Yes, I'm going to be getting chemo...after going over all the test results with Dr. Landis, my oncologist, we decided that it will be in my best interest to have chemo. Do I want to? Heck no, but, as he said, I'm young, I have 2 young sons and I don't want this cancer to recur. My test results were smack-dab right in the intermediate range, so, I really could have gone either way...but even Dave's oncologist said, "You're young, it was already starting to spread into the lymph nodes, you should probably opt for chemo".
So, next week I'm going to meet with Dr. Landis' nurse for "chemo training". Hmm, I think with what we went through with Dave, I'm trained, but, I may learn something new, so, I'll go! I also will be getting a port placed next week since they have such a hard time finding my veins.
My first chemo round is scheduled for April 21st. They said it'll take about 2 hours and that'll be it. The next day I'll get the Neulasta shot (to help build up my white counts sooner)...and then I'll go back every 3 weeks. I'll have a total of 6 rounds of chemo. Looking at everything we went through with Dave's intensive chemo, mine seems like it'll be "easy". I know it won't, but at least I'll be home and hopefully not have the side effects like Dave went through (Neutropenic fever, low blood counts, etc.). Yes, I will lose my hair...I'm really not looking forward to that...my cousin said she'd send me her scarves!!! Hey, Ali, I'll take you up on that now! ;-) I may get a short hair cut at first, and then when it does start to come out, I'll get the gumption to shave it off...yikes...
After the chemo is all done, I'll then have radiation (33 treatments - 5 times per week for 6 1/2 weeks) and then be on the Tamoxifen for 5 years...that should do it for my treatment plan. You know, it stinks, but we'll get through it. I see where Dave is now and know that if he can get through it, so can I.
I'm in the "I can't believe this is happening to me" phase, so, thank you for your encouragement, your prayers, your friendship and support.
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8 comments:
Oh Holly, I'm sorry you need to have the chemo. But I am also thankful that they are hitting this full-force. There is nothing more heart-breaking than a recurrence after you've been through treatment. So you'll do it all now, once and for all! It will not be easy, but you will do it. You've got a great cheerleader in Dave, who knows what it is like. I pray that your love and strength will be multiplied through all of this. Remember that whatever you're feeling is okay, whether it's shock, sadness, anger, confusion. Everything it temporary, and every day is new. So hang on.
Holly, I am sorry you need to have chemo but i think you made the right choice. i was told whenever it had gone into the lymph nodes chemo was next. I cut my hair short and after my first treatment I got it shaved (Holy Cross Hospital Breast Cancer Support Group). I had already gotten a wig close to my own style. Alot of people say this is the time to try something new in color and style..not me. Losing my hair was hard enough so I wasn't about to have to cope with a new hair color and style. I wish I had my port put in earlier...I had it done after my 3rd treatment. My veins are absolutely shot - every time I go to have blood drawn I cringe. I took ginger before my chemo treatments...helps with nausea. You will have a metalic taste in your mouth - food tastes different. My doctor told me to eat whatever tasted good. Try real hard to stay away from "the public". I remember sitting in the last row at CRPC on Sundays with my bottle of water. If anyone sat near me and coughed I got up and moved. I was blessed - I never got sick afte the first time. get rest and eat well to keep your immune system up (whatever is left). I will pray for you Holly..if I can do anything at all please call me. I am so glad to hear of Dave's good news. Keep in touch - you have a great blog.
Martha
Holly,
So sorry to hear that you're taking a trip down Chemo Lane, but if it means you get more time with Dave and the boys, then attack this monster while you're young and strong.
I think you should take the boys in and get their heads shaved when you get to the point that you shave yours. Then you can just be a family of baldys...set a new trend!
It was great seeing you and Dave today at lunch and I'll be around to cook for you when you guys need something.
I know you and Dave are strong enough to take this on and beat it just like you did his.
Hugs!
Nanette
I hate this for you Holly but you sound very realistic and seem to be making excellent decisions (even though they are not what you want to do). My mom went through the EXACT same thing about 6 years ago now. She had some lymph nodes removed also, had chemo, lost her hair and is here with us strong as ever. She has a short hair wig which was awesome. No one could tell she had a wig on. If you are interested in it she has been looking for someone who can use it. You can just email me or send me a pm on Facebook and I can send you a pic. :) Her name is Pat Arnold in case she pops up with kind words on this blog.
-Lori Free-
Holly: My name is Pat and I am Lori Free's mother. She told you that I've been through this ordeal too and I just wanted you to know that you're not alone in your fight. I had stage 2 breast cancer with minimal lymph node invasion. I had a mastectomy and reconstruction. As I had complications from the reconstruction, I was in the hospital for close to two months, so had to put off chemo. I bought a wig way ahead of time. I too had a port, which is much easier for chemo. The treatment is very comfortable - no pain or discomfort from the actual process. They push saline for a time, then a couple of different chemo drugs (in my case), then saline again. The whole process took over three hours. The staff is wonderful and you can take someone with you to keep you company - or a good book works too. My hair started to fall out three weeks later so I cut it all off, shaved my head and put on a wig. I wore it all the time for four months and no one knew. I had it styled to closely match my normal style. In fact, when my hair was about 2 inches long, I took it off and went to work. Many people asked me "what did you do to your hair". I guess that was a polite way of saying that my wig looked better. My hair came in curly and very soft, but no color change. The gray highlights were still there - darn. It's been almost six years and I am still cancer free - as I pray you will be also. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to talk, or have any questions. My prayers and energy go out to you.
Holly - so sorry to hear about the chemo - but best to go for teh gusto. Actually I was sort of surprised to hear that with teh lymph node invo;vemnet it was ebven an option. I did shave my head about 17 days after the first treatmnet - then I had a great wig - got lots of compliments. Actually the "press" photo that I still use is when I hada wig - some dasy i think about putting it back on. I actually started chemo on the same day as you - and had radiation - I chose to start radiation THE DAY I ended chemo to end it all and Jay and I Left on a criuse on October 16th - Plan a specail treat for you and David at the end.! I did treatmnest on Thursday and was funky on the weekend and was OK to go to work on Monday and did not miss a day. I do feel it is a mental issue as well. The kids will keep you focused! Luv ya! Penny
Holly,
I'm so sorry to hear this, but believe that you are making the right decisions for your family. We will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers. We will pray for lessened ill side effects:O) You are one tough cookie!! I know that the Novak's are beating cancer;O)
God Bless you all!!
~Misty
Holly, I go to Grace, also, and met Dave at the Thanksgiving CancerCare group. My husband, Glenn, and Dave see each other at church sometimes.
Well, I've been going through breast cancer this winter and hope to be encouraging for you. I hope to keep up with you and help as soon as I'm able. For now, I can pray for you lots and will. It's wonderful for you to share your journey with people like this. I have found it helps me to do the same. Hey, without hair to style you can get ready so much faster! Oops, there are times that's not funny, but I hope you'll find the humor in it and run with it. Nila Dunehew
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