Holy C_ _P - was that a truck or Chemo?

Well - lots of developments. Got my port-a-cath; they used staples to close the incision - I am thinking a couple of bolts in the neck and I will be good to go. I did not think anyone used staples anymore, they really do look prehistoric.

Ended up meeting the oncologist on Tuesday. Turns out I am unique (go figure - why can't I just have plain old cancer, why does it have to be fancy). I am in the 25% of the population who's cancer changes. My breast cancer was originally estrogen positive and HER2 positive. The cancer in my liver is still my original breast cancer and estrogen receptive but it has changed to HER2 negative. What they do not know is what is in the bones.

The bone cancer is in my hip, ribs, back, neck and scull. They will give me super duper bone strengthener as there is some proof that it helps to stop the cancer from spreading and reduces the chance of bone breakage.

I also got to start chemo last Thursday or as I like to say, I got to attend a cocktail party at the agency (sounds so much nicer). Unfortunately, the first chemo hit me like a ton of bricks - what not expecting that. Whew! Knocked me down a few notches - I was getting kind of cocky and pretending I was invincible. I think I better listen to my body and try to do a little less.

I cannot help but think of the women world wide and why the World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation is so important. In less than one month, I have been diagnosed, my cancer categorized and I am into treatment. We are so blessed in Canada. We cannot forget that. We also cannot forget our sisters globally who need our voice.

The Conference is only 130 days a way. I want to be strong enough to raise my voice for others.

This is a big week

Lot's happening this week. I will have my port-a-cath put in on Monday. Really do not know what to expect. They are putting me out for it so I am sure I will spend most of the day asleep. For whatever reason I always find it hard coming out of general anesthetic.

Wednesday I get ALL of the news. The doctor will have all of the results back from the pathology of the liver biopsy and the pathology review of my original breast cancer, which they have now tested for HER2 (those are those little receptors that attach themselves to the breast cancer cell - breast cancer was not tested for it when I was originally diagnosed in 2003). So we will know exactly where we stand on the battle field.

The next step is to select the artillery we will use. I sat in on a webinar put on by the CBCN the other day on advanced metastatic breast cancer. I was very happy to learn that treatments can be very specific and targeted based on all of the information collected on the breast cancer cells you are dealing with. The newest treatments are less toxic than chemotherapy of yesterday and are having remarkable results.

The goal is to treat the cancer like a chronic disease like diabetes. It may not be curable but my quality of life can be maintained and survival extended.

Now my personal goal is to extend my life beyond my oncologist's retirement and given he looks like he is ten years old that is a really long time.

Yes - I can!!

Last week was a blur

Well I have to admit last week went by so fast I lost track of all time. I have spent most of it going through medical tests and talking to - well - everyone. The reason is that I have been diagnosed - again.

Yup - it is true - it is back. The doctors are trying to figure out if is a metastasis of my original breast cancer or if it is a new one. Not that it really matters - because frankly I did not want to do this all over again. I thought I was clear. It had been 6 years.

I have to admit that I cannot stop thinking about women else where in the world and that I am so lucky. You are probably thinking - WHAT? LUCKY? Are you crazy?

Yup, I feel lucky because I know that although the news I got is not great - I also know that I still can hold hope because with the technology and available care at my disposal I still have a fighting chance to extend my life. In other parts of the world I would not.

I am glad that I am part of the World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation, because I know that the work we all do is working toward giving all women a fighting chance.

152 days to the Conference

It is hard to believe that in 152 day delegates from around the world will be gathering in Hamilton, Ontario for the World Conference on Breast Cancer. Some will be greeting old friends - others will be meeting new ones.

One thing is certain is that it will be five jam packed days of sharing, enlightenment, inspiration, hope and the building of long lasting fruitful relationships.

To learn more about the conference go to www.wcbcf.ca