Pat's Breast Cancer Journey

July 19:  Lens implant in left eye last week to remove cataract caused by steroids from the chemo premeds.  Next eye will be in August.  Wow, my last update was in November of last year!!!!!  All surgeries went well and I am completely recovered from them.  The doc said no cancer was left.  I am now dealing with some of the aftermath:  heart palpitations, high cholesterol, and cataracts.  All of these problems are solvable

November 10: So, haven’t been here much lately because things are pretty good.  My toes are still numb and my right shoulder and arm hurt most of the time (a lot), but I have energy and feel pretty good.  My surgery date is still holding to December 17th with the last herceptin treatment on the 20th! Check the main page of this blog for more…

October 20:  Spent time at the dentist today, 2 hours in the chair–all my fillings fell out during chemo, bizarre!  Anyhow, had a moment of being overwhelmed with appointments, tests, pain and just stuff in general.  When the tears started, I told the dental hygienist that it was just my eyes watering.  Hard day.  Otherwise, things are good

Sept. 25:  Feeling the mild fluish feeling that Herceptin leaves.  My right foot is getting better, not so numb, which is a good sign.  People say that I look much better than I did a few months ago, that’s encouraging too.  There’s a new post at the main page of this site.  Select the line right below the title above to read it.   I am looking forward to the Race for the Cure in a few weeks.

Sept. 8:  Not posting so much these days as my health gets better and the treatments wind down some.  Things are busy and I am feeling pretty good.  Next Herceptin is the 24th.

August 30:  I am tired tonight, from work, not from illness.  I have Herceptin on Friday and expander fills every week or so.  Surgery will happen again in January, if all goes well.  Overall, I’m good.

July 23:  I am back from vacation and just to punctuate that fact, had a herceptin treatment today.  I’ll be writing a full entry tomorrow when I am fully awake!!!

July 10:  I get to go on vacation!  I feel up to it, too, and have no doctors’ appointments for 13 days!  I will be away from the computer, but will write when I am back.

July 7:  It’s been a good week for having energy.  I’ve done much better at work and only today, finally ran out of steam before five.  I feel as though I am getting back to normal.  As soon as I have my toes back, I’ll be great!   The remnants of the surgery issues still make their presence known, but it’s minor.

July 1:  It occurred to me that many of  you have book marked only this page.  I’ve written lots of stuff on the main pages of this blog.  If you missed that stuff and WANT to read it , then jsut go to http://phanz.wordpress.com/ Had a good day with the Fontana Kaiser folks, it’s off to Riverside infusion room tomorrow….  Happy 4th of July to you all.

June 30:  “fill” day tomorrow.  Herceptin on Friday.Lots of things conspire to make me tired.

June 28:  I am getting used to the pressure of the expander under the muscle in my chest, actually slept on my right side for the first time since the surgery!  That’s progress, right?  I can still feel the chemo after effects, though….

June 26:  This week brought a normal work week, wow! AND one trip for a MUGA (cardiac output scan) and another trip for adding saline to the expander, ouch.  I’m still not at 100% energy levels, but feeling better. Herceptin next Friday

June 13: Things are much better.  I start back to work Monday, June 14.  Had Herceptin Friday and it went well.  Will be visiting the plastic surgeon every week for a few months, Herceptin infusions every three weeks, second surgery in December. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

June 8: Keith said this morning, “You are not a good sick person, you hate this don’t you?”  Yep.  I’ve had some kind of bug the last few days, sick to my stomach and weak.  I am doing better this morning.  YIKES!  On top of everything else, this?  Ok, regular life goes on around treatment issues.  I am still sore, but it’s doing better.  I am looking forward to going back to work next week.

June 4:  So, it’s been two weeks since the surgery and the main problem is sleep.  It’s still not comfortable anywhere but the recliner for sleeping.  I tried to go to an event for Ian a couple of nights ago, sitting on bleachers for two hours was NOT a good idea.  Just shows how important taking the time to recover really is.  So, I am. Herceptin treatments resume on the 11th of June.

May 29: I wish that I had more energy, but know that rest is good for healing and I am trying to rest    Surgeon said that everything was good.  Had the drain removed (yayyyyyy) so, although, there’s lots of pressure, the pain has decreased significantly.  Looks like the new back to work date is June 14— just in time for the Online Teaching Conference!

