Getting Ready

Here it is, 3 days after treatment #7, and I am at home.  I was at home yesterday, too. I guess you can only dump poison into your system for so long and not feel it.  Flu-like symptoms were definitely side effects of the Taxol.  I have been down since Wednesday night, and am just now starting to feel human. Only one more treatment to go, but forgive me for not looking forward to it.

I saw my plastic surgeon, Dr. Kiesnowski, and a genetic counselor, Bobbie McGivern, last Thursday.  The plastic surgeon exudes confidence, and was very reassuring.  I could actually get my implants right away, instead of the expanders.  That would save me weekly trips to Appleton for saline fills until I've expanded to the right size!  He said it will be like Christmas, as I won't know what I got until I wake up!  Funny man.  He will do what is best for me and my health at the time of surgery.  Bobbie was great, and did the genetic testing that day.  I should get those results next week.  She didn't see any connection to breast cancer, even though there is an awful lot of cancer in my family.  We will see.  The results are for information only, the decisions that would change will only serve to enhance my chances for survival.  I have an appointment with Dr. Salm-Schmid on Monday, and hope to get on the surgery schedule.  She will be doing the actual mastectomy, then Dr. Kiesnowski will take over with the reconstruction.  So far we are looking at the week of March 7th.  Can't be too soon for me.  I am very tired of all of this, and am looking forward to getting it over with.

Thanks to all of you for your positive thoughts and prayers.  I try very hard to remain positive and I will admit it is getting harder as I react to the chemo.  Your prayers keep me uplifted and remind me who is going to get me through this.

Love, Chris