Oncologist Follow-Up

Today, I had my follow-up with Dr. Heyer so he could examine the tumor progress.

This past week our entire household fell victim to the flu bug. While Camilla and Christian experienced 24-48 hours of symptons, I was lucky enough to have at least one sympton for 6 straight days. Needless to say, the past week totally sucked; However, I was finally 100% today which was a GLORIOUS feeling.

I told the nurse about the flu as I wanted to have my bloodwork done. Although, it turns out I don't think it would have affected my bloodwork, anyhow. Needless to say, she obliged to just make me happy - I guess (and make another "cuckoo" notation on my file). As he suspected, bloodwork great :)

The Appointment -

Dr Heyer entered the room smiling and asked how I was since he heard I had the flu. I think he was primarily concerned this was in fact the flu and not the chemo. Once he heard everyone in the house experienced it he then breathed a sigh of relief and said "Thank goodness, I didn't cause any of that". I assured him he didn't, but if I suspected chemo was the culprit then we would need to have a heart-to-heart.

He was excited to tell me that he took the liberty to go ahead and talk to my breast surgeon, Dr. Chiantella. Due to the response in only 2 treatments of chemotherapy (At this point, he has yet to examine me), they both agreed a PET scan should be ordered prior to Chemo #5. I got a little giddy with him and then he was like..."Well....I want to check you first to see if there is progress". It depends..." He kept flip-flopping. So, I told him that I think there has been progress and he needs to just check me because if I press very hard from the front and smush it in a hard manner then I still can barely feel anything, but I don't know what I am feeling at this point (You can only imagine the look I received from him, but rest assured it is completely safe to man handle myself like this - he said it was ok, MOM and KWIATEK. I am not hurting anything).

Dr. Heyer felt my lymph nodes in my neck first (which I still don't understand this, but am sure there is a reason) and then asked me to lay down. Thinking back, I think I actually throw my gown open and let the girls show in all their glory. I don't think this is proper dr/patient protocol, but I don't care (I actually am chuckling to myself wondering what goes through this guys head when I do something probably considered extremely inappropriate in many people's minds). Needless to say, I am not there to waste anymore time than need be. I want his opinion - STAT :O

He examined both breasts this time then up and around the armpit area (I had no enlarged lymph nodes or tumor in that area), then up the breast where the tumor could be felt, and close to my sternum. He also took out his stethescope and listened to something (What - I have no idea what he could hear by listening to "the girls", but again I know there is a reason). He then smiled and said "I need to be honest here. If I had no idea what this felt like before then whatever I feel right now..I would say it's a cyst" and he shakes his head. I ask him "Is it the tumor you feel or a cyst?". He replies "I could never answer that. This is why we need a PET scan to tell me if there are any active cancer cells left".

He proceeds to tell me he is certainly ordering a PET scan for April 30th. The Monday prior to my next chemo, May 2nd. He should have the results by then and I need to call Dr. Chiantella to schedule an appointment with her soon. The purpose of the PET scan is to re-evaluate everything. There is a drastic difference and it appears Dr. Chaintella needs a new scan at this point to review lymph nodes and chest wall involvement. They both want to be sure if any active cancer exists at this point then for surgery purposes, she can be sure to target those specific areas. I suppose that after 2 more rounds of chemo the odds may be slimmer any active cancer cells exist and she wouldn't have a more focused plan of attack for surgery purposes.  Also, she may order a MRI for more details on the lymph nodes and depth perception (I guess the tumor and chest wall area). He concluded " I will not be the least bit surprised this PET scan comes back and reflects zero negative. Wouldn't that be great news?" I smiled and told him that would be the greatest news ever.

I have to share another awesome quote from today. I called my Grandmother to share the news. For those of you who have the pleasure of knowing her - she is quite an unforgettable woman who certainly has no problem sharing her opinions or outlooks on life. Simply she can be quite a tough lil' lady on all levels. Grandma's quote of the day "Jennifer, you and I aren't normal. You understand me? We just aren't. So, this really doesn't surprise me one bit".

and..."scene".

Chemo #4

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to provide an update on chemo #4, which was today.

Everything went fine and according to plan. My blood work was good, but my white blood count was up a little, which was probably due to my sinus infection. The nurse was not concerned and I was still able to receive treatment. 

Regarding side effects, I have not experienced anything as of yet and pray this continues.

