So, from my last post, Sunday was a really, really hard day. Actually, I should make that a 1/2 a day...I literally felt like I had been hit by a truck. Everything hurt, the nausea was back, it was just plain HORRIBLE. Around 11:30 AM though, I took some anti-nausea meds and a Lortab and laid down for a nap. After sleeping for 1 1/2 hours, I felt almost new again. Seriously, it was amazing.
I had energy, I took the boys to get their haircut, went for an ice cream afterwards, made an easy dinner that night, I was just so incredibly thankful my "low" didn't last for very long. Maybe it'll get worse with each treatment (cumulative effect), I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
Yesterday, I felt o.k., not great, not bad, but I did want to put a call into the doctor's office to talk with a nurse. I was concerned about my numb lips and it seemed like my tongue was a tad swollen. I didn't think that was a good sign, so when I spoke with the nurse, they did say they wanted me to come in and see the Nurse PA.
I went in and met with the Nurse, she thought that side effect was a little odd, suggested some Benadryl, no biggie and then they drew my labs. Thank God for the PORT!!! That is saving me so much trauma from the nurses trying to find a good vein that will want to cooperate and relinquish some blood. Anyway, my labs came back fine, white counts were a little low, but nothing to be alarmed over. Whew!
So, I woke up today, Tuesday, and I feel like a new woman! Yippee! I had done so much around the house (stripping and making beds, laundry, sweeping out the garage, dishes, went for a 40 minute walk), I came home and now I'm tired...hmm, think I overdid it just a little...it's good though, feeling better is good.
I went to the "Look Good, Feel Good" class last night which was a lot of fun. The ladies that conducted the class were very knowledgeable and also we got to bring home a "goodie bag" with lots of cosmetics and other fun stuff. It's main sponsor is the American Cancer Society.
Closing on this note, Dave, the boys and I will be participating in the Relay for Life for the first time. Right now I've set a goal of $1000 to raise (the relay is the weekend of May 9th). If you are interested in contributing towards this phenomenal cause, here's a link to My Relay for Life page (http://main.acsevents.org/goto/HollyNovak). And yes, it's tax deductible!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Is it Swine Flu or are my counts just dropping?
I woke up this morning, thinking I'd be doing pretty well, hoping that the bone pain was on its way out...but man, was I wrong. I told Dave I feel like I've been hit by a truck. He said, "Yep, your counts are probably dropping." Bummer, I was so happy that I felt decent the last day or so, despite the funky bone pain. I took only one anti-nausea pill in the past 2 days, but right now, nothing sounds good. A lot of people say that the symptoms you feel post-chemo are like that of the flu, so, ironically, I feel like that right now. Good thing I'm not in Mexico! I know that "this too shall pass" so, I just need to hunker down and ride it out.
Well, I wish I could write more, but right now the words aren't coming to me. More later, hopefully when I am feeling better!
Well, I wish I could write more, but right now the words aren't coming to me. More later, hopefully when I am feeling better!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Feeling some bone pain...
So, I figured I'd do an update to let you know how things are going. As far as nausea goes, it seems to be passing for which I am thankful. Last night though, I started to feel the bone pain that I heard about and took some Lortab before bed. The Neulasta shot which is given to help the white cells come back quicker has different side effects and the bone pain is one of them. Dave didn't experience this (or he said it wasn't too bad, nothing to complain about), but I can feel it. My sister-in-law, Barbara (the oncology nurse), told me that she's seen patients receive the exact same type of treatments and then have very different side effects, it's just up to how your body handles things. She also said that some people's bone pain is so severe that they beg the doctor to not give them the Neulasta injections.
So, I took a walk this morning with a neighbor, and as simple as it sounds, it was just great getting outside, getting fresh air and enjoying this beautiful weather. I know it's going to be a lot hotter this afternoon, so I'm glad to be able to have had a walk already. They say it's good to stay active, so I'm going to try to get out as often as I'm up to it.
Well, I'd like to write more, but, for once, I'm at a loss for words...could be the Lortab, or more chemo brain setting in, but I'm going to sign off for now. As always, thank you for your encouragement and prayers, it's what is carrying us through!
So, I took a walk this morning with a neighbor, and as simple as it sounds, it was just great getting outside, getting fresh air and enjoying this beautiful weather. I know it's going to be a lot hotter this afternoon, so I'm glad to be able to have had a walk already. They say it's good to stay active, so I'm going to try to get out as often as I'm up to it.
Well, I'd like to write more, but, for once, I'm at a loss for words...could be the Lortab, or more chemo brain setting in, but I'm going to sign off for now. As always, thank you for your encouragement and prayers, it's what is carrying us through!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The Day After....
Hey - I figured I'd put a quick entry to let you all know I'm hanging in there. I've had a few naps today probably as a result of the phenergan last night. I've had a bit of nausea here and there, nothing too bad (yet)...Hopefully I can get past that with no problems! Ginger Ale is becoming my friend as well as some anti-nausea meds...how did people cope before the good meds? Rhetorical, no need to answer that one!
I'm about to head over for my Neulasta shot (the one that helps the white counts come back up quicker), so I'll need to sign off for now. Sorry this is short and sweet, but I just wanted to let you know I appreciate all the prayers and well wishes from so many of you!
I'm about to head over for my Neulasta shot (the one that helps the white counts come back up quicker), so I'll need to sign off for now. Sorry this is short and sweet, but I just wanted to let you know I appreciate all the prayers and well wishes from so many of you!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
One Down, Five to Go...
Well, I'm happy to report that I made it through my first chemo round successfully. Wow, it was so much different than what we went through with Dave, and for that I am so grateful. I think my doctor feels we need "re-program" us for my chemo regime since it is so different from Dave's. That's ok, I'll take the "easier treatment" any day!
I chronicled this on my Facebook account which was fun, it's just hard to type on an iPhone...I met with the doctor when I got there, he checked my lab results to be sure I was ok to receive the chemo and then I went back to the "Spa Room" for them to access my port. Fortunately, my doctor prescribed a numbing cream to put on the port a few hours before the injection, so no pain! Dave wasn't given this (I think he's jealous!) but I did let him borrow it last Friday when he had his port flushed.
