One week done! Five more to go! I'd rather count the weeks than the days.
I met with the radilogist doctor today and everything is fine. The nurse took my weight, body mass, and blood pressure then the doctor asked me a few questions....All is good.
I will meet with Dr. May on Tuesday the 5th of November to talk about the chemo pill. I'm sure I will start taking it on the following Sunday = I hope. I think it would be much easier to take the pills beginning on the first day of the week rather than starting right in the middle....but seems when I want to begin = just may not be when Dr. May highly suggests.....more to come!
Gloomy day for Trick or Treaters; warm enough but it would have been nicer if the sun was out.
We don't get any kids here....our house is too far off the road....which is a good thing because the dogs would just bark all night!!
Charlie is under the weather! Now I have to make sure I don't catch his germs!
Today I drove home a different route....and it turned out to be 3 miles longer and took five more minutes....the old and regular route is fine....all back roads. The only traffic I get is when there is garbage pick up or mail delivery or people riding their bikes.
Happy Halloween!
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Monday, October 28, 2013
day 4 - still the first week = October 28th
I just can't get a break! These bumps in the road are getting to me!
Don't fret....I'm still staying positive! I guess that's why I waited until this late to post for today.
Was in and out in 15 minutes today for radiation....BUT, I did run into Dr. May and she highly suggested that I do the chemo pill while doing radiation.
Feeling a little upset with her decision...she did say if any of the symptoms are uncomfortable she will lower the dose or give me medication to help alleviate it. Dr. May wants me to see her BEFORE I begin the chemo pills (which will arrive via US Mail on Wednesday)...now to see when I can actually meet with her and hopefully the appointment they give me will be right after my radiation treatment so I don't have to go back later in the day.
In the meantime I had to make an appointment with the dentist...a new dentist, right here in town. The dentist I was using moved to Oregon back in December and, as usual, I've held out as long as I could. I did call during the summer but they were closed for vacation and I just ended up waiting....too long....
I have to go for radiation tomorrow (Tuesday) and hopefully it will be quick like today...I have to pre-medicate one hour before the dental appointment (taking 4 amoxicilian pills). They know that I will be in Sparta and I maybe late on arrival...just hope they will be able to do what is needed so I don't have to go back right away.
Don't fret....I'm still staying positive! I guess that's why I waited until this late to post for today.
Was in and out in 15 minutes today for radiation....BUT, I did run into Dr. May and she highly suggested that I do the chemo pill while doing radiation.
Feeling a little upset with her decision...she did say if any of the symptoms are uncomfortable she will lower the dose or give me medication to help alleviate it. Dr. May wants me to see her BEFORE I begin the chemo pills (which will arrive via US Mail on Wednesday)...now to see when I can actually meet with her and hopefully the appointment they give me will be right after my radiation treatment so I don't have to go back later in the day.
In the meantime I had to make an appointment with the dentist...a new dentist, right here in town. The dentist I was using moved to Oregon back in December and, as usual, I've held out as long as I could. I did call during the summer but they were closed for vacation and I just ended up waiting....too long....
I have to go for radiation tomorrow (Tuesday) and hopefully it will be quick like today...I have to pre-medicate one hour before the dental appointment (taking 4 amoxicilian pills). They know that I will be in Sparta and I maybe late on arrival...just hope they will be able to do what is needed so I don't have to go back right away.
Friday, October 25, 2013
day 3 radiation - Friday, October 25th
Finished day 3.....not bad at all = other than getting up an hour earlier and out of the house in time to make my appointment. I don't want to be late or I will disrupt the rest of the morning appointments.
I arrived on time, undressed and put on my gown - always remembering: opening in the back!, then waited my turn. I probably had to wait about 15 minutes but once I was in the 'room', I was done in about 1 minute.....changed back into my street clothes and off we were = to go shopping!
Charlie came with me today and then we went to the beauty supply house and Sam's Club....of course every time I get into the car with Charlie and we go a different route (we left from Sparta) = we get lost or take the LONG way!!!! So, we went way out of our way and got off at the Allamuchy Rt. 80 exit....when we were so close to 206 and the Ledgewood exit......and we're going to drive to S.C. for Samantha's graduation in December?!!! He's been down there before (driving with Sam) but anything is possible with this man that I love! As the saying goes = for better or worse....!
Full week next week = Monday through Friday........now to relax on Saturday and Sunday = no need to rush in the mornings!
