Just Diagnosed & Brain Numb

UPDATE- I now have my ticket to Chemoland!!!! Had another appt with my oncologist this morning.  I'm in for 6 rounds of taxotere/cytozan every 3 weeks.  It will be a four month time frame.  I have some prelim tests next week to get through (Bone scan, CT scan, echocardiogram (if I decide to participate in a Herceptin clinical trial), labs).  Though this time in chemoland will mean loss of hair and other unpleasant side effects, it is doable.  It's just what I have to do.

I'm still healing from my recent emergency surgery but getting better everyday.  This break from the action has allowed me to get my mind and body back in sync so I can handle the upcoming chemo.  The doctors/nurses have acknowledged what I had told them-- a lot has happened to me since February 2012 and just needed a little time to regroup and collect myself.  Now that we are all on the same page, I'm ready to move forward.

As always, trying to find a little calm, a little peace, lots of good conversation, laughter and smiles and moving forward with positive, calming & healing prayers, thoughts and energy. 

Hi Godlistens,

So happy to hear from you.  Despite the little setback, I am doing well.  The BS removed my pressure ace bandage today.  It is a good day for me.  I still have the one drain but I'm okay with that.  No need to rush.  Just want to get healed so I will be in the best physical shape I can be when I start my chemo.  I signed up to participate in the Herceptin B-47 clinical trial which is trying to find out if low HER2 (+1) people receive benefit from Herceptin.  Right now, Herceptin is not included as the std of care for HER2 negative cancers (+1) like mine.  Even though I signed up for the trial, it is possible that I may not receive the Herceptin since it's random.

Fortunately, now I and the doc are on the same page about timing of things.  There was a time that I was feeling very rushed and didn't feel that I was being given a chance to heal from my UMX.  That has all changed for the better.  I'm going to call to get those scans done soon since I can't start chemo until those are completed.  No matter what, it is all good.

As always, thank you, my friend for the support and prayers.  I consider you one of the many angels who found me and continue to help me.  xoxoxo to you. 

1openheart... as always, wonderful to hear from you.  There is a lot to be done before my first chemo infusion ( tests, visits to the eye doctor/ gyno ) but it will be get done.  Just want to be in the best physical and mental shape I can be in when I go in for that first infusion.  The BS's nurse told me I look so much better today than I did last week when I was still in the hospital.  In fact, she said " you look like your spunky self again" and she is right.  As I told Godlistens, there are many angels who have found me and continue to help me.  You, she and many others are those angels.  Sending lots of positive calming & healing prayers, thoughts and energy as we continue our journeys. 

1openheart- No crazy rain in Houston.  In fact, it has been overcast today.  My family and I rode out one of the hurricanes a few years ago which was pretty frightening. 

Looking forward to the day that I can go to a yoga class !!!!!

UPDATE-- I am heading to chemoland next Tuesday April 24th.  My chemo schedule is set and I am as prepared as I can be and ready to enter the next phase of my treatment..  Today, I had my blood labs and echocardiogram for the chemo phase and appointments to see my BS for another check up and my gynocologist for my annual checkup.

I am trying to stay as upbeat and positive as I can.  I know that all I can do is prepare for what may come with the chemo and hope the side effects are minimal.  I always remind myself that I am not alone with my journey and treatment and have never been alone at any time because my family, friends and my team of doctors/nurses have all been with me this entire time.  As long as I speak up and tell them what is happening to me physically and mentally, I get the help I need. 

Last week I had a followup appt with my wonderful breast surgeon.  I finally got the last drain out from the emergency surgery.  I've had at least one drain since mid March.  It was a great relief to have it out.  At the same time, I also realized that I am moving on to the next phase of treatment.  On the drive out of the hospital parking garage with my dear husband after the appointment, I started crying out of the blue.  At first I didn't quite understand where the tears were coming from but looking back and with the help of a close friend, it was just time to release what needed tio come out.   I have come so far in such a short time that it is sometimes hard to believe that two months ago, I got the initial diagnosis.

I will continue moving forward with my journey and my life and plan to stay as positive and hopeful as I always have been.  I say prayers all the time and give thanks everyday for having another day.  As always, trying to find a little calm, a little peace, lots of good conversation, smiles and laughter and moving forward.  Positive calming & healing prayers, thoughts and energy to those who travel this journey.   

