Tuesday, December 11, 2012

punting the tumor

It has been six months since my last brain scan.  A week ago, my most recent scan  took place. Today  a doctor reviewed it with me.

My brain showed "subtle" changes, which scared me to learn, because I heard this kind of doctor code leading up to my second surgery. The changes may be scar tissue, or recurrence, two oncologists couldn't decide. Medicine is art as much as science.  Doctors don't know everything, yet we expect them to. Patients put their trust in them.

Leaving the oncologist's office today, I felt like I got no information, except I can hurry up and worry and wait until March, when another scan and visit with doctors will reveal all--or not. This is what I mean by punting the tumor.

I am pleased that no medical professional has suggested getting a third surgery. As of right now, I'm not interested, but I'll jump off that bridge when I get to it.  Despite two surgeries, I am living a good quality of life. I take daily walks and enjoy family and friends, a book group and writing this blog, and a "book".   I honestly believe that my quality of life following third surgery would be worse than any benefit gleaned from it.

By the way, I'm taking chemo this week.