I had my first follow-up mammogram since my diagnosis in January. I was soooo anxious for the past couple weeks leading up to this. I have had a headache from grinding my teeth because that's what I do when I am nervous.
I had two views on each side and then a magnified one right on my scar. The worst part is waiting afterwards which I forgot about. While still wearing your johnny, you are put in a waiting room with all of the other women who just had their mammograms. It took about 1 1/2 hours for the radiologist to read the films. I was lucky to be in a room with very fun women. The staff said that they had never seen such a room that was so filled with laughter!
The radiologist who read my films was the same one that did my work up in January - Dr. Semine. He is the director of the Women's Imaging Center at Newton-Wellesley and a wonderful man. He remembered me and when I met with him to go over my results he made sure to check in with me about the past year. All my films were clear - nothing to worry about!
My next exam will be in 6 months (May) when I will have an MRI. 6 months from then (next November) I will have another mammogram.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
More Genetic Testing
Two weeks ago I met with another genetic counselor at Mass General upon the recommendation of Dr. Goss, aka Dr. McDreamy. Long story short...the genetic testing I had done previous came back with a result of "no mutation detected" for the BRAC 1 and the BRCA 2 gene (breast cancer and ovarian cancer genes). I had the short sequencing done which is about 85% accurate. The genetic counselor at MGH told me about the full sequencing test which in combination with the other one would be about 99% accurate. I went ahead and opted to get that done. The results came back the same - no mutation detected. Good news!
We also discussed another gene called p53. This one is not so good. It is a very rare genetic mutation that only a couple hundred people in the world are known to have. It increases your risk of brain (any type) cancer, breast cancer, adrenal cancer, childhood leukemia and sarcomas (soft tissue and bone cancers). With my genetic history, she beleives there is a 10% chance of me carrying this gene. I did not want to get tested for it. There is nothing you can do about it if you are found to be a carrier so what's the point? We both agreed that it would cause needless anxiety and worry and it is best for now to just forget about it. It would be nice to know I wasn't a carrier but testing isn't done that way...
We also discussed another gene called p53. This one is not so good. It is a very rare genetic mutation that only a couple hundred people in the world are known to have. It increases your risk of brain (any type) cancer, breast cancer, adrenal cancer, childhood leukemia and sarcomas (soft tissue and bone cancers). With my genetic history, she beleives there is a 10% chance of me carrying this gene. I did not want to get tested for it. There is nothing you can do about it if you are found to be a carrier so what's the point? We both agreed that it would cause needless anxiety and worry and it is best for now to just forget about it. It would be nice to know I wasn't a carrier but testing isn't done that way...
Friday, August 17, 2007
Radiation....Check!
Radiation is officially over! Today was my last treatment and Jeffrey came with me to say his goodbyes to his new "friends." The valet men, the security officer, the receptionists, the therapists, the nurses, the patients...there was not one person there left unplayed with!
So now I wait until my one month follow-ups before I go back to the doctor again. What will I do now with all of my free time?!?!?
So now I wait until my one month follow-ups before I go back to the doctor again. What will I do now with all of my free time?!?!?
Friday, August 10, 2007
I have my own "McDreamy"
You may not know but I am a huge fan of the TV show, "Grey's Anatomy." For those of you who are not familiar with the show, there is a very handsome doctor on it (Patrick Dempsey) who was called "McDreamy" in one of the episodes which has stuck with him. I am happy to say that I now have my own McDreamy.
Last week, my radiation oncologist sent me to see a medical oncologist at MGH that specializes in breast cancer and hormone (endocrine) therapy. My tumor tested was found to be "weakly positive" for progesterone receptors so I questioned whether or not I should undergo endocrine therapy.
So I was waiting in the exam room after speaking with McDreamy's Nurse Practitioner when in walks this dreamboat with a stunning English accent. He spent about an hour with me going over my history (which he already knew before he came in), explaining what he thought and possible treatment options.
McDreamy (he actually has a real name, Dr. Goss) told me that he strongly believes there is a genetic component to my story. He is having the Genetics Department at MGH review my genetic testing to be sure the long version of the test was done. He rattled off some technical link that he feels may be the culprit because to him it is too suspicious that my grandmother had breast cancer and my mother's type of brain cancer may have some link to this genetic mutation. He explained that I may not have tested positive for a mutation in the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genes (the ones they test for and know of the direct link) but I may have a mutation in an undiscovered genetic link. He went on to explain to me what having a genetic mutation of that type really means. Think of your body like a car manufacturing plant. Every cell in your body is a car. Somewhere during the assembly process, the breast cells in your body had something left off. Some may be missing the horn which isn't that big of a deal but some may be missing the engine which is. Every cell isn't quite right which is why it is so important to know for sure if this is genetically linked somehow. In random cancer, it's like a car accident. You go in and clean it up and that's that. In a genetic cancer, there is something faulty everywhere.
After we finished that discussion, we started to talk about the hormone therapy. He offered me a clinical trial but we decided to take what the clinical trial was doing and tailor it ourselves. So I will be taking Tamoxifen for 2 years and then switch to an Aromitase Inhibitor with ovarian suppression for 5 more years with the possibility of extending that length of time. He was so thorough with his explanation of how this all worked.
A woman's body produces estrogen (I know we were talking about progesterone but progesterone doesn't work without estrogen) from two sources - the ovaries and fat. Tamoxifen blocks the door to the cancer cell so that no hormones can enter. His analogy for this one was to think of the ovaries and fat as the "kitchen" and the cancer cells as the "dining hall." The kitchen will still be cooking but the door to the dining hall will be blocked so no one can eat. When I switch to the Aromitase Inhibitor with ovarian suppression, the kitchen will be closed and the dining hall will be blocked. Make sense?
Dr. Goss' business card is filled to capacity with his titles which are really impressive. When I made my follow up appointment with him (in October) his secretary asked where I was coming from. She said that she always tells people who are travelling from far away to see him to buy the travel insurance because he travels all over the world and might need to cancel - he's that good!
Last week, my radiation oncologist sent me to see a medical oncologist at MGH that specializes in breast cancer and hormone (endocrine) therapy. My tumor tested was found to be "weakly positive" for progesterone receptors so I questioned whether or not I should undergo endocrine therapy.
So I was waiting in the exam room after speaking with McDreamy's Nurse Practitioner when in walks this dreamboat with a stunning English accent. He spent about an hour with me going over my history (which he already knew before he came in), explaining what he thought and possible treatment options.
McDreamy (he actually has a real name, Dr. Goss) told me that he strongly believes there is a genetic component to my story. He is having the Genetics Department at MGH review my genetic testing to be sure the long version of the test was done. He rattled off some technical link that he feels may be the culprit because to him it is too suspicious that my grandmother had breast cancer and my mother's type of brain cancer may have some link to this genetic mutation. He explained that I may not have tested positive for a mutation in the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genes (the ones they test for and know of the direct link) but I may have a mutation in an undiscovered genetic link. He went on to explain to me what having a genetic mutation of that type really means. Think of your body like a car manufacturing plant. Every cell in your body is a car. Somewhere during the assembly process, the breast cells in your body had something left off. Some may be missing the horn which isn't that big of a deal but some may be missing the engine which is. Every cell isn't quite right which is why it is so important to know for sure if this is genetically linked somehow. In random cancer, it's like a car accident. You go in and clean it up and that's that. In a genetic cancer, there is something faulty everywhere.
After we finished that discussion, we started to talk about the hormone therapy. He offered me a clinical trial but we decided to take what the clinical trial was doing and tailor it ourselves. So I will be taking Tamoxifen for 2 years and then switch to an Aromitase Inhibitor with ovarian suppression for 5 more years with the possibility of extending that length of time. He was so thorough with his explanation of how this all worked.
