I got some feedback from friends regarding my first post.  There were a few technical terms that I didn’t explain.  I have been reading, writing, and living this stuff for over 17 years so I wasn’t thinking like someone brand new to breast cancer.  I will edit my previous post but for now, I will explain a few of the abbreviations, acronyms, etc that I mentioned in my previous post.  Thanks for the feedback.

Triple Negative– a type of breast cancer.  Triple–negative breast cancer refers to any breast cancer that does not express the genes for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and Her2/neu. It is an aggressive type of breast cancer.

CMF– Cytoxan, Methotrexate, 5 Fluorouracil.  A breast cancer chemotherapy regimen.  I was on this regimen from February-August 2012.

FAC– 5Fluorouracil, Adriamycin, Cytoxan. A stronger breast cancer chemotherapy regimen than CMF.  I was on this regimen from October 1995-March1996.  Adriamycin is toxic to the heart.

Taxanes– a class of chemotherapy drugs, including Taxol and Taxotere (the drug I am currently taking).

Neuropathy– damage to the nerves.  In my case-pain, tingling, and numbness in my extremities (especially my feet).

mammogram– basically a breast X-Ray

sonogram– an image made from sound waves (another diagnostic tool).  A sonogram can show whether a lump is a solid mass or a cyst (fluid filled).

MRI– Magnetic Resonance Imaging.  Another diagnostic tool.

OWS– Occupy Wall Street

Thanks for all the feedback everyone.