Radiation Complete!!!

I know...I know...it has been awhile since I last blogged, actually the last time I blogged was following my surgery... my hair is growing back (I have about an inch and a half, and I have bleached it back to platinum blonde) and my eyelashes have returned (I am SUPER stocked about this!!!).

My new hairdo. Photo taken 9/13/2014.

Radiation is Complete!

So, how did my experience go with radiation??? I completed a total of 30 radiation sessions. I was attending radiation everyday Monday-Friday for 6 weeks. We moved my boyfriend's RV down to the Houston area for me to live in. The RV park was immaculate, Lave View RV Resort, and I would highly recommend it to anyone staying in the area.

The first few weeks of radiation were easy, and I didn't have any side effects. My skin was pink, but there were no complaints on my end. By the 4th week, my skin turned beat red, it was obviously warmer to the touch than the rest of my body, and it was starting hurt. By the 5th week, under my entire arm, it looked like a campfire marshmallow, seriously! My skin looked like it had been burned with fire and was peeling off layers after layers. Since my body was trying to repair itself I was also much more fatigued than normal. Needless, to say it was a pretty long Summer for me!

My mom and I at my final radiation on 8/26/2014. I rang the bell to celebrate my final treatment. 

It has now been three weeks since I have completed radiation, and my skin is in MUCH better condition!! It is still pretty sensitive, but I am happy with how quickly the peeling phase stopped!  

When Does this Journey End?

Now that radiation is complete, I will still go to MD Anderson every third week to receive chemo (Herceptin and Perjeta) until December and for any other doctor appointments. I also started taking Tamoxifen 3 weeks ago, and I will have to take this pill for 10 years. Tamoxifen serves an an estrogen blocker, which is important since my tumor was 10% estrogen positive. In March-ish, I am hoping to have reconstruction surgery on my other breast, in order to match my recently reconstructed one. I will then continue to travel to MD Anderson every third month for 6 years to be closely monitored in case the cancer returns. Hopefully, this does not occur!!!

My Experience at MD Anderson

MD Anderson is by far the best option to choose if there is a debate on where to go to receive cancer treatment. This facility is ranked #1 in the country for a reason, because they are the best! During my 6 weeks of radiation treatment I had the opportunity to meet women that traveled from all over the world to also be treated at this facility, including Tennessee (patient was 23 years old), Kentucky, India, Australia, and the list goes on and on.

Finally, I have had a lot of people questioning my decision on opting to do the lumpectomy along with 6 weeks of radiation versus having a double mastectomy. I would like to share with everyone a story of the first girl I met at MD Anderson that is battling breast cancer and is the same age as me. She informed me and other women at radiation that she was first diagnosed with stage II breast cancer at the age of 29. She opted to have a double mastectomy. Two and a half years later, her cancer returned in her lymph nodes and she is now a stage IV. With that said, I truly do not believe there is a right or a wrong option when choosing between a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. If you are debating between the two I encourage you to throughly research each of these options and weigh in on the pros and cons. This is definitely a personal decision, and everyone else should respect which option you choose.

Great News!!!

Great News!

My surgeon's PA called me on Friday the 13th and informed me that my pathology reports had come in. The report could not have been any better! The report stated that there were no remaining cancer cells in my tumor or lymph nodes. My body had responded the exact way it was suppose to the chemo, and the chemo had melted the cancer away like butter! What a relief!!! On Wednesday, June 18th my mom, Brian, and I all went back to MD Anderson in Houston for more appointments and for the surgeons to review my incisions. They were very pleased at how my incisions were healing, and pleased with the little pain I am having. I really have not been in much pain. Every once in awhile I do feel the sharp pains, from the tissue regenerating back together, but that is expected.

On Wednesday, we also had our first consultation with the radiation doctor and met with the oncologist for the 1st time at MD Anderson. It was determined that I would complete my radiation simulation (during this appointment a mold is created exactly to my body so that the radiation beam lines up in the exact same position for each treatment) on July 10th, and begin my first week of radiation treatment on July 14th. The doctor confirmed that I would receive 6 full weeks of radiation, which would be completed Monday - Friday every week. The doctor informed me that the primary side effect of radiation is being tired, and I may need frequent naps during treatment and up to a month afterwards. They also informed me of the possible burning side effects I could encounter, like a sunburn.

The oncologist confirmed that I would need 5 more treatments of Perjeta and Herceptin, which will be received every 3rd week. Then I would continue receiving Herceptin every 3rd week until the 1st of December. Additionally, the oncologist informed me that a week following the completion of radiation, I would then begin taking Tamoxifen. She stated that I would have to take this pill for 10 full years.

From this point forward I will complete all treatments at MD Anderson in Houston. What a journey this has been!

Aha Moment Published!!!

Lumpectomy Complete!

My day started at 5:30 a.m. on June 5^th checking into the hospital for my lumpectomy and lymph node biopsy at MD Anderson. My mom, dad, and Brian were with me. The doctors had informed me the day before that the surgery would take approximately four hours. It actually took the surgeons and their teams six hours to complete everything.

On the 4^th two radioactive seeds were implanted into my breast. One was placed in the middle of my tumor, and the other was placed on clip that marked where the initial biopsies had been taken back in November. The clip was now distant from the actual tumor. When the surgeon went in to remove the tumor, the radioactive seed gave off a vibe to the doctor informing them when they were close to the tumor in order to prevent them from cutting into it and risking spreading the cancer throughout my body. What an awesome, advanced technology, which very few hospitals are using! The surgeon was very optimistic that the entire tumor had been successfully removed.

The surgery ended up taking two additional hours as they could not seem to locate the biopsy clip. When the radioactive seed had been placed in my breast the prior day on it, I knew it was 0.5 cm from my skin. The surgeon informed us that they searched and searched for it, and finally had to call in an x-ray team to try and locate it. They were still unable to find it, so they believe it feel out when the initial incision was made.

Also during the procedure, a blue dye was inserted into my body to help the surgeon determine if my lymph nodes were positive and needed to be removed. The surgeon confirmed that the first two lymph nodes absorbed the blue dye and showed some sign of destruction, so with that they opted to remove the first three nodes to hopefully be on the safe side.

Once these procedures were complete, a reconstructive surgeon immediately began their working. I went from a DD to a D cup size, and got one heck of a lift job on that breast. I will be undergoing another reconstructive procedure in 9 – 12 months in order to get the other breast the same lift and reduction as the new one. The surgeons advised me to wait several months as the radiation can cause the breast to shrink some, and stress that it is best to do surgery on the other one once everything is settled.   

