My Cancer Journey

Because the tumor showed to be less than 2 cm (.78 inches) and the lymph nodes did not look to be affected, my oncologist suggested weekly Taxol IV chemotherapy after the lumpectomy. It is a drug that attacks everything in your body. It kills the cancer cells, but also that which helps your body stay healthy. This is why many lose their hair while on this regimen.  Losing your hair does not sound like fun, but getting Taxol treatments will also lower your immune system because it kills your white blood cells as well. The white blood cells attack viruses that enter your body. They help you fight viruses and other illnesses. This is the scariest of the side effects because it can lower your immune system to the point where even something simple like a cold can be serious. This is why it is important to stay away from those who are sick while going through chemo. Taxol is administered once per week and builds up in your body during the twelve weeks it is given. This should kill whatev...

There are some things we think only happen to others - cancer is one of them. When I went in for my routine mammogram on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 I did not expect to be in treatment for years to come. I was not concerned when I received a phone call saying they needed to do an ultrasound on my right breast as there was a mass they wanted to look at more closely. This happened once before and it turned out to be a benign cyst. I have many fatty cysts (lipomas) and assumed this would be the same thing. July 26 I went in for the ultrasound. It was not until the technician brought in a doctor I got concerned. It turned out to be not a lump, but a spiculated mass. My understanding is that it is sort of shaped like seaweed, flat with offshoots. This was not your normal cyst. The doctor wanted me to get a biopsy. This was not the news I expected. The next day, Thursday, July 27, I went in for a needle biopsy. Craig, my husband took the afternoon off so he could take me there and home. Everyon...