10th Bia's Health News

From: Beatriz
Subject: 10th Bia's Health News
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:46:10 -0200

Beloved and cherished ones,

The brand new news from this evening are that:

1. I removed the drain... hehehe... Think of a happy person... That's me! Hahaha...

Ah... It’s been 15 days since I took the drain off... lol... Yeah... You can curse me! (But if you were accessing the blog, you guys would already knew that... lol) Anyway, it was very exciting... hahaha.... First because it is a huge relief to get that thing that was hurting and aching... And second because it is impressive the length of the tube inside the skin... No kidding, it is around 20 cm of tube... hahaha....

2. After removing the drain, the nurses bandaged me... hahaha... She made a sort of lint top ... hahaha.... I was looking like an erotic mummy.... hahaha.... And I was told that I could not dampen the lint top for 3 days... hahahaha... At first I was looking like a mummy.... After three days of half bathing (during those really warm days).... I was almost smelling like a mummy... kkkkkk...

3. On Monday had an appointment with Doc Wesley and he allowed me to drive.... So I'll be back in the office next Monday.... That if my brother don’t cause me troubles because of the his car... hahaha... Because now it's interesting to me to drive automatic cars... so I don’t do much strength.... And because my right arm is a little hard... kkkk... Unfortunately it is not hard in order to be strong.... But in order to be locked in the same position (not really same, but I can’t move it widely).... kkkkk

4. For the reason stated above.... I'll have to do physical therapy.... hahaha... To get back movements and have the arm strength..... According to Doc Wesley we will keepn testing the arm to increase the strength.... In that way, the arm won’t swell (which may or may not happen ).... We have to test it.... He said that many people make a lot of exercises after the surgery... But I must have to be patient to do things within the limits... hahaha.... I know girls.... lol... I always do too much? So please, remind me to be prudent.... kkkkk

But I'll get back to the run trainings.... hahaha.... Because it does not force the arm and it will help me lose weight... hahaha... I have to eliminate some of that accumulated softness.... hahaha...

5. Next Friday I have appointments with physical therapy and radiotherapy... We'll do the programming for these treatments... The physio I do not know how long it will take... But the radio should take about 45 days because there will be about 30 sessions, made from Monday to friday at the hospital... Radiotherapy should begin in January.

6. Oh.... I was forgetting to tell about it... It’s ready the final anatomopathological result of the tissue removed (poor part of breast....lol)! So... There were some residual cancer cells... But for someone who had a 5 cm tumor.... That is a profit... hahaha... Moreover, the borders of these tissues were free of cancer cells... Therefore, surgery was a success.... In addition, axillary lymph nodes were all free evil cells.... hahaha.... But they were removed anyway... Just for prevent.

I think this should be the last newsletter of THIS YEAR.... Let's make it clear.... lol... But I always post fresh news on the blog.... Because everyone needs to shop (you can buy goodies for me that I like it... hahaha)... Finish work... Plan for Christmas dinner... Provide the stuff to the charms of New Year's Eve.... kkkkk....

To all of you who accompanied me during this year and had so much patience to read all the newsletters that I sent... I wish, from the bottom of my heart a lovely Christmas and a New Year full of pleasant surprises, prosperity, health, Love and... Above all THAT THE SUPERFLUOUS NEVER FAILS!!!! Kkkk......

Access and disseminate, please (English version is available): http://ocancermefezumapessoamelhor.blogspot.com/

OXOXOXOXOX

Bia

Like a mummy

Yesterday I went to the hospital and Doc Wesley required the drain to be removed... Despite the drain was still plenty of fluids, my little body was already expelling the tube and it was hurting and aching...

I’m free of the drain! When I was taking off the drain I was impressed because there was at least 20 cm of tube inside the skin! But it doesn’t hurt to take off the tube!

After I removed the drain they bandaged me... Take a look, that’s funny....

I'm a little mummy right? hahahahaha....

Details: I can not dampen these bandages in 3 days.... In other words.... I'm looking like a mummy and in a few days I'll be smelling like a mummy....... kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

9th Bia's Health News

From: Beatriz
Subject: 9th Bia's Health News
Date: Fri, 26 Nov 2010 17:50:22 -0200

Beloved and cherished ones,

Sorry for the delay in sending news!
Many things have happened since the last newsletter, but in the end everything worked out!J
The surgery should have been done on Tuesday but it only happened on Wednesday, because:

1. The doctors found an alteration on my liver, which at first my doctor thought it was some accumulated fat on liver (even as a side effect of chemo... It is not enough being fat out side.... I had to be fat inside too.... hahahaha.....)
2. An MRI was performed Tuesday morning on the liver. What confirmed it was a lump and not fat on liver
3. My doctor, as always very careful, decided to postpone the surgery and talk to experts in the area of the abdomen.... After that all my treatment would be rescheduled
4. On Tuesday at 11pm, my doctor was able to return to the room and talk to me (poor guy, he was tired after a full day of surgeries). It was concluded that the lump was not malignant (like Doc Wesley said, nothing in medicine is 0% or 100%), because it was not caught in the PET CT test. It is probably a ball of blood or something... This node will be monitored to prevent anything else. He also informed me that the surgery would be done the following day at 7pm
5. On Wednesday I went down at 9:30 am to do the tests and preoperative markings and only came back to the room at 4:30pm... I did the needling that is the injection of substances in and around the tumor (or what's left of it), placing a steel wire (does the breast look so fallen so that only rises to the base of the steel wire ?.... kkkkkkk) and injection for localization of sentinel lymph node (and then they paint the skin with a dye to mark where it is.... lol)
6. At 6:30pm I went to the operating room and returned to the bedroom at 1:30am... Everything went well and as usual I left the operating room chatting... But I slept for a few moments.... In one moment I awoke, I was shaking a lot, but it was not feeling cold then asked for one of the nurses to take away the heat that was warming me up.... hahaha... That's when I discovered I was using super sexy 7/8 socks... lol..... Look what a luxury.... or better luuuuuuuuuust.... kkkk... kidding.... This is against thrombosis stockings... hahaha....
7. The surgery also caused to the operated breast: a little higher up and slightly turned to the side... sniiiiiiif...... I'm cockeyed... kkkkkkkkk..... Ok, ok... It can not really being noticed... hahaha... but I told them to put the breast back to the axis  int the plastic surgery... kkkk... they promised me they will get them to the nines! Hahahaha....
8. I left the hospital on Friday... I came home and everything is going well.
9. Got to get back to the hospital two times a week for them to verify the dressings... The final result of pathological anatomy is not ready yet... But I must have this result on Monday. 10. I have a drain, which is what really bothers me... But that's okay.... It's better than leaving everything inside my body let it swollen and painful eh? J
11. I have the direction to move the arms (but not force anything or pick up weights) for the arm not to swollen.... kkkk.... I've thought it woulf be ridiculous to have A Popeye's arm! Kkkkk .... Nooooooooooooooo...... lol

