36 posts tagged “breast cancer”
Just got back from the hospital's Outpatient Rehab for the first visit to evaluation the Lymphedema in my right arm and hand as I spoke about here. Good things is that it is considered Stage 1 and is a extremely mild case.
When I told my Oncologist that I would be getting on a plane she wanted to hurry and get me scheduled to start the therapy and get measured for a compression sleeve. The lack of stabilized cabin pressure in an airplane can cause my arm to swell tremendously because of the lack of lymph nodes under my arm. I was going to Cabo with or without a sleeve even if I had to wrap my arm in duct tape lol!
Luckily the representative that has the compression garments was onsite when I was there, so I was able to be fitted today. The evaluation took way to long due to the Therapist's computer illiteracy problems and unnecessary line of questions about my personal life. I actually think she was gay. When the woman with the compression sleeve was going over it the Therapist showed her the swelling across the top of my hand but then she continue to stroke my hand. I looked at her and she stopped - how weird is that?
I didn't know the sleeve was going to come with all that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyhoo, I got one for my arm thats beige in color - don't like it. For my hand she had one that matched my skin tone a little better. I have to wear them during the day and can remove them at night. They really are not a good look! I will be searching the internet for better looking ones. And can you believe these ugly ass things cost me $135.00! Apparently, most insurance companies don't cover them. I have 3 weeks of therapy scheduled (2 times weekly) starting after Christimas.
Cabo here I come, ugly sleeve and all!!
Had an appointment with my Oncologist bright and early this morning. I was a bit apprehensive since I knew she would be discussing the results of several test and scans I had last week. The main one being a PET scan. This test is important in determining cancer cells within the body. In my case, she basically had me do one to see if all my treatment worked - surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, and if there had been any spread of the disease.
Because cancer had spread from my breast to two lymph nodes under my right arm I have/had a higher probability for metastasis. Knowing that - I was nervous to get the results. She came into the room all smiles and immediately began to read my report. Then I heard her say "no signs of metastatic breast cancer" That means - no traces of cancer remain in my body - the treatment worked!!!
Pardon me while I do the "happy dance!"
I do have two issues that need to be investigated and treated - one is a couple of nodules on my thyroid. Dr. M isn't worried about it, just wants me to have a Specialist check it out.
The other is a mild case of Lymphedema in my right arm. This is due to the 18 lymph nodes removed from my armpit area. She is going to have me do some therapy for that and get fitted for a compression sleeve.
Ya know, things could have been a LOT worse! I can "deal" with these issues which I consider minor in comparison to what it could have been. I'm happy to NOT have cancer! I'm blessed!
Had the Radiology consultation yesterday morning. My Radiation Oncologist is a male which is strange considering my Radiologist, Breast Cancer Surgeon and Medical Oncologist have all been females. Dr. S seems like he will be nice to work with and my Oncologist Nurse gave him high reviews. After speaking with Dr.S I had to prepare for the treatment - the doctor and Physicist had to figure out the best position for my body to lay for the treatment. It took about an hour to do the "markings" They drew lines with a marker all over my breast area and side to target where the machine would focus my dose of radiation. After the markings were made, a CT scan of my body was taken.
I was instructed not to wash off the markings. They used a permanent marker, which they said would fade over time, but avoid scrubbing them when bathing. Washing them off would require that I go through to simulation process all over again. Why did I shower this morning, totally forgetting that they were there because I was half asleep and washed two of them off already? They put clear tape on the very important marks - so hopefully I'm good.
First treatment is on Monday and will be daily except for the weekends for the next 6.5 weeks. The process is only about 30 minutes, the actual treatment they say is only about 5 minutes. Dr. S., said the side effects are nothing like chemo - fatigue and possibly some skin irritation or blistering which would more than likely occur toward the end of the 6 1/2 weeks.
I'm happy to get this phase of my treatment started, just so I can be finished with it. I'm really ready to get back to my normal life, I'm looking forward to not have to think about cancer on the daily bases.
In other news...
- In observation of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Oct 1st I went Pink for October here on Vox and my personal blog.
- I've been trying to get out a bit, since I've been feeling pretty good lately - went to the Oktoberfest a couple of weeks ago and the Texas State Fair twice! I still can't eat like I use to, but I did have a few of my favorite treats.
- Finally saw Lakeview Terrace. I was highly disappointed it was very slow and predictable. I did something I never do during a movie - went to the bathroom and the snack bar and took my time as I was in no hurry to get back to the movie.
- I joined the movement to go beyond the cure by joining the Army of Women.
- Work has been extremely busy, I've received three new accounts in the last couple of days. It does help the days go faster... but damn they need to slow it down.
