Yesterday, I went to get the injection that helps my white blood cell count. I advised the nurse that I still had a lot of nausea this time so she had me go back to visit the Physicians Assistant. Last time, the PA said for me to stay home and rest instead of trying to go to work when I didn't feel great. Even though I stayed home it didn't help. So, we started to discuss the meds. That's when we realized that I was only taking the complimentary anti-nausea drug... not the "big hitter" or "Rolls Royce" of drugs, Zofran. The doctor and nurses all turned white when they realized this... and immediately took me down to get Zofran put into my veins with a bunch of saline to hydrate me. One nurse told me that she felt like crying when she found out I didn't have the drug. (The mix-up was with the drugstore... I dropped off prescriptions and they didn't give me Zofran due to a needed authorization. They didn't tell me I was missing anything, either. Awful!)
What a difference. I'm still weak but I do feel a lot better. I'm glad we figured this out before AC treatments #3 and #4 since I hear the more treatments you have the worse they get due to the cumulative effect.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Back from the Beach...
We had a wonderful week at the beach. On Wednesday, Doug and I renewed our vows with our feet in the sand, a guitarist, beautiful flowers and a few family and friends...
My hair lasted for our beach wedding... Today, I said good-bye to it. It was falling out all over me. So, after most of it came out in the shower, Doug helped me shave off the hair that was still holding on. Strangely enough, I feel better now that it is gone. No more strands of hair (or tears) falling from my head. Doug says I look beautiful bald. (Yeah, right!) My untanned head sort of looks like extremely short, blonde hair if you squint your eyes and tilt your head a little while looking at me. Very funny.
The kids have gone with Doug's parents up to Pittsburgh for a couple of weeks. (I'm sure my bald head would be hard for them to see...) Thankfully, my sister, Greta, is here to help me through chemo number 2. I'm lucky to have such loving people around me. Thanks everyone! =)
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Follow Up Visit with the Physicians Assistant
On Tuesday, July 14th I went to have my white blood count checked. Apparently, white blood counts will dip to their lowest a week after chemo and then start to go back up. They were happy that my ANC (absolute nutrifill count) was at 1.2. My count must be at least 1.5 before my next chemo and I'm almost already there. My baseline, ANC before chemo, was 3.4.
They said that some people come back with dangerously low counts (ie. 0.2) and must take an antibiotic for a week to ensure they stay healthy. I don't have to do this. Yay! =)
Some of my symptoms the week after chemo included temporary vision and memory problems. I still had blurry vision on day 4 (the Friday after having chemo on Tuesday). It worried me but I found out that this is an expected side affect of the pre-meds (Zofran and Decadron) they gave me with my chemo. Decadron can stiffen the cornea. Not fun. And, not being able to remember the beginning of my home phone number or recalling people's names, etc. was awful, too. But, at least, I know it's temporary.
We talked about upping my anti-nausea drugs but the PA wants to try not to if we don't have to. Instead on day 3, I promised I would stay HOME and rest. We'll see if that helps. (I'll get a laptop from work just in case I'm up to it.)
For now, I'm feeling GREAT and have powered through catching up on projects at work. So, that makes me feel even better!
They said that some people come back with dangerously low counts (ie. 0.2) and must take an antibiotic for a week to ensure they stay healthy. I don't have to do this. Yay! =)
Some of my symptoms the week after chemo included temporary vision and memory problems. I still had blurry vision on day 4 (the Friday after having chemo on Tuesday). It worried me but I found out that this is an expected side affect of the pre-meds (Zofran and Decadron) they gave me with my chemo. Decadron can stiffen the cornea. Not fun. And, not being able to remember the beginning of my home phone number or recalling people's names, etc. was awful, too. But, at least, I know it's temporary.
We talked about upping my anti-nausea drugs but the PA wants to try not to if we don't have to. Instead on day 3, I promised I would stay HOME and rest. We'll see if that helps. (I'll get a laptop from work just in case I'm up to it.)
For now, I'm feeling GREAT and have powered through catching up on projects at work. So, that makes me feel even better!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
I'm feeling better! Woo Hoo! =)
Well, I'm glad to say that I'm finally feeling better... The chemo "hangover" lasted longer than I had expected. Day 3 was the worst and I was shocked that day 4 was still bad. But, I'm happy to report that I got to enjoy the zoo with the family today.
