On Friday, January 27th I had surgery again to put in a new tissue expander. The last two attempts haven't been successful. Both times resulted in infection which meant the expander had to come out again. It was really disappointing last time. I really felt like I was moving ahead only to take a big step back. Well, I'm optimistic once again! My plastic surgeon has a game plan in place. Last time when I went in for my follow up visit, everything looked good so they injected saline into the expander to start expanding the tissue. That night the tissue looked quite swollen. I pressed on it and blood came out from the incision site. I called the doctor the next day. Since there was no other redness or pain and the bleeding stopped, he decided it would be alright. A few days later I developed the infection. He thinks now the infection was probably caused by the pooled blood.
So, this time, when I go back for a follow up, he's going to inject a very small amount of saline to slowly expand the tissue. I think this is a good plan. I'm not in a hurry to get the reconstruction done and would rather go slowly in getting it done rather than run into infection again.
So far so good. I'm doing well plan to go back to work tomorrow!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Finishing Treatment!
I'm done with radiation - the last phase of treatment!
It's taken a few days but it's finally sunk in that I'm done with my cancer treatment. Tuesday, January 11th, 2012 was my last radiation treatment. I had to do 33 treatments which went pretty quickly. The side effects were minimal. I had a burn spot on my collarbone near my neck and a burned area under my arm. Both got pretty red and peeled. The area under my arm is mostly numb from surgery otherwise it would have been quite painful.
The last 5 treatments were directed at the scars. Dr. Coleman, the radiation oncologist, said cancer cells like to hide in the scar tissue nearest to the surface so they did extra treatment of that area.
Having been a few days without radiation I have to say that I miss going every day. My appointment was at 8:20. I would get up at my usual time and get ready for work only I would go to the hospital for radiation instead of going to work. When you go everyday you see the same people because you all have appointments at the same time each day. I came to look forward to seeing "my radiation friends". There were no formal introductions. I came to know them as: Marcy who has peacocks but doesn't like them; man with toe fungus (he wore sandals but should have worn socks to hide those toes!); big lady (no explanation needed); short guy; and more recently, Connie who is 61-years-old and has a 3-year-old foster daughter she is trying to adopt.
Connie with the foster daughter, also had breast cancer. Her cancer was detected very early so she had a lumpectomy and needed 25 radiation treatments then she's done. As I heard her tell me her story about cancer I thought "why couldn't I have her breast cancer?". She didn't have to have a mastectomy OR chemotherapy. Then she told me about her 3-year-old foster daughter and how she and her husband were trying to adopt her. It was then that I knew she had "the easy cancer" because there is a bigger mission waiting for her. I got my cancer because I can handle and did handle what was given to me.
On my last day of radiation when I came into the office, I opened my door and there was a big sign that read "You Radiate Pure Awesomeness"! On my desk was a big bouquet of gorgeous pink roses. My co-workers in the HR department, Sarah, Nat, and Sara K had gotten into my office to setup the surprise. As I walked over to Sarah's office (knowing she was behind this) my boss, Jay, was in his office and he was wearing a pink polo shirt. I made a comment that he must have worn pink for me. I looked around and saw that everyone on my side of the building (HR, Finance, Accounting, and IT) were all wearing some form of pink! OK, I was in tears at this point. Later in the afternoon, the same three people from HR came into my office carrying a "Nothing Bundt Cake" (This is a franchise business with locations throughout the city. They sell the best bundt cakes in various sizes and flavors. I think this past year we have kept them in business!). I ended up with a small party in my office of cakes-loving supporters. I've attached some pictures from that day. I also included a picture of me with two of the radiation technicians, Jennifer and George. I think George is easily 6'5". We're standing in front of the radiation machine.
The next step is to finish up the reconstruction. I see the plastic surgeon this week and will get a surgery date to put in the tissue expander again. I'm really looking forward to getting on with it. Hopefully, this time it will work and I won't get another infection.
Next week I have an appointment with my medical oncologist Dr. Eisenberg. He will get me started on the estrogen suppressing drug that I will take for the next five years. The cancer I had was a hormone sensitive type of cancer meaning that he feeds off of hormones. Taking this drug with suppress hormones whereby starving any remaining cancer cells.
