Portless

Lots had been going on, but I'm happy to report that I've been too busy with being normal to sit and write! I didn't bounce back so quickly after my last infusion which was 3 weeks ago. I kind of pushed myself a bit too hard and was exhausted for a few days. I never realized how impatient I am.  In the last week, I have finally felt like my old self, (sort of). I'm able to walk my old route and I have worked up to 20 minutes and 1.7 miles on the nordic track. I also went to pilates and have been working with weights. My gym membership is on a medical hold and I won't go back until after I finish radiation, so I'm doing everything here at home.  This is ok because the heaviest weights I have are only 5 lbs, so I can't overdo it!  I've also been shopping and eating out and not worrying about every germ that comes my way. My hair has started growing back (it actually starting growing when I was on the Taxol). it's still just stubble but I can see it changing (I look at it about 30 time a day!).  I still have the residue from the Hand reaction I got from the first chemo drug I was on. The skin on my finger tips are all wrinkly (like when you have your hands in water too long) and there is still some numbness. My nail are all yellow and I have lost my thumb nail and will probably loose others too.  It's more annoying than anything else.

I got my port removed yesterday. Usually, they are left in for 6 months or so, but no one could give me a good reason why that was, so I pushed for getting it out before I start radiation.  It was done right in the doctor's office.  It took quite a while and I was very nervous about the whole thing. I felt no pain but I did feel pressure and heard sniping and stuff. I'm a ninny at heart! It was painful last night and this morning, more than when it was put in.  I have the stitches out on Monday.

Next week I go to UCSF for my set up for radiation which will begin the following week. My sister's friend, Dan, has graciously offered me a room in his house. He lives in the hills near Tilden Park and a short walk from my sister's (her place in only a 1 bedroom). I'm trying to overlook the sad reason I'll be there and focus on all the fun things there are to do in the bay area.

So I think this catches everyone up on the latest from me. I'll do some posting when I'm having the radiation. I look forward to being done with all this.

The Last......Hurrah!

Yesterday was my last chemo treatment. As I watched the final drips of Taxol go through the line, I reflected on what a long grueling 4 months it has been.  There were many times I didn't know if I had it in me to see this through. As strong as I am, I often thought, "this will break me and bring me to my knees". And as I lay on the sofa I thought, "this is what is like to die." But I didn't break or die, I triumphed and passed the test. So now what?

I am not the same woman I was 6 months ago. Being diagnosed with cancer is a life changing experience and my outlook on life has shifted. I can't express how this will manifest in my life and relationships as it is so new, but I have definitely changed- hopefully in positive ways. I can't even say what has shifted, but I can feel it in how I see things and how I think. I will keep you posted as the future unfolds.

I went into two stores today and I drove there myself! I have avoid public places for the last 4 months, as I didn't want to risk getting sick and having to delay a treatment.  I look forward to getting back into shape- walking, weights, pilates, yoga- all that good stuff. I've been exercising a little on my good days but I haven't pushed myself, as I thought my body was being stressed enough by the chemo.  I'm looking forward to having my hair. It started to grow once I was on the Taxol, but it is still stubble. There are so many things I can't wait to do I won't bore you with what are mostly things you do every day without a though.

I'll keep posting so stay tuned. I wish everyone a happy and very healthy new year:>)

Light

In one week I will have my last chemo infusion. I am so looking forward to being done with this phase of my treatment. I have not complained or whined too much, but it has been quite an ordeal. I can see the light at the end of this dark tunnel and I look forward to getting back into shape, being social, eating out, getting hair, and all the other things I used to take for granted. Four months on the sofa have taken its toll and I feel like a slug, Fortunately, I haven't gained weight, but I feel pretty flabby. I am so weak from the chemo that on a good day I can walk for about 15 minutes. I try to do two walks a day, but sometimes it isn't possible. On some days, 10 minutes is all I can handle. And others I can't do anything.........It's going to be a long climb back to fitness.

The Taxol is easier than the other 2 chemo drugs. On the 2nd day after treatment I get terrible muscle aches and spasms- kind of like the flu, but not really. It is a very strange sensation and moves around my body. This lasts for about 3 days, but even now (a week later) I still have some twitching in my calf muscles.  So far,  I haven't gotten the peripheral neuropathy as a side effect.  I don't know if this means I won't get it or it may come later, as some side effects can.

I know it will be an adjustment once chemo is over since this has been my life for four months. Now what??? I've been reading a lot of books by cancer survivors and it seems that you get what one writer calls "canceritis". You think every lump, bump, spot or pain is a recurrence and you drive your doctors crazy. The fear of it coming back is always on your mind.  Time seems to heal this. I hope I can prepare myself and keep the fear under control. If I've learned anything from this experience, it's to take each day as it comes and live it to the fullest. No one knows what is out there or what they will face around the next corner.

I had a lovely holiday with both my boys.  I hope your holidays were filled with good things and wish everyone good health and joy in the New Year.

