Tues, 11/24/09

I'll be covering yesterday and today with this blog. Yesterday, I talked with my oncologist about my continued nausea and she advised that my liver enzymes and calcium levels were a little high which needed to be rechecked but she would order me something for my nausea. She called me back and advised that the calcium levels were a little too high and I could either come in that afternoon or in the AM. I decided to go in Tuesday morning. In the meantime, I had an appointment in Hopewell with Dr. Lee in regards to my biopsy site coming open and all he did was put a bandaid on it, told me to let it drain and told me to come back to see Dr. Antonio on Tuesday. I called Danny and he picked up my nausea medication on the way home. Now, this is very important!!! I did not check my medication bottle when Danny brought it home closely enough and my oncologist had prescribed "compazine" for me, which I am highly allergic too (it causes my tongue to swell). The bottle had the generic drug name with underneath written in very, very small letters saying compazine. I was talking with Joy, reading it to her and she yelled, you're allergic, which yea, I knew and she said, call your doctor NOW! So, I called the doctor after hours which she advised to take 50MG of benedryl and go to the ER. I also called the pharmacy and they did not have in my records that I was allergic to compazine, so my important message is to check your allergy listing with the pharmacy every year because I know it had to have been on there, as I've been allergic to that for almost 30 years! Guess my oncologist did not check my allergies when she prescribed. So, after 3 hours in the ER, prescription for prednizone and pepcid, I am recovering. Today, I went to my oncologist and she apologized for her error, of course that doesn't pay the ER bill. Anyway, my bloodwork was redone and my calcium levels had fallen so nothing needed to be changed on that. Then I had an appointment with Dr. Antonio which he prescribed sulfur for the opening, which I have to change twice a day until a decision can be made about the pelvic ultrasound that's tomorrow and MRI on next Tuesday, which I just found out about today. It's been 4 weeks tomorrow since I had my PET scan so I hope these tests will decide what they can do. I may have to stay in North Carolina on Monday after my testing, but don't know at this time. I just know they need to start my chemo soon!!!! I'm beginning to feel as if I'm jinxed! First, my biopsy incision pops open then I'm given a drug I'm allergic to and end up in the ER! I believe that I could write a book now! I just know that God is walking beside me right now and if I get too tired, he will carry me. Love to all, Janice

Sunday, 11/22/09

Since I usally write about our health, thought I would talk about some fun things for a change! Stacy will be turning 30 on Dec. 19th and we have always talked about the Tacky Light Tour so on her birthday, there are 8 of us going out to eat for her birthday and then the "stretch limo" will pick us up for the 3 hour tour in Richmond of the Christmas lights. WOHOO!!! Can't wait!!
Then, on Dec. 23rd, I'm going with Joy and her husband Dan to see the Rockettes in Richmond
with their Christmas Spectacular show. And Danny and I plan on going to Sanibel Island which is on the gulf coast of Florida for a week, either 1 week before my chemo or when I finish my chemo. We have been trying to go for 4 years and they say, once you've been, you want to go every year so you can get the "Sanibel Stoop". The sanibel stoop comes from stooping over to gather all of the seashells, which are very plentiful on the West Coast. Have you ever watched Jeff Dunham, a ventriloquist who comes on Thursday nights on the Comedy channel? My favorite puppet of his is "Walter", who calls everybody a dumb ass. It's so funny and whenever someone pulls in front of me when I'm driving, instead of cussing them out, I just call them a dumb ass and laugh hilariously. Try it sometime! LOL!!! Till next time, Janice.

