Treatment update

I am happy to report that my liver blood test is still showing that it is in normal range. I also got a email from the cancer center telling me my BMI is over normal range. Nice. However after talking to my doctor she said that it was not something they were concerned with at this time. They just want me to eat. They are well aware that eating can be a hard thing for cancer patients for a variety of reasons like taste changes, loss of appetite, nausea, etc. Besides BMI alone is not a huge deal and some of the side effects from medication is weight gain. She said after chemo we will work on diet changes if it is still an issue. I am cool with that. My diet is all over the place with cravings and how chemo has surely changed what I think tastes good. My blood counts and kidney function are also in normal ranges. I aced this round of blood tests. WOOHOO!!

 

I did have a bit of scare. The Monday morning prior to my doctor's appointment I was woken from a deep sleep from a sharp pain in my left breast. I shot up out of bed and pain subsided. I was freaked out.  Every new pain sends a fear throughout my entire body. Is the cancer spreading? Does this mean my chemo is not working? How much longer do I have on earth? Every time there is a new pain. EVERY TIME. The pain stopped for the rest of day. I felt like a pressure, awareness from the spot but no pain. I called my nurse about it, but since I had appointment in a few days there was no need to come in prior. During my exam they found a spot, but it was determined that it was nothing to worry about because it was not showing red flags. They didn't want me to have testing I don't really need. Since this spot was not showing signs of cancer we are just going to keep an eye on it. I  also have my body scan in a few weeks so that will show more information than an ultrasound.

 

I also have my fourth round of chemo (Herceptin, prejeta and taxotere for my triple positive breast cancer) under my belt. Since my chemo fell on Halloween I decided I would make it fun and dressed up as one of my favorite cartoon characters from my childhood--Jem! My daughter has developed a love for Jem since she can be found on Netflix. She doesn't have to twist my arm to hard to sit and watch a few episodes with her.

 

My nurse told me that she was thrilled to have me as her patient and it totally made her day. I told her that even though I have to be at chemo, doesn't mean I can't have fun. She loved my attitude. Yes, I was the only patient dressed up, but I am okay with that. I got a lot of compliments from other patients and nurses about my costume and how it encouraged them, too.

 

It makes me feel good to be that patient that encourages the staff. My choice from day I heard there was a mass found on my left breast--not knowing yet it was cancer--I said I want this to make me better not bitter. Oh yes I have bad days. I have cancer I'm entitled to have bad days. But, I get up and press on. I also refuse to let cancer keep me from having fun. The fact I'm encouraging my team at the cancer center is just amazing. Never thought it would help them, too. God has plan and part of it is having my nurses in my life. It's because of him I can be positive. He hears my cries and counts my tears. He fills me up with courage. And I'm able to find the glad in the bad. Find humor and fun in such a terrible part of my life. It is a constant choice I have to make. There are days it is harder and overwhelming, but the other days like dressing up as Jem, make up for it.

 

Showing off my "synergy" earrings, my green chucks, hubby dressed as the supportive husband (I called him Rio), showing off our matching team sneakers, me in the chemo chair, my mom dressed as cowgirl and of course laughing our time away watching MST3K.

 

Next up on my treatment plan is my heart test to make sure I am doing okay on one of the medications. It can cause heart issues, but they are unlikely. I am not too worried about it, but prayers would be appreciated.