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A low number is good in golf....

and good in Oncotype DX tests, so let's hear it for 13 (out of 100), where 18 is the highest number you want.

I'll explain, as best I can. The issue with cancer is the chance of it recurring. As Dr. Mittleman said to me yesterday, you had cancer -- the cancer is gone. Now we are treating me so that it doesn't recur.

And what's the chance of it recurring? Well that's what the Oncotype DX test tells us. It's genomic test, looking at the makeup of the cancer. How likely is it to return? And, will it respond to chemotherapy (along with hormone therapy, like aromatase inhibitors) if it is likely to grow and spread?

So a 13 means that 1) the likelihood of it recurring is very low, and 2) I don't need chemo. In fact, the difference in preventing the recurring between chemo and the aromatase inhibitor is so low as to make chemotherapy "not worth it."

So as soon as I heal I can have radiation.

And whoever thought I'd be "happy" about that? Life is sure funny, isn't it?

I have an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Alfred Tinger at Northern Westchester Hospital's Cancer Center for Friday, November 3 to start getting ready for radiation.

And now it's looking like we won't be able to get away after all. I'm concerned about my adjustment to taking Arimidex-and it looks like I won't start that until after my radiation, or maybe three weeks into my radiation. We wanted to go to Curacao and we'd need to book that now.

We are both disappointed--the more I thought about traveling while trying to get used to a protocol that could have serious side effects the more I thought it probably wasn't a good idea.

Another reminder that "life is what happens to you when you are busy making other plans." Which is why I have John Lennon's picture on this blog entry  😉



Comments

  1. UnknownOctober 24, 2017 at 10:33 PM

    Connie, I started Arimidex on September 27th and have had no side effects..so I hope that is true for you and go on your trip. Get cancellation insurance for peace of mind.. I just booked a trip to Portugal and Spain in May and I will still be on Arimidex, for five years at least, and then also on something called Xeloda, an oral chemo..
    Radiation therapy is not so bad, I have had 15 out of 25 treatments and except for some redness on my chest, I am fine..I am happy with your good results.
    Love,mjr

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ConnieOctober 25, 2017 at 12:02 PM

      Thanks for this Marilyn. Good to know. We are so "up in the air" about how I will feel. This uncertainty is very stressful, and it makes it hard to plan.

      Delete
    2. ConnieOctober 27, 2017 at 8:43 PM

      We made our reservations-Curacao in March!

      Delete
    3. UnknownOctober 27, 2017 at 10:58 PM

      That is a wonderful plan..I am happy for your..mjr

      Delete

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