Friday, February 4, 2011

OH holy chemo!


Warning: LONG POST but it will catch you up from the beginning to now.

Well I have all the tests finished up. I head to Manhattan on Monday for the last set of tests. The first day was strictly tests (mri's, labs, mammos, ultrasounds, etc) We were there from 10:30am-4:30pm. The next day was meeting with Dr. Fabian and her staff. We had a wonderful warm welcome from everyone involved! We were told that they found 5 tumors on the left breast and 1 on the right. It has doubled in size and is growing into one big mass. The measurement was around 5 cm. Dr. Fabian believes it is late stage 2 beginning stage 3 breast cancer. The FANTASTIC news is it is NOT in the lymph nodes or bone marrow!!! God is good!! The stage 3 is solely based on the size of the tumor so although it sounds scary it is not :) I start chemo on January 25th and will return for chemo in KC every 2 weeks for the next 4-5 months. I am so blessed of the amount of support from you all!
Oh one more thing I started menopause too. My tumor is growing b/c of hormones so they shut them down! We will see what this brings :)



I did a genomic test which shows your oncotype DX. Oncotype DX breast cancer assay uses RT-PCR to determine the expression of a panel of 21 genes in tumor tissues. The Recurrence score is calculated from the gene expression results. The results score range is from 1-100. I scored a 28 which puts me in the intermediate risk group to have a recurrence at 10 years after 5 years of Tamoxifen treatment. This will help me to know what type of breast surgery we will do when chemo is over. I will most likely have a bilateral mastectomy with a complete hysterectomy as well.

I am currently taking 3 chemo meds they are called Taxotere, Epirubicin, and Cytoxan. Have fun researching :)

Oh holy chemo!!  Well my first round of chemo was on the 25th and for the following 2 days I felt okay.  I could walk, talk, hug, laugh, etc.  On Friday  I was starting to feel the effects of this poison.  I had horrendous chest pain, couldn't eat, couldn't lift my head for longer than 15 seconds it was ROUGH.  I don't even know if rough is the word.  I have never felt so close to death ever.  I know some of you are laughing, oh this is Courtney being dramatic, but really it was bad!  I laugh as I type this because the worst is over and I look back and think WOW I made it through that .  This second round is going to be a breeze :)

I went to the hospital on Monday where they pumped me full of fluids and meds and by the evening I was a new person.  What an iv bag can do is miraculous!   The lab report showed that my white blood count was 0.3!!  A normal person's wbc is 4-11.  No wonder I felt yucky.  My oncologist nurse called and said that we won't be able to do chemo on the 9th but will do it on the 16th.  I will leave Monday evening for KC to have my port placed in my chest by my breast surgeon. 

Grandma JJ has taken all three children to Aunt Ellen's house for a cousin's party!! They are having a fantastic time and I can't wait to see them on Sunday.  I am tired, weak, but able to do small tasks.  The best way  I can describe it is with my toaster.  I have stood and waited for toast soo many mornings for my boys but now I have a hard time standing to wait on it.  Everyday gets better and better.  I wake up each morning reaching for my hair to see if I still have any and I do!  Here is a recent pic of me and I am wearing THE SCARF that my girlfriend is making in my honor!  LOVE IT! 

Thank you all for the meals, cards, calls, etc.  I am humbled by all the love and support my family and I have had!!! 

Next time I will get a shot of all my meds I have to take :(  I have the BIGGEST pill organizer in America.

7 comments:

Angie said...

I can't keep the tears back while reading this. I'm so sad that you have to go through all of this. I know you have a huge support system and are loved by EVERYONE!!! You are amazing and so strong. I love your posts and love keeping up with you guys. I wish we didn't live so far away. I would love to cook for you all. I want to give you a big hug!! Love you!!

Kara said...

You are a fighter Court! And I love your sense of humor thru it all! I love your short new do- it's really cute.
You are amazing!

Kylee said...

The scarf looks great! So glad you are feeling better. Hopefully the next round will go better. Still praying very hard for you! Love you!

The Chance Family said...

I found your blog through Tiffany's. You sound like a terrific mom and wonderful Christian woman. I am so sorry for you to have to be facing this right now. Prayers are with you today and each day as I pray. God will provide you the strength to fight it.

Amber said...

I saw your comment on the Macs page about needing hats. I would be happy to make you some! Just send me an email Ambersadorablehats@yahoo.com and let me know colors and what not and I will make them up for you.

Kristyn @ Good Gravy Crafts said...

Courtney, I am so glad you updated....I have been thinking of you. I am so proud of you for your fight!! Send me an email with your mailing address I have something for you! :)

xx-Kristyn

Christy said...

I've just been reading your story, and I'm truly humbled by all you are conquering with such a wonderful attitude. I'll be praying for you and your family as you move through the states of recovery.