Oncologist visit

16/06

Dear friends,
Today we saw the oncologist, Professor Fran Boyle, a lovely & very knowledgable woman ( as far as breast cancer goes anyway!)
No chemotherapy! The best treatment for me will involve hormonal treatment rather than chemotherapy. It is where I thought we were heading given what I had read but it was great to have that confirmed.
The downside is that the hormone therapy is fairly intense as it involves two different medications one of which suppresses the production of oestrogen by the ovaries which will plunge me straight into menopause instead of gradually drifting into it which means the symptoms may be quite intense - I have warned my family!!
It was a blessing to have seen Fran after the recent International Conference where the results of a large study relevant to a case like mine were presented. It impacted on the choice of hormonal treatment and confirmed the decision that chemotherapy is not indicated.
The other outcome of seeing Fran was her recommendation to see a geneticist to discuss having genetic testing. If I have the genetic testing & it comes back positive this could impact on further treatment. So I need to have this done before radiotherapy commences.
We are thankful to God for making the way forward so clear.
We have continued to see many blessings from God through all this, especially the wonderful support and care of family & friends.
Love Jill & Phil

You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. He will bless those who fear the Lord, both the small and the great. (Psalm 115:11,13 ESV)