The Next Stage of the Climb - Chemotherapy

Friday afternoon, I met with the oncologist.  He went over the pathology report with me and we went over the options.  His recommendation was chemo followed by radiation followed by hormone therapy.  He confirmed that, due to the size of the tumor, it's classified as Stage 2.  Had it been Stage 1, radiation and hormone therapy would have been enough.  To give him credit, he did ask me my opinion and what I would prefer.  I have already discussed this with daughter, before hand.  I feel I need to do what I can to reduce chances of the cancer recurring.  Because, if it does recur, then, it would be considered Stage 4. 

He explained the recommended treatments, answered daughter's questions (including why he recommended what he did), referred her to supporting studies at her request, etc., etc., etc.  I am not questioning the need for chemo.  Just dreading the side effects.  Not so much the hair loss (much as I love my long hair, losing my hair doesn't really phase me), but the other stuff (nausea, fatigue, etc.).  I can only hope and pray that I will be one of the lucky ones who will feel less side effects.  But, I do have a tendency to feel nausea at the drop of a hat, so, most probably, I'll have at least that particular side effect.  :p

Oncologist recommended less spicy food while on chemo (to reduce nausea, apparently; I was brought up on spicy curries!).  Also, I was told to avoid raw food (to avoid ingesting any bacteria, etc., since my immune system will be depressed) and that includes vegetables and fruits, in addition to steak tartare, sushi, etc. (which I never eat, anyway, so not a problem).  If I do eat raw veg and fruit, I have to take extra care to wash them carefully, peel, etc.  It'll be easier to cook them. 

The doctor ordered more lab tests (blood work - I'll get them done on Monday), an echo cardiogram (to be scheduled), and a port for a catheter inserted, surgically, for the chemo.  I'll have to see the surgeon for that.

Chemo is most likely to start in 3 weeks' time.  I will need to go in weekly.  Initially, the chemo will be administered every three weeks, with hydration and other drugs (to combat nausea, to boost immunity, blood cells and platelet counts, etc.), being given on the alternate weeks.  That is supposed to last 3 months.  To be followed by another 3 months of weekly chemo.  Followed by radiation.  Followed by hormone therapy. 

After the consultation with the surgeon, I went into the treatment room (a large room with two rows of recliner-type chairs lined along the walls; someone had made an effort to decorate it for Fall with scarecrows and autumn leaves), sat in one of the chairs, and spoke with a nurse who went over a few details and tips with me and gave me some literature to read.  It made it all too real. 

My smile felt a bit cracked, all evening.  I had known I'd likely receive chemotherapy, yet, having it confirmed left me feeling a bit shell shocked.  I guess I had been secretly hoping that I could avoid it.  Have I mentioned that I rather dread the treatment and its side effects?  

In the evening, family and friends called to inquire about the results of the oncologist visit.  Some friends brought dinner and their daughters brought a movie to watch with daughter.  Aunt and cousin came to talk and give support with their presence.  I am grateful they kept us company. 

Tomorrow, I will take a deep breath and start preparing myself for the next stage of the journey up the mountain.  One step at a time.