My third and final (we assume) breast surgery was on Monday. I didn't feel anxiety about it... it was like "old hat". :-) I just wanted to get it overwith and had confidence in my doctor's skills.
He removed more breast tissue as well as my port-a-cath. This means there's a "boo boo" on both sides of my chest. Icing and using Tylenol for the first 24 hours helped a lot with pain management. I'm still quite sore. What's odd is that there is a lot of fluid floating in my breast and the swishing sounds when I move are driving me bonkers. (too much info?) :-) I'll be grateful when the body absorbs all of that liquid!
The surgeon called last night to tell me the "great news" (as he put it). He said that no cancer and no residual cancer was found in my breast tissue. :-) It's a relief to not need another surgery! If cancer had shown up at the margin again, I'd have had a mastectomy the next time around.
I'm so glad this part of treatment is behind me. In a few weeks I'll start radiation therapy, and that will most likely be on M-F for six weeks.
I'm babysitting my grandson for long hours (eleven) today and had him for the same number of hours yesterday. I'm quite tired so will close here to take a wee nap before he wakes again.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Upcoming Surgery
It's been a while since I've updated my blog.
Surgery is just around the corner--- number three! On Monday, Sept. 27th, I'll have more tissue removed with the hope of getting clean margins this time. It wasn't an easy decision to make--- mastectomy or tissue --- but I made the best one I could for this point in time. My life is so busy with three small children that I just don't feel I can be off my feet for two major surgeries (mastectomy and reconstruction). I just want to get this overwith and move forward--- and my surgeon feels that I AM a good candidate for the type of surgery I've chosen. We know that there may very well be nothing left at the margin anyway.
After surgery, there will be a recovery period, and then--- radiation five days per week for six weeks. I've been told by several people that this leaves one feeling exhausted. Oh boy!
My hair is finally "filling in". It's very very short and I still look bald from a distance, but it's coming in quite well. It's fuzzy and soft. It appears to be a mix of light and dark hair. My eyebrows are growing back in (I'd lost at least 50% of them) dark --- a smokey color. Normally, they're blonde. And, my eyelashes are coming back (also lost 50% of those after the final chemo). Realizing that I'm going to need to wear head coverings for a few months yet, I recently ordered more colors. I had expected that once chemo ended my hair would grow like crazy. NOT. It's a VERY slow process. A survivor told me that it takes four to five months to get what looks like a "buzz cut". :-( I really miss having long hair, but It'd better not expect it anytime soon--- MAYBE a year from now? MAYBE.
I've been having some pressure and discomfort in my lower abdomen for nearly a week now. I went for an ultrasound today but won't have results for 3-5 days.
So much has happened since I last blogged. Last week, I went for a dental cleaning---six months check-up. On the last day of chemo I'd asked my oncologist if I could go to the dentist now. She smiled and said "yes". OOOPS! She forgot about my port, I guess, and I didn't know it mattered. The dentist sent me home. Apparently, if one has a port-a-cath in the chest one has to take a high dose of antibiotics one hour prior to having dental work done.
Well, two hours after arriving home I was munching on a salad when my TOOTH BROKE! How ironic! So, I called the dentist, he ordered an antibiotic and ... back to his office the next day for repair work--- $314. I hope and pray insurance will cover it, or at least a good chunk.
Also, during the past few weeks my father has continued to gain strength at the rehab facility. He's hoping to go home next week. Stephen, Kaylee, the kids and I attended an anniversary party activity at the rehab center. The married patients got to tell about their wedding day, how long they've been married, how many children, etc. It was nice. They had a wedding cake which my parents were invited to cut. :-)
My sister and her husband were "home" in Maine for two weeks. They were a tremendous help to my parents, as well as an encouragement. They are two of the most giving people I know, along with my parents. We were happy to see them a few times while they were here.
We enjoyed participating as a family in the local Komen Race for the Cure last weekend. A few friends joined us and that meant a lot to us. We definitely want to walk/run annually now! :) While at the race, Stephen and I were interviewed for the news. THAT was unexpected!