I think this is all.... Now I will rest the Popeye's arm... hahaha... but as I promised, I am available to work bosses (Elias and Luciano) J
Remember that I update it, so access: http://ocancermefezumapessoamelhor.blogspot.com/

oxoxoxoxox
Bia

Postsurgical

Today has been a week since I had the surgery!

I went up to the surgery center at 6:30 pm and went down again to my room at 1:30 am… I went back wearing sexy 7/8 socks..... Look how beautiful.... hahahahaha.... It is elastic socks against thrombosis... lol

The shoulder blades and back hurt a lot because of the position on the operating table... Yeah, I was like Jesus Christ on the cross... But my luck is that He was there by my side and I came into this life... hahaha... You're not rid of me guys! hehehe....

I'm still with the drain, which is what really bothers me.... but all right, because the surgery was a success: only one quadrant and the lymph nodes were removed... The prosthesis was maintained... The operated breast that was is a little higher and bended to the side.... kkkkkkkkkkkkk.... I am cockeyed.... kkkkk.... I’m kidding it is not so noticeable.... But this will be fixed in plastic surgery... hahahahaha....

On Monday I went to the hospital to check the bandages and everything is fine too!

The orientation is that I move my arms (not above the shoulder line and wide open with arm) so I do not get the a swollen arm.... kkkkkkk ... Think! Visualize me with A sailor Popeye arm... kkkkkk..... I don’t accept!

Surgery TODAY!

Hummmm.... So... hehehe.... Yesterday Doc. Wesley informed me that I would be operated at 7 pm today.... hehehe ....

The nodule in the liver was nothing serious.... It was not fat, but it was not anything malicious... As he said, nothing in medicine is 100%, but it was discussed at lot... And the node will be monitored.

Well... Today I had breakfast and went down to the needling and markings for surgery.

I returned to my room just now... And in two hours will go to the operating room!

Needling section is not a cool thing... hahahaha.... Do you happen to know that a steel wire is placed in me? Hahahaha... Does the titties are so fallen that can only be raised with steel wire? kkkkkkk.....

And not only that! hahaha.... As a toast you win injection of t things into the tumor.... Injection of things around the tumor... And you also get a painting on the skin where it is the sentinel lymph node! hahahahaha....

The surgery should take about 3 hours... So.... Once I get back and I’m able to hit the keys on the notebook, I promise I update the blog again!

Surgery postponed

Today’s post is brand new! hehehe

The surgery would be today. Correct? Correct!

But... My doctor called me yesterday morning and asked me to intern at night as it appeared a sort of lump on liver... However, there was a chance of this node, in fact, be an accumulation of fat in the liver as a side effect of chemo.

Hahahaha.... If it's to be a fat woman, I have to be a full fat one... Fat nside and outside.... hahaha...

Can you imagine that fat accumulation in the liver can cause cirrhosis... kkkkkkk.... Are you aware that I could have cirrhosis without even drink alcohol? hahahaha.... This is the end? I should have drunk a looooooooooooooooooooot... At least I would have had moments of pleasure..... hahhahaha.....

Well.... I interned last night and today very very very early in the morning I did an MRI.... The result: It is a nodule.... It is not fat! hehehe

Because of this diagnosis (the node that had never appeared before in any other test) surgery is suspended.... My doctor is reviewing the case with the abdominal surgery team, which is more specialized in that part of the body, to resolve what will be done of MY little body... hehehe...

Probably a biopsy or other test will be done... But that I'll only know later.

As soon as I know, I tell you!

One of the truths I learned about life

I received an email that was like this:

"The fate unites and separates people, but nothing is so powerful to make people forget those that for some reason, one day made us happy.

There comes a time in life when you know

WHO IS IMPORTANT TO YOU,

WHO NEVER WAS,

WHO IS NO LONGER, AND

WHO ALWAYS WILL BE. "

This is one of the truths of life that I fortunately had the opportunity to have revealed to me! I thank for this disease to have the opportunity to increase my awareness and recognition of this type of thing, which, despite being something very concrete, I spent years without noticing.

It may seem silly... It may seem too obvious... But most times we do not take to our lives what is most valuable.

8th Bia's Health News

From: Beatriz

Subject: 8th Bia's Health News

Date: Mon, 8 Nov 2010 18:53:25 -0200

Beloved and cherished ones,

I'm back and I have many news:

1. The last chemo on 11/10 was very good.... but it last a life time... But it was great... I thought the hospital would be all mine because of the holiday... But I was wrong it was full as hell... hahaha.... Everyone decided to have the holiday in the hospital.... Go to the beach.... Go to the club..... Gee!! Leave the hospital for me.... hahahaha .....

