June 25 update.

Today I completed my 5th chemo out of 8 that I am scheduled to have.  Woo hoo I am over the hump.  That makes me very happy.

I started out the day seeing Dr. Gupta.  He was pleased with how I was progressing.  He said I am still anemic (low red blood cells) but not so bad that I needed a transfusion.  They also looked at the vein flare on my wrist.  For those of you who don't follow me on Facebook or Twitter, I developed a vein flare on my left wrist this week.  It was very painful and swollen (not helped by the fact that I am left handed).  I had gone into the office and Barb (my favorite nurse in the world) put me on steroids and antibiotics.  This weekend I noticed that I had another smaller vein flair on my right arm. (They confirmed that it was one today) Anyway, they were happy with how they were doing and I was told I may live with them for a while but they would go away. (Hooray).

I then proceeded to get my chemo treatment.  This week started a new set of chemo drugs.  Instead of getting it in the back on my hand, I got it in the crook of my arm.  I liked that A LOT  better.  Praise God I didn't have any allergic reactions during the treatment.  I did have to chuckle that one of the drugs I got was Benedryl.  The one and only other time I have taken Benedryl was when I was younger and still lived at home.  After taking it then, I feel asleep on the floor and Mom didn't think she would ever get me off of it I was so out of it.  Luckily that didn't happen today.  The treatment did last a little longer (3 hours instead of 1 1/2), but it wasn't too bad.  They did feed me.  The hospital food was pretty good.

 Some of the possible new side effects I need to look out for is muscle aches (kinda like I am getting the flu), possible loss of my nails, and numbing and tingling in my feet.  Needless to say, this should be an interesting week.

Again, thanks for all the prayers and support I have been getting.  Even though there are times I get frustrated with this whole process, I know God is going to get me through this.  All the love and support I am getting is a huge help.  I love you all.

June 12 update

Yesterday I completed my 4th chemo session.  I am officially half way through.  HOORAY!!!  I would have updated my blog yesterday but I was extremely tired and was not sure if I could keep things straight.   My chemo brain is making life interesting.

Today I am doing about the same: tired, achey and queasy stomach.  Nothing I haven't had before so I know I can get through it.

My next chemo session starts a new set of drugs.  Instead of lasting an 1 1/2 hours, it will last 3 hours.  I also have to take 5 pills the night before my chemo and 5 pills the day of to prevent an allergic reaction to the chemo.  Not sure how I am going to react to this new chemo, but at least I only have 4 of them.

I again want to thank everyone for all the prayers and positive thoughts on my behalf.  I know without a doubt that that is was is getting my through this.

June 7 update

I got to go to Indianapolis to see Dr. Schmidt this afternoon.  After a quick examination (and I mean quick), he was happy with how thing were progressing.  We learned from his nurse that I can have my other breast taken off just not at the same time.  They would take the breast off with the cancer, then I would go through radiation.  Then if I want to have reconstruction they would take the other breast off then and reconstruct both at the same time.  They do it this way because there would be too much risk having both breast off at once of blood clots.

So I was happy to hear that things were progressing well.  I have to admit I was a little bummed that this process is going to take a little longer than I had figured.  (I had it in my head that it would be over by the end of the year.  It obviously won't. )  However, if this is what it takes to get well, I will hold my head high and march on through.

May 29 update

It's been a while since I have updated.  Things have been going on pretty normally.  I went in today and had chemo treatment #3.  Only 5 more to go.  Woo hoo!  My blood test looked good.  They did say my red blood cell count was on the low side (9.5).  It wasn't low enough to have a blood transfusion yet.  I will probably feel a little more tired and winded.  They told me to just listen to my body and if I need a nap, take a nap. (Yay naps!)  

Also, this weekend I started having mood swings.  I would feel really sad and start crying for no reason.  I  checked with the nurses today and that is a side effect of the chemo.  Chemo can send you into menopause.  I was very glad to know that it was a side effect and I wasn't going crazy.  

So that's all I know right now.  So far I haven't had any nausea this afternoon. (Yay nausea medicine)  I think a nap is on the agenda this afternoon.

May 15 update

I went for my second chemo treatment yesterday.  I saw Dr. Gupta first.  The results of the blood test I took on Friday were good so chemo was a go.  He said whatever I was doing, keep it up.  I still have permission to give people a hard time but he told me I have to listen to Mom.  Mom really liked hearing that. :)

Chemo lasted about 1 1/2 hours.  So far the nausea hasn't been to bad.  I think I have a better handle on taking the nausea medicine and eating small amounts throughout the day seems to be helping.  I still have my bouts of being tired.

I go in for a followup shot this morning.  I am hoping I feel better later in the week to enjoy the rest of my vacation.

Thanks again for all the prayers and warm thoughts.  I know they are getting me through this.  Keep them coming.

May 12 update

When I started the chemo I was told my hair "would fall out".  I wasn't sure how I would notice as I shed like a dog most of the time.  Well when I went to wash my hair this morning, I figured it out.  My hair was coming out in huge strands.  It continued through the day, so this evening I went to my brother's house and he shaved my head.

It wasn't traumatic at all.  Trying to keep my positive attitude, I came up with some positives of losing my hair.  They are:

1.  I can save money on hair products.

2.  I love my hair dresser but I can save money on hair cuts.

3.  When my hair comes back in, it's supposed to be darker. Hopefully no gray! 

4.  I might actually get hat to fit my big head.

5.  I can wear earrings and people will actually see them.

6.  I won't shed like a dog (better get the house cleaned up)

7.  I actually resemble my brother now. 

I am sure I will think of others.  I am considering this just another stop on my journey to being healthy again.

May 8 update

After work today I went to Mom's to go see Gracie's softball game.  While eating supper I realized I hadn't called home for my messages.  So I checked and I got a message with some very good news.  The biopsy results were in on the spots on my left breast.  Both spots were benign.  Praise the Lord!  Now I can concentrate on kicking what cancer I do have in the other breast to the curb.

I go back to see Dr. Schmidt on June 7.  I will see what the game plan is then.  Thanks so much to everybody for your prayers.  God is good all the time!