Pink in your think:
The above is a line from a Disney Pixar Short. It has played over and over in my head this month. Pink is everywhere! Since it is Breast Cancer Awareness month, it is hard to run away from it...at the store, on TV, Runs/Walks, campaigns, I even saw pink bubble wrap yesterday?!?!?! This has mostly been positive for me, it is like everyone is out there supporting me (yes, once again my narcissism shows). But there is something therapeutic or "safe" knowing that for at least this month everyone has a heightened awareness of "the boobs"
Echo cardiogram
I had this test on Oct. 8th. It was essentially the same as when they did my baseline test before I started chemotherapy. That is good, no heart damage from the meds yet. The herceptin's (I start this in Nov) biggest side effect is heart damage.
Mammogram
I had this test also on Oct. 8th. The area where my cancer was first seen on the mammogram was still present. Doesn't mean the cancer is still there, could just be "scar tissue". We won't really know about any remaining cancer until we get the pathology report after my surgeries. No new areas were found in either breast.
Oncology appointment
I had this appt. on Oct 15th. The Dr. reviewed the above tests with me, told me my blood work was good, and basically gave me the thumbs up to proceed with surgery. We set the date when I would start infusion therapy again, November 12th or 19th (I can't quite remember). This will be the herceptin, it is kind of like chemotherapy but is supposed to much better tolerated. It is called target therapy and will target a certain "part" of my cancer. I will continue this every 3 weeks until June 2011.
Cancer walk
Oct. 16th - I think I heard that there was over 4000 people that showed for the walk. It was quite amazing and a great day to be outside walking with friends and family. Although we weren't able to stay together as a group, I so much appreciate all those folks who walked to support me! All 4,000 of them : ) Oops there was my narcissism again!
Surgery appointment
I was lead to believe that going to schedule my surgery would be a piece of cake! WRONG! I have been counting down the days until this appointment, ready to finally get the date so I could move forward with all the planning and details. I left with Nothing and did not find out the date of my surgery until Thurs. Needless to say it has been a bit of a sad, angry and stressful week for me.
Surgery
My surgeries are scheduled for November 2nd. I will be have my ovaries removed, double mastectomy, and an axillary dissection of my lymph nodes on the left side. The plans are for an overnight stay and I am planning on taking off work through Nov. 26th.
I can't really begin to process all of this surgery business. Today was Jaxon's birthday and tomorrow his party. I will focus on him this weekend and begin to prepare myself mentally, emotionally and physically next week.
Rash
I have broken out in a rash all over my body. I have had this rash two other times over the last 2 years. Yes Dr. Kukal, I suspect it might be stress related!
I will try to do better with my postings. Good evening all and thanks for the continued support
