Big Guy and I headed over to Seattle today for my post-op appointment. The results from my op were supposed to be available, but they weren't.
What I have learned is I have a triple negative breast cassanova...no carcenoma haha. Cassanova sounds like more fun doncha think?
My bc won't respond to the three normal treatments for bc, which is estrogen/progesterene, something else and another thing. Sorry if I'm being too technical. It is a bit over my head, but I'm a triple negative. So if I have treatment other than radiation, it will be chemo. And only Dr. Gaudy will decide that. Those pesky sentinal lymph nodes were clean, the margins weren't available but looked "good" (not good enough for my surgeon to respond to - he wants to see the numbers). So we wait for a phone call from the surgeon who will consult with the Oncologist to see if chemo is also recommended.
Chemo first, then radiation.
Other than that, a long day. Big Guy complained about driving all the way to Seattle to learn not much, but I reminded him that was his decision, and the 3-hour drive is what we have to go to get "face time" with our team. But my incisions look great, and I'm off the prescribed pain pills. I did take a big ole Ibuprofen from the dentist yesterday, the day before no meds, and no more meds for me today. So things are looking up!
Hope my dear sisters are doing well and having fun. I promise I will start having fun soon! Love to all Mo
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Friday, September 20, 2013
Coming and Going, Home Again
We set off to Seattle on Wednesday, September 18th for my surgery the following day. Thankful to Big Guy's brother and sister-in-law who live in Bellevue and offered us a place to stay. Our last hotel bill was over $300, so it is nice to not have to worry about that additional cost.
We sailed into SCCA EARLY - yes Big Guy was EARLY, but only because Ginny, his SIL, showed us the way.
The most anxious thing about surgery, any surgery, is the uncertainty of what happens to you. You walk into this big hospital, people in gowns and wheelchairs abound, and timidly look for the direction you are supposed to go. Then you wait in line like polite people do, but you don't feel so polite because you are a wee bit anxious, and yes, scared.
Finally you get to sign in, answer questions, get your wrist band, and head to the waiting area for presurgery.
We got our little cubicle (B60) and proceeded to be gowned. I asked if I had to take my panties off and was told yes. I told the nurse that was highly suspicious because I was having BREAST surgery haha. I didn't receive a waiver. I suppose no one does.
We then proceeded to the Nuclear Medicine department, where they shoot a blue dye in your veins so they can find your lymph nodes. Hey, does anyone know what lymph nodes do? Not sure but with BC they are pretty important.
Back downstairs, and they were so solicitious about my latest procedure. We know it is a difficult procedure. I'm like "ARE YOU KIDDING ME? HAVING A WIRE POKED INTO YOUR TUMOR HURTS MUCH MORE. AND PROBABLY POPS THAT TUMOR LIKE A PIMPLE GETTING CANCER ALL OVER YOUR BODY". But I was a good girl and didn't relay that information to them.
Then it's wait. And wait. And wait. Surgery was originally scheduled for 1:15, then was moved to 2:00 ish.... No food since 8:00 p.m. I start listing what I want to eat, mashed potatoes with hamburger gravy, fried chicken, strawberry rhubarb pie (thanks Marge) with a side of French Apple and a scoop of very fine vanilla ice cream.
A nurse comes in and hooks me to an IV. I tell her I want the chocolate kind. No deal. Then the anesthesiologist comes in and talks to me. My only question is "Have you ever worked at Kadlec?" Nope he hasn't but says there are plenty of people at the U of W who have. A girl has to be careful you know.
Finally off to the operating room, and BAM! I wake up with someone holding my shoulders and pushing me down. HEY! What about that operation. All done ma'am.
Whew is all I can say.
As soon as I could stand they shoved us out the door. I have enough problems I don't need mrsa too. We headed to Issaquah for dinner, man was I starving. Looking all over for a buffet, I was ready for that. Had to settle for Panda Express, but it was darn good. I told Larry it was funny because all the restrooms I availed myself used the same toilet cleaner that turned the water blue. Yes, honestly. Larry informed me it was the dye coming out of my system.
We made it home and I'm a wee bit sore but hanging in there. Hope all is well with my sisters who are on vacation and can't be with me this weekend. Just kidding, I do hope you are having fun. Love you both Mo
We sailed into SCCA EARLY - yes Big Guy was EARLY, but only because Ginny, his SIL, showed us the way.
The most anxious thing about surgery, any surgery, is the uncertainty of what happens to you. You walk into this big hospital, people in gowns and wheelchairs abound, and timidly look for the direction you are supposed to go. Then you wait in line like polite people do, but you don't feel so polite because you are a wee bit anxious, and yes, scared.
