Hair Is Coming Back!

I have to apologize to all my blog followers for not updating you on what is going on with me. I guess you could say that no news is good news. Here's the scoop:

· I am in my second cycle of Xeloda (2 weeks on, 1 week off) which is the oral chemo medication for treating metastatic breast cancer. It has the added bonus of treating colon cancer (which I do NOT have) so I get two cancer treatments for the price of one. Yay me. But wait – there’s more! Other side effects include: gas, bloating, sensitive, dry, cracked hands and feet, some nausea, fatigue, achy muscles and vivid dreams. I am not complaining – it is WAY better than the IV chemo treatments, but still it is a constant reminder that I am not cancer-free.

· My hair is coming back! I am SO excited. Every day my scalp is filling out, and I cannot wait to go wig-less and hat-less. I don’t care if grows in as a giant, grey afro – it will cover my head and not itch or fall out. That’s progress! I included a photo so you can see what I mean.

· I get another PET/CT scan in January to check my progress. Then I will find out if the tumors are still shrinking and nothing new has cropped up. My oncologist is optimistic and so am I.

· I still have my mediport in my chest, and every three weeks I get an injection of Herceptin. This does not have significant side effects, so I don’t mind a 30 minute visit to the oncologist. Plus it gives me and my mom a chance to gab about life. I am still amazed by her continued support throughout my adventure.

· I have discontinued the amazing meal service that Teri Flach organized for me and my family. With my energy returning and the nausea disappearing, I wanted life at home to return to normal. I am forever grateful for all the families who brought us the delicious meals and certificates – you made the last several months bearable and helped my healing process. Of course you spoiled my kids – who were not used to the meal variety and tasty treats. It was wonderful!

· All of the prayers, cards, movies and letters have been a blessing. I still get the occasional ‘mystery card’ from someone who cheers me up with such kind words. Thank you for reaching out and making this challenging time easier on me.

That’s the all the news that’s fit to blog. I am looking forward to better health during the holidays with Chris and my family. I will try to write more frequently so you know I am alive and well. I am ALIVE and WELL. It feels great to be over the worst of this!

Worst Week Ever

After Thursday’s ‘last big chemo’ treatment on October 1, I was a mess. Not a hot mess. I was a nauseated, sick, mess. It was officially the worst week ever. I could not keep anything down starting on Sunday evening. On Tuesday I broke down, called the oncologist and had to get some IV fluids and anti-nausea to combat dehydration. On Wednesday, I was back at the doctor again – for more fluids and anti-nausea meds. They even did an X-ray of my digestive tract to see if there was a blockage. There was no blockage. I had to reset my system, drink clear fluids and try to keep something down. Finally on Thursday I started to come out of the nausea-haze and by today, I was eating semi-normally.

My mom and dad were wonderful to me – taking me back and forth to the doctor, picking up medicine, dealing with my kids. The nurses and doctors I dealt with were also wonderful to me – doing everything they could to help me feel better. I cannot tell you how glad I am that was the last chemo treatment. There were points this week when I thought I was going to die. I did not feel strong, brave, or positive. I did not think ‘I could beat this thing.’ My thoughts were ‘why is this happening to me?’ and ‘can someone please put me out of my misery?’

Someone has to find a cure to this. Someone has to figure out ways to treat cancer where the treatment is not worse than the disease. Everywhere I turn this month I am reminded about breast cancer. I don’t need any more reminders. I don’t care about seeing pink on everyone. I just need it to be gone.

Yesterday - LAST CHEMO!

Yesterday I went to the oncologist for my “big” chemo treatment. This is the 3.5 hour dose that usually leaves me sick and run down for about 5-6 days. Of course I was dreading it, but going into it I knew these poisons were working, so I think my outlook the next few days will be better.

