I forgot to mentioned a few things from my last blog. In the radiation room ,they have two cameras on each side of the room so they can watch you, the machines, and also a microphone just in case you panic or need assistance.
My mom went with me to the doctors on Thursday February 19, 2009 to see the genetic doctor to review her medical history and to get her blood drawn. She will be screened to see if she has the gene BRAC1 and BRAC2 for breast/ovarian cancer. While she saw the genetic doctor, I saw my plastic surgeon down the hall. I will let you know the results when we get them. My mom also has found a website that helps women in need to get a free mammogram all you have to do is click onto this site. It has some great information on breast cancer please check out the site: http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/tpc/BCS_linktous
I am ready to plan my next six weeks of my life. I am scheduled for my MRI on Monday March 2, 2009 in the afternoon. This will be my baseline since I had my surgery. It will allow the doctors to compare to other MRI's in the future. I will make sure I stretch my neck, back, arms and take my Valium this time. My mom will be taking me since I will be taking some medication. I hope it goes smoothly, fast, and no cramps! I am not looking forward to this appointment now or in the future.
I will start my radiation on Wednesday March 4, 2009. I will have my sessions each day Monday - Friday at 8:30 am. I believe each time I will be under the machine for fifteen minutes. I will have to let you know.
We told our kids last night that I will be going to the hospital each morning to get radiation. We explained that I need some more treatment because I still have some cancer. My daughter asked if I will be staying at the hospital. I explained to her that she will have different people watching her each morning and I will be back to spend a few hours with her before she gets on the bus. I was surprised my son didn't ask any questions at the time. When my son went to bed he asked me if my mom or my sister has breast cancer. I told him not at this time, I am the only one but the doctors are doing the best they can to get me better.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Three doctors appointments this week
Monday 2/16/09 I went to get my mold fitted for when I start my radiation. I guess you should never assume where the mold was going to be placed. I assumed it was going to go over my breast but I was wrong it was behind my head. I had to lay on my back with my hands placed behind my head and I had to hold onto a pole, chin and head up to the left and lay on a mat that was referred to like a bean bag. The radiation specialist hooked up a hose to the bean bag and started to form the mold. I will lay in this mold each day for my treatment. This mold keeps me in the same position while the radiation is being performed and verifies that the treatment is performed the same way each time. I was moved into the machine to verify the mold and me fit into the machine. The Radiation Oncologist doctor came in and placed several stickers on my breast before the scan. They also marked my chest with a blue marker to know where to line up the laser in the correct positions. They marked both sides of my breast and the middle of my chest. They placed clear round stickers over these markings and asked me not to wash them off. Its lovely to see all the marks in the mirror! A cat scan was performed for about five minutes. This time it wasn't as bad as my MRI in November. The sounds were not as loud, I was laying on my back not my front, and the time was much shorter! I am a little nervous when my treatments start that my neck might get sore from being in the same position so I will have to remember to stretch before I have to lay there for about 15 minutes. The molding will be finished by the doctor off my cat scan and I will return to verify the fit of the molding. I had to go to a different area in the hospital to get a blood test done before I left.
Thursday 2/19/09 I saw my plastic surgeon today. She said I am healing well and that my breasts look good. She removed one stitch that was sticking out. I showed her the bras that she recommend that I wear to verify the correct fit. The bras are designed for individuals who work out. They are comfortable and rated by bars which means the support in the straps. The prices range from $32-$70 but they are worth it. They are breathable and can be worn for workouts or during the day. If you would like to check out the website, here it is: http://www.titlenine.com/ The company is only in a few states so you will need to order over the net/phone. The bras are tight fitting so you can't go off the sizes exactly, order a little bigger. I am sending mine back for bigger sizes. The company guarantees the bras and will exchange/return at any time which is a great policy. They give you a label to send them back and will not charge you for another shipping fee. We talked a little bit about my radiation. She said once I start my radiation (since I don't have a start date) I will need to see her about 3-4 weeks into the treatment. She took a few pictures of my breast so she will have the before and after pictures. Please pray for me that the radiation will not harm my skin elasticity and that my implants will not need to be removed. She mentioned if I have a bad rash or irritation, not to wear my bra.
