It is hard to conceive all the intricacies involved in cancer treatment. It truly makes me appreciate the doctors and specialists who are helping me! Each breast cancer has different protocols, depending on the type and severity. In my case, we have categorized it as four phases of treatment:
Chemotherapy => Surgery => Radiation => Reconstruction.
Chemotherapy has three sub-phases, sort of: Taxol, FEC, and Herceptin*. Starting today, I will receive a triple dose of Herceptin every three weeks, and will continue until the end of the year. Herceptin overlaps and continues throughout the year, so I’m focused on the Taxol and FEC when I say, “One down, three to go!” (Reconstruction is optional, but I’m counting on it at this writing.)
It’s hard to believe six months of weekly chemo have passed. Infusions lasted anywhere from an hour to three hours at a time after giving blood, waiting for results, getting vitals, waiting in the room, getting plugged in, and then finally getting the infusion. The good news is – that part is done! Woo hoo! I am already noticing my strength returning as is the hair on my head.
My whole family decided to join me today for the last ten minutes of my infusion. Tim told the nurse they were hoping to see blood gushing out when she de-accessed my port (ha). I had a new nurse today, and she didn’t understand his humor (does anybody?). Fortunately for me and the nurse, that wish was not granted.
Surgery is two weeks from today. One step at a time.
=================
*Some patients and nurses refer to Herceptin as chemotherapy, because it still requires infusions and the safety protocols, but Herceptin does not have the same side effects that Taxol and FEC do, like losing your hair. There are potential dangers, but it is a different kind of treatment. The official Herceptin website calls it a “targeted therapy.” My doctor calls it “biotherapy” as it works at the cellular level. This drug attaches to the HER2 receptors and targets specific cell receptors known as Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2-positive (HER2+), to prevent them from sending a signal to the cell to grow. HER2+ breast cancer grows rapidly compared to other cancers because of these signals, which explains why my tumor was so big when I was diagnosed. I’m so glad to have Herceptin! The infusions only take about 30 minutes each time, so like I said earlier, I prefer to think of chemo as finished. I didn’t ring the bell yet. I’m saving that for the end of all infusions.
Starting today, Herceptin is an every three week occurrence! If you want to know more about how it works, feel free to check out this link and read more (they have pictures) http://www.herceptin.com/about.
Blood pressure: 107/66 just before treatment. During treatment: 95/64. My BP has always been on the low side, so this is very good.