Wednesday, February 25, 2009

It's That Time Again

It's time for me to get a few tests done and make some decisions.

On Tuesday, March 3, I will have a "routine" bone scan and CT scan. The purpose of this is to look for cancer in other parts of my body -- not because I am symptomatic, but because that is the routine for cancer surveillance. I'll meet with the oncologist here in Midland the following Tuesday to get the results. I feel comfortable with the CT scan, no worries about any cancer in my lungs, etc. The bone scan is always a worry -- is the ache in my bones from past chemo, new cancer or just old age? I'll know in about a week.

After I get good results from these scans (I'm expecting it, so I'm going to get it!), I plan to follow up with my radiation oncologist -- to specifically discuss the risk/benefit of these tests versus the "routine" exposure to radiation, contrast solution, etc.

On Monday, March 2, I have follow-up appointments with my plastic surgeon and infectious disease doctor. The ID doc wants me to have another surgery to remove excess scar tissue from previous surgeries. Her logic is that the scar tissue could be a home for the bacteria that I've been fighting. But, one friend recently asked me: "Won't that just cause more scar tissue??" It is the proverbial "chicken/egg" type of question.

Paul and I are opposed to more surgery -- the more they do to me, the more things seem to get screwed up. Less is more. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. That is our thinking. We have also become convinced that this bacteria was introduced to my body in May 2008 when I had my surgery. It is a long story, but as we learn more about the bacteria, it makes oh-so-much sense to us.

On a holistic, kind of "out there" note -- I have been doing some reading about the bacteria I have had (pseudomonus aeruginosa; think Brazilian model who died), and I have found that Manuka honey has some wound healing properties AND is effective against the bacteria. This is New Zealand research that does not benefit U.S. pharmaceutical or insurance companies so (surprise!) I've never hear about it from my doctor.

But, I have ordered some, plan to use it on the wound that still exists, and hopefully it will heal completely and be gone. The wound is almost healed, and is showing no signs of infection. This is why I'm willing to try something unconventional. I am grateful to conventional medicine -- it has saved my life -- but sometimes I think medical science looses track of the person inside the patient. They are quick to order tests, surgeries, and treatments. They mean well, and they often do well. But some times, a person has to draw a line in the sand and responsibly try other options. That is what I'm doing with the Manuka honey.

In the mean time, please pray for these tests (bone and CT scan) and my doctor visits. I so want this cancer experience to be behind me!

Cheers!
Joan