I also met with my doctor to discuss my treatment plan. More good news! Yesterday was my last chemo treatment! She thinks the last scan results were so positive, she recommended a scaled down version of meds for the next year or so. Here it is:
Herceptin (by IV) – every three weeks, instead of every week. This drug has been relatively easy for me to take, with very few side effects.

Xeloda (orally) – take every day for two weeks, then take a week off. This drug combined with Herceptin, targets cancer cells by inhibiting the ability of the cell to produce or repair DNA and making the cell unable to reproduce – which shrinks the tumors. Of course there are potential side effects (like I would get off easy, right??). These can be fatigue, diarrhea, and itchy, red, scaled hands and feet to name a few. Weird, huh. I will try and not anticipate the worst!

Tests and scans – periodically I will get PET/CT scans to check the progress of the tumors, and Echocardiograms to check my heart muscle. Sometimes Herceptin can affect the heart. The next PET scan will be in January.

Other interesting news from my visit yesterday… I scored a new wig and a new baseball hat- hair combo. There is a box of free hats and accessories at my doctors office for anyone to use – and I certainly took advantage! I think the wigs look – well- as good as wigs can. It is nice to have options.

So – with this being my last chemo – I can expect to start growing hair in the next few months. Maybe I’ll have some hair on my head by Christmas! Yay! I know I should not sound so shallow. However, it is all about ‘normalcy’ for me. And the best news of all is knowing I won’t ‘feel’ as terrible as I do after chemo, and I can start to get my life back, get more energy back and start looking forward to a cancer-controlled future.

An extra-special cancer-fan shout out goes to my mom, who continues to come with me on my treatments and help me remember all the questions I should ask the doctor. I could not get through this this without her. I love you mom!!!

The Chemo is Working!

Good news! My PET CT scan on Wednesday revealed that the tumors in my lymph nodes and liver are shrinking! Many of the smaller spots in the original scan were not even visible in the recent scan. Two of the largest tumors reduced in size by half. I was very, VERY happy with the results, and so is my doctor. I am still not sure if my chemo cycle will be changed yet. I do have a big dose this Thursday. But knowing that the meds are doing their job - that all the sickness and exhaustion is worth something - I am relieved.

I have so many cancer fan shout outs to make to friends and family. I am feelin the love, people! I love all the meals, the Kelty's funny videos and cards, co-workers pasta dishes and desserts, my mom and dad taking me to my chemo treatments, Kristin's bag 'o meals, Chris tending to me while I moan... I could go on and on. Prayers and words of support are getting me throught this as well.

I know I am going to beat this- and am inspired and encouraged by everyone. Hugs and kisses to all!

Getting PET Scan Next Week!

After last Thursday's big chemo, I finally started to feel better on Wednesday. Then yesterday, I was back in for another herceptin dose, followed by an exam by my oncologist. Prior to the exam, her nurse assistant told me that I needed to have three more big chemo treatments before my cycle would end. Last week's treatment (the third of three) left me worn out, nauseous and feeling horrible for six days, so that news was devastating to me.

So, I put on the cloth gown, prepared myself to hear I have two more months of chemo, and soon my oncologist came in for the exam. She felt the lymph nodes under my arm, which two months ago were very swollen and sore. The swelling and pain was gone! She said it was time for another PET/CT scan to check the status of the tumors. If they have been reduced in size (which the lymph nodes certainly have) my chemo treatment schedule might be reduced – preferably to something less harsh.

I was thrilled with this news! I scheduled the scan for next week, and will hopefully find out if the meds (aka poisons) have been working. My doctor seemed to be optimistic about the results. For me, this was the positive boost I needed. Whether or not the treatments have shrunk the tumors, at least I will have an update soon. For an ‘impatient patient’ like myself, knowing SOMETHING is better than nothing, and I ‘think’ that what I will find out will be worth the pain. This all can’t be for nothing, right???

