The Search for Doctors

"The lab results were negative." It's the best news we could have heard (about my diagnosis, that is) and it had been confirmed. We was so relieved, so thankful - couldn't wait for the doctor to leave the room so we could celebrate! It was Dr. Moynihan's assistant (Ms. Shah) and she initially said that the cancer was Stage 0 (pre-cancer, in situ ductal canceroma) but she didn't realize she was looking at the results of my second surgery, so she left to go and take a look at the first surgery results... Chinya dropped to his knees and we both sang praises - God is good! She did come back to say that the first tumor removed was pT1c, Stage 1. The stage is based on the tumor size (up to 2cm, mine's 1.5cm), presence in nodes (no) and whether its mestasized (or spread; not checked but not likely since not in nodes). Dr. Moynihan came in and said that he'd see me again in 6 months and I should do a mammogram before coming in. We then asked Ms. Shah for recommended oncologists. We told her we were interested in John's Hopkins as well as Fairfax, but she asked where we lived, and since radiation is done every day for 6 weeks, we should use someone closer to home. She gave us Dr. Au (Radiation Oncology) and Dr. Irwin (Medical Oncology) who are with Loudoun Hospital, and Dr. Robert and Dr. Wilkinson (Medical Oncology) with Fairfax Hospital.

Since then I've spent lots of time on the phone, scheduling appts and checking insurance... I know have an appt on Dec 28th with a Radiation Oncologist with Fairfax Hospital, Dr. Pierce. Going to Fairfax Hospital takes more effort (it's about 25 miles away, as opposed to 4 miles for Loudoun Hospital) but after initially scheduling with Dr. Au, I spoke to Sheila and asked if the selection of the Radiation of Oncologist was as impt as that of the Medical Oncologist. She thought not but at the same time, she told me more about the process involved in the radiation treatment, and that if you have any reservations about your choice, you should trust your instinct. I've never had as much confidence in Loudoun Hospital and I knew that I would feel more comfortable with doctors at the Fairfax Cancer Center... I also have an appt on Jan 13th with a Medical Oncologist at John's Hopkins, Dr. Stearns. I had a choice of just a second opinion, or for examination for possible treatment there. I selected the latter, and may change that though. Maybe a second opinion is all I should go to them for. If I make the change, I'll have to re-schedule since different doctors offer second opinion. It's still not clear if our insurance covers John's Hopkins since it's in Maryland - insurance company said no, but hospital says yes, so I'll just have to wait to see if they call back. My final appt is more difficult to schedule. I am trying to get Dr. Robert of Fairfax Hospital as the Medical Oncologist at Fairfax Hospital but so far no luck. They said I should call again tomorrow....

My incisions have pretty much healed now, a week after surgery. The one under may arm pit is still uncomfortable, but nothing that requires meds. Had to call the surgeon twice after hours - last week cos my shoulder and upper arm were numb but he said that was normal. It comes and goes but hasn't been bad since that first day. Today I called cos the veins on the left side of my left breast were unusually prominent, and lumpy - was like this morning as well - and he said I should use a warm compress and take a baby aspirin every day to soften them... These issues do make me kinda anxious - don't know how to react when I feel strange sensations. Don't want to alarm anyone, or make them feel I'm overly concerned, but don't want to ignore things I notice either.

I'm going to try and use our juicer every day if I can get to the store for veggies and fruit often enough. Both Nana yesterday, and Maggie today, suggested I do it. Enmartz helped me figure out how to use it - we've had one for a couple years and never tried it! Used all sorts of left overs from Daddy's party over the weekend (even brussel sprouts) and it was delicious! Also had some dark chocolate... Hope this lasts. I'm not too disciplined about these things but now I have to report on myself online... why did I sign up for this? :-)

Thank God for a New Day!