My sister, Liza, is also in town. We got haircuts together... short haircuts! I've never had hair shorter than shoulder length so it will take a bit to get used to. But, it looks better than I imagined it would. The hairdresser even said to call him when I need to shave it and he will come over and do that for me.
Another sweet thing happened this week... My sweet husband put a wish on a new website called WISHNUT.COM. I got the most votes for a massage of my choosing at Chakras Spa. You should check out the website...
Here was Doug's post: http://www.wishnut.com/gifts.php?id=1629
The web creator and friend, Nick, would love to have more traffic to his website... You can create a wish for you or someone else. They give away two gifts priced $150 or less each week to the wishes that get the most votes. It's a neat concept. So, go make a wish! =)
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
First Chemo Treatment
I felt fine during and after chemo today... I actually went to lunch and thought of a quick restaurant to go to... La Bamba. What was I thinking? Mexican food is NOT the food to eat after chemo even if you are feeling fine. Next time, my dinner will be very, very bland. Ugh! I want the queasiness to go away and am trying to keep everything down as much as possible. I think I may take an anti-nausea pill soon. I was trying to wait until the morning but that no longer sounds like a good plan.
(Note: I'm ok... no worries. I plan on going to work tomorrow since the worst of it usually seems to hit on day 3 for AC treatments. Hopefully, I'll feel great in the morning!)
(Note: I'm ok... no worries. I plan on going to work tomorrow since the worst of it usually seems to hit on day 3 for AC treatments. Hopefully, I'll feel great in the morning!)
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Power Port & 15 year anniversary
On Thursday, I had a surgical procedure to implant a port in my chest for chemo. The procedure went well but I was sore. I actually went to lunch after the procedure. (I was starving!) However, before leaving the restaurant I started to feel queasy, dizzy and tired. I think the combination of the sedative and the Vicodin wasn't a good one. So, I went home and slept for a couple of hours. My girlfriend took great care of me and I really appreciate her help!
This is what the power port looks like:
http://www.bardaccess.com/port-powerport.php
Chemo starts on Tuesday... I'm a little nervous. I'm hoping I don't get too sick. I am also concerned that I haven't looked for a wig yet. The kids want my wig to look just the same as my hair is now. That will be tough to do and I haven't started looking yet. I've been told that I will start losing hair 7-14 days after my first treatment.
On a brighter note, Doug took me to dinner the night before the procedure for our 15 year wedding anniversary and he asked me to marry him again... He gave me a beautiful Mikimoto pearl, diamond, and pink sapphire necklace. It is gorgeous! He is so romantic!! Here is a picture of the HOPE necklace...
http://www.luxist.com/gallery/mikimoto-mothers-day/773583/
This is what the power port looks like:
http://www.bardaccess.com/port-powerport.php
Chemo starts on Tuesday... I'm a little nervous. I'm hoping I don't get too sick. I am also concerned that I haven't looked for a wig yet. The kids want my wig to look just the same as my hair is now. That will be tough to do and I haven't started looking yet. I've been told that I will start losing hair 7-14 days after my first treatment.
On a brighter note, Doug took me to dinner the night before the procedure for our 15 year wedding anniversary and he asked me to marry him again... He gave me a beautiful Mikimoto pearl, diamond, and pink sapphire necklace. It is gorgeous! He is so romantic!! Here is a picture of the HOPE necklace...
http://www.luxist.com/gallery/mikimoto-mothers-day/773583/
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Woo Hoo! I'm in Group #3 in the Clinical Trial!
I just got the call... I was randomly selected to be in group #3. That means I get to have both Herceptin and Lapatinib before surgery!!! Yay!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Visit with Dr. Rubin
Dr. Rubin gave me some prescriptions for pain, nausea, and a numbing cream to use over my port an hour before chemotherapy.
