Okay...so in my last post I described my radiation treatments as relaxing. Well, unfortunately this is no longer the case.
Let's just say that my armpit is not a happy camper :(. The skin started to breakdown/peel away about a week ago and it has become quite painful. It looks like something you would see on a 3rd degree burn victim. The day-to-day pain is somewhat tolerable. However, when I get into my treatment position (which involves extending my arms above my head) and holding it, it feels like my armpit is being stabbed with a hot poker.
My three radiation therapists, Dane, Alicia and Jenny are very empathetic and work as quickly as they can to get me in position and treated so that I don't have to be in excruciating pain for too long. Dane practically sprints in and out of the room to save time.
Thankfully, the rest of my skin in the treatment field (chest wall area) seems to be hanging in there. It has really started to itch though. It also looks as red as a fire truck.
I have become quite attached to my treatment team. They always greet me with a smile and make me feel as comfortable as possible. And, most importantly, we share lots of laughs even when I am in lots of pain.
While I will miss them, I can't wait to be done with treatments so that my skin can begin to heal. The time has actually gone by really fast. It's hard to believe that I have already had 25 treatments with only 8 more to go. Yay!
On another note, Young Survival Coalition (YSC) continues to be a tremendous source of support and strength for me. I can't even explain how much comfort it brings me to be involved with this organization. It has been so wonderful meeting and getting to know so many amazing fellow survivors through this group. Such a blessing!
Mike, Nick and I had a great time at YSC's annual Christmas party this past weekend and I got the red carpet treatment at a recent pampering event, where I received not one, not two, but four complimentary spa services. I felt so spoiled!
I also have to thank my fabulous mother-in-law, sisters in law and nieces for recently taking me out for a "done with chemo" celebratory dinner. You are the best!
That's all for now. Wishing you all a very, merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Snug as a bug in a rug:)
I started my radiation treatments last week, and so far so good.
In fact (I know this may sound crazy), but the treatment experience is actually a rather calming one. Yes; you enter a room with a door the size of an elephant with the words "High Radiation Area" on it, which would instinctually make a person want to head for the hills.
But once I get in the room, I'm made to feel quite comfy/cozy...like a child being tucked into bed. A warm blanket is placed over my legs. And once they get me positioned properly on the bed, they place a heavy blanket called a brass bolus (this increases the dose of radiation to the skin) over my chest. I call it "my bling" :).
Once they have me tucked in as "snug as a bug in a rug:)," my three radiation therapists leave the room and I lay still while enjoying the music of Norah Jones or Green Day (I prefer the latter!) and staring at the lit up beach scene - palm trees and all - on the ceiling. Just a couple minutes later, I am sent on my way.
I drive to SCCA every day, except weekends and holiday, to get my treatments. I will be getting 33 treatments in all, with my last one on December 21. While the 1 hour drive (roundtrip) isn't ideal, I have to admit it's nice to have an excuse to be in the city everyday especially around the holidays.
My daily treatments unfortunately haven't allowed me to do any substitute teaching jobs during the last couple weeks...but I am hoping to pick up some half day jobs here and there before winter break.
In other news, my hair is really starting to come in now. Yay! It's been so nice not having to wear a hat all the time. And my eyelashes are making a comeback as well. You can't really see them yet, but there are a bunch of baby ones sprouting up :).
Well...that's all for now. Hoping you are all enjoying your fall and wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
In fact (I know this may sound crazy), but the treatment experience is actually a rather calming one. Yes; you enter a room with a door the size of an elephant with the words "High Radiation Area" on it, which would instinctually make a person want to head for the hills.
But once I get in the room, I'm made to feel quite comfy/cozy...like a child being tucked into bed. A warm blanket is placed over my legs. And once they get me positioned properly on the bed, they place a heavy blanket called a brass bolus (this increases the dose of radiation to the skin) over my chest. I call it "my bling" :).
Once they have me tucked in as "snug as a bug in a rug:)," my three radiation therapists leave the room and I lay still while enjoying the music of Norah Jones or Green Day (I prefer the latter!) and staring at the lit up beach scene - palm trees and all - on the ceiling. Just a couple minutes later, I am sent on my way.
I drive to SCCA every day, except weekends and holiday, to get my treatments. I will be getting 33 treatments in all, with my last one on December 21. While the 1 hour drive (roundtrip) isn't ideal, I have to admit it's nice to have an excuse to be in the city everyday especially around the holidays.
My daily treatments unfortunately haven't allowed me to do any substitute teaching jobs during the last couple weeks...but I am hoping to pick up some half day jobs here and there before winter break.
In other news, my hair is really starting to come in now. Yay! It's been so nice not having to wear a hat all the time. And my eyelashes are making a comeback as well. You can't really see them yet, but there are a bunch of baby ones sprouting up :).
Well...that's all for now. Hoping you are all enjoying your fall and wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Things are looking up:)
My final chemo infusion was three weeks ago today, and I am so happy to report that I am noticing a definite increase in my energy level. When I was in the middle of my chemo treatments, it made me tired just thinking about making dinner, cleaning the house or going to the store. Today, it felt great to have the stamina to run errands, do some cleaning, bake a cake and make dinner without feeling like I was going to collapse at the end of the day.
I am also loving being back substitute teaching again. It has been especially nice working again at Issaquah Valley Elementary, the school I was at for the majority of last school year doing a 2nd grade long-term assignment. Everyone there has been so wonderful and supportive since my diagnosis. I have so appreciated being welcomed back with such sweet words, smiles and hugs. It's also been great to see my former students and their parents, who I haven't seen since last April (just before my surgery).