2. I'm feeling really good... Even though I still have muscle pain... But Doc Wesley said that is normal

3. I had mini bread feet... lol.... Do you know when you crush a mini bread? Yeah.... My feet look like these mini bread... I pressed and they did not return to the place.... hahahahahaha.... but during thelast week they were much better...

4. Last week I made a zillion preoperative tests... they took too much blood and injected radioactive substances... hahaha.... I should be fluorescent so far!

5. Tuesday 11/16 I will do the surgery... 7 in the morning I'll be in the hospital..... Starving... kkkkk....

6. I will probably stay in hospital until thursday... Buuuuut... Doc Wesley said that he will let me go home on Wednesday if I'm OK.... hehehe..... To be OK is to recover from surgery and anesthesia... hahaha.... If he will wait until I stop talking nonsense to send me home.... I think I even live in the hospital... hahaha....

7. Visits... YES, COME TO VISIT ME !!!!! Whether at home or at the hospital!!

Hospital: Monday to Sunday from 10am to 9pm - AC Camargo (Cancer's Hospital) Rua Professor Antonio Prudente, 211 - Liberdade - Phone: 55 11 2189-5000 (near Vergueiro subway station - Vergueiro Street - near the Cultural Center São Paulo)

Home: SEE! Hahaha.... Every day, 24 hours a day, including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays... hahahahaha.... if you want to go to my house, tell me and I send yiou a map!

8. After the surgery I should stay home for about 15 days because I can not drive to go to the office... then you can go to my house if you want.... Bosses Elias and Luciano, please do not worry because I'll be at home, but with the laptop on and checking emails, Skype and MSN.... hehehe...

About the surgery:

1. First: The surgery will be done as part of a treatment protocol. The tumor regressed much even to the point of not being localized, but surgery is needed to ensure that cells that perhaps even keep some remnant of cancer, are eliminated.

2. The principle is a conservative surgery, it will be removed one quadrant of the breast

3. Emptying the axila will also be done

4. The procedure is done under general anesthesia (so that I may come back pretty crazy - or crazier - from surgery... hahaha)

NOW...ACCESS THE BLOG THAT YOU GUYS TOLD ME TO MAKE.... I UPDATE IT FREQUENTLY.... I DON'T WANT TO UPDATE IT JUST FOR ME! HAHAHA... Find a way.... make something!!! Make robot to access the blog..... hahaha .... http://ocancermefezumapessoamelhor.blogspot.com/

THE ENGLISH VERSION IS ALREADY RUNNING!!!! :-)

OXOXOXOXOOXOX

Bia

Help at mealtimes

When I started treatment, a large question mark hung over the food issue... Because I did not know if I could eat everything or not... How should I feed... Or if there was some kind of restriction.

In addition to the medical guidelines, another important aid was the book "Comida Que Cuida” (Food That takes care) from Sanofi-Aventis that was created in partnership with the Hospital AC Camargo professionals.

This book explains a lot of things and give many tips and delicious recipes!!!

On the Sanofi-Aventis website there is the COLEÇÃO COMIDA QUE CUIDA (COLLECTION FOOD THAT TAKES CARE) for people with cancer, diabetes and heart problems.

"In November 2009,  this Collection was awarded with the 2008 Golden Magnifier - Sustainability Category. The award is a recognition of the importance of the book for patients, health professionals and hospitals throughout the country."

http://www.sanofi-aventis.com.br/live/br/pt/layout.jsp?scat=69786EB2-C23D-43EE-8716-FF7E23D8614B

I have no idea if there is something like that at the international website. The books are in portuguese.

This is an important aid and an affection that can make a difference in delicate moments... Therefore, access, disseminate and take care of people!

J

Walk by the shadow!

One very important thing during the treatment is the use of sunscreen.

First, because the skin is very sensitive and burns very easily... when I get the sun in parts that are without sunscreen I feel the sun burning the skin... It practically fries! Hahahaha... Then I look like the Muppets' Miss Pig, remember? All pink?..... hmmm... I think that I’ve just told I’m old.... rs

But anyway.... Besides protecting the skin that becomes more sensitive, there is another advantage: protecting the skin constantly make the skin more uniform, it looks much better! I use the Piz Buin factor 30 sunscreen which is great! In addition to protecting, it is not sticky, which personally I think is essential to be used daily... with clothes on... can you imagine the damage that a sticky sunscreen could do to clear and thin clothes?
hahahaha.... okay... okay... I know it will not be tanned... but that is what is availiable for today.... hahahaha...

8a.m. ... Sunday 08/15.... 8 degrees and windy!

Me and the girls at the IBCC race agaisnt the breast cancer... ah... by the way I am the one using mask... kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk.....

Gold to the golden ones

From the moment I started to see people I also began to realize that there are people in my life that worth gold... and others that worth silver.

People who worth gold made me see that although I am very independent, I was not alone... I've never been... but you know... in my ignorance I thought and felt as if I had to walk alone.

It was exciting to discover truth, as if in a magic trick, there were people beside me who really loved me and admired me! The feeling was like receiving a prize so big, so great that even today I still do not know the measure of this fortune.

This discovery gave me more strength and joy to face not only the disease, but mainly to see life in a much prettier, happier, more exciting way!!!!!!

People who worth silver are nonetheless equally important.... but perhaps for reasons I do not know these people are distant from me or even disappeared from my life... I do not condemn them, nor judge them... because it is not for me! But I am also grateful to them for making me realize that I must learn to forgive and forget... and especially I have to know how to receive them back when they are ready for me.... or when I'm ready for them.... lol....

These people I hold in the heart... Whether because they taught me something, either because they showed me something.... Or even if they hurt me... Because it is also important to know that life is made of many different experiences! :)

Thanks to all who are, have been or will be part of my life... I am also grateful for the opportunities I have every day!

