Originally Posted By: Imconfused0807
{..IC putting on his old, worn & tattered, trying to be an informed patient hat..}

SouthernGirl,

Thanks for the concern...actually, after the original diagnosis, I've been working with 2 different cancer centers on the test results and they seem to come to the same conclusion, along with somewhat similar treatment options. They're labeling it Adult Primary Osteosarcoma ?

I wasn't real clear on one of my posts about the chemo, and this is where the 2 centers differ on the treatment plan. Originally, it was going to be chemo - surgery - and then more chemo along with maybe some spot radiation treatments (although they say the radiation is is not all that effective..so WTF?) The one center is still sticking to that whereas the other has changed to the surgery and then follow up with about an 8 month chemo program. Either way I go, the surgery on the thigh is going to require a graft along with a plate and they are both giving me great odds to beat this \:\)

We've gone back and forth on this, and while I like the personal approach from the one doctor, I'm feeling more comfortable and at ease with the other center and I think we're going to go that route FWIW. A few days ago, I was all gung-ho to get the surgery done and get on the road to recovery but it's just that I feel so much more comfortable with the other center..any thoughts?

Ok SouthernGirl, onto a serious note....can you say something to me in that sweet southern drawl? (Don't get me in trouble...my wife might be lurking on here somewhere \:D )


Sorry IC ... I never drawl while wearing my hat. ;\)

IC, Miss IC – my advice is to go with the center whose protocol includes chemo before surgery. Micrometastases are your enemy (microscopic cancer cells that spread without being visible) and need to be treated aggressively. Osteogenic sarcomas have a good prognosis, as tumors go, especially if they’re caught early, and chemo has improved survival drastically.

One more thing. This is going to be an emotional time for your whole family, but you can do it together. Give yourself permission to be afraid, or sad, too. There is no evidence that attitude affects outcome. I don’t say this to discourage you, but because the whole “he will beat this because he has such a great attitude” thing tends to irritate me, because it sends the message that you need to be cheerful and upbeat all the time or you lose ground. You don’t. If you’ve done your research and have found a center and a treatment plan you’re comfortable with you’re off to a good start. Keep reading, join a support forum to talk to others in the same sitch. Never underestimate collective wisdom. Trust your doctors, but not blindly.

You sound like a wonderful family, and I know you won’t lose sight of the little, but precious things in life as you go through this together. Let me know if I can be of any further assistance.