In other news, I had my port removed last week. Woo hoo! Prior to the procedure, I couldn't help but think about what a different place I was at mentally when I had my port put in...I was just two days away from starting chemo.
I was almost giddy this time around. And I have to say that the folks at SCCA do a great job not only making you feel comfortable, but actually making it an enjoyable experience. When they rolled me into the operating room, R&B music was blasting from the speakers and the surgical team members were joking around with me. And then they gave me the IV conscious sedation drug, which I think should be renamed the "happy drug."
After the procedure, they cranked up the tunes again and then sent me off to post-op where I thoroughly enjoyed cheese and crackers and mini chocolate chip cookies. At the time, I felt like I was having the tastiest snack in the world. In fact, when the nurse said she was going to have Mike come back to see me, I said: "Ok. As long as you don't let him have any of my cookies." She brought him his own bag:).
It's looking like radiation will start the first week and November and my doctor has promised that she will do her very best to make sure my treatments are done by Christmas.
I also thought I would include a picture from the Susan G. Komen 3-Day. I am so proud of you for walking 60 miles in three days, Laur, Angela and Sheri! And I am so glad Nick and I were able to be there to cheer you on.
I am also loving being back substitute teaching again. It has been especially nice working again at Issaquah Valley Elementary, the school I was at for the majority of last school year doing a 2nd grade long-term assignment. Everyone there has been so wonderful and supportive since my diagnosis. I have so appreciated being welcomed back with such sweet words, smiles and hugs. It's also been great to see my former students and their parents, who I haven't seen since last April (just before my surgery).
In other news, I had my port removed last week. Woo hoo! Prior to the procedure, I couldn't help but think about what a different place I was at mentally when I had my port put in...I was just two days away from starting chemo.
I was almost giddy this time around. And I have to say that the folks at SCCA do a great job not only making you feel comfortable, but actually making it an enjoyable experience. When they rolled me into the operating room, R&B music was blasting from the speakers and the surgical team members were joking around with me. And then they gave me the IV conscious sedation drug, which I think should be renamed the "happy drug."
After the procedure, they cranked up the tunes again and then sent me off to post-op where I thoroughly enjoyed cheese and crackers and mini chocolate chip cookies. At the time, I felt like I was having the tastiest snack in the world. In fact, when the nurse said she was going to have Mike come back to see me, I said: "Ok. As long as you don't let him have any of my cookies." She brought him his own bag:).
It's looking like radiation will start the first week and November and my doctor has promised that she will do her very best to make sure my treatments are done by Christmas.
I also thought I would include a picture from the Susan G. Komen 3-Day. I am so proud of you for walking 60 miles in three days, Laur, Angela and Sheri! And I am so glad Nick and I were able to be there to cheer you on.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Done with Chemo:)
After five long months of chemotherapy treatments, I am happy to report that I am finally done! I think it's still sinking in that I am actually finished. Thank you to all of you for your incredible support along the way!!
I am looking forward to gaining my energy back in the weeks and months to come. I have to say I am so tired of being tired.
I will definitely be putting my stamina to the test this week as I return to substitute teaching for the first time since just before my surgery in April. I will be teaching 4/5 graders for a half day on Wednesday and 3rd graders for a full day on Friday. I am very excited to be getting back in the classroom, but am definitely nervous about making it through the school day...especially this soon after finishing chemo. But I decided to just go for it and see how I do. Wish me luck!
In a previous post, I mentioned that I had decided to get the lymphnode dissection surgery in lieu of radiation therapy. Well..after some more thought and additional conversations with all of my doctors and my dad, I have changed my mind. I will be getting radiation therapy after all. The reason: Radiation will significantly reduce the risk of recurrence on my chest wall. I feel good about this final decision and am at peace knowing that I am getting the most aggressive treatment possible. No regrets!
The plan is to start my radiation treatments in early November. I will heading across the lake to receive radiation every weekday for 4-6 weeks. I am hoping to be done before Christmas. Because of radiation's impact on my skin and tissue, I will have to wait about 6 months for reconstructive surgery.
In other news, my hair is starting to come back in, and I hope to be able start going "hatless" within the next few weeks. :) I also went to my first Young Survivor's Coalition support group meeting last week. After just one meeting, I am already hooked. What a blessing to be able to talk candidly with other women about what we are going through. Thank you to my friend, Jen, for encouraging me to go.
That's all for now:)
I am looking forward to gaining my energy back in the weeks and months to come. I have to say I am so tired of being tired.
I will definitely be putting my stamina to the test this week as I return to substitute teaching for the first time since just before my surgery in April. I will be teaching 4/5 graders for a half day on Wednesday and 3rd graders for a full day on Friday. I am very excited to be getting back in the classroom, but am definitely nervous about making it through the school day...especially this soon after finishing chemo. But I decided to just go for it and see how I do. Wish me luck!
In a previous post, I mentioned that I had decided to get the lymphnode dissection surgery in lieu of radiation therapy. Well..after some more thought and additional conversations with all of my doctors and my dad, I have changed my mind. I will be getting radiation therapy after all. The reason: Radiation will significantly reduce the risk of recurrence on my chest wall. I feel good about this final decision and am at peace knowing that I am getting the most aggressive treatment possible. No regrets!