I was pretty guarded about my hair and hair loss during the chemo process. I've since gotten over myself now that my hair is starting to come back. I've included a picture of me during the height of my hair loss as well as one with my wig on. I still wear the wigs but mostly to keep my head warm. Once I get a little more hair I'll stop wearing the wigs altogether. I have to get used to my gray look. People at work are surprised at how dark my hair is. I have to explain that it's my normal hair color. They haven't ever seen "the real me"!
It seems somewhat surreal that I'm finally at the end of treatment. I always knew this day would come but it seemed so far away. Suddenly it's here! It's been quite a journey. I've meet a lot of really nice people. The support I've received from family, friends, and neighbors has been unbelievable. I don't know how I would have made it through without everyone. I still believe that I blew through chemo because of the prayers I received during that time. There were some dark days during that process but about that time I would get a card, phone call, or email from someone expressing their support and prayers. Those sentiments often brought me to tears but encouraged me to push forward.
It's taken a few days but it's finally sunk in that I'm done with my cancer treatment. Tuesday, January 11th, 2012 was my last radiation treatment. I had to do 33 treatments which went pretty quickly. The side effects were minimal. I had a burn spot on my collarbone near my neck and a burned area under my arm. Both got pretty red and peeled. The area under my arm is mostly numb from surgery otherwise it would have been quite painful.
The last 5 treatments were directed at the scars. Dr. Coleman, the radiation oncologist, said cancer cells like to hide in the scar tissue nearest to the surface so they did extra treatment of that area.
Having been a few days without radiation I have to say that I miss going every day. My appointment was at 8:20. I would get up at my usual time and get ready for work only I would go to the hospital for radiation instead of going to work. When you go everyday you see the same people because you all have appointments at the same time each day. I came to look forward to seeing "my radiation friends". There were no formal introductions. I came to know them as: Marcy who has peacocks but doesn't like them; man with toe fungus (he wore sandals but should have worn socks to hide those toes!); big lady (no explanation needed); short guy; and more recently, Connie who is 61-years-old and has a 3-year-old foster daughter she is trying to adopt.
Connie with the foster daughter, also had breast cancer. Her cancer was detected very early so she had a lumpectomy and needed 25 radiation treatments then she's done. As I heard her tell me her story about cancer I thought "why couldn't I have her breast cancer?". She didn't have to have a mastectomy OR chemotherapy. Then she told me about her 3-year-old foster daughter and how she and her husband were trying to adopt her. It was then that I knew she had "the easy cancer" because there is a bigger mission waiting for her. I got my cancer because I can handle and did handle what was given to me.
On my last day of radiation when I came into the office, I opened my door and there was a big sign that read "You Radiate Pure Awesomeness"! On my desk was a big bouquet of gorgeous pink roses. My co-workers in the HR department, Sarah, Nat, and Sara K had gotten into my office to setup the surprise. As I walked over to Sarah's office (knowing she was behind this) my boss, Jay, was in his office and he was wearing a pink polo shirt. I made a comment that he must have worn pink for me. I looked around and saw that everyone on my side of the building (HR, Finance, Accounting, and IT) were all wearing some form of pink! OK, I was in tears at this point. Later in the afternoon, the same three people from HR came into my office carrying a "Nothing Bundt Cake" (This is a franchise business with locations throughout the city. They sell the best bundt cakes in various sizes and flavors. I think this past year we have kept them in business!). I ended up with a small party in my office of cakes-loving supporters. I've attached some pictures from that day. I also included a picture of me with two of the radiation technicians, Jennifer and George. I think George is easily 6'5". We're standing in front of the radiation machine.
The next step is to finish up the reconstruction. I see the plastic surgeon this week and will get a surgery date to put in the tissue expander again. I'm really looking forward to getting on with it. Hopefully, this time it will work and I won't get another infection.
Next week I have an appointment with my medical oncologist Dr. Eisenberg. He will get me started on the estrogen suppressing drug that I will take for the next five years. The cancer I had was a hormone sensitive type of cancer meaning that he feeds off of hormones. Taking this drug with suppress hormones whereby starving any remaining cancer cells.
