BRCA Gene Testing

This is good news. I had this test done and the insurance paid for it. It was very expensive. This will help bring down cost. It also took 4-6 weeks to get. Maybe if other labs have it, it won't take as long.

From the NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/31/business/31gene.html?hp

On Monday, Mr. Sweet, a United States district judge in Manhattan, ruled that parts of patents held by Myriad Genetics covering two breast cancer genes, known as BRCA1 and BRCA2, were invalid.

Myriad analyzes those genes in an expensive test that predicts whether a woman is at a high risk of getting breast or ovarian cancer. The plaintiffs in the case, which included various medical groups and the American Civil Liberties Union, said the patents on DNA were illegal and impeded access to the testing.

Gardening

I actually did some light gardening yesterday.  I had to clean up my garden from the winter.  Rob did most of the heavy work.  I probably won't be able to plant anything new this year, but I have some nice perennials though.  It tired me out, but at least I was moving around.

My belly is looking ok.  The scar is pretty nasty.  Looks like I got opened up with a can opener.  I know the plastic surgeon will fix it when the chemo is done.  I still have a small 2 inch opening, not very deep.  Most of my chemo side effects are gone.  My scalp is breaking out/rashy.  I guess it doesn't like not having hair.

Tomorrow, I have the plastic surgeon again for another follow up and then we are going over to my Aunt's for Passover.

No Strep For Me

After having Sean home for two days, he is finally back at daycare today.  He threw up Monday night, fever on Tuesday and a rash on Wednesday.  I took him to the doctor on Wednesday because of the rash.  He was positive for strep.  They did a test on me too and it was negative.  This morning the rash on Sean was gone, but he said he didn't want to go to daycare.  I asked him why and he said he wanted to stay home and play with his toys and he will go tomorrow.  We finally got him dressed and off he went with Rob.

It was rough having him home, but it was also nice at the same time.  I am very tired today.  At least Rob didn't have to take off the time from work considering daycare is closed next week and a half for the holidays.  Rob will be home for a few of the days and I know now I can handle him.  I just also have to nap when Sean does or if he does.

Most of my side effects from this round of chemo are gone.  I am only tired with a slight upset GI.  I do have a rash on the back of my head, but I think that is more of the short hair, hats and couch than anything else.

Kisses

Not doing too bad.  Overnights seems to be the worst on how I am feeling physically.  This round isn't definitely not as bad as the first round.  I am very tired though.  I am happy to be half way done.

I was getting Sean ready for bed last night on his changing table.  He reaches over, grabs my head, pulls it down and gives me a big kiss on the top of my bald head and hugs me.  He says, "I like your hair, Mommy."  Cute, considering I don't have any, but it just melted my heart.  He then continued to give me more kisses.  It's nice to see it not bothering him.  We haven't made a big deal out of it, so I guess he won't either.

Side Effects Starting Again

This is the worse of it...knowing some of it is coming.  My throat is getting dry.  The nurse gave me some "magic mouthwash" (with Maalox and lidacane) this time.  I couldn't sleep very well last night.  My bad nerve in my stomach is hypersensitive. Neck is starting to hurt too, along with my gums.  At least I am half way done with my treatment and I am just about bald.  I don't have to worry about my hair coming out anymore.  Hopefully, it will be nice enough to sit outside in the fresh air.  I am also getting a visit from my parents, so I won't be home by myself all day, especially when I can't move too well.

Yesterday, I got out for a little while in the yard and watched Sean play t-ball.

Half Way Done

I had my second chemo today.  It went well.  I have 2 more to go.  The nurses at the NYU Center are great.  They are very nice and efficient.  I also got a foot massage from a free masseuse.  I can get a neck or foot massage every time I go for chemo.  Nice perk.  Rob came with me and we were out of there by 1:15.  I am wearing the nice turban my mother made for me in my favorite color.

We then went over to the plastic surgeon for a wound check.  The nurse practitioner said it was looking good and in a few weeks, they might be able to sew the hole closed.  Hooray!

I also got a call from my GYN today.  My pap smear came back with some abnormal cells, but negative for HPV.  She thinks it might be from the chemo.  I hope so.  She wants me back for another one after the chemo is over in July.  I did learn that HPV test is also good for testing for cervical cancer and since that is negative, it is probably a good thing.  Also I am on chemo now, so if anything is wrong, hopefully the chemo will help it.  I also called the oncologist with the news.  I will see what she will want to do.  I did just talk to my cousin Windy and she said they told her aunt not to get one during chemo because of false positives.  So, I won't worry.

Second Chemo Appointment

My second treatment for my chemo is tomorrow.  After that, I will be half way done.  I will only have 2 more treatments to go.  Hooray!  Unfortunately, my Mom can't go with me this time.  Her power is still half out on Fire Island.  Rob is going to go.  He took the day off.

After my chemo, I will be seeing the plastic surgeon again for a follow up.