When/if chemo will begin

I spoke to Rachel today - the chemo will not begin until all the test results (except the BRCA1 and BRCA2 test) are in. After the results are in, if they are negative, then I will get a call from the infusion nurse to set up an orientation appointment, after which the chemo will be scheduled for 'right away,' whatever that means. My best guess is that chemo will start late the week of 11/14 or later.

Mary, my friend Kevin's wife, who also has breast cancer, told me that the cardiac scan is done for a baseline, since the chemotherapy that will happen first can have an bad effect on the heart. Nice to know.

Now here's how to talk to me, if you want or need to: Send email. My phone had been ringing so much that I couldn't get work done, but emails are fine. I do expect, however, that anyone who emails me has already checked the blog to be up to date. If there's anything at all that raises a question in your mind, please tell me and I'll try to answer your question. Try to stop yourself if you are going to provide any war stories, unless they are about you, not your sister or your friend or co-worker. Prayers, blessings and news about your life are always welcome. Pictures of adorable children are mandatory. I love children.

Oh, and if you are a member of my immediate family, either my family of origin or my current family, the 'do not call' rule does not apply so strenuously. I know that my siblings are checking the blog, that really helps.

Trying hard to focus on good today . . . but I'm not having much success. I'm scared, I'm disoriented because I don't know what will happen next week or next month or next year.