The plan is to start my radiation treatments in early November. I will heading across the lake to receive radiation every weekday for 4-6 weeks. I am hoping to be done before Christmas. Because of radiation's impact on my skin and tissue, I will have to wait about 6 months for reconstructive surgery.
In other news, my hair is starting to come back in, and I hope to be able start going "hatless" within the next few weeks. :) I also went to my first Young Survivor's Coalition support group meeting last week. After just one meeting, I am already hooked. What a blessing to be able to talk candidly with other women about what we are going through. Thank you to my friend, Jen, for encouraging me to go.
That's all for now:)
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Cougs for Boobs:)
My sister, Laurie, along with her friends Angela and Sheri, will be walking 60 miles in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day starting tomorrow. They worked so hard (including setting up a fundraising booth at the Kingston ferrry dock) to raise more than $7,000 between the three of them.
They have also trained like crazy to get ready for what I am sure will be an inspiring and life-changing experience for each of them. I am so excited for them and I know they are more than ready to conquer the challenge of walking 20 miles a day for three consecutive days.
Thanks to a very cool phone app, I will be able to track where Laur and team are at throughout each day and I plan on bringing Nick to one of the spectator cheering sections to root them on. BTW...their team name is "Cougs for Boobs" as they are all WAZZU graduates just like me.:)
While Laur is walking tomorrow, I will be getting my 9th infusion of Taxol with only 3 more to go. Yahoo!! I am so ready to be done, but I also have to admit that I've come to enjoy my Fridays at SCCA.
I even look forward to having my port accessed (yes...with a needle!) and having my blood drawn. About 10 chemos ago, I met Thea (the blood draw nurse of my dreams:) ), and she has been accessing my port every chemo day since. She is an angel who I like to believe was sent to me by my mom herself.
She treats me like a princess! Upon my arrival, Thea reclines my chair, and carefully places a warm blanket on my lap and rolled-up warm blanket behind my neck. She usually brings me something to drink too! And then we just chat away while she gets everything ready prior to the needle poke, which only lasts a second and only hurts a little. And then we chat some more until it's time for me to head upstairs for chemo.
And then there's all of the amazing chemo nurses. My favorite nurse is Barb. She has a special place in my heart because she took care of my mom when she had her stem cell transplant and just before she died. In a strange way, having her as my nurse makes me feel closer to my mom.
So my last chemo day (Oct. 4) will definitely be a bittersweet one!
They have also trained like crazy to get ready for what I am sure will be an inspiring and life-changing experience for each of them. I am so excited for them and I know they are more than ready to conquer the challenge of walking 20 miles a day for three consecutive days.
Thanks to a very cool phone app, I will be able to track where Laur and team are at throughout each day and I plan on bringing Nick to one of the spectator cheering sections to root them on. BTW...their team name is "Cougs for Boobs" as they are all WAZZU graduates just like me.:)
While Laur is walking tomorrow, I will be getting my 9th infusion of Taxol with only 3 more to go. Yahoo!! I am so ready to be done, but I also have to admit that I've come to enjoy my Fridays at SCCA.
I even look forward to having my port accessed (yes...with a needle!) and having my blood drawn. About 10 chemos ago, I met Thea (the blood draw nurse of my dreams:) ), and she has been accessing my port every chemo day since. She is an angel who I like to believe was sent to me by my mom herself.
She treats me like a princess! Upon my arrival, Thea reclines my chair, and carefully places a warm blanket on my lap and rolled-up warm blanket behind my neck. She usually brings me something to drink too! And then we just chat away while she gets everything ready prior to the needle poke, which only lasts a second and only hurts a little. And then we chat some more until it's time for me to head upstairs for chemo.
And then there's all of the amazing chemo nurses. My favorite nurse is Barb. She has a special place in my heart because she took care of my mom when she had her stem cell transplant and just before she died. In a strange way, having her as my nurse makes me feel closer to my mom.
So my last chemo day (Oct. 4) will definitely be a bittersweet one!
Monday, August 27, 2012
6 down, 6 to go!
This past Friday, I reached the halfway mark of my last round of chemo treatments. Yay!
This particular chemo drug continues to be pretty easy on me with minimal side effects. I'm hoping to avoid the most common side effect of Taxol...numbness and/or tingling in the fingers and toes, but it may still happen any time between now and the end of my treatment.
Despite the fact that I have been going in for weekly chemo treatments, I've thankfully been able to get out and do some fun stuff this summer, including a few short out-of-town getaways and some trips to the zoo. And even on those sunny days when I have to go in for chemo, I still get to enjoy the great view of Lake Union from Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.
Even though I have become accustomed to having no hair and appreciate the time it saves me, I am definitely ready for it to grow back. It should start coming back right after I finish chemo. Can't wait! Being bald obviously draws a lot of attention from strangers and some sweet comments. Just today, a gal said to me: "I had that haircut two years ago." Meeting strong and healthy breast cancer survivors who have "been there, done that" never gets old.
Next steps...
About 1-2 months after I finish chemo, I will most likely be getting axillary lymphnode dissection surgery (vs. radiation), where they take out two layers of lymphnodes from my armpit. Since I had a tiny bit of cancer in the one node they removed during my initial breast surgery, this surgery is meant to help prevent local recurrence in any of my lymphnodes. While there are potential side effects with this surgery such as lymphedema, the preventive benefits outweigh them. I am doing everything possible to avoid going through this again.
