Dr. van Rooy, Radiation MD

There's been nothing to report until today, hence the absence of posts. Mom met with Dr. von Rooy this morning, who was part of the panel of physicians and pathologists that reviewed Mom's case shortly after her surgery. He reinforced a few key points, none of which are new, but really sunk in with Mom today:

1. Everything about her cancer has been unusual and unpredictable.

2. Although there is no measurable disease, it is highly likely that some cancer still exists somewhere in her pelvis.

3. Radiation is the next best option at curing her of cancer.

He had done a very thorough review of not only Mom's cancer history, but also her complete past medical history pre-cancer. He was very encouraged that Mom is headed to Sloane-Kettering Cancer Institute in NYC on Thursday, and impressed that he'd received Dr. Choueri's notes from Dana Farber within days of our seeing him.

To undergo radiation is completely Mom's choice. It would involve her having 20 minute treatments Monday through Friday for 5 weeks, 25 treatments total. Her entire pelvis will be radiated, which means any side effects will be related to that area, specifically burning skin, urinary frequency, diarrhea, pelvic pain, and her blood counts may decrease from radiating bone where blood cells are produced. It's important for her to prevent infection, stay well hydrated, nourished, and rested. If her blood counts decrease, she could experience some fatigue, but no nausea or vomiting is expected. Aside from some of the potential adverse reactions, if Mom chooses to do radiation now, she can never receive it again.

Seems like a strange question to have to ask yourself: "Should I use up my radiation quota now or save it for later?"

The answer is simple enough. As Mom put it, "I'm living now!" Well said. Radiation it is.

She can begin as soon as she's ready. Her abdominal scar is healed and it's just a matter of making the first appointment to map in the form of dots where exactly the radiation will hit. Yes- it's not as she may have imagined it, but Mom will actually be getting her first tattoo. I'm a chicken, but she's joining an exclusive club with my husband and sister. Albeit, Mom didn't know about Gwennie joining the tattoo club until an accidental exposure while she was home last week- WHOOPS!

Thank you to Marilyn D. for accompanying Mom this morning, and to Marilyn R. for joining her in New York on Thursday. Will report back after her consult with Dr. Bajorin of Sloan-Kettering.

All that being said, Mom is doing beautifully. There have been no residual side effects from surgery, she is taking one day at a time, processing information, and making changes towards a positive and healthy future. Thanks for the continued support!