So, today I had the pleasure of meeting my oncologist. Oh what fun!
When all of this began, the 'Mammacentret' had given me a nice little binder to keep all the wonderful information about my surgery. Now that the surgery part of this is done, and the results are in, time to move onto another department, and another little binder. Actually, she asked if I'd like to have everything put into my original binder. I said yes - so now I have 2 books in one - the doublemint book, per se.
So here's all the gritty details, for those interested in such things. (I'm going to do my best to put the danish into english!)
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Tumor removed - 11 mm
Estrogen-receptor positive
Normal HER2 (don't really know what this one means)
29 lymph nodes removed - cancer in 14 of them
No distant metastasis
So, what does all that mean? Well it means I get the full treatment - Chemotherapy, radiation and anti-estrogen.
Step 1 - Chemotherapy
Next Wednesday will be my first treatment so today I went in for the introduction and the 'book'. There is all sorts of little pills, in little bags, with a nice little diagram of when I have to take each pill. Funny thing is, all these little pill bags were then placed right into the binder for safe keeping. So my little binder/book now resembles a small pharmaceutical company.
Come Wednesday, I will receive my first dose of EC - epirubicin and cyclophosphamide. After 3 treatments of EC, I'll then receive docetaxel for 3 treatments. And once all that is done, then I get the pleasure of radiation - but I'll worry about that bridge when I get there.
I can't really say that I'm looking forward to any of this! But hey - it's for my own good right? Right?
Friday, May 15, 2009
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I'm sorry you have to go through all this. I'm here if you want to whine, rant or just chat.
ReplyDeleteYou mean you aren't looking forward to ingesting dangerous chemicals that not only kill cancer, but wreak havoc on healthy cells? Goodness, whyever not?
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the chemo...Hope it does it's job with minimal side effects.
Oh my friend, I'm sorry that this is happening to you. You are a strong woman I can tell this and you have humour which can carry you far. Please know I'm thinking of you and if I can help with anything from this distance let me know...
ReplyDeletePatti, all I can say is that you are extremely brave. I'd be under a bed crying my eyes out for days. You have really been a trooper.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear you have to have radiation therapy and chemotherapy. I'll be praying for you.
ReplyDeleteKlem
What a bummer. *gulp*
ReplyDeleteIt's not like any one can 'say' anything though is it, except we're all cheering you on and hoping for the best. I love your sense of humor in all this, you know, I reckon this will be what gets you through and out the other side and healthy :)
Sounds like whole lot of trails ahead for you. As a reader of your blog, I am sure you will get through it with ouy usual good humour. Wishing you a full recovery soon.- June, www.shetalkslikejune.com
ReplyDeleteOh, wow, tough days ahead but you have the right attitude. Here's a book recommendation for you: http://www.amazon.com/Middle-Place-Kelly-Corrigan/dp/1401340938/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242472791&sr=8-1
ReplyDeleteBest of luck! *Hugs*
ReplyDeletePatti, I am so sorry that this is not over for you yet....
ReplyDeletebut now that we have an official start date for the chemo, I think we definitely need to plan our "food patrol" for you and Ole....
My aunt just finished 6 months of chemo. In her words, it sucked, but was doable, and the end results were well worth it. You can do this, Patti!
ReplyDeletePatti, best of luck!
ReplyDeleteIf I can just give you one unasked for piece of advice? Please make sure your doctor prescribes you something to increase your appetite, and pleas make sure you find a way to eat afterwards! A drug called Marinol can help, or if you don't mind indulging, smoking pot can also be beneficial.
Best of luck! My ex-boss has been through this 3 times now, and she came through each time and is now well.