As I reported, the surgery went very well – and Myra is recovering nicely. She is feeling good, and is very much looking forward to (hopefully!) getting the drain, which collects fluid from her breast, removed tomorrow at a follow-up appointment with Dr. Atkiss, the plastic surgeon, then being able to take her first “unencumbered” shower of 2009!
Yesterday, Myra and I went for a post-surgery appointment with the oncologist, Dr. Hollister. With surgery behind her, we are faced with the reality that Myra’s battle with cancer really begins now. The truth, we know now, is that surgery was the pre-work and the road ahead will be hard, long and uphill. Two of her 17 lymph nodes came back positive, which means her cancer can and has traveled. Myra will begin aggressive treatment consisting of hormone therapy and chemotherapy to eradicate the cancer cells and give her the best chance to prevent the cancer from reoccurring. The chemotherapy regimen is a combination or ‘cocktail’ of drugs used to destroy the cancer cells. The Hormone therapy is used to block the effect or to lower the levels of estrogen, a hormone that promotes the growth of breast cancer cells.
Because she is in such good health and is physically strong, the doctor feels she can handle the strongest and most aggressive chemotherapy and so Myra will be receiving “Dose Dense” chemotherapy which is a chemo regimen administered on a condensed schedule. Her particular regimen is called ACT which stands for A-Adriamycin, C-Cytoxan, T-Taxol. Here is a link to more about the ACT Chemo Regimen for those of you who want to understand this a little more.
Every two weeks, for the next four months, Myra will get chemo at the The Bendheim Cancer Center at Greenwich Hospital which resides in the same building as Dr. Ward, the surgeon who removed her tumor. We are fortunate to live so close to an outstanding facility that will treat her disease ruthlessly while treating Myra with the utmost humanity, respect and care.
These treatments will become increasingly difficult over time and the effect, particularly the fatigue, is cumulative. She will get medication for the nausea, but our electric Myra may lose her spark temporarily in the process, oh yes and also her hair!. She is planning to cut it short this weekend in preparation as Dr. H said her hair will come out very quickly following first chemo.
Myra asked that I take a picture of her with “Uncle Dickie” yesterday. Please keep this image fresh in your mind.
Yesterday, Myra and I went for a post-surgery appointment with the oncologist, Dr. Hollister. With surgery behind her, we are faced with the reality that Myra’s battle with cancer really begins now. The truth, we know now, is that surgery was the pre-work and the road ahead will be hard, long and uphill. Two of her 17 lymph nodes came back positive, which means her cancer can and has traveled. Myra will begin aggressive treatment consisting of hormone therapy and chemotherapy to eradicate the cancer cells and give her the best chance to prevent the cancer from reoccurring. The chemotherapy regimen is a combination or ‘cocktail’ of drugs used to destroy the cancer cells. The Hormone therapy is used to block the effect or to lower the levels of estrogen, a hormone that promotes the growth of breast cancer cells.
Because she is in such good health and is physically strong, the doctor feels she can handle the strongest and most aggressive chemotherapy and so Myra will be receiving “Dose Dense” chemotherapy which is a chemo regimen administered on a condensed schedule. Her particular regimen is called ACT which stands for A-Adriamycin, C-Cytoxan, T-Taxol. Here is a link to more about the ACT Chemo Regimen for those of you who want to understand this a little more.
Every two weeks, for the next four months, Myra will get chemo at the The Bendheim Cancer Center at Greenwich Hospital which resides in the same building as Dr. Ward, the surgeon who removed her tumor. We are fortunate to live so close to an outstanding facility that will treat her disease ruthlessly while treating Myra with the utmost humanity, respect and care.
These treatments will become increasingly difficult over time and the effect, particularly the fatigue, is cumulative. She will get medication for the nausea, but our electric Myra may lose her spark temporarily in the process, oh yes and also her hair!. She is planning to cut it short this weekend in preparation as Dr. H said her hair will come out very quickly following first chemo.
Myra asked that I take a picture of her with “Uncle Dickie” yesterday. Please keep this image fresh in your mind.
This is the new power couple who will together conquer this disease and restore Myra’s health and vitality. Dr. H was very direct with us and set our expectations that Myra would be in “chemo jail” over the next 16 weeks. He is very optimistic about her recovery, but wanted Myra to go into this difficult protocol with open eyes. Despite yesterday’s straightforward conversation, Myra is doing exactly what we would expect - she has her sword out and is boldly marching towards her enemy. She never ceases to amaze me.
As I mentioned, Myra’s first chemo treatment starts next Wednesday. Everyone reacts differently and we will see how she responds to the treatment and will have a better idea of what to expect.
Thank you all for your offers of support – I will come back to you in the next weeks to let you know exactly what she needs. Please forward this message to those I might have missed or send me their names to add to my list.
Love,
Robin
As I mentioned, Myra’s first chemo treatment starts next Wednesday. Everyone reacts differently and we will see how she responds to the treatment and will have a better idea of what to expect.
Thank you all for your offers of support – I will come back to you in the next weeks to let you know exactly what she needs. Please forward this message to those I might have missed or send me their names to add to my list.
Love,
Robin
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