After undergoing 6 hours of surgery that day, I spent roughly 1.5 hours in recovery, then they loaded me up in a wheelchair, and Brian wheeled me across the sky bridge to our hotel room. I slept fairly comfortable, and really haven’t been in too much pain since. The most painful part is the incision where they removed my lymph nodes. My breast incision is definitely not little though, as they cut an entire circle around the nipple, cut directly straight down through the whole bottom portion of the breast, and then made a curvature “J”. There are no sutures, no drains. I am highly impressed with the level of skill that the surgeons possess at MD Anderson! There really is no place like getting treated at MD Anderson.

Brian and I flew back to Lubbock on Saturday, and I went back to work on Tuesday. I have appointments next week at MD Anderson. My tumor and lymph nodes have been sent to pathology and we will learn the results of these tests then. We are also scheduled to meet with the radiation doctor and breast oncologists. I am anticipating starting radiation within 3 – 6 weeks following my surgery. We will no more after the appointments next week. I have reserved a RV spot at a really nice RV park that is about 5 miles from MD Anderson. So if you are in the Houston area this Summer make sure to give me shout!

Thank you everyone for your prayers, checking on me, and continuing to follow my progress!! This has been one heck of a journey, but I have completed another huge step of the process.   

Support Groups

Brian described it best to me when I was first diagnosed at how people will react. He said at first everyone will wear you out with phone calls, visits, cards, etc. At the very beginning of my diagnosis only a few friends and family members knew. When I posted my blog, the word spread like rapid fire, and I was hearing from people that I had not heard from in years. People continued to notify me throughout the next few months, and then just as Brian had said they were all gone. Each and everyone had gone about their daily lives, but I was still stuck fighting for my life. I still had treatments to attend, and doctor appointment after doctor appointment. This process does make you realize who is there for you through thick and thin.

My advise to everyone that is part of a support group for other cancer fighters is to not just text them periodically to see how they are feeling, but invite them to go to lunch, the movies, or just take a walk in the park. Show up on their doorstep to just hangout. Ultimately, be there for them. I would not wish this battle on anyone, as it takes a very strong person to make it through, and it is very easy for someone that is battling this journey to fall into a depression. I am forever grateful to have Brian by my side throughout this entire process. Without him, I honestly do not know what I would do. There have been other friends and family members that have helped me through this time, and you know who you are, and I am thankful for all that you have done for me as well. So ultimately, be there for the ones you care about when they need it the most!

Filming Aha Moment

Around a month ago, I was contacted by the filming crew with Aha Moments that is sponsored by Mutual of Omaha Insurance. The filming crew found my blog, and notified me via email through it requesting to interview me. Obviously, my aha moment occurred the moment that I found out that I had breast cancer. At that moment all of the things that I was concerned about no longer mattered, as I was fighting for my life. This life changing event really does put things into perspective. So, who knows. You just might see me on the next national Mutual of Omaha advertisement.

Plans Can Always Change!!!

After much contemplation, I have decided to not undergo the very invasive double mastectomy procedure. Throughout the past few weeks I have done extensive research, contacted other survivors, and disgusted this extensively with my doctors in order to determine the best surgery solution for me. The doctors have reassured me that I have the same chance of survival by undergoing a mastectomy or a lumpectomy with 6 weeks of radiation. I have decided that I will opt to do the lumpectomy. My surgery date will still be on June 5th at MD Anderson. The 6 weeks of radiation will start towards the end of June, first of July, and this will also be done at MD Anderson. I am currently looking at different temporary living options in the Houston area during my radiation process. I am considering living on the Galveston beach at a RV park. Might as well have fun while enduring this treatment process!!!

This past Monday I completed my final FEC chemo! I am so glad to be finished with chemotherapy!! On June 2nd I will receive my first biological combination treatment of Perjeta and Herceptin. On June 18th I have appointments at MD Anderson with radiation, oncologist, and surgery follow-up. From this point forward I will receive 100% of my treatment at MD Anderson. I am very relieved to finally be fully accepted at the #1 cancer treatment center in the world!

Article I Wrote for the Purple Circle Magazine

Only 1 More Chemo Session to Go!!!

On April 21, 2014 my 3rd FEC chemo was administrated. My sister Katie was able to go with to this chemo session. I have now completed a total of 15 chemo sessions. So how did it go and how did I feel??? Well, I was exhausted. Had no energy. It was very hard for me to focus on anything. All I wanted to do was sleep. A few days last week I was only awake about 6-7 hours throughout the entire day. And I was also nauseated with very little appetite. Any strong smell would send me over the edge. All of the chemo has finally caught up with me. I consider myself lucky though as I have been on chemo since mid-December, and it is just now really starting to effect me. Only one more chemo session to go!!!

Next week I will be at MD Anderson. During this visit I will have another mammogram, ultrasound, an appointment with a genetics counselor, another bone scan, visit with the reconstructive surgeon, and an appointment with my surgeon. I have lots of questions that I need addressed during this trip, so I am anxious for next week. One primary question that I have on my mind is if getting a double mastectomy is the appropriate route to go?? After my recent oncologist appointment in Lubbock my doctor seemed to think this was extreme, and left me feeling confused. I will post how the MD Anderson visit goes. I am very hopeful that at the end of the visit next week I will feel confident in all of my decisions.

No More Eyelashes!

I completed my 2nd FEC, that's a total of 14 chemo sessions thus far, on March 31st. I had an appointment with my oncologist prior to receiving treatment on the 31st. As you already know, I will have to endure an entire year of Herceptin, a drug specific to stop the growth of the aggressive HER2 gene that I carry. During my appointment on the 31st, the doctor informed me that he is working with my insurance company to also get approval for a new drug called Perjeta. Perjeta costs around $10,000 a bag. I would need a total of 18 bags since I would be receiving this treatment along with the Herceptin every third week for a year.

Perjeta, like Herceptin, also to stop the growth of the HER2 gene. It can be used with, and is recommended to be used with Herceptin. I have done a lot of research on my own to see why both of these drugs are needed, and I have learned that they both attack the HER2 gene in complementary ways. It is believed that by using both Perjeta and Herceptin a stronger blockage is formed against HER2 signals, which helps slow the overall cancer cell growth.

As you know from my last post, my hair was falling out, but the FEC really made it come out. As a result I had to shave my head. I thought I was in the clear to keep my long, lushes, full eyelashes. However, last week they too just started coming out in clumps. My eyebrows are still hanging on by a thread, but I am not as attached to them as I was my eyelashes. So now I am working on perfecting the skill of wearing fake eyelashes! Yes, this is definitely a skill! One of the side effects from being treated with Perjeta is the possibility of hair loss. My thoughts are...it is already all gone, so I might as well endure all of the necessary treatments now and hope I never have to encounter this again!