Before I go for my visit, I clean the upper level and sometimes still have time to vacuum the first floor....then I come home and not have to do any cleaning!
I arrived on time, undressed and put on my gown - always remembering: opening in the back!, then waited my turn. I probably had to wait about 15 minutes but once I was in the 'room', I was done in about 1 minute.....changed back into my street clothes and off we were = to go shopping!
Charlie came with me today and then we went to the beauty supply house and Sam's Club....of course every time I get into the car with Charlie and we go a different route (we left from Sparta) = we get lost or take the LONG way!!!! So, we went way out of our way and got off at the Allamuchy Rt. 80 exit....when we were so close to 206 and the Ledgewood exit......and we're going to drive to S.C. for Samantha's graduation in December?!!! He's been down there before (driving with Sam) but anything is possible with this man that I love! As the saying goes = for better or worse....!
Full week next week = Monday through Friday........now to relax on Saturday and Sunday = no need to rush in the mornings!
Before I go for my visit, I clean the upper level and sometimes still have time to vacuum the first floor....then I come home and not have to do any cleaning!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
day 2 radiation - Thursday, October 24, 2013
No waiting!!! Wahoo! I arrived on time for my radiation appointment and did my thing = scanned in; changed (got it right! opening in the back!!); then sat down to wait....but I ended up seeing the doctor first.
You are suppose to see the radiologist doctor once a week and they prefer it to be the beginning of the week. They take your weight and body mass (never asked why) and blood pressure reading to.
I double checked on 'symptoms'....very few - maybe skin irritation and they ask you to use Aquaphor (? spelling) which they also gave a sample of and suggested to use it right after the treatment. Fatigue maybe another.
I am not sure of the following: IF I don't do chemo right now, I could possibly cut the treatments from six weeks down to four weeks.....I'm in the process of asking Dr. May (oncologist) if I can do this. I spoke with Nurse Kathy yesterday regarding the supplements. She was a little confused when I first mentioned it as I had originally asked for just the Multizyme which she said was okay to use - then she saw the 'new' sheet of supplements and said she had to read up about them and, of course, ask Dr. May. Nurse Kathy was with a patient when I was leaving and one of the receptionist's went to ask Dr. May - she came back saying 'yes' to taking the supplements....now if you know ME, I didn't ask her if it was ALL of them or maybe she was still thinking it was just that one supplement....I ask so many questions that people tend to forget what the real question was. I just put in a phone call to verify 'both' - can I take ALL of the supplements and hold off a few weeks till doing the chemo....I will wait to hear from the office today.
Radiation went really fast! They play music and unless I was really 'out of it' I only remember hearing one song....it went that fast! I couldn't have been in there more than 5 minutes.
Day 2 done!
Hopefully tomorrow (day 3) will be quicker = I don't have to see the doctor - unless Dr. May wants to talk to me.
You are suppose to see the radiologist doctor once a week and they prefer it to be the beginning of the week. They take your weight and body mass (never asked why) and blood pressure reading to.
I double checked on 'symptoms'....very few - maybe skin irritation and they ask you to use Aquaphor (? spelling) which they also gave a sample of and suggested to use it right after the treatment. Fatigue maybe another.
I am not sure of the following: IF I don't do chemo right now, I could possibly cut the treatments from six weeks down to four weeks.....I'm in the process of asking Dr. May (oncologist) if I can do this. I spoke with Nurse Kathy yesterday regarding the supplements. She was a little confused when I first mentioned it as I had originally asked for just the Multizyme which she said was okay to use - then she saw the 'new' sheet of supplements and said she had to read up about them and, of course, ask Dr. May. Nurse Kathy was with a patient when I was leaving and one of the receptionist's went to ask Dr. May - she came back saying 'yes' to taking the supplements....now if you know ME, I didn't ask her if it was ALL of them or maybe she was still thinking it was just that one supplement....I ask so many questions that people tend to forget what the real question was. I just put in a phone call to verify 'both' - can I take ALL of the supplements and hold off a few weeks till doing the chemo....I will wait to hear from the office today.
Radiation went really fast! They play music and unless I was really 'out of it' I only remember hearing one song....it went that fast! I couldn't have been in there more than 5 minutes.
Day 2 done!
