BLOG.SHLLSTER.COM: Chemo #22

Shelly Ann Bovee

Shell's Story
Howdy pardners. Dan wanted me to give you all the nuts and bolts of my diagnosis so here goes...at the end of November of last year I found a lump in my breast. I waited until after the Holidays to see a MD. I went in and had a Diagnostic Mammogram and Ultra Sound done at that time which found the lump and also a suspected odd lymph node. A biopsy was scheduled for February and on March 9th i was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Both the lump and lymph node were cancerous. I consulted a breast surgeon at that time and was not impressed with him or his staff. I made an appointment with 2nd breast surgeon who was refered to me by my best friends Mother Barbara Duffy who had worked with him years back at Scottsdale/Osborn. We were impressed with him right off the bat. He was personable and very educated. He ordered blood work and a PETscan right away and refered me to DR. Cavalcant who is now my oncologist. I saw DR. Cavalcant April 1st. It was that day that he told me i am stage 4 breast cancer because the cancer has spread to my spine, pelvic bone and rib cage. He ordered several tests that seem to fill up the calender in March. 9 MRI's of my back done, a MUGGAscan of my heart, a pelvlic bone biopsy and blood work once a week. All very daunting news to be sure but i knew i was in good care with DR. Cavalcant. He has been aggressive with chemo and very thorough. I go for chemo once a week and saw the DOC today (4-30-2009) and he was very positive!! He said chemo is going very well. His parting words to me "we are going to beat this thing"!!! No sweeter words spoken from an oncologist. Chemo has had its good and bad days but its manageable and i believe it is working!!! So, thats just a little bit about whats been going on around these parts. If anyone has any questions, feel free and i will answer best i can. Over and out for now!! :) Shelly
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Chemo #22

Hi all. Went for chemo #22 yesterday and saw Dr. Cavalcant. He said another month of chemo "about mid October", no date given. But, he wants me to come in for Herceptin every 3 weeks for 6 months after. Also, I will be on an estrogen blocker called Femora for about 5 years. They did a blood draw last week and I suspect he saw something to warrant another 6 months of treatment. When we went in for chemo I mentioned it to the nurse she said Herceptin is usually adminstered for a year after chemo, so that could happen as well. The good news is that the Taxotere causes the brunt of the side effects so after October my hair should start growing back and the puking/ nausea should ease up. Herceptin is only a 30 minute drip so the trips to the chemo room shouldnt take as long as they have. Continued remission is the goal so if thats what the doctor orders, thats what we will do.

Thanks for all the good wishes. Everyone has been awsome during this experience thats for sure! Take care and peace out.

Shelly

PS. On a sad note, my bother Dan and wife Leah lost their 13 year old Golden Retriever Reina over the Labor Day weekend. Altho she lived a good long life and it was her time to go, it doesnt make it easier losing a pet. Rest in Peace Reina!