I am finally updating my blog. It has been approximately 8 months since my last post. Well, life has been pretty busy for the Mescall family. In October 2010 I found a lump on my breast, and later found out that it was cancer. I was diagnosed with HER 2+ cancer, which is an aggressive cancer. It spread quickly into my lymphnode, and was much larger by the time I had my lumpectomy in December. After my surgery, I was scheduled for chemotherepy. In addition to my chemo I would also receive an antibody infusion. I was asked to take part in a trial drug that was on the third phase. This was appealing as the drug came in a pill format that was taken every day, rather than going to UCSD every 3 weeks (for a year) for the Herceptin infusion. My case had to be presented to the makers of the drug for their approval. I prayed hard that I would be accepted for the trial. It seemed so much easier! I was accepted, and took this pill for about 3 weeks and then broke out in a horrible rash. My rash was so bad that my doctor told me if I had not quit taking the pill when I did they would have to send me to the burn unit. I then started my Herceptin infusions.
I sailed through my chemo treatments without any real problems. I had the normal yucky mouth, wasn't able to eat for the first week of my treatments, was nauseous often, but the worst part was the anxiety. I started losing my hair after the 3rd treatment. It got to be a pain because my long hair started failing out and getting on my clothes and pillow. I decided to just buzz it all off. It wasn't a big deal to me! After my 4th treatment I started to go bald. My kids made up some cute/funny names for me. I was glad to see that they were dealing with my hair loss in a positive way rather than being afraid.
I had many people praying for me (all over the country) and that is what I think helped me get through the toughest part, the chemo. I really feel the Lord was with me every step of the way. I was blessed to have such great friends and family support. My friend Jenn went with me to every appointment. She is such an amazing friend. I am lucky to have her in my life.
After my chemo treatments I had a double mastectomy. I am now going through the reconstruction. At my last appointment my doctor told me that the trial pill I was on turned out to be not as affective as they had thought and the people on the trial pill now have to go back and receive Herceptin infusions. I want to thank my Heavenly Father for watching out for me and knowing what is best for me.
