Chemo Cycle #6 12/10/13

We  had great news on our visit to the Doctor. He explained this new medicine Taxotere is equivalent to Adriamycin they have to separate them into different cycles. We saw the images where it shrunk my left side of the supraclavicular lymph nodes and under my armpit axillary lymph nodes.It hasn't spread to other organs. Progress is Good.  Doctor says Taxotere medicine will continue to shrink the tumor on my breast. I'm still having same symptoms on my breast. Shooting pains are less lighter. I suggested to doctor I wait to go see surgeon since I'm going to have double mastectomy. He understood my point of view. My red blood cells were low I will need to bring that count up by next week on my lab work only appt Dec. 18 th?  Chemo  #7 treatment is Dec 31 New Year's Eve and last Chemo # 8 treatment in Jan 21,2014... A Pet Scan will be scheduled then. I'm assuming by Feb I'll have surgery.

And I asked doctor if I was going to need Radiation therapy he said Yes! He explained whenever surgery is done that the possibilities of cancer returning will be at the Stitching site.  That's why you need Radiation. Made sense to me I agreed . Doctor wanted to know my side effects on my last treatment w/Taxotere . He made a change where nurse set infusion pump to go slower with all medicines into my port. It seemed to help my taste bud wasn't chili hot today and no mouth sores no complication swallowing. First week your always feeling fatigue and I'm on a 3 day steroid and it effects retaining fluids in your body. My feet swell and my knuckles feel stiff . So I need to stretch daily too keep blood circulating. I enjoyed seeing everyone at X-mas Party.  I'm at the end of my first journey. Thank you for being a part of my life and lifting me up with your greetings, cards and calls and nourishing me through each day.

With love,

Rachel 

#5 cycle 4 days later

11/22/13  @8:55 am

Chemo Cycle #5 w/ Taxotere

We had some great news on our visit to Dr. Shalan where I had Chemo #5 treatment w/ Taxotere new infusion med. It's a total of 4 treatments every 3wks. Labs on the 11-27-13. Chemo cycle # 6 treatment 12-10-13.It's My good week and I will be present in our Xmas party at Benchmark .

I am already getting excited and how special it will be for me to see everyone..

PET  SCAN Results on Nov15 :

The Dr. Said everything looked good and he's very pleased to see the A / C  Infusions was beginning to shrink all my Left Axilla (armpit) Subpectoral  space (Under the clavicle) and left  neck. These are all the malignant lymph nodes. Impression of the Pathology Dr  from Pet Scan report looked Positive Treatment Response .. The 11' and 2" breast tumors where I'm having constant shooting,prickling ,

And a swollen left breast today he examined it.  Pet Scan showed Inflamation to the Breast or thickening of the skin . He's looking forward w/ Taxotere will reduce the swelling on my breast . We're going to monitor it until my next treatment . Otherwise he's requesting for Surgeon to do a biospy on skin . Pet Scan Whole -Body  did not spread to any of my organs . I'm seeking The Lord ,knocking,be patient and Trust in  the Lord. I admit I worry shed a tear. But I find strength in God and His Words.

My HBG (red blood count) I passed it 8.6 the range should be at least 11.7. Dr. Shalan said as longest it's 8 he would let me go . I told him I refuse Blood Transfusion . Give me a different treatment option. I was asked if I was Jehovah Witness . He wants me to bring up 8.6 eat more iron and rich foods by Nov.27 . Thank you all for caring so much through these last four months. Thank you all for lifting me up thus far. 

Happy Thanksgiving

Love Rachel

Update from Surgeon 11-13-13

I had a follow up with my Surgeon Wed.13th I'm still having pain from my underarm to the breast constant shooting pains.She exam doing finger points and had me in tears that lymph node is swollen .

Surgeon said Chemo medication wasn't shrinking the breast.She would be speaking to the Onocologist something needs to be done. She did expedite Pet Scan Fri. 15th. 

Nurse called me and told me I had a chemo treatment on the 19th.

On the 14th I went for blood wk only and she warned me my red blood is low and I must bring it up by Tuesday 19th otherwise they will not give me chemo . They're going to give me a blood transfusion .

