Author: Kristine Pettoni

So in spirit of my f-cancer attitude, I caved and finally cut my hair into my bad-a$$ look. So recovery has been going well. The first 3 days were not too bad, as the numbing agents were doing their job. Sunday night at bed time I started to have some pain when laying down and breathing out. So Monday and Read More …

Surgery went very well and I’m feeling great! Probably feeling too well as I haven’t been taking my recovery as relaxed as I should. It was a crazy week, but I made it and surgery was easy peasy. We checked in nice and early 6:30 am at the hospital for an 8:30 am surgery. Emory was a great facility. They Read More …

Great news! I finished my final round of Chemo today! My Dr. also checked the skin and my lymph notes and said it looks good and, pending the CT Scan on 8/26 doesn’t show it’s spread, I’m cleared for the next step – surgery! So with that, he also said I need to finalize my Surgical Oncologist switch, so next Read More …

It was a good week. Monday, I went to the surgical oncologist. The biopsy wound is doing well but we put a stitch in it and it seems to be much better. She did put me on another round of antibiotics preventatively. Wednesday I had an OB appointment – which was good. They recommended an ultrasound of my ovaries every Read More …

Great news! Infusion done! And some good things this week: Meeting with Medical Oncologist PD-L1 – My Medical Oncologist ran the test to see if I’m PD-L1 positive and I am! This means, if needed (which hopefully I don’t need it), I am a candidate for an Immunotherapy targeted for TNBC / PD-L1 positive and has shown great results. I Read More …

Spoiler – I was cleared for Chemo! I saw my surgical oncologist this morning about the lovely infected hole in chest. She cleaned it out and “packed it” with antibiotic gauze and gave me care instructions (wash twice a day and repack once a day). I’ll see them next Wednesday to be sure it’s heeling. She is also going to Read More …

As with all things lately, this week has had some ups and downs. Let’s start with the downs, all related to this biopsy: Biopsy came back as cancer I have not heard any change to my schedule based on this Since this was here prior to the start of chemo, it doesn’t seem like they are as concerned – though Read More …

warning it’s a long blog… So it’s official, I’m a medical tourist. Apparently, this is quite the growing industry: $439B global market. And you can see it here at the Cleveland Clinic. This campus is enormous and brand new. It has state of the art technology, modern design, luxury accommodations, and spa music…need I say more. Just arriving here was Read More …

Alrighty, it’s round 2. Unfortunately, it feels like just yesterday I rang the bell at chemo and here I am again. The hat came back today and again brought some smiles. My favorite chair was taken but I still got a good corner spot. My new friend behind me is practicing guitar so it’s not a bad day so far. Read More …

My new treatment plan is in the works: GemCarbo Chemo Therapy: 6/24 – 8/12: 3 cycles (2 weekly doses followed by 1 week off – They sometimes call this Day 1, Day 8 cycle) Will start with 3 cycles and pending testing may add in more Dates of Chemo – Mondays (6/24, 7/1, 7/15, 7/22, 8/5, 8/12) Because of a Read More …

Alrighty, my third chemo training. By this time I’m an old pro. Here’s some highlights: Switched my first chemo to Monday 6/24 since I figured waiting another week until Friday 6/28 was too long. My chemo infusions will be Mondays. Infusions will be done via IV – no port. They will be very careful as it’s a more delegate situation Read More …

Surgery today went well.  It was a bit later at noon with a check in time of 10am so it was quite a bit busier, but it was good because I got to drop off Grace on her first day in her new primary class! After checking in they got me all prepped.  It took two tries and a pediatric Read More …

Surgery to remove the skin around the cancer lump was deemed a success by my Surgical Oncologist. I’m feeling pretty good – a little tummy rumblings but I was given a nausea patch. It was an early morning – 6am start. I had to shower with Hibiclens and then head to the hospital. Things moved very quickly when I got Read More …

It was a good day! I’ve been walking and getting lots of steps, got my coffee and headed to the medical oncologist. Blood test was good and he said we’re going to move into an observation phase instead of another drug. He is optimistic that after they remove the last bit remaining from the biopsy we’ll be in good shape Read More …

Sorry for the delay in getting these up and then the back to back posts.  I wanted to wait until I had results to post. I had to go through the agony of 2 weeks of worry, I didn’t want to put others through it.  So I had my PET scan on the morning of 5/1… Got up bright and Read More …