Last chemo

Yesterday I did the last session of chemotherapy... hehehe... It last a looooooooooong time! I left home 6am in the morning and only came back at 4.30pm!

But okay.... At least this phase of treatment is over... today I already have one of the effects of treatment... hahaha.... That are the red and hot cheeks.... hahahaha ... But I deal with that with moisturizing... It refreshes and hydrates!

As you can see in the pictures below... I did not lie when he said that I'm huge fat.... kkkkkk... But both the doctor and the nurses said that the swelling will decrease a lot when the strongest effects of Decadron pass... yesssssssss! hehehehe....

In the pictures you can also see that I'm quite comfortable during the applications... I won a VIP bracelet to to enter the room of application.... kkkk.... And the tube through which enters the chemo.

It is also important to drink plenty of water for body recover well.

Anyway... Let’s keeping on walking that it is almost in the end! hehehe...

7th Bia's Health News

From: Beatriz

Subject: 7th Bia's Health News

Date: Tue, 5 Oct 2010 15:18:28 -0300

Beloved and cherished,

After another appointment with my doctor I have some news:

1. On the next week I will have the last session of chemotherapy! :) Hehehe...

2. I already have many pre surgery tests requests (which are scheduled to  10/29, 11/01, 11/05 and 11/08)

3. On 11/11 I will go back to my doctor with all these tests results and then we will probably schedule the surgery date (There are a lot of people whose birthdays are in November..... I don't want to hear excuses !!!!! Since I'll not be able to see them... You guys will have to see me!!! I want to hug everyone... But please... Don't squeeze me that much or you will crush what's left of my breasts huh ! Hahahaha ...)

4. After the surgery I will have a rest of about 30 days to recovery (Hey! I deserve that! hehehe...)

5. After healing and everything else, I will start radiotherapy - according to my doctor it should be about 30 sessions of radio ... Daily! Hahahaha.... Going every single day to the hospital will be terrible.... kkk ...

Other stuffs:

1. My hair began to grow again.... They look like a rice plantation.... It is so japanese girl!!!!!!!!!! Hahahaha .....

2. The cilia also began to grow.... I actually had not even noticed that they had fallen that much... hahaha .... But since they were "born" again they enter my eyes ... kkkkk .... They are a little bit weaky.... and they all grow to the wrong side!! I tried taking pictures but my phone camera isn't good .... If anyone wants to donate me a digital camera with good resolution and IS (Image Stabilizer ).... I accept! Hahahahahhahahaha.....

3. I'm a huge fat... Humm.... In fact, I'm ultra-soft.... kkkkk.... According to the doctor I should still take about 3 months to get back to normal because I also still have the surgery to do and I cannot get in heavy physical exercise .... It is a long time !!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don’t  aceeeeeeeeeept.... kkkk ..... He said that three months is a good goal ... but ... Seriously!! I it didn't left me a jeans .... The other day I was wearing a pair of them... And the bitch did not closed ..... kkkkkkkkk .... END OF CAREER !!!!!!!! In 34 years in this vital undertaking that has never happened before .... Remember the Woody Woodpecker cartoon? Hahaha ....

4. Upon request, I made a blog ... I'm putting all the information there, curiosities, discoveries, tips etc etc etc. .... Please access and disseminate! Oh... I know.... you guys can't read in Portuguese... But I promise that until the next week I'll provide the English Version!!!!!!!  http://ocancermefezumapessoamelhor.blogspot.com/

OXOXOXOXOOXOX

Bia

The Tongue of Chow Chow

Do you know how the Chow Chow’s (dog) tongue looks like? It's blue ...

Well.... Another reaction that the new chemo has been giving me is a tongue that looks like the tongue of these beautiful and cute puppies.... hahahahahahah... Seriously!

About  three days after application and during 4 or 5 days my tongue is swollen and bluish.... hahahahaha.... Okay.... I'm looking like a little old Chow Chow.... because I'm still bald.... hahaha....

The 5th element

When chemotherapy arrived at the 5th session, the chemical used has changed...

From this chemo on I stopped feeling so sick and vomiting... but in return, the risk of allergy increased a lot... So much that I had to take Decadron the day before applicarion, in the day of application and the day after the application.

The application was a little different.... hahaha .... It hurts a little... And I have a funny reaction to the anti-allergic that is applied at the same time as chemo.... I feel unbearable sleepy, but at the same time I feel like stirring... kkkkk..... So I looked like a mad person… Almost sleeping but could not relax enough to sleep.... And I kept walking backwards and forwards in the room... hahahha... Feeling an almost uncontrollable desire to pull needle from my hand.... kkkkk .... it sounds insane… hahahahaha .....

Besides the allergy risk, this chemo also caused a lot of muscle pain.... It is not unbearable, but it hurts each and every one of the muscles of my (now) fat little body..... hahahaha... Now I know where each of the muscles is located and what each one pushes or pulls.... hahaha ...

The good thing is that the hairs are already growing at this stage... still a bit weak... but I’m no longer bald and gleaming white headed.... hahahahaha .....

Another reaction I had with this chemo was that my taste has changed for about a week... Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeverything.... absolutely everything I ate tasted like candy... Even water.... Even salty meat.... hahahhaaha... Can you imagine eating Cheetos, smell the cheese and taste like candy? hahahaha.... ARGH!!! But I think it might one of the best reactions.... Because I've been researching and there are people who feel bitter or metallic taste in the mouth.... so I guess that feeling like candy isn’t that bad, is it? hehehe....

My little fingers, my little fingers... Where are they? Here they are!

I don’t know if you guys know but I have colored fingers.... kkkk ....

When I noticed the finger nails were getting dark, I was worried because no one had told me that this could happen... Then, as always.... I started searching the Internet to see if that was "normal"...