- Decided I will definitely be going on vacation the week of Christmas. I need a vacation from everything :) I looked into cruises, but they are too expensive for 7 days with only 6 - 8 hours spent at 2 or 3 destinations and the other days at sea. I don't think I can appreciate anywhere in 6-8 hours. My options are Puerto Rico, Buenos Aires, Puerto Vallarta or Acapulco. Any suggestions?
- I'm glad Fall is finally here, I'm enjoying the cool weather. I have some new argyle sweaters I can't wait to wear.
That's all I have for now.
In the spirit of breast cancer awareness month I sent an email to my family and friends. Then I thought about it - I consider some of the folks in my neighborhood to be my friends. Many of you have sent your positive vibes, blessings, encouraging comments and concerns since I began chronicling my experience with breast cancer back in March immediately following the diagnoses. How could I NOT consider you friends?
I'm certain bits and pieces of the letter are familiar to you as I have communicated most things I have learned and went through in this journey right here on Vox.
The letter to my friends:
"You are receiving this email because you are a family member or someone I consider to be a friend. As many are aware October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month! This year has a different meaning for me being diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. I don’t consider myself a “survivor” yet as I’m still in treatment. I’m “surviving!” It has been a challenging past six months for me, without my family and friends support I know I wouldn’t have made it this far. Even though I have no hair, no eyebrows, dark nails and have lost weight just to name a few side affects from treatment I feel VERY BLESSED!
It was March 2008, most things were right in my world. I was planning to go to the “Big Easy” to celebrate my 42nd birthday. I felt a lump in my right breast when my hand grazed the top of it while pulling a t-shirt over my head. I had my yearly Well Woman visit scheduled for later in the month, so I figured I would bring it to my doctor’s attention. Didn’t think much of it, so I headed to New Orleans and had a wonderful time. Upon my return, I went for my yearly check up – my doctor agreed, the lump felt odd. I had two abnormal mammograms in past years that didn't amount to anything I needed to be concerned with, so I naturally thought this was the case with the recent finding.
My doctor sent me for a diagnostic mammogram. The Radiologist said the lump was "suspicious" and scheduled me for a biopsy the next week. On March 28th I was told the words no woman should ever hear - "I’m sorry but you have breast cancer."
Specifics about my breast cancer:
It is Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) - In situ (noninvasive) breast cancer refers to cancer in which the cells have remained within their place of origin — they haven't spread to breast tissue around the duct or lobule. The most common type of noninvasive breast cancer is ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which is confined to the lining of the milk ducts. The abnormal cells haven't spread through the duct walls into surrounding breast tissue.
I am Hormone Receptor Negative. HER2 Positive - This gene drives production of the growth-promoting HER2 protein. About one out of every five breast cancers is HER2 positive, meaning these cancers have greater than normal amounts of the HER2 protein. These cancers tend to grow and spread more aggressively than do other cancers.
The tumor was actually pretty small being 1.9 cm. In May I had surgery, a Lumpectomy and Sentinel node biopsy to remove the tumor from my right breast and 18 Lymph Nodes from my right armpit in which two were determined cancerous. In June I had surgery for the installation for a Medi-port in my right upper chest area for the administering of the chemotherapy drugs.
My cancer was classified as Stage II, which is considered to be early detection. In this stage of breast cancer the tumor is fairly small in size but has spread to lymph nodes in the armpit OR cancer that is somewhat larger but has not spread to the lymph nodes.
My treatment regimen is 6 cycles of Chemotherapy. I received Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin every 21 days. I finished my last chemotherapy treatment on September 19th.
Although I won't be receiving any more chemotherapy drugs I will still have to return every 21 days for the next six months to be administered the drug Herceptin. Herceptin was included in my "chemo cocktail" all though it is not a chemotherapy drug. Because of the type of breast cancer I have I must have this treatment for a full year.
It is a monoclonal antibody that is a type of biological therapy. Herceptin only works on breast cancer patients with high levels of the protein HER2 such as I have. This prevents the cancer cells from multiplying and growing.
Next up for me is Radiation Therapy. In which I will have to go for treatment everyday for 61/2 weeks. I will be meeting with the Radiologist Oncologist in the next 2-3 weeks for my Radiation consultation - treatment will begin some time in October.
My life has not been the same since March 28th 2008. But, I think this experience will make me a better person and help me view and live my life differently. I’m hoping my experience can help someone else. PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE, women do a monthly self-breast exam. Don’t wait until you are 40 to have a mammogram – if you suspect something is wrong, or have a family history of breast cancer request one, even if your doctor says you are too young or doesn’t feel you need one. And remember, men get breast cancer too! Men, encourage the women in your life to check their breast regularly. I wouldn’t wish this disease on my worst enemy! I will be walking in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on October 18th wish me luck!
Every hour 5 women die from breast cancer and 20 women will be told, “you have breast cancer.”
Thank you for your continued support through this battle Vox family!
Voluntary poisoning at it's finest.
In the words of Kool & The Gang, "Celeeeeebration time... come on!" Let's celebrate!
