21 Questions and then some

These are the list of questions I had for my 1/29/19 appointment with Dr. Shenoy and the answers she provided that I can sum up. Warning this is a bit lengthy.

-How much exercise should I do? Do what my energy level is capable. Exercise will help with endorphins and the muscles will help with any fatigue. What intensity? Be attentive to my energy level.

-What foods should I eat? High protein, lots of fruits and vegetables. Which ones to avoid? Avoid having too much antioxidants because it can counteract with the treatment drugs.

-How long are the treatments? I forgot to ask

this. Will ask on my next visit.

-Can I still work? Yes but be attentive to my energy level

-What type of breast cancer do I have - invasive? Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) Which type? Most common type

-How many different types of treatment will I be getting? Chemo therapy and targeted therapy. I will be going through 2 rounds of treatments. Round 1 is called AC therapy consists of 2 chemo drugs every 14 days for 8 weeks. Round 2 is called THP consists of 1 chemo drug and 2 antibodies weekly for 12 weeks.

-What are the benefits and risks of each treatment? The chemo will attack the cells including the cancer ones. The targeted therapy will fight the HER2 proteins. Risks are the side effects. But this treatment is highly effective in fighting this type of breast cancer.

-What are the possible side effects? Hair loss for sure. Diarrhea and nauseousness is definitely on the list.

-When are they likely to occur? Usually right after treatment. Sometimes it may take a day.

-Are there side effects I should report right away? If I’m unable to eat and any continuous lasting side effects. Pay attention to how I’m feeling.

-How do I manage side effects? Other drugs will be prescribed to ease the side effects.

-How much experience do you have with these treatments? I forgot to ask this question. Will ask on my next visit.

-What has been the average outcome? Will ask on next visit or call.

-How will I get my first treatment? infusions at the clinic

-Will a chemo port be inserted on my chest? Yes, a chemo port will be done. It’s an outpatient surgery. Schedule will be on 2/15.

-How will we know if a treatment is working? Mammograms and MRI will be done to see if the cancer growth is shrinking.

-Do I need to have someone stay with me after my treatments? Yes someone should be at home with me after treatment days.

-Do I need someone to take me to my treatments? Yes someone should take me to and from my treatments. Any volunteers?

-How do I contact a health professional after hours? I can call the office any time. Even on weekends the answering service can reach any on call nurses or doctors.

-What chemotherapy drugs will I be taking? Round 1 has 2 chemo drugs - Adriamycin (Doxorubicin) and Cyclophosphamide; Round 2 has 1 chemo drug - Paclitaxel Is it by pill or IV? Through an IV (infusion)

-What targeted therapy will I be taking? Round 2 has 2 target therapy drugs - Trastuzumab (Herceptin) and Pertuzumab (Perjeta); through infusion.

-Are there any foods, medications that I should avoid? Avoid foods that are high in antioxidants which may counteract the treatments. Or that may counteract with the drug treatments? Avoid the same high antioxidant drugs like those multi pack vitamins.

-Do I need to have genetic testing done before I start treatment? No.

-How would genetic testing be beneficial to my treatment plan? It may help when it’s time to for surgery.

-What complementary therapy is recommended? Yoga and any physical exercise that my energy level can do. What should be avoided? Don’t smoke anything. Edibles and oils are fine. I meant to ask about acupuncture and will ask next time.

-What is treatment likely to cost? I will meet my annual deductible limit. Will my insurance cover it? Most insurance plans do. They will let me know of any out of pocket costs.