I have a few weeks of reprisal before beginning radiation. I have been spending the days reflecting on the past few months, the struggle, the hardships and the will to win. I recently had my follow-up appointment with the oncologist. As she scan my medical history pertaining to the chemo treatments, she closed the file and declared I was a star. Being a taken back, I asked why a star. From her response I learned more about my cancer than all the research I had worked on. 10-20% f women diagnosed with breast cancer is actually diagnosed with Triple Negative. The other 80-90% of breast cancer are estrogen, protrogen and HR4H receptive, meaning the cancer is receptive to treatment using the female hormones. Triple Negative is not receptive to hormonal treatments and is an aggressive cancer and in some cases may reoccur. The treatment TNBC is with stronger chemicals called AC (a combination of Adriamycin and Cytoxan ), followed by Taxol. The doctor also mentioned a majority of patients undergoing treatment undergo hospitalization or become ill. I seemed to sail through the treatments without a hitch, cough, fever, or cold. Well, good for me!
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Next Up Radiation
I have a few weeks of reprisal before beginning radiation. I have been spending the days reflecting on the past few months, the struggle, the hardships and the will to win. I recently had my follow-up appointment with the oncologist. As she scan my medical history pertaining to the chemo treatments, she closed the file and declared I was a star. Being a taken back, I asked why a star. From her response I learned more about my cancer than all the research I had worked on. 10-20% f women diagnosed with breast cancer is actually diagnosed with Triple Negative. The other 80-90% of breast cancer are estrogen, protrogen and HR4H receptive, meaning the cancer is receptive to treatment using the female hormones. Triple Negative is not receptive to hormonal treatments and is an aggressive cancer and in some cases may reoccur. The treatment TNBC is with stronger chemicals called AC (a combination of Adriamycin and Cytoxan ), followed by Taxol. The doctor also mentioned a majority of patients undergoing treatment undergo hospitalization or become ill. I seemed to sail through the treatments without a hitch, cough, fever, or cold. Well, good for me!
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
The End of Chemotherapy
Thursday, January 28, 2016 marks the end of a long, tedious journey through chemotherapy. I began the journey in September, and still can't believe I cooked Thanksgiving dinner, decorated the house for Christmas, and rang in 2016 at midnight. Finally I can say "I'm through"! I am at the half finished part of my treatments.
As I look back, I am amazed at my determination; the strength; and the will to carry on a "normal life" as possible. While my house wasn't as clean as usual, I carried on with the chores when I had the strength, I exercised when I was able; usually on the recumbent bike, riding the goal of 5 miles. And a couple of times near the end of chemo, I hopped on the treadmill and ran .50 mile.
I began Taxol in November. It was the chemo drug for the next 14 treatments, and much easier to tolerate. I was instructed to take Compazine (an anti-nauseous medication) one hour prior to the appointment time. Taxol has the reputation of these side effects: nausea, allergic reactions and can cause stomach issues. I was given Benadryl, just in case. The total effect of the Compazine and Benadryl, caused drowsiness and I basically slept through the treatments.
During the last month, I was shocked when I began to lose my eyebrows and eye lashes. I was prepared for the loss of body hair, i.e. legs, arms, privates, but it never occurred that I would lose the hair around my eyes. The hair on my scalp however, is growing. Life is good, it is what it is, the glass is half full. My mantras.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)