For my final phase of treatment, I will take an anti-estrogen drug (in pill form) daily for five years. I hope to have all of my reconstructive surgery(ies) done by late this year or early next year.
That's all for now. I will try to do my next blog post sooner than later. I apologize for being such a slacker!
This particular chemo drug continues to be pretty easy on me with minimal side effects. I'm hoping to avoid the most common side effect of Taxol...numbness and/or tingling in the fingers and toes, but it may still happen any time between now and the end of my treatment.
Despite the fact that I have been going in for weekly chemo treatments, I've thankfully been able to get out and do some fun stuff this summer, including a few short out-of-town getaways and some trips to the zoo. And even on those sunny days when I have to go in for chemo, I still get to enjoy the great view of Lake Union from Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.
Even though I have become accustomed to having no hair and appreciate the time it saves me, I am definitely ready for it to grow back. It should start coming back right after I finish chemo. Can't wait! Being bald obviously draws a lot of attention from strangers and some sweet comments. Just today, a gal said to me: "I had that haircut two years ago." Meeting strong and healthy breast cancer survivors who have "been there, done that" never gets old.
Next steps...
About 1-2 months after I finish chemo, I will most likely be getting axillary lymphnode dissection surgery (vs. radiation), where they take out two layers of lymphnodes from my armpit. Since I had a tiny bit of cancer in the one node they removed during my initial breast surgery, this surgery is meant to help prevent local recurrence in any of my lymphnodes. While there are potential side effects with this surgery such as lymphedema, the preventive benefits outweigh them. I am doing everything possible to avoid going through this again.
For my final phase of treatment, I will take an anti-estrogen drug (in pill form) daily for five years. I hope to have all of my reconstructive surgery(ies) done by late this year or early next year.
That's all for now. I will try to do my next blog post sooner than later. I apologize for being such a slacker!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
2 down, 10 to go!
Yes! I am finally adding another post to my blog. I'm sorry it's been so long since my last update.
The last time I posted, I was about to get my last dose of the tough chemo...I was told that with each dose of the AC, the effects would be cumulative. And I can honestly tell you that the last dose kicked my ass...so much so that I unfortunately ended up in the hospital for a few days.
Mike took me to the ER because I had a 102-degree fever and I was admitted because my white blood cell count had plummeted to an extremely low level. After a couple days of getting antibiotics, my counts rose up to a safe level and I was discharged. The worst part of it all was dealing with the excruciatingly painful mouth sores, a common AC side effect. I had gotten the mouth sores after previous doses, but none as bad as this time around. For a good 6 or so days, it hurt to eat, talk or even swallow, which meant I was on pretty much on a liquid, very soft food diet during that time. Not fun!
My oncologist told me that I was only her second patient in five years to end up in the hospital...not exactly an honor for which I was striving:)
On a much more upbeat note, the Taxol chemo drug I am now receiving is way easier on me than the AC. I have received two of the twelve doses so far, and the side effects have been very minimal. No poor appetite/nausea or taste changes and my energy level definitely seems to be improving. Yay!
That's all for now! I hope all of you are having a fantastic summer!
The last time I posted, I was about to get my last dose of the tough chemo...I was told that with each dose of the AC, the effects would be cumulative. And I can honestly tell you that the last dose kicked my ass...so much so that I unfortunately ended up in the hospital for a few days.
Mike took me to the ER because I had a 102-degree fever and I was admitted because my white blood cell count had plummeted to an extremely low level. After a couple days of getting antibiotics, my counts rose up to a safe level and I was discharged. The worst part of it all was dealing with the excruciatingly painful mouth sores, a common AC side effect. I had gotten the mouth sores after previous doses, but none as bad as this time around. For a good 6 or so days, it hurt to eat, talk or even swallow, which meant I was on pretty much on a liquid, very soft food diet during that time. Not fun!
My oncologist told me that I was only her second patient in five years to end up in the hospital...not exactly an honor for which I was striving:)
On a much more upbeat note, the Taxol chemo drug I am now receiving is way easier on me than the AC. I have received two of the twelve doses so far, and the side effects have been very minimal. No poor appetite/nausea or taste changes and my energy level definitely seems to be improving. Yay!
That's all for now! I hope all of you are having a fantastic summer!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Light at the end of the tunnel
Okay so I had to start this blog post with part of a recent conversation I had with Nick.
Nick: "Chemo is like Nemo."
Me: "Yes. You're right. Chemo rhymes with Nemo."
Nick: "Are there turtles at Chemo?"
Good news! I am almost done with the worst part of my chemo treatment. This Thursday is my last round of the AC (adriamycin/cytoxin). And then I get a three-week break before I start my 12 weeks of taxol, another chemotherapy drug which is typically much easier on your body and is given weekly.
I feel like I am starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. I've mapped it out on the calendar and my very last chemo infusion is Oct. 5. And believe me, I will be counting down the days until then.
The last few steps in my treatment plan will include the axillary node dissection surgery (removal of two layers of lymphnodes from my armpit) and reconstructive surgery(ies).
For right now, I am looking forward to some sunshine this summer.
I'd like to end this post by thanking all of you for all of the amazing support and encouragement over the last several months. I couldn't get through this without you.
Nick: "Chemo is like Nemo."
Me: "Yes. You're right. Chemo rhymes with Nemo."
Nick: "Are there turtles at Chemo?"
