Just Fighting Breast Cancer - nothing else

We are slowly making progress and checking things off the list. 

The important milestones of the week were speaking with Dr. Ann Patridge (well known East Coast Oncologist) on the phone Tuesday, my PET scan on Wednesday, meeting the new Oncologist on Thursday and the follow up with my Plastic Surgeon (Agarwal) today. 

Dr. Patridge called on Tuesday evening and we quickly discussed my case as she drove home in a rainstorm.  She did help me understand better why TC was not a chemotherapy treatment recommended by the Huntsman Cancer Board for me.  Bottom-line, like it or not, my cancer case is too advanced and needs a little extra 'oomph' to ensure it gets the job done.  She also explained the TAC or AC/T treatments are very geographical in their use - TAC West Coast and AC/T East Coast.  She described them as two different receipes for the same cookie.  The end result is the same but the ingredients and how they are added together are just slightly different.  It gave me some peace of mind to know that  these two treatments are 'potent' and although likely to make me pretty sick - it truly is the best course of action. 

The PET scan was interesting.  Brittany drove me to the appointment.  We had the Cancer Insititue use my brand new port prior to the appointment and the IV was quick and painless. Once we checked in, they didn't allow Brittany past the waiting room as they wanted me to be 'quiet'.  No books, iPads or any other activities were allowed.  The put me in a dimly lit room, injected my IV with radioactive sugar and then gave me two large bottles of chalky, white liquid (berry flavored?) to drink.  I sat in the recliner, covered in cozy warm blankets and sipped my 'yummy' drink for 70 minutes.  In the end - I only made it through 11/2 bottles due to the imminent danger of throwing up.  The PET scan itself was quick and easy. They injected some contrast dye which gave me a warm sensation throughout my body.   I was a little nauseous and shaky when it was over but Brittany and I took our time.  We went up to one of the two lovely restaurants at the top of the hospital and slowly ate/drank until I was ready to head out. The views of Salt Lake City are pretty spectacular and I had great company.  

Afterwards, she allowed me to visit my friends at work.  I just wanted to say 'Hi' and let them know I was thinking about them as they've been working through a 'Level 3' irregular operation with Hurricane Sandy hitting the east coast.  Not good when you are based out of New York City!!  It was great seeing everyone but I so much wanted to dive into things and pitch in.  Brittany dragged me home and made sure I rested that evening.  Hurricanes are so much more exciting than cancer!!  Sick and wrong - but I miss the adrenaline and lack of sleep associated with a good irregular operation.

Thursday, we met with Dr. Patricia Legant at Daybreak.  The facility is a little 'cozier' than the massive Huntsman Cancer Institute (but they are affliated), brand spankin' new and so very close to home! Dr. Legant was perfect.  She was personable, thorough and no-nonsense.  I liked her very much.  She even wrote upside down on the paper they used on the patient bed to explain things.  Dr. Legant was trained on the East Coast and actually prefers the AC/T chemotherapy cocktail which is the same as Dr. Partridge.  She stated it was a little better tolerated by patients as it breaks up the dosages instead of giving three medications at the same time.  It will be administered every two weeks for 16 weeks.  Much to my displeasure, she does insist I wait to start chemotherapy until I'm well healed from surgery. The very reasonable explanation is that the chemotherapy will inhibit the positive cell regeneration for healing. That means my chemo date won't be set for another two weeks.  UGH.  I seriously just want to get this 'party' started so I can get back to normal as fast as possible but I'm putting on my big girl pants - and trying to exercise patience and good judgement.  So - we are looking around the week of Thanksgiving before I'm going to start treatment.  Guess I better start on my Christmas shopping sooner rather than later.  Dr. Legant also gave me the VERY good news that the PET scan came back clean.  No other cancer or issue was detected in my body - so I'm fighting Breast Cancer and nothing else.  It was a relief to hear this news as I've been on pins and needles about the possibility that this had gone beyond which would have changed the scope of the situation immensely. 

Finally - today I met with Dr. Agarwal, my plastic surgeon.  He verified that the drain is still not ready to come out and is still draining more than double the amount it can for removal.  So - my pet drain stays for the foreseeable future.  After almost two months of drains (breast lift and then mastectomy) - I can say I'm growing weary of it.   Keeping the drain in until it is ready is the right thing to do for proper healing and we want to ensure that I'm as healed and healthy as possible before chemo starts...so I'll continue to exercise my patience.  If I become emotionally attached to the drain - I may end up naming him.  Francis or Ferdinand...not sure yet. Dr. Agarwal did have saline added to my expander.  This is my first expansion since surgery and it now has about 200 ccs.  It was fascinating to watch.  The expander has a metal plate near the diaphram opening which they located with a magnet.  They marked the spot and inserted a very large needle.  I didn't feel a thing as the area is numb from surgery!  They pulled back on the needle and a bit of blue water came out.  They said this indicated they were in the right spot.  Saline was put in until the area became 'tight'.  Very simple and painless.  The first steps on the long road to reconstruction.

All is well here as we continue to prepare and I continue to heal.  We have so much support and love.  It is amazing.  Thank you all!!  We'll continue to keep you posted but things are going to be a bit slow (like watching paint dry) for a little bit.  The action should pick up again as the holidays get closer.  Our love and gratitude to you all.