Today was a great day, it was my last chemotherapy treatment.
My closest friends and family were there to support - brother K, friend L, partner C and daughter T! My brother brought me balloons and a fabulously delicious, super moist lemon pound cake. At the end of my treatment the infusion nurses gathered together and threw confetti and presented me with a certificate of completion - super cool!
Although I won't be receiving any more chemotherapy drugs I will still have to return every 21 days for the next six months to the infusion room to be administered the drug Herceptin. Herceptin was included in my "chem cocktail" all though it is not a chemotherapy drug. Because of the type of breast cancer I have I must have this treatment for a full year.
It is a monoclonal antibody which is a type of biological therapy. Herceptin only works on breast cancer patients with high levels of the protein HER2. HER2 is found on the surface of some cancer cells. The drug attaches itself to the HER2 protein and stops epidermal growth factor from reaching the cancer cells. This prevents the cancer cells from multiplying and growing.
I will be meeting with the Radiologist Oncologist in the next 2-3 weeks for my Radiation consultation - treatment will begin some time in October - every day for 6.5 weeks - eek!
Better enjoy my weekend - because I know I will feel like crap next week!
Getting closer to the finish line.
its a big deal for me! Really, it is!
In the past, I would blare my music while I danced around my room and made up my bed. I would crank it a little higher so that when I showered I could hear it - which lead to dancing in the shower while I lathered up and rinsed off.
Since the breast cancer diagnosis the dancing started to dwindle, after surgeries, dealing with chemotherapy and not feeling good a lot of the time I don't remember the last time I danced in the shower. I had a rough week last week following treatment. I'm on the rebound this week and for the last two days I have felt really good.
In preparing to get dressed this morning, I thought about playing some music for the first time in months. I started iTunes up on my Mac Mini and instinctively started to dance around the room. Started the shower, and when I got in I started dancing. This is my body, mind and spirit telling me - "I feel great today!"
I have one chemo treatment left on Sept 19th, now that is something to dance about!
Now, if my eyebrows would just grow back lol!
A Biden Refresher
Obama's choice for VP is a familiar name for anyone following politics, but the specific health care policies he supports are less familiar. Fortunately, Senator Biden has a long track record, so we can see for ourselves what kind of leader he could be in the fight to eradicate breast cancer.
Every year the National Breast Cancer Coalition selects legislative priorities that will make significant and meaningful progress toward our goal of ending this disease. We then create a Congressional Record of Support, which specifically describes the actions we asked Members of Congress to take on each priority. In some cases, that is a vote, in others it is signing on to a letter or a piece of legislation.
So, how did Senator Biden do?
- Biden has been a consistent supporter of the Department of Defense peer-reviewed Breast Cancer Research Program.
- Biden supported the enactment of the Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act which- had it passed- would have established a national strategy for investigating the impact of environmental factors on the development of breast cancer; and
- Biden has consistently supported the Medicaid Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program, which provides Medicaid coverage to low-income, uninsured women screened and diagnosed with breast cancer through a federal program.
Source: www.stopbreastcancer.org
In my quest to learn more about Biden, discovering his stance in the fight against Breast Cancer was a pleasant surprise!
Voluntary poisoning at it's finest.
* I had Dr. M write me a perscription for the hot flashes that have become increasingly worse over the last few days. She said that the chemotherapy suppresses ovary functions and as a result kicks in menopause symptoms - hot flashes, absence of menstruation etc. She said because I'm still young, my ovaries are "robust" therefore menstruation "might," return. Hope not.
* As usual she checked my finger and toenails for thinning and cracking and disengagement from the nail bed. Other than the darkening, I'm good.
* I've been having a very odd extremely warm sensation on the top of my right ankle. I would describe it as if someone sat a coffee cup on top of my ankle. No pain, just sporadic warmness. Dr. M, said its an affect to the nerves in that area - of course its from the chemo.
* I asked about taking some supplements - specifically Vitamins A & D to improve bone density as it relates to breast cancer. She said yes, but it must be after all treatment is completed. I forgot why.
* The nurse didn't receive the report from my last EKG to check how my heart was doing, so she asked me to go over to the Nuclear Medicine department where I took the last test back in July to see if they could locate it because she had called and they only had the May test results. So, I went over to the main hospital, to EKG administration. They were able to pull it up and said they would fax it over to D. M's office. The nurse called me later this afternoon to tell me they did the wrong test - should have been an echocardiogram not an EKG so I have to get an echo sometime next week - bummer
* My brother and C helped me kill the time today, which was way cool ;)
* I expect the side effect drama to kick in sometime Sunday night or Monday, so I best enjoy my weekend. I'm off Monday, so hopefully I won't feel to bad.