Tomorrow, as usual, I go for my Neulasta shot and next week I see Dr. Heyer so he can check progress on the tumor. I have had a few people feel the lump and they confirm there is a difference over the past few weeks. At this point, you need to press directly into the breast from the front and into the back chest wall to feel anything. (Kwiatek and Mom just about smacked me when I was pulling and tugging to feel what is left of the lump.) Kwiatek did explain that what I am now feeling could be scar tissue from the tumor, lung and lymph node biopsies, which we feel along with normal breast tissue, etc. In any event, it's quite small in comparison to the size of the initial tumor.

Next week, I pray for another wonderful appointment with Dr. Heyer containing great and promising news.

Today, I received my schedule for the remaining two chemo treatments. The last one will be Wednesday, May 23 and then I will have another PET Scan, so he can re-stage me. I will then meet with my breast surgeon, Dr. Chiantella, to get her opinion on next steps. I still need to find a plastic surgeon and radiation oncologist. However, I am going to ask Dr. Heyer and Dr. Chiantella their opinions and/or references. I will then of course, research, research, research. :)

Thank you for the continued support and prayers.

All's Going Well....

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to give a quick update as many are wondering how I am doing. Well, I am happy to say all is still going well and I pray this continues. My fourth round of chemo is scheduled for next Wednesday then only two more to go.

I did get a cold last week which has turned into a sinus infection. I usually get sinus infections during this time of year, so it's nothing uncommon. I called Jessica, Dr. Heyer's PA, and told her about it. She called in an antibiotic for me. I have taken three pills and already feel a lot better.

Of course, I religiously see Dr. Durana, my acupuncturist, twice a week. We have been doing different things and talking a lot more. A few weeks ago, we had a deep conversation about my past since a point in my body triggered physical pain. It appears this point holds many emotions - specifically trust issues. Needless to say, it was an intense session. On Tuesday, Carlos did yell at me. I have been sick and so has Camilla so I was tired, but I honestly do not feel I am overexerting myself. Anyhow, I fell asleep on the table and started snoring (snicker all you want). A couple of things to note here:

1. I am NOT a snorer, but I was very congested.
2. I only woke up because of my snoring.

When I woke up, I tried to play it off and hoped he didn't notice. Perhaps I had only imagined that I was snoring. He said nothing until at the end when he pointed at me and said "YOU need to rest." I was a bit stunned and then he started his "talk." I was honest with him about how I felt that I haven't been my normal "110% - GO GO GO IT'S TAX SEASON AND I ONLY GET LITERALLY 2 HOURS OF SLEEP A NIGHT" self but did confess I hadn't slept well because I have had a lot on my mind and ran down the list

1. I thought it was a great idea to tear up my back deck and now I have a mud pit in my backyard and have no idea what to do and I am stressed on many levels - such as "How the heck do I grade dirt?" "How the heck am I ever going to get dirt in the backyard?" even more "How in the heck do I measure how much dirt I need?" "What the heck am I going to plant?" "What the heck is that concrete block there for?"and the list goes on ...
2. Camilla's birthday is quickly approaching and she will be one. I told myself when I started planning the details of her party that I was not going to be my normal type A detailed self.Yes, that lasted literally two minutes. I turned into my normal spreadsheet whore and went to town. Also, I decided that I was indeed crafty and will be making all kinds of things for her birthday party. If you know me well..I am not crafty. I have never done a craft in my life, but that is going to change everyone. I have plans to become Martha Stewart overnight. ;)
3. I am a tax accountant and this is my busy time of year. Ernst & Young, my employer, has been UNBELIEVABLY understanding. However, I still have work to do!!! I am not stressed about work, but it is on my mind.
4. Camilla has had a chronic ear infection since mid-February and, obviously, this worries me. I want her to feel better and don't want her to have surgery for tubes. We are being referred to an ENT doctor to see what he/she recommends. 
5. Cancer. Enough said.

On a separate note, I do want to personally say thank you to everyone that has helped me by praying, sending meals, visiting, sending cards, donating to the fundraisers or assisting with the fundraisers. 

I am NOT one to ask for help as it is usually me helping others. Recently, my family and friends have started multiple fundraisers for me out of the goodness of their heart. I don't request these things, but it's their way of helping. Needless to say, the response is overwhelming. I do contemplate and stress how I can ever repay all these people. I've been told by many that it is not expected ... people want to help. I understand this as if the shoe was on the other foot, then I would be there helping as much as I can. Most recently, my family and friends are organizing a fundraiser in West Virginia on May 18th. I literally cannot wrap my head around the number of people that have asked to help or have bought tickets to attend the event. We have literally sold 400 tickets at this point. We only started spreading the word last weekend! I am beside myself ... 400 tickets all because of me? It's crazy. I could go on and on and on and on ... thanking everyone personally. Besides doing that and boring everyone to tears, I want to say...