I officially "signed up" for a clinical trial and will find out tomorrow what group I will be in. Group 1 is "standard" treatment and uses AC (doxorubixin and cyclophosphamide), Taxol and Herceptin before surgery. Group 2 uses AC, Taxol and Lapatinib before surgery. Group 3 uses AC, Taxol, Herceptin and Lapatinib before surgery. All patients will use Herceptin. However, group 2 only uses Lapatinib before surgery but follows with Herceptin after surgery. I'm hoping to be randomly picked for group 3 so I can have both Lapatinib (the drug they are studying) and Herceptin before surgery.
HER2-positive breast cancer means that my cancer makes too much of a protein called HER2. The overproduction of this protein can cause normal cells to pick up too many growth signals which can turn a normal cell into a cancer cell and can change the way a cancer cell responds to treatment.
The study is being done to test Lapatinib (AKA Tykerb) which is a new therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer. Where chemotherapy drugs, like AC, work by directly killing cancer cells, Lapatinib is a "targeted" therapy. Targeted therapies work by blocking or interfering with a specific part of the cancer cell to slow down or stop the tumor from growing. Both Lapatinib and Herceptin are targeted therapies but Lapatinib works inside the cancer cell to block the HER2 protein and Herceptin blocks the receptors on the outside.
I asked if there were any clinical trials for PARP Inhibitors. ("PARP inhibition has the potential to impair a fundamental mechanism of tumor growth without rendering damage to normal cells, implying a lower risk for side effects in patients who receive PARP-inhibitor-based therapies." See http://www.biparsciences.com/000010.html for more information.) But, the only study that almost fits my description is for triple negative breast cancer patients. I wish there were a PARP inhibitor clinical trial that my diagnosis could match. But, Dr. Rubin said that Herceptin is a terrific drug.
Before leaving, Dr. Rubin sent me to the labs to have more blood drawn. He wants to test and confirm that I have thyroiditis. This test will take 1-2 days to get back.
I officially "signed up" for a clinical trial and will find out tomorrow what group I will be in. Group 1 is "standard" treatment and uses AC (doxorubixin and cyclophosphamide), Taxol and Herceptin before surgery. Group 2 uses AC, Taxol and Lapatinib before surgery. Group 3 uses AC, Taxol, Herceptin and Lapatinib before surgery. All patients will use Herceptin. However, group 2 only uses Lapatinib before surgery but follows with Herceptin after surgery. I'm hoping to be randomly picked for group 3 so I can have both Lapatinib (the drug they are studying) and Herceptin before surgery.
HER2-positive breast cancer means that my cancer makes too much of a protein called HER2. The overproduction of this protein can cause normal cells to pick up too many growth signals which can turn a normal cell into a cancer cell and can change the way a cancer cell responds to treatment.
The study is being done to test Lapatinib (AKA Tykerb) which is a new therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer. Where chemotherapy drugs, like AC, work by directly killing cancer cells, Lapatinib is a "targeted" therapy. Targeted therapies work by blocking or interfering with a specific part of the cancer cell to slow down or stop the tumor from growing. Both Lapatinib and Herceptin are targeted therapies but Lapatinib works inside the cancer cell to block the HER2 protein and Herceptin blocks the receptors on the outside.
I asked if there were any clinical trials for PARP Inhibitors. ("PARP inhibition has the potential to impair a fundamental mechanism of tumor growth without rendering damage to normal cells, implying a lower risk for side effects in patients who receive PARP-inhibitor-based therapies." See http://www.biparsciences.com/000010.html for more information.) But, the only study that almost fits my description is for triple negative breast cancer patients. I wish there were a PARP inhibitor clinical trial that my diagnosis could match. But, Dr. Rubin said that Herceptin is a terrific drug.
Before leaving, Dr. Rubin sent me to the labs to have more blood drawn. He wants to test and confirm that I have thyroiditis. This test will take 1-2 days to get back.
Monday, June 29, 2009
BRCA1 & BRCA2
I just found out that I don't have BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations... yay!
That's great news for my sisters and daughter!! And, will mean I don't need to be proactive in protecting myself against ovarian cancer. (The fewer number of surgeries, the better!) =)
Here's some info on BRCA1 and BRCA2:
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes that belong to a class of genes known as tumor suppressors.
