This is a diary of my breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. I've been adding it in reverse order so the most recent information is at the top.

Thanks for the cards, e-mails and flowers. I do appreciate being in your thoughts and hearts and prayers.

Nancy

March 31, 2007

I just joined Stephanie's team for Relay for Life 2007. It's in her home town in Colorado on August 3-4. Everyone has supported me so much over the last year and a half. Stephanie has even gone so far as to volunteer for RFL. So the least we can do is participate on her team. Click on the link to the left to go to my donation page. This year I hope to have the energy to walk more than one lap. It will also be a help in training for to walk the Honolulu Marathon in December.

March 29, 2007

I had an echo on Monday at the cardiologist's. Still holding at 70% so that means I don't need to go back. Herceptin did not damage my heart. Yay! Right after the echo I had a mammogram on the right side. This is my 6-month check. They did 3 films and had me wait while the radiologist took a look at them. When you have a history, so to speak, they don't let you leave until the films are read. I was told the right side is stable. My PCP's office called me today, which was nice. They told me they had received the mammogram report and since it is stable, and as long as the bilateral mammogram in 6 months is also stable, I will be put on a once-a-year schedule.

I still haven't heard about the DVT-risk and blood thinners, but she said he would be likely calling me tomorrow.

I've been exercising quite a bit and am finally seeing some improvement in my stamina. But also an increase in my appetite. People tell me that will diminish as long as I keep at it. I've been walking at the high school track a couple mornings a week and am now back to Curves since my port removal incision has healed. Today I just splashed around inthe pool a bit after three consecutive days of exercise. I am a little sore, moderately pooped and have a blister on my heel. I'm going to slap a band-aide on it and walk in the morning, and probably go to Curves afterward. We need to drive into town tomorrow for a couple of appointment so I plan to do some shopping for some better shoes. I'm still working on my goal of having enough stamina to start training to walk the Honolulu Marathon in December.

March 23, 2007

I saw Dr. Cortez today to talk about the risks of DVT, especially when I fly. He is the one who is aware of all my health issues. The neurosurgeon would prefer that I don't have blood thinners. The oncologist says blood clot risk is higher in cancer patients; I've had a clot in the past, I am over weight and have a family history of heart disease. I do not have estrogen-stimulated tumor, I'm not post-menopausal, and I don't use Tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor. So there are arguments on both sides. Dr. Cortez is going to talk to the other doctors and look up a few things and get back to me next week.

March 21, 2007

I went to have my port removal site rechecked and the bandage was removed. The incision looks great. I think the scar will fade away nicely. The places where the tape was removed are much ickier - raised, red and irritated. And still itchy a bit. I've been moisturizing and that helps. I'm ALL DONE with the surgeon, Dr. Park. I told him I'd be happy to say hello in the grocery store, but don't really want to need to see him professionally. He is a great person and a very good surgeon. I'm lucky to have had him here in Hawaii when I needed him.

March 16, 2007

Went to Oahu to see my oncologist for a check up. It was a bit abbreviated. The place was hugely busy and he was going out to give a talk on women's health issues. The exam and blood work are fine. Best blood work results I've had in a long time. Every thing is normal. I am to be examined every three months with blood work and do scans every 6 months. I will see him again June 12th when I go over to Oahu to see the neurosurgeon again. I'll need to get the scans done and a brain MRI here in Kona before I go.

We discussed a bit about whether I need prophylactic drugs for the risk of blood clots when I take long airplane trips. He wants me back on daily aspirin as well. The neurosurgeon says there is a risk of bleeding in the brain. So I will see my PCP and with his help we'll figure out the best plan for me.

Jonathan and I then spent the weekend at the Turtle Bay Resort on the north shore of Oahu. That's where all the big wave surfing is done. The area is far from the urban city environment of Honolulu and the drive out there is very pretty. Here are the pictures Jonathan took. Monday I headed home to Kona and Jonathan went to California for work.

March 13, 2007

I had my port removed today. Everything went fine. I just had sort of twilight sedation. I remember being aware of everything and I know I didn't hear anyone say "oops" or anything. :-) I was in the OR about a half hour, but most of that was getting on the table and getting draped and getting on oxygen and such. Jonathan drove me home about an hour after I was done. The post-op nurse was great. She tried something on me that they had just gotten that helped remove all the excess betadine. That stuff makes my skin itch so it was nice to get it cleaned up before we left. They gave me one percoset for the ride home. Percoset makes me a little queasy/loopy so even though I had a prescription for it, I only needed a little Tylenol for a couple days. Mostly the bandage itched like mad. It might be the betadine under it or just the adhesive tape. My skin is very sensitive to tape. Had to keep it dry by covering the bandage in plastic wrap for showers and no going swimming or doing Curves until the incision heals.

March 12, 2007

Just finished with my LAST HERCEPTIN TREATMENT! This was my last day at the infusion center. We brought a cake and everyone signed my chemo shirt. Photos are here.

March 5, 2007

I just heard from the surgeon's office and my port removal was switched to March 13th. Dr. Park is going out of town to a conference. So I switched my last Herceptin to Monday the 12th. Coming up fast. Whoohoo.

My latest visit with my PCP went fine. I won't see him again for 6 weeks. I need to go in the next couple days to get blood drawn so there will be time to get results before the port removal and before I go see the oncologist.

I went to Curves three times last week - that was the first time I was able to go that many times. So I think my stamina is getting better. I went this morning and will try get get there three times a week from now on. I also made plans to walk at the high school track on Thursday morning with a couple friends from support group.

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