So, they gave me some pre-chemo saline and anti-nausea meds via the port, then they hooked up the Cytoxan bag. Each bag of chemo takes about an hour, but the whole process took about 4 1/2 hours (from checking in to checking out). After the Cytoxan was done, they gave me the Taxotere. This one they infused a little slower at first, just in case I would have some type of reaction. Other than turning a little red (which actually was from the steroids I've taken the day and a half to prevent fluid retention), I had no complaints or problems. I think that if I'll have the nausea problems and such, that will start up in the next day or two, but I'll be taking the anti-nausea meds on schedule. My counts will probably start dropping by the weekend to early next week, so I'll be hibernating some to stay away from germy people...goes with the treatment!
With all this being said, I'm glad to have my first treatment down, my next Round should be May 12th (Tuesday will be my chemo day)...hopefully all will go well between now and then. I'll go in tomorrow for a Neulasta shot (to rebuild the white cell counts) and then the following 2 Tuesdays for Lab Draws to check my levels. I'll keep you posted.
Thank You for your prayers, I know God is taking us through this, one day at a time.
I chronicled this on my Facebook account which was fun, it's just hard to type on an iPhone...I met with the doctor when I got there, he checked my lab results to be sure I was ok to receive the chemo and then I went back to the "Spa Room" for them to access my port. Fortunately, my doctor prescribed a numbing cream to put on the port a few hours before the injection, so no pain! Dave wasn't given this (I think he's jealous!) but I did let him borrow it last Friday when he had his port flushed.
So, they gave me some pre-chemo saline and anti-nausea meds via the port, then they hooked up the Cytoxan bag. Each bag of chemo takes about an hour, but the whole process took about 4 1/2 hours (from checking in to checking out). After the Cytoxan was done, they gave me the Taxotere. This one they infused a little slower at first, just in case I would have some type of reaction. Other than turning a little red (which actually was from the steroids I've taken the day and a half to prevent fluid retention), I had no complaints or problems. I think that if I'll have the nausea problems and such, that will start up in the next day or two, but I'll be taking the anti-nausea meds on schedule. My counts will probably start dropping by the weekend to early next week, so I'll be hibernating some to stay away from germy people...goes with the treatment!
With all this being said, I'm glad to have my first treatment down, my next Round should be May 12th (Tuesday will be my chemo day)...hopefully all will go well between now and then. I'll go in tomorrow for a Neulasta shot (to rebuild the white cell counts) and then the following 2 Tuesdays for Lab Draws to check my levels. I'll keep you posted.
Thank You for your prayers, I know God is taking us through this, one day at a time.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Day Before Chemo....
So, I'll start my chemo Tuesday, 4/21/09 (around 1:00 pm) in the doctor's office infusion center. I guess since the port has been placed in (last Tuesday), besides getting my hair cut, not too much has happened, hence the silence on the blog. I know from Dave's doing his blog, no news is good news. We had an enjoyable, quiet, sweet weekend and for that I am grateful.
I think the main thing I'd like to stay before I start my treatment, is I just wanted to tell you, my friends, that I am so incredibly blessed with the support we have received. I put a post up around Thanksgiving on Dave's blog, and I still truly mean it. My faith in "people" has been restored. Don't get me wrong, I stand firm in my faith in God, my life is His, I am His child, but before our journey started last July, sometimes I just wondered how much other people could and do care for others. Well, I know for a fact, having lived it and am still living it, that people never cease to amaze me. I have so many stories to tell that will touch your heart and make you shed some tears, but that's not the purpose of today's entry either, I just wanted to say, "Thank You" to so many of our friends, family and people who have truly lifted us up, in prayer, in caring, in words, deeds, you name it, we've seen it.
I was able to go out for my walk this morning which is something I really have come to cherish. I usually walk, plugged into my iPhone, taking time to breath deep and enjoy the Creation around me. Today was so beautiful too, not too humid, cool, just the right temperature. I needed this walk to talk to myself, to God and really get geared up for the chemo. I've been scared, to be completely honest, only because I have never had such a toxic chemical put into my veins. It broke my heart to see Dave go through his Intensive Chemo like he did and he handled it like a champ, even on the very few "dark" days that he had. I know for a fact, that without the prayers that were being lifted up on our behalf, I don't know how I could have made it through all that. I don't know exactly how I'm going to react, so I think the anxiety I've had, has been more from my personal journey of the unknown. I'll get through it, I'm sure of that, and hopefully it won't be as hard on my system as it was on Dave's (I know for a fact I couldn't have handled the dosage he did)....but again, we'll see how I do, and either Dave or I will keep you posted!
So, I've made it through my first day of pre-chemo meds, a steroid, that is meant to help me not retain fluid from one of the chemo's I'll be receiving. So far, so good, my typing has been a little off and Dave is already telling me my "chemo brain" is kicking in...not good, since I don't get the chemo until tomorrow...yeah, statistics say that 80% of women 45 and over go into menopause because of this type of chemo to treat breast cancer...gotta find the silver linings, you know? I'm looking for them all over the place!
Once again, I can't thank you all enough for the kind words, the prayers, the actual physical helps you provide...meals, helping with Bryce and Kyle, I could go on and on...you, my friends, are awesome!
I think the main thing I'd like to stay before I start my treatment, is I just wanted to tell you, my friends, that I am so incredibly blessed with the support we have received. I put a post up around Thanksgiving on Dave's blog, and I still truly mean it. My faith in "people" has been restored. Don't get me wrong, I stand firm in my faith in God, my life is His, I am His child, but before our journey started last July, sometimes I just wondered how much other people could and do care for others. Well, I know for a fact, having lived it and am still living it, that people never cease to amaze me. I have so many stories to tell that will touch your heart and make you shed some tears, but that's not the purpose of today's entry either, I just wanted to say, "Thank You" to so many of our friends, family and people who have truly lifted us up, in prayer, in caring, in words, deeds, you name it, we've seen it.