May 26:  More of the same.  Trying to do a little more physical activity every day.  Visit with the surgeon tomorrow, I wonder what that will bring?

May 24: Still sore, but have been able to take out pain pump and am now learning how NOT to use my arms!  You’d be amazed how many things you do everyday (even when you are staying at home doing little) that are done above your shoulders (not just think).

May 21:  Sore and tired and at home.  Pathologist says NO CANCER was found anywhere!  Chemo did the job. See the main page for details        

May 17:  Surgery tomorrow.  It’s interesting that I don’t feel scared, just feel sad.  Amy will post here tomorrow evening.

May 13:  Today was my last full day at work for a while.  I have a treatment tomorrow morning and will, hopefully, go back to work for a while if I feel ok.  Then I start getting ready to do nothing for a while.

May 11:  Tired today, not able to sleep and took some sleeping meds around 2 am.  So it’s a fuzzy day….  Fingers and toes still tingly, Taxol hangs on, it seems.  Blood work tomorrow and Herceptin on Friday.

May 10:  Much better today but worried about next week. If you haven’t switched over to the main page lately give it a try! http://phanz.wordpress.com/  I love comments.  You’ll have to scroll waaaaaaay down to get past Corinne’s love, though.

May 7:  Herceptin treatment today and then appointment to learn about how to take care of myself in the days after therapy (looks like there will be three drains to deal with at home).  Got kind of sick after the Herceptin, which is unusual.

May 5:  Happy Cinco de Mayo! Nothing remarkable here, a little tired but feeling pretty good.

May 2:  Feeling pretty normal today.  If I could feel my fingers and toes, I might forget that I have to have surgery in two weeks!

May 2:  Feeling better.  Slept well thanks to Herceptin-sleep.  Getting farther away from Taxol but closer to surgery.

April 29:  Still feel the chemicals, tomorrow is herceptin. sigh…..

April 26:  Not enough hours in the day….  I want my toes back!  I feel better than in past weeks, but it isn’t happening fast enough. I think too much about the upcoming surgery and it keeps me awake at night—or maybe it’s the remnants of Taxol/Herceptin?

April 23:  Ok today.  Toes still don’t exist and fingers are tingly, but food tastes better!  Next week will be an interesting time–no chemo only Herceptin.  Bet I feel good!

April 22: Feeling ok today. Still feeling the chemical feeling from Taxol. Lots of work at work! Saw the plastic surgeon today. It’s gonna be interesting!

April 20: The good news is no more TAXOL!  The bad news is that I have Herceptin every week until the surgery then every three weeks after that.  I was looking forward to having Friday’s back just for a little while.  Yesterday was a crummy day with lots of chemical hangover issues.  I found out that my numbness in toes and fingers may not change for up to a year.  Lovely.  BUT I am able to work and feel relatively well.

April 17:  Home today wishing I had something really exciting to do.  I have spent so many days in the house.  I feel better than yesterday, not as good as tomorrow.

April 16:  Today is the last of the chemo cycle treatments, it’s a Herceptin only infusion– I’ll probably be a little queasy this afternoon but am so looking forward to the symptoms of the Taxol fading over the weeks ahead.  From here on it’s Herceptin every three weeks until Jan. 2011.  I think surgery will be hard, but I also think that I have the “yuckies” pretty much behind me.

April 14:  It’s Wednesday, day six after Taxol.  I still feel it, but I also know it will be gone soon!  The date of surgery has been set (but is subject to change) for Ian’s birthday, drat.  May 18.

April 12:  I am at work!  I feel the chemical feeling that Taxol leaves behind and am pretty tired, but I know that every day forward will have less and less of that chemo pall over it.

April 10:  Yesterday was the last Taxol treatment.  I have Herceptin next friday and then every three weeks after that until Jan. 2011.  I feel good today, just the chemical fuzzy brain, but not ill.  Wow, no more chemo!  Just surgery to look, uh, forward to?

April 9:  I apologize for not updating this week.  I’ve been with family and not on the computer so much.  I’ve noticed that staying away from work for two weeks has helped my ability to sleep!  Today was the last Taxol treatment, and as soon as I feel better, I will celebrate   Surgery will be the week of May 17.

April 1:  At home having a nice visit with Amy and Sam.  It’s sunny and I am resting up for tomorrow’s treatment.