I was pretty guarded about my hair and hair loss during the chemo process. I've since gotten over myself now that my hair is starting to come back. I've included a picture of me during the height of my hair loss as well as one with my wig on. I still wear the wigs but mostly to keep my head warm. Once I get a little more hair I'll stop wearing the wigs altogether. I have to get used to my gray look. People at work are surprised at how dark my hair is. I have to explain that it's my normal hair color. They haven't ever seen "the real me"!
It seems somewhat surreal that I'm finally at the end of treatment. I always knew this day would come but it seemed so far away. Suddenly it's here! It's been quite a journey. I've meet a lot of really nice people. The support I've received from family, friends, and neighbors has been unbelievable. I don't know how I would have made it through without everyone. I still believe that I blew through chemo because of the prayers I received during that time. There were some dark days during that process but about that time I would get a card, phone call, or email from someone expressing their support and prayers. Those sentiments often brought me to tears but encouraged me to push forward.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Moving on to the next phase of treatment.
If you remember back to the original surgery I had, I developed an infection on the left side. After a subsequent surgery and antibiotics the plastic surgeon decided to take the tissue expander out on the left side so I could get started on chemotherapy treatment.
With chemotherapy completed, I had surgery last Thursday to put the tissue expander back in to continue on with the reconstruction. The surgery was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. It went well and I was home around lunchtime. My friend Linda drove me to the out patient facility and back home again. She stayed with me and spoiled Shadow with treats. Linda is an animal lover too and carries dog treats in her pocket!
With the tissue expander back in place I can continue with the reconstruction process and be a little more "balanced". I've heard all of the jokes about being a unicorn, leaning to one side, and going in circles with only one breast being expanded. In a couple of months I will be expanded and ready for the next step.
In the meantime, I have an appointment Wednesday with the radiation oncologist. She will do measurements, etc. in preparation for my radiation treatments. I need to have 33 radiation treatments. The treatments will happen everyday Monday-Friday until I've had all of the treatments. My plan is to get all of the treatment out of the way in 2012. I want 2013 to be a fresh start!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Today's my last chemo!!
I was up early today - 4 a.m. - as I often am the day of chemo but this day is special - it's my last chemo treatment!! You would think it was Christmas morning! I see today as being one step closer to having all of this behind me. I want to get back to what will be my new normal. I want my energy back.
They say cancer changes you life. I think that's true. For me it's changing my life for the better. I have better clarity into my future and what I want to do with my life. They always say "there's no time like the present". That saying becomes a lot more meaningful post-cancer. My family has always been important to me but they are even more important now. Their unwaivering support and always being just a phone call away can't be measured.
Today and tomorrow are supposed to be rainy in San Diego so it will be a good time for me to go through my normal chemo side-effects: sleep, watch Lifetime movies; sleep some more; get caught up on Grey's Anatomy; and of course, sleep some more. This time will be different though because it's the last time I'll have to go through it!
The next set - get the port removed from my chest. Get a new tissue expander put in to continue on the reconstruction path. Meet with the radiation oncologist to get set up to start radiation. Radiation should start in early November. I've heard it can make you tired but it's nothing like chemo. I'm really hoping to get all of the treatment out of the way by Christmas. It will make for a great New Year's Eve!
They say cancer changes you life. I think that's true. For me it's changing my life for the better. I have better clarity into my future and what I want to do with my life. They always say "there's no time like the present". That saying becomes a lot more meaningful post-cancer. My family has always been important to me but they are even more important now. Their unwaivering support and always being just a phone call away can't be measured.
Today and tomorrow are supposed to be rainy in San Diego so it will be a good time for me to go through my normal chemo side-effects: sleep, watch Lifetime movies; sleep some more; get caught up on Grey's Anatomy; and of course, sleep some more. This time will be different though because it's the last time I'll have to go through it!
The next set - get the port removed from my chest. Get a new tissue expander put in to continue on the reconstruction path. Meet with the radiation oncologist to get set up to start radiation. Radiation should start in early November. I've heard it can make you tired but it's nothing like chemo. I'm really hoping to get all of the treatment out of the way by Christmas. It will make for a great New Year's Eve!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Chemo update.
