More Tests and Preparation

The Hero often has to face many different tests before reaching his goal. In the Wizard of Oz for example, Dorothy has to help the Lion, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow, and fight a witch before she finds the answers she seeks. In the end she possessed the secret all along.

My oncologist has suggested genetic testing to see if my DNA can provide the answer to why I have cancer. After I was diagnosed, my mother unearthed an old letter from my dad's sister. It indicated that she carried a genetic mutation known as BRCA1, discovered after she developed a rare type of uterine cancer. I took the letter with me to my appointment yesterday. Today my oncologist called to say there is no charge for the testing and we agree it would be beneficial to know if I carry the mutation.

There are two pieces here -- the pathology reports came back indicating my cancer doesn't fit into two main categories of breast cancer (those which feed and grow on hormones or those which feed and grow on a type of protein). If my cancer fell into either category it would mean additional drug therapies for the next year or more to minimize the chance of recurrence. If it turns out I do have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, then I may want to consider pre-emptive surgery (double mastectomy and the removal of my ovaries) to lower the odds of the cancer coming back.

I will have the test done before my chemo is complete so we know exactly what we're facing when it comes time to make decisions about surgery. Some people are reluctant to have this type of genetic testing done because it could impact their ability to obain disability or life insurance if they test positive. But hey, I have cancer, so I won't be qualifying for any new disability or life insurance policies anytime soon anyway.

As promised (threatened), I had my hair cut today. I've never worn it this short. Kelly's sister, Deanna, is my hairstylist and she did an awesome job. It is still falling out and I will end up with no hair, but in the meantime this is a good transition for me.

Speaking of Kelly, we met and had supper in Lower Sackville. I think we've finally found a Chinese restaurant with food we both like.

Received good news from Sun Life today; my short-term disability claim was approved for the full 17 weeks. I will have to apply for long-term disabilty eventually, but not right away. The initial claim takes me through chemo, but I won't be ready to go back to work at that point -- not with surgery and radiation to follow.

My second round of chemo is at 10 tomorrow. I'm as prepared as I can be. I filled my prescription for heartburn medicine, plus I bought ginger ale, ice cream and chicken noodle soup. If I'm going to feel like I have a bad case of the flu, I'm going to treat it the same way. So, as any good Hero should, I've done what I can to prepare for the next skirmish.