Today is a new day...

As is every day, yes?

I spent yesterday working out the questions and searching for answers. Does this ever end?

I have a call and an email in to my primary care doctor and have asked for a referral to a neurologist. If I don't hear back from her today, I'll find one on my own and start the vetting process for that.

Questions asked by both Jeff and I and the answers:

• When will it be ok to take marijuana? I currently use the high CBD hybrid to ease the breakthrough pain I have due to the RSD, and it works very well. Still need to see about getting a marijuana medical card so I can get the tincture...or look into if the liquid they sell for vapor is the same as tincture.
• The chemo 101 class is being held today. Hopefully we will have these questions answered. Can I drive myself to and from treatments? What are the long term physical and mental challenges after chemo, radiation, and surgery?

Answered questions:

• Why systemic chemo first?     They aren't fully sure about whether the tumor is one or, as it appears on the MRI, it is 3. Since the MRI seems to indicate there are three tumors, they want to see if the tumor will respond to chemo before they cut it out. This way they have assurances that if this cancer is elsewhere, or comes back, that this treatment would work.   *Question: Will there be another round of chemo after surgery, as well?
• Can we opt for a port placement?     It is standard procedure to surgically place one, at this practice.     *Question: When will they do that?
• Why did the oncologist push for chemo to start this week when the surgeon said we could take a bit of time to decide what we wanted to do?     We have no idea. However, both Jeff and I will be getting a second opinion from another oncologist.     *To do: schedule that second opinion.
• Who manages all the Rx: in other words, who is looking at all the medication I'm on and are there any issues with what I'm currently on when taken in conjunction with the chemo drugs?   *Need an answer
• What would my timeline be if we didn't treat?     *Need an estimation
• Will the regimine that is recommended be part of a clinical trial, as was suggested at the last oncology visit? If so, can we see the study?     *Yes. Still waiting for all the info.
• Can we get in touch with others who have gone through this treatment?    *Breast Friends has been recommended.
• What is the cell differentiation? Cell dividing speed? Type and grade of cancer cells?  *Still awating an answer
• Is there any sign that it includes the lobulars?  *Still awaiting an answer
• When will we know about the chance of metastasis?   *Still awaiting an answer
• What type of mastectomy is recommended?   *Will be decided after chemo

OK, time to go to the chemo class.