After an ER visit over the holidays, I found myself referred to yet another new specialist and the first available appointment was the second of January. So I began 2025 with an eventful visit to a new clinic: Urology Oncology. Sounds super fun, right?! While new doctors, new symptoms, new cancery things isn't a newsflash … Continue reading First Medical Appointment of 2025
Happy New Year, 2025
Each year, I spend some time looking back, not to castigate myself for failures, but to consider what has happened and to look forward. As LM Montgomery wrote in Anne of Green Gables (I'm paraphrasing): each hour, each day, each year starts fresh, with no mistakes in it. This annual exercise helps me focus on the year … Continue reading Happy New Year, 2025
Port procedure/surgery
After seven (7) years of mostly behaving itself, my original port has been removed and I am the proud owner of a new power port! This may seem like a little thing, but it has been a challenge for years dealing with my first non-power port and having a port that can handle contrast without … Continue reading Port procedure/surgery
When Others Share First
I've been pondering this phenomenon for quite a while and certainly for the same amount of time that social media has been present in our lives. Yes, I remember a time when social media wasn't a thing (I realize I'm dating myself here). I remember when I first learned about Facebook (shocker) and when the … Continue reading When Others Share First
Scans #3 on Enhertu
As most of you are aware, the treatment for Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) doesn't end while we are still alive (with a few notable exceptions that we hope will become the rule). To determine whether treatment is working, those of us living with MBC undergo scans in various intervals (usually 3, 6, or … Continue reading Scans #3 on Enhertu
When you go to the polls …
It's Election Day in the United States for 2024. My husband and I decided to take advantage of early voting here in Florida, so we're not physically going to the polls today; at the same time, it's very much top of mind today and it may be for you too. While I'm sure that most … Continue reading When you go to the polls …
Implications for Patients under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)
In 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law. This 800+ page law covers a wide variety of topics and issues, including healthcare, which is my major concern right now. As with any significant legislation, there are often unintended consequences and questions swirling as the healthcare provisions affecting patients directly become effective in January … Continue reading Implications for Patients under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)
It’s October Again …
The post reflects on the fatigue and frustration associated with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, particularly focusing on Pinkwashing and the need for genuine support for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients. Acknowledging the complexities of cancer experiences, it urges thoughtful engagement, awareness of financial contributions, and recognition of all cancer patients' realities.
Analysis Paralysis
I started Enhertu, my 7th line of treatment since my de novo diagnosis with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) in March of this year. As many of you have noticed, I've not been as consistent with writing and many other things since starting this treatment. There are many reasons for that, the foremost being … Continue reading Analysis Paralysis
Medical Updates after PET #2 on Enhertu
On August 2nd, I traveled up to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville for the 2nd PET/CT since I started my 7th line of treatment, Enhertu. If you aren't familiar with the refrain: "treat, scan, repeat," let me just say that it's a vicious rollercoaster I've been riding since my de novo Stage IV Metastatic Breast … Continue reading Medical Updates after PET #2 on Enhertu
No Half Measures 