Paging Dr. Gordon (aka Disco Leo)

May 23 2011.

Me, my mom, Ali, Minos, Dr. V, Dr. Gordon.

Let the 2 hour consultation begin...

Throughout this whole "meeting", I am still in disbelief! "I AM NOT A CANCER PATIENT"

We talk about ABVD and Stanford V chemo options, possibility of radiation 2 cycles (months) into treatment (which we are hoping I don't need), potential side effects and late term side effects, relapse, fertility, and so much more.

Ali wrote everything down for me that was discussed and made sure I had asked all the questions I had written down.  This was extremely helpful as your mind is everywhere!

We discussed fertility.  I am thankful that this was discussed as I soon learned not everyone had the fertility option discussed with them when they were newly diagnosed with cancer.  With ABVD, there is a 10% risk of infertility.  As the oncofertility specialist explained all my options, I felt real uneasy.  I won't go into details but I didn't want to prolong my treatment.  If I went with the egg cryo-preservation, I would have to wait an additional 2 more weeks for chemo to get started.  See, they shoot you up with hormones, and then do the procedure to retrieve the eggs.  Well, when you do the procedure, it also ages your ovaries.  I'd rather take the 90% chance and have my ovaries be the age they are supposed to be when that time comes for little noreen's.  (Side note, Minos was really intrigued with the female ovulation cycle)

We discussed all the next steps: echo, lung function test, and bone marrow biopsy.

The social worker also discussed all sorts of resources and support groups as I go through this fight.

They main thing I took away from this visit is that Dr. Gordon never said "This cancer is aggressive.  You have 6 months".  He said "It's curable! It's treatable. It's the best cancer to have if you get any cancers.  You will do just fine!"  I'm counting on you Disco Leo (Minos came up with that name)!

This is the time where I have to let go and let my medical team take care of me.  I don't know what lies ahead.  I am scared. I am sad. But I am ready to get back to being myself and shining everyday!  I want this disease out of my body! I will not let this disease win!  My body and life are way too precious.  I have a full life to live, laugh and love!