Everyone who continues to pray for me, make meals for my family, offer to help with my kids, shopping, rides, sending positive vibes, blog comments, cards, etc.--- I can’t thank you enough for being present in my life. I know my ‘adventure’ will continue – the road is ahead may have peaks and valleys. But as long as I have friends and family with me on the path, I will be OK.

I am sick of feeling sick

It's been five days since I had my last 'big' chemo and I am STILL feeling lousy. Granted, I have felt gradually a tiny bit better every day since Friday, but still, I am tired, nauseous, shaky, etc. I am a terrible patient because I can't stand slowing down. It is awful. I want this to be over.

Sorry friends. I can't be positive today.

Group Therapy is Cool

On Wednesday night, I attended my first group therapy session through the Life with Cancer Center - which is part of INOVA's treatment centers. My group included four other women with metastatic breast cancer and a counselor from the program. It was very interesting to hear their cancer stories. All of the women were in different stages of treatment, some for several years. Of the four, two of them had breast cancer that spread to the liver, and three of them had it spread to their bones. Comparatively, I was in the earliest stages of treatment, and the youngest in the group.

It was a rewarding experience for me. I learned about many treatment plans that include oral chemotherapy meds, found out about a wig store in Alexandria that has cancer products, and discussed how other people react when we tell them about our cancer. The counselor suggested that my kids attend group therapy that Life with Cancer offers, which seems like a good idea. I will definitely go to the group session next month, and best of all – its free!

Today I had my Herceptin treatment. One of the women in the group heard that Herceptin is extremely effective with my type of receptor cells. She said she wished her cancer cells were HER-2 positive so she could be treated with Herceptin!

I am doing pretty well on the weeks where I do not receive the ‘big chemo.’ The most annoying side effect is that I still get tired when I do physical activity for very long. I almost feel guilty with all of the wonderful meals I am receiving from families. My kids said to me tonight as they gobbled down some delicious salmon and potatoes, “We could get used to this!” I did not say out loud to them, but I thought, “They must like other people’s meals because even before cancer, their mom never cooked!” I just told them to thank the families and be grateful that we have so many people who care about us.

My next big chemo is a week from today, and needless to say, I am not looking forward to the aftermath. At least I know what to expect. And at least I continue to receive prayers and help from family and friends. And at least I am not alone. And at least I have a future to look towards. And at least my hair will grow back one day. And at least I have hope that this is all going to be ok. Well, on most days, I do. At least.

Cancer Blows

That's all I have to say.

Beach '09 - Good Times in Nags Head

The Stevens Family finished another wonderful week in the Outer Banks. There was not a drop of rain, the breeze was steady and the ocean ever-changing. We had warm, calm seas the first few days, and then gradually the water temperature dropped and the waves grew. By Friday evening, we were awed by the fifteen foot surf. It was a thrill!

I wish I could say my trip started as calm as the ocean. After last Thursday’s big chemo treatment, it took me a little longer to recover than I thought it would. I was not feeling well (achy, tired, little nausea) until about Wednesday. My brother, Maurie, thankfully drove my car to the beach, so I was able to rest a bit on the trip. At the beach, I took naps, snacked on things I thought would make me feel better, and just tried to enjoy the family activities as best I could. I kind of wish I had another few days to be more ‘myself.’ But alas, reality awaits and all good things must come to an end, so I took the reins of the car this morning, and drove all the way back home.

A few highlights from the trip:
· My mom shaved my head on Sunday morning because my hair was falling out like crazy. My brothers affectionately called me ‘Ripley’ or ‘G.I. Jane’ the rest of the week.

· I rocked out in bandanas and hats on the beach – with no scalp burn, and they stayed on in the ocean!

· I am now a champ at injecting myself with the Neupagen shots. Gimme a needle and I’ll jam it in my stomach. No sweat.

· Chris and his kids survived the crazy Stevens clan – which is no small feat. They enjoy the beach as we do – OR maybe it was their fried pickles and breakfast ‘puffs,’ that won everyone over. Just keep ‘em coming!

