MIchelle's Profile Page

Biography

I’m a wife and mother of two little girls. I’ve worked as a journalist and writer for over 20 years; am a former punk rock musician; avid foodie; love to travel; and used to write a humorous food blog before cancer stole my life, temporarily.

I am sassy (when not scared out of my mind by waiting for test results and icky medical procedures) and plan on not going anywhere without a serious fight. ;)

Cancer Symptoms

None. I found my evil lump while showering, and even after I and my doc could feel it, the mammogram was “clear.” It was then seen on ultrasound and MRI.

NO family history. Genetic tests (BRCA 1 & 2) negative.

During routine scans after breast cancer dx, a mass was found in my head. Turns out in addition to the bc, I have a benign meningioma – a brain tumor. My neurologist tells me these grow slowly and we can zap it with rads later, so I’ll deal with that after I finish chemo and radiation for the breast cancer.

Surgery Description, Dates & Side Effects

Excisional biopsy of left breast 11/23/10 (1.1cm tumor)
Re-excision to get clear margins and do sentinel node biopsy 12/21/10

Radiation or Proton Therapy Description, Dates & Side Effects

6 and a half weeks of daily localized treatments. 33 total, with 5 boosts at the end.

Began 6/2/11
FINISHED 7/19/11

Chemotherapy Description, Dates & Side Effects

4 rounds of taxotere & cytoxan every 3 weeks.
Started 3/3/11.
Second round completed 3/24/11; had allergic reactions to both drugs.
Third round done without reactions (super slow drip) on 4/14/11. Fourth & FINAL round completed 5/5/11, and grateful for being finished!!

Hormone Therapy Description, Dates & Side Effects

None, I have triple negative breast cancer so hormonal therapies will not help me.

Comments:

Hey, Haven’t heard anything from you in awhile. I hope your doing Great.

Posted on March 5, 2012 at 7:21:57 AM by Kathysman

Hey girl! Hope this day is the happiest birthday ever!
xoxo

Posted on February 28, 2012 at 8:19:39 AM by Debbie

Happy, Happy Birthday! I hope the day has been blessed with the presence of those you love most, and many magical moments! Angela

Posted on February 27, 2012 at 8:06:53 PM by Private User

Happy Birthday MIchelle.
You’re making this really easy to remember, my youngest nephew was born on your birthday.
Have a spectacular birthday week.
...Is that a Viking horn I hear sounding in the distance in your honor?
xoxo Nicole

Posted on February 27, 2012 at 7:26:03 PM by Nicole (Lady Of The Larynx)

Happy Birthday! Woot! I hope you have a great day!

Posted on February 27, 2012 at 6:27:12 PM by Private User

Happy Birthday! Woot! I hope you have a GREAT day!

Posted on February 27, 2012 at 6:26:54 PM by Private User