December 27th | First day of chemotherapy

Rachel Rodriguez

First post: Dec 27, 2021 Latest post: Jul 15, 2022
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A little background on how I got to this point. In November 2021, I found a lump on my breast. I waited a few days before contacting my Primary Care Provider (PCP), thinking it would go away. It didn’t. After my PCP examined it, she determined I would need an ultrasound. When the Breast Center called to schedule me, they also mentioned since I was over 35 years old, I would be having my first mammogram.

December 2nd: I had my mammogram, ultrasound and met with a radiologist who stated I would need a biopsy performed.

December 6th: Returned to Breast Center to have biopsy completed.

December 9th: Received that phone call to confirm my test results. I was informed I have invasive mammary carcinoma (breast cancer). It is not being fueled by hormones as I am triple negative.

December 16th: Augie and I completed my consultations with four different providers. I met with my oncologist, genetics, surgeon, and radiation therapy. With triple negative breast cancer, it is recommended I start chemotherapy right away to reduce the size of the tumor. I will also have surgery this summer followed by radiation therapy.

December 17th: I had an echocardiogram (echo) completed to confirm my heart will be able to handle these medications. And the heart is performing as expected.

December 20th: Augie and I met with the provider's nurse and had chemo education class with a pharmacist. That afternoon I had my port placed.

December 23rd: I had some initial labs completed and an office visit with my oncologist (Dr. Elkadi). We determined we would wait to start chemo until after Christmas.

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