[Sheila]

Quick update...my sister had bilateral mastectomy 1 week ago. Lucky she opted for this, as they found a IDC on the other side that did not show on the mammo, the breast MRI, or the ultrasound. They also found a second IDC on the left affected side, where the papillary BC was found. They did bilateral sentinal nodes and all nodes taken 7 & 5 were negative....she will find out her course of treatment when she meets with the onc. on the 10th....she is Triple Neg. by IHC and Fish. She spent a few days with me after her surgery, which took 6 hours on the table as she had tissue expanders placed. She also required 2 units of blood. She came home with 4 JP drains, hoping to get 3 out when she sees the Plastic Surgeon Monday.

As for me, the Gemzar is not only doing a number on my nodes, but also on my other blood cells...I was unable to get my 3rd treatment this week as my white blood cells, my hemoglobin, my neutrophils, my platelets etc were all too low.....1st time ever on everything but the whites! If not improved, I will be getting a transfusion to boost my hemoglobin....so I am in a holding pattern, hoping my CBC shows a miraculous recovery. I am very happy that the nodes are shrinking after just 2 treatments....I also got the Decadron discontinued, and am working on getting the Zofran IV stopped if possible....