Saturday, September 29, 2012
Special Gift from a Special Sister
This purse was made by Claudia Semple and filled with love and goodies by Rachelle Conyers. Rachelle started her journey in May and has inspired my positive attitude. We are kicking cancer butt!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Day 1 post Chemo
Symptoms:
Dizzy mostly. It comes and goes.
My nose is extremely sensitive but since I have not been nauseous, I'm hungry.
I ate well today. Cereal for breakfast. Four slices of caprese pizza for lunch. Two fish tacos for dinner and a night cap of Chocolate Chip Frappucino. And lots of water throughout the day.
The anti-nausea pills (I think) are causing the dizziness and sleepiness.
I slept 8 hours last night. I took a 1.5 hour nap this afternoon. And I'm going to bed soon.
I enjoyed the day. I drove without incident but I am now serious about not texting and driving.
Let's hope tomorrow is just as good!
Thank you all!!
Dizzy mostly. It comes and goes.
My nose is extremely sensitive but since I have not been nauseous, I'm hungry.
I ate well today. Cereal for breakfast. Four slices of caprese pizza for lunch. Two fish tacos for dinner and a night cap of Chocolate Chip Frappucino. And lots of water throughout the day.
The anti-nausea pills (I think) are causing the dizziness and sleepiness.
I slept 8 hours last night. I took a 1.5 hour nap this afternoon. And I'm going to bed soon.
I enjoyed the day. I drove without incident but I am now serious about not texting and driving.
Let's hope tomorrow is just as good!
Thank you all!!
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Chemo...dun dun duuunnnnn
Chemo Treatment One:
My Southern BFF woke me up as she drove to work but I was hoping for sleep. Turns out she only called 5 minutes before the alarm. I jumped in the shower and dressed and was ready when Tejinder arrived just after 9am.
Tejinder is a RN, ex-coworker, Komen volunteer, Survivor and friend. She rocked as my advocate for today. She shared her story and told me not to listen too closely as every one's journey is different. I have been extremely apprehensive but in the end, it turns out my imagination is better than it should be for a stuffy accountant.
I turned in my FMLA and disability paperwork ($50 racket!), paid my co-pay and was weighed (down 4lbs - not sure how??). Tejinder and I then went in to wait for Dr P. It took quite awhile but we talked about Italy, India, rudeness, being a grown up, etc. Dr. P wanted to know what I was most concerned about and how I was feeling. Barfing and good. I'm going to die of old age.
The Room:
Women and men laying in recliners, attached to an IV stand (George per Katie RN, here in after referred to as Katie), looking relaxed or nauseous (not sure ?). Apparently, you must arrive early to get a chair on the sunny side of the room. I wasn't early enough.
Katie introduced herself and began her routine. Its chicken with head cut off meets IV bags, needles and hot pads. My port allows me to receive chemo and give blood - all with one quick prick - bulls eye every time. And now that the swelling and tugging have receded, I am going to like this port.
The first bag contained an anti-nausea and benedril. The port swiftly delivers the drip to my heart through a large vein. Reaction is immediate. Floating and sleepy. Bag 2 was Carboplatin and made me dizzy and sleepy. At this point, I stopped fighting and drifted to la la land. It was peaceful sleep - better than I've been getting at home. I told Tejinder to go since I know watching me sleep is no picnic. Bag 3 was Taxetere and I only awoke long enough to see Katie start the switch. This seemed to have no effect.
I woke after about 2.5 hours feeling well. I went potty (see I can type PG). Stretched. Tried to read a trash mag - I couldn't even concentrate on the pictures. I decided to listen to Susan's iPad so I put on my earphones, turned on the Clarkson album and begin to chair dance and adjust the volume. Yes, Lyndsay, I forget to plug the earphones into the iPad so Katie had to come over and help me out. I am a dipshit.
