2 rounds down, 6 to go

I'm so happy to say I have two doses of chemo done!  That means I am 1/4 of the way done with the chemo treatment part of this journey.

In my last post, I complained a little bit about the discomfort of the porta cath procedure...but I sure was grateful for it on the day of chemo (another example of perspective change).  It made the infusion so easy.   The nurse was very cautious and made absolutely sure that the tubing was in place because the effects of the Adriamycin leaking out of the vein is very destructive to the tissue.  I was premedicated with antinausea medicine, and we started the infusion.  I made wiser choices about what I ate for lunch after the infusion this time, so because of that and lots of prayer, I wasn't too nauseated.  It was much less intense than last time.  I did feel under the weather Thursday and Friday, but by Saturday I felt pretty good.

Two more major things happened on Thursday--My hair fell out, and I found out that because of the type of cancer we are fighting, I will be having infusions of an antibody (Herceptin) once a week for one year.

I had been preparing for the time that my hair would come out, but there is really no way to completely emotionally prepare.  Of course all my sons have buzzed heads, so they are standing in unison with me:)  I spent two days with my hair coming out in clumps, so on Friday night Tami and Amy got out the clippers and buzzed my head.  Wow!!!  That was a weird experience.  I don't like the "look" much, but I must admit...showering with a bald head is awesome--it is like a scalp massage.  Now I will be able to participate in the discussions my sons have about how they wash and condition their scalps:):):)  We took video, but I don't think I'm ready to share that yet.  I have lots of knit hats and two wigs, but sometimes it just feels better to have nothing on my head.  However, that is a look I am not quite comfortable with yet.  Is that vanity???

The second new news I got on Thursday was about the need for weekly infusions of Herceptin for one year.  From what I understand, breast cancer will be Estrogen, Progesterone, and Her-2-Neu receptive, either positive or negative.  My breast cancer is all three positive.  Because of this I will take a daily pill for 5 years that will block my body from making Estrogen and Progesterone.  Her-2-Neu is a protein that the cancer cells are overproducing. This type of cancer tends to be more aggressive.  (I guess that explains why I had a completely negative mammogram one year ago, and today it is where it is).   They have found that infusions of an antibody (1-3 weeks apart) are very effective in treating this type of cancer cells.  My doctor says he likes to follow the most conservative treatment plan which would be infusions once a week.  If you are interested in more information on this, I looked it up on this website, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-cancer/AN00495,  I am grateful for this treatment, and was very happy to learn that there are no side effects like nausea, hair loss, fatigue, etc.  My doctor said I will just come in once a week for the one hour appointment and then go on with my life as normal.  Hurray for "Normal"--that is what I am looking forward to.

So, life moves forward! I am so grateful for the easy infusion of chemo this week.  I am grateful for the mild side effects.  I am grateful for my daughter and daughters-in-law, helping me to be "fun and stylish" through this storm:)  Praise God for strength and healing!  I thank God for wrapping His arms around me during this storm.  My family and I are so thankful for the meals that our church has brought to us.  I'm thankful for amazing friends. I am thankful for Answered Prayer!

Please continue to stand beside us in prayer. Please pray that God continues to heal my body, pray that this storm will be used to help others who may be in the middle of a storm in their own life.