· Matt and Dana Miller rode up in their Harley’s to visit our beach front house. It was great to see our long-time friends and my parent’s favorite neighbors.

· Mary Ann and Mike Zorio and Susie Rozell also stopped in for a visit (after a few trips trying to find the place). They drove all the way from the wine and cheese crowd in Duck to visit the beer and chips crowd in South Nags Head.

I have to give a big blog HUG to Amy, who watched Lance while we were gone. And if that were not enough - I came home to a bigger surprise – she stained my entire deck! It looks amazing. Amy – you are the BEST!

Another blog GROUP hug goes to my family – who continually impress me by their kindness and love. I was VERY grateful for spending time with everyone this week – especially seeing nine cousins laugh and play together, and everyone helping me when I was not feeling great. THANKS for making the beach trip so special for me!

Me and my bro, Joe!

Big Dose Yesterday

I had the triple threat injected yesterday - carboplatin, taxotere and herceptin - oh my! I am feeling a bit run down and groggy, but no nausea. I thought a positive side effect of this process would be that I would lose some weight. So far, that is not the case, darn it.

During my treatment yesterday, I had a visitor pop in, Chrissy (Cakourous) Rash, who is a family friend back in grade school. Chrissy works in the same building as my oncologist. She was diagnosed with breast cancer years ago, and went through chemo, surgery, hair loss, etc. It was great to hear her advice, positive outlook, suggestion for group therapy and the fact that she is a thriving survivor. Thanks so much for the visit - you gave me hope!

My close-cropped hair is shedding steadily now. Our dog, Lance and I have a contest - who can leave the most hair on the couch. I think I am winning. My prediction - total baldness in less than a week.

Kids and I are almost done packing for the beach. Saturday will not be here soon enough. My family is helping me drive my car and distribute the packing and the kids in the car caravan. At peak time, we'll have 17 people in our beach front, South Nags Head house, Chris and his two kids in another house, and a visit from Matt and Dana Miller later in the week. We all can't wait!

Cancer fan shout outs go to those who fed my family recently - Teri Flach and my sister Jenny each both brought over delicious pasta meals, salads, bread, etc. last week. Talk about a treat! It is no wonder I am not losing weight! I love all the cards --the funny, senitmental, positive messages really keep me 'up'. I could not ask for a better support group!

Hair Today - Gone Tomorrow

I knew it was going to happen. I mean, it was inevitable. And when it finally started this weekend – I had no idea it was going to affect me the way it did. I am referring to (dunt dunt duh) HAIR LOSS.

On Saturday morning, I woke up, brushed my hair, and sure enough, the hair started dropping. When I saw the hair in the sink, and in the brush, and felt it falling on my back, a sad and sickening emotion took over me. This was becoming the real deal – there is no more hiding my condition or my cancer treatment.

Throughout the day, when I touched my hair, more strands fell out. It was not coming out in chunks, and not making bald spots or anything. I have a lot of hair. Still, it was very disturbing. I made up my mind – I was not going to keep watching it fall out. I wanted it gone and I wanted to be the one to make it go away.

So, tonight, with the help of Chris and his electric clippers, we went out on the deck and did the deed. Grace and Jake were a captive audience. Erin was working at the pool. All three were uneasy about the process for sure, and they were not alone. After the first few passes of the clippers, seeing the locks fall to the ground, I actually started to relax and even laugh. I mean, here’s yet another experience that I NEVER thought I would go through. And as the hair came off, my head became cooler. Everyone was very encouraging and positive about my new G.I. Jane 'look'. I knew I did the right thing. It was liberating.

Here are the before and after pictures:

So blog watchers - I will be covering my head with a variety of head gear options. I've never been a 'hair' person, and I'll guess I have to be a hat person. Or wig person. Or scarf person. As my NY sister in law says, "whatevs!"