I am far overdue in sending out an update on the latest so I'll give you a snapshot of the past couple of weeks.
Last weekend, Sept 24th and 25th I spent a wonderful weekend in Minneapolis where my really good-looking nephew Andrew and the lovely Emily got married. It was really nice fall-like weather with lots of warm sunshine on their outdoor wedding. It was great for me to get to see so many of my family members. I haven't seen most of them in a couple of years. With everything that's gone on this past year I really needed to see them. I realized when I was there how much they all needed to see me as well. You know that feeling of seeing someone who hasn't been well and how once you see them and "put your eyes on them" you know they are going to be OK. That's how it felt. Courtney also made the drive from Chicago to Minneapolis so I was able to see her as well. She hadn't had the opportunity to see her mom's bald head or fashionable wigs!
All of this wonderfulness did come at a price. I caught a cold when I got back to San Diego. Because I had a cold the chemo nurses wouldn't let me get my final chemo treatment last week! I tried to convince them that I would be fine. It turns out they weren't worried about me they were worried about me making the other chemo patients sick! Believe me, I called and begged for chemo. I'm sure they don't get that call everyday.
Anyway, chemo has been re-scheduled for this week Wednesday, October 5th. I CAN'T WAIT! I am so excited about getting this phase of treatment out of the way. As it turned out, I was home in bed part of last week trying to get over my cold. I was feeling pretty miserable and couldn't imagine dealing with the chemo issues as well. Darn those nurses - they are always right!
Right after my very last chemo this week is our Peregrine Breast Cancer Bake Sale. We started this event three years ago as a way of raising money for my friend Jessie who does the Breast Cancer 3-Day here in San Diego every year. Little did I every imagine three years ago that I too would be benefiting from this Bake Sale. This isn't just any bake sale. We usually raise about $1,200-$1,500. You see, there are a lot of men at my company and they all LOVE to eat. Our bake sale is not only bake goods but soups, sandwiches, lasagna, and other Asian dishes. The bake sale will be on Monday, October 10th. So many of the people I work with have commented to me how I put a face with the realities of breast cancer. I have to agree. I didn't in my wildest dreams ever think I would be dealing with breast cancer in my lifetime.
More updates to come AFTER MY LAST CHEMO! Next it's surgery to put me back together again then radiation treatments.
Last weekend, Sept 24th and 25th I spent a wonderful weekend in Minneapolis where my really good-looking nephew Andrew and the lovely Emily got married. It was really nice fall-like weather with lots of warm sunshine on their outdoor wedding. It was great for me to get to see so many of my family members. I haven't seen most of them in a couple of years. With everything that's gone on this past year I really needed to see them. I realized when I was there how much they all needed to see me as well. You know that feeling of seeing someone who hasn't been well and how once you see them and "put your eyes on them" you know they are going to be OK. That's how it felt. Courtney also made the drive from Chicago to Minneapolis so I was able to see her as well. She hadn't had the opportunity to see her mom's bald head or fashionable wigs!
All of this wonderfulness did come at a price. I caught a cold when I got back to San Diego. Because I had a cold the chemo nurses wouldn't let me get my final chemo treatment last week! I tried to convince them that I would be fine. It turns out they weren't worried about me they were worried about me making the other chemo patients sick! Believe me, I called and begged for chemo. I'm sure they don't get that call everyday.
Anyway, chemo has been re-scheduled for this week Wednesday, October 5th. I CAN'T WAIT! I am so excited about getting this phase of treatment out of the way. As it turned out, I was home in bed part of last week trying to get over my cold. I was feeling pretty miserable and couldn't imagine dealing with the chemo issues as well. Darn those nurses - they are always right!
