First Real Post

Hey there! Well, it's taken me a while to settle on the right blog site. Google's blogger seems to fit my needs the best. I hope it works well for you, too. This is how I will keep you all updated on my progress against breast cancer.

Last Tuesday, March 31, 2009, we met with our surgeon for a follow-up after my bi-lateral mastectomy. I was anxious to get the four drains taken out....what a hassle! He said I'm healing great. He took the drains out and then reviewed the pathology from surgery. The good news is that my left breast was cancer free. The disappointing news & quite a surprise to all of us was that 8 of the 18 lymph nodes taken on the right side were cancerous. The pre-surgery tests (PET & MRI) showed no indication of more than 1 lymph node involved. This means my treatment will include radiation along with chemo. The general rule is that if more than four lymph nodes are positive, then radiation is recommended to ensure all the microscopic forms of cancer are eliminated. The other piece of disappointing news is that a gene called "Her-2/neu" is overexpressed or making too many copies. It tells cells to grow, so if there are too many copies of this gene, then the message to grow is increased. Why do I care about all this? Since I'm Her-2/neu positive, I'll be recommended for a drug called Herceptin which is typically given for 11 months. My surgeon estimated that I'll first do 2-4 months of chemo, then I'll do radiation for 4-6 weeks and then finally I'll start the Herceptin for 11 months. Since I will need so many drugs through IV, my surgeon consulted the oncologist to discuss putting a port in my chest for easy access to administer IV drugs. Thus, avoiding wear & tear on my fabulous arm veins. They agreed this would be a good option for me & I also agree. Unfortunately, it means another surgery, but will be an outpatient procedure.

Next steps.......On Tuesday, April 7, I meet with my surgeon again to check my healing. On Good Friday, April 10, I go to Good Samaritan at 6am to have the port put in. I should be back home by noon. On April 15, I meet with the oncologist to review his recommended treatment plan. On, Sunday, April 19, I complete the Tri for the Cure. I'm guessing I'll start chemo sometime the week of April 20.

Overall, I'm feeling pretty good. Everyday my energy improves. My arms are stiff from surgery. I must do stretches several times per day to slowly work back to full range of motion in both arms. My right arm is much worse than my left since more lymph nodes were taken there. Other than arm discomfort, I'm in no pain. I actually ran & rode my bike for the first time yesterday. Whaa Hoo!