Good news! I am almost done with the worst part of my chemo treatment. This Thursday is my last round of the AC (adriamycin/cytoxin). And then I get a three-week break before I start my 12 weeks of taxol, another chemotherapy drug which is typically much easier on your body and is given weekly.
I feel like I am starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. I've mapped it out on the calendar and my very last chemo infusion is Oct. 5. And believe me, I will be counting down the days until then.
The last few steps in my treatment plan will include the axillary node dissection surgery (removal of two layers of lymphnodes from my armpit) and reconstructive surgery(ies).
For right now, I am looking forward to some sunshine this summer.
I'd like to end this post by thanking all of you for all of the amazing support and encouragement over the last several months. I couldn't get through this without you.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
McDonald's French Fries...ah!
I can't remember the last time I drove to McDonald's just to order french fries. And yet, yesterday, there I was ordering one large order of fries and an iced tea at the McD's drive thru. Before that, I ate a bowl of chocolate chip mint ice cream with chocolate syrup, and yes, it was topped with whipped cream.
What can I say?! I take my doctor's (and dad's) advice quite seriously! I have lost about 10 lbs. since surgery, and I have been given the green light to eat basically anything I want or that sounds good to me. And during the days after chemo, I'm here to tell you that what sounds good to me is basically next to nothing. But yesterday...the french fries did sound somewhat appealing. And the ice cream? Do I have to explain myself on that one?
So besides the messed up appetite and fatigue, I feel like I've done pretty well with two rounds of chemo behind me.
My 2nd round was last Thursday (5/31), and the only thing I was really nervous about was the fact that they were going to have to access my port that morning at blood draw, which means I was going to have to be poked. So they gave me this numbing cream, which I religiously rubbed onto my port site 90 minutes prior to the blood draw. And guess what?!? I'd hate to know how it would have felt if I hadn't used the numbing cream. Okay...it wasn't that bad. It just felt like a bee sting and the sting went away quickly. But once I was done with that one poke, I was practically giddy, knowing I was done with needles for the day. They leave your port accessed for the chemo infusion that comes later in the day.
In my last post, I told you I was going to shave my head. Well I did it! And here's the proof:)
What can I say?! I take my doctor's (and dad's) advice quite seriously! I have lost about 10 lbs. since surgery, and I have been given the green light to eat basically anything I want or that sounds good to me. And during the days after chemo, I'm here to tell you that what sounds good to me is basically next to nothing. But yesterday...the french fries did sound somewhat appealing. And the ice cream? Do I have to explain myself on that one?
So besides the messed up appetite and fatigue, I feel like I've done pretty well with two rounds of chemo behind me.
My 2nd round was last Thursday (5/31), and the only thing I was really nervous about was the fact that they were going to have to access my port that morning at blood draw, which means I was going to have to be poked. So they gave me this numbing cream, which I religiously rubbed onto my port site 90 minutes prior to the blood draw. And guess what?!? I'd hate to know how it would have felt if I hadn't used the numbing cream. Okay...it wasn't that bad. It just felt like a bee sting and the sting went away quickly. But once I was done with that one poke, I was practically giddy, knowing I was done with needles for the day. They leave your port accessed for the chemo infusion that comes later in the day.
In my last post, I told you I was going to shave my head. Well I did it! And here's the proof:)
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Bye, bye hair!
Okay...so I have decided to go get my head shaved tomorrow. My hair hasn't started to fall out yet. However, I want to avoid the experience of finding clumps of hair on my pillow or having bunches of it come out in the shower. I've heard how traumatic it can be, especially for women, to start losing hair by the handful.
Just making the decision to shave my head has made me feel empowered. It's like I am choosing to shave my head, and not being forced to do it because my hair is falling out. It is also giving me a sense of relief that I will have one less thing to worry about when I get ready in the morning. I'm just crossing my fingers that I will have as pretty of a head as my mom did when she went through chemo.
Some of you might be wondering if I might be one of those people who defies the odds and doesn't lose her hair. Well, I have been assured by my oncologist and her nursing staff that this first round of chemo I am receiving will without question make my hair fall out. So I know I am not doing this all for not.
I have made an appointment at Shine, SCCA's salon, which has cosmotologists that provide the free service of shaving heads for people receiving the type of chemotherapy that attacks the hair follicles. They will also hopefully teach me some different scarf-tying techniques. Lord knows I will need the help!
As you know, my first chemo session was on Friday. The day was definitely a long one, but it went really smoothly. And it was so great having my big sister, Laurie, there for all the fun;) Here's how the day went: 9 a.m.- Physical therapy. 10:20 - blood draw. 11:30 - Appt. with nurse practictioner. 12 p.m -Lunch at Chandler's Cove on Lake Union (Never again! Right Laur?). 2 p.m. - Quick tour of the chemo infusion floor, which is basically when they show you where all the food is:). 2:15 p.m. - Receive IV premeds, 2:45 - chemo infusion begins. 5:30 - All done:)
The chemo infusion rooms at SCCA are called bays. I was in bay #36 and was quite impressed with the accommodations: a spacious room with an incredibly comfortable tempur-pedic bed, a nice flat screen TV, and a comfy recliner for my sis. Not all the rooms are like this one so I felt very lucky to have landed it. I also loved my chemo nurse, Michelle, and hope to get her again for some of my future infusions.
