I am not a (known) mutant

Here's how awesome my doctor is:  she called me today at 1:40 and asked if I could come it, just for kicks.  It's 2:40 and I'm already home.  She is so awesome.

As you may recall, my blood was sent away for some genetic testing.  Specifically, we wanted to sequence two genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) that are commonly mutated in certain types of breast cancer.  The outcome doesn't affect me too much, but it's great news for my sisters and daughters:  I am not a mutant!  My first question was does this mean that I get to keep the right one?  She said that we'll make that decision based on further tests after chemotherapy.  But at least it's up in the air!  It would be a goner for sure if I was indeed a mutant.  Funny how I still feel attached to it, even after the left one has so viciously sabotaged my life.

More good news:  the left breast is responding to the chemotherapy.  It is already less inflamed.  Let's hope it keeps responding.

We also discussed the muddy-brain side effect.  She said that one of my anti-nausea drugs could be the culprit, so I am done messing with that guy.  In addition, she simply nodded knowingly and told me to make sure I keep using my brain.  A friend of mine who went through chemo last spring told me the same thing.  Good advice, but this brain won't go dormant without a mighty fight anyway.

Today is the best I've felt since chemotherapy last Wednesday.  I've been on two (short) walks, engaged with my kids, and executed two (small) projects.  I'm going to go into work for a little bit tomorrow, although I will ask my brother for a ride because I don't feel good enough to operate machinery.  But I can probably operate Excel, huzzah!

Instead of viewing it as 18 monstrous weeks of chemo, let's view it as 6 difficult, side-effect-riddled doses.  So I'm already 1/6th of the way there, which is practically halfway!  Go team!