Boredom:
Visitors of all kinds were in and out. Some came with patients and others came to thank the staff and hang out. The latter brought brownies. They are welcome back. Someone handed out dark chocolate pretzels - a personal fav - but I should have asked where she found them. My "group" appears to be primarily elderly individuals with the exception of one or two. And despite everyone saying I'd be cold, I was hot and sweaty. Katie noticed the ants in my pants but I declined her help. I may need to bring a fan but the logistics of cooling me while everyone else is cold is puzzling.
Walmart called and confirmed my iPad 2 order. Yes everyone, I have gone to the DARK side. Mark picked it up, chose a good cover, and then brought it to me. In the meantime, Tejinder brought me my favorite burger - INO cheeseburger with raw onion and a coke. I need to better plan for a meal or two. Today I overloaded on sugar which was not good. Mark was not finished downloading the new iPad software when the bags ran dry. I asked Tejinder to go and made Mark take me home. He setup the iPad with the apps and stuff I wanted. It rocks!!
Afterwards:
I have 5 oral meds to take for anti-nausea over the next several days. I also must report in for daily shots that will keep my "counts" up. I don't know exactly what this means but essentially chemo kills cancer and humans. The shots are to keep this human's immune system working.
The euphoria of my new iPad is receding so I am more aware of symptoms. When I first arrived home, I swore my brother had burned a pot on the stove. Per him and Mark, it was all in my head. Not a resounding verification, but I'm going to assume it was a symptom. It has faded. Slight dizziness has been pecking at my head all evening. Its not bad but I'm a klutz so sitting vs walking is preferred. And dizziness leads to nausea if not countered with cold. Ice truly is my hero so far.
I ate a wedge of brie and my low call BBQ PopChips. It still tasted good. If I toss it tonight, it may not. I'm going to eat cereal or noodles later. Tired-ish now. Its hard to type and be dizzy.
A special thank you to today's angels: Tejinder, Dr P, Katie, Mark and my bro. Your kindness, support, love, and humor are making this journey a simple bump in the road. LOVE and THANKS!!!
To all that have texted or emailed, I will always try to respond but sleep comes soooo easily. I appreciate all your prayers, inquires, love and support. Keep them coming!
Samantha :)
My Southern BFF woke me up as she drove to work but I was hoping for sleep. Turns out she only called 5 minutes before the alarm. I jumped in the shower and dressed and was ready when Tejinder arrived just after 9am.
Tejinder is a RN, ex-coworker, Komen volunteer, Survivor and friend. She rocked as my advocate for today. She shared her story and told me not to listen too closely as every one's journey is different. I have been extremely apprehensive but in the end, it turns out my imagination is better than it should be for a stuffy accountant.
I turned in my FMLA and disability paperwork ($50 racket!), paid my co-pay and was weighed (down 4lbs - not sure how??). Tejinder and I then went in to wait for Dr P. It took quite awhile but we talked about Italy, India, rudeness, being a grown up, etc. Dr. P wanted to know what I was most concerned about and how I was feeling. Barfing and good. I'm going to die of old age.
The Room:
Women and men laying in recliners, attached to an IV stand (George per Katie RN, here in after referred to as Katie), looking relaxed or nauseous (not sure ?). Apparently, you must arrive early to get a chair on the sunny side of the room. I wasn't early enough.
Katie introduced herself and began her routine. Its chicken with head cut off meets IV bags, needles and hot pads. My port allows me to receive chemo and give blood - all with one quick prick - bulls eye every time. And now that the swelling and tugging have receded, I am going to like this port.
The first bag contained an anti-nausea and benedril. The port swiftly delivers the drip to my heart through a large vein. Reaction is immediate. Floating and sleepy. Bag 2 was Carboplatin and made me dizzy and sleepy. At this point, I stopped fighting and drifted to la la land. It was peaceful sleep - better than I've been getting at home. I told Tejinder to go since I know watching me sleep is no picnic. Bag 3 was Taxetere and I only awoke long enough to see Katie start the switch. This seemed to have no effect.