Kaylee's friend Whitney, from Bible school, was here for about 10 days and went back to Michigan this week. She's a really nice girl and we enjoyed spending time with her. Sadly, it was a really stressful and hectic time... so we didn't get to just relax much during her stay. I wish we could have a "re-do" at a less busy time.
We've had sooo much going on... Dad's heart attack and rehab stay, Mom's need to stay here some nights, Whitney's visit, the boys in school and our getting used to such early mornings and busy evenings, my health, a family matter that requires us to be support people to others right now, my husband's two jobs, Kathryn being a super active toddler, car repair, roof repair needs, juggle, juggle, juggle... some days, it just feels like complete OVERLOAD.
I really feel that I desperately need some "down time" (REST) for a good hour EVERY SINGLE afternoon, but it seems IMPOSSIBLE to get that. It would make such a huge difference. I fear the toll that "rush, rush, rush" and "push, push, push" will take on my health.
Right now, Kaylee and I are trying to babysit my grandson a lot (almost daily) while my son and his wife work multiple jobs. It's a LOT with the other three kids. I don't think either one of us could do it without the other's help. I'm worried about next week when I'm "laid up" from surgery--- I don't want Kaylee to be burried in responsbilities--- the house, the kids, the grandbaby, the meals... I hope I won't be out of commission for long.
We're looking forward for some family time away in a couple of weeks. I think all of the kids will be able to go--- including my grown ones and hte grandbaby. :-) It's TIME for some fun again. Stephen's birthday is on Sunday--- we're planning to cook with teh fondu pot and maybe go to the orchard. :-) YAY!
Well, it's time to get some rest. The kids get up early.
Prayer Requests:
Dad's health
Mom's need for strength as she looks after Dad and herself
My surgery and health concerns (the pressure/discomfort)
Sara's health (still having weekly chemos)
The couple I've shared about (HUGE answers to prayer these days regarding them)
Finances for auto repair (Stephen's van is overheating and leaking water) and somewhat small garage roof repair needs (the roof leak is over our bedroom and caused a mold problem last winter--- we HAVE to get it fixed. Thsi will involve finding someone to cut down a tree that shadows the garage roof on the side that's a concern.)
Surgery is just around the corner--- number three! On Monday, Sept. 27th, I'll have more tissue removed with the hope of getting clean margins this time. It wasn't an easy decision to make--- mastectomy or tissue --- but I made the best one I could for this point in time. My life is so busy with three small children that I just don't feel I can be off my feet for two major surgeries (mastectomy and reconstruction). I just want to get this overwith and move forward--- and my surgeon feels that I AM a good candidate for the type of surgery I've chosen. We know that there may very well be nothing left at the margin anyway.
After surgery, there will be a recovery period, and then--- radiation five days per week for six weeks. I've been told by several people that this leaves one feeling exhausted. Oh boy!
My hair is finally "filling in". It's very very short and I still look bald from a distance, but it's coming in quite well. It's fuzzy and soft. It appears to be a mix of light and dark hair. My eyebrows are growing back in (I'd lost at least 50% of them) dark --- a smokey color. Normally, they're blonde. And, my eyelashes are coming back (also lost 50% of those after the final chemo). Realizing that I'm going to need to wear head coverings for a few months yet, I recently ordered more colors. I had expected that once chemo ended my hair would grow like crazy. NOT. It's a VERY slow process. A survivor told me that it takes four to five months to get what looks like a "buzz cut". :-( I really miss having long hair, but It'd better not expect it anytime soon--- MAYBE a year from now? MAYBE.
I've been having some pressure and discomfort in my lower abdomen for nearly a week now. I went for an ultrasound today but won't have results for 3-5 days.
So much has happened since I last blogged. Last week, I went for a dental cleaning---six months check-up. On the last day of chemo I'd asked my oncologist if I could go to the dentist now. She smiled and said "yes". OOOPS! She forgot about my port, I guess, and I didn't know it mattered. The dentist sent me home. Apparently, if one has a port-a-cath in the chest one has to take a high dose of antibiotics one hour prior to having dental work done.
Well, two hours after arriving home I was munching on a salad when my TOOTH BROKE! How ironic! So, I called the dentist, he ordered an antibiotic and ... back to his office the next day for repair work--- $314. I hope and pray insurance will cover it, or at least a good chunk.
