I usually spend a lot of time scrutinizing things. Jim likes to tell people about how I spend a long time in the cracker aisle at Whole Foods trying to figure out exactly which crackers will go best with the cheese we got, or how I take items from the WAY back of the refrigerator case to get the freshest one, or how I imagine disaster scenarios to plan ahead for them or to prevent them from happening. Basically, laughing with me about some of my neurotic behavior.
It’s funny, because I have a couple of unrelated friends, who have told me that I remind them of Tina Fey. I never really saw it, but I am reading her book “Bossypants”, and came across a passage that sounds pretty familiar. She describes a ship fire on her honeymoon cruise. I smiled when I read this, recognizing that we do share some similar traits.
“While people around me start to relax, I keep my eyes on the sea, waiting to be rocketed into it on a wave of fire. I’ll be ready for it to happen and that way it won’t happen. It’s a burden, being able to control situations with my hyper-vigilance, but it’s my lot in life.”
Ha, hyper-vigilance? Did she steal that from my first blog post? I thought I made that up.
In very uncharacteristic fashion, from the time of my breast cancer diagnosis, until after surgery, I let go of all my scrutinizing, trusted the doctors I was with, and sailed along. Maybe shock allowed that part of my brain to disengage? However, once it came time to select a medical oncologist, I returned to my old habits of turning over every stone and thinking through every situation (basically driving myself crazy).
Would I go with Dr. Smith at Sibley? He had the cushy office and was so relaxed and human and friendly in our first meeting that he put me at ease. Or would I go with Dr. Isaacs at Georgetown? I had several glowing first hand reviews of Dr. Isaacs, even one friend who said she missed the infusion room sometimes because she loved the nurses so much (name withheld, but you are a nut job)! I was almost sure I would go with Dr. Isaacs even before I met her, but our first meeting was very intense. We were all jammed into a dingy exam room and Georgetown overall was chaotic and overwhelming.
I stewed about it, going back and forth, and then flipped back over to Dr. Smith’s side. I reasoned that they were prescribing the same chemotherapy regimen and his office was more relaxing. All things being equal, better feng shui = better experience. OK, Sibley it is, done. But then I sat on it and let it hang out there a while more.
Almost ready to confirm with Dr. Smith, I got a very timely email from a friend who had been away. Was she too late to weigh in? She had a friend who was a nurse at Georgetown, who had been through breast cancer treatment there. Actually, the timing was unbelievably perfect! My first instinct was Georgetown, and now I was armed with more information to help me make an informed decision that I could feel good about. While I think both Doctors are excellent and there is likely not a bad choice, I did learn that the nursing staff at Georgetown is exemplary. Because Georgetown is a teaching hospital, the students keep everyone on their toes. The chemotherapy protocol is important, but the side effect protocol is just as important. I want to make sure I am well attended to and that I feel supported through this process (the same is probably true with Dr. Smith’s team, but I just didn’t have the first hand reviews to confirm this). I don’t think I am going to miss the infusion room at Georgetown when it’s over, but who knows!
Thanks to everyone. This whole experience is sewn together with great people who have helped me out at the right time. I love you all.
Tina, I think you made a good choice. There is no question that a top-notch support staff (including nurses, physical therapists, etc.) in a situation like this is CRUCIAL. You’ll be spending a lot of time with these folks, and the fact that more than one person has commented on their professionalism AND excellent bedside manner is a very good indicator. Like you said, the other doc and his peeps could be just as great, but having the references makes a big difference. So, now that you’ve made this decision, when does the yucky part begin?
Thanks Missy! I think you are right, I feel like I am on track again. So the “yucky part” will start once I can get these eggs extracted, should be early august. I am trying to build myself up for it so I go in as strong and healthy as I can.
The “nut job” commends you on your excellent choice 🙂 Can’t wait for the brown bag lunches when I get to accompany you to a session!
Hahaha, you out’ed yourself! I would love it if you could go with me to the first one! Once I get dates I’ll let you know so we can see what works. 🙂
Hi Alison: This is Paige’s Mom. Paige put me on to your blog. Paige probably told you I had a BrCa diagnosis 2 years ago – already it is feeling like a distant memory – I had 4 rounds of chemo – Taxotere and Cytoxin. I am still surprised at how quickly the time went and how relatively well I felt during those months – nothing at all like the movies. I hope it goes as well for you. I did get a great deal of fatigue for 2 or 3 days after my 3rd and 4th round but like a friend told me “on those days you just rest”. After my last chemo, I bounced back really quickly. I am including for you some tips that I came across to help with getting through the chemo. Maybe your team will be different, but the only thing they told me was to take Claritin (not Claritin D) for any pain you may get from your Nuelasta shot (or whatever they give you the day after chemo to boost your white cells). Stay well hydrated – three days prior to chemo start drinking at least 3 quarts of water a day – continue to hydrate throughout. Also, do take your anti-nausea meds exactly as prescribed (do not wait to see if you are going to get nausea). I did not have any nausea and no problems with eating. I think one of the reasons I felt so well was that I maintained good nutrition throughout. Since I lost a few pounds (some women gain because of the steroids) I really enjoyed eating even more than I normally would. Paige gave me this recipe for a Smoothie that I drank every morning. Almond milk, 1 banana, blueberries or strawberries, 2 Tablespoons Almond Butter, 2 Tablespoons of protein powder (I used egg white but whatever you prefer) and 1 Tablespoon or more of KyoGreen Powdered Drink Mix. Another thing I would recommend is to shop for everything you think you might need before you start chemo. If you wait – the store may not have it and you may not have the energy to run around looking all over. Have an eyebrow pencil in case you lose your eyebrows (I did not). Also try to go to a “Look Good…Feel Better” program. They are offered at most hospitals & cancer centers. You do not have to go where you are treated. You get a nice makeover, free cosmetics and meet other women. If you choose to get a wig, you will want to get that before chemo also. I had a friend who, although her hair thinned, never lost all of her hair. Although I had very few side effects – I stocked up on remedies for any that I heard might happen – here goes the list. Acid reflux – take pepcid, nexium or zantac with chemo & then for 2 weeks; Dry eyes – Refresh eye drops; Yeast infection – Acidophilus capsules or monostat 3x per week; Biotene mouth wash; digital thermometer; for mouth sores – equal parts bendryl and Maalox (swish & spit). You may have constipation or you may have diarrhea or both – have a laxative and Immodium on hand; Fingernails – Tea Tree oil 2x per day before chemo & throughout treatment. Finally, not to leave any stone unturned, I went to an energy healer. Her name is Betty Caldwell. She is in Columbia and, as I understand, is the only energy healer permitted to practice in Howard County General Hospital. You can find her on Google. My very best wishes to you. Let me know if you have any questions about my experience.
