Chemotherapy

This was by far the most grueling part of my recovery. Yet, it was necessary for my long-time survival. Surgery alone was not sufficient protection against the recurrence or spread of cancer cells. After a few weeks at home, I was ready – both physically and psychologically.

As I got strong enough to start chemotherapy, there were various decisions to make. These included the choice of an oncologist, the drug regimen to take, and the facility where I would receive chemo treatments.

Choice of an oncologist. This was one of the most challenging steps in my journey. Why? The first oncologist (no name!) to whom I was referred upset me a lot. In laying out his prognosis for my future life span, he was very negative. That doctor relied on research data from a study that was decades old, and that did not take into account my unique circumstances – an extremely early diagnosis and no tumors in my lymph nodes. He opined that my odds were poor and that I might not even make my daughter’s wedding. When I mentioned that Dr. Coppa, my surgeon, felt that my prognosis was excellent, the oncologist pooh poohed this. He was a real downer!

The next oncologist I visited was from one of the major cancer hospitals in the world. That doctor stated that they followed a one-drug regimen. However, I might be able to qualify for a clinical test of a combined drug regimen (through a lottery). If I “won,” I would have a 50/50 chance of being in a control group and receiving a