I was also contacted this week by Melita Cramblet, the owner of the Purple Circle Magazine (a livestock show publication). She has asked me to write a feature story about my journey for the upcoming May/June edition. I am super excited about this opportunity and will share with everyone the final production once it is released!

My 3rd FEC chemo session will be on April 21st, and my sister Katie has made arrangements to go with me. I would like to thank everyone that has continued to follow my blog! Your support is greatly appreciated!!

Making the News!

I'm Bald!!!

So, I did it, I finally had to breakdown and shave my head. My hair had gotten pretty bad, so bad that my bald head actually looks better than the little hair that I had left. Pretty crazy to say! Yolanda shaved it off, and she too agreed it was time. She said when she shaved it my hair was practically falling out in her hand. The number one thing woman fret about when they are diagnosed with cancer is "O My God, I am going to lose my hair"!!! I definitely have not been any different, as I have dreaded the day I would be bald. That day came today! It was emotional, but I am glad it is over! Really, the only other thing I have now that I don't want to lose are my long, lushes eyelashes. These though too have started to come out. Yolanda and I found a great new store in Lubbock today and I was able to stock up on some great human hair eyelashes, head bands, maintenance items for my wigs.......and another super cute blonde wig!

Soooooooo, here it is, a picture of my bald, pale head:

And here is my other new wig. I think it actually looks pretty close to my real hair:

And so my journey with breast cancer continues!

1st FEC Chemo & 2nd MD Anderson Visit

It has been three weeks since I last posted a blog. Since my last post, I have received my first round of FEC (a more intense chemo) and I went to MD Anderson for a follow-up on the spot on my 10th rib.

On Monday, March 10th, I received my first of four rounds of FEC chemo. FEC is the combination of three chemos, and I am still receiving Herceptin along with FEC. Therefore, during this treatment day I received a huge bag of fluids as a pre-flush before treatment, 4 different bags of chemo, a huge bag of fluids post-flush after treatment, and saline in between each bag. Yes, that is a lot of fluids!! The doctors had warned me that this round of treatment would be more invasive. I did have the metal taste in my mouth following the treatment for several days. I also kept myself on nausea medicine for 4 days, but still had little appetite and a weak stomach throughout those days. This slowly surpassed over the past couple of weeks. During my past treatment, I was receiving the Neupogen on a weekly basis to increase my white blood count. With this round of chemo I am now getting Neulasta, which is designed to last three weeks vs. one week. This injection is much more intense. A week following the injection, I thought there was something wrong because my back and hips were in intense pain. I was having muscle spasms and a constant throbbing pain. I had lab on the following day, and the nurses informed me that my pain was a sign that the Nuelasta injection was working, and this was normal. This injection and the Neupogen injections are both designed to break your bones down and form new white blood cells.

On Wednesday following my treatment, I felt as though I had been hit by the flu. I was pretty nauseated, and every bone in my body hurt to move from the Neulasta injection. It took everything I had in my body to get out of bed and go to my bone scan appointment at MD Anderson. Once at MD Anderson I was injected with a solution that is designed to light your bones up when being observed. The technician that injected me informed me that if everything looked good, then they would only have to do the bone scan. If there was something on my bones that needed further investigation, then more tests would be ordered. After a two hour waiting period for the injection to take effect on my bones, the bone scan was completed. Once it was complete and the doctors took a moment to review the bone scan, additional tests were ordered. The radiologist doctor informed me that the additional tests did not necessarily mean a good thing or a bad thing, they just needed more tests ran due to my young age. I on the other hand knew that there had to be something still on my rib. The additional tests included a 3D imaging of my ribs, and a ct scan. My PA was out of the office until Monday, so now it was a waiting game to receive my results.

I received my results from the PA on Tuesday, March 18th. The spot on my 10th rib is still there, but it hasn't changed. This is a good thing! The PA informed me that if the spot was decreasing in size then this would be bad, as it would mean the chemo was attacking it, and it was indeed cancer. The spot was also not growing, which is also good. At this point the PA is concluding that the spot on my 10th rib was a prior injury that did not heal correctly. Another bone scan will be conducted to follow-up on it in 2-3 months.

At this point I only have about 20% of my hair left. I still haven't shaved my head, as it still looks half way decent under a cap. I have also gained quite a few pounds. I have researched and learned that the vast majority of the breast cancer patients gain weight since all of your hormones are turned off. Additionally, the chemo breast cancer patients are treated with takes a patients current fat cells, pulls additional fat out of your blood stream, and attaches itself to the fat that is already being stored in your body. I really wasn't planning on gaining weight while undergoing cancer treatments, but I am happy to look and feel healthy.

12 Weeks of Taxol Complete and Next Bone Scan

12 weeks of Taxol is complete!!! Brian went with me on this monumental day. It seems like to me I have been on chemo for 12 months!

On Friday, February 28th my MD Anderson PA called at 5:30 p.m. to go over all of my first initial scans that were completed when I was diagnosed, and had now been reviewed by the Radiology Chair at MD Anderson. The Chair did not see any invasion in my chest wall, and noted that they believe the 5mm spot in my left breast was a benign lymph node. However, they did note that one of my lymph nodes did appear to be positive under my right arm. As you recall from my previous blogs, my Lubbock doctor's also suspected this, but did not take any further investigation. My lymph nodes on current tests are now showing to be clear, so I sincerely hope that I do not have to endure 6 full weeks of radiation.

Still a concern is my 10th rib showing up on the bone scan. The Chair of the radiology department did declare that there is something there. At this point we are unaware if it is cancer or a prior injury. Hopefully, a prior injury! My next bone scan has been scheduled at MD Anderson for next Wednesday, March 19th. I will keep everyone posted on how this trip goes.

Surgery Date Tentatively Scheduled

My friend Jennifer Morgan went with me to attend my 10th week of chemo on Monday, February 17th. All went well once again.

I also heard from my MD Anderson PA on the 17th and she informed me that everything looked clear from the chest x-ray that was taken following my oncologist surgeon appointment at MD Anderson. She was referring to the suspicious area in my chest wall. Great news!

On Tuesday, February 18th I went to my 3 month routine dermatology appointment. I went to check-in at the receptionist desk, announcing my name to the receptionist, and then headed to sit at a couch across the waiting area. I noticed this lady began to follow me, and then she sat down on the couch next to me. She looked at me and said, "You are Karin Fritz. You are the girl with the blog. I have been following you and praying for you". Wow! I was shocked! I had never met the lady in my life, but it was amazing to know that complete strangers were out there following my blog. The woman and I chatted a bit and then we both went on about our business.

