In the beginning of all my treatments I
was told that I would have 17 chemo treatments; 6 of them would be the hard
chemo with herceptin and the remaining 11 would be herceptin only treatments.
Last Friday, January 16th I had my 7th chemo that was herceptin only. My
original appointment was on January 12th, but because we started a new health
insurance program and didn't have our ID cards yet (or a member ID #), I needed
to cancel my chemo. Utah Cancer Specialist were excellent to work with, once I
had a member ID # they quickly got me preauthrized and my chemo treatment
re-scheduled.
My Dad was my chemo buddy and was allowed to
come back with me for my port access. He had brought along his go-pro and
camera and was able to video the port access. Up until this point I wasn't able
to have someone with me for the port access (well, except for one other time!).
I'm really glad to have a video of this to remind me of what I had to go
through on treatment days. This may seem silly, but this whole cancer
killing/fighting process fascinates me, and it'll be nice to have these
pictures and videos (of the whole process, not just the port access). You know,
just in case I forget what it was like.
Today we discussed my achy joints. He said that this is most likely caused from
going through this whole treatment process. My body has been through a lot,
from chemo's, surgery and radiation. We aren't going to do anything to treat my
symptoms, other than exercise (which in my book means, stay active and don't
sit around).
We talked about my foggy chemo brain and he said that it usually takes about a
year after treatments end to be back at 80% of where I used to be. This wasn't
what I wanted to hear, I get really frusterated and discouraged because I don't
feel normal. He also said I may never be completely back to the way I was
before. Double bummer, lets hope that's not the case for me! Before chemo I
loved being involved with my kids schools and loved a good brain stimulating
challenge, but now I feel overwhelmed so easily.
With radiation complete now is the time I begin taking tomoxifen. We discussed
possible side effects, which would be hot flashes, leg cramps, and uterine
cancer. I will need to make sure I have my yearly girl visit to check for any
abnormalities, and for hot flashes I can take vitamin E pills. Tomoxifen is a
once a day pill and I will take it for 10 years. It used to be something done
only for 5 years, but they are seeing even better results by extending it to 10
years. If I'm going to have side effects he said I would notice them right
away, and today I took my 5th pill and so far no side effects.
With only 3 more treatments I scheduled
out my remaining appointments. Did you hear me?! I only have THREE more
treatments!! In about 9 weeks I'll be DONE with chemo treatments!! A couple of
nights before this last treatment I looking at my calendar with Dave to see
what the dates for the next 3 appointments would be, and when I discovered the
date of the final appointment I got emotional! My final chemo date is March
20th, that is the day I was diagnosed last year. How appropriate to be
finishing on the exact same day! Typing this in my journal makes me emotional
still. The feeling I feel is one of complete happiness; that I have been able
to survive this whole ordeal! To say I have been supported by all you wonderful
friends and family is an understatement, I feel like you have carried me more
than supported me through this. The greatest blessing that may come out of
this, besides my life, is the love and friendship that has been strengthened
with each one of you. Thank YOU!!
So, with chemo coming to an end I think a party is in order!! Here are my
thoughts, I would love for any of you that would like to be at the chemo
center when I ring the bell to be there! You wouldn't all be able to sit
with my during treatment, but you could be out in the waiting area and we'll
come get you to watch me ring the bell. Before I can do this I need to check
with the cancer center to see how big of a 'party group' they'll let me have.
:)
I'm thinking of reserving my church later that day to have a party! Do
something pot luck style so you can come and enjoy some goodies and stay and
visit. My daughter said if we do this she will have her friends help her
decorate the gym. I'd love your suggestions and ideas too! So start sending
them to me!
