Hi Y'all! Guess what? You'll never guess, so I'll tell you:
The results are in from the genetic tests! They found variations on both the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. However, there wasn't any clear indication of what those variations mean in terms of my breast cancer. Therefore, the results are inconclusive, and I am free to keep my breasts for a at least a couple of years!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
PICC Line Blues
The PICC Line is a semi-permanent IV that I wear in my "good" arm. So far I've had to have one removed, and another put in at a different vein. The function of the PICC is to save veins from toughening or collapse. Because the drugs of chemotherapy are introduced to the body's circulatory system directly, it can be very hard on the system's tissues. The PICC line is a plastic tube that enters at a vein in my arm and ends just by my heart.
The entry site for the PICC line is a half-open wound. It is held in place by a couple of stitches. As you can imagine, getting it caught and accidentally ripping, or tugging the stitches that hold it in place is painful! Yes, PICCs facilitate bloodwork and some other injections, but they're a hazard.
For me, problems started immediately. I was uncomfortable and losing mobility in my arm. It was determined that the vein chosen for the PICC wasn't hearty enough to accommodate it. (That was my fault, I insisted on it being placed where it wouldn't interfere with my swimming. Fool Me.) I had managed to develop a clot at the entry site. When you're on chemo, you have to learn to eat again, nevermind swimming. Everything is different.
With the second PICC, and the second site, I found tugging on the line was an issue. It had to be wrapped tight and close to my skin to keep from getting caught up. Unfortunately the bandages and adhesives that went around my arm to protect the PICC caused an allergic reaction. The Band of Blisters that covered my arm kept me awake at night. After figuring out how to manage that, my arm started to swell. A day in Emergency at Hotel Dieu ended with the knowledge that I had more than one blood clot. I will be injecting blood thinners daily, into my stomach and thighs, until chemo is over.
The entry site for the PICC line is a half-open wound. It is held in place by a couple of stitches. As you can imagine, getting it caught and accidentally ripping, or tugging the stitches that hold it in place is painful! Yes, PICCs facilitate bloodwork and some other injections, but they're a hazard.
For me, problems started immediately. I was uncomfortable and losing mobility in my arm. It was determined that the vein chosen for the PICC wasn't hearty enough to accommodate it. (That was my fault, I insisted on it being placed where it wouldn't interfere with my swimming. Fool Me.) I had managed to develop a clot at the entry site. When you're on chemo, you have to learn to eat again, nevermind swimming. Everything is different.
With the second PICC, and the second site, I found tugging on the line was an issue. It had to be wrapped tight and close to my skin to keep from getting caught up. Unfortunately the bandages and adhesives that went around my arm to protect the PICC caused an allergic reaction. The Band of Blisters that covered my arm kept me awake at night. After figuring out how to manage that, my arm started to swell. A day in Emergency at Hotel Dieu ended with the knowledge that I had more than one blood clot. I will be injecting blood thinners daily, into my stomach and thighs, until chemo is over.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Day 14, PUPPIES!!!!!
Dr. Levesque told me my hair would fall out on Day 14. He wasn't lying, but I was surprised that it wasn't the hair on my head that came out that day. It wasn't All of my pubic hair that came out, but it was a lot. It's Day 22 or 23 now, or day 24, anyway, I put off washing my head until yesterday because I Knew that hair would come out. So, now, I'm going to show you a photo that's way more flattering than real life.
The buzz-cut my friend Ingrid gave me received numerous compliments. People usually had a surprised expression on their faces, and then a grin. They said things like "Wow, you can pull it off!" and "I like seeing this side of you!" I wish I felt equal to all those nice comments but, lately, I'm a grumpy and reclusive git who feels sorry for herself.
Luckily, today I found out that I'm not the only person with a hard-on for self-pity. It's always good to put things into perspective.
There were many people getting chemotherapy today, this being a holiday weekend. Three of us were crammed into an inner waiting room where we had ours fed to us intravenously. We were three patients and three visitors. One of us was a 60-70-something in a wheelchair, with uncooperative hands, a soft voice, and a twinkling smile. She lives alone, has never walked, and, clearly, has cancer. All of us together - a 50-60 year old in chemo for like, the third time, our little twinkler's two 60-70-something buddies, Mom, and two very pleasant nurses... We were Laughing!! All these ladies making jokes on each other, making each other squirm and blush!! I learned a few things:
I'm sorry I've been gone so long, I'll get back to you.
I'm off to bed, Friends. Enjoy your dreams!
xoxox
The buzz-cut my friend Ingrid gave me received numerous compliments. People usually had a surprised expression on their faces, and then a grin. They said things like "Wow, you can pull it off!" and "I like seeing this side of you!" I wish I felt equal to all those nice comments but, lately, I'm a grumpy and reclusive git who feels sorry for herself.
Luckily, today I found out that I'm not the only person with a hard-on for self-pity. It's always good to put things into perspective.
There were many people getting chemotherapy today, this being a holiday weekend. Three of us were crammed into an inner waiting room where we had ours fed to us intravenously. We were three patients and three visitors. One of us was a 60-70-something in a wheelchair, with uncooperative hands, a soft voice, and a twinkling smile. She lives alone, has never walked, and, clearly, has cancer. All of us together - a 50-60 year old in chemo for like, the third time, our little twinkler's two 60-70-something buddies, Mom, and two very pleasant nurses... We were Laughing!! All these ladies making jokes on each other, making each other squirm and blush!! I learned a few things:
- The bigger the belt-buckle, the smaller the dick. (Is that TRUE?)
- Some chemo-dispensers look like used prophylactics. (haha)
- Ask for what you need, and you'll get it.
- Don't say: I have Cancer, say: I have Puppies! (You try it!)
- Life's hard, but friends really help make it better.
I'm sorry I've been gone so long, I'll get back to you.
I'm off to bed, Friends. Enjoy your dreams!
xoxox
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