I also heard back from my genetics nurse in Lubbock on Friday, and everything came back negative. This really was not a surprise, since once again there has been no prior family history of breast cancer.

My college friend, Vanessa Wood, was able to go with me again to my 11th chemo session on Monday, February 26th. All went well, only one more week of this chemo treatment to go! My white blood cell count is maintaing at a normal level. My red blood cell count however continues to slightly drop each week, but is still holding in the low-normal range.

On Tuesday, February 25th I contacted my PA at MD Anderson to follow-up on scheduling future appointments and to find out what their radiologists had to say about my bone scan and MRI.

At this point my bilateral mastectomy is tentatively scheduled for June 5th. The date is tentative and could change in the event my white blood count or red blood cells should drop to a dangerous level, and we would have to push chemo sessions back. Hopefully, this does not happen! June 4th will be spent talking one final time with my plastic surgeon, consultation with anesthesiology, and lab work.

Additional appointments were scheduled on May 6-7, which will include another mammogram, ultrasound, appointment with my plastic surgeon, and an appointment with my breast surgeon oncologist.

From the conversation, the PA still had not heard back from the radiology department at MD Anderson in regards to my bone scan and MRI. She informed me to call her back in a few days to touch base with her on this if she does not call me back sooner. Based from the the findings from the MD Anderson radiology department additional test might be ordered. An initial consultation will also be scheduled with my plastic surgeon within the next few weeks.

Another update, but really probably no surprise...my hair is super thin! A lot of people are actually surprised at how much hair I do still have. I do not leave the house though without a wig, cap, scarf, something on my head. It is not ready to be shaved as it still looks decent, just extra thin, under caps. I have though come to really like wearing wigs! It is so easy to not have to worry about fixing you hair, just putting it on, and you are ready to go. In fact, I like wearing wigs so much I just might wear them even when my hair does finally come back! I'll never have to blow-dry, straighten, and do a Texas puff to my hair again! And it always look picture perfect, as though you just left the hair salon.

Next week marks my 12th week of chemo, and I will be finished with Taxol! One hurdle will be complete through this journey!

MD Anderson 1st Visit

Monday, February 10th, I completed my 9th round of Taxol and Herceptin that morning, and Brian and I hopped on a flight that afternoon that was Houston bound. It was a rainy evening when we arrived in Houston. We checked in the hotel, ate dinner, and Brian gave me a tour of the ginormous MD Anderson facility. I was very impressed at how well laid out, organized, and state-of-the-art the facilities were.

On Tuesday morning we arrived at the at the Breast Center at 6:30 a.m. to begin the registration process. Registration was followed by my mammogram and ultrasound. MD Anderson had sent me a checklist of things to do prior to arriving at the facility. One of the things was to obtain all of your scans (bone, ct, breast mri, mammogram, and ultrasound) digitally on a CD. With so much going on I overlooked this, and arrived at MD Anderson without my scans. Luckily, they were able to go ahead and see me without the scans. I completed 3 release forms each stating to have all of my scans overnighted from my Lubbock Hospital to MD Anderson. The mammogram and ultrasound both showed a tumor in my right breast that was measuring nearly 2 cm in circumference. It was originally measuring around 3 cm in circumference prior to chemo. However, to the technicians surprise, the tumor marker that had been placed in my breast when I received my core biopsy was now not marked on the tumor. The tumor marker was now adjacent to the tumor. This can be from a few things: 1) the tumor marker was not initially placed in the correct position being the middle of the tumor; 2) the tumor has shrunk so much that the maker is now not associated with the tumor; 3) the tumor maker has moved.

While being treated in Lubbock I have been very persistent on receiving follow-up testing to see how the tumor is reacting to the chemo, along with follow-up scans on the suspicious chest wall invasion, suspicious lymph node area, 5 mm spot in my left breast, and the spot on my 10th rib. MD Anderson was shocked that none of this had been conducted! MD Anderson conducts follow-up exams on their breast cancer patients every couple of weeks. This was my second round of exams since the initial round. On the tests performed at MD Anderson, my lymph nodes, chest wall, and left breast all showed to be clear. They were not surprised from these findings though since I have been on chemo so long. However, MD Anderson and I are frustrated because more testing should have been done on these specific spots to determine if these areas are positive before being on chemo for this length of time.

On Wednesday I had an appointment with one of the nationally recognized breast surgeons. I was hopeful that they had received my scans so that they could get a complete picture when the doctor met with us. To my surprise, they had not. We were able to meet with the surgeon and her PA. I was highly impressed with their professionalism, the information they provided, and the complete thoroughness they were conducting. We discussed greatly the different surgery options, being either a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Lumpectomy is an option that would require them to cut the entire tumor area and a good size, clear border around my tumor. This would also require 6 full weeks (everyday Monday - Friday) of radiation. The doctors have some concern with this option because there is no marker on the spot that was appearing in my left breast. I am nearly 95% sure that I want to receive a bilateral mastectomy. Choosing this option I will not have to receive radiation on my breast, my breast will be even in size, and I will not have to worry the rest of my life about the unknown spot in my left breast.

The surgeon had some concerns since my lymph nodes showed up suspicious in a scan, but there were no actual pathology biopsies performed. The surgeon will take a sample and observe my lymph node area while undergoing the mastectomy. Generally they would be able to perform reconstructive surgery immediately following the mastectomy. However, given my scenario they will take samples of my lymph nodes during the mastectomy and then send them to the lab. We will have to wait on the results of my lymph nodes before I can have the reconstructive surgery. If the lymph nodes show to be positive, then they will be removed, and I will also have to undergo 6 weeks of radiation. During our appointment, we also asked questions about the spot on my 10th rib. The surgeon assured me that all suspicious areas would be looked into and examined before surgery was done. The doctor ordered a chest x-ray for me immediately after my appointment.

When going to MD Anderson on Monday I was unsure if I wanted to actually be treated at this facility because it was so far away from Lubbock. After meeting with the surgeon and PA though I was sold that this is the best place to be! I am sold that they will make sure to cover 100% of their basis in order to ensure that I never have to live through this nightmare again. MD Anderson will be conducting my surgery, which as of now will be mid-June. The only thing that could prolong my surgery date is if I have to push back chemo dates because my white blood cell count drops. Hopefully, this doesn't happen. My next trip to MD Anderson will be in a couple weeks to have my initial appointment with the plastic surgeon.