In normal cells, BRCA1 and BRCA2 help ensure the stability of the cell’s genetic material (DNA) and help prevent uncontrolled cell growth. Mutation of these genes has been linked to the development of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
The names BRCA1 and BRCA2 stand for breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 and breast cancer susceptibility gene 2, respectively.
A woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer is greatly increased if she inherits a harmful mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2. Such a woman has an increased risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer at an early age (before menopause) and often has multiple, close family members who have been diagnosed with these diseases. Harmful BRCA1 mutations may also increase a woman’s risk of developing cervical, uterine, pancreatic, and colon cancer. Harmful BRCA2 mutations may additionally increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, gallbladder and bile duct cancer, and melanoma.
According to estimates of lifetime risk, about 12.0 percent of women (120 out of 1,000) in the general population will develop breast cancer sometime during their lives compared with about 60 percent of women (600 out of 1,000) who have inherited a harmful mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2. In other words, a woman who has inherited a harmful mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 is about five times more likely to develop breast cancer than a woman who does not have such a mutation.
Lifetime risk estimates for ovarian cancer among women in the general population indicate that 1.4 percent (14 out of 1,000) will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer compared with 15 to 40 percent of women (150–400 out of 1,000) who have a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.
That's great news for my sisters and daughter!! And, will mean I don't need to be proactive in protecting myself against ovarian cancer. (The fewer number of surgeries, the better!) =)
Here's some info on BRCA1 and BRCA2:
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes that belong to a class of genes known as tumor suppressors.
In normal cells, BRCA1 and BRCA2 help ensure the stability of the cell’s genetic material (DNA) and help prevent uncontrolled cell growth. Mutation of these genes has been linked to the development of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
The names BRCA1 and BRCA2 stand for breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 and breast cancer susceptibility gene 2, respectively.
A woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer is greatly increased if she inherits a harmful mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2. Such a woman has an increased risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer at an early age (before menopause) and often has multiple, close family members who have been diagnosed with these diseases. Harmful BRCA1 mutations may also increase a woman’s risk of developing cervical, uterine, pancreatic, and colon cancer. Harmful BRCA2 mutations may additionally increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, gallbladder and bile duct cancer, and melanoma.
According to estimates of lifetime risk, about 12.0 percent of women (120 out of 1,000) in the general population will develop breast cancer sometime during their lives compared with about 60 percent of women (600 out of 1,000) who have inherited a harmful mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2. In other words, a woman who has inherited a harmful mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 is about five times more likely to develop breast cancer than a woman who does not have such a mutation.
Lifetime risk estimates for ovarian cancer among women in the general population indicate that 1.4 percent (14 out of 1,000) will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer compared with 15 to 40 percent of women (150–400 out of 1,000) who have a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Echo Test & Chemo
I also had an echo test to check out my heart today. It's basically an ultrasound to take pictures of my heart from many angles to check out it's health. The tech couldn't tell me the results (because that would be giving me a diagnosis) but did say that if she had concerns about a patient that she wouldn't let them leave. She would have a cardiologist check out the patient first. Then, she said she was going to let me leave.... which means I'm generally ok.
(I had no concerns about this test... it is a baseline that they will reference when I'm undergoing chemo but I still try to get info when I'm there. That NEVER works! They never tell.)
It looks like I will be getting my port on our 15 year wedding anniversary, July 2. (What a way to celebrate!) Then, I'll probably start chemo after the holiday weekend on Tuesday, July 7th.
Echocardiogram:
An echocardiogram uses sound waves to produce images of your heart. This common test allows your doctor to see how your heart is beating and pumping blood. Your doctor can use the images from an echocardiogram to identify various abnormalities in the heart muscle and valves.
(I had no concerns about this test... it is a baseline that they will reference when I'm undergoing chemo but I still try to get info when I'm there. That NEVER works! They never tell.)
It looks like I will be getting my port on our 15 year wedding anniversary, July 2. (What a way to celebrate!) Then, I'll probably start chemo after the holiday weekend on Tuesday, July 7th.
Echocardiogram:
An echocardiogram uses sound waves to produce images of your heart. This common test allows your doctor to see how your heart is beating and pumping blood. Your doctor can use the images from an echocardiogram to identify various abnormalities in the heart muscle and valves.
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