The treatment plan that is.
My doctors and I decided that I will do chemotherapy first.
This is due to a variety of reasons:
1) The cancer has already spread to a lymph node so we know it's spreading quick and the spread must be stopped now.
2) This is the most aggressive (i.e. likely to spread) and it responds well to chemo usually.
3) I cannot be doing chemo around the baby's delivery (due to white blood cell counts and risk of infection) and I cannot have chemo around when I do breast surgery (same reasons), so there is a unique window to do chemo now.
4) There are some types of chemo that are generally considered safe during pregnancy and surgery with anesthesia has it's risks.
I will start chemo on Wednesday (3/13) and will go every other week for 10 weeks (5 rounds). As long as my body tolerates that much chemo. Pray that it does.
Then I will take a break to delivery our baby girl.
After delivery I may or may not do more chemo. That will depend on my oncologist's recommendation at that point and how well the chemo has fought my cancer.
At some point after I'm done with chemo (maybe in July?) I'll have surgery to remove the lump and a few lymph nodes. TBD if I'll have a lumpectomy or mastectomy.
Then after that I'll do a few weeks of targeted radiation to make 100% sure all of the cancer is gone.
Then, if everything works, I will be cancer free by Fall 2013.
That's the plan right now. Let's do this.
Love it: Let's do this. So proud of you, Kirsten! You are so strong and I know you are well aware, but you're surrounded by people who love you and support you. We're cheering you on!
ReplyDeleteYour strength is unrivaled! And you are an amazing force of positivity. I agree with Sarah -- I love LET'S DO THIS. Thank you for keeping us up-to-date. Know that I love you and think about you all the time. <3
ReplyDeleteWe love you, Kirsten. Let's do this.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you as you head into tomorrow and a journey to recovery. Love you!
ReplyDeleteLove you Kirsten, we miss you so much! I look up to you so much with how strong and determined you are (in none other than true "KirGreer" fashion)! Can't wait to say "done and done" with you in Fall 2013!!! <3<3
ReplyDeleteLET'S DO THIS!!!!
Kirsten, I expect that I'm writing after you have completed round 1 of chemo. One down! That's good. I'm cheering you on every day in every way. Love you.
ReplyDeleteYou are so strong. Let's do this - love that attitude!
ReplyDeleteHi there, i use yo follow your other blog & the blog in this wonderful life linked me here I didn't know it would be you. I hope your recovery & pregnancy go well and I think you are very strong doing this blog too.
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