I am totally with
Aerides on this.
Rianne, do you know anyone who works in an oncology department? My son and his wife both work in oncology (he is a BCOP, she is radiation therapist/dosimeter), and
nothing would make them happier than to see a cure for this horrible disease. They would find work in other areas, though there might be a period of adjustment for them.
It's really
extremely insulting to suggest these good, hard working, caring people would put their current jobs ahead of a cure for this disease. They see the devastation and pain that it causes every single day.
Community rules have me holding back, so I will just say : Shame on you.
-ERD50
I can only respond with my personal experience, ERD50.
-3 cancer diagnosis in 28 years.
-First in 1995, then a second in 1996 as an aggressive lesion.
The oncologist and surgeon pressured (I do not say this lightly) to receive a double mastectomy, reconstructive surgery removing skin from other parts of the body, chemotherapy, radiation.
-In 1996 we were moving to Elmhurst. We found a highly recommended surgeon in Chicago, through business contacts and relatives of Susan G Komen Foundation. This surgeon examined all my records, scans, communications with pathologist etc. determined my lesions tubular. A very slow growing cancer, that was removed prior to the consultation. His recommendation "wait and see." Do not go with aggressive treatment. No recurrence until 2011. Mammograms and follow up only.
-2011, diagnosis < 1 mm lesion discovered in mammogram. The suggested treatment, double mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation. I requested an Oncotype pathology report which examines the pathology of the tumor. The result gave a <2% recurrence in my lifetime. The surgeon and oncologist, we were living in Michigan this time, still recommended the aggressive treatments. I agreed to single mastectomy, no chemo, no radiation. The pressure to get intense, aggressive treatment was almost unbearable. My DH said he felt like he was in a hard sell meeting. It was my choice and I stuck to my guns. This is my life and I'll suffer what ever consequences I deserve.
-During this time, I decided to get a 2nd opinion from Loyola University Cardinal Bernadine cancer center in Maywood, IL (suburb of Chicago). The MRI results from that 2nd opinion were: metastasis to liver and sternum. This was alarming, so my surgeon in Michigan ordered: bone scan, CT scans(2) and multiple tests/blood test etc. No sign of metastasis.
-Today, healthy, cancer free, see oncologist (new one in Champaign once a year).
So, shame on me? Before you shame anyone, I suggest, kindly, you know what you're talking about. You have no clue what I went through. This was my experience, my opinions and should not influence anyone who is facing this devastating diagnosis.