Hi friends and family,
I have been asked to do an update. Some of this info will be repeat information to some but I need to get everyone on the same page.
May 14, following a routine CT scan, I found out there was a spot on my liver which led to a PET scan showing that it was cancer. Following that, I had a liver biopsy which showed that it was the same breast cancer (triple negative) that had spread to the liver so the diagnosis is metastatic (stage IV) breast cancer. I was scheduled for 6 chemos, one a week with a week break between 3 and 4. Last Friday, I had my 4th chemo of the drug, Abraxine. Since I have it weekly, the dose is lighter, so the side effects are not as difficult to deal with as before.
I will have a PET scan after I complete the 6 rounds. Then I will know more about future treatment. As of now, I am scheduled for chemo through August to reserve space for me, in case I need it. It wouldn't be unusual to have 3 or 4 months of treatment.
Overall, I'm feeling much better than with my first experience with chemo. My main side effects are headaches, blood counts going down which causes fatique, and some added numbness in my feet (although not as bad as last time). I am not totally bald, but my hair thinned out enough to make big holes in my hair, so I have shaved my head. My hair continues to fall out. Sunday and Monday are the days that I feel the side effects the most. I feel blessed that I am able to carry out my daily routine most days and eat normally.
I know my doctor is very agressive with treatment and pro-active. I am grateful for all of your prayers and support and feel God's presence in this experence. I am fine with questions, phone calls and visits.
Love,
Debbie
I have been asked to do an update. Some of this info will be repeat information to some but I need to get everyone on the same page.
May 14, following a routine CT scan, I found out there was a spot on my liver which led to a PET scan showing that it was cancer. Following that, I had a liver biopsy which showed that it was the same breast cancer (triple negative) that had spread to the liver so the diagnosis is metastatic (stage IV) breast cancer. I was scheduled for 6 chemos, one a week with a week break between 3 and 4. Last Friday, I had my 4th chemo of the drug, Abraxine. Since I have it weekly, the dose is lighter, so the side effects are not as difficult to deal with as before.
I will have a PET scan after I complete the 6 rounds. Then I will know more about future treatment. As of now, I am scheduled for chemo through August to reserve space for me, in case I need it. It wouldn't be unusual to have 3 or 4 months of treatment.
Overall, I'm feeling much better than with my first experience with chemo. My main side effects are headaches, blood counts going down which causes fatique, and some added numbness in my feet (although not as bad as last time). I am not totally bald, but my hair thinned out enough to make big holes in my hair, so I have shaved my head. My hair continues to fall out. Sunday and Monday are the days that I feel the side effects the most. I feel blessed that I am able to carry out my daily routine most days and eat normally.
I know my doctor is very agressive with treatment and pro-active. I am grateful for all of your prayers and support and feel God's presence in this experence. I am fine with questions, phone calls and visits.
Love,
Debbie
RSS Feed