I was able to go out for my walk this morning which is something I really have come to cherish. I usually walk, plugged into my iPhone, taking time to breath deep and enjoy the Creation around me. Today was so beautiful too, not too humid, cool, just the right temperature. I needed this walk to talk to myself, to God and really get geared up for the chemo. I've been scared, to be completely honest, only because I have never had such a toxic chemical put into my veins. It broke my heart to see Dave go through his Intensive Chemo like he did and he handled it like a champ, even on the very few "dark" days that he had. I know for a fact, that without the prayers that were being lifted up on our behalf, I don't know how I could have made it through all that. I don't know exactly how I'm going to react, so I think the anxiety I've had, has been more from my personal journey of the unknown. I'll get through it, I'm sure of that, and hopefully it won't be as hard on my system as it was on Dave's (I know for a fact I couldn't have handled the dosage he did)....but again, we'll see how I do, and either Dave or I will keep you posted!
So, I've made it through my first day of pre-chemo meds, a steroid, that is meant to help me not retain fluid from one of the chemo's I'll be receiving. So far, so good, my typing has been a little off and Dave is already telling me my "chemo brain" is kicking in...not good, since I don't get the chemo until tomorrow...yeah, statistics say that 80% of women 45 and over go into menopause because of this type of chemo to treat breast cancer...gotta find the silver linings, you know? I'm looking for them all over the place!
Once again, I can't thank you all enough for the kind words, the prayers, the actual physical helps you provide...meals, helping with Bryce and Kyle, I could go on and on...you, my friends, are awesome!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
No Big Hairy Deal!
Hi folks. Holly got her hair cut a bit shorter today and said she wouldn't mind if I shared some pictures. She still might get it cut one more time before she (eventually) gets it all shaved. The nice thing is that this gives her a chance to experiment with different styles without really taking any style risks.
Please let her know you like it (or bite your tongue)! I think she looks great!
Pic1 (click to enlarge)
Pic2 (click to enlarge)Tuesday, April 14, 2009
The Port is in, Thank God!
What a day...ugh! I was told to be at the Day Surgery at 9:30 a.m.(for Pre-op) for an 11:30 a.m. procedure. I got there, filled out the paperwork, was taken to the back and put in a gown. Everything seemed to be going alright, but then, the wait really started. It didn't help matters that I had an excruciating headache all morning, probably from caffeine withdrawals and not being able to eat or drink anything after midnight.
Then the nurse came in and was trying to start my I.V. Here we go again with my veins and what a hard stick I am. Oh my, the nurse tried a few times, with Lidocaine (so I wouldn't feel the needle) and couldn't find a vein. She then went and found a friend (who's a surgical nurse) that came and took a few tries. Finally, again, on the top of my left hand, she found one. Success! Both nurses agreed that I did the right thing by choosing to get the port implanted, especially because they have such a hard time getting needles in my veins.
Well, Dr. Martin finally was able to do the procedure at about 2:15. We made it home about 4:45 and boy was I ever glad to be back here. For what was supposed to be a simple procedure, it just turned out to be one of those long days. I'm glad I'm home though and intend on getting some rest...that's it for now!
Then the nurse came in and was trying to start my I.V. Here we go again with my veins and what a hard stick I am. Oh my, the nurse tried a few times, with Lidocaine (so I wouldn't feel the needle) and couldn't find a vein. She then went and found a friend (who's a surgical nurse) that came and took a few tries. Finally, again, on the top of my left hand, she found one. Success! Both nurses agreed that I did the right thing by choosing to get the port implanted, especially because they have such a hard time getting needles in my veins.
Well, Dr. Martin finally was able to do the procedure at about 2:15. We made it home about 4:45 and boy was I ever glad to be back here. For what was supposed to be a simple procedure, it just turned out to be one of those long days. I'm glad I'm home though and intend on getting some rest...that's it for now!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Chemo Training 101
Well, I went to meet with the nurse today about my upcoming chemo, and I did learn a few things...I'm surprised Dave didn't go through something like this, it would have been helpful. I did learn a few new things, remembered a lot of what Dave went through and also realized that dealing with breast cancer chemo is different than sarcoma chemo. Hormones are definitely involved with mine (it can actually put you into menopause, good riddance!) I'll be receiving two types of chemo: Taxotere and Cytoxan...different from the kind Dave received, hopefully they won't be too hard on my system. I guess I'll just have to see how it goes.
Anyway, I was finished up with the nurse, talking with the gal that does the"benefits" (insurance billing) and then the power goes out. Have you ever been in an Oncologist's office when there's no power? All I can say is thank goodness all those patients receiving their chemo had battery backups on their pumps.
The power stayed off for about a total of an hour...during which I fumbled down the dark hallway to my surgeon's office to sign consent forms for my port placement. Fortunately, by the time the surgeon came in to see me, the lights came back on...they scheduled me for my port placement for tomorrow morning, so that will be another thing off my check list.
We picked out a wig this past Saturday which was fun. Dave and the boys came with me to help make the decision. It's about my length and actually a slight tad darker than my color now. We liked it though and the contrast looked good. I'm also interested in finding some scarves and hats (with material) for the summer. Like my cousin said, at least I won't have to worry about shaving during the summer months! Got to find the silver linings anywhere I can! Actually, speaking of silver linings, we discovered our Aflac policy pays towards "prosthesis" which a wig qualifies as...so that was something good to discover. That Aflac policy has been awesome and I highly recommend it...and this was not a paid endorsement!
I do plan on getting my hair cut short this Wednesday, something I haven't done in about 20 years. I figured there's no better time than now, it'll all be coming out anyway, so I may as well see what I look like with short hair...
So, that's all the news for now. Hopefully we'll get pictures on here soon to make this a little more "entertaining"...Dave promised he'd help me with that so...we shall see!
Anyway, I was finished up with the nurse, talking with the gal that does the"benefits" (insurance billing) and then the power goes out. Have you ever been in an Oncologist's office when there's no power? All I can say is thank goodness all those patients receiving their chemo had battery backups on their pumps.
The power stayed off for about a total of an hour...during which I fumbled down the dark hallway to my surgeon's office to sign consent forms for my port placement. Fortunately, by the time the surgeon came in to see me, the lights came back on...they scheduled me for my port placement for tomorrow morning, so that will be another thing off my check list.
