Burn Baby Burn...Disco Inferno

Radiation

I met with my radiation oncologist in mid January at Fresno Community.  There would be many challenges:

1.  Large breast
2.  Asthma
3.  Ultra sensitive skin

Typically, patients lie on their back while receiving treatment.  This position makes it difficult to avoid the chest wall, lungs and breast bone.  Ideally, I would need a treatment plan that would stay clear of these areas.

Dr. S went to school and trained back east.  She has worked with newer radiation technologies.  Yeah me!

Her proposal was to treat me while I lie on my stomach and drop my breast below the table.  It would be similar to the position used for stereo tactic biopsies.  The problem became getting the equipment.  It had been ordered but was not due in Fresno until mid to late March. 

On the day of my simulation appointment, I was awakened by a rich-voiced gentleman with a sexy accent.  He said my appointment had been postponed one week because the new equipment would arrive that Friday.  Things were looking up.

I became their guinea pig.  They had to figure out how the board worked and how to make it work for me.  There were a lot of blocks of styrofoam being cut, ink drawings on my back and lots of people.  There were water breaks and puzzled looks.  The gentleman from the phone joined us after being warned about my response to his voice.  It was a party of sorts but I was the only one with their top off.  I left with 6 heart shaped tattoos. Please note they look like dots to the naked eye but I was assured in reality, they are hearts.

February 19 - the call came.  Could I begin that evening?  Yes!

I arrived early and must have looked lost.  One of the regulars grabbed a gown and told me how the system worked.  There were several regulars waiting and we chatted like we'd been friends forever.  The holiday had created quite a backlog.  I didn't get into the radiation chamber until 6pm.

The torture of getting me placed perfectly began.  During the simulation it was necessary for me to rest my head on my chin - this was painful due to my recent nose dive.  After what seemed like an eternity, the techs left the room and the machine began to turn.  Motion sickness.  Note to self: close eyes next time.  I was finally released and asked to come back the next day.  I had not been radiated.  They had only taken pictures.  It was 7pm.  The process was repeated on Wednesday.  However, I was out by 6:30pm but still had not had a treatment.  I was told they would call if I needed to come in Thursday.  They called at 6pm.  I declined. 

I was set for Friday.  Lining me up went quickly and when the techs left the chamber, the machine blitzed off and on for about 30 seconds.  Could this be it?  The machine rotated and then blitzed off and on for another 30 seconds.  I then heard the chamber door open and the tech say we're all done.  In disbelief, I asked for verification that I had indeed received treatment.  It was confirmed.

I have now had five treatments and there are two of us taking advantage of this new board.  So far, no heat or burn.  I'm feeling lucky - only 28 to go!

Did you say immune compromised?

Healing Takes Time
I know this won't shock anyone, but I am not a patient person.  Chemo was finished so I should be back to normal.  Right? Not so fast.

I decided my immune system should be perfectly fine after three weeks because that was the amount of time between treatments.  I was wrong (this actually is shocking!).  I went back to working full time and eliminated the quarantine precautions I had setup during chemo.

I managed to get a sinus infection and it was gunking up my eyes.  I gave it 3 days to take care of itself.  It did not.  On a Sunday, I went to Urgent Care and got antibiotic drops.  I put the drops in as directed on Sunday.  The following is how I woke up Monday.

Dr. H said it was probably an allergic reaction.  The drops either did this directly or I scratched like mad in my sleep.  Either way, Dr. H was concerned that my platelet count may be too low.  I was ordered to go see Dr. P and have that checked out.  STAT!  My platelets were fine.

 

Dr. H also realized my lungs were headed to that dark place.  I was given a breathing treatment.  My lung capacity didn't budge - only 60%.  Dr. H prescribed my usual round of meds.  Chemo had already reduced my lung capacity.  The added sinus condition and coughing made it a very bad combination. 

 

That night I sat on my bed, wide awake, unable to breathe or sleep.  At 3:30am, I couldn't stop coughing or catch my breath, and I passed out as I stood up.  I awoke immediately, dazed and confused, and the damage was done.  My hands were sticky and my face hurt.  I checked my reflection in the mirror.  I had blood from ear to ear.  A quick rinse showed multiple carpet burns, a bloody nose, and two fat lips.  Pretty.

