2021: More Surprises

Living with metastatic breast cancer can be a challenging journey, but with the right tools and mindset, it is possible to empower wellness and live beyond the diagnosis.

Time for another PET Scan. This test is necessary, but always daunting, I hope I can eventually squash the anxiety that comes with this. This will be a quarterly test - four a year. The process is not painful but the wonder and the "what if" makes it nerve racking. My Oncologist always scheduled these a day or two before my appointment, so I never waited long for results. My inquisitive self learned quickly that My Chart sends the results to the patients email automatically so I often see mine before I meet with my doctor. Over time I have learned some terminology and that can be good or bad. My husband always tells me to not look at the results and wait until I see Dr. R. If I know they are there I have to look.

PET Scan Day came and I made the trip to Rex Hospital. The nurse tested my glucose level to confirm it was within the normal range and they proceeded to inject the radioactive sugar. My anxiety is always increased because this has to be administered via IV. I have deep veins and this makes the task of finding one more difficult. Luckily the hospital has an IV Ultrasound team that can pinpoint veins and mark them for easy access. I always ask for cold spray too to numb the area. Sometimes the poke will be my forearm or other places in the arm. My advice when getting an IV is if you have a phobia, ask for cold spray that will make the process much more pleasant.

There is a normal wait time of approximately 45 minutes to give the radioactive sugar time to move throughout the body. The next step is to lie down on the table while the staff adjusts you and tells you how to position. My test is always skull to mid-thigh so I have to put my arms to the side of my head and hold in that position. The tech always plays music of your choice to relax the patient and make the time go by. The test begins as you slowly move in the PET tube. The machine has some width to it and I never feel claustrophobic. After approximately 45 minutes of moving in and out of the tube, the test is over. Time to go home and worry myself to death. Lord help me and give me peace.

We arrived at Dr. R's office for labs and results. The labs were in the normal range and we went to the exam room to wait for her. (Keep in mind that my treatment had been paused due to the sensitivity of the drug and the hospital stay). The results indicated significant progression with the initial cancer, new areas in both femurs and an active area in the bottom portion of my stomach. These results were certainly a kick in the gut. Just when your body becomes accustomed to one treatment plan it is time to change again.

The first step was to schedule an Endoscopy followed by a Biopsy to see if this was Breast Cancer. This process, from what I understand, runs a camera/light down the esophagus which allows the Dr. a clear view of the stomach and other areas in the upper area of the body. A sedative is used so the patient feels nothing.

We met with the Gastro Specialist and he told us he was sure it was cancer, a Lymphoma.

The good thing is that it was not Breast Cancer so it would be treated differently. Several rounds of chemo were scheduled by my Oncologist and she was certain they would "melt" the area and I would have no more problem. This would be my first experience with IV chemo.

Prior to most IV chemo infusions, a prep is given. Zofran and Benandryl are common drugs used to ease stomach issues especially Nausea. IV Chemo can be tough on the system and Nausea and/or Diarrhea are common. Bone/joint pain can also present a problem. Claritin is a drug commonly used for bone/joint pain.

As a side note, I had a nurse tell me that there are enough drugs in this world to fight nausea, diarrhea and pain that a person doesn't have to suffer.

I had the series of chemo, side effects of fatigue and dry mouth, but all in all I did well. We would wait for the next PET Scan to evalute the effectiveness of the chemo. I am still able to work and do most of my normal activities. Praise God for keeping me going and for giving Dr. R the knowledge she shares with all her patients.