Shannon's Breast Cancer e-mail Journal

ORIGINAL DIAGNOSIS

----- Original Message -----
From: "Shannon" <shannon@hop7.com>
Sent: Monday, May 03, 2004 8:37 PM
Subject: Update 19

Hi All,

I am doing great! My skin is healing very nicely. I am feeling good. I played in my company's golf tournament today. I had a blast. We won. Woo Hoo! I also got the women's longest drive as well. Not bad for not playing golf for 9 months. The houses on this golf course were huge. We played Ruby Hills Country Club in Pleasanton. Very Nice. I will be starting work this Wednesday the 5th. I will start out part-time and begin full-time in June. I will be wearing my wig, probably for at least another month. My hair is at starting to fill in but it is still a little too short. Barely a half inch. Soon though. The vacation I was so looking forward to ended up being the vacation from hell. To make a long story short we came home early. Well now I have December to look forward to. We'll see. Thanks again for all your support. It was a rough road but you guys all made it a little more enjoyable.

Thanks,

Shannon

If God brings you to it,
He will bring you through it.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Shannon" <shannon@hop7.com>
Sent: Friday, April 02, 2004 4:29 PM
Subject: Update 18

Hi All,

I am doing great! I only have 2 more days of radiation. I will be done on Tuesday. WOO HOO!!! The doctor says my skin has held up amazingly. It is still a little annoying for me. It's like a bad rash. It itches. Some of my friends though are peeling pretty bad. I have another cold but this time I am getting over it much easier. My body is getting stronger. Yeah! I have a little fatigue in the afternoons so far. My friends have all got worse after radiation but I am hoping for that to not happen to me. Since I had such a hard time on Chemo with my energy and all. This is much better. I have finally gotten out and played golf. Score wise I did pretty good. Better than before diagnosis. I did get a little more tired on the back nine and I did get a little swelling in my hand and arm. But, thankfully it went away. I need to get an elastic sleeve made for my arm. It will help with the swelling. I am changing my date to go back to work a couple of days. I am moving it to Wednesday, May 5th. Also, in speaking with my bosses I think I will graduate my return. Start with 20 hours a week, then 30 hours a week and then start full time in June. It's amazing to me that when my doctor signed me out till June I did not believe him. Wow, he was pretty much right. But then again everything has been pretty much unbelievalble. Oh well, it is almost over now. I am going to Palm Springs in about 16 days. I can't wait to leave this place for a little while. Come back with a fresh new start. I am so exited that I am already packed and ready to leave right now.

Happy Easter!

Shannon

If God brings you to it,
He will bring you through it.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Shannon" <shannon@hop7.com>
Sent: Saturday, March 20, 2004 9:06 AM
Subject: Update 17

Hi All,

I am still doing well. I have been keeping myself busy with my little schedule I made for myself. I am trying to work all the angles for me to get back to "my normal". I have done 4 weeks of curves. I have lost 5 pounds with Weight Watchers. I have read 3 books, 2 on health and 1 related to my field of interest for my career. I am back to eating my fruits and vegetables. 17 radiation treatments down and 13 more to go. I am past the half way point. Woo hoo! Per my radiation doctor after the next 7 treatments it should start to be less areas treated. I am getting tired but it is a different kind of tired. Instead of it taking my energy away, like chemo, it makes me sleepy tired. Like going to a big lunch at work and then trying to come back to work. Or like after a big turkey dinner. It is accumulative. By Friday, you are more tired then on Monday. It is a nice break on the weekends. My skin is only a little pink so I should not have any problems there (knock on wood). I do feel a little bit of a problem in my swallowing. So I told the doctor and she adjusted my radiation area a little bit in the neck area. It should only be temporary. But radiation is a little more scary, as far as the long term side effects go. It is definitely different then on chemo. I know I am getting my energy back, because last weekend on Saturday I went to a bridal shower and I made the decision when it was time to leave not my body saying it is time to go because you have expired. It felt good finally getting some control over my body and life. I am not pushing myself to hard. I don't want to jeopardize what progress I have already made.

Right now this is all so surreal to me. Now that I have gone through the majority of the total treatment and I am almost to the top of this steep rocky mountain I just climbed, it is so unbelievable to me. I can't believe I have went through all that I have went through. My mind is pretty much out of the fog and looking back is unbelievable. It is one thing to just face it everyday and just survive but now that I am almost done and looking back, WOW! I really have gone through alot and now I can actually believe all the nice and inspirational things people have been saying to me (i.e. brave, etc).

I am still thinking May 3rd is a realistic date to come back to work.

Shannon

If God brings you to it,
He will bring you through it.