March 30:  This is the first week that I’ve had really yuckie muscle and joint pain.  Is it because I took some time off of work? What’s up with that???  It’s better today than yesterday so I am hopeful.

March 28: Taxol is here…. marching in with headaches and fatigue.  I am going to do stuff to distract it!  Wish me well.

March 27: Feeling a little tired.  Was feelin’ the steroids last night!  Think I’ll start denting the couch for a while.  Only two more Taxol treatments to go!

March 25:  First of  the last set of chemo treatments is tomorrow.  It’s almost done.  Now I have to decide about surgery options…..

March 22:  Went to a conference today!  It was good to be “back”.  Cardiac output test tomorrow.  It’s good to be on the other side of an “only herceptin” week.

March 20:  I didn’t realize how much a day event would drain my strength.  We went to the desert to watch professional tennis all day.  I was surprised to have difficulty going up that last set of stairs and am really tired today.

March 19:  Herceptin treatment went well.  I am feeling “flu-ish” but will be better tomorrow.  Now thinking about surgical options–decisions to come.

March 17: Taxol build up causes pain in joints and headaches.  Lovely.  I am doing ok despite these two problems.  Friday is Herceptin only, thank goodness–then only three more taxol treatments.

March 13:  My ITS peeps are giving me a 60th birthday party tonight.  I feel good today, tomorrow is usually Taxol time. One of my favorite posts in this blog was entered today.

March 11: Thursday, a week from last treatment, next one is tomorrow.  Then there will be five , but who’s counting.  I am living really close to my emotions.

March 9: Tired, Tired, Tired, Tired.  Damn stuff builds up.  rats.  I almost turned around on my way to work today.  Almost.  Glad I didn’t–managed just fine.

March 8: Hard day today.  I’m just not feeling good.  I guess these days are something I should come to expect, they happen every so often–out of treatment cycle.  Funny now the mental cues from physical and then they drive each other along.

March 5: Treatment yesterday.  Time there went fast, but the Taxol is building up.  I can’t wait for the “just herceptin” week that’s still two weeks off.  Having trouble sleeping, worried about lots of stuff.

March 1:  Wow!  Busy work day, meetings at SJC then Curriculum Committee at MVC.  I made it, though.  Feel chemical haze, but ok.

Feb. 28: It’s one of those Taxol hangover days.  Not as bad as some have been, though.  I am looking forward to the US/Canada Hockey game!

Feb.25:  Feeling healthy today, of course, tomorrow is a Taxol treatment day.  It has been a good week.

Feb. 22:  Outside of a few minor aches, I feel normal today—hey wait a minute–I am 60, have lots of aches anyway

Feb. 21:  My connection’s been down at home!  Then I took a break for the weekend.  Feel pretty good today.  Herceptin only on Friday makes a difference.

Feb. 17:  Working at Temecula Complex today.  It’s sunny and beautiful and I feel tired, but otherwise good.

Feb.16: Better today.  Working!

Feb. 15:  The Taxol hangover started late yesterday, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that I still don’t feel great.  It’s beautiful here, 77 degrees, but I don’t have the energy to go anywhere.  Next week is just Herceptin, so we are leaving for the weekend.

Feb. 14:  It’s a Taxol kind of day…..  Slow, but better than last Sunday!  My internet connection is up and down right now and there’s nothing good on tv.

Feb. 13:  New side effects: muscle pain and tingling finger tips–these are an indicator of nerve damage from the taxol.  sigh….  Mostly, I am ok.  Glad next week is only Herceptin.

Feb.  11: Today was good.  I felt much better–of course, that’s because there will be treatment tomorrow

Feb.9: Better today.  Shakey but better

Feb. 8:  Hard day yesterday.  I’ll go to work today and see how it goes.  Tummy yucks, headaches and tired…..

Feb. 7:  Taxol hit.  The combination of stress, a surgical procedure and a Taxol treatment resulted in a crummy Sunday.

Feb. 6: Evening update:  slipping in to Taxol world.  tingling feet and hands and just not great.  I keep forgetting that this stuff sneaks up on you.

Feb. 6:  Treatment went well, pain meds and anesthesia for surgery made me punky all day.  Today is better.  I slept in until 9:30! Yikes! That’s a new one.  Good thing it’s Saturday.  Gonna fix me some brunch now.

Feb. 5:  Yesterday I had the portocath surgically implanted in my chest.  It really hurts today.  Treatment this morning.

