Chemo #2 and Updates

A LOT has happened in the last 3 weeks!  I felt pretty terrible for a few days in there and even got a cold last week so it has not been the most fun 3 weeks.  But, I have some very exciting updates from this time:

I do NOT have a genetic mutation that causes cancer!
This is good news because it means I am less likely to develop other types of cancer or to have a recurrence of this cancer!  Also, great news for my relatives!

I do NOT have another type of cancer next to my tumor!
In my MRI they saw "smudginess" next to my tumor.  They believed this was another kind of slow-growing cancer that would not be treatable with chemo.  I was told I could have an MRI guided biopsy to confirm their suspicion or just plan on a mastectomy.  I thought and stalled and thought some more.  But, the overwhelming thought was The more information the better.  So, I had the MRI biopsy on Tuesday.  Wednesday I got a call that the "smudginess" was benign tissue.  I thought that was the case but didn't want to be over confident.  I am so glad to be right!!!

Best news of all... my tumor has shrunk!
Over half of it is gone! I can no longer feel it!  This is right on track for a complete pathological response!  I couldn't be more happy to see it go! My oncologist referred to it as a "chemo sensitive tumor" and she is VERY happy with the way its responding!

My hair is gone
I hung on as long as I could.  Jim and the boys helped me cut it.  I got sad getting everything ready.  It's a hard thing to go from long hair to no hair.  But, It was falling out by the handfull and I knew it was time.  I put most of it into 3 pony tails and cut them off.  Keeping one to compare to my hair when it grows back (color and texture are likely to change).  Then, there was no going back!  James shaved for awhile and Sam.  Finally, Jim and I cleaned it all up and it was gone.  I'm sad to not have much of a choice in the matter, but; it's a small price to pay for getting healthy!  I'm getting better at going out in my wig and have left the house in a hat once.  I feel like everyone is staring at me!  Maggie assured me that I will not care so much soon!  I hope so! The boys like my wig and scarves.  The DO NOT like my bald head!  It's getting better... slowly!

My 3 pony tails

The boys are not sure about all this! Crazy hair!

Wig style

My scarf James picked put for me! My friend in Australia showed me how to style it (thanks Kira)!  So comfortable.

Chemo #2- Done!

Chemo today was much more laid back than last time.  My treatment lasted 3 hours and was painless.  I'm not having any side effects yet, but; I know they're coming!  I am dreading the tiredness, stomach pain and thrush (tongue soreness caused by my weakened immune system).  

Kicked up my feet, played cards and watched Wheel of Fortune

Wore all my good luck charms

Got a visit from my friend Christa to show off our twin hair

I want to say a BIG thank you to everyone who has helped us over the last few weeks!!  Your support has meant the world to all of us!  Meals, play dates, gift cards, presents from near and far, visitors, contributions to our care fund... It all helps SO MUCH!  I can feel your support and am so grateful!  Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us in any way at all!

 My new favorite song! Here is a verse:

Hey!
I'm not giving up today
There's nothing getting in my way
And if you knock knock me over
I will get back up again
If something goes a little wrong
Well you can go ahead and bring it on
'Cause if you knock knock me over, I will get back up again
Whoa oh oh oh, get back up again, whoa oh oh oh oh oh

Chemo #1- DONE!

Finally! Today I had my first chemotherapy treatment! I've been waiting for a month to do something about this tumor and today was my chance!

We were supposed to start Wednesday. There was a problem with how the paperwork was filed and our request for coverage could not be approved. We were disappointed to not get the treatment I needed, but; were not willing to sign a coverage waiver that could potentially cost us $30,000 for one round of treatment. So, we waited. Yesterday the problem persisted. We call the doctor, we call the insurance, doctor, insurance.... no resolution. Last night we did not know if the treatment was on or off for today. After more back and forth with the hospital and insurance company the president of KU Med stepped in and approved my treatment! Finally! It was go time. Then it all hit me at once. I got sad hugging my mom and boys bye as we left the house, hands shaking and scared.

By the time we got to the hospital I was ready to go! They accessed my port in my chest and drew blood. This port is amazing! I was so scared to get it... now I love it! Then up to oncology. We now know my treatment plan for sure!

-6 treatments (chemo sessions)
-treatments will be 3 weeks apart
-each treatment will be a large dose of Taxotere and Carboplatin
-I will have surgery in about 6 months
     *if there is a complete pathological response (tumor is completely gone at time of surgery) then
       done!
     *if the tumor is more stubborn then surgery will be followed with 4 more chemo treatments with
       different drugs.

This is the treatment plan we have been hoping for since the day our oncologist diagramed it! I feel so fortunate to get this regimen as it seems to have the most promising LONG TERM effects! My cancer is notorious for popping back up within the first 5 years. We want to do everything (obviously) to prevent this! A complete pathological response to the chemo is THE way to make that happen!

I got the treatment. It was not dramatic. I anticipated a much scarier scenario! We had a little room with a recliner to ourselves. Jim went and got us some lunch at the shopping center across the street. Everything they did went through my port and was painless! First they administered a bag of steroids. Next was the anti nausea meds. Then came the real drugs! The first was the Taxotere. I was worried. 2 nurses have to check your chart, wear protective clothing and gloves and verify you're getting the right dose before it can start. Then they stand there and stare at you for 15 minutes anticipating a reaction. I felt completely normal. No reaction... thank goodness!!! Last was the Carboplatin. Still fine! Before we knew it we were all done! They took the IV out of my port and put on a bandaid and sent us on our way!

4 hours later and I still feel fine. This will probably change in the next few days. But, maybe I will be the one who doesn't get the horrible side effects!!! Crossing my fingers. One side effect I cannot escape is the hair loss. I plan to loose my hair in 2-3 weeks. I dread this because I don't want to LOOK sick. But, it is inevitable. I will deal with it when it comes.  My wig, Hermes scarves and cute hats will be my new style!

We came home to beautiful cards on the door and 2 little boys who had a pajama day! Thank you Zizi for making this day easier for all of us!!!

I am so grateful to have this treatment done! On to the next 5!