After Autumn’s first doctor’s appointment, she returned the following morning to the same medical complex for a head scan to determine if cancer cells had spread to the brain or head area. Much-needed relief came when her doctor’s office said the scan came back clear. I’m learning to appreciate good news.
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Another scan later that week would determine if any cancer cells had spread to the liver, lungs, or bones. I’m most worried about Autumn’s lungs as she smoked for many years and has struggled to kick her nicotine habit. I’ve never smoked cigarettes, so I don’t understand the struggle long-time smokers endure when trying to quit. She kicked the habit once. She can do it again. After all, my girl is a badass and can do anything.
Scheduling a meeting with the surgical oncologist was the next event on her new healthcare calendar. Hell, looks like next years calendar is starting to fill up.
Three days had passed since Autumn received her “official” diagnosis. The appointment with the surgical oncologists on June 12 would answer the unanswered or more challenging questions. Dr. Alison Moody, in Panama City, Florida, received high ratings on several healthcare websites. She possessed a gentle bedside manner yet was pragmatic and direct. It’s precisely what Autumn needed.
An early diagnosis indicated the tumors may be non-invasive, meaning they were localized and had not ventured any further. However, since the lymph nodes under Autumn’s right armpit contained cancer cells, an “invasive” diagnosis wasn’t unexpected.
Reality sat in. Autumn had stage 3 breast cancer, yet as long as it had not spread to other organs, the treatment protocol would be to cure. However, if those pesky little cancer cells had spread elsewhere, the treatment protocol moved from “cure” to “prolong.” A full-body scan the following week would provide more answers.
Medical scan of Autumn’s right breast showing cancer cells. (OneSouthernMedia)
Damn, this cancer thing is starting to sink in.
Dr. Moody outlined the treatment schedule, which was precisely what the first doctor explained — six chemo (that damn “C” word again) treatments, followed by surgery and radiation. Educating ourselves about the surgery procedures would help us better understand the process.
Would one or both breasts be removed? Is it the entire breast or a partial mastectomy? What is the average recovery time, and is reconstruction possible? Not to appear vain, but Autumn asked about hair loss and other side effects.
As I’m sure you’ve noticed, Autumn has beautiful and naturally blonde hair. Other women consistently ask her what shade of hair color she uses. When she replies, “None,” she says most of them don’t believe her and walk away with a look of disgust. It’s true, she doesn’t color her hair!
Is cold-capping an effective way to prevent hair loss? Unlike the first doctor, Dr. Moody explained that cold-cap therapy (cooling the head before, during, and after chemo treatments) is about 80 percent effective. More importantly, she recommended wearing cooling gloves and foot pads during chemotherapy to reduce the chances of neuropathy. We ended up ordering the gloves and socks, but not the head cooling treatment since it was so expensive.
Trying to be a supportive boyfriend (we hadn’t married yet), I asked about dietary changes. During her time in Tennessee, Autumn worked for many years at Ray Bell Construction, a large Nashville-based company. A consistent diet of convenience store food (she loves gas station pizza) and home-style country cooking certainly didn’t help deter those pesky cancer cells from finding a home in her body. Genetics plays a role too, yet Autumn doesn’t know of anyone in her immediate family with a history of breast cancer. Finding positive ways to change her diet will be challenging, but necessary.
Autumn also asked Dr. Moody about a fluid-filled bump on her right elbow. Upon a visual examination, Dr. Moody said it probably wasn’t anything, but she wanted to remove a small portion and have it biopsied anyway.
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She gave Autumn a shot to numb the area. However, she still felt pain, even after the doctor administered a second shot. “Why does it hurt so bad,” Autumn asked. “Your body is changing,” replied Dr. Moody. “It’s another reason to make a few healthy lifestyle changes.”
Autumn and I both liked Dr. Moody. In her late thirties, she seemed passionate about helping breast cancer patients, and it showed in her sincerity. “We can talk about reconstruction later,” she said. “However, you’ve got to take care of yourself and eat a better diet.” Dr. Moody also showed us the scans of her right breast. The white clumps are cancer cells.
Autumn Johnson, co-owner of Shacks Art Gallery in Grayton Beach, FL.
To compliant matters even more, Autumn doesn’t have health insurance. Many artists aren’t covered due to the expense of self-insured policies. The costs of cancer treatments will quickly add up.
The drive from Panama City to Grayton Beach would take about 45 minutes. While we appreciated Dr. Moody’s candor, I could tell the news deflated Autumn’s spirit. The full-body PET scan scheduled the following morning troubled her the most. Could she handle knowing cancer cells had spread to her bones or other organs? Neither of us wanted to consider the possibility.
Autumn needed to fill her best friend and business partner at Shacks Art Gallery, Kasey, in on the pertinent details. Her work schedule needed to adjust, especially after the treatments began. Autumn wanted a beer. So did I. But to my urging, I recommended we start following the doctor’s advice. Damn, why isn’t beer good for cancer?
Fighting cancer will be Autumn’s primary job for next year. Being a supportive partner is my job and I realize that walking that fine line between “nagging” and “encouraging” will be challenging. Keeping her body, mind, and spirit in great condition remains essential. There’s much more to learn.
Preventive cancer exams for women and men can save lives. Have you had a complete physical or cancer screening lately? Me either. Let’s make some medical appointments this week!
Contribute to Autumn’s medical needs by clicking this link: https://venmo.com/@AutumnMJohnson