Sure, looking weird will bring unwanted attention that I typically do not encourage, but going bald is a small price to pay for killing cancer. Thanks to the love and support of many, many people, hopefully the weirdness of it all will fade.

No News is Good News

For the blog-record, I'm in a feeling-OK holding pattern. I am eating well, sleeping so-so, and my energy is below normal but not ‘I can’t get out of bed’ lethargic. I still have all my hair (even though Jake thinks I am losing it because he saw a strand of my hair on a pillow. I typically lose dozens, if not hundreds of strands a day!). I am working full-time now, and my next dose of chemo is this Thursday, and it is a 30 minute one like last week.

While starting a blog is a good way to inform people about my progress, sometimes I find all this public 'sharing' a bit narcissistic. So read on if you care, but please don’t feel obligated. There will be no blog tests to see if you are keeping up. I will not write an article unless I have some news to report (thus the title of this post).

I am continually touched by all the cards, blog comments and the fact that people are reaching out to me with such warm wishes and prayers. Cancer fan, Stella – I enjoyed your card about how Gemini’s are fighters who love life. I totally agree!

Thursday is Chemo Day

Today in the cancer chronicles, I accomplished many things:
1. Got my wig fitted and styled and instructions on how to wash and care for it. It's my new pet.
2. Got a second dose of chemotherapy (therapy - hah). This was a 30 minute bag of Herceptin, the drug I will most likely be on for about a year. Happily, the side-effects of this smaller dose have not been drastic. Grace tagged along, and seemed un-phased when they used my newly installed mediport to deliver the juice. Maybe she will be a doctor after all.
3. Got a hair cut to match my new wig. I splurged and treated myself to a cut, style AND blow-dry at Haircuttery. I brought my wig in, explained my hair loss story to the stylist, and asked her match my hair to the wig. Somewhere along the lines, there was a communication breakdown. She did a great job on the wig-matching cut, but when I left, she gave me her card and told me to come back to see her next time. I was pretty clear about telling her I was going to be bald in a few weeks - but I guess she forgot that part.
4. Ordered some fun and flirty head-gear to cover my dome – hats, wraps, etc. Nothing says ‘that chick rocks’ like a flowered bandana or African silk head scarf.

All in all, it was a productive day. I have also been feeling pretty darn good the last two days, compared to last Friday – Sunday. Complaints: tiredness, stomach cramps, night sweats, runny nose – all of which I can handle. Nausea – forget it.

Today’s Cancer Fan shout out goes to my sister Jenny and her daughter Lizzy – for bringing over the best darn peanut butter cookies ever made. Second shout out goes to the Kelty family – with their heart-warming card o’wishes and the DVD of Fast Times at Ridgemont High. “Learn it. Know it. Live it. My old man is a television repair man, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it.” I love you guys!

P.S.
I am getting a mystery card delivered – with sweet messages and no signature. Whoever you are, you are my angel!

Back at Work Today

I thought I would join the real world once again and head into the office today. It was not easy, but it sure beats lying around the house looking at dust and opening the fridge about 100 times. I was able to make it from 8:30 until about 1pm, when I hit the wall of exhaustion. Tomorrow I'll try for a longer day.

Yesterday's medi-port surgery was interesting. Fairfax hospital is a maze of confusion. The outpatient surgery center is down in the basement, with poorly marked signage on where to go, elevators, etc. Proving my point was the elderly volunteer who wheeled me out to the street when I was ready to go. He had no idea which set of elevators to take to get me out of the building!

Anyway, the surgery itself was a piece of cake. Mandy, my awesome prep-nurse graduated with me from O'Connell - so that's was a small world story. The medi-port is very small, about the size of a quarter in diameter, and 3/4 inch thick, and has a tube that goes into a vein in my neck closer to my heart. No - I do not look like a Borg from Star Trek, or like someone from the Matrix where they plug me in to a machine. There is nothing sticking out of me. There are two small incisions and a small lump under my skin on my chest – near the bra strap. Of everything that’s been done to me so far – this makes the most sense for administering IV medication.