I woke after about 2.5 hours feeling well. I went potty (see I can type PG). Stretched. Tried to read a trash mag - I couldn't even concentrate on the pictures. I decided to listen to Susan's iPad so I put on my earphones, turned on the Clarkson album and begin to chair dance and adjust the volume. Yes, Lyndsay, I forget to plug the earphones into the iPad so Katie had to come over and help me out. I am a dipshit.
Boredom:
Visitors of all kinds were in and out. Some came with patients and others came to thank the staff and hang out. The latter brought brownies. They are welcome back. Someone handed out dark chocolate pretzels - a personal fav - but I should have asked where she found them. My "group" appears to be primarily elderly individuals with the exception of one or two. And despite everyone saying I'd be cold, I was hot and sweaty. Katie noticed the ants in my pants but I declined her help. I may need to bring a fan but the logistics of cooling me while everyone else is cold is puzzling.
Walmart called and confirmed my iPad 2 order. Yes everyone, I have gone to the DARK side. Mark picked it up, chose a good cover, and then brought it to me. In the meantime, Tejinder brought me my favorite burger - INO cheeseburger with raw onion and a coke. I need to better plan for a meal or two. Today I overloaded on sugar which was not good. Mark was not finished downloading the new iPad software when the bags ran dry. I asked Tejinder to go and made Mark take me home. He setup the iPad with the apps and stuff I wanted. It rocks!!
Afterwards:
I have 5 oral meds to take for anti-nausea over the next several days. I also must report in for daily shots that will keep my "counts" up. I don't know exactly what this means but essentially chemo kills cancer and humans. The shots are to keep this human's immune system working.
The euphoria of my new iPad is receding so I am more aware of symptoms. When I first arrived home, I swore my brother had burned a pot on the stove. Per him and Mark, it was all in my head. Not a resounding verification, but I'm going to assume it was a symptom. It has faded. Slight dizziness has been pecking at my head all evening. Its not bad but I'm a klutz so sitting vs walking is preferred. And dizziness leads to nausea if not countered with cold. Ice truly is my hero so far.
I ate a wedge of brie and my low call BBQ PopChips. It still tasted good. If I toss it tonight, it may not. I'm going to eat cereal or noodles later. Tired-ish now. Its hard to type and be dizzy.
A special thank you to today's angels: Tejinder, Dr P, Katie, Mark and my bro. Your kindness, support, love, and humor are making this journey a simple bump in the road. LOVE and THANKS!!!
To all that have texted or emailed, I will always try to respond but sleep comes soooo easily. I appreciate all your prayers, inquires, love and support. Keep them coming!
Samantha :)
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Adventures in Medical Procedures
Port:
The staff at the imaging center, although very professional, is hilarious. Two male nurses that were like a comedy tag team got me ready and answered questions....well, eventually. I'm not exactly a serious patient so I can't blame them. They say laughing is the best medicine and I have to agree.
In less than an hour, I was pumped full of versed and demerol and the vortex port was implanted. I was loopy but managed to walk out on my own. Erica was very thankful.
We got lunch and headed to my house. I remember eating but I do not remember much more. I think I took a few phone calls and answered a few texts. That might not have been wise. I slept through much of the day.
The port incisions are sore and I have lost some mobility in my neck. There is a pulling near the site. I hope that goes away.
Chemo:
The date is set: Wednesday at 9:45 am. I have a friend to take me and pick me up. She is a survivor and a nurse so she knows what I'm facing. She will hold my hand.
I can do this!!
The staff at the imaging center, although very professional, is hilarious. Two male nurses that were like a comedy tag team got me ready and answered questions....well, eventually. I'm not exactly a serious patient so I can't blame them. They say laughing is the best medicine and I have to agree.
In less than an hour, I was pumped full of versed and demerol and the vortex port was implanted. I was loopy but managed to walk out on my own. Erica was very thankful.