I felt fine at the end of the infusion and it really wasn't until I got home that I started to feel a little weird...kind of felt like I had a couple glasses of wine on board. Then before I went to bed that night, I started to feel a little nauseated, but not too bad (I didn't throw up! Yay!). I was able to manage the nausea with just one of the several prescription meds they sent home with me. Saturday morning, I felt like I had done a whole lot of partying the night before. And it was more of the same on Sunday and Monday. And today I'm feeling almost back to normal...just tired. However, I'm finding that if I force myself to keep active, walk etc. that definitely helps reduce my fatigue.
That's all for now...wish me luck on my head shave tomorrow:)
Just making the decision to shave my head has made me feel empowered. It's like I am choosing to shave my head, and not being forced to do it because my hair is falling out. It is also giving me a sense of relief that I will have one less thing to worry about when I get ready in the morning. I'm just crossing my fingers that I will have as pretty of a head as my mom did when she went through chemo.
Some of you might be wondering if I might be one of those people who defies the odds and doesn't lose her hair. Well, I have been assured by my oncologist and her nursing staff that this first round of chemo I am receiving will without question make my hair fall out. So I know I am not doing this all for not.
I have made an appointment at Shine, SCCA's salon, which has cosmotologists that provide the free service of shaving heads for people receiving the type of chemotherapy that attacks the hair follicles. They will also hopefully teach me some different scarf-tying techniques. Lord knows I will need the help!
As you know, my first chemo session was on Friday. The day was definitely a long one, but it went really smoothly. And it was so great having my big sister, Laurie, there for all the fun;) Here's how the day went: 9 a.m.- Physical therapy. 10:20 - blood draw. 11:30 - Appt. with nurse practictioner. 12 p.m -Lunch at Chandler's Cove on Lake Union (Never again! Right Laur?). 2 p.m. - Quick tour of the chemo infusion floor, which is basically when they show you where all the food is:). 2:15 p.m. - Receive IV premeds, 2:45 - chemo infusion begins. 5:30 - All done:)
The chemo infusion rooms at SCCA are called bays. I was in bay #36 and was quite impressed with the accommodations: a spacious room with an incredibly comfortable tempur-pedic bed, a nice flat screen TV, and a comfy recliner for my sis. Not all the rooms are like this one so I felt very lucky to have landed it. I also loved my chemo nurse, Michelle, and hope to get her again for some of my future infusions.
I felt fine at the end of the infusion and it really wasn't until I got home that I started to feel a little weird...kind of felt like I had a couple glasses of wine on board. Then before I went to bed that night, I started to feel a little nauseated, but not too bad (I didn't throw up! Yay!). I was able to manage the nausea with just one of the several prescription meds they sent home with me. Saturday morning, I felt like I had done a whole lot of partying the night before. And it was more of the same on Sunday and Monday. And today I'm feeling almost back to normal...just tired. However, I'm finding that if I force myself to keep active, walk etc. that definitely helps reduce my fatigue.
That's all for now...wish me luck on my head shave tomorrow:)
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Here we go!
So it's official! I have my first chemotherapy infusion this Friday, May 18. I'm not gonna lie. I am definitely nervous about how my body is going to react to this first dose. They say your first infusion typically gives you a pretty good indication as to how your body will react to the rest of the treatments. Nausea and fatigue are the two main issues I will have to deal with...The nausea I plan to stay on top of by taking the oral anti-nausea medication before I actually start feeling symptoms. And I plan to continue to get exercise daily in order to help reduce the fatigue. I have started a routine of doing a 45 minute brisk walk in the afternoon and then picking up Nicholas at his daycare on the way home. And I hope to keep that up as much as possible through my 20 weeks of chemo.
On Friday, I got a sneak peek of what to expect at the infusion thanks to Molly, my amazing friend and high school classmate. Molly also has breast cancer, and I spent time visiting with her at one of her last chemo sessions. Only two to go, Molly! Yay! Spending time in an SCCA infusion room with her has helped alleviate a lot of my anxiety about the whole chemo experience. What would I do without you, my friend?! Molly will be getting her breast surgery after she is done with chemo...so it has been wonderful for the two of us to get an idea of what to expect from what's to come. I only hope that I handle my chemo treatments (and all of the side effects that come with them) with as much grace and positivity as Molly.
So my big sister, Laurie, will be spending my first chemo day with me. And I fully expect us to have lots of shits and giggles. No pressure, Laur:)
I will keep you all posted on how the first chemo goes. I hope you are all having a wonderful Mother's Day weekend!!
On Friday, I got a sneak peek of what to expect at the infusion thanks to Molly, my amazing friend and high school classmate. Molly also has breast cancer, and I spent time visiting with her at one of her last chemo sessions. Only two to go, Molly! Yay! Spending time in an SCCA infusion room with her has helped alleviate a lot of my anxiety about the whole chemo experience. What would I do without you, my friend?! Molly will be getting her breast surgery after she is done with chemo...so it has been wonderful for the two of us to get an idea of what to expect from what's to come. I only hope that I handle my chemo treatments (and all of the side effects that come with them) with as much grace and positivity as Molly.
So my big sister, Laurie, will be spending my first chemo day with me. And I fully expect us to have lots of shits and giggles. No pressure, Laur:)
I will keep you all posted on how the first chemo goes. I hope you are all having a wonderful Mother's Day weekend!!
Friday, May 4, 2012
Another Day, Another IV (really!?!)