I have to share a 'Laugh out Loud' award which goes to to my dearest friend Amy, who send me the following email: “So, I've never subscribed to a blog before!.... that makes you my FIRST TIME!..... but I mean, with a title like "Anne's Cancer Adventure"... how could I resist?!.. I heard it's already being opted for a screenplay to do a lavishly gay broadway musical featuring such hits as "One Boob is enough", "Lay off my wig, bitch!", and "Does this pink ribbon make me look fat?"! ...”

Keep sending me the love, people!

Sunday Night -Kids are the Best!

After Friday's relatively decent day, Saturday took a downhill turn for me. I was able to get up and get to the swimming divisionals, but it was SO hot, I lasted about 2 hours. I did get to see Jake and Erin swim before going home and passing out on my couch. I was wiped out. The day seemed to get worse for me - with aching bones, a sore back, and a slight fever of 100. It really got me down to be so out of commission. Still - upon the advice of a co-worker (thanks, Paul) I had to make cancer my beeyatch and was able to do my first self-injection of Neupagen before I went to bed. I slept some, breaking out in night sweats again, and woke up feeling a little better.

I was not able to get to Jake's diving divisionals this morning, and felt really bad about it. My parents took him to the dive meet and he ended up coming in 6th place - which is really awesome. As the morning went on, I felt good enough to take the kids to church, and it was important for me to feel normal, and get back in the real world.

Tonight was the big swim team end of season party and I KNEW I had to make an appearance. As tough as it was to get psyched to go, I made it - and it turned out I had a really, really good time. I stayed from 4 until 7:30, enjoying the games, the potluck, the awards and the photos. Jake, Erin and Grace made me so proud. The highlight of the night was seeing Grace receive the coveted 'coaches award'. There is only one of these awarded, and she earned it for her Woodley Warrior spirit, her positive attitude and her cheering the team - even in the meets where she did not swim. Go Gracie! Anyway - I wish I could have stayed longer for the DJ and dancing, but once again, I was wiped out so had to head home.

Tomorrow I go to Fairfax Hospital to get my single lumen mediport placed in my chest. It's about a 2-hour ordeal where they knock me out and install a tube in my chest for future chemo injections. The port will most likely be in place for a year. One more foreign object in my body - awesome!!!

Thanks for your continued calls and well wishes. I have been an emotional roller-coaster lately, so if you talk to me and I start to cry for no apparent reason, don’t be surprised – I’m a mess. UGH.

Day after Chemo

I made it home yesterday around 3pm, and other than being tired, a little itchy and achey, I felt ok. I have been able to eat without nausea and I slept well last night. I have been taking some anti-nausea meds, and they appear to be working. Nausea is one of my worst fears in coping with this, and if I can keep that at bay, I'm golden.


Today my mom, Erin and Grace and I ventured out to do some shopping. No, no to Tysons's or the mall - but to a wig store. I figure I should get one picked out sooner than later. Talk about a strange thing to shop for! My entourage was very supportive and we found one that looked reasonably decent. The ladies at the store were AMAZING with their suggestions and advice, and they made the whole experience as plesant and as 'normal' as it could be.

Here is a shot of the wig I picked out.

I am totally kidding. I tried that one on for fun. I thought i looked like Garth from Wayne's World.

Grace got in on the fun, too.

That outing took a lot out of me, (mentally, physically, everything) so we went home and I took a nap. In between resting, I am checking in with work from time to time, responding to a few emails, staying relavant, putting out fires. Trying to feel normal is very important right now.

Tomorrow the kids are swiming in their last swim team event of the summer (Divisionals) and I am thrilled that all three kids are in two events each. I am planning on going to the meet - and hopefully I will be able to sit in some shade and enjoy the races. I also get to start a 5-day regiment of Neupagen - injections of this help raise my white blood cell count. I need to do this 5-day cycle after I get my big chemo treatments.

