Chemo (1 down 7 more to go)

Thursday February 24, 2011 I received my first of eight chemo therapy treatments. I thought I was going to kick chemo in the butt and be on my way to being a chemo warrior. I planned to hit the streets, do some shopping, plan for the upcoming book fair I will be providing for my students. That is until I got home and all the nausea kicked in and I ended up on the couch for the next two days.

On another note, I’ve received some really awesome emails, text, cards, telephone calls, flowers and so many words of encouragement. Thank you all for thinking of me!

Until next time please enjoy a picture of me and my chemo nurse Ellen.

Genetic Testing Results

In my post on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 I shared with you that I had undergone some genetic testing. Well, I received the results from the test today and learned that I have a BRCA1 mutation. This means that I have a hereditary form of breast cancer. When speaking with the doctors about my condition it was concluded that I most likely inherited the gene from my mother’s side of the family.

I think I handled the news very well. Actually, I kind of suspected that I carried the mutation due to my family history.

My Port

I had my port put in this morning. A port is a round device that is implanted under the skin which is connected to a small tube that enters a vein either in the neck or under the collarbone (mine is under the collarbone).  When I go to use it, a nurse will clean off the skin over the port and place a needle into the port.  I now will have blood drawn, fluids, medications, and chemo administered through the port.

I arrived at the outpatient surgery center at 8:15AM and was in surgery by 9:45AM. I had a really great team of doctors; my surgical oncologist is the best! I don’t remember much about the procedure. However, I can remember is that when I entered the operation room, Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror was playing on the radio, the anesthesiologist inserted anesthesia into in my IV and I was off to “la-la land”. When I awoke up my support team (husband, dad, sister, and aunt) was by my side (Thanks guys).

Here is my port, where all blood will be drawn, and fluids, medications, and chemo will be given.

My Discovery

Three months ago I discovered a lump in my breast (along with 2 swollen lymphoids). My initial thought was, "Ok, I must have pulled a muscle." So I treated my "pulled muscle" with Aleve and a heating pad.

Eventually, I asked Rahien to feel this "knot" on the side of my breast. Sure enough his response was, “yep there's a lump, you need to go to the doctor.”

I must admit that I was a little reluctant to go to the doctor. I just thought that I had over extended myself, but with Rahien’s encouragement I scheduled an appointment for the next day.

So I went to the doctor's office where my doctor verified the lump. From that day on I have been overwhelmed with tests (a mammogram, biopsy, genetic, PET scan, etc.) and doctor’s appointments.

I have been so busy with work, school and doctor’s appointments that I haven’t really had time to digest what is going on with my body. I don’t think that being diagnosed with breast cancer has really hit me yet.

Phillipians 4:11, 13 states, “For I have learned, whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Therefore, I strongly believe that this is just another test of my faith and that I am going to beat this.

I sincerely appreciate all of your support and prayers during the last few weeks. I am so blessed to have an awesome husband, a great family, and good friends. I will continue to keep you up dated on my journey.

Valencia

PET Scan

Yesterday I had a PET scan. From this experience I’ve learned that a PET scan helps physicians effectively pinpoint the source of cancer. This is possible because many cancer cells are highly metabolic and therefore synthesize the radioactive glucose (sugar) that was injected into me prior to the exam. The areas of high glucose uptake are dramatically displayed in the scan imagery, as opposed to the anatomical imagery of CT or MRI, which cannot detect active, viable tumors.

The PET scan can also be used in assisting physicians in determining the best method of treatment for my cancer and detect whether cancer is isolated to one specific area or has spread to other organs.

From yesterday’s PET scan I learned a couple of new things; first, the cancer is isolated to the right side of my body (breast, 2 lymphoids in my armpit, 1 lymphoid near my collarbone and 1 lymphoid near my chest). Second, the lump in my breast is a lot bigger than what I was originally told instead of 2cm it is 6cm.

Genetic Testing and MRIs

It’s been a busy week. Along with work other daily activities I had genetic testing done on Monday and an MRI done on Tuesday.

Genetic Testing

Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer, skin cancer is number one. Each year many women are diagnosed with breast cancer. According to WebMD.com, approximately 5 to 10 percent of women with breast cancer have a hereditary form of the disease. It is believed that inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are involved in 30 to 70 percent of all inherited cases of breast cancer; the likelihood is highest in families with one or more cases of ovarian cancer. Since there is a strong family history or breast and ovarian cancer in my family I elected to have myself tested to see if I carried the mutated gene. The test was very simple, after outlining my family pedigree; a blood test was given to determine if I carry the gene. I should have the results in 5-7 business days.

MRI

The MRI process went very smoothly, I slept the entire time. I’ve attached a video to better explain the process.

I am a survivor!

Dear family & friends,

I have recently received some bad news—I was recently (on February 8, 2011) diagnosed with breast cancer. As you can imagine, this came as quite a shock and has made for a highly stressful time for our family.

We are, of course, taking the necessary steps to treat this and get on with life. The bad news is that my treatment will include chemotherapy and surgery. The good news is that I am in the care of wonderful doctors who are doing everything they can to get my health back on track.

After much thought, I have made the decision to continue working during my treatment.I am grateful for your love and friendship and hopeful that I will be in your thoughts and prayers in the coming months.

I created this blog "Pretty In Pink" to keep you abreast of my progress and document my journey. I am a spiritual being, evolving and growing everyday in every way. I know that I am a work in progress, growing and evolving to become the person I am destined to be. I am a survivor, I claim it now.

Love you all!

Valencia