We picked out a wig this past Saturday which was fun. Dave and the boys came with me to help make the decision. It's about my length and actually a slight tad darker than my color now. We liked it though and the contrast looked good. I'm also interested in finding some scarves and hats (with material) for the summer. Like my cousin said, at least I won't have to worry about shaving during the summer months! Got to find the silver linings anywhere I can! Actually, speaking of silver linings, we discovered our Aflac policy pays towards "prosthesis" which a wig qualifies as...so that was something good to discover. That Aflac policy has been awesome and I highly recommend it...and this was not a paid endorsement!
I do plan on getting my hair cut short this Wednesday, something I haven't done in about 20 years. I figured there's no better time than now, it'll all be coming out anyway, so I may as well see what I look like with short hair...
So, that's all the news for now. Hopefully we'll get pictures on here soon to make this a little more "entertaining"...Dave promised he'd help me with that so...we shall see!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Met with Doctor, Getting chemo...
Yes, I'm going to be getting chemo...after going over all the test results with Dr. Landis, my oncologist, we decided that it will be in my best interest to have chemo. Do I want to? Heck no, but, as he said, I'm young, I have 2 young sons and I don't want this cancer to recur. My test results were smack-dab right in the intermediate range, so, I really could have gone either way...but even Dave's oncologist said, "You're young, it was already starting to spread into the lymph nodes, you should probably opt for chemo".
So, next week I'm going to meet with Dr. Landis' nurse for "chemo training". Hmm, I think with what we went through with Dave, I'm trained, but, I may learn something new, so, I'll go! I also will be getting a port placed next week since they have such a hard time finding my veins.
My first chemo round is scheduled for April 21st. They said it'll take about 2 hours and that'll be it. The next day I'll get the Neulasta shot (to help build up my white counts sooner)...and then I'll go back every 3 weeks. I'll have a total of 6 rounds of chemo. Looking at everything we went through with Dave's intensive chemo, mine seems like it'll be "easy". I know it won't, but at least I'll be home and hopefully not have the side effects like Dave went through (Neutropenic fever, low blood counts, etc.). Yes, I will lose my hair...I'm really not looking forward to that...my cousin said she'd send me her scarves!!! Hey, Ali, I'll take you up on that now! ;-) I may get a short hair cut at first, and then when it does start to come out, I'll get the gumption to shave it off...yikes...
After the chemo is all done, I'll then have radiation (33 treatments - 5 times per week for 6 1/2 weeks) and then be on the Tamoxifen for 5 years...that should do it for my treatment plan. You know, it stinks, but we'll get through it. I see where Dave is now and know that if he can get through it, so can I.
I'm in the "I can't believe this is happening to me" phase, so, thank you for your encouragement, your prayers, your friendship and support.
So, next week I'm going to meet with Dr. Landis' nurse for "chemo training". Hmm, I think with what we went through with Dave, I'm trained, but, I may learn something new, so, I'll go! I also will be getting a port placed next week since they have such a hard time finding my veins.
My first chemo round is scheduled for April 21st. They said it'll take about 2 hours and that'll be it. The next day I'll get the Neulasta shot (to help build up my white counts sooner)...and then I'll go back every 3 weeks. I'll have a total of 6 rounds of chemo. Looking at everything we went through with Dave's intensive chemo, mine seems like it'll be "easy". I know it won't, but at least I'll be home and hopefully not have the side effects like Dave went through (Neutropenic fever, low blood counts, etc.). Yes, I will lose my hair...I'm really not looking forward to that...my cousin said she'd send me her scarves!!! Hey, Ali, I'll take you up on that now! ;-) I may get a short hair cut at first, and then when it does start to come out, I'll get the gumption to shave it off...yikes...
After the chemo is all done, I'll then have radiation (33 treatments - 5 times per week for 6 1/2 weeks) and then be on the Tamoxifen for 5 years...that should do it for my treatment plan. You know, it stinks, but we'll get through it. I see where Dave is now and know that if he can get through it, so can I.
I'm in the "I can't believe this is happening to me" phase, so, thank you for your encouragement, your prayers, your friendship and support.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Scans are all done, and the waiting continues...
Well, I was up at out the door at 9:15 AM today to go in for my day of scans. I get to the hospital on time, and they are running a little late...no biggie, I'm ready to be there the whole day.
My first stop was in the Nuclear Medicine area to get injected with some Nuclear contrast. This needs to be in my system for 3 hours before they do my bone scan. Of course, they had a hard time finding a vein for my IV, so this time they got me in the top of my left hand (ouch)...oh well, I just looked the other way and got stuck...no reason to fight it.
After I got that done, I had my Head and Neck MRI done. OK, you probably know by now that Dave had a brain tumor just over 8 years ago. He's had MRI's on his head numerous times and having experienced one today for my first time, gives me a new respect for what he goes through. Thank goodness I'm not claustrophobic, but I think that was my least favorite test of the day. I just really don't like loud, banging noises that last anywhere from 30 seconds to 4 minutes, not fun...but again, it was just a one-time test.
Next I went over for a CT scan of my chest, abdomen and pelvis. This wasn't too bad, it's the donut shaped thing that they moved you back and forth through, telling you to hold your breath at various times. Again, not too bad, the room was really cold and it did hurt quite a bit when they pushed the contrast through my IV in my hand...at least they took out the needle after this procedure was finished. Good riddance.
After I was done with the test I had some time to go get some lunch and run a few errands. I still needed to wait about 1 1/2 hours before the bone scan, so it was nice to take a break. When I came back to the hospital, I waited for just a little while and then they got me in. This test wasn't too bad, kind of a combination of the MRI and CT scan...they showed me the pictures when they were finished which was pretty cool. The technician didn't want to tell me about my scoliosis, but I told him it was o.k., I knew about it from a long time ago...pretty wild seeing your skeleton, crooked and all! He did call the Radiologist that took a quick look and from what they could tell me, nothing looked suspicious.
I'll still wait for my appointment next Tuesday to get the final word on all these tests from my Oncologist, Dr. Landis. We definitely thought it was the time to go through all the testing, just in case and I'm glad it's over with. I may not make another post until after my appointment next Tuesday, so until then, thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement.
My first stop was in the Nuclear Medicine area to get injected with some Nuclear contrast. This needs to be in my system for 3 hours before they do my bone scan. Of course, they had a hard time finding a vein for my IV, so this time they got me in the top of my left hand (ouch)...oh well, I just looked the other way and got stuck...no reason to fight it.