On Thursday morning I emailed MD Anderson to check and see if my scans had been received. To my surprise, they still had not! I personally went up to the Lubbock hospital, and to my surprise found out that the scans had never even left the administrators office. She informed me that FedEx had not made it to their office to pick-up my package. It had been 48 hours since I had submitted my request to receive these scans overnight. I was very unhappy with the lack of proficiency that had been displayed by the Lubbock hospital, but there really wasn't much I could do. I obtained the scanned disc myself and went to FedEx and mailed them. I was shocked when I received flowers that afternoon, the hospital department decided to send me flowers to apologize for this mistake. Flowers always brighten a girls day!

All of this paperwork, documentation, phone calls, emails, follow-ups, lab work, travel, not to mention the actual doctors appointments requires more out of you than a full-time employed position. Having cancer is beyond overwhelming!!

Week 8 Update and MD Anderson Acceptance

Everything is going well, or as well as it can go with having cancer! Monday marked my 8th treatment of Taxol and Herceptin. One of my old Clarendon College buddies, Vanessa Wood, took time out of her hectic daily life and spent the day with me going to lab, a doctors appointment, and chemo treatment. THANKS GIRL! Three more weeks to go of this treatment, and then on to the next 12 weeks of chemo. My white blood cell count was an amazing 8.6 on Monday (normal is 3.6-10.8), and it has been maintaing between 4-5. This is excellent! The doctor also seemed positive about the continuous response my tumor is having from the chemo. My blood pressure however was a whopping 179/90. I am beyond stressed about work, and with treatments, doctor appointments, etc. I am unable to work 40 hours a week.

I can not express how ready I am to put all of this behind me and get back to my normal life! I feel as though I am currently experiencing the angry stage, and continuously questioning why did this have to happen to me??? Everybody says they are thankful once they reach the finish line to have taken on this experience. I however feel that having cancer totally SUCKS! I am tired of doctor appointments, chemo sessions, and everything else in between. Tired of barely being able to brush my hair with my wide tooth combine, and it still comes out excessively with every delicate stroke. I am just plain tired of not being able to live the lifestyle of Karin Fritz cancer free! Hopefully, I will be able to put all of this behind me within 8 more months, or sooner. I wake-up every morning hoping this entire thing is a nightmare, but it's not!

On the flip side, I have been trying to get accepted into MD Anderson since I was first diagnosed. I received notice on Tuesday after constant communication with them that I have finally been accepted to meet with an oncologist surgeon next week, and they will also be conducting another mammogram and ultrasound. I am interested to see what these test results show since being on the chemo. I also find it crazy that MD Anderson was so adamant that they could not see me until my chemo treatments were complete, and now I am meeting with them during the middle of my chemo treatments. All I can say is persistence does pay off! I am going to MD Anderson primarily for a second opinion. I have some concerns since my cancer is such an aggressive form. I will post an update to let everyone know how the visit goes at MD Anderson.

Thank you everyone for your continuous support! It is greatly appreciated!

Advise & Tips For Other Fighters

I wanted to include a post, and probably more in the future, on tips and advice for current cancer patients undergoing treatment. Here are a few things that are working for me and helping me through my treatments. It is obviously best to consult everything with your doctor before opting to do any of these tips. When writing this post I have so far been through 6 treatments of Taxcol and Herceptin.

Neupogen Injection

Currently, I am getting the Neupogen Injection once a week. You are given the option to receive the injection in your arm or stomach. I received the first two injections in my arm, and my arm was very painful for several days. I have found receiving the injection in my stomach is a much better option. It does tend to be a lull stinging pain throughout the day, and is very sore by the end of the day. The injection is known to make every bone in your body hurt. My oncologist recommended I take a Claritin pill before each injection. Since taking his advice, I have found my neck and shoulders to be sore at bedtime, but by morning everything feels back to normal.

Vitamins

I never really took vitamins in my life, and my immune system has always been strong. Since I have been on chemo though I have been taking Women's One A Day tablet and Biotene (for skin, hair, and nails). Taxol, the chemo I am currently on has potential to drop my white blood cell count. So far, my white blood cells havd held at a normal level, and I believe the Women's One A Day has contibuted some to this.

Before I started chemo, my nails were already extremely brittle due to over maintenance manicures of shellac nails and acrylics. After taking Biotene vitamins for 6 weeks, I have already noticed my nails strengthening. My hair is also silky and shiny, although thinner. I have switched my hair products to Kenra, and I believe these products have definitely enhanced the quality of my hair. It is important to use a good quality conditioner that detangles your hair very well, so when you brush it there are minimal tangles to brush out. Additionally, my skin seems to be less dried out (mind you it is the middle of Winter, and I live in an extremely dry climate area) and has a nice glow to it.

Wigs

So far, I have been fortunate to not need a wig. However, knowing that I have two ready to go when that time comes is that much less stress on me. I will advise any female to start looking at wigs as soon as she knows she will be receiving chemo. As an excess amount of my hair is falling out on a daily basis, I feel prepared to take on what is headed my way. Being Bald!

Placement of Port

The night before I went into surgery, I read all over the internet trying to find pros and cons to getting a port in your arm vs. your chest. I could not find any information that specified this, but decided to go with whatever the doctor suggested was best. My doctor said since I have good veins, the best place for my port was in my arm. Most choose to have it in their chest, but I like it in my arm. I can wear a short sleeve shirt to treatment, and I do not feel like my clothing ever interferes.

THANK YOU and F&Qs

WOW! When I posted my blog on Tuesday evening, I was expecting around 250 people to look at it. To my great surprise, I have now had nearly 12,000 people view my blog. A huge THANK YOU goes out to all of my college peeps, stock show family, judging team members, old high school friends, my family, Brian, and all points in between. I greatly appreciate the overwhelming support I have received!!! Together we will win this fight!

Many of you have asked me the same questions, so in turn I have opted to include a Frequently Asked Questions Section:

1) Have you lost all of your hair?

It is a known fact that when women find out they have cancer the number one thing they fear most is loosing their hair. I am definitely no different! My platinum blonde hair is currently not coming out in clumps, but I am losing an excessive amount each day. It is greatly thinner. Brian says my hair is definitely on a time clock, and in turn I will probably have to shave my head in the near future.

2) Have you been nauseated?

Luckily, no. This treatment of chemo has been pretty good, but I have already researched my next treatment of chemo and I don't know if I will be so lucky on the next treatment.

3) Have you had any side effects from the chemo?