Injecting myself, taking tons of meds, wig shopping, feeling run-down - I still can't believe this is all happening. I know what is getting me through this is support from my parents, my kids, all the 'pool moms', Chris, people who have been through this, like Kristin's mom, Debbie, and all the kind letters, cards and sentiments people are sharing with me. Keep the prayers and the good vibes coming - I have to say they are working!

Getting the juice!

I am sitting in my doctor's office (and have been since 9am) getting IV's of many things:3 chemo meds, benadryl, and anti-nausea stuff. So far so good. I have a lounge chair, private room with cable TV and my mom and dad to keep me company. I should be done in an hour.It's kind of boring, actually.

I'll go home after this and rest. I feel fine now and I even had a sandwich for lunch.

More later!

What they are injecting me with tomorrow... it's a Toxic Cocktail.

For those of you who are 'into' this cancer-thing (and unfortunately, I am because I have been thrown head-first into it at 90 mph) here are links to the chemotherapy drugs they are using on me tomorrow. These links go into details about the good, the bad and the ugly. I am CONFIDENT I will be in the majority with normal or typical side effects. Yay Chemotherapy!

Carboplatin
http://www.chemocare.com/bio/carboplatin.asp

Taxotere
http://www.chemocare.com/bio/taxotere.asp

Herceptin
http://www.chemocare.com/bio/herceptin.asp

I am going to the Beach NO MATTER WHAT!

Inquiring minds want to know if my chemo will affect my August 15 beach trip. I asked my doctor if it would, and thank God, she said we can work around it. I NEED this vacation, my kids need this vacation, and whether or not I am tired, nauseous, or bald - I am going to be there!

Most likely I will get a second round of chemo the week before the beach. And as much as I enjoy road-tripping with the kids and cruising around in my newish Mazda 5, I have no way of knowing how I will feel after two rounds of chemo.

So to my family members who are going to the beach – if necessary - I hope you can find room in your hearts and your cars for me, some boogie boards, several bags of crap, two moody teens and rowdy 10-year old boy.

Beach 2009 will be the BEST VACATION EVER!

Can you say “Corn Hole”?

Chemo Starts This Week!

I'll add more in a later post for those who want to know the medical terms and details - but for those of you who want an update on my next steps:

Tomorrow 7/21 - Appt with cardiologist at 10:00am. They need an ECG to make sure my heart is healthy before chemo.

Thursday 7/23- first chemotherapy treatment. This will take about 6 hours starting at 9:00am. I have meds to take before, during and after treatment to prevent some side effects - like nausea.

Monday 7/27 - Going to Fairfax hospital to get surgical port implanted in my chest - so they don't keep sticking my arm with needles for all future treatments. I will have follow up doctor appointments once a week (and a weekly injection of Herceptin -preferred drug of choice for my non-hormone-based aggressive cancer) and chemotherapy every three weeks after this week.

Depending upon how effective the treatment is, chemotherapy will be adjusted over the next six months. The good news is that my doctor thinks this regimen will be successful, as it has worked on many patients. All of the preparation before during and after the treatments should help prevent nausea and possible infection. I will lose my hair pretty quickly (so you could see me in a wig in a few weeks -- arrghh!). Another side effect is fatigue - and I just need to keep that in mind so as not to push myself.

Like I said - I'll write up some more details for anyone who wants more of a scientific, physical or emotional report.

How in the heck did I get here today? (the non-emotional scientific explanation)

Most of you know that last July, I was diagnosed with breast cancer - specifically - DCIS (ductile carcinoma in-situ). This type of cancer typically does not spread - it is contained in the breast tissue. I had a left-breast mastectomy in September, to ensure that all the DCIS was removed. There was no evidence of lymph cancer (or any invasive cancer) at the time, based on: 1) results of my sentinel node biopsy; and 2) the tissue samples tested after my mastectomy. I was sent on my way with a five-year prescription of tamoxifin, which is an estrogen suppressor, meant to slow or prevent any recurring cancer in my right breast.

