A Marathon of Appointments

A marathon of appointments before treatment starts. 

It has been a busy week of doctor appointments and tests.  We started with a conference call early Sunday morning with Dr. Neumayer to answer our questions about the pathology report.  During that call she clarified that the lymph node invasion was actually a macrometasis and not a micrometasis but just barely.  Together we determined that some of our questions and my case should go before the Huntsman Cancer Board for review. 

They met on Thursday and discussed my case. 

• They changed my stage from 3A to 2B.  My largest tumor was 1mm smaller than 5 cm and thus the change.  They also reviewed whether or not I needed to have more lymph nodes removed and thankfully they determined this was unnecessary. 
• They were divided on whether or not I should remove the right breast with the discovery of the 'surprise' tumor in my left breast.  That will a decision for Alan and I to make together but will only take place after chemo/radiation are complete.  I'm leaning toward removing the other breast but am not anxious to repeat that surgery in the near term. 
• Probably one of the biggest items we wanted reviewed was the use of a drug called Adrimyacin in my chemo 'cocktail'.  It has some potentially bad side effects including heart damage which is particularly concerning to us.  Unanimously - they all recommended that this drug in the TAC cocktail was the way to go given the large size of my tumor, close margins and Grade 3 cells.  To that end - I had a baseline Echo of my heart this week so we can monitor any impact of the drugs. 

We also met with the oncologist they assigned to my case, Dr. Hung Khong.  He is very competent but our communication styles appear to be very different.  So we've requested to meet with another oncologist as we know this will be one of the most important doctor/patient relationships we'll have during my battle.  We are meeting with Dr. Patricia Legant out at the UofU Daybreak facility this coming week.  The location is much closer to our home and it would be nice to not have to travel as far for treatment.  Cross your fingers that we like this doctor!!  It was hard to decide to change as we are anxious to start treatment and this will likely delay things. 

Yesterday, I had same day surgery to insert a port on the right side of my upper chest.  It was an experience to say the least.  I was sedated but not put under completely.  I remember the surgery in great detail including the fact that a young doctor who looked an incredible amount like Doogie Howser stitched me up.  The port will allow them to administer chemo and draw blood without having to insert an IV or stick me with a needle.  I'm sore from the experience but they assure me I'll be grateful as the treatment gets going. 

I was also able to have one of the two drains removed from my mastectomy surgery yesterday.  It is now much easier to hide the remaining drain under clothing and less challenging while I'm sleeping so I'm SO HAPPY to have one gone.  It will likely be another week before the other is removed and it has to be out before I can start chemotherapy.

Also this week - I have a PT/CT scan of my body to ensure we don't have any other cancers to worry.  Dr. Neumayer stated that the odds are only about 5% that this is the case so I'm hopefully to move quickly through that checkpoint. 

I'm also meeting with my dentist to ensure my teeth are ready for the damage the chemo will inflict on them.  He's making fluoride trays to protect them.  Last but not least, I hope to go wig shopping with friends to prepare for the loss of hair.  My sweet hairdresser has agreed to shave my head while her shop is closed shortly after my first treatment.  Alan plans to shave his head at the same time as a symbol of his support.  Such a cutie.  I love that man. 

I've had lots of questions from everyone asking how I'm doing.  Honestly - 90% of the time I'm doing really well.  Optimistic and ready for the battle.  I do have my bad days when I wish this was either over or just a bad dream.  I get angry.  I get emotional and weepy from time to time but I think overall I'm staying positive. 

Many thanks again for all the love and support. The notes, cards, flowers, phone calls and text messages have been wonderful.  We love you all.