Hopefully tomorrow (day 3) will be quicker = I don't have to see the doctor - unless Dr. May wants to talk to me.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
day 1; week 1 of radiation - Wednesday, October 23, 2013
I'm exhausted!!!! But it's not from the radiation!
Charlie was snoring ALL night! Having 'something on my mind' made it even harder to fall back to sleep once I was awake.
Radiation experience:
After being tattooed last week and being explained on checking in, undressing, etc. it was a breeze....but I did forget to put my gown on with the opening in the back, so when I saw the woman ahead of me with her back exposed....I went into the room to change.
I was 10 minutes early and someone ahead of me was late which made the woman ahead of me go during my appt. time of 10:30. I had to wait another 15 minutes....
They make you lay flat on your back, exposing the side/area that will be radiated...then they adjust the sheet and form asking you NOT to move...but instinct makes you lift your body...I just told them to yell at me so I don't move.
Then they x-ray you and do the radiation....it took about 15 minutes (give or take). The doctor wanted to see me but because the woman ahead of me was also new the nurse said I could wait until tomorrow to see her.
I did stop to see Dr. May regarding the supplements....guess she had so much 'stuff' to catch up on that she didn't read/see it at all. Her nurse, Kathy, will look it over and ask Dr. May and then she'll get back to me.
That's it for day 1....
Charlie was snoring ALL night! Having 'something on my mind' made it even harder to fall back to sleep once I was awake.
Radiation experience:
After being tattooed last week and being explained on checking in, undressing, etc. it was a breeze....but I did forget to put my gown on with the opening in the back, so when I saw the woman ahead of me with her back exposed....I went into the room to change.
I was 10 minutes early and someone ahead of me was late which made the woman ahead of me go during my appt. time of 10:30. I had to wait another 15 minutes....
They make you lay flat on your back, exposing the side/area that will be radiated...then they adjust the sheet and form asking you NOT to move...but instinct makes you lift your body...I just told them to yell at me so I don't move.
Then they x-ray you and do the radiation....it took about 15 minutes (give or take). The doctor wanted to see me but because the woman ahead of me was also new the nurse said I could wait until tomorrow to see her.
I did stop to see Dr. May regarding the supplements....guess she had so much 'stuff' to catch up on that she didn't read/see it at all. Her nurse, Kathy, will look it over and ask Dr. May and then she'll get back to me.
That's it for day 1....
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Thursday, October 17, 2013
I can't believe it's already Thursday!! And after typing it, I still had to think - is it really Thursday already?!!!
Busy week going to doctor appointments!
Monday was the PET scan, Tuesday was the meet the radiation party, Wednesday I made an appointment to see Dr. John Harrington, Nutrition - muscle response testing/kinesiologist and today (Thursday) I went to be 'fitted' for my radiation.
I posted about Monday and Tuesday already....Wednesday is new...so here goes.
Knowing that I'm going to begin chemo and radiation soon, I wanted to see if Dr. John could give me a multi-vitamin that hopefully doesn't interfere with either one rather than going to the drug store to buy a bottle off the shelf.
Well, I came home with 8 bottles of 'whole food supplements'. Designed especially for me! Dr. John 'tested' the dose size too. This is so interesting; how he knows or gets his signals from my body saying what it needs.... He said I shouldn't have 'soy' products (unknowingly I have); found I have pesticides in my body and gave me supplements to help make the liver stronger as well as supplements for the breast. Oh and probiotics for the bowels.....now to see if Dr. May (oncologist) agrees to me taking these.
Dr. May is away until Tuesday so I will find out then. Dr. John feels that if I take these and still see him on a weekly basis to make sure the dose hasn't changed...that I shouldn't feel as badly as some symptoms may make me. According to one of the oncology nurses they usually don't want ANY vitamins taken - not knowing what would 'counteract' with the chemo.....so, we'll see if I can take any of these.
Went for my 12:30 appt. in radiology today which should have taken less than 1 hour...lucky me = I got to wait longer! They do a CT scan and the machine was out of order for a while....I had to wait another 45 minutes. We left there (Charlie was with me) after 1:45. Being fitted for this treatment didn't take long at all and being tattooed was really fast.
I am scheduled to begin radiation on Wednesday, October 23rd and my time will be 10:30. It shouldn't take long at all...check in with a 'scanner card', change into a robe and then when it's your turn to get radiated (which should take less than 15 minutes) you leave...of course the drive to and from is 35 minutes (each way).
