Oncology: a branch of medicine that deals with tumors (cancer).
I went for another cancer check-up this morning, the first since my 5-year cancerversary. Mostly, everything is A-OK — so well, in fact, that I now get to see my favorite doctor once a year instead of every six months.
But with the happy hooplah of surviving cancer for a good amount of time comes the fact that I need to start thinking about surviving the side effects of cancer for a good amount of time. There are certain issues that come with life after cancer. For me, it’s mostly heart stuff.
Three things that might affect my heart: the chemo drug Adriamycin (I had four doses), radiation (it was delivered right on top of my heart) and Herceptin (the wonder drug I received for one year). All three of these life-savers can compromise heart function over time. “You should be so lucky to get heart disease in 20 years,” someone once told me, “because it means you will have survived cancer for 20 years.” Yea, that doesn’t make me feel so relieved. In fact, it’s apparently cause for a consultation.
Someone is going to contact me soon to discuss survivorship issues, says my doc, and this person will notify my primary physician of potential concerns, too, so he can monitor me appropriately. I’m not overly concerned about this, really. I’m basically just thankful to be alive, with a heart that today is very strong. For now, that’s just enough.
Tags: adriamycin, cancer check-up, heart, Herceptin, Radiation, survivorship
Congratulations on a good day! I am only 4 months post-diagnosis and your website is wonderful. I am in Gville as well, I am also a runner, and I also have 2 boys! I’d rather I met you because of those common bonds rather than this one!
Thanks, Patty! Wow, what connections we have. Maybe we’ll cross paths one day! How old are your boys? Feel free to email me directly at jackidonaldson@gmail.com
Jacki,
When did you move from once every 6 months to every year? I am four years out and still see my oncologist every 6 months.
I remember telling my doctor that I didn’t care about side effects 15 years down the road – just make sure that I am here to see my youngest son (then 4 yrs. old) graduate from high school. I stand by that comment, but now I worry about osteoporosis (ovaries removed + aromatase inhibitor) at least as much as cancer recurrence. Shrug
Hi Jayne: I just moved to one year TODAY. I just had my 5-year-anniversary in December and when I went for my 6-month check-up today, my doctor scheduled me for my next visit in one year. I think 5 years is the magic number for most — so you should almost be there!
Hello my friend, I hope you return to health within a short time. Me and my family suffered a great deal from this malady have cancer, I lost a very close, but never did I lose my hope. I hope you also do not lose hope. Cancer-related experiences in the hospital and all the information I share what I have seen my site I wish you to stop. Breast cancer will be overcome cancer, you can manage it. God help you get up.