Friday 2/20/09 I haven't told my kids that I have to get radiation. I wanted to wait for a start date and I didn't want their minds to worry. As soon as I know a start date, we will explain to them what I am going to have to go through. I am waiting for my menstrual cycle to start (yea what all women look forward too) and then I can schedule my MRI a week later after it starts then I can start radiation a few days after. Since I didn't want my kids to hear about another doctors appointment this week, they went to a friends house and I told them I was going out to do some errands today. I returned back to the radiation office at the hospital where I will be having my treatments. This appointment was suppose to be 30 minutes and I ended up being there for 1 hour and 45 minutes. All I can think was " I can't believe this is what I will have to experience every day every week! I was sitting in the waiting room listening to older ladies and men talking. They were there for radiation and they must of seen each other for several weeks since they have the appointments around the same time and knew each other. I felt like they were looking at me saying why is she here, she is so young. These women were talking about their grandchildren. This made me feel lucky that I caught my cancer so early but also made me think wow I have cancer at my age 37 and I feel like an odd one at this moment. Its still hard to believe I have cancer since I feel great and I don't feel any lumps or any other signs. The nurse finally called me in and apologized about the wait. She explained this isn't usually this long of wait. I was brought into the radiation room and a simulation run will be performed to make sure everything is in tact for radiation. I was placed in the mold and it was made correctly. I had to lay there for 30 minutes being still without moving. They took several pictures of the breast while the laser machine moved around to different angles. They were in and out of the room. When you are in a position that you cant move, the time is forever. There is music on in the room and I am starring at a skylight that has a pretty a tree with a bloom of pink petals on it but I still wish I didn't need to be there. My eye started to tear (not crying just allergies) and I couldn't wipe it! All I could think is my nose is going to itch and I am not going to be able to help myself at this stage. This is a bad feeling. I hope these 5 1/2 weeks go by fast. The test were all performed and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be laying there. They marked me with additional blue markings and asked me again not to remove them. They also place three tattoo markings the size of a freckle on each side of the breast and in the middle of the chest. This will help them to line the laser each day for radiation. These tattoos will remain on my body forever, they will fade over time. I have so many blue marks that I can't see them at this time. I have scheduled my radiation appointments to start the first week of March. This way I have a time slot and I can call them to determine the exact day. The appointments will be at 8:30am in the morning. It stinks to go early but she said I wouldn't wait more than 5 minutes so its worth that each day! They gave me a parking pass so I don't have to pay each day. I was not to excited to hear when I start my treatments that I can't wear deodorant or shave under my right arm while I am having radiation. I was grossed out about this. She mentioned if I have to I can buy only one brand of a natural deodorant. It is lucky that I am not doing this during the summer! The reason for this is because there might be some metals/aluminium in the deodorants, shaving creams or lotions that can affect the treatment.
Sorry so long but a lot of information for three appointments.
Thursday 2/19/09 I saw my plastic surgeon today. She said I am healing well and that my breasts look good. She removed one stitch that was sticking out. I showed her the bras that she recommend that I wear to verify the correct fit. The bras are designed for individuals who work out. They are comfortable and rated by bars which means the support in the straps. The prices range from $32-$70 but they are worth it. They are breathable and can be worn for workouts or during the day. If you would like to check out the website, here it is: http://www.titlenine.com/ The company is only in a few states so you will need to order over the net/phone. The bras are tight fitting so you can't go off the sizes exactly, order a little bigger. I am sending mine back for bigger sizes. The company guarantees the bras and will exchange/return at any time which is a great policy. They give you a label to send them back and will not charge you for another shipping fee. We talked a little bit about my radiation. She said once I start my radiation (since I don't have a start date) I will need to see her about 3-4 weeks into the treatment. She took a few pictures of my breast so she will have the before and after pictures. Please pray for me that the radiation will not harm my skin elasticity and that my implants will not need to be removed. She mentioned if I have a bad rash or irritation, not to wear my bra.
