Round 6, Day 21: DONE!

No Round 7 tomorrow!!!!

Phase 1 - Cut (surgery) - Done!

Phase 2 - Poison (chemotherapy) - Done!

Phase 3 - Burn (radiation) - to start next week.

But first - vacation!  Leave in an hour.

Round 6, Day 19: slowly getting there

Sunday's horoscope:  "What you want to accomplish by the end of the day and what you actually have time for are two very different things.  You'll strike a happy medium, though, and ultimately will be proud of your productivity."  So true!  I worked from home putting in a full day's work on a big document with an upcoming deadline.  Indeed, very proud of my progress, despite the fact that much still remained undone yesterday.

Although it is slow, and up and down, I do believe progress is being made toward feeling like a human being again.  Last night I finally had a first glimmer of excitement along the lines of:  "this is my good weekend, yet I don't need to start feeling anxious about being slammed with another chemo treatment on thursday."  Yet, for whatever reason, woke up nauseous and anxious this morning.  Go figure.  Am exhausted, but after one more hectic day at work, vacation for five days!  

About the redness in my left (swollen) breast - on recommendation from Dr. C at Georgetown, have been to see a physical therapist at Sibley twice for manual lymphatic drainage.  It's just a very light massage designed to get the lymphatic fluids moving away from the area of edema and towards other areas.  It actually seems to be working - the redness seems to be decreasing.  A cautious whew!

Round 6, Day 15: Grateful for the end of summer...

Notwithstanding the fact that it was 93 degrees today, thereby tying the Washington (Dulles) record for hottest temperature for September 23, I am grateful that the autumnal equinox is officially here.  DC's summer officially sucked (that is, if you don't enjoy the heat while having chemo).

This round, days 5 and 6 weren't as bad as the previous round, but days 7-13 were definitely worse than prior rounds.  My stomach was upset until yesterday.  But it is finally starting to feel better.

It's been a busy week.  Tuesday, I went in for a baseline post-chemo mammogram.  Thankfully, it came out normal.  I still have some redness and swelling, though.  Even though the doctor believes it is just accumulation of fluid, if it doesn't clear up in a few weeks, I will need a biopsy :-(

Today, went in for my radiation planning session.  I will be having radiation at Sibley hospital in DC starting in 2 weeks (or 3, if I have a biopsy).  It will be every day (M-F, because cancer takes a break on the weekends) for six weeks.  The sessions are relatively short.  Main side effects likely to be discomfort similar to a sunburn and potential fatigue.

And work has been busy.  Off to finish editing a document that needs to get out to the clients tomorrow.

Round 6, Day 10: No known mutation!

Two weeks ago I met with a genetic counselor and had my blood drawn to determine if I had a genetic mutation that would predispose me to future breast cancers (and ovarian cancer, among others), known as BRCA1  and BRCA2.

The testing is all about the numbers.  The genetic counselor explained to me that 5-10% of breast and ovarian cancers are hereditary; the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations account for 30-50% of hereditary breast cancers.  Because of my specific set of factors:  (i) breast cancer at an early age (i.e., before 50); (ii) second degree relative with breast cancer at an early age (grandmother); an (iii) being Ashkenazi Jewish, the model said there was a 17.5% chance I would test positive for one of these mutations.  If positive, there would be a 50-65% chance of developing a second breast cancer, and 10-50% chance of developing ovarian cancer.

Needless to say, this caused ..... ("wait for it.......") ....... anxiety.   So the last several weeks, have been dreading what happens if I were to find out that despite having just gone through all that I've been through, I might have over a 50% chance of developing breast cancer all over again and having to go through this all over again.  Ugh.

Thursday morning I found out that my test came back and "no known mutation was found."  NEGATIVE!!  Serious sigh of relief!!

This doesn't mean I won't develop a recurrence or new breast cancer or ovarian cancer, but it means I don't have the known BRCA mutations that carry the higher risk factors.  I was told my risk for a second breast cancer is still increased based on my personal history (0.5-1% per  year, up to 10-20% over lifetime) but risk of ovarian cancer is the same as the general population, 1-2%.

Other than that, have been spending the last few days trying to convince my stomach to stop bothering me.  The stomach pain has not been as bad this time around, but the general feeling of ickiness has been.  Here's hoping it will listen soon.  (I mean that literally... last night I downloaded a meditation/guided imagery specifically geared to irritable bowel syndrome.  My stomach and I will listen to it shortly before we attempt to go to sleep.)

Round 6, Day 6: tired!

Not much to report since yesterday.  Especially since I've spent the vast majority of that time napping, or sleeping or something inbetween.  Meant to post the pictures from round 5 ... my many looks:


Me as a blond...

My funky banged black hair look (with scarf that I snagged):

and just the plain ol' short black hair look

Round 6, Day 5: Last Day 5!!

I am now officially a chemo graduate -- got my applause on thursday led by nurse Karen!  Here I am being unplugged.  Of course, I get to come back every three weeks to complete a year for my Herceptin infusion, but that is not supposed to have the side effects of chemo.

Mom and Susie brought me mini cupcakes to celebrate.  And I came home to a treat - surprise backdoor decorations (thanks Suzie!).

Friday my usual routine - neulasta shot and reflexology appointment.  My hip joints have been hurting somewhat this time, a potential side effect of the shot.

Saturday a walk with Bessie - the hair's coming back quick!  Sunday actually ventured out in the morning to Adams Morgan day for a bit.  Today - acupuncture.  Other than that, lots of US Open and lots of napping.  SOOOOOOOOO relieved that this is the last one!!!

Round 5, Day 21: emotional roller coaster...almost there

I went through my version of the stages of grief today, starting with extreme anxiety this morning, overwhelming depression late morning to early afternoon, serious anger (got into a really pissy mood) late afternoon to early evening, to just back to normal late evening.  I guess that would be acceptance.  Now I am wired.  That's the steroid.

I am trying to be excited about number 6, but it's hard to get excited when I have so much dread about the next few weeks.  But I will get there eventually, and in the meantime, will live vicariously through my friends and family who all are excited for me.

Round 5, Day 17: taking it easy

My red blood cell counts were low the last two treatments, and as a result, I'm slightly anemic which is making my heart beat way faster than it normally does and is making me tired.  And, of course, fatigue is a major side effect of chemo anyway.  So, have been trying to take it easy this past week.

Thus, worked from home more than usual over the last week and a half.  Low key visit with dad & stepmom this weekend.  Short walk this morning.  Longer walk planned tomorrow with a friend.   Trying to gather as much strength as possible to cope with Treatment No. 6 (aka the LAST TREATMENT!) scheduled for thursday.

And am enjoying the spectacular weather!

Round 5, Day 14: September's here!

Ah, yes, it is September, but with temps in the mid-90s, have to say it doesn't feel like it.  Weekend forecast looks good though.  Sometimes I wonder if this is a breast cancer blog or a weather blog.

Slowly feeling better from round 5.  Stomach is much improved.  My throat, which was hurting quite a bit over the last few days, is feeling better.  Still having difficulty drinking enough but discovered that orange juice doesn't taste disgusting (water still does).

Still somewhat exhausted, so worked from home today.  Then, off to the gym for 35 minutes on treadmill and then support group at Georgetown.

Looking forward to long weekend with much cooler temperatures -- much walking in store for me.