As many of you know, I am a bit of a needle phobe. Okay...so perhaps that is a slight understatement. Given that I have gone through childbirth, have had tons of major dental work, and just had major surgery, you would think that I would start to get less anxious about IVs, blood draws, shots, etc. But it seems that I still get uncomfortable whenever any sort of needle is involved.
And to my dismay, two out of three of my appointments today involved needles. My first appointment of the day was my three-week follow up with my plastic surgeon. During my surgery, my surgeon placed a tissue expander under the pectoral muscle beneath each breast. If you are thinking ouch, your instincts are right on. The purpose of the expanders is to gradually expand the tissue in preparation for the reconstructive surgery down the road. So every couple weeks, saline solution is injected into the expanders. Since today was the first time I was actually awake for them to inject fluid into the expanders (they added 120 ccs to each breast during my surgery), I was pretty nervous to have it done. But I can honestly say...it was a piece of cake. They pumped in 60 ccs of fluid in each breast, and I didn't feel anything except a little bit of pressure.
My second appointment of the day was needle-free. Yay! This was the appt. with my oncologist. We talked about the different types of chemotherapy drugs I will be getting as well as each of their lovely side effects. Timing wise, it's looking like my port will be placed late next week and then chemo will most likely start on Friday, May 18. My chemo treatments will be given over a period of about 20 weeks. My first round will be given every two weeks for 8 weeks and then the second will be given every week for 12 weeks.
My last appointment of the day was the MUGA heart test, which checks to make sure your heart is good and ready for chemo. I naively thought this would be a simple ultrasound of my heart. But unfortunately, like all of those other scans I've had since my diagnosis (CT/bone/MRI), I had to get yet another IV. Even though it made me a little squeamish, I was pretty fascinated by what they do for this test. They basically draw your blood, add radioactive markers to the blood and then they hook you up to a EKG machine, give you back your radioactive blood and take pictures of how your heart is pumping your blood. George, the tech who administered the test, made me feel much more comfortable by explaining things as he went. His sense of humor and the palm tree lights I got look at on the ceiling didn't hurt either:)
Okay...now that I have probably totally grossed many of you out, I thought I would end this post with some of the words from a couple of cards I received that I got a total kick out of.
So the first one was from my friend, Laura. And it said "Everything happens for a reason. Usually it's because life sucks." Totally made me laugh. Thanks Laura!
And the other I just received today from my friend, Caitlin. It has a picture of a yummy looking chocolate chip cookie on it and gives a four-part definition to the words Tough Cookie. 1. Someone with just the right mix of sweetness and strength. 2. One who doesn't crumble under pressure. 3. A fighter who's too busy kicking butt to sit down and cry, but knows it's okay to do both. 4. A person who doesn't always ask for support, but has lots of friends who do anything to help. This one made me smile. Thanks Caitlin!
Signing off for now. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!
And to my dismay, two out of three of my appointments today involved needles. My first appointment of the day was my three-week follow up with my plastic surgeon. During my surgery, my surgeon placed a tissue expander under the pectoral muscle beneath each breast. If you are thinking ouch, your instincts are right on. The purpose of the expanders is to gradually expand the tissue in preparation for the reconstructive surgery down the road. So every couple weeks, saline solution is injected into the expanders. Since today was the first time I was actually awake for them to inject fluid into the expanders (they added 120 ccs to each breast during my surgery), I was pretty nervous to have it done. But I can honestly say...it was a piece of cake. They pumped in 60 ccs of fluid in each breast, and I didn't feel anything except a little bit of pressure.
My second appointment of the day was needle-free. Yay! This was the appt. with my oncologist. We talked about the different types of chemotherapy drugs I will be getting as well as each of their lovely side effects. Timing wise, it's looking like my port will be placed late next week and then chemo will most likely start on Friday, May 18. My chemo treatments will be given over a period of about 20 weeks. My first round will be given every two weeks for 8 weeks and then the second will be given every week for 12 weeks.
My last appointment of the day was the MUGA heart test, which checks to make sure your heart is good and ready for chemo. I naively thought this would be a simple ultrasound of my heart. But unfortunately, like all of those other scans I've had since my diagnosis (CT/bone/MRI), I had to get yet another IV. Even though it made me a little squeamish, I was pretty fascinated by what they do for this test. They basically draw your blood, add radioactive markers to the blood and then they hook you up to a EKG machine, give you back your radioactive blood and take pictures of how your heart is pumping your blood. George, the tech who administered the test, made me feel much more comfortable by explaining things as he went. His sense of humor and the palm tree lights I got look at on the ceiling didn't hurt either:)
Okay...now that I have probably totally grossed many of you out, I thought I would end this post with some of the words from a couple of cards I received that I got a total kick out of.
So the first one was from my friend, Laura. And it said "Everything happens for a reason. Usually it's because life sucks." Totally made me laugh. Thanks Laura!
And the other I just received today from my friend, Caitlin. It has a picture of a yummy looking chocolate chip cookie on it and gives a four-part definition to the words Tough Cookie. 1. Someone with just the right mix of sweetness and strength. 2. One who doesn't crumble under pressure. 3. A fighter who's too busy kicking butt to sit down and cry, but knows it's okay to do both. 4. A person who doesn't always ask for support, but has lots of friends who do anything to help. This one made me smile. Thanks Caitlin!
Signing off for now. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!
Friday, April 27, 2012
Today's Post-Operative Visit
Thank you to everyone for all of your thoughtful and inspiring comments. You have no idea how much they mean to me.