We got lunch and headed to my house. I remember eating but I do not remember much more. I think I took a few phone calls and answered a few texts. That might not have been wise. I slept through much of the day.
The port incisions are sore and I have lost some mobility in my neck. There is a pulling near the site. I hope that goes away.
Chemo:
The date is set: Wednesday at 9:45 am. I have a friend to take me and pick me up. She is a survivor and a nurse so she knows what I'm facing. She will hold my hand.
I can do this!!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Post Surgical Update
Oncologist:
My oncologist and I visited briefly. The wound looked good and he thought I was ready for chemo. He stated my likelihood of developing lymphodema is only 20%. He also said my weight will be the biggest factor and I could begin working out again. He wants me to "train like an Olympian". I'm not sure I'm up to that but I am definitely ready to return to my high school fighting weight.
The chemo will include other drugs to fight the nausea and fatigue. I need to start on Metamucil. (I think my mother somehow planted that idea.)
Surgeon:
My surgeon pulled off the bandages (Ooooucchhh) and then replaced with clean steri-strips. The wound is healing well and I do not have a lot of fluid built up. She will review the wound again on October 11 at 3pm. Please note the date and time are more for my reference than yours. My memory is already a jumbled mess.
The pathology report has not been completed. However, my surgeon confirmed that the nodes were negative for cancer. (YES!) She also spoke to the pathologist and was told no other IDC was found but there were a few spots of DCIS on the "far" side of the tissue - away from the original tissue removal site. She thinks radiation should take care of what's left. She was optimistic but guarded. She wants to see the final written report.
I am to avoid use of my arm for at least a month. However, I am cleared for low impact aerobics. She wants me to work on a healthy diet also.
Status:
The incision where the lymph nodes were excised is sore. Ice is my new best friend. The second incision is fine. I'm not any more tired than normal. My apetite is nil. Let's hope that helps.
Port on Thursday. First chemo next Wednesday.
Thanks again for all the help, jokes, love and prayers. Each and every bit is felt and needed.
My oncologist and I visited briefly. The wound looked good and he thought I was ready for chemo. He stated my likelihood of developing lymphodema is only 20%. He also said my weight will be the biggest factor and I could begin working out again. He wants me to "train like an Olympian". I'm not sure I'm up to that but I am definitely ready to return to my high school fighting weight.
The chemo will include other drugs to fight the nausea and fatigue. I need to start on Metamucil. (I think my mother somehow planted that idea.)
Surgeon:
My surgeon pulled off the bandages (Ooooucchhh) and then replaced with clean steri-strips. The wound is healing well and I do not have a lot of fluid built up. She will review the wound again on October 11 at 3pm. Please note the date and time are more for my reference than yours. My memory is already a jumbled mess.
The pathology report has not been completed. However, my surgeon confirmed that the nodes were negative for cancer. (YES!) She also spoke to the pathologist and was told no other IDC was found but there were a few spots of DCIS on the "far" side of the tissue - away from the original tissue removal site. She thinks radiation should take care of what's left. She was optimistic but guarded. She wants to see the final written report.
I am to avoid use of my arm for at least a month. However, I am cleared for low impact aerobics. She wants me to work on a healthy diet also.
Status:
The incision where the lymph nodes were excised is sore. Ice is my new best friend. The second incision is fine. I'm not any more tired than normal. My apetite is nil. Let's hope that helps.
Port on Thursday. First chemo next Wednesday.
Thanks again for all the help, jokes, love and prayers. Each and every bit is felt and needed.
Monday, September 17, 2012
DD Found
Hello again ~
Erica has volunteered to be my DD on Thursday. Her mother has been through this twice so she knows the ropes.
Tomorrow is results day. First with oncologist and then with surgeon.
I'm saying my prayers. Please say yours too. I know He hears them.
Thank you!
Erica has volunteered to be my DD on Thursday. Her mother has been through this twice so she knows the ropes.