----- Original Message -----
From: Shannon
Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2004 1:31 PM
Subject: Update 16

Hi All,

I have been doing good. I started my new schedule last week. So far so good. I am eating better, exercising and I try to read for 1 hour every week day morning. I have already finished one book. I have completed 4 curves workouts. I am feeling really good about that. I do yoga Tues and Thurs. I do my radiation every week day at 2:15pm. I am a little tired today. I had a full day yesterday so I can see why. I am resting a little more today. I don't want to over do it. I am anxious to getting back to normal but I don't want to push it. My goal is to get myself up to par as much as possible before going back to work. I know it is still going to be an adjustment, I just don't want it too be to steep of an adjustment. I believe I will be finished with radiation mid-April barring any complications. My new goal for going back to work is May 3rd. My radiologist Doctor seems to think that is doable. I will see my Oncologist doctor next week and ask him as well. I am not sure which doctor will do the approving. Any way I will do what ever is going to be best and only time will tell. I have already had 4 radiation treatments. I think the total amount of treatments is 29 to 30. No visual signs yet on the skin. I do feel a little stiffness in the arm area after treatment. They mark me up with pens everyday and they won't let me wash them off. That is a pain, it gets all over your clothes. Last email I told you I was loosing my hair again. I think that has stopped now. So now hopefully it will start growing faster. It's about a 1/2 an inch long but VERY sparse. Less than babies hair. In comparison to a few weeks ago I am feeling really good. I hope to keep up the progress.

Shannon

If God brings you to it,
He will bring you through it.

----- Original Message -----
From: Shannon
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2004 2:32 PM
Subject: Update 15

Hi Everyone,

This week has been good. I am feeling better both mentally and physically. I am finally starting to feel stronger. My cousin and her husband was here visiting from Tennessee, Friday to Wednesday. We went to the city and walked around on Monday. I got really sore and tired but it felt good to start to push through some of the weakness. After this last chemo and having a cold, it has really beat me up. But I am feeling better now (finally). So hopefully now I will get better with everyday. I also had a message yesterday (Thursday). It was so wonderful. It has been 3 weeks now since my last chemo. I am hoping now that I passed the usual 3 week mark my body should now know that it won't have any more medicine knocking it back down so it should start to heal quicker. My hair started to grow some a couple of months ago, since I changed chemo medicines to Taxotere. But yesterday in the shower more hair came out again. Now that the chemo is over I am very anxious to get my hair and life back. The radiation people finally called me to schedule my appointments. Yeah, now I can start to try to get a daily schedule to try to get all of my strength and mind back. My daily treatments will start next Thursday at 2:15pm at Seton Hospital in Daly City. I don't know when they will end yet but originally back in August they told me it would last 6 1/2 weeks. I have a call into the doctor to try to get an idea when I will be done with radiation. I would like to plan a week to get away to Palm Springs before returning back to work. I need to get away from this house I have spent so much time in. I would even like to put in an application for that extreme home makeover on abc. Then when I come back from that week it would be a brand new house and I can put this disease completely behind me with almost no reminders. I still need to practice golf. I have not swung a club since July. I probably won't start back playing golf with my club until May. I did yoga last Thursday and I have started to go back to weight watcher meetings. I am not putting any pressure on myself right now if I don't do very well but I am hoping it will eventually kick in. I will either start curves next week or the week after. That will be part of my new schedule. I also need to start reading to exercise my mind as well. We'll see, I will keep you posted. I am thinking about sending my updates bi-weekly. I am thinking (hoping) that radiation shouldn't have any incidents. I don't want to flood everybodies emails. So there should not be too much to report.

Shannon

If God brings you to it,
He will bring you through it.

----- Original Message -----
From: Shannon
Sent: Friday, February 06, 2004 1:18 PM
Subject: Update 14

Hello,

I have survived my last chemo and neopogen shots. My cold seemed to start to go away during the first 7 days of chemo but has since came back with a vengence on Tuesday. So I am still fighting a cold and have limited energy because I have been running a low grade fever off and on. The good news is though I just spoke to my doctor and he will send in a prescription for me. So now I can start to finally feel better. I had my similation radiation appointment yesterday and they took a lot of measurements, a cast, some x-rays and 4 little tiny tatoos (dots). But that doctor wants me to be really healthy before I start the actual radiation so I won't be starting radiation for 3 more weeks. Which is only a week off the normal. They say they usually like to start radiation at a minimum of 3 weeks after the last chemo. So I still don't know the total plan. They will call me in two weeks to schedule. I will just be working on getting healthy in the mean time.

Shannon

PS. I have been posting these emails on my family website if anyone is interested in going back and reading any. http://www.scatteredclan.org/other/ShannonBCjournal.htm

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon [mailto:shannon@hop7.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2004 5:29 PM
Subject: Update 13

Hello,

So I made it. Chemo number 8 the final one is finally over. My counts were up and they didn't seem to care that I was sick but they almost didn't do the chemo because I forgot to take my pre-meds the day before. Thankfully it is over. Now everyday I will get better and continue to get better. Yee Hah! I already have an appointment with radiation to take some measurements and go over the plan. Then I think I get one more appointment after that then I start those treatments. I am hoping to start the week of Feb 16th. With my estimates, I am thinking I will be done by the end of March, first week of April. Things should start to move along pretty quickly now that I don't have to live my life in 3 week increments. My liver enzyme counts started to come down as well, so that was good. Down from 153 to 99. This one will be a rough recovery though because I will be twice as weak with this miserable cold I have. I can't believe everything I have been though and this miserable cold is just kicking my butt. Although it is the first normal thing I have felt in a long time. Everything else has been side effects.