After I got that done, I had my Head and Neck MRI done. OK, you probably know by now that Dave had a brain tumor just over 8 years ago. He's had MRI's on his head numerous times and having experienced one today for my first time, gives me a new respect for what he goes through. Thank goodness I'm not claustrophobic, but I think that was my least favorite test of the day. I just really don't like loud, banging noises that last anywhere from 30 seconds to 4 minutes, not fun...but again, it was just a one-time test.
Next I went over for a CT scan of my chest, abdomen and pelvis. This wasn't too bad, it's the donut shaped thing that they moved you back and forth through, telling you to hold your breath at various times. Again, not too bad, the room was really cold and it did hurt quite a bit when they pushed the contrast through my IV in my hand...at least they took out the needle after this procedure was finished. Good riddance.
After I was done with the test I had some time to go get some lunch and run a few errands. I still needed to wait about 1 1/2 hours before the bone scan, so it was nice to take a break. When I came back to the hospital, I waited for just a little while and then they got me in. This test wasn't too bad, kind of a combination of the MRI and CT scan...they showed me the pictures when they were finished which was pretty cool. The technician didn't want to tell me about my scoliosis, but I told him it was o.k., I knew about it from a long time ago...pretty wild seeing your skeleton, crooked and all! He did call the Radiologist that took a quick look and from what they could tell me, nothing looked suspicious.
I'll still wait for my appointment next Tuesday to get the final word on all these tests from my Oncologist, Dr. Landis. We definitely thought it was the time to go through all the testing, just in case and I'm glad it's over with. I may not make another post until after my appointment next Tuesday, so until then, thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Waiting, waiting, waiting
You know, when you start a blog, you'd think you need to write something every day, but now I understand how you can "be silent" for a while...
It seems like this past week has just CRAWLED by for me. That's o.k. for now, I guess. I'm still not 100% from the Axillary Node Dissection, but, I'm not in as much pain and I can tell I'm slooooooowwwwly getting my range of motion back. Nobody prepared me for this and I kind of wish I had been better informed of what to expect. You'd figure right after surgery that you'd be sore, but then after 2 weeks, you'd think you can reach up to put glasses away in the kitchen cabinet, make the beds without grimacing, get a workout in without feeling soooo sluggish. I sound like my boys when I say, "I want to feel all better NOW!!!"
We did get the great news about Dave's surgery, clean margins, 95% kill ratio, slowly but surely closing this chapter in his fight against cancer. His drains came out Friday so he's getting around pretty well, still using one crutch...if you haven't seen his blog, you need to...my brother, Mike, nicknamed Dave "Zipper Leg" which is quite appropriate for the time being. I think we've been dealing with Dave's cancer for so long, when we got the good news, it was a HUGE relief and weight lifted from our shoulders. If we didn't have my deal going on right now, we'd almost be totally out of the woods, we'll get there, eventually.
One thing happened this week that I thought was pretty cool. The lab that is running the Onco DX test (out in California) called me to let me know they had received the slides, contacted my insurance company, were going to need 7 - 10 business days to run all the tests they run and answer the questions I had, if any. I was really impressed...seems like today whenever you do have a question, you have to jump through so many hoops to get to speak with an individual and they were just awesome to deal with. Impressively, they are the only lab in the world that runs this test, so I think they'll do it right. I read the testimonials on their website and I trust that the doctor is doing the right thing in my case to have this test run. Hopefully, we'll get a definitive answer, one way or another, if I need chemo or not. I truly do not want to go through it, but if it prevents any spreading or recurrence, then sign me up. I hope this test will make it clear as to which path I'll need to take!
I go in this coming Wednesday for all my scans...pray for clean ones. We figured that this is the appropriate time to get all these tests run, just to be sure.
So, that's all for now...I'll be in touch!
It seems like this past week has just CRAWLED by for me. That's o.k. for now, I guess. I'm still not 100% from the Axillary Node Dissection, but, I'm not in as much pain and I can tell I'm slooooooowwwwly getting my range of motion back. Nobody prepared me for this and I kind of wish I had been better informed of what to expect. You'd figure right after surgery that you'd be sore, but then after 2 weeks, you'd think you can reach up to put glasses away in the kitchen cabinet, make the beds without grimacing, get a workout in without feeling soooo sluggish. I sound like my boys when I say, "I want to feel all better NOW!!!"
We did get the great news about Dave's surgery, clean margins, 95% kill ratio, slowly but surely closing this chapter in his fight against cancer. His drains came out Friday so he's getting around pretty well, still using one crutch...if you haven't seen his blog, you need to...my brother, Mike, nicknamed Dave "Zipper Leg" which is quite appropriate for the time being. I think we've been dealing with Dave's cancer for so long, when we got the good news, it was a HUGE relief and weight lifted from our shoulders. If we didn't have my deal going on right now, we'd almost be totally out of the woods, we'll get there, eventually.
One thing happened this week that I thought was pretty cool. The lab that is running the Onco DX test (out in California) called me to let me know they had received the slides, contacted my insurance company, were going to need 7 - 10 business days to run all the tests they run and answer the questions I had, if any. I was really impressed...seems like today whenever you do have a question, you have to jump through so many hoops to get to speak with an individual and they were just awesome to deal with. Impressively, they are the only lab in the world that runs this test, so I think they'll do it right. I read the testimonials on their website and I trust that the doctor is doing the right thing in my case to have this test run. Hopefully, we'll get a definitive answer, one way or another, if I need chemo or not. I truly do not want to go through it, but if it prevents any spreading or recurrence, then sign me up. I hope this test will make it clear as to which path I'll need to take!
I go in this coming Wednesday for all my scans...pray for clean ones. We figured that this is the appropriate time to get all these tests run, just to be sure.
So, that's all for now...I'll be in touch!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Meet the Doctors
Hi Folks, this is Dave, not Holly. She asked me to update everyone with today's events.
Holly met her oncologist today for the first time. His name is Dr. Anthony Landis (see http://www.cancergwinnett.com/meet_the_doctors.htm for more details about him professionally). Based upon what we know today, Holly has Stage II breast cancer. The purpose of today's visit was to find out more about the Pathology of her cancer and the proposed treatment plan.
