Other than Cancer: What's going on in your life?
 

http://s38.photobucket.com/user/tracy_arcari1/library/SO....

What's happening in your life, right now?

I will start. On Friday, my dog became a "father". This is the first, and likely only, litter he has or will sire, though we did bank semen for future use. Three males were born, red blue and gold. One of these kids will come to live with me in early February and will train to be my next show and service dog.
http://s38.photobucket.com/user/tracy_arcari1/library/
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e1...pswinyabsh.jpg

Re: Other than Cancer: What's going on in your life?
 

Working on a big multi-part documentary for HBO (that's all I can say since they haven't announced it formally yet). Great group of people that I'm working with. I work freelance so I go from project to project.

Re: Other than Cancer: What's going on in your life?
 

I have nothing special going on, but I am busy getting ready for the holidays. I’m done my Christmas decorating, shopping and wrapping, and my two cousins are coming by on Sunday to help me finish the Christmas baking. This is always busy time of the year for me, but I love it. I can’t wait for the holidays!

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12/15 – First mammogram
01/16 – Second mammogram and ultrasound.
01/16 – Meet surgeon and go for third mammogram, second ultrasound and biopsy. Surgeon confirms cancer in left breast and lymph nodes and sets surgery date.
01/16 – Chest scan and bone scan done– all looks good.
02/16 – Surgery - left breast mastectomy and 16 lymph nodes removed (8 had cancer).
02/16 – CT scan done – small nodules on lung but Doctor advises it’s normal. They will continue to monitor just in case.
03/16 – Meet radiation oncologist and find out results of Pathology Report. I’m told that I have locally advanced breast cancer, based on the size of my tumour (7 cm!) and the fact that they found cancer cells in eight lymph nodes. I’m also told that I’m HER 2 positive, and that my cancer is stage 3, grade 2.
03/16 – Meet oncologist and am told that my cancer is actually grade 3, and that I should have done chemo before surgery. Too late now!
03/16 – Start first of six doses of chemo (Carboplatin and Docetaxal) and Herceptin (for one year).
04/16 – Have port put in.
04/16 – Get second dose of chemo, but Docetaxal is left out due to liver enzymes being high. I was unable to get a full dose of Docetaxal after my first treatment.
06/16 – Finished chemo! One month off and then I start radiation.
06/16 – Start Tamoxifen.
07/16 – First radiation treatment – 24 more to go!
08/16 – Went for Genetic Testing to see if I have the BRCA gene. Tested negative for BRCA I and II
08/16 – Radiation oncologist biopsies “scar tissue” on my scar.
08/16 – I am told that I have a “local recurrence” and need to have rush surgery.
09/16 – Meet surgeon who advises that I need to meet with a plastic surgeon, as they will need to do a skin graft to close me up after surgery.
09/16 – Go for rush ultrasound, bone scan, breast MRI and CT scan.
09/16 – Meet plastic surgeon and all looks good. A surgery date is set for October 4.
09/16 – Meet oncologist who advises that the ultrasound and bone scan results look good, and that MRI shows three small masses at surgery site, but lymph nodes are clear. Still awaiting the results of the CT scan, but we are positive it will look good.
09/16 – Get a call from my oncologist, who advises that CT scan shows small spots on my lungs, and a large lymph node in the middle of my chest. This means the cancer has spread! She looks into getting me funded for TDM1 and cancels my surgery.
10/16 – Meet oncologist, who advises that I have to take Perjeta before I can take TDM1. I start Perjeta/Herceptin every three weeks for an indefinite amount of time, and Taxol, which I will take two weeks in a row with one week off and then two weeks in a row for 8-16 treatments.
10/16 – Stop Tamoxifen.
10/16 – Meet surgeon, who reviews my CT scan and advises that the spots on my lungs may not be cancer, and that he doesn’t see a lymph node in my chest. He thinks it’s a spot on my lung. I’m feeling very confused! He advises that my oncologist doesn’t want me to have surgery to remove the three small masses on my scar line, as she wants to use them as a way to determine if the treatment is working. He advises that if they have not shrunk in 6 months, he will revisit surgery.
10/16 – CEA blood test to determine Tumour markers. Results were normal (2.7). My doctor advises that this could mean two things: (1) that the treatment is working, and the tumours are shrinking, or (2), that I'm one of those people who never get elevated CEA levels. Given that some people never get an elevated CEA level, this test doesn’t seem very accurate to me! Asked for PET scan, but am told I don’t qualify.
10/16 – Brain MRI – NED!
11/16 - CA-15-30 blood test – Tumour markers are normal at 19.
11/16 – Second CEA blood test – Tumours markers are still normal at 1.6
11/16 – Second CA-15-30 bloot test – Tumour markers are still normal at 19
11/16 – Develop lymphedema and have to wear a sleeve
12/16 – CT Scan scheduled for December 14. I can’t wait to find out if the Perjeta is working!

