An airport layover visit from my good friend Holly

The last full week of October was a hectic week of appointments and planning. However, I am thankful that there was speediness in the process. I had a follow-up with my oncologist on the 24th and nothing was in place for my port placement, PET scan, or chemotherapy approval. My oncologist, Dr. Juvvadi, was still optimistic to schedule my first treatment for Friday, October 27^th. On Wednesday, the 25th, I had my port placement procedure. Thursday, the 26th, I had my PET scan and received a phone call that my chemotherapy treatments had all been approved and I was set to start treatment on Friday as scheduled. 

The results of the breast MRI showed more clearly that there was one large mass (6.5x3.8x6.2) in my breast instead of two smaller ones. A PET scan is necessary to monitor the spread of the cancer to other lymphatic areas or organs. The scan showed two small nodules in my lungs but they were too small to biopsy. Therefore, the oncologist went forward with the assumption that the cancer has not spread beyond my left breast and left axillary lymph nodes. 

My treatment regimen is shortened to TCHP. It is a combination of two targeted therapies, Perjeta and Herceptin, and two traditional chemotherapy, Carboplatin and Taxotere. The schedule for TCHP is one treatment day every three weeks and I will have six rounds. I am praying that this treatment is found to be 100% effective on the cancer. After the six rounds, I will be evaluated for surgery and radiation treatment. I will also continue with Herceptin for an additional 12 rounds (occurring every three weeks). 

The side effects are varied but the most likely are fatigue, weakness, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, and hair loss. The side effects do not normally hit until day 3 or 4 of the cycle/round and last for 5-6 days. On day 8 and 9, I was on track with this normal progression, I had the full list of side effects, but nothing had been too extreme. I had still been able to be with my children for the important parts of the day. After a relatively positive 24 hours, I began to lose my voice, followed by intense abdominal cramping, unable to eat, and other side effects. I went back to the doctor's office on Monday, under the assumption that I had caught a virus. However, all of my symptoms aligned with another chemo-related side effect called mucositis. It normally occurs in the mouth but can occur anywhere there are mucous membranes along the digestive tract. For me, they presented in my throat and intestines. Fortunately, the doctor ordered me to hydration for two days and gave me some extra medications to help with the abdmoinal cramping. Although, I am still feeling some side effects, the mucositis is calming and I have more energy every day. 

My next treatment is scheduled for November 17th.

I am so thankful for friends and neighbors to quickly step in and help me take care of Matthew and Raegann especially these last few days. Matthew and Raegann are doing relatively well with the changes, although I know deep inside, especially for Matthew, he is scared and does not understand all that is happening. I have been surrounded with support in caring for my children, meals, and housework. Although I do not desire this journey, God has made it very clear that I am not walking it alone. I am very grateful for each kind comment, letter, gift, and prayer being sent our way. Thank you.

Prayer Requests:

-          Beyond belief effectiveness of TCHP with minimal side effects in the coming rounds

-          My family and friends who are sharing so willingly in this fight