August 2008 Archives

*  5 treatments downs, 1 more to go! I can hardly wait until the last treatment in mid September!  It will certainly be a celebration.  I will have to continue to go for another six months but will only receive the Herceptin via intravenous (IV) infusion, every 21 days in a 90-minute dosage because of my HER2 positive status.  Herceptin is not chemotherapy therefore does not have the same side effects.  The major side effects are possible heart problems - reduced heart function and congestive heart failure.  Before my treatment started they did a EKG to get a baseline of my heart functions.  Throughout treatment tests will be conducted to detect any changes to my heart.

* I had Dr. M write me a perscription for the hot flashes that have become increasingly worse over the last few days.  She said that the chemotherapy suppresses ovary functions and as a result kicks in menopause symptoms - hot flashes, absence of menstruation etc.  She said because I'm still young, my ovaries are "robust" therefore menstruation "might," return.  Hope not.

* As usual she checked my finger and toenails for thinning and cracking and disengagement from the nail bed.  Other than the darkening, I'm good.

* I've been having a very odd extremely warm sensation on the top of my right ankle.  I would describe it as if someone sat a coffee cup on top of my ankle.  No pain, just sporadic warmness.  Dr. M, said its an affect to the nerves in that area - of course its from the chemo.

* I asked about taking some supplements - specifically Vitamins A & D to improve bone density as it relates to breast cancer.  She said yes, but it must be after all treatment is completed.  I forgot why.

 * The nurse didn't receive the report from my last EKG to check how my heart was doing, so she asked me to go over to the Nuclear Medicine department where I took the last test back in July to see if they could locate it because she had called and they only had the May test results.  So, I went over to the main hospital, to EKG administration.  They were able to pull it up and said they would fax it over to D. M's office.  The nurse called me later this afternoon to tell me they did the wrong test - should have been an echocardiogram not an EKG so I have to get an echo sometime next week - bummer

* My brother and C helped me kill the time today, which was way cool ;)

* I expect the side effect drama to kick in sometime Sunday night or Monday, so I best enjoy my weekend.  I'm off Monday, so hopefully I won't feel to bad.

* Running tab for cost of care for my breast cancer.  Since diagnosis at the end of March 08, claims totaling $187,000.00 submitted to insurance.  And of course this does not include the treatment on Friday, which is typically $23K - 25K.  I am blessed to be insured.  Hopefully Obama will come through for those less fortunate in regards to healthcare!

Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day!