Right after my very last chemo this week is our Peregrine Breast Cancer Bake Sale. We started this event three years ago as a way of raising money for my friend Jessie who does the Breast Cancer 3-Day here in San Diego every year. Little did I every imagine three years ago that I too would be benefiting from this Bake Sale. This isn't just any bake sale. We usually raise about $1,200-$1,500. You see, there are a lot of men at my company and they all LOVE to eat. Our bake sale is not only bake goods but soups, sandwiches, lasagna, and other Asian dishes. The bake sale will be on Monday, October 10th. So many of the people I work with have commented to me how I put a face with the realities of breast cancer. I have to agree. I didn't in my wildest dreams ever think I would be dealing with breast cancer in my lifetime.
More updates to come AFTER MY LAST CHEMO! Next it's surgery to put me back together again then radiation treatments.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Counting Down the Chemotherapy
Chemo # 4 is now completed with only two treatments left to go!! August 11th was my fourth treatment which I am sooo happy to get behind me. Being able to say I was halfway through was one thing but now I can actually count DOWN!
In an odd way, this treatment seemed to go better than most. I think it was more "mind over matter" that made me feel that way but I felt like I bounce back faster this time. The queasiness seems to be the hardest thing to get over. It's difficult sometime to know if I'm queasy from the chemo or if I'm hungry. If I think I might be hungry then I have to think about what sounds good and what won't make the heartburn start. As I've said before, it's a lot like having the flu.
This time during chemo I fell asleep in the big, leather, comfy recliner. They give me something to take the edge off before they start chemo. For some reason, this time it made me really tired. With about 30-45 minutes left in the treatment, I put my head back and I was out. When the nurse (Barb) woke me, she assured me there was no snoring!
As we left the chemo room, Jessie and I did a "high five" in the hallway! Four down and two to go!
In an odd way, this treatment seemed to go better than most. I think it was more "mind over matter" that made me feel that way but I felt like I bounce back faster this time. The queasiness seems to be the hardest thing to get over. It's difficult sometime to know if I'm queasy from the chemo or if I'm hungry. If I think I might be hungry then I have to think about what sounds good and what won't make the heartburn start. As I've said before, it's a lot like having the flu.
This time during chemo I fell asleep in the big, leather, comfy recliner. They give me something to take the edge off before they start chemo. For some reason, this time it made me really tired. With about 30-45 minutes left in the treatment, I put my head back and I was out. When the nurse (Barb) woke me, she assured me there was no snoring!
As we left the chemo room, Jessie and I did a "high five" in the hallway! Four down and two to go!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Halfway Through Chemo!!!
I have another round of chemo done and I'm halfway through! I have 6 rounds to do and 3 behind me. I can't really say they have been easier or harder they've just been more chemo. :(
I learned something interesting this time. I usually get bad bone pain in the form of a nasty headache two days after chemo. The nurse told me to take Claritin for the bone pain. She couldn't explain why it worked only that she had heard it worked. She was right! I took Claritin Friday night and Saturday morning I work up with no headache. I still had the queasiness that goes along with chemo but the actual pain was greatly reduced.
I did have a moment of "can I go through this for three more treatments?" The nausea and generally feeling poorly had all caught up with me but then I don't like having a cold for more than 3 days! I decided I needed a nap and (as Jessie says) "a do over". That nap made all the difference. Never underestimate the power of a nap.
In summary, chemo on Thursday, queasy and achy Friday, Saturday, and Sunday then back to work on Monday. It doesn't get easier but it doesn't seem to get any worse either. It's just chemo!
Next chem (#4) will be August 11th.
I learned something interesting this time. I usually get bad bone pain in the form of a nasty headache two days after chemo. The nurse told me to take Claritin for the bone pain. She couldn't explain why it worked only that she had heard it worked. She was right! I took Claritin Friday night and Saturday morning I work up with no headache. I still had the queasiness that goes along with chemo but the actual pain was greatly reduced.
I did have a moment of "can I go through this for three more treatments?" The nausea and generally feeling poorly had all caught up with me but then I don't like having a cold for more than 3 days! I decided I needed a nap and (as Jessie says) "a do over". That nap made all the difference. Never underestimate the power of a nap.
In summary, chemo on Thursday, queasy and achy Friday, Saturday, and Sunday then back to work on Monday. It doesn't get easier but it doesn't seem to get any worse either. It's just chemo!
Next chem (#4) will be August 11th.
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