End of Chemotherapy

Dear Fellow Bloggers:
It has been awhile since I/we wrote and now is the time to change that. I have completed four rounds of Herceptin/Taxol (chemotherapy drugs (Taxol shuts down the production of estrogen, Herceptin stops the HR2 NEU protein from dividing). I will continue to take Herceptin, but only every three weeks. Taxol takes 4-5 hours to process via the drip system. Not to mention I take a ten minute drive, park in Rye (sometimes I get a ticket), one hour train, 10 minute subway, 20 minutes of walking, just to get to Sloane Kettering. When I walk in the door I start with a pin prick to the finger on the first floor which results get sent to my oncologist. Next, upstairs to see my oncologist Dr. Lake and Nurse Megan (I may wait 20 minutes to an hour depending on the day). After I get clearance I wait to get my next appointment then off to wait in the chemo lounge. That can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour as well. Once I get into my chemo room then I start the 4-5 hour process of chemo intake. I have been lucky to have some wonderful friends and family with me during those visits, but unfortunately for them I fall asleep from the Benadryl drip and whatever else. Luckily for them, NYC is right out the door of MSKCC and the city is always alive and waiting for them to spend and shop and walk and eat.

I can say that the Chemotherapy portion is over. YEAH!! Next is physical Therapy for lymphatic system and range of motion. I have been cleared for travel from my PT and my range of motion is greatly improved. I get a month break from my last Taxol to when I start Radiation Therapy. I do know that radiation will last around 5-6 weeks going everyday. Thank goodness it is a quick in and out of the office unlike the Taxol/Herceptin combination.

Aside from managing the doctor visits I was involved in the Rye House Tour, the annual fundraiser for the Public High School. I had a minor role in a major production and the finale of that was May 21, 2010. It was a success and we had beautiful weather after years of rain on the event. The entire community was elated. Colette, being so involved in my life from surgery to now flew in especially for the event after putting on her own major luncheon event the day before in Santa Barbara. Crazy. But I was thrilled to have her part of the day.

Katrina completes her Junior Year with the usual stress of SAT's, AP's, Theater & Dance Performances and the Junior Prom.
She is very together and she has a positive spirit. I keep my spirits up through a meditation group, accupunture and group counseling (MSKCC Counseling) and walks with my dogs and love of my family. My family and friends have been so supportive and I really feel blessed to have so many people care about me. The community of Rye has been terrific and I have gained some new and wonderful friends through this experience,