Godlistens -  After I completed all of those tests recenlty, I decided that this was my weekIend to rest,  enjoy myself and get ready for my trip to chemoland.  I'm on some of the chemo threads and will be travelling with other gals I met here early on.  As I tell them on those threads as well as other threads, we leave no one behind at each phase of treatment and we are stronger together than separately.  I've connected with some chemo threads where everyone has completed chemo.  Their experiences,  helpful tips and support are invaluable to me.  They, like you are interested in this Herceptin clinical trial.  Hopefully, it will confirm and substantiate what the researchers already have some proof of--- that low HER2's (the +1's) benefit from Herceptin.  I will be taking Tamoxifen once I am finished with chemo.  It looks like I am getting the deluxe treatment package.

As always, thank you for looking for me and encouraging me on this journey.  I know I still have far to go but so happy I am not alone and am with so many wonderful people who graciously and freely give their help and support.

xoxoxoxo to you!

Godlistens-So wonderful to hear from you!!!!  I hadn't been on this thread since mid-May.  I had my 6th and final chemo this past week on August 7th and now PFC!!!!  I also got good news from the Tumor Board that reviewed my case about radiation.  The recommendation is "NO RADS!!!""  So now I am beginning my journey to recover from the chemo.  I will continue to receive my Herceptin through the clinical trial through sometime in April 2013.  In a few weeks, I will meet with my onco to discuss Tamox.  I've been told that I will need to be on Tamox for 2 years and possibly something else after that.  All in all, things are going well. 

This coming week will mark 6 months since my initial diagnosis.  I look back at the beginning of my journey and marvel how far I have come since then.... spiritually, emotionally and physically.  I know I am stronger than I was then and also know that my positive attitude and efforts to get healthy and stay healthy have helped me tremenduously.  I also know that without such wonderful support and kind words from people like you, my journey would have been harder. 

Sending you lots of HUGS, positive, calming and healing prayers, thoughts and energy!!!!!  Moving forward and trying always to find a little peace, a little calm, lots of good conversation, laughter and smiles.  It is all good no matter what.

A year ago, I received the phone call that determined how I would spend the days to follow.  Yes, it was the diagnosis that the mysterious and large cyst was no longer mysterious but two forms of breast cancer, IDC and DCIS all nicely contained in a cystic structure.  I recall the moment the breast surgeon told me the news and my immediate thought was that I had to stay positive to get through what may follow.  One can read the stats on my breast cancer to see what I was facing and where I have been.  I hold my head high because I know how much effort and work has gone into getting me to this point by me, my family, my doctors/nurses, friends and strangers that I have met along the way.  Without the help and support of all of them plus the wonderful people I have meet here, my journey would have been much harder.   My spiritual support is always present and has helped me find great peace and calm and renewed by faith.  

So if you are new to this website, and find you are anxious, scared and frightened, always take some deep breaths and keep moving forward.  As you begin the fact finding and information gathering, you will gain that inner strength and let go of some of that fear you have.  You are not alone and never will be.

To those who have helped me get here, I thank you and can never thank you enough for all of the generous kind words and support that you have to someone you had never met before.  Each of you threw out a life line to me and I gladly grabbed on and have never let go.

As always, looking for a little peace and a little calm, lots of smiles, laughter and good conversations and just moving forward.  Love to all who reads these words.......

Today is February 17, 2014.  This is the 2nd anniversary of my being diagnosed.  It is a wonderful and happy day; just as every day has been since the day I received that brain numbing phone call.  Since that day, I have physically withstood surgeries and chemotherapy and Herceptin clinical trial.  I have been and shall remain humble and grateful for the love and support that has been shown to me by many and by those I have never met in person.  I still believe that this journey is not about me but really about the experiences I've had and the people I have met along the way.  Everyday, I give thanks for the peace and calm that I have and for love and care of my family and friends and those who have helped me get to to this point. 

How do I physically feel..... I feel better than I did before I was diagnosed.  How is my heart and soul...... stronger than they have ever been.  No matter what, whatever life brings my way, I will continue to show the gratitude and thankfulness for every day that I have with people I love and care about.  

If you are just beginning your journey here, remember that you are not alone and never will be.  You will find the kindness and support from those who have travelled this way before.  You may learn many things about yourself.... strengths that you never thought you had.  May you find comfort, support, peace and love throughout your journey. 

As always, looking for a little peace, a little calm and lot of good conversation, smiles and laughter and moving forward. Sending lots of HUGS and positive calming and healing prayers, thoughts and energy as I make my way onward!!!