Starting

Well, the treatment process has started. It's been a long process to get surgical clearances and what-have-you. My port was installed/embedded on Tuesday, and I will start chemo on Wednesday. Oh the joy! Not looking forward to it, but it's better than letting the cancer kill me. What would we do without Nurse Navigators? So many appointments and doctors, it's hard to keep it all straight. My advice to patients: Get a good planner/datebook.

Update

Well, I am at the library, and the internet is down. Great. So I will blog! Of course if the internet doesn’t come up before I leave, then this will all be wasted since my flash drive is missing and I have no way to save.

So, not much has been happening in my world lately, other than various doctor’s appointments and spending time at the library. I will finally have my port put in on Tuesday, and chemo will start shortly after. The dreaded chemo. But it’s just one of those things you have to do, so I will do it willingly. I still need to find a hat that I like. I am not a wig type of person. 7-11 had some really cute hats, with pink ribbons on them even, but cash is not available at the moment (to purchase one). I’ll find one, or even make one if I can figure out what I want, style wise.

Denise's Journey

From Denise's Journey: 

Why Me?
I think the first thought people have after hearing the words, "You have cancer" is, "Why me?" The truth is, for many of us, there is no answer to that question. And it doesn't really matter why or how. You have to learn to accept that it just "is."

I never expected to have cancer of an sort, but especially not breast cancer. No one in my family has had it, so I'm immune, right? Wrong! OK, so I have it. But I will fight it and I will win. I intend to share my thoughts and feelings with you all. And my journey through the crazy, busy world of tests, doctors and treatment.

I should have started this earlier, but I have had computer problems including no internet at home, and two non-working computers. I am now officially blogging from the library's computer. Thank goodness for the library. It is my sanctuary. I scooter (mobility scooter) a mile each way to and from the library on every day that I have off from appointments, and even some days after appointments. It's summer, and the Summer Reading Program is underway, so when I am home, I spend much of my time reading.

I am being positive about my plight. I am not going to let cancer get to me. I decided not to do a lot of research. I made a conscious effort not to look at statistics. I think we can get bogged down with too much information and too many numbers. Statistics are just that, statistics, averages. It does not mean that you will die. I look at it this way: Either I will survive or I won't. there are only two ways about it, and I am going to do whatever I have to do in order to survive.


Am I An Experiment?
A few days ago, I went for "chemo training." You know, what will happen, what to expect, that sort of thing. I was told I would be on a combo of chemo and Herceptin for five months, then surgery to remove any cancer that survives, then seven months of Herceptin alone. My oncologist told me I would be on chemo for a year with only five months of the Hercepin. So, which is it? I don't especially like my oncologist, don't feel that she's listening to me or my concerns. I told my friend of the treatment plan, and he said that protocol makes no sense, chemo is never given for such a short time. Which leaves me wondering, "Am I just an experiment to them?"

The "C" Word

I was recently diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. That's a big pain in the ass. Because of other health issues, I've had to get clearances from
other doctors before I can start chemo, so as of now, I still have my hair and feel basically fine. I am feeling good, in good spirits, and I am going to fight this stupid thing ... And win! I've suffered through a whole slew of crap in my lifetime, and this little thing called cancer is just another hurdle.

I have another blog, Denise's Journey, if you want to check it out. But maybe I will just post everything from here. Haven't decided yet.

Hello Again!

I have been mostly absent from the blogger scene for a while. Not having internet and then having major computer issues can do that to a person. But I am back, using the computer at the local library. Trying to be a good blogger, posting as often as I can. So well will see what happens! Love and peace to all!

Help Needed

I'm kind of writing this in a hurry, am at the library using the internet, since my own internet is now down for who knows how long. I use a neighbor's wireless, but they decided not to share anymore, so it's just the library for me now.

I don't like to share my personal problems, try to get things taken care of on my own. I am private about some things, but I need help.

I haven't had much income for the past several years, some of you know I have been trying to get SSI, as it's pretty much impossible for me to work. I have numbness in my hands, back pain, breathing problems, and more. I just found out I have another serious health matter, and I can't deal with it with no money. I need monthly help with expenses, such as personal care things and just general living expenses. Plus I need to move to a safer apartment. I am waiting for an apartment to open in a low-income senior/disabled building, so it's just a matter of time. I am moving higher on the waiting list and expect to move within the next few months. I need help paying the deposit and for moving expenses.

I will try to write a better statement or start a blog specific to my issues, but until I can do that, this is it.  Please don't let my hastiness keep you from helping. Anything you can offer is so much appreciated!

Thank You!!!!