Cathy's Profile Page

Biography

Cancer caught me by surprise. I was always the healthiest one in my family and was very athletic growing up and have always had a love for sports. After I married in 1993 I had two wonderful, healthy children and became involved in their pursuits. My daughter is a competitive dancer and cheerleader; my son is artistic, creative and keeps us all laughing. My cancer was found by my OBGYN during a routine annual exam. She said “you have a mass on your left breast and you need to go for a mammogram and ultrasound this week.” I was taken aback by the urgency in her voice but still refused to give in to fear until after a needle biopsy revealed cancer.

I was relatively calm until after the first surgery when I was told they would need to do a second surgery as the margins were not clear and was later told I had an agressive form of breast cancer (HER2NU positive) which would require 8 rounds of chemo, 6-7 weeks or radiation, infusions of a drug called HERCEPTIN for one year, followed by five years of hormone therapy.

It seemed like they were throwing the kitchen sink at this cancer and I was just beginning to learn how much these treatments can take from you. I always knew I married a wonderful man but must say my husband has been my rock through all of this—he has taken over the grocery shopping, the chauffeuring of our children to activities and friends houses, house cleaning and more without one word of complaint.
I consider myself very fortunate to have support and love and will do my best to earn what I am given.

Cancer Symptoms

Increased hot flashes, breast enlargement, breast area warm to touch. Also—strange rash developed around groin about two months prior to diagnoses and breasts were also itchy.

Surgery Description, Dates & Side Effects

I have had two surgeries-lumpectomy and reincision to get the rest of lump and port installment.

Radiation or Proton Therapy Description, Dates & Side Effects

Started 11-07-11—skin is burned, dimpled and itchy. Tumor site is hardened and sometimes gives pain. Fatigue is severe beginning in 3rd week. In 7th week skin begins to open and fatigue forces me to stop work for awhile and rest, rest, rest.

Chemotherapy Description, Dates & Side Effects

Started 06-20-Nausea, constipation, severe headahces, body aches, fatigue, dizziness, hot flashes, grumpiness. 07-05-some Nausea, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, port became infected.

Hormone Therapy Description, Dates & Side Effects

Began Arimidex 12/30/2011-increased hot flashes, very dry skin

Comments:

Thanks for the compliment. I want that on my headstone: She always knew what to say…and never knew when to stop.
:)

Posted on March 17, 2012 at 10:25:58 AM by Debbie

Thinking of you and sending you lots of love and prays.

Posted on March 16, 2012 at 8:08:07 AM by Marie

Hi Glenn:

Thanks for the support. I love your post. Right back at you.

Posted on March 1, 2012 at 8:48:29 AM by Cathy

i so like your attitude..and your gratitude..and your lack of platitudes! no really..i’m rootin for ya..my kinda fighter

Posted on February 29, 2012 at 2:23:36 PM by Glenn

Hi Cathy;

Thanks for your support. It is greatly appreciated.

Love Barb

Posted on February 17, 2012 at 3:43:40 PM by Private User

Have a great weekend! xoxo

Posted on February 17, 2012 at 2:10:37 PM by Debbie