I went bought me a iron supplement ,Eating more veggies,liver.

Tuesday  19th I have Chemo Treatment and I should have results from Pet Scan?

Dr will discuss the plan on Chemo and what was discuss between him and Surgeon.

Please pray this week as I go Tuesday for Treatment and My Red blood count be normal.

Love

Rachel

#4 Chemo Treatment

Monday , I had my fourth Chemo Treatment and my Last Infusion with  the Harsh A&C Meds. The after effects of the treatments seem to get worse with each treatment, but I know I will make it through the last ones.

Tuesday I had to go back and get WBC ( Nuelasta Injection ). That really takes it's toll on me. I am thankful that I am at least able to move. 

My RBC are low nurse said I better eat plenty of iron foods by next week Thursday 14th Lab work only 

Otherwise  I'm going to require blood transfusion ..I'm trying to eat. I bought some strawberry flavor Boost supplement.

Nov. 13 Wednesday I go for a follow-up with Surgeon. 

Nov. 25 Pet Scan

Dec 2. Discuss my pet scan.

Thanks for all your support and prayers,

Rachel

10/31/2013 Trick - or -Treat

Today I went for Lab work only and the results were good. My lower back and body been aching  from side effect of Neulasta injection too boost WBC. 

Halloween ,I'm feeling great today Thurs. and my spirits are high which I know will help with my healing. I truly believe that I am doing so well because of all prayers that have been lifted up for me.

The Good News Nov. 4th Mon is my Last #4 Chemo treatment  medications infusion using Adriamycin

(Red Devil) red liquid cancer patients called it and Cyclophosphamide . Dr.Shalan will schedule a Pet Scan (body scan) after my treatment . I will update results and further treatments . 

God is able to do abundantly more than we ask or think..

Much love to all

Rachel

Chemo Cycle # 3

I appreciate all of you so much as each time it lifts my sprits when I send out a text asking for prayer. When we're getting close to Beechnut exit that's when I start worrying about the side effects and surely I had one on first day at 2:30 am my stomach ache and I could feel nausea,kept me wake .

Dr.Shalan changed my prescription for nausea stronger tri-pack (Emend). I was supposed to take it yesterday after treatment except Walgreens was out. They were able to fill my prescription today Tuesday I'm feeling nausea eating lite soups,gingerale,yogurt,liguids. Today Tuesday, I had to go back in Dr.Shalan to get Nuelasta injection to boost my WBC to prevent infections. Side effects is aching in the bones and muscles. Hopefully I will not get mouth sores this round. I made sure I was eating ice during my treatment .Wed 16th I have Dr. Richardo appt @4pm my left breast the lymph modes are shrinking to where it's painful and swollen or the clips when the biospy were done they could be infected or my harmones glands going wacky with chemo meds. Oct 23rd I go for labs only at 11am.

It took 3 chemo treatment realizing they draw blood wk and must be tested from my port.

I always turn my face ,I don't like seeing the needle going into my port , that's when she fills a small bottle of blood and runs test. If my WBC are very low they will not give me chemo for the month I will be sent home. Nurse gave me thumbs up you passed and I asked her what are you talking about?

Always learning . Good news : I will only have one left and I m thankful for that.  Chemo cycle #4  

Nov. 4th at 10am. Follow by Pet Scan ( body scan) review on tumors ,lymph modes determine how much they have shrink the oncologist and surgeon will review my case. Dr Shalan didn't want to speculate on the 12 weekly treatments. Please pray that I can stay strong through the weekend.

Much Love to all,

Rachel & Briana & Alyssa

# 4 Week

Went for Dr. Appt. Today for Lab wk  you get results same day. My white blood cells were low that means I cannot be around sick people or places  with big crowds. Need to wear protective mask the nurse handed one to me immediately before leaving office. That's probably why I'm still sick with mouth sores painful plus it's hard for you to eat and drink. I will need a shot to lift up my white blood cells on my next #3 treatment .My diet is soft food and drink with straw. I'm on antibiotic for that ? I'm doing my own researching today I went and purchased L-Glutamine powder which I'll put 1tsp a day in my bottle of water. Chemo and  Radiiation can give you mouth Sores.  It's a yeast infection .Since my blood count is low I can easily get infections . Please continue to pray for me to gain strength .

