I met with Dr. Friedman, the Director of The Hoffberger Breast Center at Mercy, on 06/04/2015. I really liked him and appreciated the time he took with me. He showed me scans, which normally I don’t need to see to better understand things but I’m glad he showed me. Since it is ovarian cancer in my breast, Dr. Friedman said he has to defer back to Dr. Rosenshein as to if surgery would benefit me. If Dr. Rosenshein says surgery is the way to go then Dr.Friedman would perform it. Surgery would not happen until after the third cycle of the new chemo treatment (Doxil & Avastin) has been completed and after a scan.

Yesterday, 07/13/2015, I started the third cycle of Doxil and I met with Dr.Rosenshein. He confirmed that I would have a PET CT scan the first week of August. After a breast exam he said that he could not feel a mass, just thickening. I took that as good news. I told him the breast diagnosis has been more difficult for me as I can “see the problem”. But I’m feeling better about it now after yesterday.

In general, I’m feeling very well, even started biking (inside on my trainer)again on Friday after having taken some time off. I’m trying to keep up walking at the minimum as I know staying active is very important.

I have also had a diet change per the Naturopathic doctor, Dr. Stephany Porter,that I’m seeing. I am very proud of myself for sticking to the new diet so well, but I have lost some weight. I don’t want it to drop any more. I’d love to receive recipes if you have any that I might be able to try. The new diet excludes all sugar, dairy, and red meat. That leaves me with eating organic foods, wild caught fish (mainly salmon, halibut, and cod), and whole grains.

I’m also seeing an acupuncturist, Dr. Fang. I’m trying to explore options outside of chemo that may also help me heal. First and foremost though I feel that your prayers help me so please continue to pray for me and my family. -Stef