So I had my post-operative appointment with my breast surgeon today, and she seemed very impressed that I have been off pain medications for over a week and she said all of my surgery wounds were healing really well.
At the start of the appointment, a resident who works with the surgeon, came in to talk with me first. He sat down and looked at Mike, my dad, and me and said quite morosely: "So in light of the fact that you tested positive for the BRCA gene, looks like we are recommending a bilateral mastectomy." I, of course, responded with: "Um, I had the surgery two weeks ago." Needless to say, the resident was mortified and clearly flustered the entire rest of his visit with me. And, of course, he didn't say a word when he came back in with the surgeon. My dad said we should have played along with him for a bit....but I didn't have the heart. More like...I didn't think on my feet quiickly enough to actually play along:)
I was presented with a choice today, which doesn't have to be made until after chemo (thank goodness!), on either having an axillary lymphnode dissection surgery (because they found a 1 mm micrometastesis in the lymphnode they took during my surgery) or doing radiation therapy on the same area. They both would have the same outcome, but they each present different (and some that are the same) potential side effects. That said, we are going to do lots of research so that we can make an informed decision that makes the most sense for me.
I also found out today that the start date for my chemotherapy treatment will be two to four weeks from now. I have to get my heart checked out next week to make sure it is strong and ready for chemo, then I will meet with my oncologist to discuss the chemo medications they will be using, etc. and then they will put in my a porto-cathe (it's like a permanent IV under my skin), which will make blood draws and chemo infusions a whole lot easier for everyone involved. I will also hopefully start some physical therapy next week to help me get back the range of motion in my arms.
Okay...I have one more tidbit from the day of my surgery to share before I sign off...So my friend, Molly, shared a quote with me a few days prior to my surgery. Here's how it goes: "You give up your breasts and get back the rest of your life." So when I was just about to be taken from recovery to my room, I told everyone (doctors, nurses, etc.) in the room to wait a second because I had something important to say....and this is what I said, "You give up your breasts and you give up your life." Oops! What can I say...I was still coming off of the anesthesia:)
So I had my post-operative appointment with my breast surgeon today, and she seemed very impressed that I have been off pain medications for over a week and she said all of my surgery wounds were healing really well.
At the start of the appointment, a resident who works with the surgeon, came in to talk with me first. He sat down and looked at Mike, my dad, and me and said quite morosely: "So in light of the fact that you tested positive for the BRCA gene, looks like we are recommending a bilateral mastectomy." I, of course, responded with: "Um, I had the surgery two weeks ago." Needless to say, the resident was mortified and clearly flustered the entire rest of his visit with me. And, of course, he didn't say a word when he came back in with the surgeon. My dad said we should have played along with him for a bit....but I didn't have the heart. More like...I didn't think on my feet quiickly enough to actually play along:)
I was presented with a choice today, which doesn't have to be made until after chemo (thank goodness!), on either having an axillary lymphnode dissection surgery (because they found a 1 mm micrometastesis in the lymphnode they took during my surgery) or doing radiation therapy on the same area. They both would have the same outcome, but they each present different (and some that are the same) potential side effects. That said, we are going to do lots of research so that we can make an informed decision that makes the most sense for me.
I also found out today that the start date for my chemotherapy treatment will be two to four weeks from now. I have to get my heart checked out next week to make sure it is strong and ready for chemo, then I will meet with my oncologist to discuss the chemo medications they will be using, etc. and then they will put in my a porto-cathe (it's like a permanent IV under my skin), which will make blood draws and chemo infusions a whole lot easier for everyone involved. I will also hopefully start some physical therapy next week to help me get back the range of motion in my arms.
Okay...I have one more tidbit from the day of my surgery to share before I sign off...So my friend, Molly, shared a quote with me a few days prior to my surgery. Here's how it goes: "You give up your breasts and get back the rest of your life." So when I was just about to be taken from recovery to my room, I told everyone (doctors, nurses, etc.) in the room to wait a second because I had something important to say....and this is what I said, "You give up your breasts and you give up your life." Oops! What can I say...I was still coming off of the anesthesia:)
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Two Weeks Already!
I can't believe it's already been two weeks since my surgery, which included a double mastectomy, oophorectomy (fancy word for getting ovaries out) and lymphnode dissection. And I have to say I am feeling pretty darn good. I still have some pain, which I am now able to manage well with an occasional dose of Tylenol. The best medicine, however, has been the amazing support and strength of my wonderful husband, Mike, and the unconditional love, laughter and smiles of my 4-year-old son, Nicholas...and, of course, the incredible support, kindness, thoughts and prayers of our family and friends...and even strangers (I am not shy about telling people my story:).
My recovery is going well and I am looking forward to when I get back the full use of my arms. I still can't pick up anything more than 10 lbs..a challenge when you have a 35 pound rugrat scuttling around:)
Tomorrow, I will be meeting with my breast surgeon to hear what my Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) medical team recommends for the rest of my treatment, which is looking like it will include chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy. Expect an update on the treatment plan/schedule in my next post.
Thank you to everyone for all of your love and support!
My recovery is going well and I am looking forward to when I get back the full use of my arms. I still can't pick up anything more than 10 lbs..a challenge when you have a 35 pound rugrat scuttling around:)
Tomorrow, I will be meeting with my breast surgeon to hear what my Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) medical team recommends for the rest of my treatment, which is looking like it will include chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy. Expect an update on the treatment plan/schedule in my next post.
Thank you to everyone for all of your love and support!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)