Feb 2: Yesterday and today–working, feeling a little achy but ok. Many appointments this week: Pre-op for port, surgery for port, treatment, somehow get my car out of the car doctor in San Diego, and replace my driver’s license. Anyone want to take one of those appointments for me? How about the port surgery one?

Jan. 31: Sleeping is a real problem. Being upset is not good for chemo patients, headache today, big time. Tomorrow will be better.

Jan. 30: Shakey today. TAXOL hangover. I’ll be ok though.

Jan 29, Update: I am working on my attitude. Remember the song “I Got a New Attitude”? It and some others have been added to the Stuff page.
Jan. 29:  No sleep at all.  Treatment today.  Hope for the best and know it will happen.

Jan. 28:  Trip to the Doctor today, treatment tomorrow.  I feel good this morning.  I’ve noticed things related to my job are slipping.  I keep forgetting stuff  :-(  —-More lists needed.   I’ve posted two new websites:  Cure Today and Working Women With Cancer– thanks to Sherri.  It’s nice to know great research librarians!

Jan 27:  Workin’ today. Feel really good.  Nice to have a break from the yuckie stuff.

Jan 26:  Day two of the new semester and I am here!  A week off of Taxol is great.  I feel almost normal!  Next treatment is Friday.

Jan. 24:  Tired.  Been too distracted to sleep.  I think it’s time to get out of the house!!!!  Otherwise, feeling Ok and enjoying a week without Taxol.

Jan. 23:  Last week left me pretty tired but feeling Ok.  I told the Nurse on Thursday that I had no numbness or tingling in my hands or feet (a side effect of Taxol) and no aches.  Today, I woke up with both, what’s up with that!!!!  It’s mild, though and I am doing fine.  Happy to watch movies today, though.

Jan. 21:  Today I am 60.  YIKES.  I am feeling really well and teaching in the MSJC Training Academy all week. It is an energizer!  I have only Herceptin tomorrow, no Taxol.  A week off will be wonderful!

Jan. 17:  Feeling Ok today.  I can feel the Taxol via a headache, but I am up and about and looking forward to a visit from some good friends this afternoon.

Jan. 16:  Treatment went well yesterday.  We arrived at 10:15 and were out by 2:45.  I now refer to treatment day as Benedryl day, today will be steroid day, we’ll see about tomorrow, tomorrow.  I feel better than I have in  a while, just really heavy fatigue.  It is almost too much to think of going upstairs to use my office, so here I sit next to the wood stove with the laptop. I am fortunate to have food, water and a great dwelling.  Everyone with health problems in my family, did well yesterday.  I am grateful.

Jan. 14:   I’m good today.   Blood work today in prep for tomorrow’s treatment.  I’ll be ok tomorrow until they give me the Benedryl, then I talk and think like I have marbles running around in my brain.  Oh well…

Jan. 13:  I’ve been able to work all week and am so grateful.  The “chemo ” feeling is definitely there, but subdued.  I get tired more easily, but can think without massive headaches!

Jan. 11:  Saturday was great, Sunday was yuckie.  Today I am tired, but worked and am now ready for jammies!  It looks like Sunday’s will be the difficult day after Taxol.

Jan. 9:  Up too early!  Feeling Ok.  Hoping for a productive Saturday!

Jan.8:  Treatment today, Taxol/Herceptin #2 only 14 more to go.  I am home and feel ok, a little chemically weird but ok.

Jan. 7:  UPDATE   My hemoglobin was up today!  Yay!

Jan. 7:  I couldn’t sleep last night, dang.  It makes today difficult.  Otherwise, I am feeling Ok, and trying to mentally prepare for tomorrow’s treatment.

Jan. 6:  Pretty good today.  I do feel the “chemical” feeling that is a reminder of the A/C stuff as it was about a week after.  Yuckie taste all the time and general weakness.  BUT, I am working and grateful to have lots to do to occupy my time.  Thanks to all of you who check-in and who comment.  I enjoy knowing you are there.  Next treatment:  Friday, January 8th.  Taxol and Herceptin

Jan. 5:  Sometimes it’s hard to get here!  I’ve been at work for two full days and doing OK!  I feel much better than after the A/C chemo and hope that Taxol doesn’t accumulate!  I love having the rush of January activities at work, to occupy my time.  Feeling tired still, but OK!

