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    The Burden of Control – Chapter 15

    Story written on February 13, 2006 by tibette99.
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    49 votes, average: 3.06 out of 549 votes, average: 3.06 out of 549 votes, average: 3.06 out of 549 votes, average: 3.06 out of 549 votes, average: 3.06 out of 5 (49 votes, average: 3.06 out of 5)
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    Character(s): N/A
    Number of Comments: 23
    Words: 5504
    Story Shortlink: https://lesfan.com/?p=59567
    Author Notes:

    The oncologist talks shop to Bette

    Bette:
    Will I lose my hair?

    Dr.
    Whitmore: There is a very good chance of that happening. It could range from a
    light thinning of your hair to full hair loss. (pauses) But I must stress that
    any hair loss you experience is only temporary. Once the drugs are out of your
    system, you’re hair will start to grow again.

    Bette:
    (dismayed) There isn’t anything to prevent that from happening, is there?

    Dr.
    Harris: At this timeno there isn’t. I’m
    sure you’ll be tempted to research the subject online. Many people have tried
    using over the counter products, such as Rogaine, to prevent hair loss. Unfortunately there is little evidence to prove
    its effectiveness. Many people choose to cut their hair short before it falls
    out. Believe it or not, cutting your hair at one time is far less overwhelming
    than watching it gradually fall out.

    Bette: But it will
    fall out.

    Dr.
    Whitmore: It’s more than likely that
    you’ll see a change ten or so days after the start of your treatment.

    Bette:
    What can I expect after the chemo?

    Dr.
    Harris: We’ll take another sample. If leukemia cells are still detected we’ll
    give you another round of the same drugs.
    It won’t be as potent as the induction regimen and it can be done on an
    outpatient basis. After that treatment,
    we’ll test again.

    Bette:
    And if that doesn’t work?

    Dr.
    Whitmore: Then we’ll try a different combination of chemotherapy drugs. I want to warn you though. Acute Myelogenous
    Leukemia usually responds well to the drugs we’ll be starting on. There is a very high rate of early remission.
    But just as the remission rate is high, so is its relapse rate. It is not uncommon to see the leukemia to come
    back within six months. I don’t want you
    to get your hopes up prematurely if the first round goes as planned.

    Bette:
    I understand and I thank you for your honesty.

    Dr.
    Harris: Misleading a patient, whether intentional or unintentional, is
    something we work hard to avoid. Past
    experiences have shown us that it is best to explain the reality that the
    patient faces ahead of time rather than waiting and taking things as they come
    along.

    Dr.
    Whitmore: Our ultimate goal in fighting your leukemia is to of course, bring it
    into a state of remission. Remission is
    not a cure, though. The leukemia can
    come back at any time. You could relapse
    immediately following induction chemotherapy or it can occur ten years from
    now. Ideally we’d like to get to a point
    where a bone marrow transplant can be done.

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    Comments

    2. You right this story so very well, Bette’s confusion is just the start. I don’t know if she should tell Tina, they aren’t together, and in the very near future Tina is going to be able to figure things out. I know this story is in very capable hands, I look forward to reading more. It makes S3 all the more bearable with Fan Fic. Thanks sooooooo much….

    3. You’ve written this with such honesty and candor that its realism spotlighted the difficulties faced by people suffering from such a horrible disease. Bette was overwhelmed by all of the information and the doctors’ frankness, but Bette’s the type of person who rather just know the facts so she can deal with it face on. I’m not sure whether or not she will tell Tina. Given the percentages of recovery and remission, she probably won’t tell Tina thinking that it wouldn’t be fair to her or the baby. However, I hope that she does…you need a strong support system. The gang, Kit, Tina, and the baby would be a wonderful support system…let’s hope Bette does too. Thanks for taking the time to continue with this amazing story. I appreciate your research efforts in trying to keep it real in terms of the hows, whys…thanks again.

    4. I BELIEVE IF T & B ARE CONNECTED AS WE’D LIKE TO BELIEVE, THAT T WOULD INTERPRET THOSE DREAMS AND KNOW INTUITIVELY THAT SOMETHINGS NOT RIGHT WIITH BETTE…AND SHE’LL DO HER DAMNEDEST TO FIND OUT WHATS GOING ON!!!!!!!!! UPDATE SOON, THIS STORY WAS MISSED!!!

    8. I think you balanced all the medical/technical info with the dialogue really well. I didn’t feel overwhelmed by the medical stuff at all as a reader. I look forward to your next chapter. It’s amazing to see how much time and effort you put into this. I’m enjoying the story. I hope it gives you all the comfort and enjoyment that you expected in writing it. (TMerlin)

    13. Thank you for continuing. Many have family / friends facing illness. I have a friend who has cancer. An extremely rare kind. The truth of the matter is that there is only so much a person can take physically. The fight may be valiant but the body will eventually succumb. I’m not sure how you’ve altered your story. I hope you’re not changing it just to have a happy ending. Please continue. Thanks.

    14. I identify with Bette’s character. If I were sick, I would be very selective about who I tell. I would not tell Tina with whom my relationship is now completely different. Unless I really, really, really have to. Esp. since she is pregnant. Thanks

    15. Thanks so much for the update. I’ve been following this story from the begining. Cancer is a horrible disease for anyone and a lot of people die from it. However, we must also remember there are many people who overcome it and live healthy lives again. With all the new advances in medicine everyday it is possible. Bette will need her family and friends more then ever now….please don’t let her pull away from them. Tina has to find out soon!

    16. Wow…i did not realize what a cancer patient can go through. Exceprional job of breaking down the medical jargon. I hope Bette opens herself up to the people around her including Tina. Looking forward to your next post.

    17. glad your back and it was a great chapter i followed it pretty good–bette has to tell tina 1st and then the gang does’t change things between t and b but she needs to know because of their past love for each other—-i’m still watching each week s3–but at least i don’t let the tears fall;; fanfic storys that share their love are the best but i keep some hope that ic is playing with us–great job post soon

    18. Bette needs to talk with her big sister Kit. I’m not sure who Kit will lean on. Tina chose to leave Bette and isn’t even sure she wants her in her life or the baby’s. Tina should find out about Bette by a chance encounter after Bette starts to show signs of her illness or reaction to the drugs. Bette doesn’t owe her and Tina has moved out of that partner role so she really has not responsibility to be there for Bette. If you have that many chapter ready, let them rip, thanks. :-)

    19. This is a very difficult story to read at times, becuase of the nature of cancer. It takes way too many people’s lives each year and it does not matter how young or old one is. I hope that Tina tells Bette about the baby even before she finds out how sick Bette is. Maybe that will help Bette to fight with all of her might to continue to live. Thank you for this heart wrenching story.

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