originally, during our consultation, he had said I wouldn't qualify for that. So what changed? Well, everything is just guidelines and generalities to start with. And breast size is just one of many considerations. Furthermore, I had chosen to forgo chemo and chemo is always done first before the radiation. Radiation can only be done once to any one area in its full dosage (normally 6 weeks, 35 treatments). What he is recommending is to leave the door open a bit so if chemo becomes necessary or indicated in the future, I could still follow up with another 3-week regiment of radiation afterward. 

While I realize I am not throwing everything but the kitchen sink at this cancer initially and am gambling a bit, I feel this is best for me at this time. And then we play the waiting game and do some kind of screening every three months. The throwing everything but the kitchen sink approach is full mastectomy (plus lymph nodes), then 6 months of chemo, followed by 6 weeks of radiation. It sounds brutal because it is brutal. I think I know my body and I know myself enough to make the right decisions. With my medical team, I have never been coerced or pushed or belittled or shamed into any treatments. They have always just informed me of my options and dispersed information then let me make my own decisions. And I appreciate that. 

I also feel VERY STRONGLY that cancer has both a genetic component and an environmental component. While I don't have a genetic mutation, my family history has played a very strong role in my having cancer. Also, I have never been a healthy eater and have other bad habits that have lead me to this. I can't change my genetics but I can take an active role in the other. I believe totally and completely that if our bodies are too acidic or we are eating too much sugar and carbs, processed or GMO foods, and/or other unhealthy substances; we create a favorable environment for cancer to develop and grow. What we must do (and this is ALL of us, not just those who already have a cancer diagnosis) is to create a very hostile environment for cancer in our own bodies by eating healthier foods, not drinking alcohol, boosting antioxidants, getting plenty of sleep and exercise, etc. You've heard the routine many times before.

What I am doing (or planning to do soon) besides make those healthier food choices and get more sleep and exercise, is to do a mix of essential oils, some juicing and I just started a daily multi-spectrum CBD oil regiment. I am focusing on blueberries and more tumeric in my food. I will be also taking a pure independently-certified medical therapeutic-grade frankincense oil (as you guessed, very expensive).  To relieve pain from my treatments, I have mixed several natural ingredients including aloe vera, vitamin E, eucalyptus oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil into both a spray-on oil and a creamy goopy mess to apply to my skin. I think shea butter is the only thing I am missing and would still like to add. So this is what I feel I can do to keep the cancer at bay. I want to create such a healthy environment that no cancer would ever dare try to inhabit it. Cancers are a little like cockroaches. You want to get rid of them, you have to make the spaces they hide completely inhospitable and extra clean. 

Wish me luck and pray that my radiation treatments go well and are easy. I will still be working throughout this process and looking forward to our slower season beginning in May and my daughter's upcoming wedding.