What we learned today was the following:
- The tumor was positive for stimulation by both estrogen and progesterone. As a result, she will need to take Tamoxifen for the next 5 years. Tamoxifen is thought to block the effects of estrogen on breast cancer cells.
- The HER2 IHC test was borderline, then repeated as a FISH test, but was still inconclusive. The doctor plans to repeat these tests using a different lab this time. It will be at least another week before we get results for this. A positive HER2 test would mean that Holly would need to go through some form of chemotherapy.
- Regardless of the HER2 status, Holly will for sure go through Radiation therapy. She also met her radiation doctor today (Dr. John Gargus) and they discussed doing 33 rounds of treatment (which is about 7 weeks of radiation). It's just a question of will she need chemotherapy before the radiation or just the radiation.
Dr. Landis has the following now planned for Holly:
- As mentioned previously, a different lab will re-run the HER2 tests on her tumor.
- Dr. Landis mentioned something about having a HER MARK test run as well, though I have no information on that test.
- Oncotype DX breast cancer assay -- see http://www.genomichealth.com/OncotypeDX for details.
- A CT Scan, Brain MRI, and Bone Scan have been scheduled for next week.
And now, this is Holly finishing off this entry...I appreciate my sweet, technical-minded, detail-oriented husband so much, he does such a better job explaining this kind of stuff than I do! All in all, I'm very happy with my two new doctors and am glad they'll be close to home (near Gwinnett Medical Center).
Thanks to my neighbor, Joanne for watching Kyle this morning (he stayed home today from school, sick w/ allergy stuff) and to my niece who came down and spent the day to help out. Without this help, it would have been a very difficult day....
Signing off for now...
Holly, Dave (and the boys)
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Signs
Well, let me bring you up to date...Dave's sisters both saw how well Dave was doing on Friday so they took off to get back to their homes and gave us a quiet day at home. We appreciated them being here with us and also appreciated the fact that they saw Dave was well enough and we needed a quiet day here while the boys were at school.
Dave's been up and around with one crutch and amazing all of us with how well he's doing. I'm doing fine, still having some pain in my right armpit area but I'm hoping that in time, I'll get my range of motion back. Just taking it one day at a time and thankful that we've been able to get through so much with little complications in this last month.
Today I took the boys to church (Grace Fellowship, Snellville, GA) and left Dave home...I don't want him to gross anyone out with his drains...anyway, Buddy's sermon was about Signs...I know that God is taking Dave and me through our journeys with cancer so that somehow, some way, we can help others. I don't want to over think it or read too much into it, but all I know, is that through the whole journey we've both been on, I can just see the outpouring of love and care from those around us and I know this pleases God. He wants us to care for each other, this brings Him joy. If there are ways we can help others who have cancer, then we're here to do it. God is granting us peace and grace to get through each day and I'm more aware of that now than I have ever been before.
This coming week is a big week for both Dave and myself. We get our pathology reports, he gets his drains out, I meet with the Radiation Oncologist and the Oncologist. We'll keep you posted on the results and again, thank you for your continued support.
Dave's been up and around with one crutch and amazing all of us with how well he's doing. I'm doing fine, still having some pain in my right armpit area but I'm hoping that in time, I'll get my range of motion back. Just taking it one day at a time and thankful that we've been able to get through so much with little complications in this last month.
Today I took the boys to church (Grace Fellowship, Snellville, GA) and left Dave home...I don't want him to gross anyone out with his drains...anyway, Buddy's sermon was about Signs...I know that God is taking Dave and me through our journeys with cancer so that somehow, some way, we can help others. I don't want to over think it or read too much into it, but all I know, is that through the whole journey we've both been on, I can just see the outpouring of love and care from those around us and I know this pleases God. He wants us to care for each other, this brings Him joy. If there are ways we can help others who have cancer, then we're here to do it. God is granting us peace and grace to get through each day and I'm more aware of that now than I have ever been before.
This coming week is a big week for both Dave and myself. We get our pathology reports, he gets his drains out, I meet with the Radiation Oncologist and the Oncologist. We'll keep you posted on the results and again, thank you for your continued support.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
My Drain Removal Day and Dave's Homecoming!
Well, I'm so excited that today is the day my drain is coming out. This has been such a bother and just really has bugged me for the whole time it's been in. Dave calls me first thing in the morning to say "Hi" and to talk with our son, Bryce. Dave sounds GREAT and tells me he is being discharged TODAY. He's been doing his exercises and the PT is coming to work with him again. He had been fighting nausea the day before, but today, he sounds like a new man.
Diane and I head to Dr. Martin's office to get my drain removed. Oh my goodness...that was one of the weirdest sensations I've ever felt and hope to NEVER experience it again. It hurt while it was being removed and then burned. I find out that the drain went from about 4 inches below my armpit all the way up to the top of my arm pit. No wonder it hurt every time I reached for something. Well, I'm elated to have the thing OUT of my arm and we head downtown to the hospital to pick Dave and Barbara up.
When we get down to the hospital, Dave is packed up and ready to go. He, Barbara and a nurse come down and Dave is walking with crutches! The PT had him walking the hospital floor, doing stairs and he was just amazing us all!
We arrived home by 1:30 or so and my head was spinning that everything was happening so fast. Dave was in some pain, but nothing too bad. He was doing his exercises, getting up and moving around and making me so proud. His doctor predicted this kind of recovery, but we were a little skeptical that Dave would bounce back like he did.
We're so thankful for everyone who has been praying for us, I truly believe that God is getting us through each day and without Him and the support of those around us, we wouldn't be making the progress that we are.
Diane and I head to Dr. Martin's office to get my drain removed. Oh my goodness...that was one of the weirdest sensations I've ever felt and hope to NEVER experience it again. It hurt while it was being removed and then burned. I find out that the drain went from about 4 inches below my armpit all the way up to the top of my arm pit. No wonder it hurt every time I reached for something. Well, I'm elated to have the thing OUT of my arm and we head downtown to the hospital to pick Dave and Barbara up.
