On Tuesday, August 17 I met with my primary oncologist to discuss my treatment. As I explained in my previous post, the radiologist had all but given me the green light to skip radiation due to the low probability of local recurrence and the very daunting possibility of permanent damage to my internal organs. For quite some time I have wondered whether 6 months of chemotherapy might also do more damage than good. Especially now as I was experiencing extreme fatigue and numbness in my fingers and toes. I knew already that the science was more gray than black and white. 6 months had been the standard for decades regardless if the patient had stage 4 cancer or as in my case it was done simply to prevent the return of the cancer. My gut feeling was that any benefit from the chemo had already been realized and returning to some normalcy in my life, especially training capoeira would be a much more effective medicine.
My doctor to his credit responded positively to my decision to stop treatment. He did say that he was confident that the three months of chemo would improve my odds of living cancer free. He also admitted that there is no scientific evidence to say that 6 months is any more effective than 3 months. In fact the Mayo Clinic is currently conducting trials to look specifically at this question. Prior studies have shown that any chemotherapy beyond 6 months gives no added benefit. He also concurred that some studies have indicated that exercise can have a greater effect than chemo in reducing the recurrence of this cancer.
So the decision was made to have my final cycle of chemo on the 20th of August and then quickly pack my bags and make the road trip back to Miami before the worst symptoms kicked in. Luckily Stacey traveled with me as my back up driver. What a crazy summer. It was great getting to spend time with my nephews and nieces. Oh and their parents too who were so gracious to let me stay in their home. I realized that I'm no longer a Minnesota boy. I long for the diversity and hectic schedule of Miami.
So after two weeks I'm back to work, teaching capoeira and feeling better every day. But the most amazing thing is that I won't get sick this weekend. In fact my best days are ahead of me. I don't know if you can understand how wonderful that feels. Next week I'll head back to the Mayo clinic for some blood work, scans and the surgical removal of the port where the chemo was administered. My doctor told me he really didn't need to tell me to eat healthy and get exercise. No, he certainly doesn't. This is what I'm good at. So for the next three months my blog will focus on getting into shape to the hypnotizing sound of my personal trainer, my gunga.
My doctor to his credit responded positively to my decision to stop treatment. He did say that he was confident that the three months of chemo would improve my odds of living cancer free. He also admitted that there is no scientific evidence to say that 6 months is any more effective than 3 months. In fact the Mayo Clinic is currently conducting trials to look specifically at this question. Prior studies have shown that any chemotherapy beyond 6 months gives no added benefit. He also concurred that some studies have indicated that exercise can have a greater effect than chemo in reducing the recurrence of this cancer.
So the decision was made to have my final cycle of chemo on the 20th of August and then quickly pack my bags and make the road trip back to Miami before the worst symptoms kicked in. Luckily Stacey traveled with me as my back up driver. What a crazy summer. It was great getting to spend time with my nephews and nieces. Oh and their parents too who were so gracious to let me stay in their home. I realized that I'm no longer a Minnesota boy. I long for the diversity and hectic schedule of Miami.
So after two weeks I'm back to work, teaching capoeira and feeling better every day. But the most amazing thing is that I won't get sick this weekend. In fact my best days are ahead of me. I don't know if you can understand how wonderful that feels. Next week I'll head back to the Mayo clinic for some blood work, scans and the surgical removal of the port where the chemo was administered. My doctor told me he really didn't need to tell me to eat healthy and get exercise. No, he certainly doesn't. This is what I'm good at. So for the next three months my blog will focus on getting into shape to the hypnotizing sound of my personal trainer, my gunga.
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| Batizando meu sobrinho . . . |
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