So, I just got a letter in the mail notifying me of an appointment with my oncologist. So, that means that the test results are back and I'll get my chemo plan. I'm a little apprehensive. It's been so nice to feel okay and be able to work and do the things I'm accustomed to doing (except cleaning of course!). This is just a whole big bucket of unknown and y'all know how much I hate that!
I really have felt good. I don't really have any fatigue (or at least very slight) and my scalp doesn't hurt anymore. I'm losing a little more hair, but when it's this short, it doesn't fall out, so it's only when I "run my fingers through my peach fuzz" that some comes out! The main thing would be the food issue. I have no desire to eat and anything I do is like paste. I think a lot of what I feel is due to that. But, I don't even want to take vitamins because all the pills make me nauseous. Then the dreaded heartburn!
But other than that, I'm doing pretty good. The girls are doing well and I'm so excited for David to start working so I can get them in some activities. They want gymnastics and dance. Lili LOVES dance and is always talking about it. Unfortunately, David won't start working until about 3/1/12, which means he won't get paid until mid April! February is our birthday month: David, Mama Nena & Lili, plus a couple of my good friends. I would love to enjoy some awesome cupcakes, but I'm not holding my breath!
The Chavez Family
Day of the Gamma Knife procedure 128//15
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
weight loss plan
Hello to all,
So, it's been a very productive week. I spent the last two weeks dealing with work. Gotta get the money coming in somehow! Fortunately, the fatigue from radiation quickly resolved. As I spoke in my last post, I'm on the post-radiation starvation diet because everything tastes HORRIBLE (as my 3 year old would say!). I've lost the weight from steroids, plus a little bit more. I'm not sure how much since I don't have a scale in the house! However, now I feel hungry. Every restaurant and fast food place I pass I think "Wow, I would like to eat there!" I have never felt the urge to cook as I do now when in the grocery store - "Oh, that looks good, I should get that!" I'm talking even microwave dinners! I'm hoping that I get through the craving phase while I still can't eat and then when I have a sense of taste back, I will be happy with fruit and vegetables! Right now, the only thing I can tolerate is liquid and apples. But I can't even eat a whole apple, just half. It seems like anything that sits in my mouth turns to this nasty mush. The dry mouth from radiation and my treatments don't help the issue I think.
But anyways, enough with that! I just did my treatment on Friday, so I won't have to do that again for 3 weeks. I'm still waiting on test results from the consulting physician for her to make her recommendation for chemo. I will be so happy to start that because it will be the beginning of the end. I am so tired of this process! It needs to be over so I can get on with life. I almost feel like I'm holding my breath for something else to happen. I'm glad that my radiation oncologist wants to do brain MRI frequently to monitor for anything. I have my first on at the end of February, then every 3 months. David keeps talking about the future and where he'll work and where we'll live and all I can think is - who know what will happen in the next couple of months, how can I plan 2 years in the future!??! I do have faith that I will be around for awhile, but I don't want to "jinx" anything by having expectations. Would that be taking advantage of God's grace? Having expectations that he will protect me from more cancer just seems a little presumptuous. I also think to the saying: "Don't worry about tomorrow, because if it happens you worried double, and if it doesn't, wasted today worrying about it" So, I would rather just not think about it and take each day as it comes!
73 DAYS CANCER FREE FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!
So, it's been a very productive week. I spent the last two weeks dealing with work. Gotta get the money coming in somehow! Fortunately, the fatigue from radiation quickly resolved. As I spoke in my last post, I'm on the post-radiation starvation diet because everything tastes HORRIBLE (as my 3 year old would say!). I've lost the weight from steroids, plus a little bit more. I'm not sure how much since I don't have a scale in the house! However, now I feel hungry. Every restaurant and fast food place I pass I think "Wow, I would like to eat there!" I have never felt the urge to cook as I do now when in the grocery store - "Oh, that looks good, I should get that!" I'm talking even microwave dinners! I'm hoping that I get through the craving phase while I still can't eat and then when I have a sense of taste back, I will be happy with fruit and vegetables! Right now, the only thing I can tolerate is liquid and apples. But I can't even eat a whole apple, just half. It seems like anything that sits in my mouth turns to this nasty mush. The dry mouth from radiation and my treatments don't help the issue I think.
