GOOD NEWS

All tests were done: blood and whole body PET which I described in my last blog.
I experienced two days of fear and anxiety because the technician told me that - yes sometimes they find new cancer. I could not sleep and was contemplating whether I should do another round of chemo or radiation or just quit if they find anything. Technically the lab technician was right, but I wish they would not tell this to patients.
Well on 30th of April I went to see my oncologist and she was beaming when she said I have good news for you; all tests are negative. No tumors in the body were discovered and PET scan of the body, when compared to last years has shown:
- lymph nodes were reduced in size and cold, showing no cancer activity; no metastasis discovered. So for the next 5 years (assuming I live that long) I have to take one pill a day-
Arimidex. Some data:This drug is an aromatase inhibitor given to postmenopausal woman to
block aromatase, an enzyme needed to make estrogen. My cancer needs hormones
to grow and is called hormone receptor positive. Hormone receptor-positive
tumors appear to grow less aggressively than those that are hormone receptor negative.
Women with tumors that are hormone receptor positive have a lower risk for recurrence.
After menopause estrogen is produced by the adrenal glands.
There are a lot of side effects but I will write about them when and if they occur.
One last thought - I could not have done chemo if I did not have a support of my family and friends and their prayers. So please continue to pray for me.

6th chemo therapy

The 6th chemo therapy and hopefully the last one was done on Wednesday April 1st.
It is possible that what they give has an accumulative effect, because it really hit me with all sorts of side effects harder than the last one. Metallic taste and inability to eat
anything, weakness, and nausea despite the drugs given against it with chemo, diarrhea and constipation... Fun
Now they have a new blood test which tells them if there are any tumors in your body which will be done on 15th of April; then on 22 of April Pet scan of the whole body while they inject you with nuclear medicine.
If I am lucky and the tests will be negative - then they will give me an estrogen fighting pill every day for 5 years and of course monitor me - take blood and flash my portal. Even at my "young age" the body still produces estrogen.

5th CHEMO IS NEXT WEEK

Last week was moderately painful - my right leg was swollen and I had difficulty moving;
but compared with the first time - it was easier.
I wonder is it really easier or I am just getting used to it.
In addition I developed urinary infection and had to take antibiotics for 7 days; also was hit first with diarrhea and after a week with constipation.
Since it was rather cold in my part of the country, I primarily stayed at home and occupied myself with Internet, translation work, TV, reading, telephone conversations and occasional visits from friends.
Next week the next chemo is going to be administrated.
I pray everyday for friends and acquaintances who have cancer and every few days my list grows longer. Recently a very lovely and caring lady discovered she has melanoma near her spine; she was operated on and now has to wait for the results of the lymph node tests. Evidently she was told to check with dermatologist, but being very busy postponed it - just I like did.
Please please do not procrastinate and see a medical doctor and check it out whatever it is!
I also went to "Lilly's " Bra Shop for couple of hours and met over the telephone a very nice young lady, mother of two small children. This lady went for her yearly check up and a little later discovered a lump and had double mastectomy. I advised her about places where she can get wigs.
Speaking of wigs - I bought myself a beautiful wig that I like so much. Imagine an old lady that is so vain that she does not want to take her blond wig off! But I feel young at hearth.

FORTH CHEMO

Great 2/3 done - remains two more.
Actually it was a bit easier because when they did the 3 other chemo there was pain in my legs (from below the knees to my ankles).
This time I told it to my nurse - and she said it might be because they give me Benzedrine
(med against allergic reactions); but since no reaction happened during 3 first times
she decided not to give it to me this time. And it paid off - there was almost no pain.
Believe me I was so glad.
Again I have to say anticipation is worth then reality.
So please,please discuss all your problems, even if they seem trivial.

Surprise

After two first chemo's ,by the third week, my legs were giving me trouble and I could hardly walk.
This time after the third chemo I would wake up every morning and wait for the legs to be swollen and painful, but so far so good...
It is true that the nurse said it may be that one can outgrow the pain in the legs - and she was evidently right. I am so full of joy and want to tell all my colleagues that
there may be some good news even during our difficult journey.
Also sleeping with "xanax" makes all the difference; I have no bad dreams, do not toss and turn
and sleep without anxiety.
On the negative side I developed some sort of red rush on my hands and a bit on feet, which my oncologist tells me is not related to my chemo treatment, but most likely is a virus that is due to my immune deficiency. I read up on it and am nor really looking forward to the possible treatment.
There is a saying that: "if ever there is a very thin material it will tear"; how sad but true.

THIRD CHEMOTERAPY

I spent two weeks in Washington area where my son, his wife and two grandchildren live.
It was so good for my soul; my feet were still hurting but I was concentrating on good emotions and togetherness; so Christmas and New Year we celebrated together very joyfully. It is so good to laugh , love and feel loved - it beats all the medicines.
On 4th of January I was back home in New York area and on 5th started preparation for the 3rd
chemo - bloodwork, steroids, etc. On the 6th of January I underwent the third and middle of my treatment;( like a friend of mine said "the end is near"to which I replied what end?).
So far everything is a repetition of the previous treatments. But anxiety was not bad because I took what my in-law doctor and my oncologist prescribed - medicine zanac or aprozalam and could
sleep without problems. Dear sisters talk to your doctors they really help.