The end.
Busy week going to doctor appointments!
Monday was the PET scan, Tuesday was the meet the radiation party, Wednesday I made an appointment to see Dr. John Harrington, Nutrition - muscle response testing/kinesiologist and today (Thursday) I went to be 'fitted' for my radiation.
I posted about Monday and Tuesday already....Wednesday is new...so here goes.
Knowing that I'm going to begin chemo and radiation soon, I wanted to see if Dr. John could give me a multi-vitamin that hopefully doesn't interfere with either one rather than going to the drug store to buy a bottle off the shelf.
Well, I came home with 8 bottles of 'whole food supplements'. Designed especially for me! Dr. John 'tested' the dose size too. This is so interesting; how he knows or gets his signals from my body saying what it needs.... He said I shouldn't have 'soy' products (unknowingly I have); found I have pesticides in my body and gave me supplements to help make the liver stronger as well as supplements for the breast. Oh and probiotics for the bowels.....now to see if Dr. May (oncologist) agrees to me taking these.
Dr. May is away until Tuesday so I will find out then. Dr. John feels that if I take these and still see him on a weekly basis to make sure the dose hasn't changed...that I shouldn't feel as badly as some symptoms may make me. According to one of the oncology nurses they usually don't want ANY vitamins taken - not knowing what would 'counteract' with the chemo.....so, we'll see if I can take any of these.
Went for my 12:30 appt. in radiology today which should have taken less than 1 hour...lucky me = I got to wait longer! They do a CT scan and the machine was out of order for a while....I had to wait another 45 minutes. We left there (Charlie was with me) after 1:45. Being fitted for this treatment didn't take long at all and being tattooed was really fast.
I am scheduled to begin radiation on Wednesday, October 23rd and my time will be 10:30. It shouldn't take long at all...check in with a 'scanner card', change into a robe and then when it's your turn to get radiated (which should take less than 15 minutes) you leave...of course the drive to and from is 35 minutes (each way).
The end.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Tuesday, October 15th
They have support groups...but I heard if you go to them you come back depressed! Hearing how awful they feel....blogging - is perfect for me! One way conversation!!! But I do get a lot of positive responses from all of you!!!
Monday, Oct. 14th = went for PET scan at 2 pm. I had to make sure I ate something at 8 am as you must fast at least six (6) hours before the test. I mentioned to the technician that I had an appointment at 10 am with the doctor and they really needed the results of this test.
Tuesday, Oct. 15th = met with the radiologist doctor and nurses....felt like I was beginning all over again with answering ALL the questions. Even though they are part of the Cancer Center - they do not share their records with each other.
Radiology department is quick!!! Scheduled appt. was for 10 and I was in the office within a few minutes....if I didn't have to meet with the nurse (giving her ALL my past history along with family history), I would have been done a lot sooner. The doctor's name is (I may spell is incorrectly) Dr. Kaucher...very young man (at least he looks it)....but very nice! He explained everything to me.
I go back on Thursday, the 17th....to be 'fitted' for radiation. They make some kind of 'cast' then 'tattoo' you so they can line up the machine. This appt. should take about one (1) hour and they also do a CT scan - no need for the drink or the contrast (which is a great thing!!!).
Dr. Kaucher feels that I should begin radiation next Wednesday (the 23rd) for 6 weeks. I was hoping for 5 - not wanting 7 - so I got 6!
With radiation your not suppose to 'shave' or use regular deodorant (ugh) 6 weeks without shaving?!! I've only gone 3 days - even though I just pick up the razor and shave - I don't know how much 'hair' I have there!
I will also be taking one chemo pill - Xeloda while doing the radiation. A total of 4 pills a day (2 in the morning and 2 at night).
I asked if I could take supplements, if I go back to the muscle testing doctor or kinesiologist and the oncologist nurse suggested 'no'...they don't know if any supplements will interfere with the chemo/radiation....they highly suggest not taking anything other than what they already know works.
In between, waiting for the scan results I went to get a copy of my bloodwork from last Thursday. No sugar...well, my glucose is still on the high side (not too high but I really thought it would have been a lot lower); my potassium is low (not too low to take a pill suppliment) but thinking that eating all these avocado's and every once in a while a banana = didn't work!!! What got my heart rate beating faster was the number of the CEA...not seeing the scan report but seeing this number really got me nervous!! My CEA in June was 89.9; August was 163.0; and now (Oct.) it's 240.0!!! the results of my PET scan - stable!!! Which is terrific news!!!
