Long Time, No See

Well ladies and gentlemen,

Sorry for the delay in posting, but we just got our internet connected.  Did you know that it is very difficult to post from a phone, and it is very difficult to manage email!

Well, a lot has happened since my last post.  We have moved into the house, I've started working again (part time only - bless my bosses and co-workers!), and....I've competeled brain radiation!  YEAHHH!!!  18 days.  It actually wasn't too bad to start with, I pretty much slept during treatments, but now at the end of it - worst therapy I have had to do!  Scalp got really tender at about day 14 (right on schedule), so much so that I actually took a narcotic for it!  For those of you that know me - I hate to take pills, even tylenol (I'd rather go to sleep to get rid of it!), so this is pretty significant.  I was debating whether or not to shave my head.  My radiation oncologist said that she didn't know what parts would fall out and what would stay because the radiation was hitting and so many different angles.  So I didn't want to prematurely shave everything when maybe only a little bit would fall out.  But, eventually I caved and shaved - but just the top part where is hurt the most.  I did it myself and I cried a little.  NOt about shaving my head - hair grows back (usually), but just that I have to do it AGAIN!!! It's just not fair! :(  But, then I had to laugh because when I shave just the top and leave the rest as is, it makes me look like on of those old monks - the ones that leave a ring around their ears long (I don't know if its on purpose or just baldness)?  My kids kept saying "Take off your hat so I can see your funny hair!"  So, eventually I just shaved the whole thing.  (when I say shave, I really mean clippers!)  So, now that its all done, I do have a couple bald patches in the front, but overall I have all my hair.  But, this is better anyways because I don't have to worry about bad hair days - I just throw a hat or scarf on - easy peasy!

Other side effects:
Fatigue.  It's not so bad really.  I have no activity tolerance as far as stairs and walking long distances.  Weekends I spend lounging around.  We should get cable this weekend, so I can watch my shows.  Plus, I can catch up on Bones with my computer!
Dry Mouth: I think this one is from one of the medications I'm on.  But, it's pretty annoying!
Taste changes: At first this was mild and all I could really tolerate was some rotisserie chicken and corn/green beans.  But now it has progressed to pretty much everything.  Even the taste of Kool-Aid!  I don't know what it is, but it is soooo disgusting to put in my mouth.  I can smell the wonderful aroma, but once its in my mouth: GROSS!
Anorexia: Well, at least I don't have a desire to eat!  I'm hoping this will help me loose some of the weight I gained during the last couple of months and also to release me from my carb addiction.  They say it takes at least 2 weeks to start a new habit, so I'm hoping that within the next week, I'll have some taste and desire to eat back and I won't have the carb cravings!
Skin Changes: Well, my forehead and scalp are burned, but its actually starting to improve since I haven't had treatment for 2 days.  Skin around nails is bad again - most likely from the meds I'm on.
Rash: Worst side effect besides the taste!  I guess I had had the rash (mild though) for a couple of weeks on my calves and face.  However, it erupted on Wednesday.  COmpletely covers my legs, butt, on my back and chest and arms.  And it ITCHES!!!  Mainly it bothers me at night - when I'm trying to sleep!  Tonight I took a benadryl and we'll see how that works.  The doctor stopped one of my meds that most likely caused it.  I'm okay with that because we're still waiting on the 2nd pathology viewings to confirm the type of breast cancer all my tissues are.

So, basically of the 4 times tumor has been removed here in Dallas, 3/4 classify me as triple negative (or no receptors that have targeted therapy).  Only 1 was classified as HER2+, which is why I'm taking medication right now.  For the chemotherapy plan, it really depends on what type of breast cancer they are gonna consider me.  So, the consulting guru at Baylor Dallas requested the tissue be re-tested before she makes her recommendation.  So, I'm waiting for the retesting, then the consultation between the guru and my doc before I know chemo plan.  So, it's a possibility that I won't even be taking these particular drugs in the future.  I don't know how I feel about that.  On one hand: great, no more side effects!  One the other: well, what if these drugs are keeping the cancer at bay?  I guess I need more info to make a decision.  I think either option sucks - just like cancer sucks!

Well, there is my update!  I'll keep updating often to let y'all know the ups and downs of my life.  Y'all so sweet to care! :)

64 days cancer free                                      FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!!!