One step forward............ and one step back.......

So how do you know you are cancer free? ������. A question I have been asked many times over the last couple of weeks. A very good question.

The answer is , I don't / won�t, and I am okay with that.  For me the price to find out, is too high. Whether a PET scan or biopsy or mammogram, all can cause or spread cancer if it is in my body.  So for now, I will continue to do what I am doing and I will continue with Herceptin as long as my veins play ball.  I will not accept a plate under my skin in order to administer the IV.

A couple of weeks ago I underwent a test called �Thermal imaging�. For anyone who has not heard of this in the medical field, nor had I, until I started researching it. 

http://www.faim.org/medical-thermal-imaging-for-preventative-screening

Medical Thermal Imaging for Preventative Screening Kimberly Schipke

thermalimagebreasts.jpgImage courtesy of Carol Chandler, D.O.M. and Kimberly Schipke, M.S.

Image #1: Using medical thermal imaging, the neovascularization of breast cancer can be seen in the earliest stages when the tumor outgrows the host blood supply with no pain and with no exposure to ionizing radiation.

With over 8,000 journals published worldwide, medical thermal imaging has plenty of research to support its use for non-invasive and preventative screening. Most recently it has been promoted for use in early detection of breast cancer.

Using medical thermal imaging, the neovascularization of breast cancer can be seen in the earliest stages when the tumor outgrows the host blood supply with no pain and with no exposure to ionizing radiation. Clinical thermographers can also monitor areas under the arms where mammograms are unable to image which increases the potential for early detection in those areas. Cancer treatments can be monitored for new blood vessel formation and recession. The physiology and energy consumption of the tumor can be used to help examine growth.

No painful compression of the breasts is required for thermal imaging. Women with breast implants should consider using thermal imaging to monitor for infections due to implant leakage. The fatigue rate of the encasing material (approximately ten years) and the length of time the implants have been within the body affects its resistance to impact. The annual exposure to the high compressive force of the mammogram could cause cracks which lead to a further degradation.

My results came back ok, What I mean is that they did not see any cancerous growth. It was an interesting experience. I had to remove all clothes from my upper body and 'cool down' in what I call a 'freezing room'. Weird sitting topless by yourself in a freezing room. After a view minutes, ( I guess when I was considered to be 'cool' enough), I basically had my picture taken from all angles. Arms up , front on, arms up , sideways, arms up from the back.
A few minutes later, I could see the images for myself. ( I decided not to post mine on here, as looking at my imagines, clearly my topless glamour days are well and truly over!) The above photo from the website is a good example though. I am delighted to say that this is not my image, as the one above is not good news.

As I understand it, cancers are 'cold', but likely to surround themselves with 'hot food'. Blue therefore is bad news. I had not blue colour anywhere and have received my report, that basically states, that they can't find any tumor activity, but that I need to keep an eye on both breasts. Well that one is obvious. But, good news.

So, if that is correct then here comes the next question.... Now what!?
Yesterday I had the scan underneath my armpit, where I located a lump as big as a golf ball. 2.7x1.7cm to be precise. The doctors who carried out the scan, was very keen to carry out a biopsy, which of course I declined. He could not confirm by the scan only, if this was a new tumor or what it might be. His recommendation was to take a biopsy and to cut the entire thing out.
Well, I have been around for long enough now, to understand why he would say that. It is his job! That is how he earns his money, 'detect and cut'.

I have decided to do neither, but to leave it. Instead I will repeat the thermal imaging in three months, to see if anything has changed and in the meantime carry out lymph drainage by myself. ( I watched a video on YouTube, seemed straight forward.) I have warned Geoff that if I find I can't do it, he is next in line to help me. Besides that I am still looking for a professional to carry out lymph drainage, but that too is a challenge here. I have spoken to a few people who offer it, but when questioned they are not qualified, they did the same as me, read up on it and watch a YouTube video.

I feel for my family, because I think they would have preferred me to have the biopsy, mainly to get clarity, which makes sense. But, as Geoff said last night, 'It is your body' and he is right. I thank them for their ongoing support.

At times this 'journey' feels like on hell of an emotional roller coaster.