Friday 2/20/09 I haven't told my kids that I have to get radiation. I wanted to wait for a start date and I didn't want their minds to worry. As soon as I know a start date, we will explain to them what I am going to have to go through. I am waiting for my menstrual cycle to start (yea what all women look forward too) and then I can schedule my MRI a week later after it starts then I can start radiation a few days after. Since I didn't want my kids to hear about another doctors appointment this week, they went to a friends house and I told them I was going out to do some errands today. I returned back to the radiation office at the hospital where I will be having my treatments. This appointment was suppose to be 30 minutes and I ended up being there for 1 hour and 45 minutes. All I can think was " I can't believe this is what I will have to experience every day every week! I was sitting in the waiting room listening to older ladies and men talking. They were there for radiation and they must of seen each other for several weeks since they have the appointments around the same time and knew each other. I felt like they were looking at me saying why is she here, she is so young. These women were talking about their grandchildren. This made me feel lucky that I caught my cancer so early but also made me think wow I have cancer at my age 37 and I feel like an odd one at this moment. Its still hard to believe I have cancer since I feel great and I don't feel any lumps or any other signs. The nurse finally called me in and apologized about the wait. She explained this isn't usually this long of wait. I was brought into the radiation room and a simulation run will be performed to make sure everything is in tact for radiation. I was placed in the mold and it was made correctly. I had to lay there for 30 minutes being still without moving. They took several pictures of the breast while the laser machine moved around to different angles. They were in and out of the room. When you are in a position that you cant move, the time is forever. There is music on in the room and I am starring at a skylight that has a pretty a tree with a bloom of pink petals on it but I still wish I didn't need to be there. My eye started to tear (not crying just allergies) and I couldn't wipe it! All I could think is my nose is going to itch and I am not going to be able to help myself at this stage. This is a bad feeling. I hope these 5 1/2 weeks go by fast. The test were all performed and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be laying there. They marked me with additional blue markings and asked me again not to remove them. They also place three tattoo markings the size of a freckle on each side of the breast and in the middle of the chest. This will help them to line the laser each day for radiation. These tattoos will remain on my body forever, they will fade over time. I have so many blue marks that I can't see them at this time. I have scheduled my radiation appointments to start the first week of March. This way I have a time slot and I can call them to determine the exact day. The appointments will be at 8:30am in the morning. It stinks to go early but she said I wouldn't wait more than 5 minutes so its worth that each day! They gave me a parking pass so I don't have to pay each day. I was not to excited to hear when I start my treatments that I can't wear deodorant or shave under my right arm while I am having radiation. I was grossed out about this. She mentioned if I have to I can buy only one brand of a natural deodorant. It is lucky that I am not doing this during the summer! The reason for this is because there might be some metals/aluminium in the deodorants, shaving creams or lotions that can affect the treatment.
Sorry so long but a lot of information for three appointments.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
We met with the Radiation Oncologist
My husband and I met with the Radiation Oncologist this week. She explained to us like all the other doctors that I am an unusual case and there is no guidelines to follow. I will have radiation treatments on my right side of the breast for 5 1/2 weeks Monday - Friday. If for some reason, I had to miss a day for snow or the kids home due to illness then the time I missed will be added to the end of my treatment. The actual radiation treatment will take about 10-15 minutes each day. It will take me longer to drive there and get ready. Once a week, I will need to stay an extra 15-20 minutes for pictures to be taken. These pictures will not be able to see inside of my body but will verify the mold is in the correct position each time and the radiation is targeting the correct area. I don't know the start date but probably will be in a few weeks. I have to get a MRI done for a base line and I am still sore to lay on my front side. A few weeks will allow my stitches to be healed completely. The MRI might not show the cancer in my margins but can help for the future when I need to verify any other markers for cancer or if I feel a lump. (We will pray that the cancer will not come back) On Monday 2/16/09, I am going back to the Radiation Oncologist to have a cat-scan of the breast so she can start to make a mold to cover the breast area during radiation. The mold will be completed during the week. This appointment will take about a hour. I will then have another appointment to come back and try on the mold to verify it fits and then I will be ready when the radiation starts. This mold will be worn during the radiation. She will let me know the two different kind of lotions that I will need to mix together and apply to the skin area at least twice a day. I will be able to drive myself back and fourth to get the radiation done. I would like to make my appointments in the morning so I have the afternoon to rest. I will make arrangements to have my daughter watched since she is home in the morning. She has afternoon kindergarten.
She explained the side effects that can happened: less energy(will need to take naps), redness, itchy, sunburn feeling, swelling of the breast, discolor of the skin temporary, peeling or dry skin . My full energy will take a few months to get back after the radiation is completed.
