Radiation in mind

One of the really good things about modern medical practice is the empowerment of the patient to make decisions. By the same token, it's also the hardest thing for the patient. After all, most of us are not medically trained and with the big reaper in sight, who has the fortitude to do the necessary research to make an 'informed' decision. Not me!

So, the best one can hope for is to trust the doctor and make the 'right' gut decision. In either case, the doctor is off the hook, because it is the patient who made the final decision. At least, that's how the cynic in me sees the situation right now.

Today I went to see the radiation oncologist, Dr. S.P., who confirmed that in some instances the breast can get enlarged and more heavy after radiation. But, and this is the big but, this is not always the case. And, nobody can predict what my situation would be.

One interesting and useful information she did impart was that some surgeons, apparently, prefer to do the cosmetic surgery after both the chemo and radiation therapies have been concluded, even though it's a more difficult procedure at that stage.

The bottom line is that I will have to have six weeks of daily radiation therapy after the chemo.

For now, I have a breathing space to decide about the breast reduction operation until I see the plastic and reconstruction surgeon in early January.

Well, that's a blessing. I can again take things one day at a time, regain my emotional balance and enjoy Channukah and the New Year.