Also, during the past few weeks my father has continued to gain strength at the rehab facility. He's hoping to go home next week. Stephen, Kaylee, the kids and I attended an anniversary party activity at the rehab center. The married patients got to tell about their wedding day, how long they've been married, how many children, etc. It was nice. They had a wedding cake which my parents were invited to cut. :-)
My sister and her husband were "home" in Maine for two weeks. They were a tremendous help to my parents, as well as an encouragement. They are two of the most giving people I know, along with my parents. We were happy to see them a few times while they were here.
We enjoyed participating as a family in the local Komen Race for the Cure last weekend. A few friends joined us and that meant a lot to us. We definitely want to walk/run annually now! :) While at the race, Stephen and I were interviewed for the news. THAT was unexpected!
Kaylee's friend Whitney, from Bible school, was here for about 10 days and went back to Michigan this week. She's a really nice girl and we enjoyed spending time with her. Sadly, it was a really stressful and hectic time... so we didn't get to just relax much during her stay. I wish we could have a "re-do" at a less busy time.
We've had sooo much going on... Dad's heart attack and rehab stay, Mom's need to stay here some nights, Whitney's visit, the boys in school and our getting used to such early mornings and busy evenings, my health, a family matter that requires us to be support people to others right now, my husband's two jobs, Kathryn being a super active toddler, car repair, roof repair needs, juggle, juggle, juggle... some days, it just feels like complete OVERLOAD.
I really feel that I desperately need some "down time" (REST) for a good hour EVERY SINGLE afternoon, but it seems IMPOSSIBLE to get that. It would make such a huge difference. I fear the toll that "rush, rush, rush" and "push, push, push" will take on my health.
Right now, Kaylee and I are trying to babysit my grandson a lot (almost daily) while my son and his wife work multiple jobs. It's a LOT with the other three kids. I don't think either one of us could do it without the other's help. I'm worried about next week when I'm "laid up" from surgery--- I don't want Kaylee to be burried in responsbilities--- the house, the kids, the grandbaby, the meals... I hope I won't be out of commission for long.
We're looking forward for some family time away in a couple of weeks. I think all of the kids will be able to go--- including my grown ones and hte grandbaby. :-) It's TIME for some fun again. Stephen's birthday is on Sunday--- we're planning to cook with teh fondu pot and maybe go to the orchard. :-) YAY!
Well, it's time to get some rest. The kids get up early.
Prayer Requests:
Dad's health
Mom's need for strength as she looks after Dad and herself
My surgery and health concerns (the pressure/discomfort)
Sara's health (still having weekly chemos)
The couple I've shared about (HUGE answers to prayer these days regarding them)
Finances for auto repair (Stephen's van is overheating and leaking water) and somewhat small garage roof repair needs (the roof leak is over our bedroom and caused a mold problem last winter--- we HAVE to get it fixed. Thsi will involve finding someone to cut down a tree that shadows the garage roof on the side that's a concern.)
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Five Weeks Post-Chemo
Several weeks have passed since the last and final chemo treatment--- five tomorrow, to be exact.
I'm feeling well other than having frequent bouts of fatigue. It's hard to stop and rest when you have an active, young family and a will to take back your normal duties. :-)
I met with a genetic counselor about a week ago and he concluded that he does not believe I carry either the BRAC1 or BRAC2 gene (breast cancer gene mutation). RELIEF!
I also met with my surgeon last week and he's giving me time to make a surgery decision. After I left the appointment, he ordered a referral to meet with a plastic surgeon just to discuss my reconstruction options if I choose to have a mastectomy. I've given it a lot of thought and I think that I'll probably opt out of the mastectomy choice and go with more tissue excision and radiation. It just seems as though it'd fit with our lifestyle more right now. I can't imagine having a couple of serious surgeries and recovery periods right now... the kids are so young and so busy. I need to be back on my feet and stay on my feet right now. And, the risk for a recurrence in my "sick breast" would be almost as low with excision and radiation as it would be with a mastectomy. They're considered equal choices nowadays.
I haven't informed my surgeon of this decision yet, but I'll see him next week and will talk about it then.