Impression of the PET scan reads:
1. Three areas of uptake within the lung and two within the liver appear stable when compared to the previous study.
2. Several additional pulmonary nodules are seen within the lungs unchanged from previous study. They are too small to be evaluated on the PET portion of the scan.
Monday, Oct. 14th = went for PET scan at 2 pm. I had to make sure I ate something at 8 am as you must fast at least six (6) hours before the test. I mentioned to the technician that I had an appointment at 10 am with the doctor and they really needed the results of this test.
Tuesday, Oct. 15th = met with the radiologist doctor and nurses....felt like I was beginning all over again with answering ALL the questions. Even though they are part of the Cancer Center - they do not share their records with each other.
Radiology department is quick!!! Scheduled appt. was for 10 and I was in the office within a few minutes....if I didn't have to meet with the nurse (giving her ALL my past history along with family history), I would have been done a lot sooner. The doctor's name is (I may spell is incorrectly) Dr. Kaucher...very young man (at least he looks it)....but very nice! He explained everything to me.
I go back on Thursday, the 17th....to be 'fitted' for radiation. They make some kind of 'cast' then 'tattoo' you so they can line up the machine. This appt. should take about one (1) hour and they also do a CT scan - no need for the drink or the contrast (which is a great thing!!!).
Dr. Kaucher feels that I should begin radiation next Wednesday (the 23rd) for 6 weeks. I was hoping for 5 - not wanting 7 - so I got 6!
With radiation your not suppose to 'shave' or use regular deodorant (ugh) 6 weeks without shaving?!! I've only gone 3 days - even though I just pick up the razor and shave - I don't know how much 'hair' I have there!
I will also be taking one chemo pill - Xeloda while doing the radiation. A total of 4 pills a day (2 in the morning and 2 at night).
I asked if I could take supplements, if I go back to the muscle testing doctor or kinesiologist and the oncologist nurse suggested 'no'...they don't know if any supplements will interfere with the chemo/radiation....they highly suggest not taking anything other than what they already know works.
In between, waiting for the scan results I went to get a copy of my bloodwork from last Thursday. No sugar...well, my glucose is still on the high side (not too high but I really thought it would have been a lot lower); my potassium is low (not too low to take a pill suppliment) but thinking that eating all these avocado's and every once in a while a banana = didn't work!!! What got my heart rate beating faster was the number of the CEA...not seeing the scan report but seeing this number really got me nervous!! My CEA in June was 89.9; August was 163.0; and now (Oct.) it's 240.0!!! the results of my PET scan - stable!!! Which is terrific news!!!
Impression of the PET scan reads:
1. Three areas of uptake within the lung and two within the liver appear stable when compared to the previous study.
2. Several additional pulmonary nodules are seen within the lungs unchanged from previous study. They are too small to be evaluated on the PET portion of the scan.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Friday, October 11, 2013
I may have a few typo-errors...so just don't be critical reading this......
=========================
I didn't have my paperwork along side of me when I posted my blog yesterday.
I mentioned a number = 29 and didn't realize what it was actually called...so here goes....
This is from a four page report and hopefully I'll have all the info correct....I could probably scan it and post it...but that's too easy....I'll just sit here and re-type it!
Breast Cancer Assay - oncotypeDX - uses RT=PCR to determine the expression of a panel of 21 genes in tumor tissue. The 'recurrence score' is calculated from the gene expression results. Recurrence score range is 1 - 100.
My number is 29.
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE: PROGNOSIS FOR NODE NEGATIVE, ER-POSITIVE PATIENTS =
The clinical validation study included female patients with Stage 1 or 2, Node Negative, ER-Positive cancer treated with 5 years TAMOXIFEN - my score had an average rate of distant recurrence of 19% (95% CI: 15% - 23%
CLINCIAL EXPERIENCE: CHEMO BENEFIT FOR NODE NEGATIVE, ER-POSITIVE PATIENTS =
A study involving 651 patients from a B-20 study, which included patients with Stage 1 or 2, Node negaive, ER-Positive breast cancer. Patients were randomized to either tamoxifen alone or tamoxifen plus CMF or MF chemo.
I fall into the the Intermediate score of recurrence - benefit of chemo at 10 years.
