Sorry I haven't posted in a week. It's been a little hectic! Christina originally was supposed to have this week off before starting the intense A-C portion of her chemotherapy regimen. After reviewing our plans to travel to Italy the first week of August, the medical staff at UCSF decided to start the treatments right away! That way, she won't get on a airplane the day after chemo.
Since the treatment on Wednesday, it has been a little of a roller coaster physically for her. They pumped her full of drugs and steroids before the chemo. She felt pretty good on Wed afternoon after a very long day at the hospital. She had to get her weekly EKG and blood test before meeting with her oncologist. Then up to the infusion center to get her vitals taken and wait for an open spot. Sadly, the place is like a popular restaurant on Zagat or Yelp. A seat in this place is hard to come by. It's a very popular spot for cancer patients. After chemo, she had to meet with the head of the cancer research program and the surgeon. Good news! The tumors have shrunk according to the last MRI done:) The doctors are hoping there is continued shrinkage (Seinfeld episode with George at the beach) by the end of her treatment to make surgery go a little easier in the fall. As far as surgery, it could be anything from a lumpectomy to a full mastectomy. It simply depends on what the tumors look like at that point and also what C wants to do.
Since Wednesday, she was able to work out yesterday (mistake) and go to work on Thursday and Friday.I am amazed at her grittiness while being graceful at the same time. The day following each chemo session, she will be receiving an injection of Neulasta. She's not sure if the side effects of that or the chemo drugs have made her incredibly sore. According to her, it reminds her of swimming for a couple hours straight. Her whole body is tender sore. A planned 10K run this morning was cut short. She knows now that the first few days after the chemo, she will just have to listen to her body closely. Tomorrow is truly going to be a day of rest for her. The good news is that she is down to three more treatments! Her surgery is planned right now for Mid September or early October.
I am hoping that next week she feels a little better so that she goes into her second treatment STRONG!! Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. Despite this temporary setback, we both feel very blessed! You should too:)
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