I've kept everyone who reads this blog caught up on my status, so I'll continue to do that. I will have the opportunity to see how Obamacare has effected the medical field. My remission is over and the cancer is back.
I had a PET scan in mid-December and got the results on Jan. 3rd. They weren't good. I had my breast cancer come back last year (starting my chemo treatments in January, 2011). It had come back in the lining around my left lung and on the T5 vertebrae of my spine. After 4 and a half months of chemo, it was announced that I was in remission. I had 2 clear PET scans during the following 7 months, but this last one lit up. There is evidence of active metastasis in the lining of the left lung again as well as T5. Also involved are 3 lymph nodes, one in my left armpit, one in or near the little hollow at your throat and one on the right side of my neck, down low where the muscle (forget the name, trapezoid?) is.
The doctor said that since chemo didn't keep it away very long, we won't go that route again. He's planning radiation treatments and a monthly shot that blocks the hormone receptors (mine is HER2 Positive, meaning it's affected by hormones). I'll continue the herceptin and zometa. Herceptin is also a hormone blocker and zometa will help keep my bones healthy. Apparently the form of bone metastasis I have causes too much inferior bone to be made, so zometa inhibits calcium. It's better than not making enough bone and causing holes.
The hardest thing this time around is that I have pain this time. I didn't have bone pain last time.
I don't know how the health system is affecting my treatment just yet. I do know that I'm 48 and nearing that arbitrary age Cass Sustein determines to be of no more use to society. My doctor got clearance for a shot, but I don't know if it was the first one he asked about. I was told they don't normally carry it, and I have to wonder why he would ask for a shot they don't normally carry. I wonder if he was told, we won't authorize that one, but we will this one? I'll have to ask when I get it. I don't recall the name he told me or the name of the one approved.
I have my radiation consult on Monday, and get my first shot on Tuesday. I skip a week, and then get the shot, herceptin and zometa the next week.
I'll keep everyone posted.
Lori Ann Smith
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