Re: Other than Cancer: What's going on in your life?
 

That sounds really interesting, KonaGirl! I can't wait to hear more about it.

Tiffany, December is a crazy month but it's one of my favorites. This year, I am going to bake until I run out of room to put stuff.

Re: Other than Cancer: What's going on in your life?
 

Greetings ladies! I just got back from visiting my family for Thanksgiving. Now I'm looking for tickets for my mom and 7 y/o nephew to visit me during his winter break.
I found out about my mets last March. Happy that I've been able to squeeze 2 trips home (Puerto Rico), two trips to Boston for 2nd opinion consultations, and a couple of trips for work too.
I pray that our amazing her2 drugs keep working their magic and allow all of us to extend our lives and enjoy each day

Re: Other than Cancer: What's going on in your life?
 

I have to ask...what breed of dog is the proud Papa? I couldnt tell by the picture?

I am planning 2 Christmas parties right now - one for family and another for neighborhood friends. I have lots of baking to do, which I really enjoy. Especially eating all the baked goods. This is also a busy time for work- getting proposals for 2017 done and hopefully approved! It's great to watch the old Holiday favorites on tv and dvr - How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Its a Wonderful Life, Charlie Brown, Rudolph.... Does anyone remember Suzy Snowflake or Hardrock, CoCo and Joe black and white cartoons?

Re: Other than Cancer: What's going on in your life?
 

Suzy Snowflake, yes!

Travel. families, parties and baking. That's good living.

He's a Rottweiler. His at home name is 'Vator, as in Excavator. He lives up to his name. His name about town is, AIRK Nat'l V2 CH VonKiltzen's Klear the Way TT CHIC 74437. He's just 'Vator to me. Kind of a strong, simple fellow, think "I pick things up and put things down". He makes me laugh every day. I do hope his son is just a tad bit more serious about life, a good service dog must be.

Re: Other than Cancer: What's going on in your life?
 

I finished my Christmas baking yesterday, and now I’m ready to enjoy the holidays!

I am also planning a couple of trips to Europe for next year. I usually go away very year, but I had to cancel my trip to Europe last fall as I was told by my radiation oncologist that I would need rush surgery. It turns out that I did not need rush surgery, and, when I spoke to my oncologist about starting my new treatment schedule, she asked me why I canceled my trip as I could have still gone. I was not happy when she told me this, but, what can you do. Now, I’m planning a trip to Croatia in the spring, and trip to Spain in the fall. I’ve been to Spain before, but it was years ago, and, I’ve never been to Northern Spain, so we are going to check out that area while we are there. I’m looking forward to both trips!

¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬ ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
12/15 – First mammogram
01/16 – Second mammogram and ultrasound.
01/16 – Meet surgeon and go for third mammogram, second ultrasound and biopsy. Surgeon confirms cancer in left breast and lymph nodes and sets surgery date.
01/16 – Chest scan and bone scan done– all looks good.
02/16 – Surgery - left breast mastectomy and 16 lymph nodes removed (8 had cancer).
02/16 – CT scan done – small nodules on lung but Doctor advises it’s normal. They will continue to monitor just in case.
03/16 – Meet radiation oncologist and find out results of Pathology Report. I’m told that I have locally advanced breast cancer, based on the size of my tumour (7 cm!) and the fact that they found cancer cells in eight lymph nodes. I’m also told that I’m HER 2 positive, and that my cancer is stage 3, grade 2.
03/16 – Meet oncologist and am told that my cancer is actually grade 3, and that I should have done chemo before surgery. Too late now!
03/16 – Start first of six doses of chemo (Carboplatin and Docetaxal) and Herceptin (for one year).
04/16 – Have port put in.
04/16 – Get second dose of chemo, but Docetaxal is left out due to liver enzymes being high. I was unable to get a full dose of Docetaxal after my first treatment.
06/16 – Finished chemo! One month off and then I start radiation.
06/16 – Start Tamoxifen.
07/16 – First radiation treatment – 24 more to go!
08/16 – Went for Genetic Testing to see if I have the BRCA gene. Tested negative for BRCA I and II
08/16 – Radiation oncologist biopsies “scar tissue” on my scar.
08/16 – I am told that I have a “local recurrence” and need to have rush surgery.
09/16 – Meet surgeon who advises that I need to meet with a plastic surgeon, as they will need to do a skin graft to close me up after surgery.
09/16 – Go for rush ultrasound, bone scan, breast MRI and CT scan.
09/16 – Meet plastic surgeon and all looks good. A surgery date is set for October 4.
09/16 – Meet oncologist who advises that the ultrasound and bone scan results look good, and that MRI shows three small masses at surgery site, but lymph nodes are clear. Still awaiting the results of the CT scan, but we are positive it will look good.
09/16 – Get a call from my oncologist, who advises that CT scan shows small spots on my lungs, and a large lymph node in the middle of my chest. This means the cancer has spread! She looks into getting me funded for TDM1 and cancels my surgery.
10/16 – Meet oncologist, who advises that I have to take Perjeta before I can take TDM1. I start Perjeta/Herceptin every three weeks for an indefinite amount of time, and Taxol, which I will take two weeks in a row with one week off and then two weeks in a row for 8-16 treatments.
10/16 – Stop Tamoxifen.
10/16 – Meet surgeon, who reviews my CT scan and advises that the spots on my lungs may not be cancer, and that he doesn’t see a lymph node in my chest. He thinks it’s a spot on my lung. I’m feeling very confused! He advises that my oncologist doesn’t want me to have surgery to remove the three small masses on my scar line, as she wants to use them as a way to determine if the treatment is working. He advises that if they have not shrunk in 6 months, he will revisit surgery.
10/16 – CEA blood test to determine Tumour markers. Results were normal (2.7). My doctor advises that this could mean two things: (1) that the treatment is working, and the tumours are shrinking, or (2), that I'm one of those people who never get elevated CEA levels. Given that some people never get an elevated CEA level, this test doesn’t seem very accurate to me! Asked for PET scan, but am told I don’t qualify.
10/16 – Brain MRI – NED!
11/16 - CA-15-30 blood test – Tumour markers are normal at 19.
11/16 – Second CEA blood test – Tumours markers are still normal at 1.6
11/16 – Second CA-15-30 bloot test – Tumour markers are still normal at 19
11/16 – Develop lymphedema and have to wear a sleeve
12/16 – CT Scan scheduled for December 14. I can’t wait to find out if the Perjeta is working!

Re: Other than Cancer: What's going on in your life?
 

I'm busting my buns trying to keep from being kicked out of my PhD program. I'm behind schedule, and they laid down the law in November--pass 2 comprehensive exams and submit a prospectus by the end of the school year, or else.

I took and passed one exam in November 2015. This Friday I did the second one--7.5 hours, 4 questions, 7,500 words. I think my adviser really wants to get me through this. He just needs me to hold up my end. For that reason I'm fairly confident I passed.

I'm studying social ethics at Boston University School of Theology. I plan to research leadership in diverse United Methodist Churches. I have designed a methodology in connection with a research fellowship I did, and it's a pretty discrete topic, so if I live long enough it's definitely within the realm of possibility.

To help make ends meet I have three roommates. One of them has a sweet dog who's a Lab/Bulldog mix. She's smart and friendly and well trained. I like the people, and it's also nice to have a resident dog.

