Muga
Topic: July 2005
I had the MUGA scan this morning. It was uneventful. Went in, got a shot of something that would "highlight" my red blood cells then 20 mins later got a shot of something else. I layed down on a table, was told not to move and they took 3 pictures. I think I ended up falling asleep. It was a cushy table with a sheet and a pillow, not some thin board that I felt like I was balancing on.
So, that's it for now. Not feeling very talkative today.

Tic... Toc.... Tic.... Toc
Topic: July 2005
Well, for pete's sake, are we there yet? I'm feeling like my life is in neutral, waiting for the "treatments". Will I feel sick, will I feel "normal", will I be tired, will I lose my taste ... let's get this over with already! I got things to do. Now I know why Martha Stewart just went to jail to get it over with! This waiting is for the birds!

This week I go for my MUGA scan (yea, you heard that before, I know).

Whenever I say the word "treatments"; I think of the I Love Lucy episode where she's going to a "fee-so-key-a-tryst (that's Ricky's pronunciation) and when he gets mad at her, she says "treatments Ricky, treatments". Well, guess you had to be there.

Self Exam Reminder
Mood:  caffeinated
Topic: July 2005
Nothing new or old to write or whine about, so I'm going to use this moment to remind all you out there to do your breast exams TODAY. It only takes a minute or so.

By the Way -- I can Drink!
Mood:  party time!
Topic: July 2005
Forgot to mention, my only question, for the most part on Tuesday, was "Can I drink?". Needless to say, the oncologist was a little puzzled, and probably had visions of a stumbling alcoholic, but I assured him it is an occasional glass of wine... you know, just like in the old movies, they'd come home from work, pop open the globe bar, put on their slippers, and pour a drink. Well, I too on occasion, and lately, everyday is an "occasion", like a nice glass of wine. And afterall, it's an anti-oxident and did you know that so is dark chocolate. So I'm thinking wine and chocolate is healthy! It's part of the "treatment"! And he said YES! Yahoo- but only 1 or 2 a week (I took that as bottles). I can probably throw in an occasional margarita too!

I was starting to think, geeze, if I can't drink, maybe I'll have to look into "medical" marijuana alternatives... ok, not really, but yes, or, no not really... oops I guess I should quit while I'm ahead and take the 5th.

Treat the Person AND the Disease
Mood:  happy
Topic: July 2005
Wow, what a great place City of Hope is and what a nice doc! I went with DH and my sister and I noticed him watching the dynamics between us. The doc was very perceptive, informative, and interested. He read my file (before I got in the room) and didn't need to know too much about me medically... afterall it was all in the file, but he asked me questions about ME so that he could taylor my treatment for ME. He said the first thing he noticed was my long hair and realized the hair loss would be an issue and discussed it... nicely... and said maybe there are other options so I MAY not lose my hair. But when it comes to treating cancer, that having me live long and healthy would be first before the hair. But, hey, he picked up on the hair thing without me saying a word (maybe it was because I was flinging my hair around? No not really).

He asked what bothers me the most about the chemo and I responded that I may be tired and not able to do 10 things at once. He asked what my hobbies were, if I liked my job, how many brothers and sisters I have, etc. He got to know me. He then said that he will go over my films and slides and talk to some of his colleagues to make sure he isn't missing anything, and we would meet again, on the 26th to go over a treatment plan and what I could expect. He also said he would call me before then to discuss options. I left this appt in a good mood, feeling very comfortable and that I will be receiving the best care possible.

So, I go back on the 20th for a muga scan info, bone scan, chest xray, and blood work. I guess they want to see how far they can push my body with chemo. Then I see the doc again on the 26th, and the chemo will also start that week. It will probably be once every three weeks for 4 sessions. My blood will need the 3 weeks to build up (or whatever) before they kill it off again.

His treatment plan is basically the same as Doc Fallout's but he is a much nicer person and since I'll be spending some time with him over the next few years, I may as well like the doc and the facility.