Thank you to each and every one of you that has been there for me throughout my journey. Whether it be prayers, a meal, an ear, a post, a phone call, an uplifting moment, assistance with a fundraiser, a monetary donation ... just being there. I am utterly and truly grateful. 

On that note, good night and much love to all.

Chemo #3: Halfway There

Just a quick update, I had my third chemotherapy treatment today and everything went well! I'm halfway through!!! My blood work looked good, which is always great news. The only issue was that the pump that administers my chemotherapy medicine stopped working, so I was not getting chemo and had no idea. Needless to say, my treatment was delayed by 30 minutes. Other than that, physically I feel fine so far.

Over the past few weeks, I have had no complaints. There were slight issues which I felt dumb even asking about, but per Dr. Heyer's instructions, he insists on knowing everything that happens and changes with my body.

1. My allergies had been bothering me which is normal during this time of the year. My ears had gotten very clogged and I felt like I was talking in my head. Similar to how your ears feel when you are flying in a plane. It turns out that chemotherapy can affect the ears, since you lose the hair in your nose and ears. Drainage can just lay there in the ear canal causing clogged ears, just like a clogged drain in your bathroom sink. Interesting, huh? I was instructed by the PA to take Sudafed, but the following day I felt 95% better, so I didn't take anything. The PA was not in the office today, so she wasn't able to check my ears to be sure they weren't infected. My WBC didn't indicate any further infections, so I don't think there is any cause for alarm.
2. I have this little spot on my face next to my left eye. It is the same spot I got when I was eight months pregnant. The nurse said this is normal as chemo has a habit of turning up past health issues or ailments. She told me this is hormone-related and will go away after chemo. 
3. My sternum was a little achy the past few days. It hasn't been that bad today. I've been told in the past this could be caused by my Neulasta shot, but it's been almost three weeks after my last shot, so this cannot be the cause. After my first treatment, I had the same discomfort and was told if the tumor is being affected it can cause discomfort in that area due to the tumor location. I pray this is the case because that means the tumor is continuing to shrink.

These side effects are so minimal that I don't dare complain. I am thankful my body is fairing well with this treatment and pray it continues.

Thank you, everyone, for your continued prayers and support!

How YOU Can Help

(written by Chrystal Tan)

Many of you have asked how you can help Jennifer and her family through her journey and many of you have already stepped up and helped her in so many ways.

She has enjoyed fabulous meals, loving chemo care packages, books, magazines, and so many thoughtful cards and gifts. Amidst all of the awful things Jennifer has encountered through her journey she has also seen countless displays of friendship, love and generosity from those that surround her. These are the small things that have helped make this fight more bearable. So thank you to each and every one of you for your thoughtfulness and generosity.

Jennifer has seen great success so far in her treatment, but unfortunately this all comes at a cost. Even with insurance, Jennifer has begun to amass a mound of medical bills. Co-payments and items not covered or only partially covered by insurance (such as wigs, acupuncture, certain medications) have started to add up. It is estimated that her portion of medical costs from this Journey will be in the range of $10,000.

We invite you to help Jennifer fund some of these costs by donating to her medical expense fundraiser. Please consider making a donation – no matter how big or how small. Every penny counts and Jennifer is grateful for your kindness and generosity.

Donating is easy – Click on the “Donate” button below and make a donation to Jennifer’s cause. Funds raised will be used to help cover Jennifer’s out of pocket medical expenses.

In addition, Jennifer’s Lotsa Helping Hands website remains open and active! Please continue to sign up to provide dinners to the family if you are willing and able.

New members can sign up to help Jennifer at the following website: https://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/652673/

Fill in the right side of the form which is a Request to Join the Community. Once I have approved your registration you will be automatically added to the community and sent instructions for setting a password and signing in to help.

Lastly, Jennifer asks for your continued prayers as she continues her courageous journey.

Please feel free to pass this message on to others who may wish to help Jennifer and her family on their journey and thank you for all you have done for Jennifer, Christian, and Camilla.

ThirtyOne Fundraiser

(written by Dawn Markley)

Friends, please support "Not Jenn's Cup of Tea" Fundraiser in her fight against breast cancer. Buy a URU 31 thermal tote and 25% of the proceeds will go to Jenn and $1.00 will go to foundations to support empowerment of women and girls. The thermal tote is $16 and can be monogrammed for an additional $7. Order through April 20 (Camilla's birthday)!! Ships direct and makes a great gift!