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE: PROGNOSIS AND CHEMO BENEFIT FOR NODE POSITIVE, HER-POSITIVE PATIENTS =
This studey included post-menopausal female patients. Hormone Receptor (HR-Positive randomized to either tamoxifen alone or CAF chmo followed by tamoxifen CAF-T). The endpoint for this study was disease-free survival and outcomes after 5 years of follow-up were presented.
the best and easist read:
QUANTITATIVE SINGLE GENE REPORT:
ER- score = 10.8 Positive (range from <3.7 to >12.5)
The magnitude of tamoxifen benefit increases as the ER schore increases from 6.5 to >12.5.
PR Score = 7.5 Positive (range <3.2 to >10.0)
antibody (immunohistochemistry)
HER2 Score - 8.5 Negative (range <7.6 to >13.0)
validated from concordance studies of 755 samples using the HercepTest assay (immunohistochemistry) and another study of 568 samples uning PathVysion assay (FISH).
I guess unless you know how to actually read this report - you'll understand the therapy to be used.......and here I fall just a little over the middle and one (1) that I don't have to worry about.
All this means: I have Stage 2 Invasive ductal carcinoma Breast Cancer...
it went into one of my lymph nodes bringing me to stage 2 along with the size of the lesion (tumor) being a dimension of 2.4 cm
=========================
I didn't have my paperwork along side of me when I posted my blog yesterday.
I mentioned a number = 29 and didn't realize what it was actually called...so here goes....
This is from a four page report and hopefully I'll have all the info correct....I could probably scan it and post it...but that's too easy....I'll just sit here and re-type it!
Breast Cancer Assay - oncotypeDX - uses RT=PCR to determine the expression of a panel of 21 genes in tumor tissue. The 'recurrence score' is calculated from the gene expression results. Recurrence score range is 1 - 100.
My number is 29.
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE: PROGNOSIS FOR NODE NEGATIVE, ER-POSITIVE PATIENTS =
The clinical validation study included female patients with Stage 1 or 2, Node Negative, ER-Positive cancer treated with 5 years TAMOXIFEN - my score had an average rate of distant recurrence of 19% (95% CI: 15% - 23%
CLINCIAL EXPERIENCE: CHEMO BENEFIT FOR NODE NEGATIVE, ER-POSITIVE PATIENTS =
A study involving 651 patients from a B-20 study, which included patients with Stage 1 or 2, Node negaive, ER-Positive breast cancer. Patients were randomized to either tamoxifen alone or tamoxifen plus CMF or MF chemo.
I fall into the the Intermediate score of recurrence - benefit of chemo at 10 years.
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE: PROGNOSIS AND CHEMO BENEFIT FOR NODE POSITIVE, HER-POSITIVE PATIENTS =
This studey included post-menopausal female patients. Hormone Receptor (HR-Positive randomized to either tamoxifen alone or CAF chmo followed by tamoxifen CAF-T). The endpoint for this study was disease-free survival and outcomes after 5 years of follow-up were presented.
the best and easist read:
QUANTITATIVE SINGLE GENE REPORT:
ER- score = 10.8 Positive (range from <3.7 to >12.5)
The magnitude of tamoxifen benefit increases as the ER schore increases from 6.5 to >12.5.
PR Score = 7.5 Positive (range <3.2 to >10.0)
antibody (immunohistochemistry)
HER2 Score - 8.5 Negative (range <7.6 to >13.0)
validated from concordance studies of 755 samples using the HercepTest assay (immunohistochemistry) and another study of 568 samples uning PathVysion assay (FISH).
I guess unless you know how to actually read this report - you'll understand the therapy to be used.......and here I fall just a little over the middle and one (1) that I don't have to worry about.
All this means: I have Stage 2 Invasive ductal carcinoma Breast Cancer...
it went into one of my lymph nodes bringing me to stage 2 along with the size of the lesion (tumor) being a dimension of 2.4 cm
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Thursday, October 10th
Another bumpy road ahead....to begin another journey.....I really think I can see the 'stop sign' not too far ahead!
A little confused as Dr. May said a lot of things today. If I have this correct:
*1st step: PET scan (since the last one was in June) on Monday the 14th (Paul's 27th birthday!)