But anyways, enough with that! I just did my treatment on Friday, so I won't have to do that again for 3 weeks. I'm still waiting on test results from the consulting physician for her to make her recommendation for chemo. I will be so happy to start that because it will be the beginning of the end. I am so tired of this process! It needs to be over so I can get on with life. I almost feel like I'm holding my breath for something else to happen. I'm glad that my radiation oncologist wants to do brain MRI frequently to monitor for anything. I have my first on at the end of February, then every 3 months. David keeps talking about the future and where he'll work and where we'll live and all I can think is - who know what will happen in the next couple of months, how can I plan 2 years in the future!??! I do have faith that I will be around for awhile, but I don't want to "jinx" anything by having expectations. Would that be taking advantage of God's grace? Having expectations that he will protect me from more cancer just seems a little presumptuous. I also think to the saying: "Don't worry about tomorrow, because if it happens you worried double, and if it doesn't, wasted today worrying about it" So, I would rather just not think about it and take each day as it comes!
73 DAYS CANCER FREE FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!
Friday, January 20, 2012
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!!!
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!!!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Treatment plan
So I saw my oncologist yesterday, both radiation and medical. Looks like I can come off steroids, YEAH!!!!!!!!! Have to stay on the seizure meds (I just wanted off those cuz I have taking meds!). Radiation is doing well, I think the majority of my issues are from tykerb, but I don't have an appetite and food tastes bad. So this time around, I'm not eating till I find something good, I'm just NOT gonna eat! I have 20 lbs to loose ( at least)! As for chemo, my doc consulted with a local expert in triple negative disease (which is the pathology of the cancer). Of the 4 samples they tested, 3 were triple negative and 1 HER2+. So, that makes a big difference in treatment, mainly that there are drugs targeted to the HER2 (which I'm currently taking). However, if my tumor is really triple negative, then there are different drugs I should take. Sooo, they are sending ALL my tissue samples to this doc and her pathologists to retest and confirm. So, after radiation ee'll discuss again!!
On a happy note: my house is empty and all my stud is on the new house. Just thrown in the house, but there nonetheless!!!!
On a happy note: my house is empty and all my stud is on the new house. Just thrown in the house, but there nonetheless!!!!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Bad day
Wow! Yesterday I was down for the count. I had to have David drive me to radiation and then I spent the rest of the day in bed. I mean, I couldn't even sit up in bed!! In fact, both the little girls slept with me during the day too, so I think these past 2 weeks of moving has really done us in!! Fortunately, I woke up today with strength and ready to finish moving!! We're almost done and David has really done it all by himself, again!! When we moved from Harlingen to Dallas, he did the same thing!! After we get all the stuff in the house, I think we will live in chaos for awhile so we can relax!!!
Radiation treatment is going well. I'm not bothered by it, but my scalp is tender and food doesn't taste the same, and I don't really have an appetite. Good thing I have plenty of steroid-driven fat to live off of!! Hopefully I can get off the steroids for good next week. I find out my chemo plan today, so I'll let y'all know about that too.
I go back to work next week as well! I think my time off has been busier than life before ever was!!!
42 days cancer free. FIGHT LIKE A GIRL
Radiation treatment is going well. I'm not bothered by it, but my scalp is tender and food doesn't taste the same, and I don't really have an appetite. Good thing I have plenty of steroid-driven fat to live off of!! Hopefully I can get off the steroids for good next week. I find out my chemo plan today, so I'll let y'all know about that too.
I go back to work next week as well! I think my time off has been busier than life before ever was!!!
42 days cancer free. FIGHT LIKE A GIRL
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
I must have a problem!
Why can't I ever slow down?
Is is that I have a problem organizing my life, or am I still in a little bit of denial? I think I want to stay busy because then it means I'm not sick, but on the other hand - why am I so busy if I'm not working right now? Holy cow! I did get a short nap today, though! That's a positive!
Well, didn't start radiation today. Today was the x-ray to make sure that the planning was accurate. It's really cool, the two Texas Oncology offices are battling on whose radiation plan is "better". I don't know all the technical things that make one plan better than the other, but regardless, it's pretty cool to know people are working hard to make the best treatment plan! So, tomorrow I will find out if I'll do my treatments at Dallas or at Charlton office. (They are both fairly close to the house, so it's no difference to me - except I don't have my buddies at the Charlton office!)
