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How I'm doing: The Treatment Plan

Reality awaits. My treatment plan is confirmed for now. I have this plan because I test positive for the receptors that make cancer more aggressive. The treatment also helps eradicate any cancerous cells that might be undetectable. 

  1. Lumpectomy surgery - DONE 

  2. Chemotherapy + hormone therapy infusions - Starting Dec 7, weekly for 3 months. Hormone infusions continue every 3 weeks for 12 treatments.

  3. Radiation -  Starts 3-4 weeks after chemo, daily for 4 weeks
    +
    Hormone therapy infusions every 3 weeks for 14 treatments

  4. Daily hormone therapy pill after treatment completes, for 5 years

This can change as test results come in and I react to treatment.

After meeting with my doctors, I got to see the area where I'll go for infusions—a big reality check. It was overwhelming. I started crying on the tour, and the nurses were so nice. I know I'm in good hands. Another reality check was the prescription for a wig and the list of referral services. But I've been expecting that--might just shave it once it starts falling out and see what it looks like.

I decided to have infusions on Thursdays so I can still volunteer twice a month on Tuesday nights and stay in touch with that. I remember my dad did something similar -- thanks for leading the way, Dad. 💙

I also have to have a medical port put in, which truly horrifies me. But I'll just do it (like the rest of this!). I believe if you really fear something, it's all the more reason to confront it. This will be no different. 

I'm relieved: I have a little time to enjoy Thanksgiving food and squeeze in a Sedona trip before chemo begins on the 7th. The timing means that I might not get to consume all those calories from Christmas dinner. :)

Something that made me feel good was the encouragement from the nurses to not feel guilty about being on medical leave. "Even if you barely have any side effects, even if you just want to use the time to stare at a wall, or go to lunch with friends, you do it. You earned that time." This really helped me, and I'm getting that re-enforcing messaging from across the team, and at work too. There are moments where I feel guilty, so this is helpful.

Something I'm proud of is that the doctors are tying the positives of my situation to being so healthy. My bloodwork is also awesome. It's nice to have that recognized and see how it pays off.

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