* Running tab for cost of care for my breast cancer. Since diagnosis at the end of March 08, claims totaling $187,000.00 submitted to insurance. And of course this does not include the treatment on Friday, which is typically $23K - 25K. I am blessed to be insured. Hopefully Obama will come through for those less fortunate in regards to healthcare!
Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day
What is Chemo Brain?
The phrase "chemo brain" has come to be used by cancer survivors to describe changes in memory, attention, concentration, and abilities to perform various mental tasks that are associated with receiving chemotherapy treatments for cancer.
In medical jargon the effects of chemo brain are referred to as cognitive deficits or declining neuropsychological functioning. In recent years more focus has been placed on this phenomena as a side effect of chemotherapy.
Recent Yahoo Chat
C: I know you went to the store last night, but if you forgot something, let me know and I'll bring it.
or we can just go back to Walmart...or Target
Hopluv: ok, I did forget some stuff
but don't my have thoughts about it together right now
C: oh ok. are you ok
Hopluv: yea I'm ok
I try to remember stuff then I forget and can't remember what I wanted to remember if that makes sense
C: yes it does, and you just made it funny lol
Hopluv: lol
More on chemo brain
Unfortunately, I've noticed this side effect rearing its ugly head as I've experienced some difficulty remember the simplest things and have a lot of things on the tip of tongue but unable to spit it out. I've read it gets better after the treatments stop, but the memory won't be restored to what it was before chemotherapy. Bummer... so now I'm blind as a bat and can't remember shit! Great!
Voluntary poisoning at it's finest.
- Since I forgot to snap a picture yesterday in the Infusion Room, did one just now with PhotoBooth. C and I are at Buli's Coffee Shop at the moment having lunch and sucking up the free WiFi.
- The treatment went well yesterday, I got sleepier than normal but couldn't settle down enough to really take a nap. My brother came, my friends J and C of course were there for support keeping me company. It makes the time (5 hours) fly by quickly to laugh and talk with them. Thanks guys!
- My Oncologist is on vacay this week, so I knew I wouldn't be meeting with her yesterday. However, I did meet with her nurse, who I really like. She is a sweetheart. I ran a few issues by her that I was experiencing since the treatment before last. I've noticed a dramatic change in my vision! When using the computer, and trying to read text it is extremely blurry. I have prescribed glasses (the ones in the pic above) for reading, but never wore them much before now because I didn't need them too often. I now have to wear them daily in order to see! After researching it I found that there is a connection between vision problems and chemotherapy. I almost made an appointment to see the Optometrist, but now am glad I waited. The nurse said don't bother about having my eyes checked or changing my lens because it will do no good while I'm in treatment. She also confirmed that the vision problems were being caused by the chemotherapy. The other issue I talked with her about was a recurring "fluttering" around my heart and different places in my body. Its a very strange feeling. Did some research on this too, others undergoing chemotherapy have reported having this issue too and found it was related to Herceptin. Herceptin is one of the drugs in my chemo cocktail. The Oncologist Nurse confirmed the same. She said if it was bothersome she could prescribe something for it. I'm on enough drugs at the moment, so decided against that. As long as I don't have to worry about having a heart attack I can deal with it for now. She said "you look very good!" in fact everyone says that! So, hope they are not pulling my leg and I actually look like shit :)
- The taping for Gilda's Club was today. I almost, almost cancelled because I woke up not feeling so great. I pulled myself together and went ahead anyway, since I had made the commitment. I was a bit nervous, basically not knowing what to expect and the questions I would be asked. C sat in with me off camera, which relaxed me somewhat with her being in the room. The interviewer was a Fox News Medical Reporter, he was cool, made me feel very comfortable talking about my experience with Breast Cancer. He asked questions but it was more conversational than anything. At the end he said I did really well, C said I did too. I will be able to view the finished product on October 15th at a fundraiser luncheon. Club members are not normally invited to these, but I will receive a VIP invitation because of my participation in the project.
- Don't know if you can tell in the picture above but I'm starting to lose my eyebrows - the ends are gone and whats left is thinning out. Ain't that some shit?
- Oh, I asked the nurse about the weight loss - she didn't think it was enough to worry about. I'm almost 20lbs down.
- I remember thinking/saying before chemo started that I challenge chemo to take away my appetite because as much as I love food and eating didn't think it could happen. Well it did, chemo won! Eating is a serious chore for me. Most of the food is bland which makes me not want to eat and I really just don't think about eating. When I am hungry, I can typically only take a few bites and that's it - done! Suxs.
- Sweets tend to be flavorable for me though which is odd. Yesterday, during treatment, a man came around with a box of cupcakes. I picked a chocolate one with green icing and chocolate sprinkles - it was wonderful! I tasted the flavor in the cake part and the icing! I think I could have eaten two :)
- 2 more treatments left - yeah! Then I wait three weeks and start Radiation. Not overjoyed about doing that every freakin day for 6 weeks - whatevs.
