My first visit with the oncologist

Okay here goes…

I went to see the oncologist today. I will likely have four rounds of chemo, big names of drugs I cannot remember, but have a packet to read about. I actually go in on Monday the 28th and have a port implanted, and start my chemo the next day on the 29th. Then I will go in another three weeks to have the next round.

At the same time I will be starting another type of chemo as well, called herceptin. If you want to read more about it, feel free by going to breastcancer.org, they have some really excellent info about it and how it is related to the HR2Nu (her 2 new) receptor, for which I was positive. The tests they did for the hormones were what was negative… there is so much involved it seems so difficult to keep up.

For the herceptin treatments, I will receive those at the same time as the other chemo, but I will have those treatments for one year, every three weeks.

I’m still sore and sometimes when I move just so, it hurts like heck… But, my spirits are good and I will get to spend Christmas with one of my nieces and two of my nephews, along with my brother and sister-in-law…

I so appreciate all the prayers and thoughts coming my way and on my behalf. I know that has helped me so much, has helped the doctors, and my spirits and attitude.

Thank you , thank you all, and please have a Merry Christmas!

I will certainly let you know how I feel after the chemo…

With all my love,
B-Jo

[to the tune of We're off to see the Wizard] I'm off to see the oncologist...

...the bearer of chemotherapy, she is the whiz of science and drugs if ever a whiz there was....  If ever a doctor of whiz or was, the oncologist is because, because...because, because, because, because..............  Because of the chemotherapy she does...

Okay, so really, I got nothing...

But seriously, I go to see the oncologist tomorrow.  I will be finding out what and how much chemo and all that jazz.  Should be interesting...

Wanted to get that out there for ya...

Until next time...

Two weeks after Mastectomy

I had my surgery two weeks ago today.

I was able to have my drain removed yesterday, that was wonderful.  Having a drain, that was different for me and without totally grossing everyone out, I am glad it is gone.  I have pain up and down my left arm and into my hand now though.  Dr. Tittensor described it as a stretching pain and said it was normal.  Normal or not, it still hurts.

I go see the oncologist on Monday.  I am looking at traditional chemotherapy and a treatment of chemo that will start after the traditional chemo.  The traditional kind will likely be 4 to 6 treatments spread out.  I will have a treatment, have two weeks, and then have another treatment.  I will likely lose my hair, yay for me... LOL.

The second treatment is called Herceptin, and that one is once a month for either 12 to 24 months.

With these treatments I am looking at having a port placed under my skin on the right side, to help salvage my veins and such.

In the meantime, I have been resting, gaining weight--that is what happens when you sit around and do nothing-- and trying to keep myself entertained.

I will let everyone know more when I know too.

Until next time...

Some information about surgery

Okay here is the scoop:

I report to American Fork Hospital at 7:30 AM.

First, I go to radiology so they can inject me with something—yay for me, ha ha.

Then I go to surgery.  The doctor said I will be in the hospital AT LEAST overnight, to keep an eye on me.

Beyond that, I am not sure, but based on some of what I have read up on about breast cancer, especially since I am looking at a more invasive cancer, I may likely face chemotherapy.

I promise to keep you updated, as I find things out.  I will have James send messages if necessary, and he will relay messages as well.

Feel free to send emails to babybjo@live.com

American Fork Hospital

170 North 1100 East
American Fork, Utah 84003
(801) 855-3300 

Oh and anyone that is putting our names in the temple:

Bonita Jo Laing-Dumler [but if you put B-Jo I am sure the Lord knows].

James Steven Dumler

Susan Jo Hunter

James Glenn Hunter

That at least covers the household.  Don’t know if it is acceptable to put pets, but the dog is Foster McShadow Dumler.

Thanks so much for all of your support and well-wishes, prayers, and everything.

With love,

B-Jo