Two days ago, I had my last dose of Taxol: four cycles with three treatments in each cycle. It feels good to acknowledge this small milestone because it means I’m one step closer to beating this thing. I told my dad that I was happy to be halfway to the halfway point and he laughed. “We’ll have to call you quartermaster,” he said.
So, to celebrate here is a quick overview of my treatment plan and where I go from here.
STAGING
Diagnosis and Testing
November ’24 diagnosed with TNBC (2.8cm tumor). Insurance denied scans to check for spread. Stage 2 based on tumor size.
NEOADJUVANT THERAPY
Immunotherapy and Chemotherapy
Keytruda every 3 weeks for 6 months.
Taxol every week for 3 months. DONE!
Doxorubicin every 3 weeks for 3 months.
SURGERY
Lumpectomy or Mastectomy
Surgical plan TBD.
ADJUVANT THERAPY
Immunotherapy and Radiation
Keytruda every 3 weeks for 6 months.
Radiation 5 days a week for 8 weeks.
Possibility of additional chemotherapy depending on pathology results from surgery.
To be honest, I’m a little nervous about starting this next round of chemo with Doxurubicin. It is nicknamed “The Red Devil” and has a reputation for being difficult to tolerate.
The first three months with Taxol have been difficult, but manageable. I have been exhausted, nauseous, rashy and in a lot of abdominal pain. BUT, I haven’t been throwing up and have been (mostly) able to eat. So, it’s been a mixed bag. If I’ve learned anything going through this process so far, it is to be grateful for the little wins.
The hardest part for me has been not being able to take care of my family the way that I want to. I can’t work and that has been a huge strain on the household. I don’t have the energy to take care of the grandkids or clean the house. The stress (financial and emotional) is difficult to manage.
Three months into a twelve-month journey and I’ve already changed so much. The photo on the left is the last selfie I took before my diagnosis (October ’24). The photo on the right was taken a couple days ago during my last Taxol dose.
FUNDRAISING
We are going to be doing a raffle next month to raise money for medical expenses. Still working on the details, but it should be fun.
For ongoing support, my daughter has set up a GoFundMe here.
Or, if you just want to buy me a coffee my CashApp is $KristalArmendariz.
Thank you so much to everyone who has donated, shared posts, liked or commented on social media, called, texted or dropped off food/gifts. It means a lot to me and my family to know that we are not alone in this.