When we get down to the hospital, Dave is packed up and ready to go. He, Barbara and a nurse come down and Dave is walking with crutches! The PT had him walking the hospital floor, doing stairs and he was just amazing us all!
We arrived home by 1:30 or so and my head was spinning that everything was happening so fast. Dave was in some pain, but nothing too bad. He was doing his exercises, getting up and moving around and making me so proud. His doctor predicted this kind of recovery, but we were a little skeptical that Dave would bounce back like he did.
We're so thankful for everyone who has been praying for us, I truly believe that God is getting us through each day and without Him and the support of those around us, we wouldn't be making the progress that we are.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Dave's Surgery Day
We're up at 5:00 AM and out of the house by 5:45 AM to go to Crawford Long (now called Emory University Hospital Midtown) for Dave's surgery. Even with everything that I've gone through the last month, I'm so happy that today is finally here and Dave will be getting his Liposarcoma removed from his left thigh. Barbara (Dave's youngest sister), Dave and I arrive at the hospital right on time at 6:30 AM and he goes in for pre-op. Dave's sister, Deborah, and his parents, Rudy & Mary Jo, arrive shortly after we do and we begin the wait.
We see Dave shortly before his surgery in pre-op and wish him well. We see the surgeon, Dr. Dave Monson and meet some more of the operating staff. Again, we've been looking forward to this date from the time he was diagnosed on July 15th, 2008 and are so relieved this day is finally here. They take Dave back to the surgery area and we head out to the waiting area.
His surgery starts right at 8:30 AM and is over by 10:00 AM. Dr. Monson speaks with me on the phone and tells me that he was very pleased with how everything went. He thinks he got good margins and there's even a layer of tissue that was spared (considering the intensive chemo and radiation Dave went through, this is very encouraging news). By 11:15 AM, Dave is in his room and we all go down to get him set up. His sister, Barbara, is an Oncology Nurse and has offered to spend the night there at the hospital. I'm grateful for this because she is so good with Dave and I know that if the PT tells her he needs to do something, she'll make sure he gets it done. Dave's other sister, Diane, arrives from Kentucky and we're all glad to see her too. She stayed with me and the boys during Dave's first chemo round back in August, so it's kind of like we've come full circle. We're glad to have such supportive family and friends.
By 3:00 PM, the PT is there and has Dave standing up and trying to bear some weight on his leg. I'm AMAZED at what she's having him do, but Dave is a great patient and is trying his hardest. She has him doing leg lifts and gives instructions for what he should do every hour.
Soon after the PT left, Dr. Monson and his Resident arrive. They again tell us that the surgery was successful, so much so that Dr. Monson wanted to operate on the other leg (ha ha)...we need to wait for a good 5 days or so before we get the pathology report/kill ratio. Next week will be a big week for us.
We see Dave shortly before his surgery in pre-op and wish him well. We see the surgeon, Dr. Dave Monson and meet some more of the operating staff. Again, we've been looking forward to this date from the time he was diagnosed on July 15th, 2008 and are so relieved this day is finally here. They take Dave back to the surgery area and we head out to the waiting area.
His surgery starts right at 8:30 AM and is over by 10:00 AM. Dr. Monson speaks with me on the phone and tells me that he was very pleased with how everything went. He thinks he got good margins and there's even a layer of tissue that was spared (considering the intensive chemo and radiation Dave went through, this is very encouraging news). By 11:15 AM, Dave is in his room and we all go down to get him set up. His sister, Barbara, is an Oncology Nurse and has offered to spend the night there at the hospital. I'm grateful for this because she is so good with Dave and I know that if the PT tells her he needs to do something, she'll make sure he gets it done. Dave's other sister, Diane, arrives from Kentucky and we're all glad to see her too. She stayed with me and the boys during Dave's first chemo round back in August, so it's kind of like we've come full circle. We're glad to have such supportive family and friends.
By 3:00 PM, the PT is there and has Dave standing up and trying to bear some weight on his leg. I'm AMAZED at what she's having him do, but Dave is a great patient and is trying his hardest. She has him doing leg lifts and gives instructions for what he should do every hour.
Soon after the PT left, Dr. Monson and his Resident arrive. They again tell us that the surgery was successful, so much so that Dr. Monson wanted to operate on the other leg (ha ha)...we need to wait for a good 5 days or so before we get the pathology report/kill ratio. Next week will be a big week for us.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
More Pain than Before but hanging in there
I've been laying low the last few days and trying my hardest to take it easy. Don't get me wrong, I like to do my share of "chilling", but, I'm usually up and about. I like to go out and walk or go to the gym and get my cardio and strength training in 4or 5 days a week. I'm usually running errands, vacuuming, running up and down stairs, lugging lots of heavy stuff around, but right now, I'm under strict orders to not lift anything over 5 pounds and really take it easy. I find it just plain hurts whenever I try to reach for something with my right arm. Lucky for me I'm left-handed, but I do find myself trying to do simple things (like emptying the dishwasher) and just not being able to use my right arm much. Of course, Dave doesn't want me to do anything like this, but I just hate being laid up and letting him do all the stuff around the house that I normally take care of.
I'm fortunate to have a friend in the neighborhood that cleans houses, and she's offered to come over and clean for me on her day off. Since Dave's family and my Mom are coming over later today, I'm elated for her to come and clean...and then she surprises me by not accepting payment and tells me it's her way of helping us out. I'm in tears, grateful as always, and telling her I'd like her to come back, at least for the next few months while I'm going through treatment, but I'm insisting on paying her from here on out. I'm again, touched by the generosity of others and how much people in our lives really do care.
I'm fortunate to have a friend in the neighborhood that cleans houses, and she's offered to come over and clean for me on her day off. Since Dave's family and my Mom are coming over later today, I'm elated for her to come and clean...and then she surprises me by not accepting payment and tells me it's her way of helping us out. I'm in tears, grateful as always, and telling her I'd like her to come back, at least for the next few months while I'm going through treatment, but I'm insisting on paying her from here on out. I'm again, touched by the generosity of others and how much people in our lives really do care.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Follow up with Dr. Martin
My appointment this afternoon with the surgeon went as well as could be expected. He told us he took an additional 5 nodes out (for a total of 6 nodes altogether) and cancer showed up in a total of 2 of the 6 nodes. He was optimistic in that this can be treated with radiation, but, is leaving the treatment plan up to the oncologist (Dr. Anthony Landis) and Radiation Oncologist (Dr. John Gargus) with whom I have appointments with on Monday, March 23rd. He said that these doctors treat about 80% of the breast cancer patients in Gwinnett County and he has worked with them for over 20 years.