It’s been a long time since I posted here, Sorry!  I’ll keep up starting now!  January 2:  Two days after Taxol/Herceptin.  I feel pretty good.  Tired, chemo-taste still present and headachy (is that a word?) but Ok.  I feel much better than two days after A/C!

Thursday, Dec 17:  Couldn’t make it in for the morning meeting, will make the afternoon one!  That’s better than none.  Plan on full day tomorrow.  Does the image of a flat tire mean anything to anyone?

Wednesday, Dec. 16:  Gave in last night to a craving for chocolate pudding–stayed up and watched The Good Wife, big mistake.  Couldn’t sleep.  3 am took sleeping meds and woke up with a massive headache that is now abating.  I will go to work this afternoon!

Tuesday, Dec. 15: Good day.  Actually got out a bit today and worked a bit.  It’s 7 p.m. and I AM ready to sleep, though

Sunday, Dec. 13:  I am afraid to jinks today by saying that yesterday was the easiest Saturday-after-Thursday-Chemo day that I’ve had, but it was.  Hope today is at least as good.  Tired but able to read and write a little.

Saturday, Dec.12:  Today is chemo-yuck day.  I’m doing ok, though.  Not feeling too sick, just feel like a flat tire.  I am looking forward to Christmas and that keeps me going.

Tuesday – Friday:  I guess I haven’t been here every day!  Sorry.  The week was so busy, then Chemo yesterday.  It took from 11;30-4:30, yikes!  Today is really good so far, I am drinking lots of water and resting at home.  Tomorrow is usually the “sleep all day” day.  Hopefully it will be good.  My blood count is still above needing assistance, so your good thoughts in that direction are appreciated.

Monday morning, Dec. 7, 2009:  I have to pace myself today!  Curriculum Committee will be late and then I have to get Rin at the airport!  It’s cold and rainy, but I feel pretty good.  Thursday is creeping up on me and I have to make today really good.

Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009:  Good day today.  Feeling pretty normal, working around the house and relaxing.

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009:  One week until fourth A/C Chemo.  I feel Ok, very tired and feel the effects of chemo every day.  I’ve been going to work, but it’s hard to keep up.  I am counting on feeling better after the Dec. 10 treatment is over.  Scroll down for a full treatment discription.

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Treatment Update and Request: Many of you have been asking about where I am in my treatment and what you can do to help, so I thought I’d post a little update and a request.  First, those of you who want to offer prayer, meditation, good wishes, etc.— there is something you can focus on for me.  The thought is “Complete Response”.  Complete response is having the cancer completely go away as a result of treatment.  My oncologist said that one in four who are HER2 positive, have a complete response, which means that when they look at the tumor after surgery, the cancer is gone.  I am after that result. The other thing I am working on is having my blood count remain good—hence the protein shakes in the morning and the many little meals I try to get down during the day.  So, the two key thoughts are “Complete Response” and “Healthy Blood”

Treatment Progress:  As of last week I had completed three of four A/C Chemotherapy treatments (the yuckie stuff).  I didn’t bounce back this last time like I have in the first two, but that doesn’t mean the next will be worse.  I just have to remember to drink lots of water and keep eating.  The last A/C will be on December 10.  My daughter, Corinne, is flying in from North Carolina to be with me (Yippie!!!!).  I am so lucky to have such a giving family.  On December 31st, I start Taxol and Herceptin treatments.  They will happen in four, four week rounds:  Week 1-3 will be Taxol and Herceptin, week 4 will be just Herceptin.  Taxol has some of the same side effects as A/C only I’ve heard a little less difficult.  Additionally, it can cause aches in the joints.  My hair should start coming back after the Taxol is over.  Herceptin has no major side effects unless you are one of the unlucky ones who can develop cardiac output problems.  My heart is pretty strong, so I don’t anticipate that will happen to me. Keith has rearranged his teaching schedule for Spring so that he can take me every Friday for the infusions.

The chemo/herceptin treatments will be done sometime at the end of April, beginning of May, providing my blood holds up.  Low blood count could cause me to have to stop treatment for a while.  So, don’t think that way!!!!!   The surgery will come some time after the Taxol/Herceptin treatments are done. The surgery will be a mastectomy, I don’t want to go through radiation.   Then I have to stay on Herceptin, I think once every three weeks, for another 8 months.  So, with some good luck and good health, I will be done by the end of next January. Whew.