When I'm done with the "ABD PDQ" ("all but dissertation pretty darn quick) I plan to go visit my daughter and son-in-law in Abu Dhabi. They both just moved there--a job promotion for her, a new job for him. The deadline for a first-timer to submit a prospectus is April 7, so I figure I could book a flight for April 8 if I wanted.

Thank you so much for asking this question, Tracy! And the puppies are adorable.

Re: Other than Cancer: What's going on in your life?
 

Good for you for getting your PhD Amy, and I hope you get caught up soon!

¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬ ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
12/15 – First mammogram
01/16 – Second mammogram and ultrasound.
01/16 – Meet surgeon and go for third mammogram, second ultrasound and biopsy. Surgeon confirms cancer in left breast and lymph nodes and sets surgery date.
01/16 – Chest scan and bone scan done– all looks good.
02/16 – Surgery - left breast mastectomy and 16 lymph nodes removed (8 had cancer).
02/16 – CT scan done – small nodules on lung but Doctor advises it’s normal. They will continue to monitor just in case.
03/16 – Meet radiation oncologist and find out results of Pathology Report. I’m told that I have locally advanced breast cancer, based on the size of my tumour (7 cm!) and the fact that they found cancer cells in eight lymph nodes. I’m also told that I’m HER 2 positive, and that my cancer is stage 3, grade 2.
03/16 – Meet oncologist and am told that my cancer is actually grade 3, and that I should have done chemo before surgery. Too late now!
03/16 – Start first of six doses of chemo (Carboplatin and Docetaxal) and Herceptin (for one year).
04/16 – Have port put in.
04/16 – Get second dose of chemo, but Docetaxal is left out due to liver enzymes being high. I was unable to get a full dose of Docetaxal after my first treatment.
06/16 – Finished chemo! One month off and then I start radiation.
06/16 – Start Tamoxifen.
07/16 – First radiation treatment – 24 more to go!
08/16 – Went for Genetic Testing to see if I have the BRCA gene. Tested negative for BRCA I and II
08/16 – Radiation oncologist biopsies “scar tissue” on my scar.
08/16 – I am told that I have a “local recurrence” and need to have rush surgery.
09/16 – Meet surgeon who advises that I need to meet with a plastic surgeon, as they will need to do a skin graft to close me up after surgery.
09/16 – Go for rush ultrasound, bone scan, breast MRI and CT scan.
09/16 – Meet plastic surgeon and all looks good. A surgery date is set for October 4.
09/16 – Meet oncologist who advises that the ultrasound and bone scan results look good, and that MRI shows three small masses at surgery site, but lymph nodes are clear. Still awaiting the results of the CT scan, but we are positive it will look good.
09/16 – Get a call from my oncologist, who advises that CT scan shows small spots on my lungs, and a large lymph node in the middle of my chest. This means the cancer has spread! She looks into getting me funded for TDM1 and cancels my surgery.
10/16 – Meet oncologist, who advises that I have to take Perjeta before I can take TDM1. I start Perjeta/Herceptin every three weeks for an indefinite amount of time, and Taxol, which I will take two weeks in a row with one week off and then two weeks in a row for 8-16 treatments.
10/16 – Stop Tamoxifen.
10/16 – Meet surgeon, who reviews my CT scan and advises that the spots on my lungs may not be cancer, and that he doesn’t see a lymph node in my chest. He thinks it’s a spot on my lung. I’m feeling very confused! He advises that my oncologist doesn’t want me to have surgery to remove the three small masses on my scar line, as she wants to use them as a way to determine if the treatment is working. He advises that if they have not shrunk in 6 months, he will revisit surgery.
10/16 – CEA blood test to determine Tumour markers. Results were normal (2.7). My doctor advises that this could mean two things: (1) that the treatment is working, and the tumours are shrinking, or (2), that I'm one of those people who never get elevated CEA levels. Given that some people never get an elevated CEA level, this test doesn’t seem very accurate to me! Asked for PET scan, but am told I don’t qualify.
10/16 – Brain MRI – NED!
11/16 - CA-15-30 blood test – Tumour markers are normal at 19.
11/16 – Second CEA blood test – Tumours markers are still normal at 1.6
11/16 – Second CA-15-30 bloot test – Tumour markers are still normal at 19
11/16 – Develop lymphedema and have to wear a sleeve
12/16 – CT Scan scheduled for December 14. I can’t wait to find out if the Perjeta is working!

