We met with a new Oncologist Friday morning and I really liked him. He was straightforward, honest and compassionate at the same time; which I think is a perfect combination in a physician. He was also open to us traveling to OHSU this week and getting a third opinion from a specialist there. So now we’ll have both opinions and can make an informed decision as to treatment plans.
As for chemo, it looks like it’s a pretty black and white decision for a HER2+ cancer. I will have 18 to 20 weeks of the hard core chemo (TCH), followed by eight months of the main drug Herceptin. After that year I will begin an antihormone treatment, which sounds as though it will be Tamoxifen for five years. Instant menopause at 32.
Our schedule looks like this moving forward. Chris and I will be traveling to Portland Tuesday night, and trying to pretend we’re not in cancer hell. I’m really looking forward to dinner at Andina and a walk through the Japanese Gardens. Wednesday morning we meet with the Oncologist at OHSU and then turn around and rush home for surgery Wednesday afternoon. I’m having a port put in my chest so that my veins don’t take a beating over the next year. Saturday I have an appointment to get my hair cut; might as well start rocking the pixie. That way I won’t leave such a shocking hair trail when my hair begins to fall out. Oh, does anyone know how to do makeup well? I’m going to need some serious advice once my eyebrows fall out.
One bright point is a surprise trip to the beach. Our incredible friends Gina and Josh Frye have lent us their beach house for a few days. I can’t wait to bury my feet in the sand and let the ions wash all this shit away.
Chemo starts July 31st.
