Today I learned that my CA 125 test was negative. That means that there is no indication that I have ovarian cancer. But because I have breast cancer and the two are cancers are linked, I will continue to be screened for both. I also learned that Friday will be my last day of radiation. It was scheduled to end on Tuesday, May 31st but my radiation oncologist thought I could end on Friday and not come back after the Memorial Day holiday. She will adjust my treatment doses so that I get what I need this week. Four more days.
My real peace of mind came today from a discussion I had with my radiation oncologist. She is a well-respected doctor and has been highly recommended by many. So I have been interested in her opinion about my chemotherapy treatment but have been afraid to ask her. Since I’ve had two different opinions (one to continue with chemo and one to stop), I was scared she would say I should continue. I do not want to continue and do not think my body could even tolerate the treatment. But I still second-guess myself and have had some dark moments contemplating whether or not I cut myself short on treatment. This oncologist said I did not. She agreed that I should not have received Taxol, the drug I refused. Like others, she said the benefit would be so small and the toxicity could be so great. She said she would not have done it herself. And she said if I do have a recurrence of cancer, it will not be because I didn’t receive Taxol. This brings me great peace.
I hope to gain more peace of mind with my therapy — which begins tomorrow.
Jacki Donaldson
Kara on 5/23/2005 at 7:26 pm said:
GREAT news!!! You should definitely turn the contents of this Blog into a book when you are able to look back with a bit more distance!! Great writing!
Jane Donaldson on 5/24/2005 at 8:34 am said:
I agree ! I mentioned that to John early on .. this would make a great book. Think what it would mean to another woman just starting her own journey with this disease. Things are so much easier when you can follow a path cleared by a traveler before you ! I’m sooooooo happy things are coming to an close sooner than expected, and that someone with great experience agrees with the decisions you’ve made. Sending lots of love your way. UTTS Jane
Heather on 5/24/2005 at 7:23 pm said:
Congratulations Jacki. Your blog is so comforting when I read about how wonderfully you are able to get through another part of your journey. You are also taking care of ALL of you, mentally and physically, which is not only challenging, but essential for you beating the cancer. Thank you also for continuing to let us in to the most trying time of your life. Your family is so lucky!!! And I feel so lucky to know you — can you believe its been over ten years!! Giselle and I continue to be amazed at your strength — even when you are not feeling so strong. Miss and love you, Heather
Bev on 5/25/2005 at 10:03 pm said:
Wonderful news all the way around!! And what an affirmation from your radiation oncologist…a welcome comfort knowing she is in complete agreement with your treatment choice. I am grateful your serenity is deepening as your body is healing. You are always in our thoughts.
Love,
Bev
Carissa on 5/25/2005 at 10:24 pm said:
as trite as this sounds, your words warm my heart. thank you. i am SO happy that your treatment is coming to a close and that you also have the reassurance of knowing you made the right decisions. my grandmother is doing really well right now and actually asked me the other day how you were. she was so encouraged to hear good news! she’s looking forward to her own last chemo treatment. congratulations, jacki!