UCSF

     We got back from SF yesterday. It was a tiring trip, but it was nice to eat out and be in the city. We were very impressed with the radiology oncologist at UCSF. She only treats breast cancer so she is an expert on the subject. She was very thorough and went over everything (including giving Glenn the 50 page study of the benefits of radiation in reducing recurrence) and we never felt rushed. The advantage of having the treatment there is that the technicians who do the treatments are better trained. Also, before treatment begins there is a process where you are positioned for the treatment. Measurements are taken (and I get some small tattoos on my chest- I always wanted one!) as well as a CAT scan to see where organs (like my heart and thyroid) are so they can be avoided during treatment.  The position of the machine is based on all this so damage to other areas is minimized.
      The radiologist in Chico, with whom I wasn't impressed,  actually told me if during treatment my throat hurts I need to tell the technician as that means my esophagus is being hit!  I don't think that will be an issue at UCSF. I have a friend I can stay with and my sister lives there too. I would come home on weekends. The treatment lasts for about 6 weeks, but I believe I should get the best care available to me. There is another center about 30 minutes from us and I will check that out and see what they can offer.
   Many people have commented on how proactive I have been throughout my treatment. I believe we all need to be advocates for our health care.   This is my life at stake and I want to make the most informed decisions I can.
   I'm going to get ready for treatment #6, so I'll be out of it for a while.  Thanks again for all the nice emails. What would I do without all you wonderful people.

Almost there

      I can't believe that on after my infusion next Tuesday I'll only have 2 more treatments to go. I can see the light at the end of this dismal tunnel. I'm so sick of not feeling good, I can't wait to start exercising again and building my strength back. And I look forward to going to parties and eating out and doing "normal" things. Since my immunity is so low, I've avoided all those things. Also, I haven't really felt that great (not that you would notice :>).
      The Taxol has different side effects, I had a few days of muscle aches. They can get very severe, but I was able to just take Motrin and hang in there. I got very fatigued when my blood count plummeted and ran a fever like I did on the other chemo drugs. But I am feeling better today and overall think this drug isn't so strong.  The other drugs made me mentally out of it along with the physical symptoms so I felt bad but I just sort of floated along. The Taxol doesn't affect my mental state, which results in a disparity between my mind and my physical body. I could see where I could get depressed by this so I'm trying to stay positive and focus on the end of all this.
     Today we're driving to SF because I have two appointments at UCSF tomorrow. I'm meeting with a genetic counselor to see if I'm a candidate for the genetic test for the breast cancer gene. I thought they would just do the test, but I guess the insurance won't pay unless its recommended by the genetics person. I'm also meeting with a radiology oncologist. Radiation is the next phase of my treatment so I want to get more information about my options. I have a doctor here, but I figure why not take advantage of a world class facility that is nearby. I'm hoping that I don't have to have as aggressive treatment as was originally called for. We're staying at a B&B near the medical center and I'm actually eating out tonight! Even though, we're there for a kind of sad reason, I can still pretend it's a mini-vacation.
     I think that brings everyone up to date on my world. I had a nice Thanksgiving with my sister, Jessica, her friend Dan and Michael and Mariah. They did all the work!  I missed not doing it- it's my favorite holiday and last year I had 6 house guests and 11 people at the table. Next year.........
    Hope all is well in your world and don't forget to subscribe so you'll get notified when I post.

Giving Thanks

Yesterday I felt pretty good and thought about the upcoming holiday and all the blessings in my life even while I go through this difficult time. I should have posted then because I'm not feeling so great today. I guess it's one day at a time. On tuesday I had chemo #5 and am now on a different drug called Taxol. It caused another flair up of my hands but enough about that, back to the topic.

I just want to acknowledge all the people and things in my life that I am grateful for. I have always had an attitude of gratitude, but being ill has brought me closer to appreciating how blessed I am. I am grateful to my wonderful husband, Glenn, who has truly risen to the task and is taking amazing care of me. I have so many wonderful friends and family members who have brought me meals and gifts and wonderful company. All the people who aren't here have been calling and emailing regularly. I feel so supported and loved with so much positive energy being sent my way. I am thankful that I have good insurance and am getting the best treatment possible and that I have the financial resources to make my life easier and comfortable at this time. 

I could go on, but I just want to encourage everyone to take stock and make time for gratitude today. We are all blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving- gobble gobble

Half Way There

Sorry it is so long between posts. It's amazing how tired this chemo makes me. Last Tuesday I had treatment #4, so I'm officially half way through. This was the last infusion of A/C and next week I start taxol. It isn't supposed to be as bad as the first two (I'm told Adriamycin is called the "Red Devil" and is the worst of the three). It does come with its own set of side effects- joint pain and the possibility of nerve pain in the hands and feet.  It would be nice to have a small reprieve.
After my second A/C treatment and into the third I experienced an odd reaction. My fingertips turned bright red and felt like they had been burned. I couldn't touch anything without pain, it was awful. Then the skin turned thick and now is peeling. My oncologist was baffled, but it turns out it is a rare reaction to the Adriamycin. It usually happens after the last treatment, so she decided that I needed a lower dose this last time and reduced the infusion by 25%. I thought I would have less side effects, but I didn't.
I'll try to post again soon as I want to share some of the thoughts and reflections I have had while lying on the sofa staring at the ceiling, which is what I do about 90% of the time!
Thanks for all the great energy coming my way.
Anita