Thursday, May 19, 2011

New Plan of Attack...

Today I went to my first Oncology appointment with Dr. Nitin Rohatgi and it went really well. I felt totally comfortable with him and he spent a great deal of time with me going over my history of breast cancer. He actually walked in with a stack of papers (about 5" high) and explained that those were my records! Holy cow! I brought him a disk a few days ago, but I guess he needed to print them out. After discussing a few things with me, he asked why I'd never tried hormone blockers and I didn't know why. Basically, it was because Dr. Hui never really discussed it with me. He explained to me that my cancer is estrogen based and that it thrives on estrogen, and suggested that we give myself a rest from chemotherapy (since I've been doing it for a year and a half). He (we) decided to give estrogen-blockers (Tamoxifen) a try, which comes in pill form. Although I was totally hesitant, he told me the pros and cons of switching over. The pros...my hair will grow back, my nausea will stop, I won't feel horrible for days, I won't have to go in for infusions. The cons...because I won't be on chemotherapy, my period will likely return (yuck!), I'll have more pills to take. But hey, it sounds like a fresh new start. Because I'm new to Sutter, I will be scheduled for scans soon so that they can evaluate my status. Dr. Rohatgi also prescribed me a pain patch so that I won't have to wake up every night and take more meds because they've worn off, so that's exciting. So, overall, I LOVE my new Oncologist and everything is working out after all. It's good to have FAITH :)

P.S. Roberta, I'm so sorry I went w/out you, but they called and scheduled me last minute. I would LOVE for you to accompany me to another appointment soon. I'll call you.

Peace to you all ~ Love, Genie


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Location:Willow Rock Way,Sacramento,United States

3 comments:

  1. Hi Genie! No worries, I'm so glad they got you in and they have decided on a course of action, how cool is it that you won't feel sick. Didn't Luanne talk to you about hormone blockers before? I thought she did for some reason. Just let me know when you're ready to go again and I'll be there with bells on. Love you and I'm so happy you got to talk to your Mom!

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  2. Trust the new doctors. I know that no one likes change, but a new set of eyes and treatments are a good thing. We will find something that works!! I love you so much.

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  3. Yes, Roberta - we have indeed talked about hormone therapy before. I think at the time that it was suggested, you weren't ready to go there Genie....

    EVERYTHING happens for a reason. I believe that with all of my heart and soul.

    I love you lots.

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