Preparing for Round 4

Paul, SJ & Aaron in the early days...(Fun picture from Mom)

So.... getting my life in order for treatment #4 tomorrow.  We are in the second half of this cycle of chemotherapy and I am grateful that I will have more energy (I hope) for the rest of this treatment.

I have been launching full force into my treatments over the next few months and reading, talking and writing to get all my questions, concerns and thoughts in order.  I met with my oncologist today and had a good productive talk about all the decisions to be made in the coming months.  I am pleased with my doctor and believe he is a good partner and guide in this process.  I still believe that I am responsible, in the end, for the decisions we make, but I am not nieve enough to believe that following the advise of chat rooms is the only way forward.

I am now scheduled for surgery March 3rd.  This will be a mastectomy (right breast) and right auxillary node dissection.  Partial reconstruction will begin at this time and continue through the following month(s).  I expect to continue with radiation therapy shortly after I recover from surgery.  Radiation should be followed by hormone therapy - but there are some further issues my oncologist and I need to work through before I start this phase.  The learning and research never stops!  

There may still be some bends and twists along the way (I can't imagine a reality where this is NOT the case) - however, I do believe being in the midst of treatment (even with the sickness, fatigue and basically nasty side effects) is better than all the waiting and fretting that came before.  I have confidence in my medical team and know that we are travelling in the right direction to see me well and cancer eradicated from my body.

Here we go Round 4.

Holidays and the Return to Routines

We have survived much of the holidays, and actually can boast of having a fairly relaxing time.  I am the "excuse" for everyone to have downtime - but really we all were ready for a quieter and calmer time.   

It is pure bliss right now being in the house all alone.  I am ready for the return to routines.  

The new drugs (yeah!! approved my Matthew's health plan) helped me recover from chemo a lot more quickly this time.  I was feeling quite energized and ready to take on tasks more quickly.  Basically, instead of having 1 good week in the cycle I now have 2.  Quite an improvement.  

I have had a meeting with a plastic surgeon and meet with the surgeon again today, so I am turning my attention to the next series of treatments after chemotherapy.  There are lots of decisions to be made and I can focus on these pieces now with a clearer head - so lots of conversations and gathering of information again.  I am making lists of questions for my oncologist, reading and learning as much as I can and feel like I am ready to address the next stages now.  

Prior to this, coping with the chemotherapy has been all I could get my head around.  

Another good productive week ahead (other than coping with another cold) before my next treatment on January 11th.