Hi Paige’s Mom! Thank you so much. I am finished with fertility treatments now and am gearing up to start chemo soon. This is exactly the kind of information I was looking for and you sent it at the perfect time! I am going to follow your advice and stock up pre-treatment so that I have my arsenal ready at home. It is so encouraging to hear how well you did…amazing! Thank you. Thank you.
Hi Alison: Also google “cleaning for a reason” – they can provide free house cleaning services for cancer patients. Elaine Carte
Hi there! I actually did apply for this service, but I haven’t heard back yet.
Hello Allison – We do not know each other, but I was researching physical therapists, including Amanda Kane – and your website came up. So I thought I’d drop you a thank you for your review of her, and cheer you on.
I am being treated for breast cancer (triple negative) and was diagnosed at almost the same time (5/25). Tx – 8 rounds of chemo, then surgery (with Dr. Colette Magnant @ Sibley), then radiation. I am seeing Dr. Smith, and a friend of mine saw Dr. Isaacs and loved, loved her and her team. I wish you a similar experience.
You may be inundated, but here’s a couple other resources:
– Smith Farm in DC – I believe has some specific resources for young women with cancer
– if you need more help with food, Food and Friends (and perhaps Meals on Wheels, I’m not sure), provides free prepared food for people in treatment (need a doc to sign their application). It’s not gourmet by any stretch, but it’s decent and you can decide on delivery – 1, 2 or 3x week.
– Community Wellness – is now Hope Connections; they have lots of classes.
– Cookbooks by Rebecca Katz, The Cancer Fighting Kitchen (2nd), One Bite at a Time (1st) are excellent. Not only recipes but details on specific cancer fighting ingredients and what to alter for chemo related issues (change in taste, mouth sores, etc.).
– if you need more assistance with keeping the tissues in your torso, chest, shoulders, and arms supple, mobile and reducing scar tissue, I know some great massage therapists (in DC, MD & VA) with oncology massage (which I also took last year, oddly about a year before my diagnosis). It can help post-implant also (if you are doing implants, and once you’ve healed from surgery).
Ok, I think that’s enough info 🙂 May you glide with ease through the rest of your treatment. Gail
Hi Gail! Nice to meet you. Thank you for the terrific resources, I am going to check them out.! Also wishing you a nice gentle path forward through the rest of your treatment. Dr. Magnant is great, you are in very good hands with her. ~A
Hello,
I was googling Dr. Magnant and came upon your blog. I am 49 and was diagnosed with breast cancer two weeks ago. This week I am finally seeing doctors, and will meet Dr. Magnant, Dr. Willey at Georgetown, and Dr. Gemignani at Sloan Kettering in NY. I doubt anyone would know the latter, but any thoughts of the first two? I’ve heard great things about both, however I’ve had such a negative experience at Georgetown just trying to get my films copied and my pathology slides sent to Sloan Kettering that I’m worried it may reflect badly on the hospital staff (not the doctors but I worry mistakes can happen based on lower level errors).
Reading as much as I can and appreciate the tips above.
Have you heard of anyone going to Johns Hopkins for treatment?
Best wishes to you, Carol
Hi Carol- I’m glad you found my blog. I’ll send you an email… Best, Alison
Really coincidental. I am trying to pick a breast surgeon. I have pretty much the same question as Jeanne 10/31/11 regarding Drs. Magnant vs Willey. What’s your take on either of them? Also, are you happy with your reconstruction by Dr. Huong? I just had an introductory consultation with her last week. I am paralyzed in indecision in picking my breast cancer team so I’d appreciate any insight you can offer.
Hi Vicki-
I loved my team. Dr. Magnant is a pro and I feel 100% confident that I made the right decision choosing her as my surgeon. I am also very happy with Dr. Huang, I went with her mostly because she is who Dr. Magnant refers and I figured it was probably a good idea to have a plastic surgeon who works well with the breast surgeon because they work together the day of the surgery. I have not had the final reconstruction yet, I still have the temporary tissue expanders in place. Final surgery should be a little later this summer, Dr. Huang waits at least 3 months after radiation to do the final surgery as the tissue/skin is still changing/healing post radiation. I hope this helps! I felt a lot better once I picked my Doctors, put things into their hands and then tried to let go.
Good luck to you.
Best,Alison