A woman's body produces estrogen (I know we were talking about progesterone but progesterone doesn't work without estrogen) from two sources - the ovaries and fat. Tamoxifen blocks the door to the cancer cell so that no hormones can enter. His analogy for this one was to think of the ovaries and fat as the "kitchen" and the cancer cells as the "dining hall." The kitchen will still be cooking but the door to the dining hall will be blocked so no one can eat. When I switch to the Aromitase Inhibitor with ovarian suppression, the kitchen will be closed and the dining hall will be blocked. Make sense?
Dr. Goss' business card is filled to capacity with his titles which are really impressive. When I made my follow up appointment with him (in October) his secretary asked where I was coming from. She said that she always tells people who are travelling from far away to see him to buy the travel insurance because he travels all over the world and might need to cancel - he's that good!
Update on Jeff's Dad
Bucky is doing better. He came home last Thursday and is improving slowly each day. He had the defibulator put in and continues with his dialysis treatments three times a week. His memory is getting better but it is still foggy at times. It will be a slow road ahead but at least he is moving forward.
One More Week Left!
After today's treatment, I will only have next week to get through. My skin has held up great - it only looks like I have a tan in the treatment field. A lot of people have a hard time and suffer some burns from the radiation. Fatigue has set in though. I am ready to call it a night by 8pm and sleep very soundly. It should improve within a month or two after I finish up.
Jeffrey loves coming with me to MGH. There is a ton of construction going on around the building we go to which I think we could spend all day watching if it were up to him. He loves driving past Fenway (Wally is on a billboard there) and the Garden and through the "big huge" tunnel.
Jeffrey loves coming with me to MGH. There is a ton of construction going on around the building we go to which I think we could spend all day watching if it were up to him. He loves driving past Fenway (Wally is on a billboard there) and the Garden and through the "big huge" tunnel.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Another Family Crisis
Last week we had a pretty bad scare with Jeff's father. Most of you know that he has kidney failure and has been on dialysis now for a few of months. Last Monday Jeff stopped by his parents' house after a job and his father collapsed and went into what they think was a seizure. Jeff called 911 and the EMTs, who arrived in minutes, had to actually shock his heart and jump start him again. They are estiamting he was out for four minutes.
He was rushed to Leonard Morse Hospital in Natick and spent Monday and Tuesday there in the ICU. No answers to what had happened. We decided that he had to move to a Boston hospital and put forth the motions to get him transfered to Mass General (that's where his kidney transplant team is too). Tuesday night around 9:30pm, he headed in to MGH via transport ambulance.
To make a long story short, he was admitted to the Cardiac Step Down Care Unit and was diagnosed with ventricular tachacardia (VT) - a very serious arythmia. Most patients who go into cardiac arrest with VT do not survive. Bucky (Jeff's dad) is like a cat - he has 9 lives. He is very lucky and we thank God Jeff was there when it happened.
He is still at MGH and is getting better. His strength is coming back but he is suffering from some short term memory issues. That too has improved dramtically from where he started off last week but he has more recovering to do.
Sometime today, he will have a defibulator inserted that will essentially shock his heart back into a normal rythm if it detects any sign of the VT. After that, we are unsure how much longer he will be in the hospital or what the follow up care will be.
He was rushed to Leonard Morse Hospital in Natick and spent Monday and Tuesday there in the ICU. No answers to what had happened. We decided that he had to move to a Boston hospital and put forth the motions to get him transfered to Mass General (that's where his kidney transplant team is too). Tuesday night around 9:30pm, he headed in to MGH via transport ambulance.
To make a long story short, he was admitted to the Cardiac Step Down Care Unit and was diagnosed with ventricular tachacardia (VT) - a very serious arythmia. Most patients who go into cardiac arrest with VT do not survive. Bucky (Jeff's dad) is like a cat - he has 9 lives. He is very lucky and we thank God Jeff was there when it happened.
He is still at MGH and is getting better. His strength is coming back but he is suffering from some short term memory issues. That too has improved dramtically from where he started off last week but he has more recovering to do.
Sometime today, he will have a defibulator inserted that will essentially shock his heart back into a normal rythm if it detects any sign of the VT. After that, we are unsure how much longer he will be in the hospital or what the follow up care will be.
3 Down, 3 More to Go
I have officially finished my third week of radiation as of last Friday. I am now halfway done. It really isn't bad. For the most part I am enjoying my quiet ride into Boston. Traffic has been a hassel only a couple of times and most often I get there in about 40 minutes. The treatment itself is quick. More times than not, they take me in early and I am done within a few minutes. It is so quick - the machine is on for about 17 seconds from the front and then another 17 seconds from the back. Mondays they take a couple of X-rays to make sure I am lined up correctly. Every Tuesday I see the doctor so that day does take longer.
All in all, not too bad.
All in all, not too bad.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
In my continuing efforts to make the most of this experience, I have decided to head up a team (Team Meisner - not very original, I know) to walk in...
The American Cancer Society's
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
October 14th, 2007 - Boston
"ODE TO THE WALK"
an original poem by Anne Meisner
Lace up your shoes;
Put on your hat;
We will walk for a cure
And that will be that.
Make a donation,
Or join our team,
One dollar
Is not as small as it seems.
Any amount
Will help out a lot,
What do you say?
Give it a shot!
(Can you tell I have been reading too many Dr. Suess books to Jeffrey???)
This October, many of my friends and family members will walk on "Team Meisner" in the Making Strides Walk in Boston. Please click on this link to make a donation in support of Team Meisner or to find out more information about this event.
http://main.acsevents.org/goto/anne.meisner - OR -http://main.acsevents.org/goto/team.meisner
Consider joining Team Meisner on the walk! We are looking for as many members as we can. The more people on the team, the more money we can potentially raise!
Again, no amount is too small to make a difference.
Thanks!!!
The American Cancer Society's
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
October 14th, 2007 - Boston
"ODE TO THE WALK"
an original poem by Anne Meisner
Lace up your shoes;
Put on your hat;
We will walk for a cure
And that will be that.
Make a donation,
Or join our team,
One dollar
Is not as small as it seems.
Any amount
Will help out a lot,
What do you say?
Give it a shot!
(Can you tell I have been reading too many Dr. Suess books to Jeffrey???)
This October, many of my friends and family members will walk on "Team Meisner" in the Making Strides Walk in Boston. Please click on this link to make a donation in support of Team Meisner or to find out more information about this event.
http://main.acsevents.org/goto/anne.meisner - OR -http://main.acsevents.org/goto/team.meisner
Consider joining Team Meisner on the walk! We are looking for as many members as we can. The more people on the team, the more money we can potentially raise!
Again, no amount is too small to make a difference.
Thanks!!!
Friday, July 13, 2007
Lyndon Byers
So again I am amazed at the continuing out pouring of support. Jeff and Steve were at Pepperocini's last Sunday and hung out with LB - Lyndon Byers, former Bruins hockey player and current 107.3 WAAF DJ. They got to talking (nothing new for Jeff) and Jeff gave him the scoop on our situation. He immediately,, without any hesitation, set to work to hold a fundraiser to help us with the costs we have accumulated from all of the medical treatments I have had. We have pretty good health insurance but cancer is expensive.
We don't have many details...it is only in the planning stages. What LB suggested was to hold a golf tournament with a dinner and raffle afterwards - sometime in October. He has already called Sandy Burr without us even asking him to. He is going to announce whatever we decide to do on the radio and get some of his celebrity friends to join in the festivities. What the?!?!?!
I am yet again overwhelmed. The support of my family and friends have been outstanding. Now the support of strangers can be added to the list.
Stay tuned for more information......