For more information visit: http://www.mythirtyone.com/shop/eventhome.aspx?eventId=E1547255&from=MYEVENTS

If you have any questions, please contact Dawn Markley at drm2426@hotmail.com.

Three Thumbs Up

Emu Tree

Today, I had my first follow-up appointment with my oncologist, Dr. David Heyer, so he could check the progress of the tumor.

Before examining me, he asked if I thought there was any progress in the tumor shrinkage and I replied "Yes, I am pretty sure there is a big difference." I hopped on the table and he began feeling the left breast.

Dr Heyer: "Hmm... wow... OMG... big difference... wow..."
Jennifer: "There is a difference, right?"
Dr Heyer: "Yes, significant difference, Jennifer"
He continued feeling all around, at all angles, and shaking his head in disbelief.
Jennifer: "Can you show me where the actual location of the tumor is because I'm not so sure."

He placed his hand on my hand and pressed deeply on the far right side of my left breast directly against the sternum.

Jennifer: "You know, I will be honest, I don't know if I would have ever felt this lump during my monthly exam."
Dr Heyer: "You wouldn't have."

I contemplated this for a few seconds and took a deep breath. This could have been so much worse if I did not give birth to Camilla, if I didn't breast feed... my baby truly saved my life in more ways than one.

One of my best friends, Amy, went to the appointment with me. She is in the medical field and started to ask specific questions.

Amy: "Do you expect this type of progress based on a second treatment?"
Dr Heyer: "Absolutely not. This much progress is remarkable."

I also had several questions to ask:

1. What if the lung nodules continue to grow during chemo and we aren't aware they are growing? Dr. Heyer said there is a 0% chance this would happen, even though he said he should never say 0%. His hopes are that the nodules are killed off by chemo due to their small size. If for some reason the nodules were resistant (which is slim) they would remain the same and not grow.  
2. How do you think the cancer reached the lung nodules? I had my own opinions after looking over my medical records. My radiologist, pathologist and breast surgeon confirmed my lymph nodes appeared to be contained. My idea was that the lymph nodes appeared due to local metastasis, which is when a tumor was aggressive enough to force through cell walls. Dr. Heyer said he thinks the tumor literally sidetracked and got into the lung lymph node, which created the nodules. He doesn't believe it spread via the systemic lymph nodes (it's the highway of the body which is a very good thing). However, there are lymph nodes that go directly to an organ and the tumor penetrated the lung lymph node.
3. Chemo - He considered minimizing the number of chemo treatments left and schedule surgery sooner; however, after a couple minutes of deliberation he decided we will stick to our original plan. He wants to see me again after two more sessions and will only do a PETscan after my last treatment to "restage" me. We will then discuss surgery and radiation.
4. AC vs. Taxotere/Carboplatin - I asked why he ultimately switch from AC to the current chemo plan. He explained he does not like to give the drug Adriamycin to young women due to the risk of heart issues post treatment. He said, "I compared you to a 68-year-old woman with cancer. Why would I want to give a 35-year-old woman a treatment risking heart problems for the rest of her life?" Point taken.
5. Turkey Tail Mushrooms - OK. I am obsessed with this new study about the benefit of turkey tail mushrooms. I initially asked him, "So, what are your thoughts on turkey tail... and he looked bewildered. Amy then interjected, "It's a mushroom." He said, he is not opposed to things like this if I want to try them, but that I am not to try them during chemo because it could be toxic when mixed together. He explained all chemo drugs are a derivative of a plant or tree and the specific chemo I am on comes from the bark of an emu tree, so if I want to go eat some bark ... (what a funny guy, he is). I asked where I could get an emu tree because I WILL eat bark, if necessary ;) I really don't think this surprised him one bit. Anyhow, he said that I can take the turkey tail mushroom supplement if I choose, but after chemo. I promised.
6. Side Effects - I have yet to have any significant side effects from chemo. He was quite happy to hear this and joked he made the girls out front (his nursing staff) promise not to make me sick or they would need to answer to him (again, he is such a funny man).
7. Tumor Marking - Tumor marking is done by blood work and used to manage cancer patients. I asked his thoughts on tumor marking. He said he doesn't prefer tumor marking because it is not completely accurate and causes a lot of unnecessary anxiety. He prefers to scan which I will have done every three months.

Overall, Dr Heyer said if he had three thumbs he would give me three thumbs up! The news he gave me today was better than he would have ever dreamed of giving. Before he left, I asked if I could give him a big hug and he said of course - he left grinning ear-to-ear and finally said the words I needed to hear, "I think everything is going to be OK."