I finally heard back from the doctors at Duke. They are not planning on doing a biopsy on the tumor since it is too risky, only the 2 lymph nodes (yes, I guess I have 2 next to each other, not just one).
What does this mean? Well, from what I can gather, if the lymph node biopsy comes back malignant, then they will assume the tumor in my lung is malignant. If the lymph node(s) come back benign, then they will not assume the tumor is benign and will consult the panel on next steps. I did inform my local doctor today, if it comes down to it, I will not be doing any chemotherapy or radiation. Again, maybe a controversial statement so, if you don't want to hear my thoughts, just click on the 'X' in the upper right corner of this page or the back arrow.
In my lifetime, I have seen far too many people suffer from chemotherapy and radiation. By no means am I saying it is not effective but, there are many long term if not permanent changes within a person's body, outside of just ridding themselves of cancer. I saw this in my mom, she had breast cancer. The first course of action was chemotherapy to try and "shrink" the tumor so it could be surgical removed. Yes, she lost her hair. Yes, her hair did grow back. It was her chemo brain which really impaired her. According to the Cancer Research in UK, "Cognitive changes include problems with memory, concentration and how a person can think. Your doctor might call this cancer related cognitive impairment. These changes are also sometimes called chemo brain or chemo fog because they were originally thought to be due to chemotherapy." My mom was never really my mom again, even after she went into remission.
Look, I love my memory, brain and concentrating. I am already in fear that I may never to be able to walk up a flight of stairs, go for my runs or ride a bike on the many trails around my new home. And it scares the hell out of me that I may wake up one day wheezing and not being able to catch my breath. But, that is out of my control if a part of my lung needs to be removed in order to remove the tumor. What is in my control is the choice I make on the type of cancer treatment I decide to receive. I just don't think I could live with chemo brain or any long term effects chemo and radiation have on people.
If it comes down to it, I have made a conscious decision not to do any chemo or radiation. I have talked to a few close friends and many others with incredible stories of survival through complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). I am not discounting western medicine by no means. I am only stating that when used in combination, I believe it can be very successful. This kind of therapy is an integrated approach to cancer treatment. The practice combines conventional Western medicine with evidence-based complementary treatments. That means the treatments have been researched and proved to be safe and effective in healing. Complimentary treatments may include mind-body practices, lifestyle changes, dietary changes, natural products and more (Mayo Clinic).
If you have time, please read Ivelisse's Story. She and her husband founded Believe Big, a non-profit Christian organization after her battle with stage IV colon cancer without the use of chemotherapy and she remains cancer free today.
Friday is biopsy day. I do not know how I will feel afterwards but, I will be sure to keep all of you updated on my progress.
You got this Deb! Sending you lots of well wishes for a positive outcome! Luv you!