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Overwhelmed1203 
10:00am, November 19, 2009
I saw my oncologist the day before I was to leave for Michigan. I had a list of questions, of course the top of the list was how to monitor me in case the cancer returns. A scan will be done in about 6 weeks. I need to contact my insurance company to see if they will pay for another PET scan. I had one last November, but apparently insurance companies are not willing to pay for too many PET scans. Can you believe that? I would like to compare the new scan to the old one. If they don't pay, I will have a CT scan and a bone scan.
My doctor also drew blood. There are markers in your blood that are watched. I called the doctor while I was on vacation and guess what? The lab lost my blood sample.....I cried, I was so anxious to hear that number and find out what it meant. I got home this last weekend, so yesterday I went for a new blood draw. I begged the tech not to lose or drop my blood.
My doctor also discussed my tumor markers. She called my tumor "triple negative". It was the first time I heard that term. She said my cancer is very aggressive and my only course of treatment is chemo and radiation. Tamoxifen and Herceptin will not be helpful in my situation.
So what do I do? I come home and goggle triple negative breast cancer. Not a good thing. I won't get into it because I don't want to hear it. I need to do the best I can for my kids and myself. I don't want it to get me down, but it is hard. Sometimes the internet is not helpful - TMI.
So that news ran through my mind for awhile, but today I feel good and I'm not going to let things get me down. At least I'll try not to get down. Everyday is a gift and I need to make the most of it.
I see the doctor on the 26th for the marker results and then we'll order the scan.....waiting is so very hard........
P.S. Today is my daughter's 12th birthday so it will be a good day!!!!!
Comments
Happy Birthday to your daughter. I like the attitude. Positive thinking is very powerful, but I also understand how hard it is to muster those feelings when the news is negative. Hang in there new friend.
2DanceAgain
Even triple neg cancers can be beaten. Look at Barbara she has whipped that damn thing twice. You can do this. Dwell on the positive not the negative. I'm just about done treatment so we'll see how I fare. hugs Cathy
RockstarsMom
Chris, some of the information on triple negative on the internet is outdated. Yes, it is aggressive and overwhelming, but it can and has been beat. Make sure your oncologist is well versed and that you are comfortable with your oncologist. University of Chicago and Northwest Memorial Hospital in Chicago are both highly ranked cancer institutes. Not sure how far you are from Chicago, but worse case scenario is you could call and talk to them to ensure your treatment is right for your situation. What type of chemo did you get, or will you get?
KCinFL
I hope all your test results come back fine. I know waiting is so hard. Try occupy yourself with something else, something you enjoy. Hang in there. Hugs & Love, Lara
LaraB