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Next step----radiation, but we just don't know when

First let me say that we spent two wonderfully informative hours with Dr Julie Monroe, a medical oncologist who is a "cancer consultant," for lack of a better name.

After our discussion I now understand:

  1. Why I need radiation (to prevent a recurrence in my breasts)
  2. Why I need radiation in my left breast (because the DCIS in the left breast looks like it is "thinking" of moving)
  3. That the risk of radiation damage to my heart and lungs is nearly nil
  4. That the aromatase inhibitors don't cause osteoporosis but could hasten the journey from osteopenia (which I have) to osteoporosis
  5. That drugs such as Prolia are used prophylactically and can help prevent osteoporosis that might be hastened by the aromatase inhibitors
We learned a lot more, like what the heck is aromatase anyway, and why does it have to be inhibited. And why those estrogen receptors are a problem.

The upshot is that I am no longer anywhere near as concerned as I was before. Any effects of the aromatase inhibitors are temporary, which is good to know, and I should be able to find one that doesn't cause me too much discomfort.

When we met with Dr Tinger we had many fewer questions. So now it's just a matter of getting the ok from Dr Razaboni. Looks like I will be able to start radiation right after Thanksgiving.

It's all good.

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