Unfortunately the biopsy can back as TNBC cancer. Ironically they called me on the same day as the conference I was attending last year when I found out I had cancer. Maybe next year I don’t go to that conference. So my Surgical oncologist said we need to do a PET scan to see if it’s spread. If it hasn’t Read More …

So far so good. Chemo has been going well – I’ve had no noticeable side effects. 3/28 – Had a follow up with my Radiation Oncologist. He said everything looked good and was clear. He did a check of lymph nodes, skin, listened to breathing etc. Said we’ll check again in 6 months. 3/29 – Saw my Medical Oncologist during Read More …

I just finished my first round of Xeloda. I have 7 or 8 rounds total. So far I haven’t noticed any side effects but like before, it builds over time so we’ll see next round. I now get 7 days off and will have a visit to the doctor on Thursday to check all is going well. During this time Read More …

After my plastic surgeon appointment, I went over to my medical oncologist to discuss the follow up chemo. They drew blood and checked to ensure I was healthy enough to start the pills. My doctor had mentioned that this chemo had few side effects mainly just red hands (no hair loss, no travel restrictions etc). So we confirmed I would Read More …

Had an appointment with my plastic surgeon to review my post-radiation status. He said everything looks good! He was very please with how they look. We went ahead and filled my right boob up and even added some to my left boob. They are now uneven again, but the thinking is the left one may shrink with the radiation so Read More …

On Monday, I had my last radiation treatment. It feels great completing this portion of my treatment. The treated area isn’t as sore, but it is tight and peeling. Redness is slowly fading. The doctor said we’ll see the permanent results in 3-12 months – if the skin tightens or changes. I’m adamant about keeping it moisturized so fingers crossed Read More …

Radiation going well. So far very few side effects. On Friday I noticed some redness in a few areas but after the weekend it disappeared. I’ve also noticed some light cramping in my ribs under my left boob, but the doctor said it’s not worry some – we’ll watch it. A nurse said it could be the nerves regaining feeling. Read More …

I’m now into week 3 of radiation and all is going well. Treatments don’t hurt, and I don’t yet have any noticeable side effects.  The Dr. said if by week 3 or 4 I don’t have much noticeable redness/reactions then I likely will get away with no blistering.  They did say there is low likelihood there will be no noticeable Read More …

I had my meeting with the radiation oncologist to map my body and create the molds for radiation.  All went well and they should call me next week with my radiation schedule.  Here’s the low down: Mold – I changed from bottom up and then they had me lay on the machine (looked like a big MRI machine) and made Read More …

It was a busy week – not only was I back at work, I had a trip to NY/CT and 3 Doctors appointments. Overall I’m feeling pretty good. Here’s the break down. Monday – Medical Oncologist Just a conversation (no exam) and he said we could consider 2 more treatments since I only had partial success from chemo.  It’s common Read More …

Had an appointment with the plastic surgeon: Fill: we added another 100ccs to each side (we’re at 340/350).  We are done with the right one for now and the left we’ll add some more next week as we need to over inflate it in case it shrinks during radiation. I need to see how much bigger to go in general. Read More …

Recovery is going well. Tomorrow (Tuesday) I start back at work. Physically I’m doing well. Mentally another week would be great 🙂 I’m still sore and I still have some limited range in my arms but nothing too bad. My chest is mostly numb and it feels strange to touch – it feel like if you were hugging a pillow Read More …

Recovery is going well.  While I’m still sore, I’m gaining more range in my arms which is nice.  Sleeping on my back is still painful, but manageable. I met with my Radiation Oncologist.  The appointment went well – they were very punctual which is lovely.  The Dr.  first interviewed me on my background and situation, reviewed the file and pathology, Read More …

Recovery is going well – I’m much less sore than last week.  Getting more arm range which is also nice.  I’m only taking muscle relaxers at night and occasionally some regular Tylenol.  Sleeping is still painful on my back. Coughing and sneezing is also painful.  I was given a great new tip to cough while holding a pillow to my Read More …

  Life at home has been good.  I’ve been weening myself off the pain meds – I take the muscle relaxers and regular Tylenol during the day and then heavier stuff at night.  Sleeping on my back is still extremely uncomfortable.  I’m also finding myself not standing up as straight as I could and sitting weird which I think is Read More …