Well bye for now.

Shannon

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon [mailto:shannon@hop7.com]
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2004 7:45 PM
Subject: Update 12a

Hi All,

I am so looking forward to start to get back to normal. I have finished my website for my friend. I did yoga on Thursday. I went to a weight watchers meeting on Wednesday even though I won't start practicing it until after my last Chemo. I also checked out curves for when I am done with Chemo as well. I have a long way to get back to my regular health. My energy level is sooo low. I was also suppose to start a class tonight at CSM but unfortunetely I am sick with a cold. I have come all this way and now I have a cold. The nurse said I just need to take demetapp to make my nose run. There went my good week. As far as my Chemo goes, she said as long as my blood counts are up tomorrow I will still be able to receive my last Chemo on Wednesday. Once my Chemo is over with then I should start my radiation. Radiation will be everyday for 6 1/2 weeks. Originally I was thinking about trying to come back part-time during radiation but I discussed it with my doctor and he said it is better to stay out. I need to work on getting my strength and health back. Whether to work or not to work has stressed me out the most during this period. I have never, not worked since I was 18 not even a break to have a baby. It has been really hard for me but I think it is important for me to put my health first. I would just like to have my normal life back and I can't wait to start taking steps to obtain it. Soon. I am reaching the end finally. Tomorrow is going to be (hopefully) the beginning of the end. It will be the last time I will do Chemo (knock on wood) and the last time I have to take those daily neopogen shots. Unfortunetely it won't be the last time I take a blood test but you can't have it all. Everybody pray I get rid of this cold really quick. I don't really want to have to deal with this and the Chemo side effects.

Thanks for all your support!

Shannon

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon [mailto:shannon@hop7.com]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2004 5:19 PM
Subject: Update 12

Hi All,

Yeah! Chemo 7 is done and only 1 more to go. My liver counts were up this time again, so they had to lower my dosage of chemo medicine. My liver count was 83 last time and this time it was 153. I don't know what normal is but it was enough for them to lower my dosage. They were giving me 100 mg per meter and now they are giving me 75 mg per meter. They said it should not effect the overall effectiveness of my treatment. I am still going in to get my shots. The weekend lady does not give them correctly, so it hurts even more on the weekends. She uses too big of a needle and when you use a bigger needle it should go into the muscle and there I was telling her to put it in the fat. Oh well, she should know better anyway. As far as my neopogen shots go I now have 2 more left on this chemo and 7 left for the next chemo so only 9 more to go. I have just been relaxing these last 6 days. My energy level is real low at first and then it gradually builds back up after the 5th day. Saturday just like last time is still my fever day. So now that I am starting to figure out my days I now only have one left. Which is perfectly o.k. I am not complaining in any way. I am starting to do projects. I actually finished 4 different picture projects after christmas. Which was absolutely wonderful since some of those projects have been sitting aroung for years waiting to be done. I am also developing/designing a website for a friend of mine. Also one of my big projects is to input my address book into the computer. I will start feeling better so I will be getting out of the house more. Hopefully for lunches and dinner's with my friends. I am starting to think about getting back into my normal health instead of just surviving the chemo treatments. I need to start swinging a golf club again.

Here's to a wonderful 2004.


Shannon

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon [mailto:shannon@hop7.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2004 7:23 PM
Subject: Update 11a

Hi Everyone,

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. Happy New Years! Sorry it took so long for me to write. I will be having my 7th Chemo tomorrow at 10:30am. After this one I can then say I only have one left. YEAH!

Chemo #6, I did end up with bone pain, a pulsating lower back pain and a couple of days with a low grade fever. I also had very low energy. It of course stems from side effects from either the chemo or the neopogen shots. Today started my days of getting poked with needles. Starting with my blood tests today, tomorrow my chemo treatment I.V., and the next day starts my 7 neopogen shots. I have decided it is easier for me to go into the hospital to get my injections. I am too wimpy to give them to myself. It is pretty easy to go in. They have a special injection room and I get the same person everyday to give them to me. The only exception is the weekends. I have to go to urgent care to get my injection. That's a little more inconvenient but still not enough to give them to myself.

New Years day my husband and I got away. We received a gift certificate to the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay for Christmas. So we decided to just get away for a day. It was very nice.

Here's to a Great New Year.

