Chemo drug rituxan for Graves





Isn't it ironic ?


I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction as many of my readers know.  That alone was very challenging .  I caught both breast cancers early enough so that I didn't need chemotherapeutic therapy . I had three surgeries just on my implants.   I've had to have them removed twice. Once was because they found silicone artifacts in my chest. They took the silicone implants out. I opted for Saline implants but they looked awful.  If you're going to have reconstruction I do NOT suggest Saline . They are not aesthetically pleasing.. Two months ago I decided to take the saline implants out, to put the new silicone implants in. The shape has changed from round to a teardrop and they are texturized and adhere to the skin. They are a safer and better quality. With having graves disease it is always a challenge and this was no exception .

My Graves specialist wants me to try a chemo drug called Rituxan.  How ironic I was able to avoid chemotherapy because I found my tumors at such an early stage. Now I'm faced with the possibility of chemo to help me feel better, Graves affects the autoimmune system and if you have read my entries you know I have a severe case of Graves. The pretibial myexedema is painful and has no cure.   I’m a survivor and I keep going. 

  




                                                

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Trying to live a healthy life

Image
Familial Adenoma Polyposis. It has been described as a “ ticking time bomb”. After years of diligent follow up suddenly I acquired a lot more polyps.  I’ve had most of my colon removed,  but if more polyps come back, they might have to do additional surgery.  Once you’ve had hundreds of polyps, it’s hard not to imagine what it would be like to have that major surgery.  The past 11  months have been rough, but i’ve been able to do everything I’ve done before. Just a lot slower. Sometimes it’s an all day encompassing exhausting scenario.  I’ve tried to remain positive.  I won’t lie.  In the back of my mind I’ve been thinking what if it is cancer next time?what if I need more surgery.  The bottom line is that the reason I have some of my colon is because I was quick enough to listen to my body.  Quick enough to have regular screenings.  The hundreds of polyps could not be removed.  This time there isn’t a colon to keep. It could evolve into Cancer. It’s hard to hear others talk about this
Read more

This is going to be a challenge

Image
  Having a partial colectomy is a huge deal.  I know my family doesn’t want to think about it but it has to be addressed.  This is a hereditary disease.  It’s called Familial Adenoma Polyposis.  There’s no cure. There’s real solid hope of one on the horizon.  My hospital stay was five days and I lost a lot of blood. I was very anemic when I got home. I had to take care of myself though the nurse stopped in to check vitals. I think the worst part of this is getting your body acclimated to eating differently. First of all you don’t know what you can eat. So you stay home a lot. It’s really a difficult position to be in when you don’t know from one day to the next or one hour to the next, just how your body is going to react.  I’m supposed to be gluten-free for Graves’ disease and also eat healthy grains.  That’s not always possible from day to day when you’re faced with many trips because of healthy grains.   I’m blessed that I was smart enough to read my body and get colonoscopies regul
Read more

My two battles with cancer/ interview with Madame Arcati

Image
Sunday, March 30, 2008 Stephanie Mastini: 'My two battles with cancer' Kevin Spacey's former sister-in-law Stephanie Mastini has suffered two bouts of breast cancer in less than two years. Here she gives a graphic account of dealing with her illnesses - and offers advice to women everywhere. Steph! So glad you're on the mend. Tell us the history of your cancer problems leading up to the recent serious health episode. It all began on a relaxing sun kissed day. I was enjoying the sun and applying protection lotion when I suddenly felt a small pea-sized lump in my right breast. I knew immediately what it was. It didn’t move like the other cysts I had felt before. I have always had an uncanny way of knowing my body. I waited a few weeks to gather my thoughts and get prepared. I should have acted immediately. Act quickly. After a few weeks, I asked my internist to feel the lump. She didn’t think I had anything to worry about but had been my doctor for years
Read more