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from chemo to pee to future rad things

Another week of doctor's appointments and my 2nd week of chemo is complete. I spent about 5-6 hours getting 2 chemotherapies (check me on picture to right, headed into treatment on a very early Tuesday morning). I am super proud of myself. It was a long day, and I have some issues with nausea so they have to push the chemotherapies a bit slower to help me out. And despite feeling pretty tired, right after chemo, I went to the Urologist... well actually his NP. I am not sure if the appointment was successful or not. Mainly, she just prescribed me medicine. 

Why? Who doesn't want to hear about my pee issues?!? Not that I hold back from the insanity that revolves around my life and cancer. Plus, I think it is good to share that cancer causes crazy side effects - so others know they are not alone. For me, this cancer go-round, I happen to have bladder issues. My ability to hold pee is going haywire... mainly at night. Because why not? It's not like I don't already have enough issues. Let's add either attempting to sleep-pee or an urgency that makes it hard to make it to the toilet. 

Of course, I was curious if it had anything to do with my original scan showing issues in the Mesentery and Iliad areas. However, no doctor seems that concerned about it, so I am hoping I shouldn't be too. I think every doctor has the attitude that if any extra things are cancer then the chemo will get it. That doesn't really make me feel better. I think I would rather know one way or another. Yet, it is more like every doctor here feels like they don't have to investigate issues, but just medicate them.

On Thursday, I went to my regularly scheduled pain management appointment. Then Friday, I met with the Radiation Oncologist. It was the same doctor I used 10 years ago. It is kind of funny since when he walked in the room I was like you still look so similar... only the wear-and-tear of a few years added on. I wondered if he felt the same way. 

I did like that he was the first doctor to actual say the name of my cancer out loud, "Occult Cancer." It has been odd no doctor has said a name of the type of cancer I have. I mean, they all have said breast cancer, but no one has said what type of breast cancer it is. The only way I knew what type it was (up until now) was from my own research online. No one really wanted to name it... but finally someone did. He did clarify it has nothing to do with the occult... but I like that it has a weird name... it makes it sound interesting at least!

After some general background medical talking and a breast exam, the Radiation Oncologist went over the basics of my treatment plan. It seems it will be similar to 10 years ago. Probably 7 weeks of radiation. It will focus on the lymph nodes and breast area. The main difference is I will have to take a deep breath and hold it in - it is at that point that the radiation will happen. The machine will be able to tell when I am expanding my lungs or not and know when to radiate me. The deep breaths will expand my lungs and open up the area to avoid radiating my heart. And that sounds necessary! I guess I didn't think about my heart - but it is on the left side which is where my cancer is this time. I am glad to have some general information about what he would do. It will also be good to compare it to what MD Anderson would do.

For now, another week with a ton of doctor's appointments is over. When I look ahead, next week is pretty slow in comparison but the very busy MD Anderson appointments is barely over a week away... and that week will be exhausting.

Also, here are my art journal drawings from while IN CHEMO TREATMENT and WEEK 2 - hope you enjoy!

In Chemo DrawingWeek 2 Chemo Drawing

And My Inspiration this Week:


(Side Note for Those with Bladder Issues - from cancer or not: Myrbetriq was prescribed to me - it says it is for an overactive bladder which is not necessarily my issue - however, it has helped me. It is expensive, $500-$600 every month, but there are other options out there that are effective for a lot less, $70/mo. If you are having issues with your bladder - ask about the various medication options available and hopefully it will help you too!)

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