Steroids=Speed, My Support Group, & MORE GREAT NEWS

     I FINALLY have the steroids out of my system.  I can't believe how CRAZY they made me.  I felt like I was on speed AKA I was a "tweeker".  I couldn't sit still or sleep.  My leg literally twitched.  My brain had a hard time processing information and translating that into speech.  Don't get me wrong, I am grateful it got rid of the HORRIFIC rash - BUT holy cow nobody told me how messed up I would be on steroids.   Then after the dose level tapered off I CRASHED HARD!!!  I pretty much slept for 31 hours.  YUP, just like a tweeker would. Thank goodness my wonderful mother-in-law came to take care of my family after my mommy left on Wednesday because I WAS USELESS.  Good news though, I finally feel normal and I continue to heal from my two surgeries.

 With MUCH apprehension I attended my first breast cancer support group.   I arrived and realized I was in a room full of old ladies.  I felt like I was at my water aerobics classes again (don't get me wrong - loved water aerobics & old ladies).  I wasn't sure what to expect, but I liked it.  The first hour they had a guest speaker who talked about exercise and then we did some of her exercises....yikes - the old lady exercises were harder than they looked :)  I guess my exercise routine of 0 times a week is NOT working :)
     The 2nd hour they went around the room and everyone introduced themselves and said where they were in the breast cancer journey.  Most of the women there were 2+ year survivors.  There was a 38 year survivor there.  There was a lady that her hair was just growing back.  It was kinda cool to see so many women that were on the cancer-free side of things.  It actually was inspiring.
     I was by FAR the youngest one there AND the most recent diagnosed.  One of the ladies got all excited about me and insisted that I be in the survivor march next month at the big annual breast cancer fundraiser.  They said they need people to see that breast cancer is not just an old lady disease.  The hospital is fundraising to build/remodel a breast cancer wing to the hospital.  I told them I was on cancer #2 and about all my other medical issues-  that basically I have a LEMON of a body.  I told them that this cancer was much more scary and I was scared of chemotherapy.  They did a great job of building me up and convincing me that I was strong and could do it.  I figure if all these women can do it, so can I.  The best part of the group though is they love to laugh!  They also LOVED that I am "The One Boob Wonder".  Laughter is the best medicine.

BUT  - HERE IS THE BEST PART!!!!!!!!!!
My breast care coordinator is the one that runs the support group.  I really, really, really like her.  She is about my age and is compassionate and funny.  Anyways, she pulled me aside after the group and told me that she knew my Oncotype DX Test results!!!!!  She had just looked at them earlier in the day.  This was the THIRD test to try to find out if I am HER-2 positive or not. (I am a mystery)
If I am HER-2 positive I would do chemo for a year.
If I am HER-2 negative I would do chemo for 2-3 months.

WOOOOO HOOOOOO I am HER-2 negative!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

 I am not excited for chemo, BUT this is so much better.  I had convinced myself with my luck and crappy body that I would be HER-2 positive.  Hooray for shorter chemo!!!!!!!!!!!!

She told me she didn't remember all the other details, but that my doctor would discuss it with me at my appointment on Wednesday 

So this is more happy news!!!  

 

If you want some more info on this test here it is (I think it is super interesting, but I am a science nerd):

The Oncotype DX genomic test looks at groups of genes and how active they are, which can influence how a cancer is likely to grow and respond to treatment. A genomic test is different from a genetic test. A genetic test looks for mutations (unusual changes) in genes that are inherited, or passed from one generation to the next.
The Oncotype DX test uses a sample of breast cancer tissue to analyze the activity of 21 genes. Genes control the behavior and activities of all cells, including cancer cells. When cells are behaving abnormally, it often can be traced back to unusual activity by certain genes.
Looking at these 21 genes can provide specific information on:

• the likelihood that the breast cancer will return
• whether you’re likely to benefit from chemotherapy if you’re being treated for early-stage invasive breast cancer
• whether you’re likely to benefit from radiation therapy if you’re being treated for DCIS

So, the Oncotype DX test is both a prognostic test, since it provides more information about how likely (or unlikely) the breast cancer is to come back, and a predictive test, since it predicts the likelihood of benefit from chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatment.
 http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/oncotype_dx