There were some sites that said this might happen... So I waited until the next appointment with the doctor to ask whether this could actually happen.... To my relief, the doctor said that yes, it could happen and that the dark nails would be back to normal after treatment is finished...

It was all that I didn’t want in this life: to be with nails like that for ever, right? hahaha... but okay.... Now I'm used to colored ails.... and they are not all colored... in my case, there are two fingers of my hands and two fingers of my feet.... hahahaha..... everything is very symmetrical.... hahaha.... Look, I put the pictures.... kkkkkkk.....

Ornamental Diving... Hairs

When I started treatment my biggest concern was the hairs... I was pretty mad at myself because I thought it was a great demonstration of weakness... And I never agreed to be weak! But as Karel said (he is my therapist.... I do therapy for some time.... That’s why I am such a happy crazy person... lol) I am a woman... And starting from this principle... It's a normal and expected thing tht I care about my hair... So I accepted that I am a human and female... and normal... hehehe ... or almost normal... lol

As expected, two weeks after the first application of chemotherapy hair began to fall!

The hair fell on flocks.... Enormous wisps! It is unbelievable that a human being has so much hair on the head.... kkkkkk.... It took about 4 days until the thing stopped! The hairs were diving in groups... kkkk... You know, that's show of unity... hehehe ....

When everything has stabilized, there were still remaining a few heroes of the resistance... I asked to cut the longer wires... I was the face (or head) of my grandmother..... kkkkk....

I will not say that this has not impacted... Looking in the mirror and see myself practically bald (I had long hairs, long to the waist... looooong) was very different from anything I had imagined, but was less traumatic than I expected.

Since I knew it would happen, a few weeks before I went with Priscilla to March 25 street (popular shopping street here in SP) and bought several scarves, necklaces and pins to put on the two hats that I had bought from Jacque. It's worth going there! It's a huge variety at very attractive price (about a third part from the mall price).

I started using the accessories on the next week... And can diversify a lot! It is super cool and elegant.... There are times I feel like that Fiat's advertisement baby (the one that says "I am a cat!".... he thinks everyone's looking at him, but are looking at the car).... Because I walk down the street and eeeeeeeeeeeeeeverybody look at me.... hahahahaha.... That’s a shining dream: I am the center of attention wherever I walk.... hahahahahahahha .....

Bellerophon vs Chimera

On 05/17/10 I went to the first session of chemotherapy... I was anxious because I did not know how it was done exactly!

First, a nurse measures blood pressure, temperature and asks how you have been feeling.... If you had any reaction from the last chemo.... She also analyzes the blood test (previously released by the doctor).

Yeah, every time I do chemo, blood tests are required to check if I am not anemic or something, if you are anemic you can’t do the chemo.... That's why I feed well when Sushi (the cat that lives in my stomach) is not shaking.

After that, we go into the application cubicle... it is a nice little room with a comfortable chair (those reclining one) for me.... and one chair for my companion (poor companion because the chair is not one of the confortable ones!)... Tv, remote control, cable TV and nurses calling button.

Then the fight begins Bellerophon (chemo) vs Chimera (malignant nant nant tumor... lol ... A "butterfly" is put in a vein in the hand... The sequence of this phase is: a remedy against sickness... Chemotherapy (2 bags - one red and one white)... and serum.

It sounds easy right? But it takes a looooooooooooooooong time.... the whole process takes about 3 hours... I came out really well from the session, I was not feeling anything.

Only in the late afternoon the stomach began to get a little sick... So I decided to take a walk with Thiby (my dog)... They warned me that the skin would be sensitive and I would have to wear sunscreen, but I didn’t know the effect was so fast!!!!! The next day I was looking like a baboon.... Red faced.... kkkkkk..... And I was feeling such a bad sickness that I could barely drink water.... Toast smell made me sick too.... And so it was until the end of the week.

I confess it was a hard week.... Because I could not eat anything... The only thing that I could eat was lemon popsicle.... OW..... After 3 days feeling sick, I was also very weak because I could not eat, but everything ended!

And the fight against Chimera was only in the beginning.... and there were seven sessions ahead!

The 11 labors of Hercules

Hehehe.... Easy! I know it is the 12 labors of Hercules.... But there were 11 exams that had to do! Almost got there.... lol  But, if the appointment with the anesthetist count, I did 12 labors! I’m so close to this guy named Hercules, but I'm a little less muscular! kkkk ...

To do all these tests (and they had a definite order to be made), I went to the hospital every week (sometimes more than once a week) between 04/06/10 and 05/21/10.

In the meantime I had appointments  withDoc Wesley and it was decided that I would follow a protocol that instead of doing surgery first and then chemotherapy, I would do the opposite (is it because I am japa? Hahaha ....).

This was decided because the tumor grew very fast and for this reason, the possibility reduction was also larger. Antonio told me that in a very didactic way: if the tumor is aggressive it is because it absorbs many nutrients from the body so it will also absorb a lot of chemotherapy. Absorbing more chemotherapy, it dies.

That's right!! As Paulão said.... Let's kill this Son of…..!! kkkkk ....

I started to see people

One of the things that changed a lot with all these emotions in my life, was the fact that I started to see people.

I have always greeted everyone... From strangers on the street until the big boss of the company... But I discovered that I was always very polite (of course! My mother doesn’t deserves to discover that I had left the education she had given me in the drawer... lol)... However, such education did not give me sensibility to see people.

I greeted everyone... But I could not see anyone!

It wasn’t lack of estimation... It was not recognizing another human being in other people.

Suddenly, every person I greeted and wished a good day, it was really honest desire that person had a good day and that he/she was happy from that moment and forever!

Previously I was ashamed... Ashamed to look ugly... Ashamed of not speak well... Ashamed that I’m not as perfect as I thought I should be... But now it is different... Why?

