Alright, everybody... I had my appointment yesterday with the oncologist. First, I'd like to say that I really like her a lot. She sat down and explained a lot to me, that nobody else would. My appointment lasted 1 1/2 hours, because she went through everything for me. Whatever I wasn't sure of due to medical jargon, she explained to me. She even wrote down notes in a book for me, so I could just sit and listen. So, here's what we have so far... A schedule:
12/28: Flu shot and pneumonia vaccine
12/29: Orange Park Medical Center for some scan (I forget what it was)
1/3: Bloodwork, followed by a training session for Tim and I with a nurse about chemo, how to care for yourself, etc.
1/4: Start Adriamycin and Cysoxan (chemo meds), which I will take once every 14 days for 2 months.
The oncologist is still trying to decide if she wants to put me on Herceptin or not. She says that they've had a lot of positive results with it, but it's usually reserved for people whose cancer has gotten into their lymph nodes. However, mine was rather agressive, and even though we caught it in time, and she is still considering it. If I do have to do Herceptin, it'll be given every 3 weeks for 1 year.
The side effects of the Chemo include hair loss, urine turnes red (because the meds are red), lowered white blood cells (risk of infection), lowered red blood cells (risk of anemia), and lowered platelets. So, blood work will be done weekly to keep track of those things. It also carries a 1-2% chance of heart problems, so there will also be scans on my heart regularly.
According to the oncologist, I'm an "anomoly." Great. How do I react to that? It's so unusual to find someone my age with breast cancer, apparently. Which makes it more difficult for me, because I want a support group full of people my age. How did it affect their families, their children, their marriages, their jobs, their health? Grrrr....
Anyways, I have markers for estrogen, so after chemo, I'll be on Tamoxifen, which basically puts my body through the symptoms of menopause. These are pills that have to be taken daily for 5 years.
Also, I have another appointment in March with my radiologist to figure out when that will all get started. So, while I'm not full of great news, at least it is news. I'm moving in a forward direction, which is better than I was, when I was just sitting around waiting on the insurance company.
Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and wishing you a Happy and very Health New Year for you and your families. Love, ~Brenda