Shannon

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon [mailto:shannon@hop7.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2003 3:39 PM
Subject: Update 11

Hi All,

Yesterday was my 6th treatment. Woo Hoo!!! Only 2 more left to go. My anxiety levels have certainly come down, now that the end seems more reachable. Also, I don't get sick on this medicine. The low white blood cells and bone pain are the major side effects from this medicine. Although everything in my life is pretty much a side effect from something. My white blood cells came down after my last treatment. I had a swollen scalloped tongue and my whole mouth hurt. Then I got a fever and all that is all side effects from my low white blood cells. So I had to go to the Urgent Care for my fever. They took lots of blood tests and then sent me home with Antibiotics. Turned out it was bacterial infection from the bacterial in our stomachs. It was just inevitable, no matter what, I was going to get an infection regardless, because my white blood counts were down. So now that's why I have to take Nuprigen shots daily for 7 days after the rest of my treatments. They are little diabetic needles that I should be able to give myself but because I am so afraid of needles I will be going into the doctors everyday to receive them. Still much easier to deal with in comparison to nausea and vomiting from the last chemo medicine.

I got my first nuprigen shot today. I looked at the needle, and watched her put the medicine in the needle and then get the air bubbles out. But I chickened out when it came to watching it being stuck in me. Maybe tomorrow. I am hoping the more I get used to looking at it maybe eventually I will be able to give it to myself. I only have 20 more to go to get used to it. The medicine did sting a little bit while it was going in and it is not very fast. It's not so bad to drive in and get my shot. It's pretty quick. I may just stick to this.

One of the side effects from having chemo is memory loss. Real short term memory loss. So my attention span is really low. I forget what I am doing most of the time. So I have not been spending my time very wisely. I try to schedule lunches with friends on my good weeks. I rest, watch TV, and play FreeCell on the computer or read email. Tuesday's I am always at the hospital, I go to my support group and then we go to lunch. Every three weeks I pretty much spend the whole day at the hospital starting with my blood tests then the Support Group, lunch and then I see my doctor. I go shopping every once in a while. I think I may start trying to read more after the holidays are over.

I wish everybody Happy Holidays.

Love,
Shannon

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon [mailto:shannon@hop7.com]
Sent: Monday, December 08, 2003 12:09 PM
Subject: Update 10a

Hi All,

Well, one of my worst fears is now becoming a reality. I got the dreaded fever on Friday. Which in itself is not so bad. I went to urgent care Friday evening, did some tests and was automatically put on antibiotics. Once I took my test I could then start taking Tylenol to control the fever. It's been a little annoying but not much difference from the regular side effects I have been getting. I guess I am getting a little used to it. The bad part for me is, I just talked to my nurse, and she informed me that for my next 3 treatments I will have to now give myself shots for 7-10 days after each treatment. I think I would rather have the fever. I know this is nothing in comparison to any big picture but this has been my fear for a long time. Oh well, I guess I will figure something out.

Happy Holidays!

Shannon

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon [mailto:shannon@hop7.com]
Sent: Friday, November 28, 2003 10:15 AM
Subject: Update 10

Hi All,

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Today is day 3 of my 5th treatment. Usually my worst day. I am very happy to report that this treatment so far has been much better than all the rest. (knock on wood) I only took the drugs the day before and the day of my treatment. I have not had any nausea and I am feeling pretty good. I still have been resting and I will still stay in the house for most of the first 10 days because of the blood counts. My counts were low again the day before treatment but thankfully they popped up again the next day, just in time for treatment. But, yuck I had to do another blood test. So now I am really exited. I am past the half way point. 5 down and only 3 to go. Sounds much more attainable. I am on the down hill side. Woo Hoo!!! I am even drinking more liquid. Wow.

I would just like to say that for this years Thanksgiving I am very thankful for all the love and support I have received from all of you. Thank you. You really make a difference.

Thanks,

Shannon

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon [mailto:shannon@hop7.com]
Sent: Saturday, November 22, 2003 10:18 AM
Subject: Update 9b

Hi All,

I haven't written for a little while. I have been kind of in a negative space lately and just haven't felt like trying to be positive. Not feeling good for awhile just wears on you. Just try to imagine when you have the flu and you are in bed 4 or 5 days in a row. Now imagine doing that every 3 weeks. I am just tired of dealing with the side effects of being on disability (physical, mental, money, paperwork, etc). I know that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. I just can't wait until I get thru this tunnel. Plus my hate for needles is only getting worse. Now that I got the negative out, how about some positives. The "alternative" drug has worked for getting rid of the nausea 100%. This time I didn't even have alot of the queasyness after stopping all the drugs. I am now half way thru the treatments. 4 down 4 to go. Woo Hoo! I will be taking a new chemo drug starting this Wednesday, the 26th. This one is suppose to not have as much nausea. I think the side effects on this one is joint pain and a lower immune system. This chemo drug is called Taxotere. My mother-in-law is going to cook me a Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday, the 23rd, so I get to enjoy the meal. I am exited about that. Food has been my enemy and my best friend, so when I can enjoy food I really enjoy food. I will definetely be going back to weight watchers when this is through. I have already gained 3 sizes. I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving.

Love,
Shannon
"Off to Battle... Mission Possible!"

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon [mailto:shannon@hop7.com]
Sent: Wednesday, November 05, 2003 1:55 PM
Subject: quick update to 9

Yeah, my counts were up. So I kept the Chemo #4 appointment today. So I am now back on schedule.

