Penultimate One

Long day in the hospital today, in part because of strikes but mostly because I've had a lot done.

First up was meeting with oncologist to discuss my latest MRI results. The word used was delighted at the change to the tumour. Also discussed the biopsies- I said I was happy to go ahead if the pain could be controlled. Doctor said no problem to have some sedation, but chat to the radiographer first.

There was a bit of a wait to arrange this, as it was pretty busy, but I went for another mammogram and to see the head radiographer who explained that she has a new technique of getting samples that is much less likely to cause pain- its faster and goes through less tissue. I also had another ultrasound, which is the first time I've been able to see the change to the lump and it really is quite striking. It's obviously a lot smaller and a lot less dense.

Next I was back in the mammogram machine but rather than sitting up, I was laid down on my side and given a big dose of anaesthetic. I barely felt the biopsies this time and they managed to take 10 (vs 4 last time before being in too much pain to carry on) and I only felt the last 2, and that only mildly, which was a big relief as I was really nervous.

Given the change in the lump, the chances of getting enough cells is pretty low, but probably worth it. The oncologist mentioned that they may bring forward surgery if they can't get anything from the biopsy, and then have some more chemo after.

Next it was back to the chemo suite to go back to the oncologist for a quick check of my side effects. I mentioned that I've been getting breathless and have had a little chest pain, and the next thing I knew I was being whisked off for a chest X-ray. Thankfully I didn't have to wait more than a few minutes, and then I was back again to have my blood pressure taken and prepped for chemo. After a pause to confirm that the X-ray was clear, I was set up with my needle which went in first time, thankfully. They took a blood test as well to confirm that I don't have a blood clot on my lung, unlikely but they have to check. I should get the results this evening.

Then it was back into the oncologist to set up an appointment for next week when they should know if they have enough cells for the HER2 test and if not to discuss bringing forward surgery.

So now it's 10 past 3 and the Taxotere has just started going in. Considering I got here at 10am, it's been a long day. It's been a pretty good day as far as treatment days go as things are looking up. Glad I've had Kate with me for company. Going to pop into town to pick up dinner and then I'll vegetate on the sofa for the rest of the day- I think I've earned it.

Some Good News at Last

I received a phone call this morning from my breast care nurse. Initially I panicked slightly, as they usually ring to impart bad news, but today was different.

My MRI results were reviewed this morning at the weekly meeting to discuss all the breast cancer patients, and apparently my response to the new treatment has been described as excellent. So the improvement in the lump that I felt wasn't just in my imagination and it appears that the lump is shrinking well. Better response = better prognosis, so I'm very happy.

On the other hand, my response has been so good that there's a concern that by the time I get to surgery there'll be no cancer cells left to test. As its not yet clear if I have an HER2+ cancer, this could cause an issue as they can't give Herceptin without a positive test. There is some debate as to how effective Herceptin is for my stage of cancer, but frankly I'll take any small statistical advantage that I can.

This means I have to go and speak to the head oncologist before my chemo tomorrow to discuss having a further biopsy. There were so few cancer cells (as opposed to pre-cancerous cells, of which there were a lot) that they simply weren't able to test. Now the chances of getting more cells are still pretty low, but it could be the only chance of getting the information. I'm quite happy to have another set of biospies provided that they can manage the pain for me - which most likely means being sedated rather than a local anasthetic. I'm not sure if I can cope with having it done like last time - especially as I know up front how painful it is. Something to discuss tomorrow...

More Scanning

I've been back at the hospital today for another MRI scan to check how the lump is responding to the new Taxotere treatment. I will get the results when I go in for chemo (penultimate one...nearly there!) on Wednesday morning, but from having a feel this morning, I'm glad to report that when I went to check the lump, I couldn't find it. I've noticed that it seems to have been getting both softer and smaller over the last few weeks, and the tissue is still more dense than the other side, but it feels like I've had a lot of improvement over this treatment, which is a great relief.

However, I think I said that it was smaller before the last scan, and it wasn't, so I'm just tentatively pleased until I get the scan results. The more it shrinks, the better my long term prospects are, so fingers crossed.

I've also been for my blood tests today, which will be used to determine if I need a blood transfusion before my next treatment, as last time my haemoglobin levels were low. I guess that they'll either plan that for tomorrow, or perhaps Wednesday morning, but I think it takes quite a long time to transfuse. I may also be affected by the strikes on Wednesday - they're saying all urgent treatments will go ahead, but I'm not sure where chemo falls within the definition of urgent.

A Few Pictures of my Handiwork

Pink Ribbon

Mooses Welcome

Work in Progress

So it's been just over 2 weeks since the last treatment, and I'm pleased to report that the side effects have been easier this time around. Although I still suffered with a mouth infection and sore joints I didn't feel nearly as unwell as I did last time, although I think I've been a little bit more tired.

