To blog or not to blog

Yesterday, I decided the best way to keep people up-to-date on my health issues was to send out mass emails to all my loved ones. And then, Joce, a fellow Communicator and wonderful friend, suggested that I blog. I've always enjoyed reading other people's blogs but never considered writing one of my own ... mostly because I felt that I write enough work - of course that's no longer an issue! And, I never thought I had anything to write about .... until now.

So, it's my intention to blog (I can't believe that I'm even writing that!) about my breast cancer and some of my feelings around having it.

Here's a recap of my mass email ...

In order to keep my written communications skills sharp while on sick leave, I've decided to use email (change of plans ... now it's a blog ) as a tool in providing updates regarding my breast cancer (BC). As a Communicator, I know that personal face-to-face communications is the most effective means of communicating your message however, I'm starting to get sick of my own voice.
So here it goes my first update. Be prepared ... there will be acronyms (I do work for the CRA after all!).

As you know, in November 2008, I was diagnosed with BC. Since then I have been going through a number of medical tests and procedures. In December 2008, I had surgery to remove the cancer and test my lymph nodes. I have been recuperating nicely, in between watching movies and dinners with friends, I've even gone skiing and skating. I've also joined a fitness group with other BC ladies. As many of the girls at work know, I love research. So, I've agreed to participate in exercise research study with the Ottawa Hospital. The objective of the study is to determine how much cardio and strength training is beneficial to women with BC going through treatment .... some of the perks include: free parking, the possibility of meeting single doctors, and the very cute guy that works at the gym!

My first chemo appointment is scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2009. I could have started Friday, but wanted to wait until my parents got home from Cuba. Yes, I want my mommy! I am scheduled to have chemo every three weeks for 18 weeks. It get a little complicated ... I will be having one type of chemo for the first three weeks, another for the remaining three weeks, a different IV drug every three weeks for 12 months, radiation five days a week for five weeks, and then hormone therapy for five years. Since I will be having IV drugs for what seems like forever, my Dr. has recommended that I get a "port-a-cath" which is a catheter that is inserted in your upper chest wall to make chemotherapy easier. Sound gross, but it eliminates the need to be poked a million times with needles ... I'm a total chicken! All this news has been little overwhelming but I'm trying to deal with things one day at a time. Well, I think that's it for me. Hope all is well with everyone.