An Eventful Week

It has been an eventful week - following my second chemo treatment I came down with an upper respiratory virus which appeared as sinus / allergy problems but quickly manifested in my lungs causing me to have green mucus and a deep hard cough.  On top of that I had my second major program review that I had to support virtually and less effectively.  It was very difficult to follow or steer the conversation with a major cold and over the phone.  And if that wasn't enough I had two small procedures this week.  First was an MRI guided biopsy in my right breast to remove tissue samples of a small mass found there in the initial MRI.  The radiologist that led the MRI indicated low chance of cancer given how the mass presented itself and the fact it has not responded to chemo like the cancer in the left.  I should have the final results within a week which are important to my decision on type of surgery.  Second I had a port installed just below my right collar bone to facilitate my infusions.  The chemo was basically burning out the veins in my right arm and they could no longer accept the infusions.  And my doctor won't let me take infusions in my left arm due to the tumors.  The port works by placing a small plastic receptacle under my skin connected to a catheter into the major vein leading into the heart.  So basically they plug into the port and dump chemo direct into my heart.  This should be interesting.

Thankfully with the support of my family I was able to rest and recover over the weekend.  Now on amoxicillin for the cold, and even with all the procedures, it was the first time I felt like myself in over two weeks.  Just in time for my next chemo appointment tomorrow haha.  The good news there is that this will put me 75% through AC chemo which is the hardest on your body.  I will have one more AC chemo then be switched to a type called Taxol or T chemo for short.  Taxol is a single drug, not combination like AC, but is administered in a very slow drip IV since people tend to have worse allergic reaction to it but is given with a strong dose of Benadryl.

I am already looking forward to the day I am NED - no evidence detected! Hopefully that's not too far in my future.

2nd Chemo Down, 6 To Go

This week I had my second chemo treatment.  This time Mom came with me and met the wonderful nurses from MGH-West.  This infusion was a little more difficult because they can't use the same vein since the chemo ruins it, and the vein we thought we could use burned with the pre-meds so we had to go for a second vein.  My veins are small and deep so the nurses recommended me for a port.  I will have the port installed next week sometime, can't say I'm much looking forward to that.

Otherwise the second treatment was less eventful than the first.  I feel much less foggy this time around than the first treatment.  I'm also less anemic and light headed, wonder if that was from the instant period I had on the first treatment.  I've been sleeping wonderful, better than since I had two kids, but of course with a lot of help from the hubby and Grandma Reggie watching Parker while he's been sick with the flu.  And Grandpa Bob and Grammie Terry watching Brady at their house. We had to take precautions so I didn't catch the flu too.

Work keeps me busy, especially with the politics working with Pratt & Whitney and a customer review next week.  I wish I had more time for some level of exercise, I feel like I'm turning into a big ball of mush.

It has been tremendous to see all the outpouring of support I've received from since my diagnosis.  I've received numerous flowers, cards, bulbs, well wishes, and care packages.  It's also been very sweet to have some of my dear friends randomly check on me.

My hair is starting to fall out in the shower and I expect by the end of this weekend I will be sporting my new aerodynamic look.  I did buy a couple of "chemo caps" but have not yet gone for my wig, maybe tomorrow.  I've always loved having my long hair, but it has been fun (and easy) sporting the short brunette look.

There are many silver linings in this process for me - I get to stay home and not travel, P&W is having to take more responsibility in their project, I get to see my family even more, and it's been a good perspective changer.  Many things in life have come easy for me, and I haven't had to work extremely hard with the exception of recent job experiences and raising my kids.  This experience is allowing me to rely on others, take breaks for myself, and focus on the most important aspects of my life - my wonderful family.  Gary and I may have put some of life's plans on hold, but you can be sure when the time is right it won't be a hard decision for us.

Thanks for all the well wishes and positive vibes - keep them coming!!!

5 Days After 1st Chemo Treatment

Thank goodness for finishing the side effect meds so I can finally feel more like my normal self again.  After a very busy weekend with family celebrating the boys birthday's as well as my birthday, I crashed Sunday night and got some wonderful much needed sleep.  Monday (yesterday) was the first day off the side effect meds and I felt great.  Those meds make me feel so groggy, lightheaded, and make me write funny.  Definitely felt back to my sharp self yesterday and today so I could get through some pressing actions I had for work.  I also find that off these meds I have more energy at night to play with my kids, catch up on the blog, plan the week, or chill with the hubby.  Almost feels like I've dreamed this whole cancer thing, don't I wish.

Today I did have some pain in my back although I can't tell if that's from sitting my my work chair for 9 hours or if that's the white cell growth enhancer working in my bones.  It felt good to get in some stretching before the boys got home.  I need to make sure I find time for walking, yoga, stretching, or some light exercise in every day.  Now if it'd only stop raining!

Daddy is doing a wonderful job keeping the house in order from pickup/drop off of kids, grocery shopping, cleaning, or checking on the ESPN app.  He's excited to see the new Captain America movie, I'll have to take him out on a date Friday (our off Friday).