Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Some progress

I went to the first Tools for the Healing Journey group session today. It was interesting. Since it was the first session, we did a lot of introductions and relaxation stuff. We have homework, though :) The program was developed by a doctor at Princess Margaret for cancer patients and their supporters. Basically, it's supposed to teach people how to find inner peace and tranquility during times like these. I'm stressed enough that I can certainly use something like this :) It's free at Hopespring, a local cancer support centre. Hopespring has the young women's support group (which is also free) as well.

I called one of my oncology nurses and it turns out that the tumour was ER/PR positive, just like the last time. That means that we can consider this a recurrence. At least I have that information :)

It looks like my family doctor is not receiving test result reports. Fortunately, I haven't had that many tests, so it shouldn't be too hard to fix that for the tests I've had, or the ones that I'll be having. I'll call the nurse tomorrow and get the results sent over. My family doctor will need all of that when it comes time to fill in the long term disability paperwork.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

hi,
It sounds like the medical community is starting to be able to put the pieces together into a more specific diagnosis. I know there aren't very many possible scenarios that are truly positive for you, but a recurrence seems like it would be slightly better than a new cancer, as far as I can surmise. In my narrow and strange perspective, I feel a bit better that it is a recurrence, because then your body isn't finding new awful ways to attack you, but it's the same old malignant (yet familiar) enemy. And maybe you won't have to have chemo...

Anyway, I am extremely glad you have such a great support group to attend. SERENITY NOW!
Love,
Vicki

Chantelle said...

Hi,

A recurrence is definitely preferred to a new cancer - this means that removing my ovaries will go a long ways to preventing another recurrence.

There are still a couple of outcomes where I could wind up with chemo, but hopefully I'll get through this with only surgical treatment :)

Love,
Chantelle