The good news is that there is such a thing as Herceptin!  It truly is a miracle drug.  It’s only been around since 2000.  To read about this drug, I recommend the book HER2, it is amazing and reads like a good novel! OR watch the movie “Living Proof”  It starts a little weak, but gets better.

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Monday, Nov. 30:  Spending yesterday eating and resting really helped.  I went to work and made it through the entire leadership training —- sitting down, but made it.  Thank you to whoever left the big bottle of water on my desk

Sunday, Nov. 29:  Learned a big lesson.  Just because you feel good doesn’t mean you can do everything you want and ignore eating.  Bad day today.  It was like last Sunday–really tired and unable to do anything.

Saturday: Good day!  Went places with my daughter and grandson and felt pretty normal!

Friday morning:  Great morning, beautiful time with my family and chemo feeling is not present!  A little tired, but ok—- lots of food to eat!

Sunday-Wednesday:  These few days have been yuckie with chemo sickness.  I didn’t bounce back like last time, but have enjoyed having my family around.

Monday Nov. 23: Stuck in second gear.  Fatigue, big time, don’t want food, but not sick. What’s up with that?

Sunday Morning, Nov 22:  Looking forward to taking a walk today.  I am already better than yesterday.  YES!  Thanks Amy and Keith for loving me through yesterday.

Saturday, Nov. 21:  Ugly day.  Nothing to do but lie on the couch and sleep and feel yuckie.

Friday, Nov. 20th:  3rd out of four chemo treatments yesterday.  I felt great up until yesterday.  Today was OK, but tonight the fog of drugs is descending.  My thinking is not as clear and I am so tired.  The anti-nausea drugs are keeping the sickness off, but make me tired and dizzy.  I am enjoying Amy’s support, that’s the good thing.  AND the tumor has shrunk to almost nothing.

Sunday-Monday,Nov.. 15-16:  Sunday we took a drive to the coast for lunch.  I had a great healthy lunch at Kai’s in Solana Beach.  Monday was work, and I felt good except that I got very tired by about 5:30 p.m. and realize that I have different limits than I used to!

Thursday-Saturday:  Wow, the work days go fast.  They were good.  I found out that I can’t lie in bed until nine watching a movie and not eat.  When I did get up I was really weak.  About an hour after some breakfast, I was ok.  Memo to self:  Eat right when you wake up, whether youget up or not! Today is a house cleaning day.

Wednesday, Nov. 11: Ok day today.  Enjoyed a day off from work.  Nails haven’t gotten worse, actually look a little better.  Feel like a flat tire, though.

Tuesday, Nov. 10th:  Cried this morning.  My fingernails are turing black.  They look dirty.  I hope I don’t loose them.  Didn’t cry over my hair, but did over the nails–go figure.  Work today was pretty full and really good.

Monday, Nov. 9th:  Worked today, felt really tired at the end, but OK!  Still have the weird brain thinking.

Sunday, Nov. 8th:  Have a weird head condition.  My thinking is “cloudy” and not comfortable.  But I worked with Ian in the yard a bit and felt better.  His is good company.

Saturday, Nov. 7th:  Felt Ok today, better than yesterday.

Friday, Nov, 6th:  Good day at work.  Hard night sleeping last night, went through all of the issues I ‘ve ever had in my life, I think, at 4:00 a.m. !!!!!

Thursday, Nov. 5th:  Did way too much by driving my car to the Volvo dealer in San Diego.  Won’t do that again!

Wednesday, Nov. 4th:  Went to work thinking that I would come home early.  Stayed a little too long, but felt ok.  Enjoyed Ian, Ray and Keith in the evening making a “brain mobile” for Ray’s class project.

Tuesday Nov. 3rd: found me at home being a little stir crazy!

Monday, Nov. 2nd: Pretty good day again.  Even got out of the house for a little bit.  Hope to work tomorrow.

Sunday, Nov. 1st:  Pretty good day!  Much better than Sunday the first round.  I am so tired that it’s hard to do much, but the stomach is doing ok and I have been eating well.  Took a walk over to the neighbor’s house–a slow, slow, walk, but a walk none the less!  Ian and Amy help make me better by their mere presence.  I am blessed with wonderful children. (Lost about 10 lbs this month)

Saturday, October 31st:  I don’t feel as bad as the last treatment, seem to have a bit more energy–maybe it’s less fear?  Stomach is holding up today, hoping to remain as good tomorrow.  Really sleepy though, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz………….