Tomorrow is results day. First with oncologist and then with surgeon.
I'm saying my prayers. Please say yours too. I know He hears them.
Thank you!
DD Needed
Hello All ~
I need a medical port placed just under my skin to accept the chemo meds. I've been told it's a simple procedure but they do knock me out briefly so I am not allowed to drive.
My appointment is at 10:15 on Thursday, September 20. I need a driver to pick me up, deliver me to the imaging center and take me home an hour or two later.
Please text me if you're willing and able.
Thank you.
I need a medical port placed just under my skin to accept the chemo meds. I've been told it's a simple procedure but they do knock me out briefly so I am not allowed to drive.
My appointment is at 10:15 on Thursday, September 20. I need a driver to pick me up, deliver me to the imaging center and take me home an hour or two later.
Please text me if you're willing and able.
Thank you.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
And I'm off....
Lumpectomy #2:
Yesterday I had my second lumpectomy. Although the oncologist was satisfied with my previous margins, he was worried there could be more multi-focal DCIS. Results Tuesday.
This was also an opportunity to biopsy my lymph nodes. The surgeon excised three nodes and they looked clear. Pathology should confirm on Tuesday.
Pathology:
I meet with my oncologist Tuesday afternoon. I'm hoping all is clear.
Port:
The veins in my hand are quite small so I will need a medical port inserted just below my skin on the left side. It is a common outpatient procedure. I will be sedated and I will need a driver. I have been scheduled for Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 10:15 am.
Chemo:
I do not have a date for chemo yet but its anticipated to start the week of September 24. My immune system will be compromised. I'm not sure how this will affect my plan to continue working??
Again, thank you for all the help, cheers and prayers. And keep them coming. One battle at a time.
Thank you.
Yesterday I had my second lumpectomy. Although the oncologist was satisfied with my previous margins, he was worried there could be more multi-focal DCIS. Results Tuesday.
This was also an opportunity to biopsy my lymph nodes. The surgeon excised three nodes and they looked clear. Pathology should confirm on Tuesday.
Pathology:
I meet with my oncologist Tuesday afternoon. I'm hoping all is clear.
Port:
The veins in my hand are quite small so I will need a medical port inserted just below my skin on the left side. It is a common outpatient procedure. I will be sedated and I will need a driver. I have been scheduled for Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 10:15 am.
Chemo:
I do not have a date for chemo yet but its anticipated to start the week of September 24. My immune system will be compromised. I'm not sure how this will affect my plan to continue working??
Again, thank you for all the help, cheers and prayers. And keep them coming. One battle at a time.
Thank you.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Plan for the Worst, Pray for the Best
Oncology:
I met with the oncologist and we went over the lab findings and he made recommendations. He believes that the surgeon got all the IDC but that there may be additional DCIS remaining. He also examined my breasts and lymph areas. I was given two choices:
1. A second lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy followed by chemo and radiation.
2. Chemo followed by a mastectomy and possibly radiation. This option would also require an immediate ultrasound of the lymph area.
Chemo:
Chemo will consist of 6 treatments spread over 15 weeks - one treatment every three weeks. I received a great deal of literature to review. Common side effects include hair loss, nausea, weight gain, diarrhea, fatigue, fluid retention and numbness in fingers and toes. The good news is these side effects should be temporary.
The chemo drugs are administered intravenously. I will be receiving Carboplatin, Taxotere and Herciptin. The veins in my hand are small so I will have a port installed. This is temporary and will be removed when treatments conclude.
Radiation:
Radiation will be administered daily M-F for six weeks after chemo is complete. The process only takes a few minutes after the initial appointment. Side effects include fatigue and sunburn like reddening of the skin.
My Choice:
I have chosen to have a lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy followed by chemo and radiation. If the lumpectomy is successful and all DCIS can be removed with clear margins, the likelihood of recurrence is only 3-4% higher than with a mastectomy and chemo.