We haven't told the kids that I have to go through radiation. We will wait until I have a start date. We will then have to explain why I have to due this process. We want to tell them the truth but will have to be careful with the wording because we don't want them to get scared and ask if I am going to die. That was so heart breaking last time but as a young child this is what goes through their mind!!! I will have my husband do the talking so I don't start to cry.
I will start the medication after the radiation is completed.
I also saw my cancer surgeon this week. She said my stitches are healing good and everything looks well. The stitches are disposable but she did trim a few of them. I will see my plastic surgeon next week.
She explained the side effects that can happened: less energy(will need to take naps), redness, itchy, sunburn feeling, swelling of the breast, discolor of the skin temporary, peeling or dry skin . My full energy will take a few months to get back after the radiation is completed.
We haven't told the kids that I have to go through radiation. We will wait until I have a start date. We will then have to explain why I have to due this process. We want to tell them the truth but will have to be careful with the wording because we don't want them to get scared and ask if I am going to die. That was so heart breaking last time but as a young child this is what goes through their mind!!! I will have my husband do the talking so I don't start to cry.
I will start the medication after the radiation is completed.
I also saw my cancer surgeon this week. She said my stitches are healing good and everything looks well. The stitches are disposable but she did trim a few of them. I will see my plastic surgeon next week.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
New treatment
I received a call from my cancer surgeon late in the day and she spoke with the oncologist from Yale. My oncologist who I will be seeing was also included with the conversation. The outcome from Yale's board was the same as my doctors board for my treatment. I will need to have radiation five times a week for six weeks. I will go on the Tamoxifen medication after the radiation is completed for the five years.
I was happy to hear that the consensus was the same from Yale and my board of doctors because that makes the decision easy. I don't have to additional opinions or know what doctor to believe. I am starting to go in the right direction.
I would like to get this process started so I immediately called and made an appointment with the radiation oncologist for my consultation for Monday February 9. During this appointment, she will review my medical paperwork, review my surgery, and map out the area in which I will need to have the radiation treatment. She will consult with my cancer surgeon after my appointment to see when the radiation will start. It could be as early as two weeks. I will explain the process and type of radiation I will be given after I have my appointment. The side effects are usually temporary and should go away after treatment ends.
Skin irritation similar to sun burn.
Mild to moderate breast swelling.
Fatigue during the treatment-need to get plenty of rest during the treatment
A few women report mild tenderness in the breast or chest wall. This will slowly get better over time.
Scarring of a small part of the lung just under the breast. This generally does not cause side effects.
Many of these side effects can be controlled with medications.
We will all pray for me and hope for the best that my implant will not be affected by the radiation. I am going to fall under the 60% chance that my right implant (since radiation is only needed on the right side) will be great !!!
There is a 40% chance that the skin elasticity from the radiation will not support the implant. This is not common but can occur. We will wait six months after the radiation to make sure the skin has healed completely then I can get the nipples put on. This will be an out patient procedure.
My doctors would like me to have another MRI before I start my radiation to have a baseline of the margin area and to have a MRI too compare to in the future. I will have to wait over the next few weeks to see if I am to sore to have this MRI. I will have to lay on my stomach and my breast are still sore and sensitive. I am still sleeping on my back and try to sleep on my sides but have some pain still. I am not a back sleeper so I can't wait to sleep on my side all the time!!!
I did not see my cancer surgeon or plastic surgeon this week to examine my stitches so I will need to see them this week.
I will follow up with my doctor for additional questions we had for the Yale board this week. Some of the issues that we were concerned with included my findings on my genetic test (should other family members have the test performed), treatment going forward after my radiation, blood screening test, how my ovaries will be monitored and any other concerns that the doctors had suggested.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
doctor visit
My husband and I went to Yale yesterday and met with the Oncologist. The meeting was informative and she reviewed my entire medical history. She felt maybe no radiation and going on Tamoxifen for 5 years which will decrease my cancer reacquiring and might cure the cancer in my margin.
(Tamoxifen is a drug, taken orally as a tablet, which interferes with the activity of estrogen, a female hormone. Estrogen can promote the development of cancer in the breast. Estrogen can promote the growth of breast cancer cells. Some breast cancers are classified as estrogen receptor-positive (also known as hormone sensitive), which means that they have a protein to which estrogen will bind. These breast cancer cells need estrogen to grow. Tamoxifen works against the effects of estrogen on these cells. It is often called an antiestrogen or a SERM )
She wants to discuss my case with other medical professionals. My case is unusual so there is not a direct answer at this time. She requested additional information from my cancer surgeon to present to the board. The board at Yale is meeting this evening and she will present my case to about 8 other doctors within the breast cancer medical field. I hope to get their opinion by Friday.