Much love to all

Rachel

#2 Cycle 8 days later

Hello My Dear Friends and Family,

 I feel better today I was struggling on 4th day for 4 days being nausea ,mouth sores, and taste bud . Today I was able to eat a breakfast taco and snacks. Monday 30th I go for Blood Work. I bought a Nurti-Bullet Juicer to help me intake all my veggies and fruits .I'm hoping for a good result on my white blood cell count that fights off infection and if it low you become very weak. My bones can be hurting but I will not put the broom away. Next #3 chemo will be in Oct. 14 Columbus Day.

God Bless

Rachel

Chemo # 2 Sept 19, 2013

I want to thank you for your kinds words and prayers. I was surprised yesterday Dr. Shalan said I needed 4 treatments of chemo I'm halfway there. Followed by a PET Scan (body Scan). I woke up at 2am with stomach ache that went away,5am with headache throughout the day. I was given same medications .The nurses continue to remind me of Nadir days 10 to 14 days .White blood cells get to lowest point your easily to catch a infection . I wear a mask cause my smell is so sensitive i can smell the outside air,different stores have there own smell .i start feeling fatigue .i can't be outdoors no sunlight otherwise my skin be itching! Mouth Sores cleared up with my antibiotic thank god those were painful. You get body aches that's telling me to rest my body. Your constantly eating small meals otherwise you feel fatigue I want to pass out!!! I weigh in 136  from 145. I have a log to track  my side effects each cycle and I keep a log on the foods I eat daily in case my blood counts go low.

Miss everyone,

Rachel

18 Days Later

I have really appreciated everyone's prayers,calls,gifts,etc. it has uplifted my sprits tremendously. I have been so blessed to have wonderful friends and family that care about me and at a time like this you all have me going strong. Hair Ordeal: I feel so relieved now that its all gone . I have a cleaned cut. I could see my dad features and my husband said my brother Daniel. My sister Irene came over Sat night(14th). And she wanted to see how I had removed those French rolls . I removed my bandanna and she said let's shave it now I agree. I was miserable, hair everywhere in my house on myself. Sunday Mass were asked to carry the Holy Communion to the altar ,I was touched God had a plan for me today. I felt so blessed I called Irene and told her Im glad you came over.  2nd chemo treatment is Thursday19th at 2pm. Please Pray that I will be prepared physically and emotionally for the side effects. Hopefully it's the same dosage. 

Love,

Rachel

15 Days Later

First of all thanks for the prayers over the last couple of days. I'm still fighting this mouth sores they're very painful. Yesterday I was able to get antibiotic and Nystatin Oral Suspension (mouthwash).Cousin Wendy has been very helpful when I have pain I just text her and she responds. She's cousin Molly's daughter .And she's a nurse for Chemo Patients. My hair loss is getting worse day by day. My plans are Monday 16th at 1pm at Visable Changes Salon where sister Irene works I'm getting my head shaved and fitted for a wig.I don't want to be shedding everywhere plus Thursday is #2 cycle and I will be to weak to mess with hair.Today, I proved it after washing hair. Look I'm all knots!!!!! Still have a French roll across top on last picture  taken at 4pm..

Don't Laugh too Loud!!!!  

9:00am 

Love 

Rachel

Day 12 After Treament

Hello my Family and Friends,

Sorry for not updating my blog . My blood count was normal that's good news. My mornings i wake up with strength .Later my back starts aching I'm tired. Lack of water I was getting dehydrated and causing sores to my mouth and that's very painful..Plus the food I was eating had something to do with that .Yesterday I felt on the back of my head tender I couldn't run my fingers and massage it cause it very tender. Today Tuesday I took shower and there comes alittle bundle of my hair off !!!!!!

Then I'm combing my hair and a bigger bundle comes off !!!! First day My Hair Loss .. Joe panic but I was at peace.. He asked me if I had purchased a hat ? Which I have bandanna. On Sept.19  a Thursday  will be #2 treatment. 

Thang you again so much for all your thoughts and prayers.