I have had a few, but they are very minimal compared to the horror stories you hear others talk about. I am more tired than normal, and definitely would not be able to maintain my party girl schedule these days. Additionally, my nails are extremely brittle. They break doing everyday things even with the gel polish and nail strengthener on them. If you have any other ideas to keep my nails from breaking I would greatly appreciate your suggestions. I have also noticed my taste buds have deteriorated. I have to rinse my mouth out daily with baking soda, salt, and water in order to prevent ulcers from forming. Over the past week I have been unable to even taste this concoction anymore. Finally, I definitely have "chemo brain"! I use to be able to think of my daily to-do-list as I was getting ready in the morning, and mentally check it off as I went through my day. Now, when I think of something I need to remember, I can't even remember my thought long enough to jot it down on a sticky note. This is probably the most annoying side effect, but like I previously mentioned, I will take it compared to many of the other side effects others endure.

4) How is your white blood count holding up?

So far so good! I have been maintaing in the normal range, and hopefully it will remain there so that I can continue to go about my life as much as normal as possible.

5) How long will you be on chemo?

The treatment that I am currently on last for 12 weeks, and my last treatment will be March 3rd. I am currently being treated once a week, every Monday. This treatment will then be followed with another 12 week treatment, which will be complete in June. When on this treatment I will only have to go in every third week vs. weekly. This treatment though sounds to be a lot more harsh then the one I am currently on. As Brian says though, everyone is different, and the treatments effect every person differently.

6) When will you have surgery?

Currently, we believe it will be mid-June, early July, but things could change.

7) Are you able to work any?

Obviously, since I am receiving chemo currently every Monday, along with other appointments I am unable to work full-time. However, I am working around 20-30 hours a week. Since I have worked at TTU for nearly 10 years I am fortunate to have a good "nest egg" of sick time saved up.

8) Is the party girl able to drink beer?

I am able to drink in moderation, but definitely not able to hoop it up like the party girl knows how to do best.

9) How often will you be posting on your blog?

I plan to post around once a week. Really, when new events happen. This blog is a great way to keep everyone posted, and allows everyone to view it on their own free time.

Thank you again everyone for your support!

First Wig

One of my new wigs! My old hair is on the left, and the new wig on the right. Didn't Yolanda and I do a great job!?!?

So here's the beginning of the story...

Vegas is the place we love to go, that is my boyfriend, Brian Burns, and I. Craps is the game we spent hours playing. On November 10, 2013 I woke up in a Mirage penthouse suite scratching my right breast, and noticed a new, rather large lump. I asked him to feel the lump in my breast to make sure I wasn’t crazy. Brian confirmed it was indeed a lump and prompted me to make an appointment with the doctor as soon as we got home. When I was 18 years old I had a cyst in the same breast the lump was now in. At this point in time I was a bit concerned, but I was nearly certain it was once again going to be a cyst. After all, breast cancer never ran in my family.

 

On November 12, 2013 I went to see my primary care physician. During this visit she confirmed that there was indeed a lump in my breast, but she also noted how it appeared squishy. This made me feel even a bit more relieved, and I continued to believe it was going to turn out to be a cyst. The primary care physician made arrangements for me to receive an ultrasound on my right breast.

 

On November 20, 2013 I was scheduled to have an ultrasound done on my right breast at the Joe Arrington Breast Cancer Center in Lubbock, TX. I recall walking into the waiting area of the ultrasound facility and looking around the room. All of the woman appeared to be the age of my grandmother. I noticed a large board at the entrance area that woman had signed as they were fighting the horrible disease of breast cancer. I felt sorry for all of these people battling such a disease. I knew I was young and breast cancer didn’t run in my family so there was no way I could have it. When the technician began examining me she was stunned to see the size of the mass. She asked me questions if I thought it could be an injury? I couldn’t recall anything. The technician also questioned how long it had been their? I am not a very modest person, and I am living with my boyfriend. When at home, I primarily run around in my underwear and nothing else. Since I am accustom to such an attire, I, along with everyone else was shocked that I did not find this mass sooner. The ultrasound though did not go as I had planned it would. The technician performed the ultrasound on my right breast within 5-10 minutes, and then she informed me she would be back. The technician was gone for approximately 30 minutes, and it was during this time period that I began to feel anxious. The technician finally returned to my exam room with a radiologist doctor. The doctor informed me that the mass in my breast was definitely not a cyst, but was a large mass that they needed to perform a biopsy on. I was stunned. I recall leaving the appointment in disbelief and shacking profusely.

 

My biopsy was performed on November 27, 2013, the day before Thanksgiving. I was very nervous when going to this appointment, but kept trying to be positive. When I was called back for the biopsy the technician informed me she thought when I stood up I was going to get my mom or grandmother to assist them as the patient, because again I was so young to be receiving a breast biopsy. The biopsy took nearly an hour and a half. They performed a core biopsy that involved taking a total of seven biopsies from the troubled mass area. The biopsy was uncomfortable, but I was glad it was over. Now, I just had to wait for the results.

 

During the Thanksgiving Holiday my right breast was sore and swollen, but I continued to hope for the best. On the following Monday, December 2, 2013, the nurse from Joe Arrington called to check and see how I was doing. I informed her of the pain, swelling, and some bleeding. I also asked her when I would hear my test results from the biopsy? She informed me that the radiologist that had taken the biopsies was on a rotating shift, and would not be back in the office for six weeks. The nurse confirmed with me that my primary care physician would be calling me with my test results soon. On Tuesday I still had not heard back on my results, so I called my primary care physician and left a message for her nurse, and I called the nurse at Joe Arrington once again.

 

On Wednesday I was becoming even more anxious as the longer I waited for the results. The nurse at Joe Arrington confirmed with me that the results had been sent to my primary care physician, but she would instruct the lab to send them the results once again. I called my primary care physician, and got the nurse’s voicemail once again. I left a message, and finally a few hours later received a call back from the primary care physician’s nurse. She informed me, in a laughing matter, that they had not received my results and it could be due to the fact that they were having problems with their fax machine. I called and left a message for my primary care physician’s nurse two more times that afternoon, and still had no results by the end of the day.

 

December 5, 2013 is the day Brian and I had been anxiously waited to jet sail with all of our friends to the National Final Rodeo in Viva Las Vegas. We actually met five years previously during this trip, and this made his 25 trip. This trip is filled with friends that have been made throughout the years, and it is something we look forward to all year long. The temperature in Lubbock was a bitter 20 degrees, with sleet and snow. Our flight ended up being two hours delayed due to mechanical problems. At this time Brian was also becoming anxious to know what my test results said. He instructed me to call the doctor’s office every hour until we were Vegas bound. So I did. I began with calling the nurse at Joe Arrington. She informed me at this time that she had called my primary care physician’s nurse voicemail several times on Wednesday, but had not received a response back. She also informed me that she had instructed the lab to resend the pathology reports on Wednesday. I did as Brian said and I left numerous voicemails on my primary care physician nurse’s voicemail as we waited to leave for Vegas.

