Christmas Eve we ate turkey, lots of other yummy things and opened presents with the boys, Brandon, his girlfriend Jacqui and her kids Katie and Teddy. It was a chance to just forget the noise and enjoy family and friends again.
Since then I've had a few tests to check my organs and if they will tolerate the chemo planned. I changed my Maui flight to return the early morning of Jan 12 - my "pre-chemo" bloodwork and doctor appointment is at 9:45 so the transition from paradise to cancerland will be a bit harsh ;) I will start the two chemo drugs and herceptin infusion Jan 13 around 9 AM.
The pre-chemo tests show my heart is definitely not as good as a normal 40 year-old female starting breast cancer chemo would be - not surprising given the crap we've thrown at it from total body radiation in 1997, and three cycles of hard core chemo, as well as three transplants chemo. It's just below the level that it would be a problem, so the cardioligist gave me a med to help protect it a bit as well as scheduled more heart MRIs throughout treatment to make sure the risk of heart failure doesn't outweigh the risk of the cancer returning. Pending the results of the other tests which I am guessing will show some wear and tear but not as much as the heart, we are a go for chemo. The question of IF I could do chemo was bigger than I realized, so now the idea that I start early and miss most of Maui is a bit less prominent - I'm just happy I'll get to proceed with chemo and get a week in paradise!
So getting my hair coloured and cut at the moment - I will only have it for another month likely so going a bit shorter for the transition. And after a quiet New Year's tonight with Tashs and Talyn I'll finish my packing tomorrow and escape reality for a week...a wonderful way to start the year and soak in as much aloha energy as I can.
Ha oli maka heke ho to all of you and mahalo for all your love and support.
2 comments:
Thank you for the update. We are grateful to know you can go ahead with both your travel plans and the chemo. We will continue to pray,hold you in our hearts and hope for a most successful outcome. Have a wonderful week in Maui. Soak up the healing air of Paradise to strengthen you for your return.
Love, BJ and Bob
Dear Tricia,
We're glad Christmas was good for you and your family. You have sure had a busy week of tests and consultations. We are relieved to hear that you are going to be able to start the necessary chemotherapy and that your heart will be closely monitored throughout the treatment process.
In the meantime, have a wonderful get-away break in Hawaii, soak up lots of energy and enjoy all the pleasures that paradise has to offer. We like the thought of your arrival in Hawaii with a pert new hair style and a feeling of freedom. Live and love every moment of your holiday!
Your army marches on with expectation and hope on this New Year's Eve.
Lots of love,
Louise and David
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