The Countdown

Today brought another does of Herceptin and a visit to my oncologist. Her first words after "Hello," were "You look great!" I responded with, "Of course I do. All the weight I've gained has made my wrinkles disappear!" I had questions for her. Has my treatment had any impact on my low functioning thyroid? (None) When will my last Herceptin infusion be? (May) Should I start taking baby aspirin to prevent a reoccurence of breast cancer as reported by the American Medical Association? According to her, baby aspirin helps prevent colon, prostate, breast, and many other cancers. When I asked her if she takes it, she was quite taken aback and said, "Of course not. I don't take any pills." Hmmmm...isn't that interesting!

I've learned a lot of things I'd really rather not have learned through this journey. First, I've learned medical jargon. Would I have ever thought that the words port, Herceptin, and infusion therapy would become regular words in my vocabulary? Unfortunately I've also learned how the chemist mixes my Herceptin when I show up (it is considered a toxic material). Between the jargon and chemistry of it all I've found that the chemo nurses are overworked and grouchy after three day weekends. There are twice as many people there making up for the missed day. None of us want our treatment slowed down by holidays!

What things should I have known before unvoluntarily signing on for this journey? Imagine my surprise learning that at my age I was not invincible! We go to doctors for preventative medicine and to hear the words, "Everything's fine". Next learning...take nothing for granted. There are people I knew would care and people I knew who wouldn't care. I thought the medical community would guide and support me in this journey. What else have I learned? Be the person who cares most about you. You are your advocate. So many little things. What is the greatest learning I have discovered so far? I have more strength in me than I ever imagined. I am the sum of my parts. My mother, my husband, my family, my colleagues. You have given me the power. The countdown is on.............

Keep Pink Tough and Expect Great Things