Tammy’s Story

Site created on March 14, 2015


I was diagnosed in March of 2015 with Stage IV breast cancer (mets to lungs).  During that Spring and Summer, I had seven rounds of chemo, spaced three weeks apart.  On September 11, 2015, I had a left modified radical mastectomy with lymph node dissection, no reconstruction.  Maintenance, to try to keep the cancer from coming back, includes Herceptin and Perjeta infusions once every three weeks, as well as a daily oral medication, Tamoxifen.  I'll be on these medications for the remainder of my life, or until they stop working and we try something else.  I will also have a CT scan and an echocardiogram every three months, a bone scan every six months, as well as any tests deemed necessary in between.

I thank you for visiting my page here.  I have also started a blog, which I invite you to read:  http://tammy-payne.blogspot.com/



Newest Update

Journal entry by Tammy Payne

Today I had my regularly scheduled appointment with my oncologist.  She gave me the results of the CT and Bone Scans I had last week.  The bone scan came out fine.  Great news.  The CT scan shows something in my left lung (same lung as metastasis).  It could be inflammation, could be infection, could be aspiration, could be cancer.  Because I'm getting over a cold, she's leaning more towards infection.  She prescribed a strong antibiotic and ordered a CT scan to take place in eight weeks.  If it doesn't show improvement, she'll refer me to a pulmonologist, who will most likely do an endoscopy of my lung.  The CT scan also shows cysts on the ovaries, but she said 50% of women have cysts on their ovaries.  Could be nothing, could be my body reacting to the hormonal changes of menopause.  She ordered an ultrasound for that.  She also ordered an echocardiogram because I should have those every three months.  I'm also due for my regularly scheduled cardiologist appointment.  Lots of phone calls to make tomorrow!

After visiting with my oncologist, it was time for my regularly schedule infusion -- Herceptin and Perjeta (maintenance meds).  My blood pressure was a little high, so I sat still and rested for awhile, then the took it again.  Back to normal, infusion done.  :)

I'll update with results of the upcoming tests as I get them.

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