Visit with the Radiation Oncologist

Hello everyone,

My daughter, Julie accompanied me to my appointment today with the radiologist. It is definitely helpful to have a second set of ears when listening to your options. THANKS, JULIE! The doctor feels that the benefits of having radiation far outweigh the risks of complications from the radiation. So I will be having 6 to 6 ½ weeks of radiation after the chemotherapy is finished. It will be every day, Monday through Friday - half hour appointments. The most common complications that can occur are increased chance of lymphoedema and risk of loss of implant (50% chance of loss. "Capsule contracture."). So another decision has been made. Next step is the oncologist (scheduled for next Monday, March 23). I am feeling stronger every day. I still have a fair amount of pain in my upper right arm – but it is slowly improving. I hope to get this all started soon. I hate having this all going on when the weather is so great for biking, but I also want to get done with it. Hopefully we will be able to have some “good” days for biking this summer – if not there is always next year. We have also decided (unless the oncologist disagrees) that we will wait for the second mastectomy until after the chemo and radiation therapies are finished. My surgeon feels that it is more important to get the chemo started than to have it delayed by additional surgery. So, we will probably wait on that for now.

We are trusting in the Lord’s timing, and know that he will give us all the strength we need to get through it!!   We truly thank you and ask for your continued support as we face the long road ahead.

Vonnie (and Len)