Chemo

Dr. Sandy Patterson was the oncologist. He "recommended" 4 rounds of "AC" drugs to shrink things down. This would likely be followed by surgery (too close to Christmas!), and then perhaps Taxotere for some sessions afterwards. He answered lots of questions. The lump hadn't been there in December (annual checkup) and so while the biopsy showed it as a regular tumor, Dr. Patterson was worried it might be more agressive than that. The amount of cutting needed during the surgery would be decided at that time but he wasn't sure that a lumpectomy was going to be enough. (guess we'll see). We had some blood work done and the previously scheduled chest xray and went home to absorb it all. It felt good to have a plan but one thing grabbed Carolin's attention.

Her hair was toast.

Shortly after the chemo treatments started, it would fall out and not return until after the treatments ended. She didn't view this as a great opportunity to save on shampoo. This would show the world she had a terrible disease. She didn't like the idea. Lots of talk and consultations showed most women choose wigs so they can be in control of how they look rather than the disease. I think she'll look good whatever is on her head. She was more particular. We'll see how it turns out.