Finally you get to sign in, answer questions, get your wrist band, and head to the waiting area for presurgery.
We got our little cubicle (B60) and proceeded to be gowned. I asked if I had to take my panties off and was told yes. I told the nurse that was highly suspicious because I was having BREAST surgery haha. I didn't receive a waiver. I suppose no one does.
We then proceeded to the Nuclear Medicine department, where they shoot a blue dye in your veins so they can find your lymph nodes. Hey, does anyone know what lymph nodes do? Not sure but with BC they are pretty important.
Back downstairs, and they were so solicitious about my latest procedure. We know it is a difficult procedure. I'm like "ARE YOU KIDDING ME? HAVING A WIRE POKED INTO YOUR TUMOR HURTS MUCH MORE. AND PROBABLY POPS THAT TUMOR LIKE A PIMPLE GETTING CANCER ALL OVER YOUR BODY". But I was a good girl and didn't relay that information to them.
Then it's wait. And wait. And wait. Surgery was originally scheduled for 1:15, then was moved to 2:00 ish.... No food since 8:00 p.m. I start listing what I want to eat, mashed potatoes with hamburger gravy, fried chicken, strawberry rhubarb pie (thanks Marge) with a side of French Apple and a scoop of very fine vanilla ice cream.
A nurse comes in and hooks me to an IV. I tell her I want the chocolate kind. No deal. Then the anesthesiologist comes in and talks to me. My only question is "Have you ever worked at Kadlec?" Nope he hasn't but says there are plenty of people at the U of W who have. A girl has to be careful you know.
Finally off to the operating room, and BAM! I wake up with someone holding my shoulders and pushing me down. HEY! What about that operation. All done ma'am.
Whew is all I can say.
As soon as I could stand they shoved us out the door. I have enough problems I don't need mrsa too. We headed to Issaquah for dinner, man was I starving. Looking all over for a buffet, I was ready for that. Had to settle for Panda Express, but it was darn good. I told Larry it was funny because all the restrooms I availed myself used the same toilet cleaner that turned the water blue. Yes, honestly. Larry informed me it was the dye coming out of my system.
We made it home and I'm a wee bit sore but hanging in there. Hope all is well with my sisters who are on vacation and can't be with me this weekend. Just kidding, I do hope you are having fun. Love you both Mo
Thursday, August 22, 2013
No Sad Face for Me...
Now that the word had gotten out in my community, I am finding people giving me the "sad face", as in - how are you doing "sad face". I am fine. I am better than fine - I am good. I am strong. I am just the same person as I was before I found out I had cancer. So save your "sad face" for someone else please. Just saying.
I had a pre-op appointment. They may change my surgery date. I just want it done. WANT IT DONE. I want to get on with my journey through surgery, radiation and whatever. I just want to start it, go through it, then be over it.
But, when the C enters your body, you should always be cognizant it may come back in other places. So what's a girl to do. Diet, exercise, juice, vitamins, minerals, pray. All of these will be a part of my life soon. But no "sad face" for me today please. Thank you and love you all Mo
I had a pre-op appointment. They may change my surgery date. I just want it done. WANT IT DONE. I want to get on with my journey through surgery, radiation and whatever. I just want to start it, go through it, then be over it.
But, when the C enters your body, you should always be cognizant it may come back in other places. So what's a girl to do. Diet, exercise, juice, vitamins, minerals, pray. All of these will be a part of my life soon. But no "sad face" for me today please. Thank you and love you all Mo
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Finding my Happy Spot - One Day at a Time!
Today I definitely received wonderful news that my cancer is confined to a spot on my left breast. Yay! I have been so anxious, worried and wallowing in "me land", this news is such a relief.
On the other hand, sitting on the porch in front with our 2 dogs, 2 granddogs, and K1 with a big ole pile of dirt. Didn't take 10 minutes before K1 had the dirt covered with appropriate construction equipment and emergency vehicles, plus a rake and a shovel.
Loving this day the Lord has made for us!
On the other hand, sitting on the porch in front with our 2 dogs, 2 granddogs, and K1 with a big ole pile of dirt. Didn't take 10 minutes before K1 had the dirt covered with appropriate construction equipment and emergency vehicles, plus a rake and a shovel.
Loving this day the Lord has made for us!
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Here I go....
Down that road I never wanted to travel. Cancer city, Cancer ward, Cancer surgery, Cancer this, Cancer that.
