It’s been over 18 months since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Over a year since I finished radiation treatment, and yet, I’m still battling cancer. No, I’m still cancer-free. But cancer isn’t finished with me.
My oncologist works for a teaching hospital. That is to say, he likes studies. Not an all bad thing. Earlier this summer, he was at a conference at which the results of a study were announced. We had been trending toward this treatment anyway, for a variety of reasons.
Many breast cancer patients in Europe with an ER/PR+ tumor like mine take drugs that put them into menopause and then take another drug to block any estrogen being made by their adrenal glands. (It’s the estrogen that made the tumor grow.) This class of drug is known as an AI. At first, I did very well on the regimen. About six weeks into it, I began noticing swelling and pain in my joints. It took another 6 weeks or so until we figured out it was the AI causing the symptoms. I’ve been off of it for about 6 weeks with only slight improvement.
I don’t write this for sympathy or pity. But I want the world out there to be aware that the effects of cancer don’t magically go away when they pronounce you done with treatment. I saw them in my sister for years after her diagnosis. I’m seeing them in myself. I see them in others who have walked this road. When they say the treatment can be worse than the disease, they aren’t kidding.
In all of this, God is still on His throne. He has a plan and a purpose for this. That is what I need to keep trusting in these days. What we all need to trust every day. And then we must go out and fight the good fight. Thanks for all of your prayers.
bonton says
Praying for you, Liz!! I can relate as I had a mastectomy this past May and am also on a drug, which has numerous side effects, to block estrogen. I didn’t have radiation, so am scheduled to take this drug for at least 5 years. This is my second bout with cancer – different kinds. Prayer from friends/family and faith in God have helped make this so much easier!!
Post shared!!