So, tomorrow afternoon will be R-day. I had the mask on today for the x-ray and it wasn't too bad, hopefully I'll be able to do my relaxation breaths, self-hypnotize and take a power nap!
33 days cancer-free FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!
Is is that I have a problem organizing my life, or am I still in a little bit of denial? I think I want to stay busy because then it means I'm not sick, but on the other hand - why am I so busy if I'm not working right now? Holy cow! I did get a short nap today, though! That's a positive!
Well, didn't start radiation today. Today was the x-ray to make sure that the planning was accurate. It's really cool, the two Texas Oncology offices are battling on whose radiation plan is "better". I don't know all the technical things that make one plan better than the other, but regardless, it's pretty cool to know people are working hard to make the best treatment plan! So, tomorrow I will find out if I'll do my treatments at Dallas or at Charlton office. (They are both fairly close to the house, so it's no difference to me - except I don't have my buddies at the Charlton office!)
So, tomorrow afternoon will be R-day. I had the mask on today for the x-ray and it wasn't too bad, hopefully I'll be able to do my relaxation breaths, self-hypnotize and take a power nap!
33 days cancer-free FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!
Radiation
So, we're back at home after David's graduation! It was so nice to see him complete his journey. He has spend 23 years in school and has gotten the range of dipolomas that academia has to offer: HS diploma, certificate, Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree and now Master's Degree. I'm gonna try to hold him off for awhile on the Medical Degree/PhD! I need a break!! Oh, and I need some money! He has already verbally accepted a job in the emergency department of a local hospital. We're really excited about that! He was really looking for a job in the ED!
So, the plan today is that I will start radiation. I spoke to my radiation oncologist yesterday. (I love her so much! She listens to everything I say and really takes it into consideration!) I have spots reserved for me at two locations, so see which location will be a better fit for what they are going to do for me. They are "sparing" or not radiating the hippocampus area. THis area is involved in memory - short-term and long-term. This was important for me because I didn't want to forget the detailed information that I teach, nor have problems incorporating new information into my classes. So, she got really detailed brain scans, mapped out the brain areas really well and then adjusted the radiation treatments to avoid that area! Isn't that amazing what we can do with technology!? And listening to patients!? Incredible! So, they will call me today with a time to go, and I will be doing 17 treatments. I've been told my hair will fall out about 2 weeks into treatment and the fatigue begins around then too. So, that will get me past the holidays!
I haven't really been thinking about radiation. It was hard to do the first round, like I said before, but now I know what to expect. I know it doesn't hurt and it goes pretty quickly. But, as I've said before, my coping technique is avoidance! It probably won't hit me until I'm there in the room with my hannibel lector mask strapped to my face!
I'll let y'all know how it goes, but so far I'm feeling okay!
33 days cancer-free FIGHT LIKE A GIRL
So, the plan today is that I will start radiation. I spoke to my radiation oncologist yesterday. (I love her so much! She listens to everything I say and really takes it into consideration!) I have spots reserved for me at two locations, so see which location will be a better fit for what they are going to do for me. They are "sparing" or not radiating the hippocampus area. THis area is involved in memory - short-term and long-term. This was important for me because I didn't want to forget the detailed information that I teach, nor have problems incorporating new information into my classes. So, she got really detailed brain scans, mapped out the brain areas really well and then adjusted the radiation treatments to avoid that area! Isn't that amazing what we can do with technology!? And listening to patients!? Incredible! So, they will call me today with a time to go, and I will be doing 17 treatments. I've been told my hair will fall out about 2 weeks into treatment and the fatigue begins around then too. So, that will get me past the holidays!
I haven't really been thinking about radiation. It was hard to do the first round, like I said before, but now I know what to expect. I know it doesn't hurt and it goes pretty quickly. But, as I've said before, my coping technique is avoidance! It probably won't hit me until I'm there in the room with my hannibel lector mask strapped to my face!
I'll let y'all know how it goes, but so far I'm feeling okay!
33 days cancer-free FIGHT LIKE A GIRL
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