Things at home are going well. One of the documents sent home with me said the first 72 hours are painful – so I’m hoping by Saturday I can start relaxing on the pain meds (and good new I haven’t taken any pain meds today just the muscle relaxer). It mostly hurts when I go from laying to sitting, laughing Read More …

We made it home yesterday Wednesday around 6pm. After getting two Percocet for pain we ventured into the car. Now everyone says beware of the seatbelt, but the seatbelt was no problem – the speed bumps and potholes on the other hand nearly put me in tears. But we made it! And what a lovely surprise: flowers from my Clarkston Read More …

So last night went ok. I did get a bit sick but they gave me some meds and cleared it up. Got some sleep though they came in every few hours to do vitals so the sleep was intermittent. Today has been good. Doctors said everything looks good and we’ll be discharged late this afternoon. I had some breakfast this Read More …

8am – Morning is off to a good start… 10:00am – I’m wearing my incognito brown wig so the paparazzi can’t find me. I realized I missed an opportunity to make a Kitty shirt for today – oh well. I also forgot my hat! Northside Breast’s center is nice. I still have to fill out lots of paperwork – man Read More …

On Friday (9/28), I had my follow up exam with my Surgical Oncologist (SO).  We discussed my nemesis the cyst, which had grown since the last time we had met.  She seemed concerned with the cyst, so we drained it to confirm it was actually a cyst vs. a solid mass; they pulled out about 5ccs of fluid. I should Read More …

After 5 months of chemo, I’m finally done!! Today was my last Taxol.  I now have a 6 week break before my first surgery.  I’m in such good spirits have so much support and love from everyone. Ok so how did it go?? Well Aubrey and I dressed up – I got out my Coming out Party Ted Baker Dress, Read More …

Treatment went very well Tuesday (I got Monday off for Labor day).  Shawn and I had a great anniversary trip to Portland Maine with Grace. My treatment Tuesday was special as Aubrey flew in from Copenhagen to join me! I have her with me for a week, and she’ll come to my last treatment with me.  I couldn’t be more Read More …

Things went so well with this treatment I forgot to blog about it. It’s gotten so routine – I didn’t have anything new to report. With that, I have my next chemo on 9/4 and Aubrey will be joining me! With the countdown in progress, I need to finalize my plastic surgeon and then I’ll be ready to go.

9th Taxol Treatment Done! 3 more to go! I had my treatment in the afternoon which was new for me and to my surprise they were super quick! 12:45 – Got to Chemo 12:55 – Port and Blood Drawn Had newer nurse and they had to retap my port after she couldn’t get it in.  Not my favorite, but it Read More …

8 of 12 Taxol Treatments: Let the Countdown Begin Today was another easy/good day at Chemo.  I was in and out in 3 hours total.  Nothing major to report.  I’m now in the countdown window… 4 left! The final two will be with Aubrey who is joining me from Copenhagen.  The hat will be resurrected and I’m practicing my bell Read More …

I got my MRI results back and while they didn’t answer the specific question I was asking (do I still have a lump or is it just the cyst), it showed much improvement.  Here is the highlights in my translated version: Site of the lump – original MRI showed 3.4cm worth of enhancement and it now measures 2.7cm. So they Read More …

I made it over the hump or shall I say lump? I’m over halfway through Taxol and it’s going swimmingly, almost routine. 8:00 – Port Tapping Weight – still growing unfortunately 8:30 – Met with PA Blood work looked good 9:00 – Down to infusion Got my usual corner spot We started right away and it went super quick! 10:30 Read More …

Chemo was good this week! Had my MRI on Friday – should have results this week. 8:30- Port Tapping Weight – not going in the direction I’d like.  I’ve been doing a lot of walking though so hopefully I can get it to drop. 9:00 – Met with DR Blood – Passed! Talked through the MRI – there were still Read More …

Had my ultrasound with my Surgical Oncologist today and it was “not bad news” which I think is good news. Ultrasound The cancer has not grown – this is the headline.  Because of this, we’ll continue with the Taxol and keep charging forward as planned It measured .9cms which is still smaller than my original 1cm tumor, but doesn’t seem Read More …

Good session today, not to much to report.  All went well, and Wednesday will be another Ultrasound to confirm progress. 8:00 – Port Tapping Weight – not going in the direction I’d like.  I’ve been walking to work this week a 45 minute walk, so hopefully that will spur exercise Got my routine down – I eat a hard candy Read More …

