The Next Few Days.

These were spent researching, and researching hard! We both spent over 15 hours per day reading old medical papers, newer medical papers, alternative medical theories and all about the recent clinical trials. Focusing more than 24 inches in front of my face (60.96 cm's for all you youngsters out there, you know who you are, and who you aren't!) has become quite a challenge after such a reading fest. Amanda and I cannot move through the house to quickly in case we just crash into things we haven't seen!
There is so much conflicting medical opinion and information out there, which makes Amanda's choice harder. Although it's harder, it does give her the power of choice. As human beings, our own health is the one thing we should at least all have the right to make our own choices on. We must be allowed to choose which course we want to follow, based on all the advice provided from the professionals. But at the same time, we mustn't be swayed by charlatans, offering different forms of healing, exercise, dietary fads and cure all supplements, we must be wise in this world. We must be able to take a balanced, critical approach to advice. Being told what you want to hear can be great, especially when you are ill..... but being told what you don't want to hear, about treatments you may have to suffer to make you better again is tough, really tough. I reckon anyone who has gone through intensive physiotherapy, huge burns surgery and last, but by far least, chemotherapy patients, will agree with this. The thought of your body being flushed with chemicals that kill rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells, would leave anyone filled with fear. Unfortunately other parts of our body that contain rapidly dividing cells are the bone marrow, hair follicles and the digestive tract. You can see why chemo can have such horrible side affects for the people on it. Saying that, I know people who've had it. They have gone on to lead long healthy lives, but did agree the treatment stage was a horrible time in their lives, at times almost unbearable. For the ladies, losing their hair, this is never nice, but with such a vast array of hats, scarves and wigs out there, things could be worse. I have a very good friend back on the Isle of Man. All his hair fell out, along with his eyebrows and eyelashes.... the doctors didn't know what caused it. He's a handsome fellow, with a sunshine filled face and a lively personality to boot, so even though he has the visual impact of a fresh peanut, he carries it off well (Hi Alistair, hope you are doing well).
If Amanda does feel that her only way is the chemo route, I think she will look as beautiful as ever, smooth from head to toe. Amanda is lucky, she has a beautiful face, with dazzling big cartoon princess eyes, when she smiles her face lights up, and it lights everywhere around it up. Without hair to interfere, this smile will turn her face and head into a beautiful light emitting diode (LED for those that love abbrv's). Whatever happens she will continue to look beautiful.