Education

I am all for education. About anything and everything. There are, however, some things that I would have been perfectly happy never knowing. Ever. I have learned far too much about cancer over the last few years and I am still learning.

When my uncle was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2005 I became very fluent in the language of testosterone and hemoglobin levels, radiation treatments and blood transfusions, bone strengthening drugs and finally the management of end of life care.

In June of 2011 my daughter was diagnosed with synovial cell sarcoma. Bet you never heard of that one did you? It is a rare form of soft tissue cancer that usually affects young people. Synovial refers to a joint, where most of these cancers begin. My daughters’ tumor was primary in her lung, and did not begin in a joint. I learned about how a chemotherapy port (also known as a port-a-cath) is installed, about the awful effects of chemotherapy drugs, and the benefits of marijuana in combating nausea.

My cancer seems to be fairly boring. I have invasive ductal carcinoma. Have you noticed how I refuse to capitalize these diseases? I refuse to give them that much importance. Anyway, it is the most common form of breast cancer, 80% of all breast cancers are this type. The tumors were biopsied and I received a printout of the reports. There are all kinds of big fancy medical words on these reports. The following terms are used in referring to the grading of the tumors: tubule formation, nuclear atypia, mitotic rate, lymphovascular invasion, in situ component. Who makes up these words? I learned that this cancer is estrogen dependent, which the doctor says is a good thing. The use of estrogen suppressing drugs after surgery will help to prevent the cancer from returning. BUT, after going through menopause with very little problem I may experience hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, mood changes or depression, nausea, dry skin, bone pain, headache, hair thinning, loss of sexual interest, constipation or weight gain.

Bombarding my chest with radiation will also reduce the chance of a recurrence. Radiation therapy can have side effects that occur both during and after the treatment. It may cause reddening or swelling of the skin in the breast area and I may feel very tired for 3 to 6 months. In the first 5 years after treatment, I may experience discomfort, pain, swelling, discoloration or other skin changes in the breast area. Some breast tissue may shrink or become hard when fat cells die.

I think I am already experiencing some of the mentioned side effects. After learning about all of these issues I am definitely depressed. And I am starting to feel a little nauseous. I think I need to smoke a joint.