There is a chance that the DCIS is throughout the breast and complete removal through lumpectomy will be impossible. If this happens, I will have to have a mastectomy after chemo is complete.
My original plan was to be proactive but my cancer is stage 1. Its early. I don't need to rush ahead too fast. One step at a time.
Schedule:
I will be going in for surgery on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 3:00pm. My oncology follow up is scheduled for Tuesday, September 18, 2012 but I forgot what time. Chemo should start soon after.
Needs:
Prayers above all. Perhaps nutritious low sodium, low fat meals for Thursday. My weight is quite literally a noose around my neck and its time to turn it around. Kenny will keep me moving and I will learn to like to cook again.
Status:
I will make sure a post goes to my FB once I'm in recovery. Please wait for this update.
THANK YOU!! I am basking in all the love and support you are sending. Please keep it coming as it makes this journey so much better.
I met with the oncologist and we went over the lab findings and he made recommendations. He believes that the surgeon got all the IDC but that there may be additional DCIS remaining. He also examined my breasts and lymph areas. I was given two choices:
1. A second lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy followed by chemo and radiation.
2. Chemo followed by a mastectomy and possibly radiation. This option would also require an immediate ultrasound of the lymph area.
Chemo:
Chemo will consist of 6 treatments spread over 15 weeks - one treatment every three weeks. I received a great deal of literature to review. Common side effects include hair loss, nausea, weight gain, diarrhea, fatigue, fluid retention and numbness in fingers and toes. The good news is these side effects should be temporary.
The chemo drugs are administered intravenously. I will be receiving Carboplatin, Taxotere and Herciptin. The veins in my hand are small so I will have a port installed. This is temporary and will be removed when treatments conclude.
Radiation:
Radiation will be administered daily M-F for six weeks after chemo is complete. The process only takes a few minutes after the initial appointment. Side effects include fatigue and sunburn like reddening of the skin.
My Choice:
I have chosen to have a lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy followed by chemo and radiation. If the lumpectomy is successful and all DCIS can be removed with clear margins, the likelihood of recurrence is only 3-4% higher than with a mastectomy and chemo.
There is a chance that the DCIS is throughout the breast and complete removal through lumpectomy will be impossible. If this happens, I will have to have a mastectomy after chemo is complete.
My original plan was to be proactive but my cancer is stage 1. Its early. I don't need to rush ahead too fast. One step at a time.
Schedule:
I will be going in for surgery on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 3:00pm. My oncology follow up is scheduled for Tuesday, September 18, 2012 but I forgot what time. Chemo should start soon after.
Needs:
Prayers above all. Perhaps nutritious low sodium, low fat meals for Thursday. My weight is quite literally a noose around my neck and its time to turn it around. Kenny will keep me moving and I will learn to like to cook again.
Status:
I will make sure a post goes to my FB once I'm in recovery. Please wait for this update.
THANK YOU!! I am basking in all the love and support you are sending. Please keep it coming as it makes this journey so much better.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
HMO Twist
Doctors don't like HMOs and I have an HMO.
I have made multiple attempts to find a surgeon to give me a second opinion. My top choice will not take my HMO. I'm already with one of the top three so I will not be getting a second opinion at this point.
Reconstruction:
Weight is a big factor when considering reconstruction. Belly fat can pull on the wound, complicating healing. It is recommended that heavy individuals heal after a mastectomy before going forward with reconstruction. Further, unilateral reconstruction means the reconstructed breast will forever be the same size but the other will grow and shrink with weight gain and weight loss. Its a lot to consider.
Prosthetics:
My BFF is a prosthetician. This can be a good non-surgical solution either temporarily or permanently. It still seems odd to me but it will give me time to get used to the new me.
Oncology:
Dr. Perkins has agreed to meet with me on Monday at 7:00 am. I will have a friend with me who has been there done that, twice. Dr. Perkins should be able to answer a LOT of the many questions accumulating.
