October 22

First round done. After two infusions, and follow up labs, we have a starting point. It turns out i will have at least a couple of SE (side effects). (Big surprise!) The key will be figuring out how to prep better. This time i became a bit dehydrated, and dropped levels in WBC and Platelets.

i now have about 6 days to build myself back up for two more infusions. After getting fluids, etc. this morning i’m feeling better. So here’s to a week filled with  gatorade (fruit punch flavor), chicken, mashed potatoes and applesauce. And sleep.

October 15

Late last week i had a few physical issues, that may or may not have been SE. If i had not had a chemo infusion, i may have just assumed i had a stomach bug that going around and not thought twice about it. SO it was either SE or a bug. This week should answer that question. i felt a lot better by Sunday evening, and by the time i went for my appointment today, i felt pretty normal…or whatever passes for normal right now.

The infusion today went well. Had a great time catching up with nurses and friends, and finally got my voicemail on my phone fixed. A good day!

If i get the same issues later this week, i’ll know what SE to expect for a while. If not it’ll be the first time i was happy to get a stomach virus! Also, i am very excited that my next appointment, on the 22nd, i only have labs drawn. No infusion! Yay!!

One Down…

Today (October 8) was the first infusion of Gemzar/Carbo chemo meds, and so far all is good! i was given a couple of meds to help with nausea, and they are supposed to stay in my system for one-two days. Also, according to reviews from patients who have already taken this chemo, several of the SE (side effects) have been easier than others. And there are a ton of people praying that the God will be merciful with the SE. i am going with option 3. Thank You Lord Jesus for Your mercy. Thank You for the knowledge You have given to those in the medical field. Thank You for the friends and family You have placed around us. Thank You for being so undeniably evident in all these areas. To God be the Glory!

October 2

So many people were praying today for my  doctors appointment, and God answered in the form of some good news.

Most important: i didn’t have to get chemo today. This chemo is going to be given on a 21 day cycle.  Basically that means i will get two chemo infusions two mondays in a row, and the third monday i will do labs, but no infusion. That three week rotation will last for several months. Since i want to get my treatments on mondays, they have to start on a monday. So my first chemo treatment will be Monday, October 8! Yay!

Also: The tests and exams that i have been going through the past couple of weeks show that the tumor has not increased in size from when it was originally diagnosed.

And last, but certainly not least, i found out today that the side effects from this chemo are different. There will still be nausea and other issues, and the possible SE that are listed are still the “worst case scenario” type of information. However, overall there have been a lot of encouraging reports from patients that have used and are using the two medications. (thank you!)

i will try to update the blog at least once a week, and more often as needed. If you have any questions or something you would like me to address, please feel free to contact me directly by clicking on the email link above!

Why a blog? Why now?

i am an over 40 year old woman (ok, 50+), who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Stage 2. i have a good prognosis, but that doesn’t make the process i’m about to embark on an easy one.

As a general rule, i do not consider myself a writer, however parts of this blog may be personal. i want to be respectful of those who want to check up on my progress only, and those who would ask the deeper questions, so posts will be sorted into categories.

Also, many people have asked how they can help, so from time to time if there is a need or concern, i will include it. Don’t feel obligated to help, but if you want to, it will be appreciated. At this moment we really don’t know how i will do or react to treatment. But since my dad is just a few months away from his 90th birthday, there will be help needed.

i hope this blog will be information my friends and family, and encouragement to those who are also dealing with a detour on their journey.