"All I Gotta Do Is Act Naturally"

Bo goes in for a set of follow up scans today. Even though it's now part of his and his parent's "routine," it's an anxiety filled day. If you've "been there, done that," you understand. If not, you don't have to understand, but your empathy and support is of high value.

A friend of mine called me yesterday after their "regular" oncologist appointment. She was diagnosed five years ago and received chemotherapy treatments. She has been all clear since the chemotherapy treatments ended about 4.5 years ago. During the follow up appointments, the doctor's office draws blood samples and examines the lab report to see if there are any anomalies in the blood. My friend had blood drawn yesterday and was waiting in the exam room when the doctor entered with a yellow legal pad and notes written all over the entire page.

He proceeded to explain to her that there were several anomalies in her blood sample and it could mean one of several things. There was the possibility of a form of leukemia that resulted from her chemotherapy treatments, bone marrow cancer, etc. In the course of the conversation, she heard the dreaded comment from the doctor, "I know this is not what you came here today hoping to hear." Been there, done that.

She told me that she was composed throughout the entire conversation and internally, started to process what to do about the rest of her life. As the conversation continued, the doctor said, "Since this is a significant departure from all of your blood work results to date, I'm going to have them do another draw on you today." After they did the draw, they realized that initially they had given my friend the results of another patient's draw. As a result, my friend's health is good and her blood work is normal (Note: The other results do not necessarily mean that someone else was about to get bad news. The other results could be from someone currently receiving chemotherapy treatments and their bloodwork is abnormal because of the effects of the treatments).

This post is not about condemning or pronouncing judgement on the doctor or the lab. They are human. However, as a patient, in a scenario like this it is easy to accept the initial assessment because you know that in reality, "it" can come back. You live with that. Sometimes it can get in your head for awhile. However, in the world of cancer, you can ask for a redo or a review. It's OK. No one worth their salt will get offended if you do.

My friend and I talked about the "what if" and "is it back" part of all this. She's 5 years out and she said, "It never leaves you. Your spacing of the 'what if' and 'is it back' thoughts spread out over time, but there will be things that trigger them to come back every so often."

If you are a cancer survivor, you know of what I speak. If you are not, we don't seek pity. All we ask is that you hang in there with us.

"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort." - Herm Albright