Radiation, but no chemo!

Consultation after consultation.  More doctors’ appointments than I could keep straight.  I just looked back through my calendar and this is the list of who I saw just in January: Surgeon, Oncologist, Palliative Care, Dietician, Cancer Rehab, Radiation Oncologist, and Social Worker.  Thank goodness for good insurance.  The consensus was no chemotherapy was warranted (thank God), but daily whole breast radiation with a boost to the tumor site was recommended.  That began in February and completed in March.  April is mainly dedicated to recovery from the radiation treatment, physical therapy/rehab, my covid vaccines, and the start of daily maintenance meds (an aromatase inhibitor to suppress my estrogen production) for the next five years.  Please pray the side effects from that medication are minimal.  I am thankful for modern medical advancements, but am tired, both physically and mentally.

That was a long way to say I am well on the road to recovery and thank each one of you for your kind words, thoughts, and prayers over these last few months!  A cancer diagnosis is something no one ever wants, but far too many of us experience. We can do all we know to do to reduce our chances, but there is nothing that is guaranteed to make us bulletproof.  So, I continue to eat healthfully (whole food, plant based), work on my mental health (PTSD is a very real part of these journeys), and pray this is the last time I face this disease.  I know many of you have been affected by cancer or have someone close to you who has.  There is so much fear associated with this diagnosis.  I recently read “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.” So, I pray.  I pray for courage to just do the next thing and a peace that passes all understanding.  I pray that for every one of you as well.  Let’s embrace the comfort and hope that is found in community and continue doing this thing called life together!

 

6 Comments

  1. Danielle,
    Thank you for this update. You have certainly been through a LOT these past few months and yet you manage to end your message on a positive note and HOPE for a healthy future. You have been in my prayers and continue to be throughout your recovery.
    In Christ,
    Marcy

  2. For some reason, I didn’t know this. Forgive me. We’d been dealing with our older daughter’s cancer diagnosis this past year. She required surgery ( hysterectomy) and checking lymph nodes, which thank God, literally, were all clean. Grateful that she’s living in Houston where the cancer treatments are thorough and precise. I believe the name was endometroidadrenal cancer, caused by too much estrogen in her system. Because the nodes were clean, no chemo and no radiation were needed, but she will undergo regular PET scans. Once it invades your family, you automatically listen more carefully to other victims, with a better understanding with what they have gone through. Please know I’m as close as a phone call when you need anything. My love to both you and Ron. ❤️

    1. Thanks for sharing about your daughter. She will be in my prayers for continued clean scans. It is a club you never wanted to belong to. <3

  3. This is good news. I am so grateful that you are in the other side of your diagnosis and treatment plan. I care very much and will
    continue to pray. I am impressed with your strength and courage and faith. Own it! You are amazing!! May God continue the healing process that has begun and will continue.❤️

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