2 weeks post mastectomy surgery!

My lucky Irish Angel (given to me by my Ma :)

Today it has been 2 weeks since my surgery.
I feel that recovery is going really well.  I'm getting stronger every day and am now really focusing on getting myself ready for what chemotherapy is going to bring to my mind and body.

I go to the oncologist on Monday and will likely find out the schedule and start date for chemo.  I'm really dreading going through this for the next several months but I do understand that it is in my best interest to ensure that all the cancer is out of my body.

With everything that I've read and been told about the chemo drugs that I will be getting (Taxotere and Cytoxan), I'm anticipating the following side effects:
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Loss of Appetite
- Nausea
- Neuropathy
- Bone Pain
- Chemo brain (cognitive functions)

With this information I realize that everyone is different and will not experience the exact same side effects.  I am making up my mind right now that I will accept the hair loss (I have some cute hats and scarves ready), I will rest well and combat the fatigue, I will eat good foods that are nourishing for me (appetite has never really been an issue for me - I love food), the doctor has some medications that will help with neuropathy and bone pain if they become an issue and as for nausea, we'll just have to wait and see.  I won't really know until I get there.

It has helped me to read and research a lot about what to expect - I'm not good with surprises.  I feel prepared albeit a bit worried but I know I can conquer this.  My biggest worry is about the possible permanent or long term side effects of chemotherapy such as:
- secondary cancers (bone marrow/leukemia) and heart problems
- long term chemo brain (memory problems and fogginess)
Although the long term issues tend to be fairly rare, they do occur.

I will go to the oncologist on Monday with my list of questions and concerns and hope that she can address all of them and make me feel more at ease.

This Sunday, my daughter is running in the Race for the Cure in San Francisco.  My husband and I plan to be there to greet her at the finish line.  And, yes we'll be sporting our custom made T-shirts - Rosie has hers ready to run!