I'm holding true to myself though - I have a very rare breast cancer! 1% of 1% of breast cancers.
I went to SCCA on Friday for a MRI, biopsy and follow-up mammiogram. There's a whole lot of cancer in that joint. Little ones, older ones, middle ones, bald ones, skinny ones, fat ones. I'm just an in-betweener, new girl.
We did view a heart wrenching sight, an older lady in a wheelchair, hooked to an oxy tank was being wheeled out of the oncologists wing by her husband. She was crying. They moved beside us, and she started coughing very hard. I asked if I could bring her some water and they both said no thank you. Her husband sat and looked into her eyes, then he moved her purse from her lap, put his head on her lap and cried. She rubbed his back trying to soothe him.
Larry and I were trying not to look, trying not to cry. I don't know if this is a common sight, but it really ripped my heart up. I wanted to go over and hug them both. Their daughter came out of the office and wheeled her off, but not before she gave me a wan smile.
I want to see the people who come out of that office doing cartwheels. Maybe next time.
Love to all Mo
I'm holding true to myself though - I have a very rare breast cancer! 1% of 1% of breast cancers.
I went to SCCA on Friday for a MRI, biopsy and follow-up mammiogram. There's a whole lot of cancer in that joint. Little ones, older ones, middle ones, bald ones, skinny ones, fat ones. I'm just an in-betweener, new girl.
We did view a heart wrenching sight, an older lady in a wheelchair, hooked to an oxy tank was being wheeled out of the oncologists wing by her husband. She was crying. They moved beside us, and she started coughing very hard. I asked if I could bring her some water and they both said no thank you. Her husband sat and looked into her eyes, then he moved her purse from her lap, put his head on her lap and cried. She rubbed his back trying to soothe him.
Larry and I were trying not to look, trying not to cry. I don't know if this is a common sight, but it really ripped my heart up. I wanted to go over and hug them both. Their daughter came out of the office and wheeled her off, but not before she gave me a wan smile.
I want to see the people who come out of that office doing cartwheels. Maybe next time.
Love to all Mo
Thursday, August 1, 2013
I Won!
1 out of 3, 1 out of 3. I guess I won the title for the first sister being diagnosed with cancer. Not what I wanted, not what You wanted, but it is what it is.
My first thoughts were "I wanted a CABIN not CANCER!!" as I drove my 6 and 16 year old grandsons home from our great adventure. First lunch at the Porterhouse, then the movies. Then an odd phone call, many voice messages later, and connect with a nurse who gives me the news. Kind of. "Pick out a treatment center and let us know". Wow, what a funny way to deliver the news of breast cancer.
But we worked it all out and tomorrow Larry and I go to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance to meet my team! I have of course had a few weeks of worry, guilt, so on and so forth. Not a damn thing I can do to change my choices now.
I have long researched alternitive methods of treating cancer, but never went to the source, like how do you "catch" cancer. I am 4 for 4- drinking, smoking, overweight and not exercising, unless you count weeding an exercise. Probably not!
I have had Canida for so long, which leads to an overconsumption of yeasty foods and beverages. I recently was diagnosed with thrush by my dentist, so I know the ugly head of Canida has never left my body. But it is what it is.
There are so many pressures on me right now - no sugar, no yeasty products, no cigs, jeez shoot me now. Well, not really I have a very positive outlook on everything. Like planting a tree I know I will see in 20 years!
Love to all - Mo
My first thoughts were "I wanted a CABIN not CANCER!!" as I drove my 6 and 16 year old grandsons home from our great adventure. First lunch at the Porterhouse, then the movies. Then an odd phone call, many voice messages later, and connect with a nurse who gives me the news. Kind of. "Pick out a treatment center and let us know". Wow, what a funny way to deliver the news of breast cancer.
But we worked it all out and tomorrow Larry and I go to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance to meet my team! I have of course had a few weeks of worry, guilt, so on and so forth. Not a damn thing I can do to change my choices now.
I have long researched alternitive methods of treating cancer, but never went to the source, like how do you "catch" cancer. I am 4 for 4- drinking, smoking, overweight and not exercising, unless you count weeding an exercise. Probably not!
I have had Canida for so long, which leads to an overconsumption of yeasty foods and beverages. I recently was diagnosed with thrush by my dentist, so I know the ugly head of Canida has never left my body. But it is what it is.
There are so many pressures on me right now - no sugar, no yeasty products, no cigs, jeez shoot me now. Well, not really I have a very positive outlook on everything. Like planting a tree I know I will see in 20 years!
Love to all - Mo
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