We don't have many details...it is only in the planning stages. What LB suggested was to hold a golf tournament with a dinner and raffle afterwards - sometime in October. He has already called Sandy Burr without us even asking him to. He is going to announce whatever we decide to do on the radio and get some of his celebrity friends to join in the festivities. What the?!?!?!
I am yet again overwhelmed. The support of my family and friends have been outstanding. Now the support of strangers can be added to the list.
Stay tuned for more information......
Thursday, July 12, 2007
The 14mph drive into Boston
What fun! I can't tell you how I would rather spend my summer days...I love sitting on the Mass Pike sucking up the fumes of the car in front of me. Will this cause more health problems????
Anyway, it took my 90 minutes to make the 22 mile drive into Mass General yesterday for my radiation appointment. That averages out to be driving 14mph. I left myself an hour to get there and I ended up being a half hour late. If you know me at all, being late causes me extreme anxiety and frustration. I called ahead to let "The Team" know but they didn't care. It all works out in the end they said so not to worry about it.
The actual machine is on for a total of 30 seconds (I really did count yesterday) - 15 from the front and 15 from the back. I joked with the nurses and technicians that I was going to sit in the waiting room so the trip seemed worth the time. It is worth it I know but still. Do we need to do construction on a major road during rush hour???? I'm no traffic pattern flow expert but....please.
I got a "secret" route in for today from a friend who works at Mass General so hopefully we will avoid the mess of yesterday. Monday and Tuesday's ride was a breeze so I guess it will really average itself out over time.
If anyone has the day off and wants to spend some real quality time with me in the car, please let me know! I would love the company!
Anyway, it took my 90 minutes to make the 22 mile drive into Mass General yesterday for my radiation appointment. That averages out to be driving 14mph. I left myself an hour to get there and I ended up being a half hour late. If you know me at all, being late causes me extreme anxiety and frustration. I called ahead to let "The Team" know but they didn't care. It all works out in the end they said so not to worry about it.
The actual machine is on for a total of 30 seconds (I really did count yesterday) - 15 from the front and 15 from the back. I joked with the nurses and technicians that I was going to sit in the waiting room so the trip seemed worth the time. It is worth it I know but still. Do we need to do construction on a major road during rush hour???? I'm no traffic pattern flow expert but....please.
I got a "secret" route in for today from a friend who works at Mass General so hopefully we will avoid the mess of yesterday. Monday and Tuesday's ride was a breeze so I guess it will really average itself out over time.
If anyone has the day off and wants to spend some real quality time with me in the car, please let me know! I would love the company!
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Hair Status
I feel like Collin and I are in a race to see who can get to their first haircut the soonest. He's winning. His hair blows in the breeze a little. Mine not so much. I still need to wear a hat or put sunscreen on my head so it doesn't get fried.
I by no means have any resemblence to having a full head of hair, but it is growing. I can even pull what I have - and it doesn't fall out! It's a weird feeling. It's coming just in time for Collin to start the new milestone of grabbing, pulling, and holding onto it for dear life.
I haven't had hair since mid-March now and have gotten very used to it. Enjoyed it actually. The sensation of pulling it with resistance is pretty cool. It's all fuzzy and light but there is some darker, coarser growth coming in. My head looks dirty at first glance but upon further and closer inspection one can see...I don't know how to feel about this. On one hand I am excited beyond words that I will have hair again soon. On the other hand, I am dreading the in-between phases hair goes through when one tries to grow it out. I do remember my bang phase and how awkward it was growing them out. I am also dreading having to do my hair again. Right now there is no though given to my hair. Just which bandana to wear with my outfit. I don't have to decide to wear it up or down? Curly or straight? Should I sport the mullett? Kidding on that last one.
I by no means have any resemblence to having a full head of hair, but it is growing. I can even pull what I have - and it doesn't fall out! It's a weird feeling. It's coming just in time for Collin to start the new milestone of grabbing, pulling, and holding onto it for dear life.
I haven't had hair since mid-March now and have gotten very used to it. Enjoyed it actually. The sensation of pulling it with resistance is pretty cool. It's all fuzzy and light but there is some darker, coarser growth coming in. My head looks dirty at first glance but upon further and closer inspection one can see...I don't know how to feel about this. On one hand I am excited beyond words that I will have hair again soon. On the other hand, I am dreading the in-between phases hair goes through when one tries to grow it out. I do remember my bang phase and how awkward it was growing them out. I am also dreading having to do my hair again. Right now there is no though given to my hair. Just which bandana to wear with my outfit. I don't have to decide to wear it up or down? Curly or straight? Should I sport the mullett? Kidding on that last one.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Aaarrrggg...Shiver me timbers
Just a funny quote confirming that young children really don't have a filter on their mouths when they speak in the moment. While at the pond yesterday with the boys sporting my bandana, another little boy a little older than Jeffrey asked his mom, "Is that lady a pirate?" Too cute. I should have played along. I think his mom was embarrassed but honestly I didn't care. It's better than the "Thank God it's not me look" I get from many adults when I am out in public (especially when the boys are in tow). I'd rather talk about it than pretend no one notices. It's like that saying (I can't remember exactly how it goes) about not mentioning the elephant standing in the room. It's there but no one wants to acknowledge it for fear it wold make others uncomfortable.
Come to think of it, I am surprised that I haven't heard other little kids ask questions like that before.
Come to think of it, I am surprised that I haven't heard other little kids ask questions like that before.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Extra Beats and New Tattoos
I met with my cardiologist last week then spoke with her on the phone yesterday about the heart fluttering I have been having lately. The Holter Monitor did show that I have about 300 extra beats (that particular day) mostly coming from the upper part of my heart. Nothing worrisome but nonetheless. They do not really bother me and I do not have any other symptoms that go along with them so we decided not to start any medication at this point. If they do get worse or more frequent we will discuss starting a Beta Blocker. There is nothing structurally wrong with my heart. I will have another echocardiogram at some point in the upcoming months anyway because of the Adriamycin that was part of my chemo. That drug has shown to cause heart damage in a very small percentage of patients.
Today I went to Mass General for my radiation mapping. They have a really nice facility and the population there is more mixed with young and old unlike where I received my chemo (just given the location of being outside of Boston) it was an older crowd. After getting an initial scan, I got 3 new tattoos...they are about the size of a poppy seed and will mark the field where the radiation will take place. Some people from what I have read are very bothered by getting permanently marked this way. They say it's a constant reminder of the disease. Not me. My scar isn't going away and is much larger than these minuscule dots and I feel that this disease is a part now of who I am - good, bad, or indifferent.
I go on July 6th for a simulation run which basically is just like the radiation treatment without the machine turned on. The actual radiation will start on July 9th.
Jeff and I have signed up for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Please visit the link on the right for more information or to see how you can sponsor Team Meisner! :)
Today I went to Mass General for my radiation mapping. They have a really nice facility and the population there is more mixed with young and old unlike where I received my chemo (just given the location of being outside of Boston) it was an older crowd. After getting an initial scan, I got 3 new tattoos...they are about the size of a poppy seed and will mark the field where the radiation will take place. Some people from what I have read are very bothered by getting permanently marked this way. They say it's a constant reminder of the disease. Not me. My scar isn't going away and is much larger than these minuscule dots and I feel that this disease is a part now of who I am - good, bad, or indifferent.
I go on July 6th for a simulation run which basically is just like the radiation treatment without the machine turned on. The actual radiation will start on July 9th.
Jeff and I have signed up for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Please visit the link on the right for more information or to see how you can sponsor Team Meisner! :)
Friday, June 15, 2007
I'm no Chia Pet but...