Because from the moment I see people with qualities and undeveloped qualities (no defects.... defects are undeveloped qualities.... lol) I can also be a person like that right?

Now I've got no shame.... or I should say.... Pride... Because when we feel ashamed because it is because we don’t want to seem ridiculous... And that is pride!

Claudia said the one day that I was more loving with friends (with friends... because with boyfriends I've always been a stupid of so loving person)... hahahaha... And I think she is right.... I'm more sweet because I feel I have the privilege of having such amazing human beings in this journey called life!

I think that today I’m a little confused and apologetic (that word exist? Hahaha ....). But it's true!! Trust me !!!!!

It's fantastic looking at a person... Greet he/she from the heart and see that the person can feel it is from your heart ... And he/she will return your desire for a good day! (Usually he/she returns .... but you can eventually find a zombie as I was.... hahahaha....) Try this! Then tell me!

April 1st

April Fools Day? hahaha.... No, it was the day of my first visit to the Cancer Hospital.

I arrived in the afternoon... I was very curious and a little apprehensive because I didn’t want to be insensitive to people that I would find (fear of staring with that jerk face at people).

To my surprise not all people (to say the truth, almost none) was bald guys or sick faced... But almost all were accompanied and I was there alone... Because, as always, I am proud and independent…  So I dind’t ask someone to accompany me... hahaha.... That time I confess that I felt kind of ET because I was alone.... lol

Anyway, I waited veeeeeeeeeeeeeeery very much! It got really late... lol  But I was there enjoying to think about life and what could change with the possible diagnosis of cancer.

When I came into office 16, Doc Wesley received me very friendly. He is a young doctor and very competent. He explained me everything... he answered my questions.... He said we would do a series of examinations for the surgery and the surgery would occur by the end of the month!

That made me nervous.... I wasn’t  prepared psychotically... ops.... psychologically for a surgery.... hahaha... Although I don’t fear surgeries.... He gave me a mountain of medical exam requests.

And so I tried to book aaaaaaaaaaaall the exams... ahahahaha ....

First impact

When the result of FNA came out, like all good (and normal) patient I had given a peek on it... But of course I did not understand everything. Then what I did? The usual... Ask Google! Hehehe.... I could conclude that there might be something wrong, yet the words were quite complicated.

I tried my friend and doctor Antonio... I asked him if it some words could be a sign of cancer or something. I asked him what was the meaning of some words and as always, he explained very cautious and didactic. Still, I could not come to a conclusion .

I had to handle the curiosity and anxiety to the day of appontiment! That wasn’t  easy for a woman to do so... hahaha

On the day of appointment, Doc Maurizio looked... Then he asked me if there was a history of "that" in the family .... I was a little confused and said: "History oh “that”? Cancer ?"...

:-O

I said my father had died of lung cancer, but he said no... He wanted to know if there was a history of breast cancer and I said no. He explained that there could be many factors that could determine the development of it.

But I had no family history.... There were environmental factors that could influence (the largest radiation to which I am exposed to is the computer screen... kkkkkkk .... I do not think it is worth... lol) ... I exercise almost every day... I eat normally, without exaggeration..... I do not smoke... I do not drink much (prosecco and wine are too good! Give me at least that pleasure!)

Anyway.... That was the first impact...  And Doc Maurizio sent me to the Cancer Hospital (AC Camargo in Sao Paulo/Brazil) to have an appointment with a breast cancer specialist. My confidence in Doc Maurizio is great because he is an excellent doctor and always hits! It's amazing!

My friends got a little angry because they felt that he could not say this kind of thing without being an expert.... But I am very confident in my doctor! And for a change... He hit! hehehe .....

Vive la résistance!

One thing that bothered me a lot since the beginning of treatment was the fact that chemotherapy could affect my stamina and make me sick.... And sickness rarely happens to me!

Hmm... You would ask me if having cancer is not being sick? I would say it is a poor health spot condition.... hehehe.... In'm not sick! All the rest of body, soul and the little head of japa ARE healthy!

Continuing ... Since it bothered me I  just helped myself... Eating right (of course there are times during the treatment that you can not eat) and keeping physical activity.

I have a lot of fresh fruits juice... I help "La Résistance” with vitamin C.... I eat many plants and vegetables (raw plants and vegetables only at home), especially the dark green ones so I do not get anemic .... Red things that have Vitamin A... Fresh fruits that are easy to eat...

Buuuuuuuuuuuut ... Of course I can not resist eating a snack.... a chocolate.... I allow myself instead, because after all the sick caused by the chemotherapy are already enough to limit me!

FNA ... What could this be?

In January I went to see the doctor. He requested an ultrasonography to check what was the lump. When it was ready, I returned to the clinic, but Doc. Maurizio didn’t like what he had seen, then he asked for a FNA (Fine needle aspiration), which he explained that was to know what was inside of this nodule.

I'll tell you the truth.... It is not really nice to do this exam ... hehehe .... But there's nothing traumatizing.... The entire procedure is done with local anesthesia and is super fast. What impresses the most is the little machine... hahaha ... It seems like one of those little machines to stick child's ear, remember? kkkkkkk ....

Ah... yes... it is done with a needle... The biggest concern was not to stick my French investment... hahaha.... but the doctor explained that there wasn’t any possibility of harm to the investment! :)

So I did the procedure, with no major problems or concerns. So far, everything was just testing me.

And in the beginning it was the beans ...

In the 2009/2010 New Year's Eve I found a little lump that seemed  like a small bean ... I told Claudia I would have to go to the gynecologist to see what it was ... But I didn’t give much importance, after all, it was small, it did not hurt, it did not scratch... nothing! Besides, I always took care of the titties straight ... French titties  by the way .... hehehe ..... Yes, I have breast implants ... But in my case they helped me locating the nodule quickly.

