Next steps.....

So, I'm done. 6 rounds finished. 6 rounds of hard drugs that left me nauseous, fatigued, weak and bald! However, this doesn't mean it is over. Cancer isn't cut and dry and if you have never had it or been close to someone going through treatment you may not know the complex nature of treatment. First, everyone's treatment plan is different. From the start, my treatment plan has been much different than others' treatment. There are so many factors to consider; progression, stage, where it is located, history, etc. I happen to have a history. This alone makes my plan different than others. So, with that said, "What is next?"

I have finished my 6 rounds of TCHP- Taxotere, Carboplatin, Herceptin, and Purjeta. This was my plan for these 6 rounds. However, in three weeks I go right back to just getting my Herceptin. My drive to OHSU every three weeks continues. There is a tradition in many treatment centers that a patient rings a bell when they are finished with their chemo. I have never got to ring a bell. In fact, the part of OHSU I go to doesn't have a bell. Because, unfortunately many of us there will be visiting for a LONG time. So, I go back to my original treatment plan for my 1st cancer, my metastatic breast cancer that is estrogen positive. But believe me, I welcome that treatment over the full TCHP.  Herceptin alone comes with many fewer side effects. 

Surgery + Radiation- On August 23rd I meet with my surgical oncologist and radiation oncologist to decide which surgery we will be doing. I have many ask me if I will have a full mastectomy this time. Realistically, probably not. "Why not?" Well, when deciding my treatment, my doctors still go back to my original diagnosis from 2012- Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer. When you are metastatic, cancer cells have already spread into my whole body. They have left the initial site. Surgery may not get rid of the initial cancer cells that I still have. There is still the chance that cancer can come back anywhere. This is when they tell me that a mastectomy is not technically "medically necessary." Peace of mind for me, definitely! But not a mark of survival rate. So, realistically, I will have whatever is left of the current lump removed (Lumpectomy) and then radiation at the site. Again, I will know more on August 23rd. In the mean time, life goes on.

Life does go on. I have written about this before. You find a new normal; a tired, exhausting normal. Unfortunately, the normal this summer hasn't been all fun. Sick every three weeks with a few good days in between treatment. Those days of which I have taken full advantage of....A trip to NYC with my husband and a trip to the San Juan Islands with family. Ally did driver's ed. Evan has had soccer. Justin and Nick have gone to work and I have tried to relax on the good days. Here's to next summer being more of summer!

School starts in just a few weeks. So, now that my last treatment is done, that is where I begin to focus. I am actually a bit excited. It is always nice to get back on a schedule. I am excited to meet my new class and have fun teaching little minds. That is my happy...along with family and friends of course. 

So, I'm finished. But, not finished. 

That's all for now. I just wanted to give you an update. Thank you everyone for your continued support, meals, prayers and everything else! It means the world to me!