Monday, July 02, 2001
Celebrating Life - support groups for African-American women with breast cancerYounger Breast Cancer Patients at Higher Risk for Second Breast Cancer - an article from BreastLink. Every survivor who was diagnosed before the age of 49 should read this article.
What Do Patients Need to Know About Their Medications? Not just for cancer patients! Everyone should do this.
posted by Karen Weber Monday, July 02, 2001
Tuesday, July 03, 2001
Well, yesterday I had blood drawn - tumor markers, liver panel and a look at the red and white counts. Today I had my 3-month CT scan. I tried to charm the tech into letting me see the pictures, but she said no. Sigh. Then I had my 6 month follow-up with my radiation oncologist. She said there is still a definite fullness in the breast, particularly in the area where they did the boost. But she said everything looks good and I don't go back to see her for another 6 months.I asked the nurse at the medical oncologist's office if my new oncologist would call me in advance of my appointment to share results with me. She said this doctor would not do that. I was disappointed, because his partner always did. That's helpful in terms of preparing questions for the appointment. The nurse told me she could certainly understand my point, and said in my place she'd want the same courtesy. She told me call on Friday and ask to talk to her and she would give me the results. So, just a few days to wait for those results.
I didn't think I was worried or upset about all these tests, and I've been remarkably calm. But when she told me the doctor wouldn't call, I did get a bit upset and had to work really hard not to cry while explaining to the nurse why I wanted a call in advance.. Change is hard, especially when waiting for news that will determine what happens next. My previous oncologist was such a caring person. He knew exactly why I need to talk to him in advance and never questioned it. It looks like I'm going to have to break this new guy in!
posted by Karen Weber Tuesday, July 03, 2001
Wednesday, July 04, 2001
Tamoxifen use linked with increased risk of estrogen-receptor negative tumorsStudy Raises New Question on Tamoxifen Risk
Lymphedema - Preventive Measures
MEDLINEplus: Lymphatic Diseases
posted by Karen Weber Wednesday, July 04, 2001
Thursday, July 05, 2001
My Breast Cancer Story by Patsi P. She also designs globes and her breast cancer awareness globe is quite beautiful. Put it on your web page!The fate and prognostic value of occult metastatic cells in the bone marrow of patients with breast carcinoma between primary treatment and recurrence
posted by Karen Weber Thursday, July 05, 2001
Friday, July 06, 2001
Just got the good news. The CT is STABLE! The radiologist is now venturing the opinion that the lesion is probably benign. Hooray! The liver panel and tumor markers are also normal. My white count is still low. It, unfortunately, is also stable, so it appears that this is how I am now.Women Should Not Abandon Tamoxifen Preventive Therapy
posted by Karen Weber Friday, July 06, 2001
Saturday, July 07, 2001
Sass' Stem Cell Journey - one of the awesome angels from Friends in Need
posted by Karen Weber Saturday, July 07, 2001