A lot has happened since our last post...
September 17th was the 9th anniversary
of our first date, but instead of celebrating, Chris and I found ourselves
sitting at the surgeon’s office to get the results of a PET scan, and to
discuss a course of treatment for my cancer. Good thing we weren’t alone… ma,
Bob and Jessi were there too.
I was afraid the PET scan would reveal that cancer was taking
over my body like it can do. I held my breath a lot as we waited for the doctor
to start delivering information. I could feel my heart steadily pounding,
building up my anxiety, preparing me for the worst. The ol’ fight or flight
response, adrenaline pumping.
But it wasn’t! It wasn’t more than what we already
knew. Whew! We collectively sighed with
relief.
To those friends, family and others who have sent their
prayers, thoughts and messages to the universe advocating for my health – You were
heard!
Thank you!
By the end of our meeting we had decided that chemotherapy
was going to be our starting point. Stop it in its tracks, and reduce it before
surgery.
xxxx
On September 25th we met with oncology. Long,
long, long story, short…
I will undergo intense chemo treatments every two weeks x4.
This includes two types of chemo each time – one famously called the “red
devil”… Because you pee and cry red!
Following that course, I will undergo less intense
treatments for 3 months. So 5 months of chemotherapy total, after which I will
rest a few weeks, then proceed with surgery, then button all of this off with
4-6 weeks of radiation.
All told, this comes to about one year of our lives. And it
all kicks off October 8th.
xxxx
Today, September 27th, I started preparing myself
for the inevitable, so I cut my hair into a pixie cut. I want to adjust to
having less hair until I have none. Some time between the first and second treatment,
I will experience full hair loss. (pictures below)
I took my entourage: Chris, Charlotte, Jessi, Sadie and Max.
My stylist Trish did a bang up job, and surprised me at the end of the
appointment. She and the salon manager paid for my cut! They are MODE Salon in
downtown Littleton. A group of fabulous,
wonderful, amazing, big hearted ladies!
My friend Heidi plans to cut her hair in a pixie to support me,
and has signed up as my manager in charge of fun! Also my nephew Max plans to
shave his head when I lose my hair. Not to mention that he and Sadie already
put pink rubber bands in their braces in support of breast cancer awareness!
Next week I have a “muga scan” or heart test, a genetic
consult, and finally a port is installed in my chest—the port will enable me to
receive treatments and get blood draws without having to kill my veins.
More to follow…
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