We have had a stressful 2010 in our family. I've had breast cancer, my niece was diagnosed with it just after I was, we had family living with us for about six weeks this year (and, I worked my tail off trying to cook two nutritious meals per day for my daughter-in-law's health during her complicated pregnancy during that stay--- on top of caring for the house and three little ones), my grandson was born prematurely and was in NICU for several weeks, my dad has had a heart attack and has been in care for two weeks now--- for congestive heart failure, and a couple close to us is having serious marriage problems. It's been "heavy".
But, God's blessings have never stopped, even during the difficulties. God is still God, and He NEVER changes.
We had an 85th birthday celeberbration for my father on Sunday. We gathered in a local restaurant that he likes. There was a great turn-out of family members---somewhere between 45 and50, I think.
The twins have started kindergarten and are doing well. Kaylee's making plans to return to Bible college in Jan. My sister and her husband are in Maine from Florida for 1 1/2 weeks to assist my parents in any way that they can help during this time of Dad's illness. Kaylee's Bible college friend is coming on Sunday to visit for 10 days. My grandbaby is growing and thriving... four months old now. Life just keeps on keeping on... it's busy one.
Prayer requests:
My father's health --- he's currently in rehab. in the city where I live
My mother ---as she tries to live between two places while Dad's in rehab.
Kaylee---finances to return to Bible school in Jan. to finish her final semester
Me--- upcoming surgery and radiation treatment
Sara--- my niece as she continues with weekly chemotherapy treatments
The couple who is having marriage problems
My sister and her husband --- for strength as they help/minister to my parents
Thank you!
Kelli
I'm feeling well other than having frequent bouts of fatigue. It's hard to stop and rest when you have an active, young family and a will to take back your normal duties. :-)
I met with a genetic counselor about a week ago and he concluded that he does not believe I carry either the BRAC1 or BRAC2 gene (breast cancer gene mutation). RELIEF!
I also met with my surgeon last week and he's giving me time to make a surgery decision. After I left the appointment, he ordered a referral to meet with a plastic surgeon just to discuss my reconstruction options if I choose to have a mastectomy. I've given it a lot of thought and I think that I'll probably opt out of the mastectomy choice and go with more tissue excision and radiation. It just seems as though it'd fit with our lifestyle more right now. I can't imagine having a couple of serious surgeries and recovery periods right now... the kids are so young and so busy. I need to be back on my feet and stay on my feet right now. And, the risk for a recurrence in my "sick breast" would be almost as low with excision and radiation as it would be with a mastectomy. They're considered equal choices nowadays.
I haven't informed my surgeon of this decision yet, but I'll see him next week and will talk about it then.
We have had a stressful 2010 in our family. I've had breast cancer, my niece was diagnosed with it just after I was, we had family living with us for about six weeks this year (and, I worked my tail off trying to cook two nutritious meals per day for my daughter-in-law's health during her complicated pregnancy during that stay--- on top of caring for the house and three little ones), my grandson was born prematurely and was in NICU for several weeks, my dad has had a heart attack and has been in care for two weeks now--- for congestive heart failure, and a couple close to us is having serious marriage problems. It's been "heavy".
But, God's blessings have never stopped, even during the difficulties. God is still God, and He NEVER changes.
We had an 85th birthday celeberbration for my father on Sunday. We gathered in a local restaurant that he likes. There was a great turn-out of family members---somewhere between 45 and50, I think.
The twins have started kindergarten and are doing well. Kaylee's making plans to return to Bible college in Jan. My sister and her husband are in Maine from Florida for 1 1/2 weeks to assist my parents in any way that they can help during this time of Dad's illness. Kaylee's Bible college friend is coming on Sunday to visit for 10 days. My grandbaby is growing and thriving... four months old now. Life just keeps on keeping on... it's busy one.
Prayer requests:
My father's health --- he's currently in rehab. in the city where I live
My mother ---as she tries to live between two places while Dad's in rehab.
Kaylee---finances to return to Bible school in Jan. to finish her final semester
Me--- upcoming surgery and radiation treatment
Sara--- my niece as she continues with weekly chemotherapy treatments
The couple who is having marriage problems
My sister and her husband --- for strength as they help/minister to my parents
Thank you!
Kelli
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