Much love to all

Rachel

Week1

Hello friends and family,

when I wake up in the morning I'm weak feeling exhausted . I sleep at nights without being restless. I keep  myself awake during the day. Xercising and Walking around the house. My bad day was the 3rd day Just feeling nausea thankful they prescribe me a medication that I take only if needed.Thurday 5th I have a check-up appt on blood count.

Thank you for caring and pray that the doctors have the wisdom to know what is needed and the does its job!!!! So far I'm good...

Aug 29/2013 #1 Treatment

Dear Friends,Family,

I woke up this morning singing This is the day. I had fear of not knowing what to expect but it was all Ok. I'm in good spirits right now . I ate noodles and I must drink a total of 10 bottles of waters a day.

Dr. Shalan said my 3rd day would be more restless and fatigue. I must make myself eat and walk during the day .i was prescribe 2 medication 1. Emend. 2. Ondansetron  both are for nausea.

Can you believe 3 Walgreens in Rosenberg had no supply of #1= emend that's the one I needed for today? Will be in stock tomorrow at 10am. 2nd med they only gave me 15 tablet I was prescribe 90 . That one I only take as needed. I have to follow up next week Thurday for blood count making sure it doesn't go low . I will update all of you to see how I'm feeling on my 3rd day. Thank You again for caring . God bless 

Rachel

Rachel's most recent picture

Echocardiogram Appt.

I went to my appt. had the ultrasound done. My nurse Mardi Reschedule my 1st treatment til Thursday 29. At 1:30 pm . I really feel like my spirits are up and I am ready to get this part over. I went grocery shopping this weekend for all my greens vegetables and fruits. Fish and chicken diet..and v8 juicing...

I want to encourage each and everyone of my female family and friends to please get your yearly mammograms. I do ask that you continue to pray and ask your friends and family to pray for me and  my family.

Love,

Rachel

Last day @ Benchmark

I'd like to thank all my wonderful co-workers for wearing pink ribbons  on my behalf on Friday 23rd.

Thank You again for all your prayer and support,

With my heart,

Rachel

Update from JoAnn

My mother will need to have an Echocardiogram/cardiac echo X-ray prior to her first chemo treatment on Tuesday August 27^th.  This is an ultrasound of the heart simply being used to ensure her heart is strong enough for the chemo meds.  She will have one treatment on the 27^th and will then have 3 week period off to allow her body to rebuild strength.  This is the planned schedule pattern for her first round of chemo treatment.   Her second round of chemo will be administered one month after recovering from surgery (mastectomy). 

Yesterday we were fortunate to learn the results of her body scan which confirmed the cancer has not spread beyond her lymph nodes.  The bones or any other major organs have not been affected by the aggressive cancer than lies within. 

Please keep our mother in your prayers as we only see her becoming stronger in this battle.

JoAnn

Update from Rachel

1. I just want to say thank you Jesus for listening to my prayers and to all my family that had me in their prayers. The PET / CT scan Was negative; it didn't spread to any of my body organs.

2. My hormone receptors tests were Triple – negative; on Estrogen, Progesterone, HER2.  This means that I will need to do a Brac testing to see if I carry the genes that are hereditary to my daughter.

3. I'm in stage 3 C; Adenocarcinoma (Type of cancer) on left Breast Cancer.

4. My next appt will be for an ultrasound on my heart to determine if I'm capable to handle the chemo treatments.

5. I’m scheduled for a total of 4 treatments. My 1st chemo treatment will be on Tuesday August 27 and my second treatment will be 3 weeks after that.

6. Dr. Shalan was very informative about my type of cancer growing on my lymph nodes around breast and under my collar bone. He informed me that there would be hair loss after my 1st treatment. Sunday after mass I went and had my haircut...I did it for my grandkids.

Rachel

Update from Rachel

Rachel has an 8am appt on Monday August the 19th for a PEM Scan (Positron Emission Mammography) which basically captures a snapshot of any suspicious mass or tumors.  (This scan will reveal the size, shape and location and after chemo treatments it will also determine how much the tumor has shrunk)

She also has a 3:30 appt Monday afternoon to consult with a chemotherapy oncologist to discuss my mothers treatment.  (types of meds needed, duration, the frequency of treatment and ultimately when they will begin)