Third Phase - Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Today, I had my introductory appointment with the radiology oncologist. His bedside manner, as with my other physicians, is great. During the session, he explained the usual opinions I have heard from the previous doctors, that according to standard protocol in the U.S.A., I need radiation.

The treatment is to last 33 sessions, not 30 as I was originally told. It is a very targeted protocol that will only affect the right breast, the original site infected. He said that the reason the dosage is spread out over a six and a half week time period is so that the DNA of all healthy cells present in the breast can repair themselves in a 24 hour period. Apparently, any unhealthy, or diseased cells, would not be capable of such repair. So, as I understand it, that is how radiation destroys cancer cells. In the process, though, it creates free radicals in the local area. After explaining this, the radiologist made a statement that was very helpful to me. He said that there is no proof that taking mega dosages of vitamins C and E will interfere with or hinder the success of the radiation treatment. He stated that there is a theory that it does, but no proof. That statement indicated to me he has an open mind to alternative medicine. I was correct, too, because he then said he did not have a problem with my taking supplements. He just wanted me to give him a list for his general information. That made me a happy camper, at least as happy as one can be who has to take radiation.

Apparently, the side-effects are less dangerous than with chemo and more confined to one local area. For instance, there is the possibility of itchiness, dryness and a change in pigmentation during the time of treatment, which should gradually fade after a few weeks. The good thing about it is that the protocol only takes about twenty minutes each day and I do not have to go on Christmas or New Year’s. According to this, I should be finished by the end of January.