I do have some definite peach fuzz growth on my head! It is so blond that you can only see it close up and in the light. But hey, I'll take it. Hopefully my eyelashes will take notice and start to fill-in again soon.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Check Chemo Off of the List!
I am now officially done with the chemo portion of my treatment plan! Applause please! (kidding) My hair should start to grow back in about 2 months. At least I will have built-in AC for the summer, no shaving, no frizzy hair to deal with in the lovely New England humidity either! All bonuses and perks of a job well done...
Back in January, my surgeon made a comparison of my treatment plan to the high school experience. He said that the surgery was like freshman year. Getting used to a new "school" (he meant the world of cancer), pretty easy, goes by quick, etc. Agreed. Chemo was sophomore year. Usually a pretty hard year all around - tough schedule, not the new kid anymore, a growing up year. Yup. Junior year is radiation. Not so bad anymore. Just getting through it until senior year begins, thinking about the future. Senior year is the fun and easier year. Yes, this is the time where reconstruction will take place. I'll spend this senior year getting ready for the road that comes after "high school" (and cancer treatment).
That road that I will find myself on is a little scary for me right now. I have mixed feelings about being through with chemo. Yes, I am thrilled not to have to go and get so much bloodwork, IVs, and medicine that can wear you down. I am not thrilled with the idea that there will be no more medicine flowing through my body targeting any stray cancer cells that might be there. That's the problem with this disease. It's microscopic. No one can tell me for sure that there isn't one rebel cell out there hiding in an ally waiting for it's opportunity. There most likely isn't any bad guys lurking around but the possibility does exist and scares me to think. I have a lot of things in my favor like being Stage 1, no lymph node involvement, the small tumor size, etc. But the bottom line is that there are no guarantees.
Radiation will tackle any cells that the surgery and chemo may have left behind in my right breast. So I will still be actively doing something to treat this disease. That makes me feel good. I also think I have all (or most) of my babysitting figured out for the 5 day a week treatment that begins July 9th and goes until August 17th. (If there is anyone out there that can be "on call," please let me know!!) Big stress of that task is now gone (for now).
After this treatment course, I will begin looking for a survivorship support group or some equivalent so I can see how other people in my situation are handling the uncertainties of the future without letting it consume their lives. Right now, cancer is the first thing I think of when I wake up in the morning and the last thing before sleep takes over - with many more thoughts running through my mind during the day. Hopefully, this will lessen and more pleasant things will take over.
My hair will grow back, the dark circles under my eyes should improve once my anemia subsides, my energy level should return to normal (maybe awhile after radiation is over - a common side effect), and my boobs will be symmetrical once again :) when all of this is over. Essentially, I will look normal. I don't think I will ever feel 100% normal again though. This whole journey has changed me in ways that is truly difficult to put into words. In some ways, I am a better person because of all of this. I appreciate what I have much more and am enjoying the everyday things life has to offer. In other ways it has made me more uncertain and afraid of the future. Hopefully these feeling will also get pushed to a place in my mind where I visit less frequently. Time will tell...
Back in January, my surgeon made a comparison of my treatment plan to the high school experience. He said that the surgery was like freshman year. Getting used to a new "school" (he meant the world of cancer), pretty easy, goes by quick, etc. Agreed. Chemo was sophomore year. Usually a pretty hard year all around - tough schedule, not the new kid anymore, a growing up year. Yup. Junior year is radiation. Not so bad anymore. Just getting through it until senior year begins, thinking about the future. Senior year is the fun and easier year. Yes, this is the time where reconstruction will take place. I'll spend this senior year getting ready for the road that comes after "high school" (and cancer treatment).
That road that I will find myself on is a little scary for me right now. I have mixed feelings about being through with chemo. Yes, I am thrilled not to have to go and get so much bloodwork, IVs, and medicine that can wear you down. I am not thrilled with the idea that there will be no more medicine flowing through my body targeting any stray cancer cells that might be there. That's the problem with this disease. It's microscopic. No one can tell me for sure that there isn't one rebel cell out there hiding in an ally waiting for it's opportunity. There most likely isn't any bad guys lurking around but the possibility does exist and scares me to think. I have a lot of things in my favor like being Stage 1, no lymph node involvement, the small tumor size, etc. But the bottom line is that there are no guarantees.
Radiation will tackle any cells that the surgery and chemo may have left behind in my right breast. So I will still be actively doing something to treat this disease. That makes me feel good. I also think I have all (or most) of my babysitting figured out for the 5 day a week treatment that begins July 9th and goes until August 17th. (If there is anyone out there that can be "on call," please let me know!!) Big stress of that task is now gone (for now).
After this treatment course, I will begin looking for a survivorship support group or some equivalent so I can see how other people in my situation are handling the uncertainties of the future without letting it consume their lives. Right now, cancer is the first thing I think of when I wake up in the morning and the last thing before sleep takes over - with many more thoughts running through my mind during the day. Hopefully, this will lessen and more pleasant things will take over.
My hair will grow back, the dark circles under my eyes should improve once my anemia subsides, my energy level should return to normal (maybe awhile after radiation is over - a common side effect), and my boobs will be symmetrical once again :) when all of this is over. Essentially, I will look normal. I don't think I will ever feel 100% normal again though. This whole journey has changed me in ways that is truly difficult to put into words. In some ways, I am a better person because of all of this. I appreciate what I have much more and am enjoying the everyday things life has to offer. In other ways it has made me more uncertain and afraid of the future. Hopefully these feeling will also get pushed to a place in my mind where I visit less frequently. Time will tell...
Just Getting it Checked
Back in 2001, I was experiencing some heart flutters that turned out to be mild SVT (supra-ventricular arrhythmia). No medication or follow-ups needed unless it got worse. I feel nothing else when it happens, just a flutter and then my heart "resets" itself to a regular beat again.
A few weeks ago I have noticed that it is happening much more often. Could be due to the physical stress my body is under from the treatments (and all of the the other stress - the kids, financial, emotional, etc.). Yesterday, my doctor ordered a Holter monitor for me to wear for 24 hours that will record every beat and rhythm. Of course no one can ever hear the flutter or see it on an EKG or echocardiogram because it never happens when I am actually at the doctor. I turn the monitor back in today and will meet with a cardiologist next Monday.
One of the first chemo drugs I was on - Adriamycin, can cause heart damage. It only happens to about 2% of all patients who take it. When I mentioned all of this last week to my nurse practitioner, she did say that if it was related to that, I would have other symptoms that would go along with it like shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, etc. My doctor agreed and so this is the first step to just getting it checked out.
Last chemo day! I'll write more later.
A few weeks ago I have noticed that it is happening much more often. Could be due to the physical stress my body is under from the treatments (and all of the the other stress - the kids, financial, emotional, etc.). Yesterday, my doctor ordered a Holter monitor for me to wear for 24 hours that will record every beat and rhythm. Of course no one can ever hear the flutter or see it on an EKG or echocardiogram because it never happens when I am actually at the doctor. I turn the monitor back in today and will meet with a cardiologist next Monday.
One of the first chemo drugs I was on - Adriamycin, can cause heart damage. It only happens to about 2% of all patients who take it. When I mentioned all of this last week to my nurse practitioner, she did say that if it was related to that, I would have other symptoms that would go along with it like shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, etc. My doctor agreed and so this is the first step to just getting it checked out.
Last chemo day! I'll write more later.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
ONE MORE TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I only have one more chemo treatment to go! I just got back from my 7th one (3rd Taxol one) and am feeling great!
I met with my radiation oncologist this morning before chemo. I will go for my "mapping" on June 19th and then officially begin July 9th with radiation. Again, it will be 5 days/week for 6 weeks. They were ably to accommodate my time slot request and I will have my appointments somewhere between 10 and 11am each day. Now all I need to do is find a steady babysitter...