I did ok during my appointment. Pretty calm. Thinking about the bigger picture really helped. Plus I got out the big guns. I brought my care bear with me. So I should be able to kick ass through this Chemo#4. The next sessions should be alot easier.

Well, I gotta go now the "Natural" drugs are starting to kick in pretty good. I hope this is all making sense.

Love
Shannon

Off the Battle... Mission Possible!

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon [mailto:shannon@hop7.com]
Sent: Wednesday, November 05, 2003 7:54 AM
Subject: Update 9

Hi All,

It is the morning of the day I am suppose to receive Chemo 4, the last of the AC medicine. Yesterday was rough. I was very emotional about not wanting to receive my treatment. I was tired of being sick and being poked with needles. I would never not have my treatment but I really did not want to go. Luckily I had group yesterday and I saw my doctor. I feel better today and I think I am ready to receive Chemo 4. My doctor made me focus on the bigger picture instead of all these little annoying things, like the side effects and the needles. The needles and the medicine are good for me, they are saving my life...

(I have to say, this point is definetely something I have lost focus on. But it's not something I want to think about all the time)

But, on another point, one of my blood counts were low yesterday, so there is a possibility that my Chemo 4 will be postponed for a week. Which will throw my whole schedule off by a week. I will have to take another blood test this morning before my original appointment. Most likely the count will be up and I will receive my 4th Chemo treatment. I will keep you posted. Luckily though my doctor said if my count is still low and I have to postpone he won't prescribe the nuprine shots, this time. (these are the shots I would have to give myself).

Just a little background, I need to take a blood test the day before each treatment to make sure I am healthy enough to receive the treatments. They check your white and red blood cell counts. I also have to see the doctor either the day before or the day of treatments to check my basic health. This Chemo treatment I am also suppose to receive a flu shot.

Love,

Shannon
Off to Battle... Mission Posssible!

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon [mailto:shannon@hop7.com]
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2003 10:20 AM
Subject: Update 8

Hi All,

Another one down, 5 more to go. The "Alternative" anti-nausea medicine worked as far as getting rid of the nausea, But I don't like to take drugs (of any kind) so as soon as the nasea was more manageble I stopped taking the drugs. This time it was Saturday, the last time it was Sunday and the first time it was Monday. It still takes 10 days to get back to being "normal" (hunger, sleep, digestion, energy, smell, queasiness, etc). Even though receiving the actual Chemo really is not bad, now that I know what to expect, my mind is now my worst enemy, I hate going to Chemo. Each one is now getting harder to go to. It's all in my head (at least this part). This next one will be that last one for this medicine. (AC (adriomyicyn and cytoxin)) After this I will start receiving Taxotere for 4 treatments. Which may be a good thing as it may be less nausea. But I think this one will be the one I may need to give myself shots. (another fear). Oh well, I will just have to deal with it.

On a great note. I did the walk yesterday. I made the 5 miles. Woo Hoo!! Of course I was slower than everybody else, but that's ok. It took us 2 hours. The weather was beautiful, but a little hot. Team Visa gave me a special gift. That was very nice. I would like to thank everybody who supported me. I raised $1,785.00 for the cause. I am glad I got to participate in this event. It is a wonderful event. My friends and I came up with a new slogan, "Off to Battle... Mission Possible!!"

Love,

Shannon
"Off to Battle... Mission Possible!"

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon
Sent: Tue Oct 14 19:28:59 2003
Subject: Update 7a

Hi All,

Well, I did feel normal on day 11. Which is great, because I don't know how I could go on to the next one with out feeling good for awhile. I got a new wig that I like much better. It just looks a little more normal on me. It's just a straight bob with bangs. I went to a wedding this last weekend in the city and seen the Blue Angels. It was very nice. Kept my mind off of Chemo #3. So now it's the day before Chemo #3 and I am not looking forward to it. I saw my doctor today and went over my medication for tomorrow. We are going to almost triple my medicine before I go in. I will be going in at 11:00am. Also, in addition, I am going to add some "alternative" natural nasea medicine. Hopefully, that will work better. As some of you already know, I will be walking in the 'Making Strides against Breast Cancer' walk on Sunday, October 26th in Golden Gate Park, SF. It should be a good day for me. I will probably be a little slow but that's ok. I have already sent individual emails to my Breast Cancer website. Thank you to the people who have already put in a donation on my behalf. The support I have been receiving from all of you through out this journey has been wonderful. I really feel like I am surrounded by lots of love and prayers. It has really meant alot to me.

