Tom Petty said it best: The waiting is the hardest part. I’m still in cancer limbo, waiting for my genetic testing to be completed. Invitae (the lab conducting the testing) sent me a text 2 days ago informing me that they received my blood sample, and that it’s currently being processed. Like most things in the internet age, they provided me with an online account to track the progress of my testing. I find myself checking in every half hour or so, not wanting to miss a status update. I do this knowing full well that it can take up to a week for the lab to complete the testing. I realize I’m being irrationally overeager, but I still check in like a manic freak. The reason for my preoccupation: Mayo will not schedule my Double Mastectomy until the first round of genetic testing is released to them. I am walking around with a time bomb sitting on my chest, unable to get rid of it until this formality is completed. Another factor in my frustration: genetic testing is not a prerequisite for cancer treatment, it is optional, voluntary. Had I opted out of genetic testing, I would have still qualified for surgery. But, because I requested genetic testing, surgery must wait until after the results are released. At this point, I still do not know how far along my cancer is, or whether or not it has metastasized, or if I will need chemotherapy. I will not know any of this until after the post-surgical pathology of the tumor. Answers…I want answers so I can plan my life accordingly. I need to know how much time off work I’ll need to prepare for. I need to prepare my finances. I need to adjust my pre-planned motorcycle trips if need be. There are a lot of variables to consider here, and I’m a long-term planner. Once I can put cancer on my calendar, I can feel a semblance of control again. Stay tuned…
Sour Tits 