The staples were removed today-the boobette is healing fine! Again they warned me about losing my hair. They say with the aggressive chemotherapy, hair loss is a given. So we need to resurrect the headgear discussion. Apparently I will also need a cool stocking cap to keep my head warm! Interestingly, I was also informed that having cancer makes me disabled and my employer has to "accommodate" me. Ha! I told you so, Tara. I want that cushy handicap space by the door! (Just kidding). I'm not at all worried about my employer "accommodating" me.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Good news and bad news
I saw the oncologist today. The tumor was 3.5 centimeters (Stage 2) but it was contained and has not spread to the lymph nodes. The PET Scan revealed a spot under the esophagus that needs a biopsy to determine exactly what it is. It was not a "hot" spot so they think it's probably a cyst. They are hoping to do the biopsy this week. Chemotherapy is scheduled to begin November 4th. Unfortunately because it is an aggressive cancer (HER2+), I will need 18 weeks of chemotherapy which is once every 3 weeks for 6 rounds. During that same time, I will be receiving Herceptin, which specifically targets HER2, kills those cancer cells and decreases the risk of recurrence. Even after chemotherapy is complete, I will continue receiving Herceptin until 1 year has passed. I will also have to take Tamoxifen for 5 years.
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Still got that hand sewn beer mug hat? It might come in handy as the weather gets colder... or at least as something fun to wear into the grocery store. :-)
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear it didn't go to the lymph nodes! And I'm thinking, "cyst, cyst, cyst!"