Update from Mom

I had my first appt. with Dr. Haslem, the oncologist.  He went over everything again so here it is.  The treatment for me is surgery (already done), radiation (about a month after chemo ends), chemo  (starting Feb. 15 every two weeks for 16 weeks )  and anti-hormone therapy ( a pill for 5 years).  His concerns about my case are the size of the mass (2cm), that it was in two lymph nodes, and that I am young ( he considers me to be young).  The first four doses for chemo will be Adriamycin and cytoxan.  The side effects of this are:  hair loss, nausea, low blood counts, fatigue and possibly heart function.  This last one usually occurs in people who already have heart problems.  I have a heart test tomorrow so that they have a base line for that.  I have three anti nausea medications that I will be taking and I go in the next day after every treatment to have a shot that helps with low blood count.  The second four weeks will be Taxol.  The side effects are the same except there are not side effects with the heart but there can be neuropathy.  The chemicals stay in your body 24 -48 hours.  I need to be careful about being around people who are ill.  I had already given notice at my gym buthe said that I should keep it and keep going just be careful about wiping machines down and washing my hands.
Today I had the portacath put in.  It was outpatient surgery.  I went in at 7:15 and left the hospital at about 111 am.  I feel oK other than a little strange from the general anestisia.
I have a couple of small incisions that need to heal from that.
I love everyone and I will update you as I know more or remember more.