Debbie's Profile Page

Biography

I am a photographer who is beginning a second career as a writer. My 4 children have been my strength and my constant supporters through breast cancer in ‘08 and uterine cancer in ‘09. They have forbidden me from getting another cancer, or face getting voted out of the tribe. My sense of humor has been my biggest asset through this journey, along with the love and support of my family and friends.

Cancer Symptoms

lump under arm sent me for my 1st mammogram at age 52. DCIS was found at stage zero. (The lump is still there…it’s fat) Endometrial cancer diagnosed 1 year later from constant spotting that was daily from Easter weekend until biopsy on Aug.2

Surgery Description, Dates & Side Effects

Mastectomy in Aug.’08 because dcis was in 2 places. Lumpectomy not an option and besides, I didn’t have to have chemo or any other after treatment. Endometrial cancer caused complete hysterectomy in August ‘09. I am just now finished with 6 months of chemo and 28 radiation treatments. Both were hell. Chemo put me in the hospital the first two treatments. Dehydration, near kidney failure, hallucinations, dysentery,metal mouth made me not want to eat or drink. If I can say it again : Hydrate all day every day!

Radiation or Proton Therapy Description, Dates & Side Effects

Started 4 weeks after chemo. 25 external for 5 weeks. The only effects were bouts of dysentery and pain in the area treated, no skin problems. You feel worse toward the end of the week as it builds up. After #25 I had one internal treatment per week for three weeks. Radiation made me exhausted every day because it’s such a grind. Talking to other patients you learn it’s quite different for everyone. I saw an elderly woman whose legs looked like snakeskin.

Chemotherapy Description, Dates & Side Effects

See Surgery Description> apparently I cannot follow directions

Hormone Therapy Description, Dates & Side Effects

started w/tamoxifen-it caused constant unusual periods which alarmed fam-doc who did emergency biopsy to find huge tumor in uterus. After hysterectomy did arimidex for 6 weeks-side effects were mostly fatigue and bone pain,currently on aromasin. no side effects as of 9/02/10

Comments:

Thanks Debbie! Happy I found you too! I like your perspective on things…Hope you are having a great day! Eileen

Posted on April 11, 2012 at 12:57:40 PM by Eileen