During the same visit with my Oncologist, he also gave me permission to switch my Herceptin to once every three weeks, instead of every week. I was almost more excited about this then being done with chemo... doctoring every week is growing very old. This week is my first week since mid-March that I have not had to spend some portion of my week at a medical facility being poked with a needle. I'm enjoying my needle free vacation!
Unfortunately, I will soon become reacquainted with needles (and other painful things) next week, as I will be having my initial reconstructive surgery to start the process of repairing the disfigurement that was done to my body to get rid of the cancer. This will be a long process, starting with surgery, and then involving periodical (about every couple of weeks) injections to stretch the muscles of my chest, and ending with another surgery. I believe the whole process will take 6 months to a year, depending on how frequently and how far we want to stretch the muscles.
I started a new medication this past week... Tamoxifen. This pill reduces the hormones in my body, which since some of my cancer was feeding off hormones, is a good thing. It does have some possible unpleasant side effects. I haven't been on the pill long enough to tell which, if any of the side effects I'll have.
On a good note, my hair is definitely starting to grow back. I'm assuming it will be months before my hair will be thick enough and long enough to go with out a head cover... I will be anxiously awaiting that day. But for now, I have a sparse cover of 1/2 inch to 1 inch long peach fuzz like hair covering most of my head... certainly not stylish or functional, but there!
Oh you dear girl. Thanks for the update. What a journey you've been on. We're all listening/learning and along for the ride. I really do thank you, Heather, for allowing your followers to get a glimpse of what it's like to go through this. We have no clue. And, our hearts and minds and prayers are with you all the way!
ReplyDeleteOh Heather I am so excited for you!!! I've got 3 treatments left. My Dr. did do some changes though. He took me off of oxaliplatin which made my toes numb, tongue feel funny, teeth feel funny and my hair get thin. I did not loose my hair but it has become very thin on top. Enough that I have been wearing a hat. Joel even thinks the hat looks cute. A lady at the clinic the other day said she lost all of her hair after her teatments were done. So I never take anything for granted. Her hair was only about an inch long and she didn't wear a covering. She was so proud of that inch.
ReplyDeleteWe will be praying for you as you go in for surgery. May God help you though it and give you strength. Remember we are both going to be SURVIVORS with God helping us through it all. God Bless You Irene
Irene, Only 3 treatments left? So exciting! I don't know if you have been feeling run down or not with treatments, but it is amazing how much better a person feels within a matter of a couple of weeks of being done with chemotherapy. Hang in there! I, too, have decided hats can be fun and cute! There are a couple hats I have that I will be wearing periodically, even when I have my hair back. Thanks for your prayers and I am lifting you up as well!
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