Oncologist visit

Well, how to begin. This may take me more than one sitting to get through. This has been a depressing day. Talking about odds of being alive with or without cancer in 10 years, is not something anyone wants to discuss or even think about. However, this is what my life is now, so . . . . Here is what we went over today with Dr. Rich:

Taking the info we have about my cancer:

• Estrogen Receptor status = positive
• Histologic grade = 2 [grade 1 would be normal breast tissue and grade 3 would be highly differentiated tissue (very different from normal) - fast growing. So, I'm in the middle]
• Tumor Size = 5 cm [5.1 cm would have moved me to stage 3]
• Nodes involved = 3
• Hur2Neu = negative [not as aggressive as positive, which would require addtional treatment]
• Stage = 2b [1 is normal, 4 is final stage]

Put all of the above with the fact that I am pretty young and in good health and here were the options:

If I did no more treatment besides the surgery, I would have a 40% chance of being alive and cancer-free in 10 years.

If I just did hormonal therapy it would go up to 65%.

If I just did chemo it would go up less than 65%.

If I undergo a "Third Generation Regimen" of chemo - which means chemo and hormonal therapy, the odds go up to 80%. Needless to say we will be doing the 3rd generation.

What that means is:

I will have 4 treatments of Adriamycin/Cytoxan, every 2 weeks. These drugs disrupt the growth of and destroy cancer cells [as well as normal cells - they can't tell the difference].

Then I will have 4 treatments of Taxol, every 2 weeks. This drug disrupts cell division and kills cells [good ones and bad ones].

Then I will undergo radiation treatment - don't know specifics on that.

Then I will take an anti-estrogen pill every day for several years.

Of course, the doctor has to cover all the possible side affects which causes you to start having all of them! But, he also had some meds that help most people have minimal side effects.

Dr. Rich said that people who try to go about their lives as normally as possible, have an easier time with chemo than those who just lay around and watch soap operas [his words, not mine]. So, anyone know a good zumba CD I can buy? I also want to walk as I have in the past, but if I'm in a low immune state, that might not be a good option at that time.

So, here is my life from now until May 19th:

• Tuesday, May 3 - second drain removed
• Wednesday, May 4 - echocardiogram
• Thursday, May 5 - class on Chemo
• Thursday, May 12 - chemo: the doctor said to plan on 2-3 hours. The first half is administering anti-nausea and other "helps" and the second half is the chemo. The nurse said to bring a blanket, entertainment, and food - they encourage you to eat if you can while getting chemo.
• Friday, May 13 - I get a "white-blood cell" injection to help boost my immune system
• Thursday, May 19 - follow-up visit to check blood count and discuss any concerns I have.

What I can expect after a chemo treatment:

Day 1 - feel normal

Days 2-5 - tired, no appetite, possible nausea/vomiting

Days 7-12 - feel pretty good but low immune so I should avoid sick people; wash my hands a lot and use hand sanitizer [as should people who visit]; wash, peel, or cook my fruits and vegetables; no salad bars

Days 13-14 - "normal" in time for another round

They used my port for the first time today - they drew blood from it. The jab feels about like drawing blood from your arm so better than an IV!

On the way home we stopped and got 4 prescriptions filled [$112].

• One is a steroid, which will help the anti-nausea meds work better and help reduce swelling and inflammation.
• 2 anti-nausea meds
• 1 antibiotic, which was the most expensive, and is just-in-case I get an infection.

Feeling overwhelmed?? Yea, me too! At least I haven't cried through this blogging - which is more than I can do when I try to talk about it!

I can't imagine that I've remembered to cover everything - but this is probably more than any of you wanted to know anyway! Just stop reading if it gets to be too much information. :)

As you may have noticed, my entry yesterday was quite short. That was mainly because yesterday was kind of a down day for me. I just didn't feel like blogging! It was my own fault, fo starting the day off wrong. I knew I had a doctor's appointment yesterday morning, but I didn't set my alarm. I woke up with 20 minutes to get myself ready before we left. That meant, no breakfast and no pain meds.


Then, a fairly long wait in the doctor's office where I tried not to think about having the drain removed. Actually, the removal wasn't near as bad as I anticipated! But, it was still painful.


On the way home we did some shopping, so I was very tired, achy and hungry by the time we finally arrived home.


I never really recovered!


