Big Day Today!

An overwhelming day to say the least. We started with chemo teaching which almost caused Jen and I both to have a panic attack. A handful of prescription to get filled (mostly anti nausea meds), a long list of over the counter medicines that we need to have in stock at home (just in case), a shorter list of medicines I shouldn't take, and then an onslaught of all the things I can't or shouldn't do while going through chemo. WOW!!!! I am just glad it was all written down.

My first chemo treatment is scheduled for Friday March 5th at 8:30 am. We were able to look at the area where they do the chemo treatment. Everyone just looked sick to me, but at least they looked comfortable!

Then onto genetic testing results. I found out that I am BRCA 2 positive. In this case positive is not a positive thing. It means that I have a mutation which increases my risk of certain cancers. This explains why I have cancer but it also means I have a 27% chance of getting breast cancer again in the next 5 years, 64% chance of getting breast cancer again by age 70, and a 15% chance of getting ovarian cancer (the general population has a less than 2% chance of ever getting ovarian cancer).

Needless to say, I am drinking a nice cold beverage as I am sitting here writing my post tonight. Not really sad, but just trying to process it all. This doesn't change my chemo treatment plan and since I am starting with chemo, it will give me several months to make decisions about the upcoming surgeries.

The Game Plan

I feel like I spent most of my day in Drs. offices. I started off with blood work. They drew 7 tubes of blood, and yes that is not a typo. After that, I saw the clinical study nurse. I was put into a group for the clinical study that I have agreed to participate in. This will guide some of my chemo treatment. I then saw the medical oncologist (chemo) for a follow up. She gave me a check over and discussed the treatment plan of care. I really want to describe my specific treatment plan but it is a little complicated so I will probably make that a separate post. Finally I saw the radiation oncologist for the first time. We are not sure at this time if I will have radiation but it is a possibility. She also gave me a check over and discussed the potential plan of care. I wish I could find the right words to describe this physician. It was to say the least, truly a unique experience. I kind of liked her though, she reminded me of my dear friend Alba.

Tomorrow I finally get the results of the genetic testing (still driving me crazy not knowing) and will have chemo teaching. This is where they will discuss in detail all the specific meds I will be given, write prescription for anti nausea meds and probably give me the actual time I will start chemo. This should be sometime on Friday, March 5th.

Genetic test results tomorrow!!!!!!

Today I was able to see my lymph node biopsy results, well sort of. It appears to me that they did not actually get any lymph node tissue in the biopsy sample. I am not sure if they will try again or just be content that I don't have any substantial looking lymph nodes.

I also found out that the results from my genetic testing are back. Unfortunately, they are holding the results hostage until I bring them $45 (my copay) on Friday. I will admit that this is driving me a little crazy. To this point all my results have been in my medical records and I have just looked them up myself.

Maybe tomorrow my physician will be able to tell me the results of the genetic testing and hopefully give me further information on the lymph node biopsy. I also hope to have a chemotherapy treatment plan of care and maybe even know what group I have been put in for the clinical study I am participating in.

This morning I was off to get a ultrasound of my lymph with possible biopsy. Secondary to the clinical study that I am doing the radiologist seemed hard pressed to find a lymph node to biopsy. According to her, my lymph nodes were not very impressive - meaning none were especially big or abnormal looking. She finally settled on one and then prepped me for the biopsy. She then spent several minutes chasing this lymph node (with a needle type device under my skin), stating " that stinker keeps running away from me"! Luckily, I was very numb and didn't feel anything. So hopefully she actually got a sample of the lymph node and hopefully I will get the results tomorrow.

Looking ahead - I have blood work, and 2 Dr. appointments on Thurs. One with the medical oncologist (chemo - follow up) and the other with the radiation oncologist (first visit).

Results from CT scan and bone scan

I got the results of the CT scan and bone scan today - both show no evidence of metastatic disease.

Dana's Breast Cancer Timeline

December 2009 - Found lump in left breast. Made appointment to see physician.

January 8th 2010 - Appointment with physician, referral for mammogram and ultrasound

January 19th 2010 - Mammogram and Ultrasound

January 20th 2010 - Results from tests. Suspicious for intraductal malignancy and possible invasion. BI-RAD Category 5 (highly suggestive of malignancy)

January 29th 2010 - Left breast biopsy

February 1st 2010 - Results from biopsy: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

Histologic Grade = 8

Estrogen and Progesterone positive

Her-2/Neu positive

February 5th 2010 - Consult with surgeon. Discussed treatment options. Tentative plan of Chemotherapy, Surgery (lumpectomy) and Radiation

February 5th 2010 - Consult with medical oncologist. Discussed chemotherapy options, including the option of a clinical study.

February 8th 2010 - MRI of breasts. Genetic counseling and BRAC 1 and 2 tests.

February 9th 2010 - Results of MRI. Right breast shows no suspicious lesions. The left breast shows 4 enhancing areas. One of these appear benign and the other 3 appear to be the main malignant mass. Total area measuring 3.2 cm.

February 10th 2010 - Blood work and signed paperwork to participate in clinical study.

February 15th 2010 - EKG and ECHO tests

February 18th 2010 - Port put in (for chemotherapy)

February 19th 2010 - CT scan of chest, abdomen and pelvis. Bone scan

February 19th 2010 - HAT PARTY!!!!!!