January 27th...

I've had so many people say to me that they check my blog for updates all the time so now I'm feeling the pressure to come up with some news to report!!


Well, there isn't too much to report right now ~ just having my chemo - two Fridays (oops I meant Mondays)  in a row and then one week off. This chemo doesn't have the same side effects as my first rounds; hair isn't falling out, no muscle loss yet (actually, maybe that's because I DON'T HAVE ANY MUSCLES LEFT!!) nails seem to be hanging on nicely and only a few days of feeling really horrible and bound to my bed. I still have to take Neupogen injections which help my body to make new white blood cells so that I can get my next chemo and not catch one of the many bugs my children bring home. It works wonders but causes extreme bone pain after a couple of injections so I'm always trying to do the minimal amount of times; just enough to get up my cell count but not enough to start the pain (I equate the pain with bad back labour).

On Feb 1st I go in for surgery to have a port-o-cath placed in my chest. This is a little device that sits under your skin and allows for the chemo to access your body directly rather than having to get set up with an IV every time. I had one put in during my first round of chemo but had it removed during the mastectomy thinking I wouldn't need it anymore (wishful thinking). It really grosses me out because you can feel it under your skin but it doesn't interfere with daily activities and is WAY easier than having a IV. This past Monday I was poked six times before they got the vein - and these nurses are the experts! Anyway, it will be way easier once I have the port.


I haven't been able to start the local hyperthermia with Dr. Parmar yet because I have to get there on the same day as my chemo and so far I haven't been able to get there in time. My chemo always seems to take way longer than it's suppose to. Now, I've decided that I will wait to start the hyperthermia until after after my PET scan which should be in a few weeks. That way we'll have a baseline to monitor how or if it is working. It will also tell us what part of my body we should be focusing it on.


We are still waiting to hear if our extended health is going to cover the $12,400. a month cost for Avastin.


I have a good feeling that this chemotherapy is working so I am very excited and anxious to have my next PET scan. I don't have a date yet but I will update next when I find out when it will be.


Thank you again to everyone who continues to read my blog and everyone who has been donating and supporting the fundraisers. I am constantly overwhelmed with gratitude and continuously wonder what I can possibly do to repay everyone when I am better!