I met with my radiation oncologist this morning before chemo. I will go for my "mapping" on June 19th and then officially begin July 9th with radiation. Again, it will be 5 days/week for 6 weeks. They were ably to accommodate my time slot request and I will have my appointments somewhere between 10 and 11am each day. Now all I need to do is find a steady babysitter...
Saturday, May 12, 2007
75% DONE!
Only 2 more Taxol (or total chemo) treatments left! I know I have said this before but this new drug is easier than the previous drugs (AC). I did have to go in and get another Neulasta injection because my white blood cell counts were down. I just felt a little achy on Thursday night and Friday - kind of like I worked out too much and was sore. Oh well. Better than the alternative of the risk of getting really sick with some sort of infection.
I am meeting with my radiation oncologist on May 23rd to go over my treatment for that. I will go into Mass General for my radiation. There was some talk about doing it out this way but my oncologist insists that I go in the MGH. Understandably so. They have a $100 million facility and state of the art equipment. It will be my part-time job for the summer. The logistics of planning for the boys for several hours every day is causing me some anxiety but I know in the end it will all work out just fine. That's why I am seeing the radiation oncologist sooner than normal. I need some special treatment from her. The MGH website says that they do not let you know your appointment time slot until one week before your first appointment. That won't work for me. There is no way I can arrange for a babysitter (long-term) on a week's notice. Hopefully she will understand and figure it out for me. She is really great so I have faith.
'Til next time...
I am meeting with my radiation oncologist on May 23rd to go over my treatment for that. I will go into Mass General for my radiation. There was some talk about doing it out this way but my oncologist insists that I go in the MGH. Understandably so. They have a $100 million facility and state of the art equipment. It will be my part-time job for the summer. The logistics of planning for the boys for several hours every day is causing me some anxiety but I know in the end it will all work out just fine. That's why I am seeing the radiation oncologist sooner than normal. I need some special treatment from her. The MGH website says that they do not let you know your appointment time slot until one week before your first appointment. That won't work for me. There is no way I can arrange for a babysitter (long-term) on a week's notice. Hopefully she will understand and figure it out for me. She is really great so I have faith.
'Til next time...
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
A Long Day...
I had my first Taxol chemo treatment today. It turned out to be a long day. My appointment was at 9:45am; I finally got "hooked" up to the IVs around; 11am and did not finish up until 4:15pm. A full day at the office!
Overall I feel good. There are about four different pre-medications (IV Benadryll, Zofran (anti-nausea), steroids, and something else I can't remember.) I have to get before I even receive the Taxol. Those pre-meds are the ones that make me feel kind of groggy.
The associated nausea that I experienced after my last cycle has a real medical name - some psychosis blah blah blah. I can't remember the official way to say it. My doctor prescribed me some Atavan (sp?) which is a mild sedative that will help calm me when I go to the office or start to feel queasy at home. It works well!
I am tired but feeling good! 3 more to go!!!
Overall I feel good. There are about four different pre-medications (IV Benadryll, Zofran (anti-nausea), steroids, and something else I can't remember.) I have to get before I even receive the Taxol. Those pre-meds are the ones that make me feel kind of groggy.
The associated nausea that I experienced after my last cycle has a real medical name - some psychosis blah blah blah. I can't remember the official way to say it. My doctor prescribed me some Atavan (sp?) which is a mild sedative that will help calm me when I go to the office or start to feel queasy at home. It works well!
I am tired but feeling good! 3 more to go!!!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
On to Better Things...
I just had my 4th chemo treatment on Wednesday. I am now officially halfway done with chemo. This was also the last treatment of AC (adriamycin and cytoxan) - the 2 worse drugs that have the yuckier (can you tell I talk to a 3 year old all day) side effects. This cycle was definitely the hardest one. Again, it all seemed to hit me earlier than past cycles and I generally felt worse. I experienced my first episodes of nausea. A lot of it though seems to be associated nausea. The smell of the rubber gloves, the odor of the tape they use at the doctor's office, and sorry to maybe gross you out but the look of my red pee...all makes me gag today. This should be the worst of it.
I start Taxol on April 25th. The day of chemo is longer (about 5-6 hours) but the side effects seem better. The most common side effect is neuropathy - a tingling (mild to severe) of the fingers and feet. This could last weeks to months after treatment ends potentially. My nurse practitioner is going to start me on Folic Acid and B6 vitamins and L-Glutamine (an amino acid) a week before my first Taxol treatment that are all suppose to help ward off the neuropathy or lessen the symptoms. Another side effect is some achiness for a couple days after the treatment. This shouldn't lower my white blood cell count so hopefully no more painful Neulasta injections. Nausea shouldn't be a problem either. I don't even have to take the pills I am taking now for it when I start.
It all sounds better than this overall yucky feeling I have with the AC. As each cycle progressed I did notice that the drugs did have a cumulative effect. The side effects started earlier and seemed a little worse each time. But that is behind me now. The next 4 should be okay.
I also found out the other day that the Taxol treatments will be every 2 weeks - not every 3 like I originally thought. This means chemo will/should be done the first Wednesday of June. I will have 3-4 weeks off from everything. Radiation will start the beginning of July and I will be totally done with treatment by mid-August. A lot better than mid-October which is what I first expected. My doctor and nurse practitioner are also going to see if my radiation can be moved to Metrowest Medical Center in Framingham instead of going to Mass General every day for 6 weeks. That would make life and planning for the boys MUCH easier.
4 down, 4 more to go...
I start Taxol on April 25th. The day of chemo is longer (about 5-6 hours) but the side effects seem better. The most common side effect is neuropathy - a tingling (mild to severe) of the fingers and feet. This could last weeks to months after treatment ends potentially. My nurse practitioner is going to start me on Folic Acid and B6 vitamins and L-Glutamine (an amino acid) a week before my first Taxol treatment that are all suppose to help ward off the neuropathy or lessen the symptoms. Another side effect is some achiness for a couple days after the treatment. This shouldn't lower my white blood cell count so hopefully no more painful Neulasta injections. Nausea shouldn't be a problem either. I don't even have to take the pills I am taking now for it when I start.
It all sounds better than this overall yucky feeling I have with the AC. As each cycle progressed I did notice that the drugs did have a cumulative effect. The side effects started earlier and seemed a little worse each time. But that is behind me now. The next 4 should be okay.
I also found out the other day that the Taxol treatments will be every 2 weeks - not every 3 like I originally thought. This means chemo will/should be done the first Wednesday of June. I will have 3-4 weeks off from everything. Radiation will start the beginning of July and I will be totally done with treatment by mid-August. A lot better than mid-October which is what I first expected. My doctor and nurse practitioner are also going to see if my radiation can be moved to Metrowest Medical Center in Framingham instead of going to Mass General every day for 6 weeks. That would make life and planning for the boys MUCH easier.
4 down, 4 more to go...
Friday, March 30, 2007
Almost Halfway There!
I had my 3rd round of chemo on Wednesday. Again, I am feeling pretty good. More tired this time but this really hasn't been as bad as I had expected it to be.
My head is cold so I have donned the bandana look for now. Easy and maintenance free. Jeffrey is waiting for the stubble to fall out so he can put some of his tattoos on my head. Hopefully he has some pretty ones in mind. Once we are at that point, I will take a picture and post it.
My head is cold so I have donned the bandana look for now. Easy and maintenance free. Jeffrey is waiting for the stubble to fall out so he can put some of his tattoos on my head. Hopefully he has some pretty ones in mind. Once we are at that point, I will take a picture and post it.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
My hair has "fallen down" as Jeffrey likes to put it. It started to really come out as clumps today so I went to my hairdresser and she shaved my head. I have a pretty nice shaped head - no lumps, weird scars, flat spots. Not too bad. I look like GI Jane or Brittany Spears for now but the stubble that is left on my head should also fall out soon. Then I will look like Daddy Warbucks or a paler version of Michael Jordan.