4 of 12 Taxol Treatments Done! I’m officially 1/3 of the way done with Taxol. All went well on Monday! 8:00 – 8:30 – Blood work and met with PA Blood work looked good – PA said she thinks the low week was due to the AC wearing off.  We’ll see next week though.  I was still a bit low Read More …

Spoiler: That thing all women have always said “I wish they could move my belly into my boobs” IS A THING… Knowing October will quickly be upon us, I’ve started my search for the Plastic Surgeon who will rebuild my new boobs. I was quickly disappointed when I realized all the Atlanta Plastic Surgeons are in Buckhead and Alpharetta. The first Read More …

Another thank you to my Clarkston Consulting Family! This was such an awesome gesture and it is so inspirational every time I’m in my office.  I just wanted to give another thanks! I don’t think I could have more support and love from everyone at Clarkston!  We always say Clarkston has a unique culture that our employees and clients notice Read More …

3 of 10 Taxol Treatments Done! Great news I was cleared again for chemo today and am back on track! Here are the highlights: 8:00 AM – PortWeight – Finally down 4lbs!! I’m wondering if it takes 2 weeks to get the steroid out, so some of that came from steroids and some was getting back on my eating. We’re Read More …

Well, I never thought I would say this, but I’m sad to not have gotten Chemo today!  After an amazing vacation of relaxing, yoga, lots of walks (I can not say eating healthy) and my ear infection is gone as is my cough, I went into my appointment today excited with a WestWorld Episode to watch thinking I would have Read More …

Warning – It’s late and I wanted to get this to you, so please excuse the typos and lack of good blogging best practices. I’ll clean it later.  My week – I know I missed posting my Monday Status – it was a crazy week, as I was at a conference in NYC then a conference in Minneapolis, getting home Read More …

1 of 12 Taxol Treatments: Not Tax-ing at All! I was definitely a little nervous headed into this treatment. I reacted so positively to the AC, this felt like it could have taken a different turn. But spoiler…it’s been great! I’ve felt really good today after my first Taxol. So here is the play by play: 7:15 – Head to Read More …

6/11/18 – TESTS: So after both doctors telling me to get generic testing and a delay in getting in to see the genetic counselor… I finally had my appointment. It was super confusing if insurance was covering the test.  I called the insurance company – they said I needed a referral.  So I asked the Dr. and they said the Read More …

Feeling good these days. Finally got my cough under control by taking some decongestants at night and in the morning. It was affecting my sleep, so it has been nice to finally get some rest. The Oncologist called last week with the results from the fluid they pulled from the cyst. She said the fluid was “consistent with breast cancer.”  Read More …

I’ve been getting a lot of forwards and questions about a recently published study showing that, as CNN put it,  “Many women with common breast cancer can safely skip chemo, study says” – you can check out the article here: https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/03/health/breast-cancer-recurrence-chemo-study/index.html?no-st=1528160182 While the article is great to see and I love seeing new BC research – this study seems focused on Read More …

I’ve been feeling good! Still milking this cough that is lingering from a cold and feeling bloated but overall still doing really well.  Friday after chemo I was a little drowsy and my stomach was a bit unsettle, but nothing bad. I think not having the full does of Ativan may have left me a bit restless.  The rest of Read More …

ACee you later! Last AC treatment done! Today was my last AC treatment! It went very well. I had my mother joining me for the session. And I’ve been feeling good the rest of the day, albeit a bit tired, but nothing intermittent naps can’t fix. While it’s technically not halfway yet, mentally it feels like I’m halfway through my Read More …

Sorry for slacking! It’s so hard to remember to post your status when you have Monday off and you’re feeling great!  It’s been a good week though. It was amazing having Aubrey here, and I’ve been feeling “normal” with lots of energy. I even started working out again. 2 days in a row! Plus, I got myself a new FitBit Read More …

Look Good Feel Better Seminar So Monday, Aubrey and I attending the Look Good Feel Better Seminar, a collaboration between the American Cancer Society, Professional Beauty Association, Look Good Feel Better Foundation and P&G Beauty.  It’s a free workshop offered to those in treatment, where they talk through beauty tips (clothes, wigs, makeup) and they give you an awesome swag Read More …

