my Breast Cancer weblog

These are my lumpectomy incisions. The top incision is right in the middle of my armpit. The lower incision is on the side of my left breast. The incisions were made to remove the lump and four lymph nodes. December 3, 2004.

This was taken right after the port was placed in my chest. At the top of the bruised area is the port (it makes my skin pop up). Above the port is the area where a tube goes into my jugular vein. January 14, 2005.

There is no reason for this somber pose. This is just the look captured by my four-year-old photographer -- Joey. I asked him to take a picture of me so I could document the hair that I really don't want to lose. January 25, 2005.

Nurse Debbie starts my infusion of Adriamycin (Kool Aid) during my second chemo treatment. This is followed by a bag of Cytoxan. Then my port gets flushed to clear the line of drugs. I also get a blood thinner to further clean the line. Before all of this, my blood is drawn through my port to test blood counts. Then I get fluids and anti-nausea medication. February 4, 2005.

Here is my port, where all blood is drawn and fluids and medications are given. And here is my hat, holding my hair in place so it doesn't tumble to the ground. February 4, 2005.

Click on image or here to download the video. The video is about 2.3MB. This is the man who sang to me during my second chemo treatment. The whole story can be found in journal entry "Chemo #2 & The Power of Song." February 4, 2005.

My hair -- once on my head and now stored in a ziploc bag. February 5, 2005.

My new hair and a new hat too. February 10, 2005

My niece, Jordan, modeling my new hair. She is so pretty. February 15, 2005.

Me, my funny boys, and my curly hair. February 15, 2005.

No hair. February 16, 2005.

Danny survives after giving up his pacifier. February 24, 2005.

My hospital costume -- mask, gloves, hat, and an IV that travelled with me much of the time. I was hospitalized for neutropenia (chemo-induced fever and low blood counts) and received a blood transfusion on day #4. I went home on day #5. March 11-15, 2005

Crescent Beach, Florida -- a few days after I was discharged from the hospital. March 17, 2005.

Ready for radiation. April 8, 2005.