I had my last chemo treatment on March 19th and a clan there to help me celebrate... Flowers, balloons, cupcakes, smiles, friends and family, and oh yeah! a man on a guitar singing James Taylor...great day to celebrate NO MORE CHEMO.
Since March 19th, I have had the drug herceptin alone 5 times already. (I also had herceptin in conjunction with chemo). I go to the cancer center and have the treatment through my port every 3 weeks til the end of the year. I tested HER2 positive, a protein on the surface of the cancer cells that is aggressive and make the cells grow and divide rapidly. Herceptin works by attaching itself to the HER2 receptors on the surface of the breast cancer cells and blocks them from receiving growth signals and slows and hopefully stops the growth of breast cancer. Since I have the aggressive fast growing form of breast cancer, this medication is another tool for the doctors to prevent any further cancer cells from popping up. Again hats off to all those people who have been in the studies of the medications and the biologists and research labs. The side affects of this medication is reduced heart function and shortness of breath. I am monitored by having echo cardiograms every three months. This will only be temporary while on the medication. I hate to say it but I have not worked out in several months so I don't know about any shortness of breath. Soon I will start working out again.
I also started taking a drug called anastrozole (hormone replacement therapy) for 5 years, pill form. This drug reduces the amount of estrogen in my body. The cancer I have is estrogen fed, so we want to reduce any estrogen entering my body to slow and reduce the risk of the cancer spreading and any new cancer from developing. Ladies, please be aware that some personal care products have parabens in them that can mimic the hormone estrogen. Some of the breast cancer cells have traces of paraben in them. Studies are under way if parabens contribute to breast cancer that is estrogen fed. The side affects of anastrozole are fatigue, hot flashes, joint and bone pain, bone thinning and weakening.
In November maybe December I will go into phase 3 and start the process of breast reconstructive surgery. Dr. Song, plastic surgeon, wants to wait until the port is taking out, but my herceptin goes til end of December. I want to pull the port the end of the year in order to get that surgery on this year's insurance. If I have the port taken out, then I would have to have the herceptin through a vein in my arm/hand for a few treatments. I am still weighing my options.
I also want to say that I am off all steroids and sleeping better and eating less. Yeah for that! My hair is growing back too! I mostly go out now without a hat. Sporting the short and sassy do!!!
OK all medical stuff (phase 2) is underway and I am doing super. In April, my sisters had a wedding shower for Justine and went on a cruise with all the kids. Enjoyed all the laughter and special time with our children and future daughter-in-law. No cell phones were awesome too. In May, busy busy busy with lunches, massages, showers, weddings, wine tastings, and dinners. In June, we attended a MS Function and our boys bartenders. A beautiful event to honor our friend Dolores (she facilitated my spiritual night before surgery) who has MS. On June 9th our son, Chris, got married to a lovely woman Justine. A romantic and beautiful intimate ceremony in front of the bell tower in Naperville followed by a reception at Morton's Steakhouse in Naperville. Scott and Lauren were part of the wedding party. At last a wonderful celebration of their love. Ron and I were so happy and proud. There were smiles on every ones face the whole night. The only problem was that it ended and time just flew by. The remainder of June is busy busy busy. In July, we are hosting an Open House to celebrate the marriage of Chris and Justine with over 100 people. So busy....
Since I have found out about my cancer, two of my school friends have also found out they have breast cancer. It is a cancer, that if found early, can be treated with great results. I am thinking of all those afflicted.
I just want to thank you all for hanging in there with me throughout my diagnosis. I know you don't want to hear about my day to day activities so I thought I would update the blog on a quarterly basis. Stay tuned....
I have been so blessed and thank everyone for all the prayers, loving care that I was given.
God's blessings to each and every one!
Joanie
