Heather's Blog: November 2014

Why Am I Writing This Blog?

There's nothing more important to me than my connections with family and friends.

So in an effort to stay connected I'll be posting updates about my treatment and health here. Of course I want to connect with you outside of this blog! But this is a quick way you can find out what's happening.

Also a request: I would appreciate it if you didn't post anything on Facebook about cancer and me.

Writing has always been a natural form of self-expression for me. So this blog is also a personal outlet, one I'd like to share with you.

November 3, 2014

Doing Well

Just a quick update to let you know that I'm doing well.

I've been on the same treatment plan since my last post and expect to be on it a while longer. I feel good most of the time and am living my "normal" life.

I'll have a CT scan in December to check on things. My white blood count has been decreasing with each treatment (an expected side effect), and if it goes below a certain level I'll need to take a break from chemotherapy to allow it to go up.

Since I tested negative in 2012 for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, four additional genetic tests have been discovered that can show a higher risk of getting breast cancer. I just got my blood drawn to be tested for those and will learn in about three weeks whether I have any of those gene mutations.

If I'm negative, then my daughters will be negative for them too. That will be six genes they don't have to be concerned about.

If I'm positive for any of them, I'll learn what the implications are, and M and C could opt starting at age 18 to be tested for them. If they are positive, it will affect the decisions they make with their doctors in the future regarding what cancer screenings they receive at what ages.

I'm amazed by the advances in the cancer and genetics fields. There's such a long way to go, but there's also so much progress every year.

Want to Help?

We periodically need help with meals, rides, errands, dog walking and that kind of thing. If you're interested in helping out sometime, you can join "Team Heather" online. Just go to https://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/710014/ and request to join the community.

Once you're approved, you'll receive instructions on how to log in. When we post a request for help you'll receive an email message and can sign up if it works with your schedule.

Or if you have something specific in mind to offer, just call or email B. or me! And THANK YOU.

History

2012: Stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma diagnosis. Mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation treatments. No evidence of cancer after surgery.

2013
September: Masses found in liver incidentally as part of a standard screening breast MRI. Diagnosed as the return of the breast cancer. No evidence of cancer anywhere else.

September -December: Chemotherapy.

2014
Chemotherapy (a few different kinds) throughout the entire year. Fared well and felt well most of the time!

May - cancer found in several places in my spine/pelvis. Very small, no pain.
June - December took post-menopausal estrogen-suppressing medication (and received monthly injections to create medical menopause)

2015
Jan - March: chemotherapy as part of a new clinical trial
April: starting a different chemotherapy since the disease progressed while I was on the trial.
June: The chemo is not helping, and my liver function is such that I have to take a break from chemo. Starting anti-hormonal pill plus a pill that targets cancer cells but does not damage the liver.