I had reconstructive surgery in early February 2009, which included a silicon implant. This surgery was successful and again, there was no evidence of lymph swelling at the or invasive cancer at that time

Sometime in April, I noticed that I had small, painful lumps in my left armpit. I just assumed it was swelling related to the reconstructive surgery, and it would eventually go away. I mean, all signs indicated that I had a textbook DCIS case, and the mastectomy took care of it all. I was not too concerned.

A month later (May 2009), the swelling did not go away. I told myself that I would have the lumps examined in early June when it was time for my mammogram and MRI. Sure enough, those test results showed multiple swollen lymph nodes, so clearly that the radiologist suggested I get a biopsy.

A few days later, in my surgeon’s office (Dr. Shawna Willey, Georgetown), I received a fine needle biopsy. A few days after that (mid June) she called me to say that the lymph sample revealed breast cancer cells. She explained that unfortunately, there must have been some invasive carcinoma cells lurking in my breast that went undetected. These cancer cells spread to my left lymph nodes. Dr. Willey immediately scheduled me for surgery to remove my lymph nodes, and also scheduled me for a PET/CT scan just to make sure there were no other tumors outside of the lymph nodes.

After my PET/CT scan, my oncologist (Dr. Mary Wilkenson, Fairfax) called me into her office to share the results. Not only were there tumors in my lymph nodes, but there were distinct tumors in my liver. I saw the scans myself – and there was no mistaking it – the cancer had spread to my liver.

Dr. Wilkensen needed to get a larger sample of lymph tissue to determine what kind of cancer they were dealing with – what type of receptor cells were there – so she could recommend a treatment plan. The test results were revealed to me today (July 20, 2009) and it showed that my invasive carcinoma originated from breast cancer, and the cells were HER-2 positive. I may or may not have this correct -- but from what she explained, this type of cancer is aggressive, and does not grow or respond to hormone changes. The medicine most effective in treating these type of cells is Herceptin. She assured me that this is relatively good news – as they have seen many positive results in shrinking this type of cancer with herceptin.

In addition to a weekly shot of herceptin, every three weeks, I am going to receive chemotherapy which consists of the drugs carboplatin and taxotere. Possible side effects are infection (due to decreased white blood cell count), nausea, hair loss, fatigue, joint aches and perhaps weakening of the heart muscles. After two to three months, I will get another PET/CT scan to see if the tumors have changed, and my treatment will be adjusted after that. If it is working, chemotherapy will be reduced, and eventually eliminated, and I will be on a herceptin maintenance plan. If it is not working, or there are side-effects that are unexpected, then she will make changes to the medicine, chemotherapy schedule, and do whatever it takes to get better results.

On Monday, July 27, I will have a Single-lumen mediport placed in my chest for easier administration of intravenous medicine. I will probably have my second dose of chemotherapy in the second week of August. I will lose my hair – most likely in the next 2-3 weeks.

There you have it, medical geeks. That’s the unemotional story of how I got to be where I am today! Stay tuned for more cancer adventures!

Biopsy Results Today

One week ago I had a core needle biopsy done on the largest lymph node in my armpit. Apparently it is about 2 centimeters in size. The results of this sample will determine the treatment plan my oncologist will recommend. They test to see what receptors my cells have - so they know what works best on stopping their growth. Of course this is the most basic explanation.

One bit of good news - the biopsy was painless during the procedure, and after applying ice every 20 minutes that same day, I had very little pain, swelling and bruising.

It has been a long week of waiting and as much as I want to know what my future holds, I also do not want to know.

Bloggedy Blog Blog

After my recent cancer diagnosis, I thought I would start to journal what I will be going through during the next phase of my life. Perhaps family and friends can check this for health updates, and my kids can use this as a reference in the years ahead.