 

Our Southwest plane finally arrived to get us in Lubbock and take us to Vegas. Brian and I were both in the B group, so we waited patiently. My phone began to ring, and I recognized the number as my primary care physician. Part of me did not want to answer it at that very moment, because I wanted to enjoy my trip. The other part of me wanted to know what the test results and future held for me. I answered the call, my primary care physician immediately began to apologize and stated she had no idea what had happened to my test results. She also informed me that she would not have kept these results from me, and I immediately knew that the news she was going to reveal to me was not good. As I am walking through the terminal my primary care physician is informing me it is indeed cancer, it had not spread to my blood, but that was all she was really able to tell me at that time. She was also going to schedule an appointment for me with an oncologist surgeon as soon as possible. At this point I am sitting on the plane wanting to do nothing but curl up and cry, and I am shacking profusely. I texted my mom (Susan Fritz) and sister (Katie Fritz) letting them know the results before the stewardess informed me that all phones must be turned off, and we were off to Vegas. I later learned during my first oncology visit that the test results from the biopsy were actually posted on November 30, 2013, which was nearly a week before I received the results.

 

Brian and I went to Vegas as planned. I did have some breakdowns, but I am not sure who wouldn’t after receiving such news and not knowing what the future holds. I was scared! Brian and I returned from Vegas late in the evening on Monday, December 9, 2013, and on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 we both made numerous phone calls to determine the best battle plan of action for me. I had an appointment scheduled with an oncologist surgeon, but we needed more. Our neighbor is a well-known anesthesiologist in the Lubbock area. Brian notified him of my situation, and phone calls began to come through with appointments. Additionally, I submitted my application to MD Anderson.

 

Wednesday, December 11, 2013 was a long day for both me and Brian. He went with me to my long day excursion, and I was beyond relieved to have him by my side. Our day began at 9:15 a.m. where we meet with the oncologist surgeon. This doctor informed me that I had stage III breast cancer that was spreading at a 90%. We then meet with an oncologist that had just transferred from MD Anderson. I was very impressed with the thoroughness of this doctor, and he informed me that I would be starting chemo soon because the cancer was spreading at such a fast past. The doctor informed me that they needed to do chemo before surgery in order to shrink the size of the 3 centimeter tumor. He was also concerned that there were other tumors that we currently dormant in my body, and chemo was the only thing that could stop these from progressing. The doctor was also questioned if he felt another lump in my left breast. The oncologist asked me if knew what a port was, and I had no clue. Brian confirmed that I definitely wanted a port, and this would be the place that chemo would enter my body and where blood test would be drawn from. A nurse navigator came to see me at the end of the doctor visit to provide a lot of information pamphlets and support group paraphernalia. By this point in the day it is 1:15 p.m. and I am hungry and shaky. Brian and I head to the cafeteria in the basement and each have a ham sandwich. During this time the genetics nurse called to see where we have gone, and I am impressed they even notice that we escaped for a bit. After lunch we head to the lab where they draw eight test tubes of blood and have me do a urine test. From there we go to register for my surgery on Friday to receive the port in my arm, along with an EKG and a chest X-ray. Brian and I then headed back to the oncologist surgeon to receive the schedule of additional labs, and then I spend an hour with the genetics nurse discussing my family tree. Wheeew!!! The day is finally complete at 5:15 p.m. We are both overwhelmed with information, and I feel as though my head is spinning! Now I am getting a port in my arm in 2 days and on Monday I will begin to receive chemo. What a world wind!!

 

On Thursday, a ct scan was conducted, and I spent the afternoon running errands because I was unsure when the next time would be that I felt good enough to do this again? My mother drove five hours on this day from our family ranch to be with me during this time. My mother asked if I had told any of my friends of my condition, and I informed her I had not. That night as I went to bed, I decided to call my best friend, Greg Clark aka Bub, and informed him of the news. Bub was shocked and very upset to hear the news. This is the exact reason why I had elected to steer away from really informing anyone of my situation.

 

On Friday, December 13, 2013 (what a date for all of superstitious ones out there), I received the port in my arm. We left the house at 5:15 a.m. I was extremely nervous about the procedure. For one, this was only the second time I would ever go under anesthetic. The other time I went under was when I was three years old and had my tonsils removed. I was also anxious and nervous about what my port would look like, and what others would think? My port procedure turned out to be a great success, and I was headed home by 10:30 a.m. Bub had called my mom’s phone an informed me that he was making the six and a half hour drive from his home to see me. During his drive Bub called mutual friends and judging team members to let them know of my diagnosis. Brian had also taken it upon himself to call all of my close girlfriend’s and inform them of my diagnosis during the procedure. The news spread like wildfire, and I began to receive phones calls from friends from all over.

 

During the weekend my arm was sore, as expected. My mom and I did Christmas shopping to help keep my mind at ease, after all I was starting the dreaded chemo in just a few short days.   

 

On Monday, December 16, 2013 I went in for my first round of chemo. Brian and my mom went with me to chemo. We were under the impression that I would only receive chemo every 15 days. The nurse navigator took us back and taught us all of the ends and outs when being treated with chemo. It was during this meeting that I learned I would receive the first protocol treatment of chemo every Monday for 12 weeks, and then it would be followed up with another protocol of chemo that I would receive every three weeks. The nurse navigator went over all the essential information from the 50% chance that I might lose my hair, to the 72 hours my saliva could contain chemo, to the type of diet I should be on, to possible constipation problems. I recall sitting down for my first treatment of chemo and looking around the room, nearly all of the other individuals that were getting treated seemed to be my grandmother’s age, just as they had been when I had first gone to get my ultrasound. I felt as though they were all looking at me and saying, look at that poor young girl through their bifocal glasses.

 

MD Anderson had called me on the previous Wednesday and Thursday. However, due to the stacked up doctor appointments and lab testing I had been unable to talk to their representative. I called and left a message for the representative on the previous Friday afternoon, and she elected to call me while I was receiving my initial saline solution prior to chemo. The representative informed me that since I was about to receive treatment, then they could not see me until this 12 week protocol was complete. My mother freaked out, and called them back to further discuss this matter, but continued to receive the same information. She wasn’t sure if she should pull me from the chemo chair at that very moment since I hadn’t received any chemo yet, or if we should stick with the plan the Lubbock oncologist had provided us with??? So many major and stressful decisions!!! The MD Anderson representative confirmed that the earliest they would be able to get me in would be mid-January. With my cancer being at a 90% progression rate, Brian and my mom agreed that I should begin to receive the treatment protocol as planned that day.