Health:
I am going to continue seeing my trainer until they tell me I can't. Today's workout although short felt great. I now I have a few things I can do that don't make me bounce or rub myself the wrong way.
I was told I will need someone with me for 10 days after surgery. Once I have a surgery date, I will post a schedule.
Keep the thoughts, prayers and laughs coming.
Thank you all!!
I have made multiple attempts to find a surgeon to give me a second opinion. My top choice will not take my HMO. I'm already with one of the top three so I will not be getting a second opinion at this point.
Reconstruction:
Weight is a big factor when considering reconstruction. Belly fat can pull on the wound, complicating healing. It is recommended that heavy individuals heal after a mastectomy before going forward with reconstruction. Further, unilateral reconstruction means the reconstructed breast will forever be the same size but the other will grow and shrink with weight gain and weight loss. Its a lot to consider.
Prosthetics:
My BFF is a prosthetician. This can be a good non-surgical solution either temporarily or permanently. It still seems odd to me but it will give me time to get used to the new me.
Oncology:
Dr. Perkins has agreed to meet with me on Monday at 7:00 am. I will have a friend with me who has been there done that, twice. Dr. Perkins should be able to answer a LOT of the many questions accumulating.
Health:
I am going to continue seeing my trainer until they tell me I can't. Today's workout although short felt great. I now I have a few things I can do that don't make me bounce or rub myself the wrong way.
I was told I will need someone with me for 10 days after surgery. Once I have a surgery date, I will post a schedule.
Keep the thoughts, prayers and laughs coming.
Thank you all!!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Something New
My sister and I got a chance to talk today. We have the same Dad but only met in 2007 and are still finding our way. She was 20 when he passed.
The good news is she knows his family history. Our grandma Ruby had breast cancer.
There IS family history. Genetic testing may be warranted.
Spirits are good. Laughs are plenty.
Thank you!!
The good news is she knows his family history. Our grandma Ruby had breast cancer.
There IS family history. Genetic testing may be warranted.
Spirits are good. Laughs are plenty.
Thank you!!
Journey and Pathology To Date
First, a mammogram has saved my life.
My annual mammo on 8/8/12 was compared to my 2011 mammo and a change in my right breast was detected.
On 8/22/12, a surgical biopsy was performed with needle localization.
Pathology:
There was a 1cmX1cmX1cm invasive cancerous tumor.
The remaining tissue contained comedonecrotic pre-cancer, a very aggressive form.
Surgical Recommendation:
The surgeon is recommending unilateral mastectomy.
Next Step:
I need to meet with an oncologist and a plastic surgeon. I am also going to talk to a second surgeon. I was given a two week timeline so I should have more info by the end of next week.
Emotional Status:
Ok. I'm tired of talking about it and tired of researching it. The upside is I have sisters everywhere I look. And for once, I understand some of the signs God has sent.
For all those offering to help, be careful what you ask for. For the next week I'm requesting gut-busting, pee-in-my-pants belly laughs. There will be plenty of time for more serious requests.
Thank you for the love and the prayers.
My annual mammo on 8/8/12 was compared to my 2011 mammo and a change in my right breast was detected.
On 8/22/12, a surgical biopsy was performed with needle localization.
Pathology:
There was a 1cmX1cmX1cm invasive cancerous tumor.
The remaining tissue contained comedonecrotic pre-cancer, a very aggressive form.
Surgical Recommendation:
The surgeon is recommending unilateral mastectomy.
Next Step:
I need to meet with an oncologist and a plastic surgeon. I am also going to talk to a second surgeon. I was given a two week timeline so I should have more info by the end of next week.
Emotional Status:
Ok. I'm tired of talking about it and tired of researching it. The upside is I have sisters everywhere I look. And for once, I understand some of the signs God has sent.
For all those offering to help, be careful what you ask for. For the next week I'm requesting gut-busting, pee-in-my-pants belly laughs. There will be plenty of time for more serious requests.
Thank you for the love and the prayers.
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