Re: Other than Cancer: What's going on in your life?
 

This is a great thread! Really fun to read about the puppies, the baking, the scholars and the artists.

Re: Other than Cancer: What's going on in your life?
 

Busy with my kids activities, oldest daughter plays varsity basketball and youngest is in club soccer which just won a regional qualifying tournament and will be playing against teams from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Texas. So more traveling for me in the spring. I love this age I was very athletic, still am, and so enjoy watching my kids success in their sports as I know will wind down for my oldest when she goes to college.

Re: Other than Cancer: What's going on in your life?
 

Fantastic activities ladies! I'm just busy working, but frankly happy to be able to work as I do have a few medical bills to still pay. They finally announced the project I'm working on officially. It's the 4 part HBO documentary about music moguls Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine directed by Allen Hughes. Scheduled to air in April. My husband and I are staying in town for the Holiday's (I may have to work and that's okay). Need to get out our decorations this weekend so it's a little more festive. Nice day today here in Southern California.

Re: Other than Cancer: What's going on in your life?
 

Update: I flunked the exam! I've never flunked anything else in my entire life!!!

I blame the steroids. When I re-read what I wrote, I had to concede I might have flunked me too.

It was an 8-hour, closed book, closed notes exam, four questions. Until 2 days before it began my adviser thought I was going to do a 72-hour, open book exam--basically write 4 term papers in 3 days. I think to some extent I was "set up" to fail. I had the questions in advance (8 in all, my adviser had the right to designate which four I would answer--he let me pick), and studied, but I think they were too broad to answer adequately in two hours each.

I got permission to take it again, and this time I opted for the 72 hour format. I began at 9 am on January 6, and hit the "send" button at 8 am on January 9. I haven't heard back yet.

This time I went kind of overboard. I wrote A LOT. After sending it in, I told my adviser and second reader about the extenuating circumstances. And it finally dawned on me that I do have a real disability. I am capable of doing the research and writing the dissertation, because it's a more or less discrete task. But in the open-ended, high-stress context of a comprehensive exam, I am at a disadvantage.

So, belatedly, I have officially informed the University of my disability (which I've had the whole time I've been a doctoral student), and I have asked for reasonable accommodation, whatever that might look like. I am scheduled to talk about it with the director of the disability office tomorrow.

Re: Other than Cancer: What's going on in your life?
 

I’m sorry to hear that Amy. I hope after you talk to the director about your situation, that they give you another chance to write the exam. Keep us posted regarding the outcome of your meeting.

On another note, I love your new picture. Your wig really suits you.


¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬ ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
12/15 – First mammogram
01/16 – Second mammogram and ultrasound.
01/16 – Meet surgeon and go for third mammogram, second ultrasound and biopsy. Surgeon confirms cancer in left breast and lymph nodes and sets surgery date.
01/16 – Chest scan and bone scan done– all looks good.
02/16 – Surgery - left breast mastectomy and 16 lymph nodes removed (8 had cancer).
02/16 – CT scan done – small nodules on lung but Doctor advises it’s post surgical. They will continue to monitor just in case.
03/16 – Meet radiation oncologist and find out results of Pathology Report. I’m told that I have locally advanced breast cancer, based on the size of my tumour (7 cm!) and the fact that they found cancer cells in eight lymph nodes. I’m also told that I’m HER 2 positive, with high levels of estrogen and progesterone and that my cancer is stage 3, grade 2.
03/16 – Meet oncologist and am told that my cancer is actually grade 3, and that I should have done chemo before surgery. Too late now!
03/16 – Start first of six doses of chemo (Carboplatin and Docetaxal) and Herceptin (for 18 months).
04/16 – Have port put in.
04/16 – Get second dose of chemo, but Docetaxal is left out due to liver enzymes being high. I was unable to get a full dose of Docetaxal after my first treatment.
06/16 – Finished chemo! One month off and then I start radiation.
06/16 – Start Tamoxifen.
07/16 – First radiation treatment – 24 more to go!
08/16 – Went for Genetic Testing to see if I have the BRCA gene. Tested negative for BRCA I and II
08/16 – Radiation oncologist biopsies “scar tissue” on my scar. I am told that I have a local recurrence and need to have rush surgery.
09/16 – Meet surgeon who advises that I need to meet with a plastic surgeon, as they will need to do a skin graft to close me up after surgery. Meet plastic surgeon and all looks good. A surgery date is set for October 4.
09/16 – Go for rush ultrasound, bone scan, breast MRI and CT scan.
09/16 – Meet oncologist who advises that the ultrasound and bone scan results look good, and that MRI shows three small masses at surgery site, but lymph nodes are clear. Still awaiting the results of the CT scan, but we are positive it will look good.
09/16 – Get a call from my oncologist, who advises that CT scan shows small spots on my lungs, and a large lymph node in the middle of my chest. This means the cancer has spread! She looks into getting me funded for TDM-1 and cancels my surgery.
10/16 – Meet oncologist, who advises that I have to take Perjeta before I can take TDM1. I start Perjeta/Herceptin every three weeks for an indefinite amount of time, and Taxol, which I will take two weeks in a row with one week off and then two weeks in a row for 8-16 treatments. Stop Tamoxifen.
10/16 – Meet surgeon, who reviews my CT scan and advises that the spots on my lungs may not be cancer, and that he doesn’t see a lymph node in my chest. He thinks it’s a spot on my lung. I’m feeling very confused! He advises that my oncologist doesn’t want me to have surgery to remove the three small masses on my scar line, as she wants to use them as a way to determine if the treatment is working. He advises that if they have not shrunk in 6 months, he will revisit surgery.
10/16 – CEA blood test to determine Tumour markers. Results were normal (2.7). My doctor advises that this could mean two things: (1) that the treatment is working, and the tumours are shrinking, or (2), that I'm one of those people who never get elevated CEA levels. Given that some people never get an elevated CEA level, this test doesn’t seem very accurate to me! Asked for PET scan, but am told I don’t qualify.
10/16 – Brain MRI – NED!
11/16 - CA-15-30 blood test – Tumour markers are normal at 19.
11/16 – Second CEA blood test – Tumours markers are still normal at 1.6
11/16 – Second CA-15-30 bloot test – Tumour markers are still normal at 19
11/16 – Develop lymphedema and have to wear a sleeve
12/16 – CT Scan shows that the tumors on my lungs and the lymph node in the middle of my chest are shrinking, and that some have resolved. Also, the small masses along my scar line are no longer visible. This means the medication is working!
12/16 – Small “pimple” shows up where old tumour on chest wall was located. Doctor is going to monitor it for now.

Re: Other than Cancer: What's going on in your life?
 

The Director said she would get me a one-year extension on both the pre-dissertation requirements and the 7 year "statute of limitations." I need an evaluation from my doctor, and she has said she'll do whatever it takes.

I am very relieved. In addition to my desire to be a scholar, there's also the awesome health insurance that I have through the university. I need that.

Amy

Re: Other than Cancer: What's going on in your life?
 

Amy,

Kudos to you for pursuing your goal to be a scholar. I'm glad to see that you informed the school about your health issues. They are legitimate and exactly why "reasonable accommodations" exist.

Glad your roommate situation is working out. Sometimes furry roommates are the best roommates!

Take Care,
Brenda

BTW, I agree with Tiffany. The wig looks great on you!

Re: Other than Cancer: What's going on in your life?
 

The fact that you are even pursuing your degree is a WIN in my book. My ability to comprehend and retain information is gone, totally and completely gone. I hope they can make reasonable accommodations for you. What would help you, more time?

Fingers crossed that the next round goes your way. Even if it doesn't, I think you are amazing.

Re: Other than Cancer: What's going on in your life?
 

Puppy landed here last night! He's awesome. 'Nuff said. I can't figure out how to post a picture here but my FB profile is public. you can't miss him.

My soul is healing.

Re: Other than Cancer: What's going on in your life?
 

I’m glad to hear that Amy. I’m sure this is a tremendous relief for you.

I’m glad you got your puppy Tracy! I wish I could have a dog, but I’m not home enough to have one. Someday.

¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬ ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
12/15 – First mammogram
01/16 – Second mammogram and ultrasound.
01/16 – Meet surgeon and go for third mammogram, second ultrasound and biopsy. Surgeon confirms cancer in left breast and lymph nodes and sets surgery date.
01/16 – Chest scan and bone scan done– all looks good.
02/16 – Surgery - left breast mastectomy and 16 lymph nodes removed (8 had cancer).
02/16 – CT scan done – small nodules on lung but Doctor advises it’s post surgical. They will continue to monitor just in case.
03/16 – Meet radiation oncologist and find out results of Pathology Report. I’m told that I have locally advanced breast cancer, based on the size of my tumour (7 cm!) and the fact that they found cancer cells in eight lymph nodes. I’m also told that I’m HER 2 positive, with high levels of estrogen and progesterone and that my cancer is stage 3, grade 2.
03/16 – Meet oncologist and am told that my cancer is actually grade 3, and that I should have done chemo before surgery. Too late now!
03/16 – Start first of six doses of chemo (Carboplatin and Docetaxal) and Herceptin (for 18 months).
04/16 – Have port put in.
04/16 – Get second dose of chemo, but Docetaxal is left out due to liver enzymes being high. I was unable to get a full dose of Docetaxal after my first treatment.
06/16 – Finished chemo! One month off and then I start radiation.
06/16 – Start Tamoxifen.
07/16 – First radiation treatment – 24 more to go!
08/16 – Went for Genetic Testing to see if I have the BRCA gene. Tested negative for BRCA I and II
08/16 – Radiation oncologist biopsies “scar tissue” on my scar. I am told that I have a local recurrence and need to have rush surgery.
09/16 – Meet surgeon who advises that I need to meet with a plastic surgeon, as they will need to do a skin graft to close me up after surgery. Meet plastic surgeon and all looks good. A surgery date is set for October 4.
09/16 – Go for rush ultrasound, bone scan, breast MRI and CT scan.
09/16 – Meet oncologist who advises that the ultrasound and bone scan results look good, and that MRI shows three small masses at surgery site, but lymph nodes are clear. Still awaiting the results of the CT scan, but we are positive it will look good.
09/16 – Get a call from my oncologist, who advises that CT scan shows small spots on my lungs, and a large lymph node in the middle of my chest. This means the cancer has spread! She looks into getting me funded for TDM-1 and cancels my surgery.
10/16 – Meet oncologist, who advises that I have to take Perjeta before I can take TDM1. I start Perjeta/Herceptin every three weeks for an indefinite amount of time, and Taxol, which I will take two weeks in a row with one week off and then two weeks in a row for 8-16 treatments. Stop Tamoxifen.
10/16 – Meet surgeon, who reviews my CT scan and advises that the spots on my lungs may not be cancer, and that he doesn’t see a lymph node in my chest. He thinks it’s a spot on my lung. I’m feeling very confused! He advises that my oncologist doesn’t want me to have surgery to remove the three small masses on my scar line, as she wants to use them as a way to determine if the treatment is working. He advises that if they have not shrunk in 6 months, he will revisit surgery.
10/16 – CEA blood test to determine Tumour markers. Results were normal (2.7). My doctor advises that this could mean two things: (1) that the treatment is working, and the tumours are shrinking, or (2), that I'm one of those people who never get elevated CEA levels. Given that some people never get an elevated CEA level, this test doesn’t seem very accurate to me! Asked for PET scan, but am told I don’t qualify.
10/16 – Brain MRI – NED!
11/16 - CA-15-30 blood test – Tumour markers are normal at 19.
11/16 – Second CEA blood test – Tumours markers are still normal at 1.6
11/16 – Second CA-15-30 bloot test – Tumour markers are still normal at 19
11/16 – Develop lymphedema and have to wear a sleeve
12/16 – CT Scan shows that the tumors on my lungs and the lymph node in the middle of my chest are shrinking, and that some have resolved. Also, the small masses along my scar line are no longer visible. This means the medication is working!
12/16 – Small “pimple” shows up where old tumour on chest wall was located. Doctor is going to monitor it for now.