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    BASILIC   15,896
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checking in

Sunday, June 10, 2012

I'm nearly complete with my targeted therapy and am scheduled for my modified radical mastectomy for July 3rd. I'll be in recovery mode after my surgery for 5 weeks and then will begin chemo.

I haven't been very active with SP. I'm too preoccupied with the impending surgery and chemo. I hope it doesn't change me too much afterwards. I hear about so many people who have lasting side effects long after their treatment is over and that worries me a little when I let myself think about it.
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FITVALGAL 6/16/2012 1:10PM

    Best of luck with your surgery and chemo! I agree that this is a life-changing event, but your positive outlook will make a world of difference, so keep it up!
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BASILIC 6/11/2012 10:49AM

    Funny thing is that since I started this neoadjuvent therapy, I've only seen positive results. So I don't think of the surgery in terms of what they may find, but more like an extra step to capture any stray cells that might try to escape. Same goes with the chemo. I guess my main worries are more about how I will cope with it all, and what if any residual effects I might have after the treatment is finished. I'm on a support group for women with my type of cancer, and frankly, I'm thinking of dropping out of it for a while. There are too many scary stories out there.

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MORTICIAADDAMS 6/10/2012 11:22PM

    Worry is one of the worst things you can do. Have a positive attitude. Meditate and get your post op song therapy together. Surround yourself with positive people. Cancer is not who you are. It's a temporary parasite you are ridding yourself of. Visualize your immune system attacking these invaders and getting rid of them. Visualize yourself as healed and healthy and happy. This is your future.

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BASILIC 6/10/2012 7:20PM

    I'll be on AC for 4 cycles, starting 5 weeks after surgery, and then on Taxotere and Herceptin for 4 cycles. I then continue on with 4 cycles of Herceptin and will top off with radiation.

The targeted therapy (Herceptin and Tykerb) has been fairly easy, with not too many bad side effects. I bought a big bottle of Imodium at the beginning of treatment in anticipation of GI issues but I've probably taken less than a dozen since the drug trial started.

Beaux is doing well now that he is on a sock-free diet.

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Comment edited on: 6/10/2012 7:21:48 PM

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WATERMELLEN 6/10/2012 3:43PM

    Understandably you re preoccupied: there is a lot on your mind. It's tough getting through what you're dealing with, and in my own experience (and that of others) can take a while to recover. So don't rush yourself, day at a time . . . and keep on keeping on. There is lots of support here.

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LOGOULD 6/10/2012 6:25AM

    Thanks for the update! I will continue to be holding you up in prayer. I'm sure the lasting side effects of the chemo will be minimal if at all. It sounds like you and your Dr's are persuing a wise course of action. Unfortunately, I will be out of the country (most likely with no access to Spark) from 7/3-17, but please know how many of us are thinking of , praying for and loving you and your spirit of tenacity. You're going to be great! emoticon emoticon emoticon

Comment edited on: 6/10/2012 6:26:57 AM

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RAINBOWFALLS 6/10/2012 6:25AM

    I 'm glad to hear from you and I would think this type of life event would change you to some extent, but I usually find it makes a person an even better version of who they already are. Not that you aren't already a great person. My prayers are with you. emoticon emoticon

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STRIVER57 6/10/2012 5:35AM

    i would think you'd be preoccupied! i'm interpreting this as everything is still as on-track as possible because that's what i hope you're saying.
there are a phase III study presented at the recent meeting of the AAClinical Oncology about duloxetine being effective for chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy ... conceivably something to look into.
and how is Beau doing?
take care.


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