i had one bump on my head biopsied today and it was all over before i could get tense. of course the 0.5 mg ativan i took helped a lot. dr a, the dermatologist, is so gentle. plus he mixes his lidocaine with sodium bicarbonate which takes away most of the sting. must remember to recommend this to my infusion nurses.
biopsy results take a week but doc said he'd rush the cancer or not? preliminary part. the second piece details what kind of cancer, er/pr status etc. maybe i will get a call by end of the week. if not i see the onc on monday.
i think there is a 10% chance the femara i am taking for the second time is working, will know on friday. if it's not, and the bumps are indeed mets, then on to chemo asap.
someone found a clinical trial for skin mets that's right here in seattle: "A Phase II Study of Topical Imiquimod and Weekly Abraxane for the Treatment of Breast Cancer Cutaneous Metastases". maybe i will qualify.
i hate the waiting. at least my relocated elbow keeps my mind off "scanxiety".
we treated ourselves to ice cream at molly moon's afterwards. 1/2 salted caramel and 1/2 scout mint, topped with hot fudge helped restore my equilibrium.
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Sleep therapy yesterday. Ice cream therapy today. Sounds like good therapy to me!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I will pray for you, Jill. You look at everything square on, and still manage to find something to be cheerful about. Lately, I've been falling short in that part of things, and I am ashamed of that.
Hi Jill,
ReplyDeleteThank you for creating one of the most upbeat breast-cancer-related blogs that I have come across. Somehow it seems that you're able to manage your health and lead what sounds like a very fulfilled life!
My mom was recently diagnosed (lobular, stage 2 or 3--her axillary dissection and port placement is on Monday) in Feb. Since that time, I've often been scared and depressed by my online reading (research papers, blogs and forums alike), but your blog consistently reminds me that life continues to be life with or without cancer and should be treasured accordingly, probably even more so.
Gradually I feel myself accepting this strange new cancer-reality as another fixture in the fabric of my mom and my relationship rather than the foreign invader it was at first (and probably will always be to some degree). However, I still struggle to discuss it without obsessing about it. I don't want cancer-talk to define my mom or how we interact, but I certainly don't want it to be taboo, either. I guess finding the balance is key, which certainly seems to be one of your strengths!
Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for being a light for me in what seems like a sea of bad news.
Wishing you benign results on your scalp.
Cheers,
Emily
The waiting is very difficult...nothing one can do about it other than praying that whatever happens the you have to be positive and brave it out.
ReplyDeleteemily, so sad to hear about your mother's diagnosis. 2 thoughts --
ReplyDelete1) follow her lead. if she wants to talk about cancer, then do so. if she'd rather talk about the latest fashion or tv show, that's okay too. it's not productive to live in cancer land 24/7.
2) take care of yourself. whether you find a caregivers support group or a good friend, you have to take care of your own needs so you can be there for your mom. that's not selfish but sensible.
best of luck to you all.
jill