*2nd step: radiation to begin - soon. I will meet with the doctor to discuss how long I need to do this on Tuesday (after he reviews the scan results). It is a definite 5 days per week (Mon - Fri); but not sure if I can do it in 5 weeks or the full 7 weeks.....I'll just think of this as going to a real job - leaving my house.
I asked Dr. May if eating NO sugar - should the results of this scan be better? She doubts it very much.......and with cancer = I can never tell!!!! Maybe it will and everyone will be in awe!!! including me!!! and if this does work = I'd never eat sugar again!
*3rd step: to begin chemo PILLS - 2 - 2x a day for two weeks then off one week and go back to draw bloodwork = all this while doing radiation. Then another scan to see if the pills are working or I'd need to do the IV chemo. While on radiation they will give me a lower dosage of the 'pills'.
*4th step: and I can't remember 'why'....biopsy of either the liver or lungs (which ever is closer and easier to get to)...I think to see if the cancer that had been caught in one of the lymph nodes (for the breast cancer) was from the colon cancer = I think....Charlie and I had to absorb so much info, I can't remember.
All in all....I'm not happy about going for the radiation but there are alot of things that I'm not happy with that I still end up doing...for me? na, for my family..YES!
Dr. May is amazed by me...that I'm doing so well - with all that my body is and has been going through....because of her feeling this way - that was one of the reasons why she wants me to do the radiation.
The test that came back - my score as 29% positive in Stage 2 breast cancer and because it was just over the half way mark she wants me to do all of this.
Of course my day didn't end as well as it should have. Charlie and I were suppose to go into Newton to pick up some stuff at Lowe's so he took his truck. With expected rain (and never really got any, just a few drops here and there)....when we finally left the building - arrived at 11:15 and walked out about a little after 2 - got into his truck and it didn't start!!!! give me a break!!! So we called AAA and they finally arrived at 3:15!!!! and it was the battery that needed to be charged as Charlie left his headlights on. Thank goodness I got up early enough to eat breakfast...but I was starving!!! Got home and glad I had some leftovers so I heated them up....and then prepared Charlie's dinner - pasta with oil and garlic....I'm sure I'll be eating something soon again.
A little confused as Dr. May said a lot of things today. If I have this correct:
*1st step: PET scan (since the last one was in June) on Monday the 14th (Paul's 27th birthday!)
*2nd step: radiation to begin - soon. I will meet with the doctor to discuss how long I need to do this on Tuesday (after he reviews the scan results). It is a definite 5 days per week (Mon - Fri); but not sure if I can do it in 5 weeks or the full 7 weeks.....I'll just think of this as going to a real job - leaving my house.
I asked Dr. May if eating NO sugar - should the results of this scan be better? She doubts it very much.......and with cancer = I can never tell!!!! Maybe it will and everyone will be in awe!!! including me!!! and if this does work = I'd never eat sugar again!
*3rd step: to begin chemo PILLS - 2 - 2x a day for two weeks then off one week and go back to draw bloodwork = all this while doing radiation. Then another scan to see if the pills are working or I'd need to do the IV chemo. While on radiation they will give me a lower dosage of the 'pills'.
*4th step: and I can't remember 'why'....biopsy of either the liver or lungs (which ever is closer and easier to get to)...I think to see if the cancer that had been caught in one of the lymph nodes (for the breast cancer) was from the colon cancer = I think....Charlie and I had to absorb so much info, I can't remember.
All in all....I'm not happy about going for the radiation but there are alot of things that I'm not happy with that I still end up doing...for me? na, for my family..YES!
Dr. May is amazed by me...that I'm doing so well - with all that my body is and has been going through....because of her feeling this way - that was one of the reasons why she wants me to do the radiation.
The test that came back - my score as 29% positive in Stage 2 breast cancer and because it was just over the half way mark she wants me to do all of this.
Of course my day didn't end as well as it should have. Charlie and I were suppose to go into Newton to pick up some stuff at Lowe's so he took his truck. With expected rain (and never really got any, just a few drops here and there)....when we finally left the building - arrived at 11:15 and walked out about a little after 2 - got into his truck and it didn't start!!!! give me a break!!! So we called AAA and they finally arrived at 3:15!!!! and it was the battery that needed to be charged as Charlie left his headlights on. Thank goodness I got up early enough to eat breakfast...but I was starving!!! Got home and glad I had some leftovers so I heated them up....and then prepared Charlie's dinner - pasta with oil and garlic....I'm sure I'll be eating something soon again.
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