Monday, May 22: Feeling Great The Ativan was great on Friday to ensure I didn’t have any nausea, though I did fall asleep everywhere I went.  Saturday, Sunday and Monday I’ve felt great.  Having Aubrey in town is awesome – she takes care of me or yells at me for doing too much and not taking it easy.   My cold Read More …

3 of 4 AC Treatment Done and Successful! The third AC treatment went extremely well! No nausea either!  Check out the play by play: 7:30 – Got there early and got some breakfast Eggs, avocado and bacon- Yum 7:45 – Arrive to see Dr. M. And good news the hat did come! And even better than the hat – my Read More …

Monday, May 15: Living the Green Life! I’ve been feeling great – status green. Last week and this week were pretty normal. Had a great weekend with my dad in town and our house was on the Poncey-Highlands Tour of Homes! Also, got lots of love and support pouring in over Mother’s Day. Thank you as well to AMS for Read More …

So “The Shedding” has begun. It’s amazing how quickly your hair starts to come out. Each time I touch it, more comes out. I leave a breadcrumb trail of hair everywhere I go. Luckily I have a lot of hair, so it will probably take another day or two before I need to cut it low. Luckily, I saw Jennifer Read More …

Thank you to everyone who made our More Than Pink Walk (Race for the Cure) such a huge success. Our Clarkston Consulting Team, which was comprised of friends, family, the Clarkston Atlanta office, Clarkston Alumni and even our Clarkston Corporate Office in RDU who did their own walk to raise money remotely.  With all that support, beat our goal of Read More …

Monday, May 7: Chemo Status: Back to Green! Back to feeling good. Had a great acupuncture session today and got my energy back. Nausea gone. I’m going to add in a bedtime snack to help with the morning “shake-ies”, so feeling good about heading into the week. I’ll also give you guys and update on the hair situation as well.

Saturday, May 5: Chemo Status: Yellow but Trending Up Chemo session went very well, but then Friday I got tired and had some pretty bad nausea. I was in bed most of the night, and the pills started helping around 10, so luckily with some sleep I was able to make it to the Race for the Cure (More than Read More …

2 of 16 Treatments Done and Successful! I would call this live blogging but let’s be real – I don’t know what that means and I finished it after I was done. So, how was session 2 you ask? It was great!  Here’s the play by play… 7:45 – Arrival Got here nice and early 7:45am for my 8:00am appointment Read More …

Chemo Status is Green.  Still feeling good!  Had a great weekend and ready to take on the week! All current side effects are managed with eating healthy, which is something I enjoy doing anyway. Waiting to see what happens with my hair, apparently 1% of people keep their hair – how lucky do I feel…

After deciding I will “shed” my hair instead of fighting to save it, my next hurdle is wigs. I looked around a bit and quickly decided on working with Jennifer at Hair with Care (Thanks to Missy for the referral). Her boutique is in my Cancer center so it couldn’t be more convenient and it was very clear after a Read More …

Chemo Status is Green.  Feel good so far! Great weekend and ready to hit the week running! A little slow in the morning, but after acupuncture and lunch I’m feeling good!

Day One Done! And for those who want the abridged version:  it went very well! I’m feeling good and treatment was a walk in the park.  I’ve been told though the next few days will unveil my fate, but so far I’m feeling great with so many caring people and new friends! For those who want the play by play: Read More …

A seemingly easy decision has proved to be one of the most stressful I’ve encountered.  My hair. As you know I love my hair, it hides my face as only it can.  Once I wrapped my head around losing it (pun intended), it seemed easy – I just needed to decide which wig to get…Then more options emerged including Cold Read More …

Because I am a pro at Dr’s appointments, I decided to keep my yearly Dermatologist appointment.  As a person who’s 70% covered in moles/freckles, I figured might as well find some skin cancer now – maybe there’s a special on cancers or they can do chemo for both (that’s how it works right?).  Good news though – I was cleared Read More …

We’d love for you to join us May 5th for the Race for the Cure Walk (now named the More than Pink walk). We’ve already got 16 people and $950 raised! Sign Up Here Or Donate to the Team    

Thanks to everyone who was able to make my last minute Cancer Coming Out Party! Thank you to Rachel, Lauren and Cynthia for helping with the party!  What a great way to kick off this journey with such love and support! Thank you to everyone for the flowers, cards, and donations! We raised $2,154 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Read More …