And no ... The implants did not cause the cancer! Cancer can be caused by "N" factors, including genetics, environment, smoking, drugs etc ...

Anyway…. I booked a doctor's appointment for the next January, since I was on vacation .... enjoying the beach and sun in Camburi.

Take a loook at the rice plantation

I took these pictures this week .... The hair is starting to rise ... It is ridiculous ... kkkkkkk .... It looks like a rice plantation! It is just the japa face huh? hahahaha ....

6th Bia's Health News

From: Beatriz

Subject: 6th Bia's Health News

Date: Wed, 18 Aug 2010 10:27:11 -0300

Beautiful people of my heart,

After a long period of silence (I am learning to cultivate the silence .... kkkk .... you guys believe that? ... hahahaha...), I come with some updates after changing the chemo's composition:

1. Last week I made the 5th session, now missing 3 ... Towards the 8th!!!!! :) Since Brazil has not won the World Cup, cheer for me that I guarantee the outcome .... hahahaha ....

2. I felt less nausea (Sushi - the cat that lives in my stomach - was very nice this time!)

3. I felt very very very sleepy .... Last week I looked like Sleepy from the seven dwarfs

Do you guys want to laugh? During application, the first thing that was applied was an anti-allergic (because this chemical can cause allergy ).... Well .... I looked like a freak because I wanted to sleep but at the same time I couldn't relax.... I wanted to sleep but could not sit still ... hahahaha ..... I sat, I walked from one side to another ... kkkk .... only after this anti-allergy was over that pushed me down and I slept... Imagine me... with my eyes smaller than they already are ,sleepy and walking side to side in the room with that needle spiked in the hand... kkkkkkk .... Thanks god there wasn't any psychiatrist around .... kkkkkk .....

4. I feel muscles pains throughout the body - I will become an expert because I already know each muscle - what they are, where they are and what they push or pull (currently not strong and stiff ... flaccid is you!!!!... lol ) of my little body

5. Yes, the pain is constant, but when it is too much I take a painkiller... It's nothing unbearable though ... Glad I'm not very sensitive to pain ... lol ... INSENSITIVE PERSON!

Ah, last Sunday I went to the "Running and Walking Against Breast Cancer" ... I walked only because i still can't run.... Moreover it was terrible cold (8 degrees with thermal sensation of 6 )!!!!!! And I thank (in alphabetical order because I love them all equally) to Ada, Cláudia, Fabiana, Patricia and Zuleica for coming with me and making the event much more fun!!

Until the next editions!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Bia

5th Bia's Health (GOOD) News

From: Beatriz
Subject: 5th Bia's Health (GOOD) News
Date: Mon, 5 Jul 2010 15:33:29 -0300

People,

I know ... It's been a long time since i send the last news... But.... I have updates, because last week I made the 3rd session of chemo and also tests to check the status of tumor:

1. Today I went to the mastologist and he checked the exams... Well ... The tumor died! Hehehe .... yesssssssssssss!!!!

According to the doctor, the study group (I am part of this lab rats group.... lol) I am the patient who had the best response to treatment so far! I'm the Best! LoL....

The test confirmed that there is no more abnormal cells (It had to be me to have abnormal cells right? hahahaha....) And the doctor did not find the tumor in the palpation examination ... and he squeezed the tits huh ... lol ....

2. I still have to make five more chemo sessions ... just to make sure that each and every tumor cell is eliminated completely, so I don't risk that in 5 or 6 years another tumor appears somewhere else

3. I still have to do the surgery after the treatment of chemotherapy and also for prevention, to be removed any trace of tumor

The bad part of the whole thing (but I think on balance cost X benefit I'm still in profit):

1. From the 5th session of chemo, the solution used changes and the consequences will be:

- pains throughout the body

- Numbness in the body

- Increased risk of infection

- Stronger vomiting and nausea

2. I'm still bald as you can see in the pictures that are attached (so many people asked me for photos ... lol ... eh .... I can'tunderstand why you all want to see Nosferatu .... lol)

The news are great and I'm absolutely sure that this is mostly due to all this positive energy from you ... the prayers ... the affection ... and support that I have from all of you every day!

No. ... This is not the last newsletter ... As my treatment continues and I still have the surgery to do ... You're not rid of me .... hehehehe .... And yeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssssssss ..... I like very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very (get it? ... hehehe) much all the love and attention I get from you! You all can continue that because I like it! Hehehehehehe ....

XOXOXOXOXO

Bia

 

4th Bia's Health News

From: Beatriz
Subject: 4th Bia's Health News
Date: Tue, 1 Jun 2010 15:46:42 -0300

People,

Today there are just a few updates, but I believe they are important (at least one of them I think it is ... hihihihi ...):

1. I'm fine ... Turning to the stage of low immunity and I think that's why I' have have some wounds inside my mouh ... kkk .... leprous mouth!

2. Despite the low immunity I had no fever and I'm not sick (as my friend Pri says... I am a bull... Does she called me a oriental cow again? Hahaha ...)

3. I'm with the Devil's foot... The foot is black ... but that's just a curiosity ... It has nothing to do with the treatment .... hahaha .... It's just that I flipped the ladder at home on Friday and twisted my ankle ... hahaha ...

4. For those who still had hopes .... and I include myself in this group .... The hair did not resist ... are committing suicide .... They are sick to see my face .... lol ... I think I'll be a horror bald, but I had already bought a disguise kit: 8 luxury scarves, 2 hats that came from Germany and five buttons to change hats (because I am not obliged to wear a cap of "manu" on my bald and luxury head right? :-) )

And last, but the coolest new of all:

5. I went to mastologist last week and according to the measurements that the doctor does it seems that the tumor receded about half a centimeter - that with only one application of chemo and 15 days later, because as it is very aggressive, it grows very fast (rate growth of around 90%) and therefore absorbs more chemo and also tends to reduce fast too! :-)

On next Monday I will take the second round of chemo and it will begin the week of fasting again ... lol ... Forced fasting based on nausea and vomiting, but it is only a week ... I promise to fill myself with lemon popsicle ... hehehe ...