Love,

Shannon
:)

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon [mailto:shannon@hop7.com]
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2003 9:54 AM
Subject: Update 7

Hi All,

Well Chemo 2 down and 6 more to go. Woo Hoo! I believe I am just destined not to do well on Chemo as far as nausea goes. I did not do that great this time as well. Maybe shorten by a day. Hopefully, though when I switch medicines after the first 4 treatments it will get better. So, I started to feel a little better yesterday. I was able to actually enjoy some food. It is so wonderful to enjoy food. It is so hard to try to figure out what kind of food you can just tolerate. It is great to hear from everyone. My bald head is pretty easy to take care of. I like my hats. Although I have not gone out much. The usual schedule goes like this, Day 1-5 = Nausea (stay home in bed), Day 5-11 = white & red blood counts low (stay away from sick people and germs, avoid crowds) , Day 12-21 = hopefully good days (recovery). So apprx. Oct. 4th thru Oct. 14th I should feel pretty normal. About 1.5 weeks to recover and 1.5 weeks to feel good. The next Chemo 3 is October 15 as long as any infections don't interfere with my schedule. Keep me informed with what's going on in your lives.

Thanks always for the well wished and prayers.

Love,

Shannon
:)

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon [mailto:shannon@hop7.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2003 8:36 PM
Subject: Update 6b

Hi All,

So I have recovered from the last Chemo. I started feeling normal about day 12 and I started loosing my hair about day 16. Don and I got our heads shaved today. We are now officially the bald couple. It feels good to be bald. A little drafty. I was kind of nervous to see my bald head. Most women go through their lives without seeing what they would look like with a bald head. So it's kind of neat.

I am hoping that this next Chemo goes better the first few days. I think I know what went wrong this last time. So this time hopefully the nasea will only last 3 days instead of 5. So tomorrow I will have Chemo treatment number 2 at 9:30am. Woo hoo only 6 more to go.

talk to you soon.

Shannon

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon [mailto:shannon@hop7.com]
Sent: Sunday, September 07, 2003 4:38 PM
Subject: Update 6-A

Well. I am definitely re-thinking the wanting to come back to work. I am actually having a horrible 1st Chemo. I have been severely Nauseas since 2 hours after I came home from treatment. I had a really terrible day Friday and had to call my doctor. This is the first time I have been on the computer in a few days. I have barely ate anything since Wednesday. I had plain spaghetti last night, meat and noodles, no sauce. That has been the first best meal. Earlier all I can get in was crackers. I added cheese for lunch to try to get some protein down. Today, I actually had a nectarine for breakfast and a small plate of spaghetti with the sauce for lunch. I am pretty weak though from not eating and drinking. but it appears to be getting better, finally. Definetely not looking forward to the next Chemo. But I think I was mixed up about which medicines to take. From the nurses to the pharmacist. Finally once I spoke to my doctor, he put me back on a regular regimend of drug taking. I still have nausea but it seems a little more manageble. I at least increasively feel like I am improving now. Today, I am on the computer and sitting up. I took a shower. A little more walking around. Maybe even some appetite may come in. Hopefully tomorrow will even be better.

Well thats the good with the bad.

Thanks,
Shannon

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon [mailto:shannon@hop7.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2003 5:48 PM
Subject: Update 6

Hi All,

Just a quick note to let you know I have completed my first chemo. As of right now side effects are mild. A little light headed. I am keeping my fingers crossed that is it. I have up to 5 days to be sick. These are the days I will be resting and not leaving my home. Days 6 - 11 will be the days my red & white blood cells will be low, so I need to be extra alert and no large crowds. Then supposedly I will get a week of feeling good and then I go back again. There was alot of anxiety surrounding this appointment and i finally had them give me some medicine to help that. But so far I survived this round. I will report more after the five days to see if it holds. I have been very busy, what I call nesting, getting ready for whatever side effects I get. I have bought all the nutritional things that help with the individual side effects. I have cleaned my house and put that antibacterial soap at every sink. I bought a disinfectant spray. Cleaned under the cupboards, cleaned out the refrigerator, bought new sponges for the kitchen dishes, disinfectant wipes, etc. I hope I got everything. I can't wait until I no longer need to obsessively worry about germs/bacteria. I don't want to get sick, you have to give yourself your own injections if that happens. I HATE needles with a passion. This will not be an option for me. (Brooke, are you certified to give shots?) I will do what ever I have to, to not have a non-professional give me a shot. It's not so much the pain but the anxiety of the needle going into my body just freaks me out. My mind wanders too much.

Well talk to you soon. Thanks for all the prayers.

Shannon

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon [mailto:shannon@hop7.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 27, 2003 3:16 PM
Subject: Update 5

