it is a mindset!
I have recently been diagnosed with Stage 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
in my left breast and lymph-nodes.
It has been a rollercoaster!
On Monday 10/5/2020 I went in for a breast exam to check a lump I found in my left breast. I was certain it was scar tissue from infections during breastfeeding the twins. By Monday afternoon I was having a detailed mammogram and ultrasound.
On Tuesday 10/6/2020 I had 8 core biopsies removed from left breast and lymph-nodes. I was certain it was only scar tissue.
On Thursday 10/8/2020 I learned it was indeed Cancer.
CT/PET scan: 10/12/2020 (Stage 4 not found!)
I met my oncologist on 10/15/2020.
I met my surgeon on 10/16/2020.
My pre-chemo MUGA heart scan was performed on 10/17/2020.
Genetic testing labs were taken on 10/23/2020 (results come in about 2 weeks). Update: results in 11/3, all good news. Mastectomy will most likely not be necessary!
Pre-Chemo baseline labs blood labs were taken on 10/23/2020.
Pre-surgery Covid Test taken on 10/23/2020 (Negative).
Chemo Port implanted in chest on 10/26/2020.
Chemo starts 9am 10/28/2020.
My Treatment Plan
Dose Dense AC-T (DD AC-T), First infusion on 10/28/2020
A: Adriamycin C: Cyclophosphamide T: Paclitaxel (Dose Dense)
AC: Given every 2 weeks for 4 cycles, time in clinic is 2 hours (for about 2 months)
T: Given every 2 weeks for 4 cycles after AC, time in clinic is 4-6 hours (for about 2 months)
MD/NP appointments: 1-5 days Prior to each cycle (Required in order to get treatment)
Most common side effects:
- Nausea and sometimes vomiting
- Mouth sores and taste changes
- Severe Fatigue
- Hair loss (day 17-19) – I will be bald.
- Lowered blood counts
- Numbness and tingling in hands and feet, worse with Paclitaxel
- Bone pain
- Sinus pressure or burning at end of Cyclophosphamide infusion
Surgery likely in late April/early May after 6 weeks of post chemo recovery. Surgery type will depend on genetic testing results and response to chemo therapy. Hoping chemo will reduce significant or eradicate lymph tumor and lumpectomy will be performed on left breast 6 weeks post chemo.
Chemotherapy and/or radiation likely after surgery, followed by anti-hormone therapy.
I will keep you posted. This will probably be a 9-12 month journey to wellness.
Love you, Beven. Sending you many hearts and sparkles.
Wow Beven, things really moved so fast- I’m so inspired by your courage!!! Having only learned just now of your recent diagnosis I’m digesting this news and thinking about your family, holding images of you all in my mind and heart. Thank you for sharing, I’m grateful to be included as a part of your circle of support and will follow here.
What?!?! I just read your email this morning and learned about your diagnosis. WTF? I really don’t know what to say at the moment other than I love you, and will hold you in my heart as you go through this challenge.
Standing with you And your family every step of the way!