However, I always have blessings to count and will do so now:


1) We got to have dinner Saturday evening, with Kent's brothers and sisters - it was so good to see all of them. I am very lucky to have married into this family. All of these people are remarkable! Thanks Dave and Vicki, for hosting it!
2) We had a wonderful Easter weekend with our children/grandchildren. Thanks to all of you - I love you so!
3) I got to go to church for the first 2 hours - that was wonderful!
4) I've had wonderful visits from friends - even from one who drove all the way down from Salt Lake after work to see me - I am a lucky woman!!!
5) I continue to be blessed by "laundry ladies", dinner deliveries, cards, phone calls, messages of continued prayers in our behalf - the list goes on and on.
Thank you to all of you who have shown such love and concern for us! It is very humbling and very, very appreciated!!!
Today will be an "up" day, I promise!

Things I've Learned

1. I can sleep on my left side if I use a pillow under my right arm! :)
2. My limit for extended "activity" [and I use that term loosely], is 2 hours.
3. It does feel a lot better having one less drain. Removal wasn't that great!
4. I am continuing to heal "remarkably" well, according to the surgeon.
5. Chemo will begin 3-4 weeks after surgery - I will know more Thursday afternoon.
6. Tylenol Extra Strength Rapid Release doesn't work as well as prescription pain pills.
7. I have the best family, friends, & neighbors in the entire world!!!

Follow-up visit with the surgeon

Well, my visit today went well. Everything is healing nicely. No swelling ect. that there shouldn't be. Actually, the area around the port tube looks a little red so she put me on light antibiotics for a few days, just to make sure it isn't infected. I'm not worried.
She couldn't take out any drains yet, but I have an appointment for next Tuesday to have one removed. [I AM anxious to get them out - but NOT anxious to have it removed - you know what I mean??]
Still no news on the Hur2neu factor - I'm not sure if that is good or bad or nothing.? Dr. Tittensor gave me a refill on pain meds, although I don't need many anymore, for which I am grateful. She also gave me a "prescription" for a prostheses - but I need to wait a few more weeks before getting fitted for one! That sounds SO weird, doesn't it??
Dr. Tittensor set up an appointment with my oncologist for next Thursday, the 28th. She also gave a sheet of exercises to start doing to get the mobility back in my right arm. She told me to take it slow still, until I am really healed up so I don't cause myself problems.
I had a lovely visit from an old -- no, not an old -- a long-time friend who wanted to see how I was doing. I am so awed by all of the love and support we are receiving. I know that I ask you for continued prayers in my behalf, but please include Kent in those prayers as well -- cancer can be harder on the caregiver than on the patient!!!

Just a quick jump back to yesterday. My visiting teachers came yesterday. They brought love, support, optimism, a lovely message and a "it's been one week since your surgery" cupcake. It was DIVINE!!! Thanks ladies!! [you know who you are!]

News and more pathology results

I had a wonderful visit with my daughter, Becky, yesterday evening. It was so good to just sit and talk and look at her sweet face! When Kent came home we decided to go to dinner at Milagros - highly recommended for those who love good Mexican food. It felt so good to actually go someplace normal and have a meal. My other daughter, Sarah, was working last night, so she was able to take a couple of short breaks and sit with us! I was very tired when we got home and pretty much went right to bed.

For the first time since surgery, I woke up in the middle of the night in pain. It had only been 3 hours since the last pill so I couldn't take anymore. I sat up in bed and did crossword puzzles and found the pain lessening and me nodding off. Apparently, laying down increases the pain. Who knew! So, I slept the rest of the night at a slant. It works.

Dr. Tittensor called with most of the pathology results from surgery. No surprises - ! The breast lump was actually almost 5 cm - bigger than they thought - but not big enough to change the stage of cancer that I was/am at - Stage 2B. She removed 11 lymph nodes and only 3 were cancerous. They were the same 3 that they already knew had cancer in them! I think I've mentioned the Her2neu factor that they check for. Positive would mean faster growing and would require extra treatments, negative means just "regular" chemo. They still don't have the final results back from that.

There is also a genetic test that can be done on the cancer to see if this runs in the family. It is called a Bracha test. However, it costs $3,000 to have it done and insurance doesn't pay for it unless the patient falls into one of the following catagories;


Has cancer and is under the age of 50
Has cancer and is over the age of 50 with close relatives who have also had cancer.