Hi All,

Well last week was a good week. It has now ended with the radiation appointment, yesterday. I am going to name a new disease, TMI. (Too Much Information disease). My radiation doctors re-explained everything in GREAT detail. It was a two hour appointment. I took notes and had my Oncologist explain to me the things I did not understand. I saw my Oncologist this morning. I will be receiving the most aggressive treatment for radiation because of my age and size of the lymph hnode effected, 2.5cm. That means they will treat the breast, under the arm and the neck area. short term side effects are not bad. Long term means I could have a higher risk then normal, for Radiation Induced Secondary Cancer and more Lymphodema. I won't have radiation treatment until after the Chemo is over. Which brings me to which Arm of the Trial I am in. I am going to be in the one I did not want (of course). Group 1, which is 3 mos. with doxorubicin(Adriamycin) and cyclophosphamide (Cytotaxan) also commonly known as AC and then 3 mos. with docetaxel(Taxotere) for a GRAND total of 6 mos. Oh well, like everything else you have no other option, you just have accept it and move on. I call it mourning the information. Sometimes it takes a little time to absorb and then move on. Yesterday I was at the top of my mountain, today I am towards the bottom. I also think there might be some hormonal things going on this week to feed these emotions (the women will know what I mean). I will start my Chemo next week, Sep 3rd at 1:30pm. But, on a better note, I did have a nice time with some old friends from work at lunch today. It was not a very good reason why we got together but it was nice for me to see everyone and I am looking forward to another lunch tomorrow with more friends from work.

Thanks again for all the cards, prayers, and support.

Love,

Shannon

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon [mailto:shannon@hop7.com]
Sent: Monday, August 25, 2003 10:06 AM
Subject: Update 4

Hi All,

I am doing ok. Did everyone get my email titled Update 3? I sent it Saturday, August 9th. I am finding out my group e-mails don't always reach everyone. I have tweeked my distribution lists a little to see if that will work. So if you have time and you receive this email, please send me a little note to say you received this email.

I am starting to feel pretty good. My arm area seems to be improving everyday. It almost feels normal. There is still a little pain and numbness. Some of the numbness will not go away. I get pretty board here. I try to go out each day on little trips. Last week was pretty busy for me. Monday I went for a little walk with my mom and then I went to a class to help me deal with my looks from the effects of Chemo. It's called Look Good Feel Better. It's sponsored by the county and a volunteer cosmetition and they get donations from all the cosmetic companies. We talked about skin care and hair care. We put on makeup and learned how to draw in our eye brows. They showed us how to ware scarfs and wigs. Tuesday I went to my group therapy and then to another class called Nutrition for the Chemo side effects. Wednesday I had a luncheon for my friends. It was really fun. I went for a walk later with a friend I met in my group therepy. That was the first night in a long time that I was truly exhausted from being busy and not from emotions or from having surgery. Thursday morning I went for another walk. Friday, Don and I drove North for the weekend. We went to visit his cousin and wife in Eureka. We drove up the coast. The northern coastline is absolutely beautiful. The weekend was awesome, I had I lot of fun. It was a really beautiful weekend. I will try to stay busy this week as well.

I spoke to the Clinical Nurse last week and I need to see the Radiation Doctor before I can get randomized, then I will know which Chemo treatment I will be having. Then I will be able to schedule my Chemo once I am randomized. I see the radiation doctor on Tuesday and after that I will be randomized. I see my Oncologist on Wednesday to talk about the Chemo. Chemo will probably start next Wednesday. I'd like to say I can't wait so I can get this over with and get on with my life but I am also scared so I am kind of not in a hurry. Thanks for all your notes. I like to read email and keep in touch with everyone. It makes me feel a little more normal. So keep them coming. I will send another email Wednesday when I know which group I will be in. I have been numbering my email updates so I can tell who is not getting my emails. So if you did not get update 3 let me know and I will re-send it to you. That email has all the info regarding the trial and what Chemo treatments I might receive.

Thanks,
Shannon

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon [mailto:shannon@hop7.com]
Sent: Saturday, August 09, 2003 6:24 PM
Subject: Update 3

Hi All,

Friday went good. My margins are clear and I am now done with surgeries. The oncologist says I am a candidate for a study that is going on, so I will probably do that. It is randomized between 3 different kinds of treatments. The standard Chemo of 2 drugs every 21 days for a total of 3 mos and then a 3rd drug every 21 days for another 3 mos all together totally 6 mos worth of treatments then radiation. The next group you only receive 2 out of the 3 drugs for 3 mos plus radiation and that's all. The 3rd group is all 3 drugs all at the same time for 3 mos plus the radiation. I would like group 2 or 3, just because it is only 3 months. If I don't do the study then my treatment would be the same as the group 1. I won't have a choice what treatment I get. The computer will decide. I will start the treatments within the next 2-4 weeks. I am still healing from the surgeries. I can only lift my arm as high as my shoulder and I am unable to drive. I will have a Physical Therapy appt coming up. Also, I will have to do alot of preliminary tests to be in the study. I am getting my hair cut off this Wednesday in preparation for if I lose my hair. Also, my husband said once I do start losing my hair and I have to shave my head that he will shave his head too with me. Which is very touching to me. That meant alot to me. So I don't have to be bald by myself. My cancer is not hormone dependent, which means it did not grow with the help of estrogen or progesterin. Which is not such a good thing as I will not be able to take tamoxifen, which is a drug you take orally for 5 years after your chemo to prevent the cancer from coming back or any kind of hormone therapy. So my odds go up, it also means I won't suffer the ugly side effects that go along with that drug. The good news is though being in the study they will be watching my like a hawk, even more so than if I were not. The other good news is that I am her-to neu negative which means I am not a candidate for the Genetech drug herceptin. I guess that means my cancer could be worse. Alot of good news bad news scenarios. I felt pretty good about yesterday's appointments. It appeared my oncologist doctor sought me out when he saw my case come through. He seems excited. Which is good, they try to come across really positive. I am trying to be positive but I think excited is a little too much for me to be. Unforturnately, there is still alot of reminders that this is still a horrible disease, I just try not to focus on those for too long. What helps is talking to people who have gone through it which tells me there is normal life after breast cancer and treatments. If any of you are interested or like to look up this stuff here is the formal names of the drugs involved in the Chemo for the study: (share any info if you do look it up)