You know what? I think shaving my head was pretty liberating...
You know what? I think shaving my head was pretty liberating...
Thursday, March 15, 2007
2 Down...
Well, I had my second round of chemo on Wednesday. I have 6 total treatments left (2 more cycles of the Adriamycin and Cytoxan - the 2 nastier drugs; and 4 cycles of Taxol). I was worried how this round was going to be because I started to feel more tired and had a mildly upset stomach (nothing bad at all) late yesterday afternoon and evening. Today I feel better. I went into the doctor's office again today for a Neulasta injection (for my white blood cell count) and more fluids to keep me hydrated and flush everything out. I have become anemic but have started on iron pills 2 weeks ago and may also have to add a Procrit shot to my list of medications if my red blood cell count drops any lower. It's boderline for now and might just stay that way.
I was starving tonight and ate a really good dinner. I didn't really eat too well last cycle until day three or so. So far no headache either. I have something stronger to take if I get a migraine like last cycle. My hair has started to fall out. No bald spots yet but give it a week and I will look like Brittany Spears (I plan to shave my head when it starts to get patchy.) I have my wig and it's cute. A little weird to put on but I like to color (my color with more highlights) and the style (a little longer than what my hair was with layers and it's straight). Jeffrey has it on in this picture.
We will see what tomorrow brings! Hopefully more of the same!
~Anne
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Day 2 Not so Good
After a great day one after treatment, day 2 (Friday) proved to be more of a challenge. I ended up with one of the worst headaches I have ever had which sent me to bed from 12:30pm Friday until 7:00am Saturday. My stomach felt okay but this headache knocked me down. It might have been triggered by the anti-nausea medication I was taking. I will bring this up at my next doctor's appointment on Wednesday. I also got an injection (Neulasta) which helps boost my white blood cell count. The side effects from this aren't so nice either. When it starts to kick in, the long bones (thighs, arms), rib cage, and joints can get achy. It felt like the flu on steriods. My rib cage is what bothered me the most - I felt like I was getting squeezed every so often. I really can't complain though. I had visions that this would be so much worse. Pain is temporary and what is the alternative really? I will be asking for some help on Fridays (and probably a couple of hours on Thursdays) so that someone will be here with the boys (and me) if I need to go take a nap, lay down, etc.
I have cut my hair short in anticipation that it will start to fall out this week or next so there will be less of a mess when it does. Jeffrey likes it and keeps asking me when my hair is going to "fall down." He has been so cute through this. He takes great pride in taking care of me. He brings me drinks when I need them and makes sure I take my pills (not at the right times but his persistence won't let me forget). He is taking good care of me. The snuggles from him and Collin are quite possibly the best remedy for my aches and pains.
I am tired but good. Even that is getting better each day. I was able to go coach my 6 hour swim meet yesterday - only one day after my bad day. Hopefully this is as worse as it gets. I can do this.
~Anne
I have cut my hair short in anticipation that it will start to fall out this week or next so there will be less of a mess when it does. Jeffrey likes it and keeps asking me when my hair is going to "fall down." He has been so cute through this. He takes great pride in taking care of me. He brings me drinks when I need them and makes sure I take my pills (not at the right times but his persistence won't let me forget). He is taking good care of me. The snuggles from him and Collin are quite possibly the best remedy for my aches and pains.
I am tired but good. Even that is getting better each day. I was able to go coach my 6 hour swim meet yesterday - only one day after my bad day. Hopefully this is as worse as it gets. I can do this.
~Anne
Thursday, March 1, 2007
So far so good.
Well, last night and today I have felt pretty good. When I woke up this morning I felt like I had a mild hangover. A headache and slight queasy stomach. The stomach part went away after I had something to eat and if I have something in my stomach I feel good. I went in to the doctor's again today just to check in with the nurse practitioner and get IV fluids and a Neulasta injection that will help boost my white blood cell count. The nurse practitioner said that my scalp may start to hurt/tingle/itch as early as sometime next week and my hair will start to fall out. I am going tomorrow morning to cut my hair shorter so it will be less messy for when it does start to "fall down" - as Jeffrey puts it. I am going to pick out a hair piece (aka, wig) on March 10th and hopefully I can trade up to a better hairstyle than what I have now.
Everyone at the doctor's office is so great. They make it so comfortable there and even though you are there for a pretty crappy reason, the atmosphere is extremely upbeat and relaxed. The weird thing is that I am enjoying my time there (for now). It is making me take time for me. When I am hooked up to the IV, I have nowhere else I need to be or nothing else I need to be doing. Amanda went with me yester and Jeff (thank you to both of you) went with me today. We could actually have adult conversation with no interuptions from any children needing anything.
Next week I go just for a doctor check-in and bloodwork. Chemo will be again the following week.
'til next time...
~Anne
Everyone at the doctor's office is so great. They make it so comfortable there and even though you are there for a pretty crappy reason, the atmosphere is extremely upbeat and relaxed. The weird thing is that I am enjoying my time there (for now). It is making me take time for me. When I am hooked up to the IV, I have nowhere else I need to be or nothing else I need to be doing. Amanda went with me yester and Jeff (thank you to both of you) went with me today. We could actually have adult conversation with no interuptions from any children needing anything.
Next week I go just for a doctor check-in and bloodwork. Chemo will be again the following week.
'til next time...
~Anne
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Let the Treatment Begin...
I met with my oncologist today. I will have chemotherapy as a part of my treatment plan. Here is how it will work. The first part of the treatment will consist of 2 different chemotherapy drugs - Cytoxan and Adriamycin (not sure if I am spelling this one correctly). I will go in for treatment once every 2 weeks for 4 cycles. Each of these treatments will last about 2 hours. I will then have to go in the next day for an injection to help boost my white blood cell count and IV fluids to stay hydrated. The next week I will have an appointment to have blood work done and see the doctor.
The side effects from these two drugs seem pretty standard. Nausea and vomitting are the 2 biggies along with lower white and red blood cell counts and fatigue. I will be taking many different anti-nausea medications to help with this. The doctor and nurse said that these medications work well and can be adjusted if I need them to be. The worst I will feel at each cycle will be 2-3 days after the treatment. The nurse kept stressing that everyone reacts differently to each medication and that I won't really know how I will react until I go through the first cycle. Hair loss is another side effect that can't be avoided and usually starts after the second treatment. Oh well. Maybe I can get the hair I have always wanted. I have also wondered what my bald head really looks like. Hopefully I won't look too much like an alien. I am going to get a wig just in case I want it. Who knows.
The other half of my treatment will be with the drug, Taxol. This will be given once every 3 weeks for 4 cycles. (Add up all of the cycles and we are looking at the end of July to wrap this part all up.) Taxol has fewer side effects but each appointment will last 5-6 hours. It takes 3 hours alone for the IV bag to infuse. Nausea isn't as bad but I could develop numbness in my fingers and toes and mouth sores. Fatigue will still be a factor though.
None of the side effects kick in until the first couple of days following the treatment day. I do not have to get a ride to each treatment but it might be nice to have company at each one. I am one of the youngest patients there. Jeff and I walked into the waiting room today and I was the youngest by about 25 years.
After the chemo is done (around the end of July if I don't have to postpone any treatments due to illness, etc.) and I will wait a month and then go into my radiation treatment. This will be everyday for 6 weeks. Add that on and we are now talking mid-October before all is said and done.
I can't look that far ahead or the treatments seem endless. I'll take them one at a time and check them off as I go.