 

My brother, with a fever and chills, was not at home so I called him, crying hysterically.  Once he realized I wasn't dying, he worked on calming me down.  The roles had been reversed many times.  Apparently he had listened because he kept telling me to shut up and breathe.  It only took 45 minutes.

 

The next day my dentist checked out my teeth.  He said they were still solidly in place but very swollen.  He thought my bite would repair itself after the swelling went down.  He suggested soft foods for a few days.

 

Feeling great the next morning.  NOT!

I wanted to freak out my niece.  Mission Accomplished!

 

After the first day, most of the pain had gone.  And I am happy to report, that in just two short weeks, I look like myself and I even have some hair again.



I Kicked Chemo's Ass!!

Chemo #6: Done

Today I received my last doses of Carboplatin and Taxotere.  I have weathered their storm well.  Dr. P is pleased.  I will continue to have side effects for the next few weeks but then they will subside.  My hair will grow back.  Feeling will return to my hands and feet.  The diarrhea should subside.

Potential Problem

I have developed a shortness of breath when I walk any distance or attempt any physical activity.  Dr. P believes I may have a pulmonary embolism.  This is a more rare side effect and it is life threatening.  I will be undergoing a specialized CT scan tomorrow.  If I do have the embolism, I will most likely receive Heparin and Coumadin.  I'm a little scared.

Next Steps

My breast cancer showed production of an extra amount of the HER-2 protein a.k.a. HER-2 positive.  I have been taking the antibody Herceptin intravenously at the end of my chemo treatments.  I will need to continue taking this antibody through September.  It is not considered chemotherapy and the side effects are less serious.  The antibody will be administered every three weeks and will include a blood draw.  I will be able to work after these treatments.

Radiation was also indicated in my case.  I have my first consult on Friday, January 18.  At that time, I will be given details about the treatment plan and side effects.  The current plan is to receive daily treatments of approximately 10 minutes for 6 weeks.  Side effects include fatigue and severe sunburn.

Long Term Follow Up

I will be followed every 3 months in year one.  I will be followed every 4 months in year two.  I will be followed every 6 months in years three through five.  I will be followed annually thereafter.  My prognosis is excellent.

I caught my cancer early by being proactive about my annual mammogram.  My treatment was a little on the aggressive side but I agreed that I would rather err on the side of caution.  My aggressive treatment also allowed me to keep my breast which, despite my unwillingness to admit, was important to me at 46 and single.

Lessons Learned to Date
Chemo therapy has been a nuisance and sometimes difficult but it wasn't nearly as bad as I expected.  I broke down the night before I shaved my head, but in the end, it was empowering.  I have felt happy, strong and confident ever since.  Who knew?  Cancer has been a gift from God and I'm thankful for what it has given me and what it has taught me.

I have been given sisters, friends, love, a relationship with God, and knowledge.  I have learned patience, positivity, and faith.

Next phase starts in just a few weeks.  Stay tuned.

Thank you.

A Long Overdue Update

Medical Details:

Chemo goes through the blood stream killing cancer but it can also kill the blood aka me.  As you may have guessed, I'm meaner than chemo.

My platelets, which allow the blood to clot, remain normal.

White bloods cells protect you from infection.  Traditional signs of infection however are absent when one is undergoing chemo.  My white cells indicate that I'm at a slight to moderate increase in risk.  This explains the regular chills and fevers.  If my fever reaches 101 F, I need to contact my doctor immediately.  I have gotten as high as 100.8 F.

Red blood cells provide energy and stamina.  I am definitely anemic.  This means I'm fatigued, weak and short of breath.  Now I know why I can sleep for days.

Treatment Status:

Chemo # 4: Check

Chemo # 5: Check

Chemo # 6: January 9.  Woohoo!! I will be done!!

Radiation:  Consult January 18.

My Status:

I feel good.  My spirits are high.  Chemo has NOT been as difficult as I thought it would be.  It has been interesting and presented challenges, but overall not so bad.

I need a ride for my last chemo so holler if you have time.  Pick me up at 8am, wait to be sure I can have treatment, and return at 1pm.  I usually like to go to lunch too. :D

I will try to post again soon after I start radiation.

Thank you.

PS If you know someone recently diagnosed that is lost or scared or both, please give them my number.