3. Bad news

Monday May 21st was when I received the dreaded diagnosis- grade II, stage IIb invasive ductal cell carcinoma.  I remember writing down the information my OB so gently expressed over the phone and retaining composure by the nurses' station. I looked up at my friend Pinky across the way; she had an apprehensive expression on her face with bated breath.  Instantly a wave of sadness overcame me, and the only escape was the restroom.  This was my safe space.  After the crying and shaking abated, I was able to update Dad and other loved ones.  When I opened the door, Pinky was there.  Who knew that such a tiny person could give such big hugs?!

Moments later Carolyn aka Mama C made some magic happen.  She contacted one of our current chiefs, Jonathan, who so graciously helped with scheduling an oncologist and directing me to answer the "what do I do now?" questions.  These three guys were my "medical first responders," and I'm forever grateful for them.  They truly have hearts of gold.

msmoem.com

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

18. I'll have a chemoport now, please

Image
Medifee.com chemoport for chest For the first two chemo cycles I opted to have access through a peripheral IV vs a chemoport.  A chemoport is a device that allows accessible withdrawal of blood for labs and a site to inject medications and fluids.  It is surgically inserted into one of the larger veins close to the upper portion of your chest while a catheter extends close to the heart.  One of the most common post-surgical complications is infection around the site, and I wanted to lessen my chances of infection.  Well, after the Adriamycin left hives and bruising for the second time close to the area where the chemo was injected, I said "enough is enough.  I'll take a chemoport, please." Tuesday July 3rd I had a chemoport placed under general anesthesia.  The procedure itself took 20 minutes; however, Dad and I were there for approximately 7 hours total.  It was interesting being a patient in one of our own hospital rooms.  Before...
Read more

29. Chemo cycle #5

Image
Tuesday September 18th I underwent my fifth treatment of chemo.  The therapy was Taxol (paclitaxel) this time (no more of that awful Adriamycin and Cytoxan).  Although there was no nausea or vomiting following the Taxol, there was A LOT more muscle and bone pain, particularly in my neck.  This is also my shameless plug to please get your flu vaccine this season because that is what the side effects of this treatment felt like- a really aggressive case of the flu.  I have a few answers to commonly asked questions concerning this vaccine: 1. The flu vaccine does not cause the flu .  It takes your immune system two weeks post vaccine to be able to adequately protect itself from the flu so it is very possible that you were exposed to the virus before getting the shot. 2. After any vaccine you may experience muscle soreness at the site of the injection, headache, or a low grade fever (symptoms less severe than the real deal). 3. Yes, the flu can take lives !...
Read more

22. Chemo #4 postponed? Ahhhhhh! Medical Nitty Gritty Part 3

Image
Good news : The repeat PET scan and breast ultrasound last week revealed shrinking of the affected lymph nodes in my right armpit- the chemo is in fact working! The two masses in my right breast are minimally changed in size, but at least they are no longer growing.   Thursday August 2nd, Dad and I went through the motions of going to clinic for the fourth cycle of chemo.  I was particularly amped about this cycle because it meant that this was the last infusion of the Red Devil (Adriamycin) and Cytoxan combination.  Adriamycin is the main culprit behind the severe nausea and vomiting, strange colored urine (TMI? apologies), and hives/bruising.  As you can imagine completing 4/8 treatments was a milestone to celebrate.  Well, God had other plans. Prior to starting a single treatment, my labs are drawn to ensure that there's an adequate number of white blood cells (infection fighting cells) and stable electrolytes.  Chemo annihilates quickly dividing c...
Read more