Since I don't fall into either - I'm not going to have them do the test. My daughters are at a little higher risk of getting breast cancer themselves. I'm now a "history of cancer in their family". But, girls are you listening?, IF THEY HAVE REGULAR MAMMOGRAMS AND DO MONTHLY SELF EXAMS ONCE THEY TURN 40 - that will help them immensely! Actually, ALL YOU WOMEN READING THIS should be doing the same!!!!!!! :)



My sweet "laundry lady" and her lovely assistant returned my clean laundry this afternoon. This is way too much spoiling - but I so appreciate it! The Howards are doing a little shopping for me, we've got a meal coming in tonight and I've had wonderful visits and phone calls that lift my spirits and make me feel loved!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I continue to be grateful for the love Heavenly Father is sending me, for the prayers in our behalf, for my sweet and constant husband - I can't imagine trying to do this without any of them!
Talk to you soon.

The bandage is off

Well, I have mixed feelings about the bandage coming off. First of all - it feels so much BETTER! Second of all - the drains are more annoying. The sight doesn't bother me too much, but I didn't think about how my appearance will affect others. Sorry. It is obvious, so, I'm stuffing for the mean time. I seem to be more achy than I was before - I guess my body is rebelling about having to sleep in one position all night and guard my right side 24/7. BUT, the pain pills help and I'm only taking 3 or 4 per day. Kent continues to be my wonderful help in emptying the drains - bless him! Bedtime is a bit harder than other times of day - I'm tired. And thoughts of upcoming chemo make me very discouraged and afraid. I know there is much more of that kind of feeling lying ahead - I will rely heavily on your faith and prayers in addition to my own, to get me through! Time to go rest. Love you all~

Kindnesses continue!

Well, today is Saturday, April 16 and I am continually amazed at how good I actually feel. I'm taking very little pain medication and I'm sleeping well at night! I've received visits, cards, and donated movies to watch during recovery. Lunches, dinners, treats [especially "anti" cancer ones!] have been so delicious and appreciated. Visits from my family fills my cup!
Kara, from "Sister survivors", came to visit and brought me some gifts and info on cancer. I feel I am in such good hands. Kent and I took a short walk around Nelson's Grove after dinner. It felt so good to breathe fresh air and not be laying on the couch!! :)

Tomorrow I am removing the bandage. I'm a little nervous as to how I'll REALLY feel about the surgery once I look at it. But . . . .

Surgery

Well, I'm home. All went very well. The doctor was happy. She removed my right breast and several lymph nodes from under my arm. 3 were cancerous - they already knew that - and the rest looked healthy to her. The pathology tests will tell us for certain. I'm wrapped up tight and have 2 drains coming out of my right chest. Kent has learned how to take care of those until they come out. I also have a port under my left collar bone through which they will administer the chemo.
When I had my knee replacement surgery I was SO nervous going in and still get sick to my stomach when I think about going through it again. But, I felt nothing but calm and peace going into this one. I am so grateful for that!
We arrived at the Same Day Surgery at the American Fork Hospital at 9:00 am Wednesday morning. I signed in on this kiosk that works just like a wedding registry. After you check in you get this "restaurant" beeper that goes off when it is your turn. Much more efficient. I have noticed, however, that every office has you fill out lots of forms - some of them a repeat of the previous office visit. Then, when the nurse meets with you, she doesn't look at what you wrote - she just asks you the questions over again. Why don't they just fill out the forms as they ask you the questions? :):)
Even the IV insertion was the best I've ever had. She actually numbed the sight before putting in the IV. At one point there were quite a few people in the little dressing/gerny room - 2 anesthesiologists, 3 O.R. nurses and the surgeon. "How do you do?" "Nice to meet you". "See you in the O.R." Hah, I never even SAW the O.R. Next thing I know I'm waking up in recovery, in considerable pain. It didn't last too long, however - they pumped me full of morphine and took me up to my room.
Kent stayed with me until dinner time and then he went and had dinner with a good friend and I ate dinner while visiting with Becky, Sarah and the Tuomisto kids. Very fun. The rest of the evening, however, was not so fun. I got a terrible headache which eventually caused me to throw up. I waited quite a long time before a nurse could come and help me because there was a cardiac patient having lots of trouble on our floor. [If I were the cardiac patient I would want them to take care of me over some sick lady!] They did finally get me something for my headache but then the rest of the night was spent waking up to my machine or someone else's beeping, nurses coming in to take my blood pressure and check my oxygen level, trying to change some tubing on my IV that actually caused the antibiotic to pool at the sight and require another IV to be put in. Pretty typical night in the hospital. :)
Morning came, they gave me more headache medicine and restricted my breakfast intake. My sweet nurses aide gave me a bath and washed my hair. I felt 100% better from then on. I even walked up and down the hall a couple of times by myself. Best of all, I have been able to lengthen the time between pain meds because the pain isn't too bad. I continue to feel very blessed.
It is good to be home, in my own bed.
What comes next? The pathology results should be done in a few days and Dr. Tittensor [yes, that is the surgeon's name!] will call me with the results. I have an appointment with her for one week from today, at which time she will, hopefully, be able to remove one of the drains and give me some simple exercises to get the use of my right arm back. After another week or so I will meet with the oncologist and set up the next stage of treatment!
I'm looking forward to a night of no beeping, throwing up, or tests! YAY!
Love to all

