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Here's some news from Sheila--she's doing well and BUSY

I am officially in need of a personal assistant!

Not really, but the combination of conventional and non-traditional treatment I have chosen to pursue has meant my next few months are filled with appointments and procedures. I’m lucky and thankful that I am able to scale back work a bit to accommodate this new lifestyle.

I came away from my visit to my oncologist on Thursday with an entire page of appointments from now until April. My first round of chemotherapy will start next week (Feb. 24) preceded by the portacath placement the day before (Feb. 23). I will receive an infusion of two drugs every other week for eight weeks (four treatments). After that, I will receive a weekly infusion of a third drug for 12 weeks. If there are no changes to the schedule, I will finish up chemo on August 4, a few days before my birthday.

There was some uncertainty whether or not I would receive daily radiation treatments for several weeks after my chemo is finished. The size of one lymph node that was removed prompted my oncologist to bring the issue to a weekly meeting of his colleagues. The consensus was mixed, with some experts opting for radiation and others saying it wouldn’t be necessary. I will be consulting with a radiation therapist sometime in the next few months to come up with a plan. One drawback of radiation for women who have had a large number of lymph nodes removed (I had 23) is that there is the possibility of edema (swelling) of the arm.

I also visited an acupuncturist and set up an appointment with a reflexologist, both in an attempt to offset the near certain nausea that will accompany the first four chemo infusions. I saw the acupuncturist today. The 45 minute appointment consisted of two needle placements in my ankle, the placement of a heat lamp over my abdomen, a lot of hand movements over my entire body and some gentle pressure on my neck. At the very end of my session, the acupuncturist put his finger on my jaw, said “tooth,” and walked out of the room. When I met him in his office after the treatment, I asked him what he meant by that. “Inflammation,” he said. “Not big, but you get it checked.” I looked at him, dumbfounded. I have been putting off a visit to the dentist for several months, and had recently started feeling a bit of sensitivity in one of my molars. How in the world did he know this? I asked him. “I see it,” said the man of few words. I’m not sure if he meant that literally or figuratively, but it was enough to convince me that he is, at the very least, extremely in tune with his patients. My oncologist had told me not to get my teeth cleaned during treatment, but I called my dentist (who, luckily, is also a friend) and she is going to check out my tooth Saturday.

I also ventured into the world of wigs this week. I tried one on at a shop up on Phinney Ridge. It was actually adorable and very real looking. I also visited with a patient navigator (aka social worker) at the Swedish Cancer Education Center this week, and was given a brand new, real-hair wig, compliments of Pantene and the American Cancer Society. It needs to be trimmed and styled, and I plan to take it to a woman who does this often in the next week or so. I was touched by the generosity of the American Cancer Society. They have a collection of wigs (some nicer than others) that they give out free to cancer patients. They also have a program called Look Good, Feel Great, in which make-up artists show cancer patients (and a guest) how to apply make up and style wigs during the chemo process. The free class includes $200 in free make up (anyone want to join me?). My dear friend Lara has also offered to lend me her platinum blonde pageboy wig, so I guess I have no excuse for looking frumpy! I also got the name of a wig place downtown that carries goofy and fun wigs (field trip, April?).

My preschool mom friend Carol (and college acquaintance) reconnected me with a mutual friend who recommended a reflexologist in Greenwood, whom I will see in two weeks. Reflexology involves the stimulation of the feet. It is used to cure a number of ailments, but I am hoping it provides some nausea relief. (And a great excuse for a soothing foot rub!) I will be given a steroid to take after the infusion, but it is my hope that I can use natural methods as much as possible.

On a lighthearted note, Jason and I are heading to Palisades Saturday evening for our long-awaited wedding dinner – the one we had to miss because of the accident on the Ballard Bridge. I’m also looking forward to a relaxing weekend in preparation for an uncertain week. Hasn’t the weather been beautiful?

See "Stay Abreast" Button on the front page of this blog for Sheila's latest appointment schedule