Round Two: Get wiggy with it…

Hi Everyone,

I think that in my attempt to keep my blog from being too much of a downer, and spewing far too many medical details, I failed to give a few bits of helpful information on my treatment.  First, my chemo treatments are every three weeks and I have 6 chemo sessions.  So that means that after my next chemo on this coming Tuesday, April 14, I am 1/3 of the way through chemo (sounds short and sweet when I put it that way)!  The drugs I am receiving at chemo are: Carboplatin, Taxotere, Herceptin and Perjeta.  This is the standard treatment for breast cancer with triple positive biomarkers (the biomarkers are: HER2, estrogen and progesterone – so I am positive for all three).   The HER2 biomarker is especially important because Herceptin is very effective in treating HER2 positive breast cancer.  My chemo sessions should be:  April 14, May 5, May 26, June 16, and July 7.  Then I have a bit of a break before my surgery. I will likely celebrate the end of my chemo with one red velvet cupcake and a glass of red wine with Chris who will thankfully be here for chemo 6 (and for chemo 3)!

So, my mom and I made it to the wig shop and I am including a few photos for your viewing pleasure!  I don’t know that I will always wear a wig, but figure that it will be good to have the option.  I am also investing in a few scarves and hats. So I will have options and I like options - I may also opt for the Sinead O’connor look occasionally!  Or as Chris suggested, if I buff up my arms a little bit – and put on a camouflage tank top – I could adopt the GI Jane look!  

With bangs (fringe)!

Short and blonde.

Just weird - a female mullet!

Channeling my inner Pink!

Good news!  I received my genetic test results back and I am negative for BRAC and 15 other genes associated with cancer. They had one inconclusive result for one other gene, but said those often turn into negatives, once their testing improves and they aren’t worried about it.  This is all good news because it means that my genetic profile does not indicate the need for a more aggressive treatment plan – hooray!

The winner!

Sad news…We have read that to be on the safe side it is better to not have freshly cut flowers or plants in the house.  You may know that I love flowers!  But they are all now out on the patio (thanks to Spencer for alerting me to this).  Evidently, these items can shed mold or bacteria into the air, and they (or the water they are in) can be a source of infection. So there we are – no flowers or plants for now! I recommend that you go out and buy some for yourselves in my honor.  :)

Actually, I am working on being very careful about germs as I am now immune-compromised due to my chemo.  So we are doing everything we can in the house to be careful about reducing the spread of germs.  This also means that if anyone is sick at all, or even suspects that they might be, I need to keep my distance. Visitors are supposed to wash their hands when they arrive – so it pretty much sounds like the treatment we would give a newborn baby!  Hmmm, once I lose my hair (which is now falling out at pace), I suppose it might all feel like a bit of a re-birth.

Another great meal from mom!

I have been feeling good this week.  I went to a very relaxing reiki session on Tuesday, mindful meditation on Wednesday and restorative yoga on Friday.  I am trying to make the most of this week since I am feeling pretty robust.  Chris (thank you husband!) made me a nice mix of meditation music that I often use to go to sleep to (any recommendations for more good relaxation music are welcome).  I have read two books so far (thank you Sasha and Adrianna for sharing your books and Sara and Jeb for my trilogy!). I am loving all of the book recommendations that have come in.  I think I will also check out some of the movies that have been recommended while I am resting after chemo 2.  

Hands in the air for my walking buddies! I have a growing my list of walking partners! So far, we have my mom, Debbie, Yonie, Stefani, and Martha. This is a great way for me to enjoy friends and get some exercise – so thank you for supporting my attempt to walk every day!

Finally, as with my first chemo, if you can send me a message, photo, link to silly youtube video etc. to make me smile or laugh on Tuesday, April 14th while I am at chemo – I would love it! 

As always, I thank everyone for their love and support! 

X

Jodi