The few days before surgery

It has actually been a lovely couple of days! Sweet sisters from the ward came on Monday and cleaned my house! Angels. Today, another angel came and helped me begin unpacking the storage area and catch up on all the news I've missed while in Jerusalem. I had lunch with several MORE angels who wanted to listen to and cry and laugh with me. This evening I get to spend time with 2 of my angel-daughters! Thank you to all of those angels and to all of you other angels that I know are praying for us and exercising your faith in our behalf. I had my blood work and EKG today, I have my arrival time for surgery tomorrow - 9:00 am, and I've received a healing blessing by my sweet husband and a dear friend and neighbor! I am ready. I'll let you know how things go. love you all SO much!!! - and if you know of someone who hasn't got this blog address - give it to them, please.

Glorious News!

I never thought I would be so excited to face surgery and chemo! Funny how life can change your perspective!! Kent and I met with the surgeon this morning and found that the cancer has NOT spread beyond the breast/lymph nodes. I am scheduled for surgery next Wednesday, March 13. I love the surgeon - she makes me feel very comfortable and she was about as happy with the scan results as we were! Doctor Rich, my oncologist, called me after the surgeon's visit and told me that the biopsy tests also came back. What they showed: How fast the cells are growing - stage 2 (low is 1 and high is 3); Her2neu - negative, which is really good. However, the doctor said that it was "completely" negative and they want to run another test on the tissue they remove in surgery to make sure. Hormone receptors: estrogen + -- so estrogen stimulates cancer growth - I will have some kind of treatment for that. Surgery: lumpectomy and axillary dissection [remove the lymph nodes], followed by 6 weeks of radiation. 5% chance of local recurrence mastectomy and axillary dissection, followed by radiation. 2% chance of local recurrence I'm still pondering that one insert a port to administer the chemo through possibly begin some reconstructive surgery I will spend overnight in the hospital [American Fork Hospital] and then come home with 1 or 2 drains in. After about 2 weeks I will meet with the oncologist to set up the next stage of treatment. Prayers have already been answered - thank you SO much. I love you all.

PET & CT scan

Ever had a PET scan? Me either, until this morning! Basically, they injected radioactive glucose into me veins and had me wait for 90 minutes to make sure I was nice and "glowing". While I waited I had to drink about 24 oz. of diet Sprite with some kind of chemical in it, so they could do the CT. A CT takes a picture of all the organs and where they are in the body. The PET scan shows where the cancer is. Hopefully, it won't be anywhere besides where they've already found it! :( Note to self - bring a book to read or an Ipod to entertain oneself.This has nothing to do with today but I love this picture from Egypt. We passed this family on the highway. They loved it as much as we did.You can't see it real well - but there are SEVEN people on this little motorbike!

Back home in Utah

Dear all, Most of you probably already know that Kent and I have had to end our 2 years in Jerusalem after only 8 months. I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Yesterday we met with the oncologist and he set up an appointment for me to have a PETscan tomorrow morning. Thursday morning we meet with the surgeon, so by Thursday we will know what comes next. I will do my best to keep people updated through the blog. Of course, I ask all of you to keep me in your prayers and hope for the best!!! I have already felt such strength and love from all of those we love! I have been overwhelmed by it, in fact. When we first got the news that I did, indeed, have cancer we were in Galillee. The doctor did not feel that it was necessary for me to return immediately to Jerusalem so kent and I had a working vacation for the next week. I found myself enjoying the beauty more than usual, loving the students and the time spent with them and Kent and I did a lot of praying and soul searching about what lies ahead for us. These are a few of the beautiful sights we were blessed with while in Galillee.

Neither of us understands why the events of this past year have occurred as they have - but we know that God knows and we trust Him. I love you all and ask for your continued prayers in our behalf.