My first cycle will start on Wednesday, February 28th.
Until next time...
~Anne
The side effects from these two drugs seem pretty standard. Nausea and vomitting are the 2 biggies along with lower white and red blood cell counts and fatigue. I will be taking many different anti-nausea medications to help with this. The doctor and nurse said that these medications work well and can be adjusted if I need them to be. The worst I will feel at each cycle will be 2-3 days after the treatment. The nurse kept stressing that everyone reacts differently to each medication and that I won't really know how I will react until I go through the first cycle. Hair loss is another side effect that can't be avoided and usually starts after the second treatment. Oh well. Maybe I can get the hair I have always wanted. I have also wondered what my bald head really looks like. Hopefully I won't look too much like an alien. I am going to get a wig just in case I want it. Who knows.
The other half of my treatment will be with the drug, Taxol. This will be given once every 3 weeks for 4 cycles. (Add up all of the cycles and we are looking at the end of July to wrap this part all up.) Taxol has fewer side effects but each appointment will last 5-6 hours. It takes 3 hours alone for the IV bag to infuse. Nausea isn't as bad but I could develop numbness in my fingers and toes and mouth sores. Fatigue will still be a factor though.
None of the side effects kick in until the first couple of days following the treatment day. I do not have to get a ride to each treatment but it might be nice to have company at each one. I am one of the youngest patients there. Jeff and I walked into the waiting room today and I was the youngest by about 25 years.
After the chemo is done (around the end of July if I don't have to postpone any treatments due to illness, etc.) and I will wait a month and then go into my radiation treatment. This will be everyday for 6 weeks. Add that on and we are now talking mid-October before all is said and done.
I can't look that far ahead or the treatments seem endless. I'll take them one at a time and check them off as I go.
My first cycle will start on Wednesday, February 28th.
Until next time...
~Anne
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Chemotherapy
I met with the Medical Oncologist yesterday. From the looks of it, I will need chemotherapy. He has ordered one more test to be done for the pathology report that should be available in 7 - 10 days. It tests for certain kind of receptor (HER2/neu) on the tumor cells that if it's there tells the cells to multiply faster. The preliminary testing for it is negative but he wants to be sure. If it's positive it just means that the tumor and those cells could reproduce faster. That would in turn mean some different types of drugs would be used in my chemo treatments.
This whole thing is fascinating and the more I read about it the more I am understanding the particulars of my type of tumor. They can learn so much from such a little sample of tissue. I wish I paid better attention in science class now...
The doctor did not really get into what drugs would be used and the schedule of the course of chemo. That will be determined at my next appointment in 2 weeks. I did ask for a rough idea so I can start to find babysitters, etc. He said most likely it would start in 2 - 4 weeks. I would have treatments every 2 weeks for 8 sessions (about 4 months). In between weeks I would have to go for blood tests. Radiation wouldn't start until chemo was over. Sounds like a lot but again, I will do what I have to do...
This whole thing is fascinating and the more I read about it the more I am understanding the particulars of my type of tumor. They can learn so much from such a little sample of tissue. I wish I paid better attention in science class now...
The doctor did not really get into what drugs would be used and the schedule of the course of chemo. That will be determined at my next appointment in 2 weeks. I did ask for a rough idea so I can start to find babysitters, etc. He said most likely it would start in 2 - 4 weeks. I would have treatments every 2 weeks for 8 sessions (about 4 months). In between weeks I would have to go for blood tests. Radiation wouldn't start until chemo was over. Sounds like a lot but again, I will do what I have to do...
Friday, February 2, 2007
Good News!
Well, I met with my surgeon this morning. The pathology report came back with no evidence of any cancer in the lymph nodes!!! That is the best news and the part I was most nervous about. The final report is still not complete from the tissue surrounding the tumor they removed. They sent the tissue samples off to Mass General again to have more complex slides made. The Newton-Wellesley pathologist is still leaning towards the tissue being a type of metaplasia versus a sarcoma (a bad type of cancer that originates in bone, fat, or connective tissue) like the original pathology a few weeks back suspected. The tumor removed was the Ductal Carcinoma In Situ that became invasive. No surprises there. So my cancer is a Stage I which is the best place to be other than cancer-free.
My next step is to meet with the radiation oncologist (next Wednesday morning) and the medical oncologist (sometime next week) to go over the plan. Radiation is a definite but chemotherapy is a question mark still. It depends again on the finalized pathology report. Nothing will start for at least a month because I need to be totally healed from the surgery first. I am also awaiting the results of the genetic testing. Those results may further add pieces to my plan.
That is all for now. A BIG THANK YOU to all who contributed to my fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days. I told my surgeon that in three days, we have raised almost $1,000!!! He was very impressed about how I wanted to take this negative experience and turn it into a positive one.
Hope to talk to you all soon!
Take care,
Anne
My next step is to meet with the radiation oncologist (next Wednesday morning) and the medical oncologist (sometime next week) to go over the plan. Radiation is a definite but chemotherapy is a question mark still. It depends again on the finalized pathology report. Nothing will start for at least a month because I need to be totally healed from the surgery first. I am also awaiting the results of the genetic testing. Those results may further add pieces to my plan.
That is all for now. A BIG THANK YOU to all who contributed to my fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days. I told my surgeon that in three days, we have raised almost $1,000!!! He was very impressed about how I wanted to take this negative experience and turn it into a positive one.
Hope to talk to you all soon!
Take care,
Anne
Monday, January 29, 2007
Hey ladies - Make a date with yourself (the beginning of a new month is an easy time to remember) to check your breasts. Go ahead, touch yourself!
From the American Cancer Society...
"Breast awareness and breast self-exam (BSE): BSE is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women should be told about the benefits and limitations of BSE. Women should report any changes in how their breasts look or feel to their health professional right away.
If you decide to do BSE, you should have your doctor or nurse check your method to make sure you are doing it right. If you do BSE on a regular basis, you get to know how your breasts normally look and feel. Then you can more easily notice changes. But it’s OK not to do BSE or not to do it on a fixed schedule.
The most important thing is to see your doctor right away if you notice any of these changes: a lump or swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, nipple pain or the nipple turning inward, redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin, or a discharge other than breast milk. But remember that most of the time these breast changes are not cancer."
If I didn't do this then I don't know what would be in store for me down the road. Who would think that at my age I would have to worry about something like this??? If you know your body well, then you will be able to better notice any changes that happen to it.
So make a date with yourself and have fun!
~Anne
From the American Cancer Society...
"Breast awareness and breast self-exam (BSE): BSE is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women should be told about the benefits and limitations of BSE. Women should report any changes in how their breasts look or feel to their health professional right away.
If you decide to do BSE, you should have your doctor or nurse check your method to make sure you are doing it right. If you do BSE on a regular basis, you get to know how your breasts normally look and feel. Then you can more easily notice changes. But it’s OK not to do BSE or not to do it on a fixed schedule.
The most important thing is to see your doctor right away if you notice any of these changes: a lump or swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, nipple pain or the nipple turning inward, redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin, or a discharge other than breast milk. But remember that most of the time these breast changes are not cancer."
If I didn't do this then I don't know what would be in store for me down the road. Who would think that at my age I would have to worry about something like this??? If you know your body well, then you will be able to better notice any changes that happen to it.
So make a date with yourself and have fun!
~Anne
American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days
Hi,
Because I want to use my experience in a positive way, I became a coordinator for the American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days. Please visit www.cancer.org or my personal page http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?px=1898814&pg=personal&fr_id=2825&et=eoEqLkOUtJJjTB7APgRdUw..&s_tafId=64071 about this event for more information.
