First chemo treatment . . since 2010

I started chemo today, for the second time in my life.  In 2010, I had surgery (lumpectomy and node-ectomy); followed by adjuvant chemotherapy (meaning there was no known cancer in my body following surgery--the chemo was intended to swoop in and kill off any stray cancer cells); topped off by radiation.  It was a triple header, intended to blast out all cancer activity, and make it run for the hills.  (No offense in tended to anyone who may live in the hills.)  There is a "triple" theme here, as the kind of breast cancer I have is called triple negative--meaning it it tests negatively for estrogen receptors, progersterone receptors, and Her2/Neu.  If youre going to have breast cancer, this would not be the one to choose, as there are fewer targeted treatments, among other unpleasant characteristics. 

Just a few weeks ago, through an incidental diagnosis (meaning, there were no signs/symptoms of cancer, & we werent looking for any, at least that day . . )--we learned that I in fact am not/was not cancer-free, so I am starting chemo again.

It is different than last time—different drugs, different regimen.  I’m still getting my sea legs in terms of managing the side effects. And I’m no longer a cancer virgin or, as the oncology nurse described it—I’m no longer "chemo-naive."  (that's for friggin' sure!) So while some aspects are new--I have a port this time, which should make the whole process more efficient, some of it is "old hat" (no pun intended!).  The whole process of having large amounts of liquid infused into my veins for a few hours is not, in and of itself, very scary by now.  But, of course, not being chemo-naive means I'm also not blind to the fact that devoting my time, energy, committment, etc. (plus that of the medical staff) does not alway guarantee a successful result. 

Stay tuned for more exciting news, including: hair loss or no hair loss? Can cancer diva have chemo treatment and dinner with the foreign health officials in the same day? Will this treatment work??

There are many, many questions to be asked and answered.

Yours in seeking to be cancer-free . . .

Sandi