 

After the initial saline injection, two pre-chemo treatments, and two different bags of chemo, I was finally done with my first round five hours later. The doctor had prescribed for me to have an anxiety pill and there was also Benadryl in my pre-treatment, so I was asleep a good portion during the treatment. Brian and my mom continued to work on contacting MD Anderson during this time. Brian was able to come in contact with an oncologist. Throughout the next three days my mom exchanged numerous emails with this doctor, but it was once again confirmed that I could not go to MD Anderson until my first round of chemo treatment is near completion at 12 weeks.

 

The nurse navigator had informed me that I would be receiving my chemo treatment every Monday, and every Tuesday I would receive the Neubogen shot, which is to increase my white blood cells. So, on Tuesday, December 17, 2013, I went to get my first shot. I also had an echo heart exam and a body scan conducted on this day. In order to conduct the body scan, my body had to take in a radiation fluid. My port was stuck for the second time, and let me remind you it had only been placed on Friday. So, at the end of the day, my port was extremely sore.

 

Wednesday, December 18, 2013 was filled with more tests, mammograms, ultrasound, and a breast MRI. I had a melt down by the time I got to the breast MRI at 4:00 p.m. They informed me they would have to stick my port once again, and I freaked out, informing them how very sore my port already was. They needed to stick me once again for the dye to enter into my body. I elected to have an IV ran into my body, and the breast MRI was complete. I left these tests hoping I would not have to endure any more test for a while.

 

On December 30, 2013 Brian, my mom, and I headed to see an oncologist to finally receive all of my test results. My oncologist was out of the office still for the holiday season, but we were hoping the new oncologist could give us some insight on what the ct scan, bone scan, breast MRI, etc could tell us. Boy, were we wrong! When we meet with the oncologist on that Monday morning we found the doctor to be very unprepared. He had not reviewed any of the test results prior to meeting with us. The doctor appeared uncomfortable with answering our questions, providing information, and we all got a sense that he was holding back information from us. He did express some concern that there was suspicion appearing on the 10^th rib that could be either cancer or a prior injury. More testing would be needed to determine this, and he noted that they could have to take a piece of the rib in order to determine if it was in fact cancer. I recall asking the doctor if it was in my bone what could we do, and he replied “there is really nothing that can be done”. This made me cry, and realize how serious my situation was. We also learned during the doctor visit that there is 5mm suspicious area in my left breast, as well as a suspicious lymph node. The doctor did provide us with copies of the test results to keep for my records. Brian stayed with me through chemo that afternoon, which went well once again, and my mother headed back to the ranch. We scheduled an appointment to meet with my actual oncologist on the following Monday.

 

Ok, 2014 please be good to me!!!!

 

On January 1, 2014 I sat down to organize more bills, appointment calendar, test results, etc. I came across the results the oncologist had provided me with on 12/30/2013. I opted to read over all of them so I would know first-hand what was going on. On the breast MRI there were notes in regards to suspicious chest wall invasion. I began to feel scared and angry. Scared because this could mean the cancer was spreading at a very high speed across my body. Angry because the doctor we had met with had not mentioned anything about this.  I also learned from the breast MRI that my tumor appeared to be growing based from the initial biopsies. Additionally, during my first initial ultrasound, which was approximately a month prior to the breast MRI, there was no mention of suspicion in my lymph nodes. The breast MRI now has a suspicious lymph node, which paints an obvious picture at how aggressive the form of cancer that I have is. I was anxious to see what my oncologist has to say about all of my test results during our doctor visit scheduled for January 6, 2014.

 

January 6, 2014, it is my 31^st birthday. Oh yea for me, not! This birthday brought the meaning of “shots, shots, shots” and “slap the bag” (usually meaning slapping a bag of Franzia Wine as you chug it) to a whole new meaning. This birthday was filled with getting real medical shots, and bags of chemo. BOOO! My first appointment being lab was scheduled for 10:15 a.m. My oncologist’s nurse called me at 9:30 a.m. to inform me that my doctor was stranded in the north east area due to bad weather, and we would have to reschedule my doctor’s appointment with him for the following Monday. The weather in the north east had been very treacherous, with temperatures being below 60 degrees, and extreme amounts of snowfall. I felt bad for my mom because she had made the 5 hour trip specifically for the doctor’s appointment, but it wasn’t my fault. Brian went with me to chemo, and that was pretty much the extent of my birthday. I felt pretty depressed on this birthday, were usually my birthdays are filled with fun and excitement. This one felt just the opposite, as I grew one year older.

 

On January 7^th, Brian woke-up early to head to Midland for work. I had my weekly Neubogen shot scheduled for that morning and I had planned on going into work some that day. I took my normal morning routine shower, and was saddened when an excessive amount of my hair was coming out in the shower and when I brushed it. It was not coming out in clumps as people had informed me it would, but it was definitely coming out more excessively than normal. I knew the time to finalize my search for a wig was coming nearer.

 

On January 9^th my new hairdresser, Ms. Yolanda Clay, picked me up and we were on a mission to find me wigs. I was beyond thankful to have a hairdresser go with me to pick out my wigs, and we found a perfect fit! Pictures will be available soon. If you are looking for a new hairdresser in the Lubbock area, you should contact Yolanda at Encore Salon, she is wonderful!!

 

After five and a half weeks, we were finally able to meet with my oncologist to discuss my test results on January 20th. My oncologist showed no concern of the suspicion in the 10th rib. He also confirmed that if there is anything occurring within my left breast, lymph nodes, or chest wall, then the current chemo will treat these areas, and any others that might be affected. We were beyond relieved to learn this information! After meeting with the doctor on December 30th we thought my cancer stage might be increased to IV, but based from this news it could stay at a III. Additionally, the doctor was amazed at how much my tumor was shrinking. My tumor originally felt like the size of a Vienna Sausage, but now feels like a marble. This is a major transformation!!! On this day I also received my 5th chemo treatment, only 7 more to go, and then on to the next set of chemo.

 

 

 

What's my breat cancer diagnosis and treatment???

Diagnosis:

·         Stage III, tumor was 3 centimeters

·         HER2+ (most aggressive type, generally only found in younger women)

·         90% Extremely Aggressive Tumor (10-20% considered normal, over 20% considered fast pace)

·         3% Estrogen+

·         Progesterone-

Current Treatment Plan:

·         Currently completing 12 months of Taxol and Herceptin Chemo (specifically designed to attack HER2+ genes) every Monday. Final treatment will be March 3, 2013.

·         Will complete 12 additional weeks of FEC chemo, and will only have to receive the treatment every 3 weeks.

·         Surgery will occur, being either a lumpectomy or mastectomy, followed by reconstruction. The exact procedure will be determined once the final results are determined from the 24 weeks of chemo.

·         Possible radiation will be needed.