Friday, October 30th: Excellent morning. Enjoying time with Amy.  Waiting for the yuckies. Maybe it’s like waiting for a watched pot?  Too hopeful? Able to still do email.

Thursday, October 29th: chemotherapy #2.  Lots of differences from the first treatment, cause for questions.  Good-night.

Tuesday through Wednesday, Oct 27th & 28th: Busy days at work. Had steak and veggies for dinner on Wednesday in anticipation…

Monday, Oct. 26th:  Busy day at work today.  Very tired tonight.  Two more good days ahead.   Treatment on Thursday.

Sunday, Oct. 25th:  It’s a good day.  We are going to Oak Glen to buy fresh apples.  My mouth is still very sore, but it hasn’t spread, so that’s good.  Work tomorrow.

Saturday, Oct. 24th:  Yesterday was my mom’s AA birthday, thought of her a lot all day.  Today is quiet and I’m just trying to relax and not think about the treatment next Thursday.  Enjoy today.  I have developed some sores in my mouth, yuck!  This chemo stuff is so fun–NOT.   I am having fun with hats, though.

Friday afternoon, Oct.23, 2009:  It’s Friday and I am tired.  It’s been a good week with lots accomplished.  I look forward to a normal weekend.

Thursday afternoon, Oct 22, 2009:  Worked almost all day, came home really tired and ready to yank the wig off when driving up the hill   Expect to be in the office most of the day tomorrow.  Feeling very tired this evening.

Wednesday evening, Oct. 21, 2009:  Left work on time and slept well last night.  Had my first company-for-dinner since getting sick.  Things are more normal. No one guessed I was wearing a wig.

Tuesday evening, Oct. 20, 2009:  Long day, actually, too long.  I won’t do this again!  Just too long.   Worked all day then came home and Jessica took off the hair.  I’ll post a photo tomorrow—too tired tonight. A good day.

Monday Morning, Oct. 19:  Trouble sleeping still, going to work though and looking forward to another good day.

Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009:  Trouble sleeping persists!  Had a good day though.  Went to the Race and then cooked stuff for the next couple of days.  Felt like eating everything in sight—first thing out of the fridge into my tummy in the afternoon was a Klondike Bar!

Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009:  Trouble sleeping last night again, but  had a great day today on the porch with the view.  Lauren visited and answered a lot of questions, THANK YOU! Beautiful weather here; stomach doing better.  Hopefully, I’ll get the chemical continual noise out of my head tonight and sleep better.  So tired………..

Friday, Oct. 16 2009:  Finally went to work!  I left around one to come home and finished out the day online from home.  But, I went.  It was good to “suit up” and be part of a normal day.  There will be more to come.

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009:  Thought I could go to work today, no such luck.  I couldn’t sleep last night so am just too tired today.  I am working on lots of things from home, grateful for the virtual world. Seven days, yikes.  I hope this is not the norm!

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009:  Feeling much better.  Had to take anti-nausea stuff last night, dang.  Ok so far today.  I’ll be attending some meetings online and catching up on bills and emails.  Maybe work will see me tomorrow!  Infection is what is to be avoided for the next week or so. I’ll be careful.

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009:  Better than yesterday!  No meds today (except tylenol).  Started taking Ensure, which reminds me of Mom.  Here’s how it is, I write two emails, need a NAP!  Much better though.

Monday, Oct. 12, 2009:  Feeling better, cutting back on the nausea pills to avoid headaches.  I can finally write a little, but feel like a limp noodle.  Maybe someday I’ll learn to spell nausea and not need the spell check.

Old stuff I’ll try to fill in sometime….

June 2009:  Missed Mammogram Appointment (just got busy)
July 2009:  Rescheduled Mammogram (Not totally crazy )
August 1, 2009:  Found Lump (while thinking about mammogram)
August 3, 2009 Mammogram - told tech about lump, she marked it with a sticker, said she’d note for fast tracking by Dr.
August 7:  Made appointment with general practitioner, saw her that day.  Established lump, she sent orders for Breast Cancer Screening, did not specify stat.
No phone call for the next week.  Finally called around and found BC Center Coordinator who got appointment with surgeon for me.

To be continued…..