My June 5th Post-op Appointment
Good morning, Everyone! I want to start out by saying thank you to everyone who reached out yesterday to check in, knowing I had my post-op appointment.
The appointment went as well as could have been expected. I really appreciate the team at Duke. Dr. Rossi has a wonderful ability to tell me the things I need to hear in a way that I can accept her recommendations. I know she has taken into account my thoughts on the matter.
We discussed at length the reality that 1) this was not my first surgery for GCT, 2) I had multiple malignant areas in my abdomen on May 2, 3) malignancy is likely to recur in the future, and 4) management is limited due to the unpredictable nature of granulosa cell tumor.
There is no perfect solution.
However, given where I am right now, we have decided that combining the drug Letrozole with routine testing and monitoring would be the best option.
No, I do not want to be on a prescription medication long-term, but taking all factors into consideration, Letrozole would seem to be the wisest course, even with all of the potential side effects that could come with it.
I have been researching Letrozole for the last month, discussing pros and cons with other medical professionals as well as women like myself with recurrent GCT.
If Letrozole works, it could hold the cancer at bay for a substantial length of time. If it does not, we can move on to other options.
Further, Dr. Rossi and I discussed my plan to continue being active and choosing the best food and supplement options.
In preparation for starting Letrozole, I will have a DEXA scan (bone density test) on June 16 in Raleigh, just to be certain I am at a good baseline for starting this medication as it could reduce the strength in my bones.
Again, there is no easy answer, but I am thankful I have choices. I am thankful for modern medicine. I am thankful for good health insurance that allows me to pursue multiple options. I am thankful for a community that has surrounded me and keeps showing up in so many ways to encourage me.
And I am thankful to know true Hope.
