Well, Monday was Chemo #4, which means I am half way to being done with Chemo!!!!!! Good news, the tumor in my breast measured 1cm smaller horizontally and is softening! Dr. Rabe and I were really happy!
We discussed that this aggressive treatment regime of chemo will most likely eliminate those scattered cells throughout my body and that there will be no need for further chemo after these 8 cycles. I meet with the radiation oncologist in 2 weeks in order to discuss the length, and frequency of my radiation. Radiation will not begin until after my breast surgery. I have an appointment March 14th to meet with my breast surgeon again and set the date for the breast surgery.
If all goes well my last chemo will be at the end of March, I will wait about 3 weeks and then have breast surgery the beginning of April, then wait another 3-4 weeks for wound healing and then beginning radiation.
Yesterday was my last Neulasta shot, so that is also reason for celebration! However, Monday night and Tuesday I was really sick, had hot flashes, and my blood pressure was low, so when I went into get my Neulasta shot they had to give me a bag of fluids.
It has been a bit since I have posted on the blog. I think that I was going through some depressed moods. I continue to struggle with being sick. I hate being weak and in bed. The bone pain makes me feel like an old lady. I go to this healing/support group on Thursday nights, and the patients that attend are of various ages with varying types of cancer. I like the group, but sometimes it is too much. I really struggle with the being sick and weak myself and then there are some patients that are attending the group and they state that they are still working and that they have rarely been sick. It is also hard for me to be around those patients that look like death. The bottom line is is that I am struggling with being a patient and I hate that Sean, my mom, and my girlfriends have to help me so much.
I think the other reason I have had a bit of depressed mood is because I have had to begin focusing on some wedding details lately. I have not even got a dress yet and now I am bald and rarely have any energy, so feeling bridal is really not in the cards these days. So a couple of days that I have felt good I had to go try on some dresses, which has not been the fun experience that most people get to have, oh well! I will try to focus on September when we will have a big party and cancer will not be invited!
Hey, Ashley, that's some pretty good news!! It's great that the treatments are working well. I wish there was some magical thing I could say that would make you feel happier, but I can't. All I can say is that your friends and family love you, that's why we're here to help you. I know it's near impossible, but try to accept the help for what it is, it's a sign that people care about you. Try to stay positive and focus on the things in your control and the people that love you.
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ReplyDeleteWell hallelujah to the shrinking tumor!!!!! It's working!!!!! I'm glad you're going to the group and I think it would be impossible not to compare yourself and your situation to the others there. But you've made the very best decisions for YOU given your specific circumstances, and that is what's important! I love you!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Ashley, I'm so excited about the good news...on the other hand I'm sad for you on the sad and painful news!!!! I so wish you weren't having to go thru all this!!!! We are praying for all the time. I just wish I had some wise words to somehow in a small way help. Just know we Love you!!
ReplyDeleteHang in there sweetie! Before you know it, you'll be walking down that aisle and look (and feel) amazing! So glad the tumor has shrunk! Makes this all worth it! Always thinking of you. God Bless!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the good news! It's a battle, and one that is not easy to fight, but you are doing great. Keep up the good work, and know you are thought of often.
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