Sat., 21 Nov 09

Well, got up this morning and had blood on my pajamas....what in the world? My incision for my breast biopsy popped open, so I had to call my surgeon. He advised me to keep it clean, put neosporin on it and cover it with gauze and come to see him Tuesday. I did get to go to lunch with Angela & Stacy though and then to the movie, "The Blind Side", which is a really good movie by the way. While I was away, the mice will play as they say, and Danny cut the front yard...wants to get ready to put out the Christmas decorations. It will be here before you know it! Anyway, been covering alot about me on the blog but Danny heard back on removal of
a mole off of his chest and it came back as basal cell carcinoma so he had to go back on Wednesday to have additional skin surrounding that area removed and had stitches which will be removed in 10 days so he is supposed to be taking it easy too. Anyway, we are both hanging in there and never know what what will come up every day. Love to all, Janice

Fri, Nov 20, 2009

I had my consultation with the radiologist oncologist today from 900 to 11:30. At this time, he does not feel that I need radiation to the pubic bone. He seemed more concerned with the pain in my back in the pelvic bone area. Therefore, he has scheduled a ultrasound to the pelvic area being given by my GYN on Wed, Nov 25. Also, he will be scheduling me for a MRI at SRMC, Petersburg of the same pelvic area maybe before the 30th but are not sure because of the Thanksgiving holiday. Based on those two tests, he will evaluate those and decide whether I need a biopsy of the pubic bone or the liver. This is a very smart, compassionate and caring doctor and boom, boom, boom, I have appointments that I know will get me the care and proper treatment that I need. He also thinks that I am entitled to a second opinion and that Duke University is great. I have picked up all of my mammograms and CD's of all tests taken and am ready to go! A lot of information from the doctors has also been faxed over to Duke and they have already called me twice for information and a breast cancer care specialist has talked with me about how I will be seen in the clinic. Duke has even asked for the glass slides where my original biopsy were performed from. I have heard from many people that Duke has the most caring individuals that give you expert treatment and I've been very impressed from what I have seen so far. So, hopefully between Dr. Drew Moghanaki, MCV, Assistant Professor and Duke University I am covered. Thanks for you emails, cards, prayers and concern, they are appreciated by the entire family. Love to all, Janice

tuesday, 17 Nov 09

I know in a previous blog that I had mentioned getting a second opinion. I talked with my oncologist at MCV and they have agreed that they do not have a problem with my getting a second opinion. Therefore, I made several calls and I was looking for a fast appointment, not one where I need to wait several weeks. Duke University answered my call with an appointment for November 30. I still plan on going to my radiation consultation for this Friday and will determine at that time whether to start the treatment or wait until 1 Dec 09. I will do whatever the radiation doctor wants even if I have to go to a treatment that morning before leaving for North Carolina. My girlfriend Joy who is a nurse is planning on going with us, so we
should be able to cover all bases. Joy went to all of my previous chemo treatments and has been down this long road with me all the way. I know that a lot of people have been praying and I had been having trouble getting an appointment that was not until Mid December or January, and
when i called Duke it just fell right into place. I have already received my confirmation email from Duke, talked with my oncologist and am getting copies of my tests and reports. Not only did Duke get me right in but I received a call this afternoon from John Hopkins in Baltimore, MD and they have me on a cancellation call list or if I want another opinion, I have a direct number for the oncologist nurse. God does work in mysterious ways and is providing me with a way to fight this, not only with one major medical cancer treatment center but two. I was very down last night because I had no answers and prayed for a call. I did receive a call from a friend in New Jersey who asked me to call Sloan Kettering and I could stay with her, but no appointments were available until January. So, God answered my prayers today with 2 calls. Remember, friends, God does answer many prayers. May God also bless you all! Janice

Mon, 16 Nov

Well, time to check on those second opinions. I have faith that God will lead me down the correct path even though it may be many turns and twists. I contacted Sloan Kettering and they cannot see me for 3-4 weeks so I called John Hopkins and they will be calling me back within 24 hours. Maybe it is not meant for me to fly anywhere as it is only 3 hours and 18 minutes to
John Hopkins in Baltimore. My current oncologist says okay to obtaining second opinion so we shall see. My first appointment with my current oncologist is for radiation therapy and that will be in Petersburg on Friday, which will be my initial consultation with the radiation therapist. I need a warm, fuzzy feeling right now and I'm not getting it with my present information. I will update later as it is time for my nap. I can't believe how tired I get and this is before I even start radiation or chemotherapy.