XOXOXOXO

Bia

3rd Bia's Health News

From: Beatriz
Sent: Friday, May 21, 2010 9:56 AM
Subject: 3rd Bia's Health News

People,
After protests by the delay ... Here is the 3rd Bia's Health News! Kkkk ....
On Monday I did the first chemotherapy session and what happened was:
1. The session was OK, everything went well and as expected
2. I left the session very well, I was not feeling anything (hahaha... remember the joke of Tweety Bird? "I DON'T FEEL ANYTHING!")
3. After I got home I was still good .... I took Thiby (for those who do not know, Thiby is my baby dog .. A small Pitbull of 6 years old) to a ride .... But I think it was not very smart of me to do this .... hahahahaha ..... I burned my face with the sun (I did not know the effect of skin sensitization would be so fast !).... Now you have a baboon faced friend! ME!! Hahahahaha....
4. By the afternoon I started to feel sick ... I could not smell anything..... which already makes me sick ...
5. I got really bad nausea and vomiting until yesterday (I adopted a Persian cat named Sushi .... he lives in my stomach and he was quite busy these days... kkkkk .... Of course it is a legitimate Persian cat!!! I am not required to have any cat in my stomach .... hehehehe ....)
    - Because of this, I was all those days at home ..... And I can only thank my dear Chiefs! Hail! Hail! Elias and Luciano ... hahahaha .... Elias do not curse me!hahahaha....
6. As I was feeling really bad all these days, I could not eat in right way... sometimes I ate and the traffic officer ordered the food to return .... hahahaha .....
7. Today I'm feeling better and I think that I'll feed better... The only drawback is that I'm quite dizzy and a little shaky .... No! Not getting old!! It is lack of food in my little body that is used to eat more....kkkkkk ....
8. I can only eat in small portions, otherwise the traffic officer sends back all over again .... hahahaha ....
9. Today I return to the hospital for an echocardiogram ... It is just to ensure that the chemo will not destroy this heart of stone ... stone of butter .... kkkkk .....
I think this is all .... Wait for the next issue ... I think I'll write a blog .... hahahahaha ....
oxoxox
Bia
PS: I keep thanking God every day for the privilege of living with so special people that make me feel so loved!

2nd Bia's Health News

From: Beatriz
Sent: Thursday, May 06, 2010 9:02 PM
Subject: 2nd Bia's Health News

People,
Hahahaha.... This is the 2nd Bia’s Health News (nobody but one friend received the 1st because she really wanted to know so many things that I had to write.... hahahaha...)
So….. I went to the doctor (again!) and that is what happened:
1. Decided to begin the chemotherapy before surgery
2. 8 sessions of chemotherapy will be divided into 2 phases
3. Each session is made every 21 days
4. The first session will be done on 05/18 (EASY!!!!! This delay is because they have to have approval from the health company)
5. The sessions last an avarage of 2h30m
6. After this time the surgery will be done (about November)
7. I asked the doctor about the chemo effects and he told me:
    - On the chemo session day I can feel very tired and sick (I think it is going to be hard working that day ... lol)
    - From 2nd to 5th days I can feel nausea and vomiting (which can be alleviated with citrus ice cream and fruit juices ... hahahaha .... at least something good!)
    - From the 5th until the 10th day my body resistance will fall a lot and I should avoid:
           o Agglomerations
           o People with flu or cold
           o Stress
           o Etc
    - Also in the period until the 10th day if I have a fever it is required hospitalization for antibiotics and medical care (the hospital bed is good... soft... I laid on one today! hehehehe.....)
    - The whole hair falls between the 7th and 10th days after the first application of chemotherapy (Hmmm ... that's not funny .... I do not think I can handle it .... lol .... Hey! ! I'm human, right? I'm not able to cope with everything in a good way always ... lol .... You guys will have to go to my house, because I'm not going to leave home!!!!)
    - Increased sensitivity in the mouth, with the possibility of injuries (ARGH!!!!!!!!...hehehe)
    - Dryness of skin and lips (I will need a lot of moisturizer and lipstick!!! kkkkk...)
    -  Loss and / or modification of taste and smell (I'll die with it ... how can I cook or eat? Hahahaha .... well... Maybe I can have some weigh loss at least... hehehe..)
    - Possible temporary menopause (kkkkkkkk. .... this is the end.... I will have two menopauses in this life .... lol ... but at least the good news is that he told me afterwards everything will be back to normal - due to my age - and I can have my own little ones if I want to .... lol)
    - Physical exercises are allowed (moderated - ADA and PATY, you guys are responsible for me in this question ... hahaha ... now everybody knows and if I get sick it will be fault of you two! hahahaha.....)
    - I can not get pregnant now (kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk. ... How could I get pregnant if I do not practice the art? Hahahaha ....)
    - I will have to constantly use sunscreen because skin sensitivity increases ... and if I do not use there is the risk of skin spot ( I'll have the "tattoo" of the vein where the medicine will be applied..... NO ONE DESERVES !!!!... . hahahhaa.... I wanted a dragon not a vein tatoo...kkkk....)
    - I have to decrease the salt quatity on food to reduce fluid retention /constipation (OW. .... Bald and fat! This is not life for nobody .... lol ..... I DON'T ACCEPT IT!! kkkkkkkkkkkkk. ......)
    -  Blood tests will be done everytime I am doing chemo (I will live with my arms stuck ... lol...rs)

I think this is all .... awaiting the next issue ...

XXX

Bia

PS: I thank for everything that you guys did and do for me! I thank especially the affection, attention and concern!