10/27/21  Update

Chemo started today

 

she will get 6 treatments, the week of: 
#1-Oct 27

#2-Nov 17

#3-Dec 8

#4-Dec 29
#5-Jan 19

#6-Feb 9

 

Additional not: The company she has been working with gave her a 30 day notice on Oct. 1st

 

10/18 Updates

 

Pet Scan - Right breast upper outer quadrant tumor 1.1-1.2cm, but not showing any other metastasis at all. No lymph node biopsy.

 

Brain MRI - No evidence of cranial metastasis 

 

Uterine CT Scan - Uterine wall mass Liomyola (fibroid) - Fibroid is benign, won't shrink from chemo but not a concern. Can get it checked by an obgyn. They can come and go, may cause pain or discomfort.

 

Chemo order is in and pending scheduling.

 

They recommend the standard treatment, would have to wait to do the clinical trial and don't want to do that.

 

Bloodwork to check white blood cells before each treatment.

 

Bone scan was completely negative.

No evidence of metastatic disease or lymph node, but there was a Uterine fibroid visible (these are common).

No prominent axillary lymph nodes. Lymph biopsies was in the breast, so may want to biopsy the armipit lymph nodes.

Scheduled a pelvic ultrasound, to check the uterine Fibroid to make sure it aligns with what was seen on the scans and isn't causing any problems.

Also doing a PET scan before doing an armpit biopsy to make sure it correlates with what they found on the breast biopsy. 

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Genetics test came back all negative. There was one called the SMAD4 gene that showed, they said it is a "variant of unknown significance." They consider this negative and it means my diagnosis isn't genetic and I can't pass it on to a kid. It also means it shouldn't be a concern for the family

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Received initial panel on genetics test (1st 8) - negative, still waiting on the rest 

 

Mediport info

--Some sedation and numbing, small incision 

--Small gel piece under the skin, nothing above skin.

--Some soreness 4-5 days. Seatbelt across chest may be uncomfortable.

--Will need to keep it for 1 yr after treatment. 

--After chemo, have to come in to flush it 1/mo

--Should never feel the chemo injection (pain), but may feel initial cool sensation during 1st treatment. 

--Blood pumps cycles fastest there, so no damage to the vein.

--Ask Dr C if ice would help protect nails, may not be needed.

--particular type of chemo likely to get would be hard on my arm veins.

 

Once all scans done (13th), Dr C will place chemo order

Chemo has its own insurance authorization, as soon as it goes through, happens fast, the schedulers call me. Likely can start the week of Oct 18th.

Social worker will meet with me on 1st treatment. 

 

Bay Co Pardee (?) Fund

Income review,  they present to board to decide if they accept/deny. Can pay previous bills.

Will call Thursday

 

Pink Fund

For working women

Not income based

3k for bills once treatment starts

Kaylan (Dr C's Nurse is mailing me info)

Oncologist -first visit

Dr Chamarthy 

Her 2 Pos Targeted Therapy
Stage T2/N1 (Anatomical 2B)

Treatment Process:
-Targeted Chemo 
--6 treatments, 1 every 3 weeks =18 weeks
--blood work 1/week
--hair loss 2-3 weeks
--anti nausea med (nausea can be worse for younger people), may cause upset stomach too.
--can eat normal, but try to eat healthy and take a multivitamin. 
--avoid crowds and non-cooked foods when eating out. (no sushi 😭) 

-Imaging
-Surgery
-Targeted Radiation (if lumpectomy)
--Dr Specer or Dr Bergman in Bay City
-Maintenance 
--Anti Her 2 - 1-2 years. May affect heart (non permanent)
--Anti Estrogen - 10 years 

Would like to start my Chemo the week of Oct 4th or 11th. 

Port - outpatient, will refer me to a Dr. It is a small quarter size under the skin. May have it for a year. 

May have options for Clinical trials depending on what they see on the scans. Completely optional and will provide all the info after scans. 

Once Genetic testing results are in, they may follow up with a counseling televisit to screen with questions. 

Keep a daily journal and let her know if anything feels off or if I have questions

 

Upcoming:
[  ] Genetic testing results
[  ] CT Scan/Bone Scan
[  ] Brain MRI
[  ] Heart Ultrasound

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So that we can all be up to date with what is going on with Lisa, I’m sending an update so when you talk to her you can enjoy your conversation and you will know the latest medical info. 

 

Diagnosis:

Stage 2B

Her2 Positive

 

Lisa had an appointment with the Surgeon today, here is a summary of what was said.

 

There are 2 options:

 

A. Mastectomy and lymphs removed with no chemo

But it doesn’t shrink the tumor 

 

B. Chemo … 4 to 5 months 

with a local doctor in Bay City

Have blood work- look for genetic marker (done today- result 14 days)

May want to put an Implant Port to administer Chemo 

 

Lisa has selected Option B base the Surgeon’s strong recommendations 

 

Timeline……………..

 

• Today... Bloodwork for genetic markers

• Next week.. PET Scan

• Following week .. Oncologist… Chemo specialist 

• TBD..Chemo (4 to 5 months)

• Off 1 month 

• Surgery

• Off 1 month

• Radiation

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