Saturday, May 11, 2013

The Answer Is: Chemo





We got my oncotype results back yesterday. Looks like the tumor characteristics are really aggressive, which is not the best of news.

When you add in how far against my chest wall this little sucker was buried along with the test results?  You get a team of doctors who do not want to take any chances that we have left any traces of microtumors behind to metastasize.

They are recommending that the next step is chemo.  As much as that scares the bejeebers out of me, I have to agree with them.

My first chemo infusion will be on May 22nd. 

That also happens to be our 20th wedding anniversary.   We had hoped to spend it in Paris this year.  Sadly, not so much.  Instead, I'll be sipping a radioactive cocktail through my veins and trying not to barf all over my husband when I get home.  Ahhhhhhh, the romance. 

But you have to find a way to laugh anyway, don't you?  To counteract the lack of Paris, I'll be playing Edith Piaf nonstop for the next two weeks just for kicks.  Why not, right?

Have I mentioned lately that cancer sucks?

No matter how right the decision to do chemo may be, it is going to well and truly suck for the next few weeks.  There just is no getting around it.


What that means is this:  there will be wig shopping in my future, because I am going to lose my hair. 

Pardon me if I start stocking up on low-sodium broth and other easy-to-sip options. 

I have absolutely no idea what to expect, other than what I'm reading in various American Cancer Society booklets that I have been given.   Any advice from other cancer survivors who have been down this road before would be very much appreciated.

Now, if you need me, I'll be loading a few books on my iPod for the long slog ahead...

(YouTube -- Martina McBride singing "I'm Gonna Love You Through It."  A song that is guaranteed to make me break down in wracking sobs these days.  Go figure.)

15 comments:

barbara said...

Ah, crap, Christy. Seriously. On the other hand, full attack on all cancer traces welcome, in a twisted sort of way. Sending you big love and (((hugs))). Okay, fine. Prayers, too. You go, Redd!

CoyoteCreek said...

We'll be sipping broth right along with you.

All good thoughts for the very best outcome.

Christy Hardin Smith said...

And then a big, fat brown bunny rabbit ate the leaves off my broccoli plants growing in my garden. Grumble grumble. At least all the fresh herbs seem to have survived the bunny onslaught...

Christy Hardin Smith said...

Thanks all. :)

Alice said...

Take care, thinking of you. You are a great blogger.

Anonymous said...

What Barbara said...aw,crap. So sorry for this news. Sorry about your hair, and the way the chemo will make you feel.

But you are tough and strong, as we all know, whether we've met you in person or know you from the best years of FDL.

No tumor or evil cells will be able to withstand all the healing vibes and yes, even prayers, coming your way during this time.
Paris for next year! Your cute gamin short hair will be tres faconnable!

Cheryl - tejanarusa

bg said...

Oh, not the news any of us wanted. I am sending all love and best healing to you.

Do all you can to keep your immune system as boosted as you are able leading up to the chemo. Whatever is allowed while you are doing chemo, do that too.

I vote for Paris in 2014 also!

Carole said...

Zut alors! Mais.... people do differently but they are able to control nausea quite well these days. I have my last of 6 rounds on May 21. You are an incredibly resourceful person. My rules for you: make no big demands on yourself -- vegging is allowed;take advantage of all those tricks you have shared -- like coloring with colored pencils in those Heller books or have the Peanut read to you from the Blue Fairy book (I am the mystery grantor!). You will do ok. Cheers.



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Anonymous said...

Please ignore the American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer action is a far more honest and supportive resource.bcaction.org, check it out. You will be okay but you need these people now.

Suzanne said...

aw christy -- dayam, that is not the news we were all hoping for. a friend of mine sucked on candied ginger as her anti-nausea helper during chemo. anything ginger helped but she liked how portable those little bits of candied ginger were. sending you warm and positive thoughts and prayers

with love

TRex said...

Girl, we're going to get you through this. Much love to you and the family.

I'll call in the next couple of days.

MB Williams said...

Christy, Susie Madrak called me today to tell me about this... I am so sorry to hear, but believe you can pull through. I really, truly hope you do well and have many happy, wonderful years to share with your family, and us. I do have to confess that you were a roll model that convinced me to go to law school rather than keep blogging. Thank you for that.

Anonymous said...

Just got around to reading this update and wanted to send you best wishes for an easy time of it. My husband did six months of chemo for colon cancer in 2010-2011. It wasn't the complete nightmare we expected and dreaded, but he did have a bout of "chemo brain." With all the love and support you have, I just know that all will go well.

Unknown said...

Christy, what chemo regimen are they giving you? (Wishing you clean scans after it's done!)

Anonymous said...

Stock up on chocolate milk. It is soothing and if you barf, its truly the least bad thing. Moist wipes instead of toilet paper. Medical marijuana if recommended. If you are required to drink barium before scans, keep your nose plugged and chug it down to ensure a clear scan. Courage and perseverence, Paris will be there when your ready.