Friday, 13 Nov 09

Dr. Hackney, my oncologist, contacted me today to discuss the results of the bone scan. At this time, the cancer is only in the pubic bone and has not spread to any other bones, thank God! So we all need to keep positive thoughts and I'll keep everyone posted. My surgeon has not contacted me but wanted to perform a liver biopsy and Dr. Hackney says that i have had a PET scan, CT scan and bone scan and she really does not feel that a liver biopsy is needed. So, we have a difference of opinion here so Dr. Hackney said she would talk with Dr. Antonio and I will also be contacting himto get his feelings about the bone scan. My first radiation treatment for the pubic bone is scheduled for next Friday in Petersburg where I had my other radiation. Dr. Hackney says that this will only be 5-10 treatments, which if it is for 10 treatments would be for 10 days. Usually the first appointment is for discussion of the treatment to be performed and for schedule setup. After completing the radiation, I will then see Dr. Hackney the first week in December for my chemo treatments to be set up. I will be finding out more about that treatment later. I am a little confused about my treatment right now since both doctors don't agree so am waiting until they discuss and I talk with my surgeon...maybe it will just take some time for them to agree together. I just want to feel good about whatever decisions are being made and if I feel that I need a second opinion, I will seek it. Love to all! Janice

Wed, Nov 11, 2009

Today, I had to be over in Richmond in this messy, rainy weather but it is still a great day to remember our veterans for all they have done for us. Danny and I met when he was still in the Navy and he still proud of that today! Go Navy! Yea, USS John F. Kennedy as that was the ship he was stationed on in the boileroom, no wonder he has never minded the heat that much! The testing went pretty well today and they were able to get good, clear pictures of my entire body.
MCV stated that we should have the results by Friday. I would love to hear back from anyone that wants to respond on my blog. I got a lot of wonderful responses thru facebook. Love to all, Janice

Tuesday, 10 Nov 09

Okay, Stacy just posted my blog for everyone to read so thought I would update. Today, I went back to my surgeon to check the surgical scar from the biopsy, which was okay and to get the results of the biopsy. The biopsy does show that the cancer has returned to my breast and is the same type of cancer that I had before. There was no lump this time just the lesions which have increased in number in the last week. I am also scheduled for the bone scan in the morning at 9:00 a.m. I'm sure that it will be several days before we get the results of that but my surgeon has already advised that he will setup the liver biopsy which will be done by him which most likely will be a surgical procedure as soon as he gets the results of the bone scan. Will keep everyone posted - just check my blog.

Friday, Nov 6, 2009

Well, had my breast tissue biopsy on Wednesday. Hoping for a report from the path lab for
today, but it didn't happen. Got to see my "wonderful" oncologist today. The first thing she said
to me was that she was mad as hell that my cancer had returned. How many doctors today really take the time and care so much? My oncologist is part of the MCV Massey Cancer Center and as far as I'm concerned "TOPS" in her league. Anyway, since we did not have a result from the breast tissue biopsy, we preceded to look at my PET scan where the three bright spots on the scan show that I have two cancers inside of my liver and one on the pubic bone. After 4 years of surviving stage IIIb breast cancer with a lumpectomy and removal of 19 lymph nodes,
it has returned! Now, whether it is a recurrence of the breast cancer at this time is not known.
What's next step? Bone scan my friends. This will help determine maybe what type of cancer is in the bone without having to do a liver biopsy hopefully. Who knows? Next step - 5-10 treatments of radiation followed with 2-3 months of chemo. Then, another PET scan. If that shows that the cancers have not shrunk, then we will start over again...chemo then radiation. My entire family and I have a long road ahead of us and I'm sure that there will be a lot of friends with us on that long road. At this time, the oncologist is saying that the bone cancer is treatable. I know that I will continue to fight with everyone's prayers and well wishes. I so appreciate everyone's love, prayers and concern. I will continue to update my blog as I find out more about my treatments as so many people have called, written and prayed.