Group 1 = 1st 3 mos. with doxorubicin(Adriamycin) and cyclophosphamide (Cytotaxan); 2nd 3 mos. with docetaxel(Taxotere); 6 mos. total.
Group 2 = doxorubicin(Adriamycin) and docetaxel(Taxotere) for just 3 mos. total. (less side affects)
Group 3 = doxorubicin(Adriamycin), cyclophosphamide (Cytotaxan) and docetaxel(Taxotere) for just 3 mos. total. (more side affects)

The study is by the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast & Bowel Project (NSABP). http://www.nsabp.pitt.edu/

I am hoping to be in Group 3 first, then Group 2. The shorter the better.

I will let you know which group I am in once I know.

Thanks again for all your emails, cards, flowers, prayers and support. They really fill my day.

Love,
Shannon

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon [mailto:shannon@hop7.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2003 4:53 PM
Subject: Update 2

Hi All,

I am back from surgery. I feel pretty good so far. They ended up doing it under a local instead of a general. I was very scared going into it but now I feel so much better, no sore throat and no tube. I also have a better understanding now on what kind of stuff I am suppose to be doing during recovery. They did some pre-testing on the margins before they closed me up and the results came back good. So hopefully that means no more surgeries. I will have a post-op appointment next Friday and a consultation with the oncologist. So I should know a little more about my future then.

Thanks again for all your support and prayers.

Love,
Shannon

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon [mailto:shannon@hop7.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 4:56 PM
Subject: Update

Hi All,

The results are in. I am stage II, the cancer was 2.8 cm with one lymph node infected. They took out 14 lymph nodes. I did not clear the margin, but just barely. I will be going into surgery again this Thursday afternoon. It should be a simple procedure, only 20 minutes for the doctor. I should go home that evening and I should not have to have another tube come out of the arm again (yee ha!). I have been receiving lots of cards and flowers, so a big thank you, to all of you for all your support, jokes and well wishes. They do help me feel connected, keep them coming. I don't know a chemo scedule yet, only that I will be receiving chemo. I expecting it to start in a couple of weeks.

Thanks again.
Love

Shannon
:)

-----Original Message-----
From: Shannon [mailto:shannon@hop7.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2003 12:24 PM
Subject: Hello

Hi All,

Thank you very much for all your well wishes and presents. The Hospital kept me over night instead of sending me home. I am home now resting. The Doctor thinks the surgery went well, so hopefully I am done with surgeries. He also believes that it did spread to my lymph nodes but I won't know anymore until next Tuesday, 7/29/03 in the afternoon. Please feel free to keep in touch. Send me any jokes or just let me know what's going on in your lives.

Love,

Shannon

-----Original Message-----
From: Hopkins, Shannon [mailto:shopkins@visa.com]
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2003 10:32 AM
Subject: Hello

Hi,

How are you doing? Unfortunately, I don't have good news but I thought I
would let you know anyway. I will be taking a medical leave from Visa
starting Tuesday, July 22, 2003. You can reach me at my home email at
shannon@hop7.com. I will be gone anywhere from 1 month to 4 months possibly.
I was just diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Invasive Ductal Carconoma, this
last Tuesday. I will be having surgery, next Tuesday 7/22. I will be
having a lumpectomy and they will be taking some lymph nodes to do a biopsy
on. That is all I really know right now. I will find out more in the
post-op appointment 7/28/03.

Thanks,

Shannon Hopkins

ORIGINAL DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

Diagnosis:
My diagnosis is Invasive Ductal Carconoma (diagnosed 7/8/03) - Stage II, 2.8 cm is tumor size, One lymph node affected (2.5 cm), her-to-neu negative, aggressive and no hormone receptors (estrogen & progeston negative).

Surgery:
I had a lumpectomy 7/22/03 where they removed 14 lymph nodes. They did not clear the margins so the following week they did a reincision to remove any trace amounts of cancer.

Chemo:
I had a total of 8 treatments of chemo every 3 weeks starting 9/3/03. The first 4 treatments I received AC [doxorubicin(Adriamycin) and cyclophosphamide (Cytotaxan)] and the last 4 treatments the chemical was docetaxel(Taxotere).

Radiation:
I will receive daily (5 days a week) treatments of radiation, I believe lasting 6 1/2 weeks. Starting Thursday, 2/25/04.