Sunday, November 25, 2012

Chemo Again?

Tomorrow I'm supposed to be starting chemo again.  I'm not sure it's going to happen though.  Friday when I was getting ready to go to bed, I noticed that my new half breast is inflamed and red with an infected area where the plastic surgeon fills the expander.  It was Friday night when I noticed this, so the only option for treatment was to go to the ER.  Fortunately, I got in and out of there in an hour.  I went in at 10:30 pm, explained to the doctor that I'm supposed to be starting chemo on Monday and I just need a prescription for the infection.  The ER doctor was concerned about the infection and wants me to follow up with the plastic surgeon ASAP.  He said that the expander might have to be removed because of the infection.  Seriously... if I had that surgery and went through that pain to just have it removed again... I will be so disappointed.  It would also cause a problem for me with my prosthesis because I already got rid of it.  I gave it to away so it could be donated to a woman without health insurance.

Today I got a call from my oncologist regarding my pre-chemo blood work I had drawn yesterday.  My potassium levels are extremely high.  We're assuming that there was a mistake with the labs because I feel fine and if the lab results are accurate, it would mean that I'm most likely in kidney failure.  So... tomorrow morning I have to get my labs done as soon as the lab opens so that my oncologist can get the results before my 9:30 am appointment.  Even though we're under the assumption that it is a mistake, it still scares the crap out of me.  I can't stand the idea that there might be something else wrong with me.  

4 comments:

  1. Rebecca,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you. I also battled breast cancer while pregnant and delivered a healthy baby girl (now a thriving 18-month-old). I hope things get better for you soon! I also developed an infection with my expander. Unfortunately, it had to be removed (two months ago). So I'm back to square 1 on the right side. Sometimes it seems like this journey is never going to end. But not a day goes by that I don't realize how blessed I am to still be here and have my baby girl, Serenity. We are survivors - and you are too! Keep fighting, stay positive and kick some cancer ass!

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    1. I am so happy to hear that your little girl is thriving and doing well. Thanks for the support. It's so great to be connected with other women who have been through it. <3

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  2. Hi, Becki--Jerry and I pray for you and your family every day. My onc called once to say my blood calcium was critically low, but since I was cruising around feeling fine, it must be a lab goof. Sure enough, it was. If needed, I might be able to take care of the prosthesis thing. Feel free to email: mtbkaty@gmail.com. Katy

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    1. Katy, Thank you for your prayers. I appreciate them SO much! I'm hoping I'll be getting a new prosthesis for my half breast through the insurance company. If I can't get it worked out, I'll definitely shoot you an email. Thanks for the support Katy. It means so much to me.

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