With your help, my goal is to raise $500 for the American Cancer Society through this event. You can celebrate spring and help save lives by making a donation for Daffodil Days items. All donations from Daffodil Days will support the American Cancer Society's efforts to fund groundbreaking cancer research, provide up-to-date cancer information and education, advocate for public health policies that benefit the community, and offer free services that improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Please visit my personal Web site to learn more about my story, about this campaign, and to donate to Daffodil Days. Items include fresh-cut daffodils, e-cards, a collectible Daffodil Days Boyds' Bear, and anonymous Gifts of Hope -- daffodil bouquets delivered to cancer patients to brighten their day. All items that are ordered will be shipped to me mid-March. I will then deliver the items as soon as possible.
Thanks for your support!!!
~Anne
Because I want to use my experience in a positive way, I became a coordinator for the American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days. Please visit www.cancer.org or my personal page http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?px=1898814&pg=personal&fr_id=2825&et=eoEqLkOUtJJjTB7APgRdUw..&s_tafId=64071 about this event for more information.
With your help, my goal is to raise $500 for the American Cancer Society through this event. You can celebrate spring and help save lives by making a donation for Daffodil Days items. All donations from Daffodil Days will support the American Cancer Society's efforts to fund groundbreaking cancer research, provide up-to-date cancer information and education, advocate for public health policies that benefit the community, and offer free services that improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Please visit my personal Web site to learn more about my story, about this campaign, and to donate to Daffodil Days. Items include fresh-cut daffodils, e-cards, a collectible Daffodil Days Boyds' Bear, and anonymous Gifts of Hope -- daffodil bouquets delivered to cancer patients to brighten their day. All items that are ordered will be shipped to me mid-March. I will then deliver the items as soon as possible.
Thanks for your support!!!
~Anne
Thursday, January 25, 2007
My Blog
Hello,
Thank you all for all of your love and support during this difficult time. Knowing that so many people are there for me and my family is a wonderful feeling.
I have started this blog to help me communicate with all of you about what is happening with me and where I am on this journey I have found myself on. That's the way I am looking at this. It's a journey. One I certainly did not plan for or wanted but one that will only make me stronger.
I am also using this blog as a way for me to chronicle this journey so I am going to write it like a diary in some ways. It might be too much info that I put down but I want to remember all of this - good, bad, or indifferent. Feel free to add your own posts if you want and I will update this site often.
Thanks again for all of your support!!
~Anne
Thank you all for all of your love and support during this difficult time. Knowing that so many people are there for me and my family is a wonderful feeling.
I have started this blog to help me communicate with all of you about what is happening with me and where I am on this journey I have found myself on. That's the way I am looking at this. It's a journey. One I certainly did not plan for or wanted but one that will only make me stronger.
I am also using this blog as a way for me to chronicle this journey so I am going to write it like a diary in some ways. It might be too much info that I put down but I want to remember all of this - good, bad, or indifferent. Feel free to add your own posts if you want and I will update this site often.
Thanks again for all of your support!!
~Anne
My Surgery
Hi Everyone!
These past couple of weeks have seemed like months. Just knowing that there was cancer growing inside me was driving me crazy. All I wanted to do is get it out! Finally surgery day came. Yesterday (Wednesday, January 24th), I went into Newton-Wellesley and underwent a lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node removal. When I first arrived at the hospital I had to go get the mass mapped out by having a mammogram done. Then I met with Nuclear Medicine who injected the sight with a radioactive isotope. This injection then travelled to my lymph nodes and showed the surgeon which nodes were the closest to the mass and flowed to that side of my chest. The cool thing about having this injection was that I peed bright blue several times after the surgery.
Then it was surgery time. The surgery itself went extremely well - it lasted about 1 1/2 hours. My surgeon (who by the way I think is brilliant) removed the upper right quadrant of my breast. He ended up taking more out than he had originally planned because he wanted to be sure that he removed all of the diseased tissue and so that when the section was examined by pathology that it came back with clean margins (no disease around the out edges of what he removed). I also had 3 lymph nodes taken out. Upon initial examination by a pathologist in the operating room, the nodes looked clean - no apparent cancer has spread there. The doctors cannot say yet for certain that there isn't any disease there. What will happen now is that the lymph nodes will be made into a lot of slides (50-100) and every single cell will be looked at. This way, they will be able to find out if there is just one cancer cell there. If something is found, I will have to go back in for more surgery to have the remainder of the lymph nodes under my right arm taken out.
I had to stay over last night at the hospital because the surgeon removed more than he originally thought he was going to so he had to put a drain in the wound to help relieve swelling, pressure, etc.
So for now, things are going well. The next step for me is to recover from the surgery. I meet again with the surgeon next Friday (February 2nd) for a follow-up and to go over the final pathology reports. These reports will then tell me and my doctors what the next steps will be. If there is no evidence of cancer in the lymph nodes and the margins of the mass the surgeon removed comes back clean, I will definitely have 6 weeks of radiation (every day for those 6 weeks). If there is more evidence of cancer in the margins, I will have more breast tissue removed. If there is evidence of cancer cells in the lymph nodes, I will have all my lymph nodes removed and will probably have chemotherapy. One thing at a time. Like I said before nothing is decided until the reports all come back and I meet with the surgeon and oncologist.
I am feeling really good right now. I am a little sore and stiff and can't go out and do anything crazy but I am good.
Thank you all again for all of your love and support!!!!
~Anne
These past couple of weeks have seemed like months. Just knowing that there was cancer growing inside me was driving me crazy. All I wanted to do is get it out! Finally surgery day came. Yesterday (Wednesday, January 24th), I went into Newton-Wellesley and underwent a lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node removal. When I first arrived at the hospital I had to go get the mass mapped out by having a mammogram done. Then I met with Nuclear Medicine who injected the sight with a radioactive isotope. This injection then travelled to my lymph nodes and showed the surgeon which nodes were the closest to the mass and flowed to that side of my chest. The cool thing about having this injection was that I peed bright blue several times after the surgery.
Then it was surgery time. The surgery itself went extremely well - it lasted about 1 1/2 hours. My surgeon (who by the way I think is brilliant) removed the upper right quadrant of my breast. He ended up taking more out than he had originally planned because he wanted to be sure that he removed all of the diseased tissue and so that when the section was examined by pathology that it came back with clean margins (no disease around the out edges of what he removed). I also had 3 lymph nodes taken out. Upon initial examination by a pathologist in the operating room, the nodes looked clean - no apparent cancer has spread there. The doctors cannot say yet for certain that there isn't any disease there. What will happen now is that the lymph nodes will be made into a lot of slides (50-100) and every single cell will be looked at. This way, they will be able to find out if there is just one cancer cell there. If something is found, I will have to go back in for more surgery to have the remainder of the lymph nodes under my right arm taken out.
I had to stay over last night at the hospital because the surgeon removed more than he originally thought he was going to so he had to put a drain in the wound to help relieve swelling, pressure, etc.
So for now, things are going well. The next step for me is to recover from the surgery. I meet again with the surgeon next Friday (February 2nd) for a follow-up and to go over the final pathology reports. These reports will then tell me and my doctors what the next steps will be. If there is no evidence of cancer in the lymph nodes and the margins of the mass the surgeon removed comes back clean, I will definitely have 6 weeks of radiation (every day for those 6 weeks). If there is more evidence of cancer in the margins, I will have more breast tissue removed. If there is evidence of cancer cells in the lymph nodes, I will have all my lymph nodes removed and will probably have chemotherapy. One thing at a time. Like I said before nothing is decided until the reports all come back and I meet with the surgeon and oncologist.
I am feeling really good right now. I am a little sore and stiff and can't go out and do anything crazy but I am good.
Thank you all again for all of your love and support!!!!
~Anne
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)