Got yelled at, need MUGA scan

The nurse from my oncologist's office called today. She advised me that I haven't had a MUGA scan in six months. I knew that but I have been avoiding it. I hate going for it because they inject tons of radioactive stuff into me and tell me I have to stay away from Julianna for two days. I can be in the house with her but I can't hold her or snuggle with her. Plus, I figure pumping all that radioactive stuff into a person can't be good.

She said the herceptin can damage the heart and lungs so we have to do MUGA scans every three months to make sure its not doing damage. It can cause congestive heart failure. I don't have congestive heart failure. I had it when I delivered Julianna. It was pretty horrific so I am certain I would know if I had it again.

So, they made me schedule the scan. It is September 2nd at 7:30 am. They only do MUGA scans on Thursdays at 7:30. I think I will soon be like those glow night lights. If any one's kid is afraid of the dark I will be able to stop by and sit in their room. It will help you save on electricity.

I have herceptin on Monday. They gave me a two week dose last time on purpose to change my schedule. They didn't want my day to fall on Labor Day because they are closed.

I am still fighting fatigue. I joined Weight Watchers to try to lose some weight. I am hoping that some weight loss might help with my energy level. The doctor's office told me not to get too discouraged if I don't lose because a side effect of the herceptin (and the chemo) is weight gain. I am going to try anyway. I am also having some bad hip and back pain. I am hoping it is just muscular but I am going to have them check it out. I would bet they will order some type of radiological test, they like those.

Thanks everyone for all the help, love, prayers and strength!

Herceptin, First Day of School

Today was Julianna's first day at her new daycare. She calls it her school. She had a great day and loved it. I was a nervous wreck all day. I thought she would be ok but I worried that she might be scared or lonely. She had fun with the kids and the teachers. She didn't really eat any of the food. She is super picky about food and I am hoping that changes in school. I am glad she liked it because she will be going two days a week at first and in three weeks she will be going there four days a week.

I had my herceptin infusion today. I am achy and uncomfortable now. I asked about getting some drugs for an energy boost. They told me that I am tired and unable to do things because of the chemo and herceptin. They also said that the chemo induced menopause causes extreme tiredness. She said it could last a year and a half after I finish the herceptin. She also wants to test my thyroid because chemo often damages the thyroid. She doesn't want to give me any drugs because they may have side effects.

I know all these treatments may be causing the side effects. However, I don't agree with them not wanting to treat it because we may know what is causing it. I laugh about them not wanting to give drugs because of side effects. Chemo had more side effects then anyone can imagine. I am going to go to my regular doctor and see what he says about it. I am hoping he can give me something.

I am considering trying those 5 hour energy shots. Anyone have any feedback on them?

One Year Ago....

Today marks one year since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I must say, even though it was a tough year, it went pretty fast.

I still have a few more months of herceptin infusions to go. It makes my joints and muscles ache and it makes me pretty tired. It is a different type of tired, super fatigue and inertia. I am having surgery again on October 4th. It will be more surgery to try to get symmetry of the breasts. They are a bit better since the last surgery but still pretty far away from normal.

Julianna and I are having a nice summer. It was great to see a lot of family up at the lake. Julianna swam, roasted marshmallows and picked blueberries. She loved seeing all her cousins and cried when everyone left. I loved seeing everyone but I wish I had more energy. I am going to ask the doctor when I go on Monday if there is any drug I can take to get a boost.

Thanks everyone for all the help and support during this very difficult year. I could never have gotten through it all with out all of you!

Kaden, Chris and Rudy
Susannah and Lisa

Hanging out

Julianna swimming

Cousins

Mary Lou, Ruby, Gregory and ME

Julianna with her marshmallow