This is what my advent calendar looks like this year. Advent calendars typically count the days to Christmas and I’m counting down the first month of treatment. As I think about Advent, the season of waiting and hoping for the coming of Christ, it parallels my life right now. We hope because we know thatContinue reading “Advent 2020”
Author Archives: kubernesisconsulting
Thanksgiving 2020
2020 has been an emotional year for all and my life especially the past few months have been filled with uncertainty and turmoil. When I reflect back upon this year, there are many things to praise and many things to grieve. 22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;[a] his mercies never come to an end;23 they are new everyContinue reading “Thanksgiving 2020”
Asian Therapy
Crazy Rich Asians show something so simply, yet iconic and identifiable for all so many Asians – folding dumplings. One of the first things I’ve done during my leave is make dumplings with my mom. There’s a reason all Asian cultures fold these little guys – it’s culture, history and therapy all in one. There’sContinue reading “Asian Therapy”
Medical Leave
I officially start medical leave this week and will be off work for the next 6 months. Last Monday I started anti-hormonal therapy with injection and infusion, which reduces ovarian estrogen levels and treats calcium levels for metastatic cancers respectively. Next week, I’ll start the targeted therapy pills that work best when estrogen levels areContinue reading “Medical Leave”
Bone Biopsy Results
The bone biopsy results scan came back. The biopsy of my Left Ilium confirmed the spread and showed the cells were the same profile: Estrogen+, Progesterone+, HER2-. The treatment plan will be starting with various targeted therapies, anti-hormone and CDK-inhibitors. Although this treatment won’t be as draining as chemo, next week will likely be lastContinue reading “Bone Biopsy Results”
Scan Saga II
Today I had the CT-guided bone biopsy. Leiman came bright and early to pick me up at 6AM. We had good chat about Lunchclub. If anyone wants an invite, let me know. I’ve met some pretty amazing people there. We made it to Cedar’s right on time ~6:30AM. For biopsy, I changed into gowns andContinue reading “Scan Saga II”
CT Bone Biopsy Pre-Op Work
There is a bunch of pre-op work needed for the CT Bone Biopsy. Cedar’s hospital policy requires COVID testing for all anesthesia procedures, so I went first thing on Tuesday morning for the drive-thru COVID test. The nasal swab is as unpleasant as you’d expect. No news is good news – I’ll only get aContinue reading “CT Bone Biopsy Pre-Op Work”
PET Scan Results
The PET scan came back with concerning results that the cancer has already spread to several bones: Left 6th rib (back), Right 3rd rib (front) and Left Ilium. This would now mean that my cancer staging automatically becomes Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer. I’ll have a bone biopsy to test the cells to determine ifContinue reading “PET Scan Results”
The Scan Saga
I’ve already had multiple scans to date: mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. Today continues the scans for better image of the state of the cancer: PET and MRI. To prepare for the PET scan, needed to go on low-carb and low-sugar diet for 24hrs. It brought me back to my paleo days: eggs, avocado, steak, cali-rice,Continue reading “The Scan Saga”
And so it begins…
My work life at Liquid IV this past year has been immensely hectic and stressful, but ultimately culminates in its successful acquisition by Unilever. October 1st marks the day of immense change and the beginning of facing the reality of my new life. I’ve been putting my life and diagnosis on hold waiting for theContinue reading “And so it begins…”