She was informative and recommended some test that I will be doing soon with my Oncologist to prevent cancer in the future. I will be meeting with him probably next week.
I will update the information as soon as I know more, this is a long process but we want to get the best possible cure.
(Tamoxifen is a drug, taken orally as a tablet, which interferes with the activity of estrogen, a female hormone. Estrogen can promote the development of cancer in the breast. Estrogen can promote the growth of breast cancer cells. Some breast cancers are classified as estrogen receptor-positive (also known as hormone sensitive), which means that they have a protein to which estrogen will bind. These breast cancer cells need estrogen to grow. Tamoxifen works against the effects of estrogen on these cells. It is often called an antiestrogen or a SERM )
She wants to discuss my case with other medical professionals. My case is unusual so there is not a direct answer at this time. She requested additional information from my cancer surgeon to present to the board. The board at Yale is meeting this evening and she will present my case to about 8 other doctors within the breast cancer medical field. I hope to get their opinion by Friday.
She was informative and recommended some test that I will be doing soon with my Oncologist to prevent cancer in the future. I will be meeting with him probably next week.
I will update the information as soon as I know more, this is a long process but we want to get the best possible cure.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
waiting period
Hello,
I went to see my doctors last Thursday and my stitches are healing well. My pain that I have been feeling in my left breast is due to nerves possibility where the botox didn't get distributed to help reduce the pain. Its nothing abnormal but I get sharp pains from time to time during the day and it has been very frustrating. The sore under my left breast is also getting better but will take several weeks to heal. I am getting a little itchy because I want to know my health path ahead of me but I have to wait for the additional opinions. I want the best care but its frustrating to wait during the process knowing that I still have cancer. I am also having more pain in my arm pits where the lymph nodes were removed. It's because the muscles/ nerves are starting to repair back within that area. I attended a support group on Monday night which the other ladies also had breast cancer. Each person has a different case but it was good to hear the different options I might face going forward. The meeting meets every other week and I might attend the next meeting to get some additional information about breast cancer. I have my 3rd opinion at Yale on Tuesday, lets pray the big snow storm doesn't come. It seems like every time I have to go to the hospital or doctors it snows.
I would like to thank all my family and friends that have supported me during this difficult time. The phone calls, cards, emails, visits, dinners, and gifts mean a lot to me and my family. Its nice to know that you support my family during the worst times in our lives. I will beat this cancer but unfortunately its not going to be a quick process. I will keep all of you updated as much as I can going forward. Remember it makes a difference to be positive and live your life to the fullest as much as you can each day! We all have our days that are bad but there are always worst situations out there. Take Care!!!
I went to see my doctors last Thursday and my stitches are healing well. My pain that I have been feeling in my left breast is due to nerves possibility where the botox didn't get distributed to help reduce the pain. Its nothing abnormal but I get sharp pains from time to time during the day and it has been very frustrating. The sore under my left breast is also getting better but will take several weeks to heal. I am getting a little itchy because I want to know my health path ahead of me but I have to wait for the additional opinions. I want the best care but its frustrating to wait during the process knowing that I still have cancer. I am also having more pain in my arm pits where the lymph nodes were removed. It's because the muscles/ nerves are starting to repair back within that area. I attended a support group on Monday night which the other ladies also had breast cancer. Each person has a different case but it was good to hear the different options I might face going forward. The meeting meets every other week and I might attend the next meeting to get some additional information about breast cancer. I have my 3rd opinion at Yale on Tuesday, lets pray the big snow storm doesn't come. It seems like every time I have to go to the hospital or doctors it snows.
I would like to thank all my family and friends that have supported me during this difficult time. The phone calls, cards, emails, visits, dinners, and gifts mean a lot to me and my family. Its nice to know that you support my family during the worst times in our lives. I will beat this cancer but unfortunately its not going to be a quick process. I will keep all of you updated as much as I can going forward. Remember it makes a difference to be positive and live your life to the fullest as much as you can each day! We all have our days that are bad but there are always worst situations out there. Take Care!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)