It's actually been a relatively busy few weeks for me, and its been nice to be occupied. First of all when I went to stay at my parents directly after treatment, my grandparents and my aunt came down to Essex for a visit for a few days - I've not seen them since my diagnosis, and it was great to be able to catch up with them. Simon decided to take a few days off whilst I was down there, so he joined us on Friday night and we stayed until the following Tuesday.

Once we were back home, I decided to start making some Christmas decorations, so I've been pre-occupied with lots of cross stitching projects, which works well for me as something to keep me occupied even when I'm feeling quite rough. I've made a couple of decorations so far and a pink ribbon design - I'll try and post a few pictures later.

We spent this weekend up in Milton Keynes, as my old theatre group were performing Merry Wives of Windsor - I had a fabulous time seeing everyone, and very much enjoyed the aftershow party, which went on until 4am on Sunday - I've spent quite a lot of the time since then catching up on sleep. The show was fantastic, and I felt quite jealous being in the audience rather than the cast for a change. Once I'm better, it's a hobby I'll have to pick up again.

Number 5, Still Alive

Treatment number 5 yesterday went well, apart from a long wait to see the doctor -  my regular oncologist was out so I saw a different doctor, who had a long queue.

Things of note:

• Lump is noticeably smaller and softer - hurray!
• No return of the lump under my arm - also great news.
• My white blood cells have recovered well, but I'm running a little low on haemoglobin, so there is a chance I may need a blood transfusion before my next treatment.
• No flu jab until after chemo, as it's too risky - all my family have had theirs though, so that should give me some protection.
• I'm going off for genetic testing - partly for me, but also for peace of mind for Kate, who is also going for genetic testing in the new year.
• My side effects from the Taxotere were nothing out of the ordinary, but they've made some alterations to my drugs that should hopefully make this round a bit easier - specifically to try and prevent a recurrence of the mouth infections I've been having.
• Just 2 more sessions to go after this, and I'm starting to be able to look forward to retuning to normal life. I'm hoping to be able to get back to work by the end of March.

After I'd seen the doctor, it was into the chemo suite to receive my drugs. Due to the mix up in dates, I had to have an extra steroid dose as well as the Taxotere.  The nurse managed to get the cannula into my hand again, which was a relief as the vein in my elbow has gone very hard. I was lucky enough to get the bed in the suite rather than the chair, so once I was up and running I was able to have a little nap. I get insomnia the night before chemo, so having had 2 nights in a row of little sleep, I needed a rest.

After the session, Kate treated me to lunch out at a Thai place in Windsor, before she drove me over to my parent's house, where I'll be staying for a little while. Simon is taking a long weekend, it's Kate's birthday on Monday, and my Grandparents and Aunt are coming to visit, so it should be a good couple of days.

At the moment, the side effects from the treatment haven't kicked in yet, so for now, I'm feeling pretty good. Last time it was 2 days out that I started to feel ill, so I should have another good 24 hours yet.

A Brief Reprieve

I was expecting to be posting today on my fifth chemo run, but my appointment is tomorrow rather than today. I wish I'd known this before having to get through rush hour traffic to the hospital...ah well. So I thought I'd give an update on what I've been up to for the last 2 weeks, given that I started writing a post a week ago and never got around to finishing it... I'm a bad blogger :)

So, 3 weeks out from the Taxotere and I'm feeling much better than I did when I wrote my last entry.

Overall, it took me about 10 days to get over the worst of the treatment, versus about 5 on the FEC. I'm not sure how much of that was down to the infections I contracted or the treatment however. I also had 2 reasonable days directly after the treatment. I felt feverish for a days or so beyond my last post, and by Thursday afternoon, I was feeling pretty well again. On the Friday I even managed from 10-4 in the office (although that did include going out for a team lunch, which was very nice - thankfully my taste buds have mostly returned).


I had a bit of a treat last Monday night - through work I'd got hold of a ticket to a private viewing of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the National History Museum. Simon drove me into London and we had dinner at a nice tapas place and then I went to the exhibition - if you have the opportunity to go - take it, there were some truly amazing shots - especially some of the landscapes (my particular favourite was a starscape - breathtakingly beautiful photograph http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/temporary-exhibitions/wpy/visitorVote.do?photo=2769&category=12&group=1)

I've been splitting my time between home with either my sister or my Mum for comapny and my parent's house this time around, as I've been a bit too poorly to be on my own all day. I've been helping my Mum make curtains for my living room, and am becoming quite good at hand sewing. I hung the first curtain up yesterday, and it looks great apart from the fact that its tied up with string for the next few days to help set the pleats. I've also become a jigsaw puzzle fiend and a mean embroiderer. I have to pace myself though as I get very tired very suddenly. I have a habit of "just closing my eyes for a few minutes" and waking up a few hours later (usually covered in cats - they like an ill person, we're warm and still).

Speaking of which I'm just going to close my eyes for a few minutes to make up for my early get up.