Breast Cancer Life

It has been 2 weeks and 2 days since my first chemo treatment. I finally feel better. Not quite at my normal energy level. Food taste is still an issue, but no nausea. The hair on the other hand… I took my truck for an oil change yesterday. The waiting room was standing room only […]

November 2, 2018 Today I had an appointment with Dr. Cheryl Jones and to do follow up blood tests following last week’s dismal results. Well, drum roll….. My while blood cell counts are back in the normal range. Its on the low end but its GREAT news. I still do not need to expose myself […]

October 28 – Nov 1 This has been a decent week. Nausea has been very minimal. Although I don’t eat a lot at once and there are many things I just cannot taste I have at more like a normal person this week. My energy levels have improved and I managed three full eight hour […]

October 30, 2018 My health insurance is from the healthcare.gov exchange because my boss had to cancel work insurance back when the laws changed and the rates for small businesses skyrocketed.  The exchange insurance isn’t great to begin with. The deductibles and coinsurance are high. The premiums are are high compared to what I had […]

I want to try to give back. I have had so many complete strangers open up to me about their cancer experiences. They have shared their advise on what they have learned may help get through it. I want to make some chemo care packages to take on my next chemo treatment. I would like […]

October 27, 2018 Since my first chemo treatment the side effects were a bit overwhelming. You see it on others and television but nothing really prepares you for when it is you. You think you are strong, you can power through but your body very quickly lets you know what your real limitations are. Today, […]

October 26, 2018 Today I went for lab work to check my blood levels since chemo 8 days ago. I started the day felling the best I have felt all week. By 2 pm I was starting to feel really tired but I was hoping it is just a natural response to the drizzling rain […]

Chemo was October 19, 2019 From then until October 27 I have felt like I was run over. They sent me home with meds for nausea. I take it every six hours. Eating has been a battle but I learned a few tricks I will share. Metal is a no no. I had my water […]

The goal of breast reconstruction is to restore one or both breasts to near normal shape, appearance, symmetry and size following mastectomy. Breast reconstruction often involves multiple procedures performed in stages and can either begin at the time of mastectomy or be delayed until a later date. Breast reconstruction generally falls into two categories: implant-based reconstruction or […]

Cytoxan ® Generic Name: Cyclophosphamide Other Trade Name: Neosar® Cyclophosphamide is the generic name for the trade name drug Cytoxan or Neosar. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name Cytoxan or Neosar when referring to the generic drug name cyclophosphamide. Drug Type: Cyclophosphamide is an anti-cancer (“antineoplastic” or “cytotoxic”) chemotherapy drug. This medication is […]

  Ok, yes I am terrified. People get sick and die from chemotherapy. Isn’t this supposed to help me not die from cancer? This is a pretty screwed up system. Its a hard pill for me to swallow that we can clone animals, make artificial internal organs, so many medical advances… but chemo is still […]

Today I saw Dr. Woodyard. He examined my scars and the healing and said although I still have a small seroma it should be absorbed by my body with a little more time. He said it all looked great. (That’s a matter of personal opinion I guess) I am to return to him in six […]

October 16, 2018. 10:50 am. Its time to go see Dr. Jones and find out what my chemotherapy treatment will be. She has a good news bad news situation for me. I will do four chemo treatments, as it was removed before the size changed it to a Stage II. The bad part, I guess, […]

October 8, 1, 15 & 18 of 2018 Due to being too careful with my arm I now require physical therapy to get my range of motion back. There will be four visits plus twice a day HOMEWORK. Dang you get cancer and homework. Life really isn’t fair. Talking with my therapist I learned the […]

I want to take some time here to talk about what breast cancer really means to a woman.  We women define ourselves by our hair and our breasts. It is what we subconsciously think of that makes us women. Yes, I know we are much more than hair and breasts, but telling that to your […]

September 26, 2018, it’s time to see my surgeon Dr. Woodyard again. Good news! He is removing my drain! Bad news… he is removing my drain. There is nothing given to deaden it or anything. He clips the stitches holding the drain in place and starts pulling it out of me. Thankfully he is quick […]

After getting home and into my own bed there were a few surprises. First off, my bed doesn’t adjust. I bet most of yours do not either. I am a tummy sleeper. This isn’t possible after a mastectomy. The drain is also always in the way no matter how you try to situate. I did […]

Surgery is complete. I looked in the mirror in the bathroom at the hospital. I wanted so bad to cry. But, I will not. I will be brave for my husband who has held my hand and told me I am beautiful even though I know good and well I look like hammered crap. I […]

Its surgery day. My 16 year old will be staying home from school. How could I make him go? He is worried too. As a family we drive to the hospital. Thankfully, even though I cannot eat I am allowed water. WOOHOO! And that is not sarcastic, how people can go to a hospital for […]