I'll go in next Thursday, 3/19 to get the drain removed, but, the doctor did say that I should be o.k. to drive now which will help me be able to get out and about when I need to.
Dave's family is coming into town next Tuesday, as his surgery is bright and early Wednesday morning, March 18th. They'll stay in town as long as we need them. He has 3 sisters, one lives in Cumming, GA and the other 2 are out of state. I look forward to them being here and focusing on Dave's surgery. His battle against his cancer has been going on since last July and we're ready to get his tumor out and hopefully see his treatment end and have him be cancer-free!
As always, thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement and support...we couldn't make it without you.
I'll go in next Thursday, 3/19 to get the drain removed, but, the doctor did say that I should be o.k. to drive now which will help me be able to get out and about when I need to.
Dave's family is coming into town next Tuesday, as his surgery is bright and early Wednesday morning, March 18th. They'll stay in town as long as we need them. He has 3 sisters, one lives in Cumming, GA and the other 2 are out of state. I look forward to them being here and focusing on Dave's surgery. His battle against his cancer has been going on since last July and we're ready to get his tumor out and hopefully see his treatment end and have him be cancer-free!
As always, thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement and support...we couldn't make it without you.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Right Axillary Node Dissection
Today is the day I go back in for the doctor to remove more nodes. They'll take out as many as they need to in order to see if the cancer is spreading. At least this time I am having this procedure in the Day Surgery Department and if all goes well, I should be home later today.
When Dave and I arrive at the hospital, we run into one of the Associate Pastor's from our church, John Baker in the parking lot. He's actually there to see me and another high school student who happened to be at the same hospital. We enjoyed our time talking with John and praying before I went in for my procedure.
When I get back in the pre-op area, the nurses are told that I had had allergic reaction the week before so they put Benadryl into my IV. This knocks me out quickly, so the time passes quickly before I go under for the procedure. They put me out again under a general anesthesia so the next thing I know, I'm in post-op feeling massive amounts of pain under my right arm. It was ridiculous how bad the pain was, I described it to the nurse that it felt like someone just started punching me under the arm and wouldn't stop. They had given me a Lortab which didn't touch the pain and finally they gave me some Demerol. Much better, I usually say I have a high threshold for pain, but not this time. Definitely something I don't want to go through again.
I do end up getting discharged and am sent home, but this time I am in a lot more pain than I remember from the previous surgery the week before. I manage the pain with the Lortab and this time use some ice packs under my arm. Oh, this was the best advice I had received and I kept the ice bags under my arm for the first few days. This really helped reduce the pain, thank God. Again, I'm glad to be home and hope that my recovery goes well so that I can be helpful to Dave next week for his surgery.
When Dave and I arrive at the hospital, we run into one of the Associate Pastor's from our church, John Baker in the parking lot. He's actually there to see me and another high school student who happened to be at the same hospital. We enjoyed our time talking with John and praying before I went in for my procedure.
When I get back in the pre-op area, the nurses are told that I had had allergic reaction the week before so they put Benadryl into my IV. This knocks me out quickly, so the time passes quickly before I go under for the procedure. They put me out again under a general anesthesia so the next thing I know, I'm in post-op feeling massive amounts of pain under my right arm. It was ridiculous how bad the pain was, I described it to the nurse that it felt like someone just started punching me under the arm and wouldn't stop. They had given me a Lortab which didn't touch the pain and finally they gave me some Demerol. Much better, I usually say I have a high threshold for pain, but not this time. Definitely something I don't want to go through again.
I do end up getting discharged and am sent home, but this time I am in a lot more pain than I remember from the previous surgery the week before. I manage the pain with the Lortab and this time use some ice packs under my arm. Oh, this was the best advice I had received and I kept the ice bags under my arm for the first few days. This really helped reduce the pain, thank God. Again, I'm glad to be home and hope that my recovery goes well so that I can be helpful to Dave next week for his surgery.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Another Doctor's Appointment and Pathology Results
Well, considering everything that's happened in the last few weeks, I think today's doctor's appointment went well. He said that the lumpectomy was successful in removing the tumor and that they got clean margins...yay, no more work on my little boob! The lymph nodes though are another story. I will go in tomorrow at 9:15 AM (Gwinnett Medical Center - Day surgery) for a Right Axillary Node Dissection. He'll remove as many nodes as he needs to (he said it all depends on the patient, how the nodes appear, etc) and this time they will put in drains. They may keep me overnight at the hospital, it just depends on how I'm doing after the procedure. I'll have the drains in until my follow up which will be March 19th (the day after Dave's surgery)...so 10 Days with the drains. This may be a little uncomfortable, but I'll get by.
I do get an official diagnosis for the type of cancer I have: Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma. Apparently, this is the most popular type of breast cancer out there, I've seen statistics saying it's anywhere from 52% - 70%...so, I've finally made it to an "in crowd", not really the one I was hoping for, but at least I'm confident in the fact that a LOT of research has been done and there are many proven treatment methods. I was also told it's Stage II, could be better, could be worse, but that's what it is.
He did say that radiation will be the way they'll treat my breast cancer, for which I am thankful. I really wasn't too excited about getting chemo, especially after seeing everything Dave went through, although I know mine isn't anywhere as bad as his was. So, suffice it to say, I'm thankful the lumpectomy is over and done with and I'll be glad to get tomorrow's procedure behind me as well. We don't know about the treatment plan yet, again, just taking one day at a time here...
I can't tell you enough how much we appreciate everyone's support, encouragement and prayers during this time. Yes, it's overwhelming, but with the support of so many, the experience is much more tolerable. We're blessed with many friends and family members who make this whole experience more bearable.
I do get an official diagnosis for the type of cancer I have: Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma. Apparently, this is the most popular type of breast cancer out there, I've seen statistics saying it's anywhere from 52% - 70%...so, I've finally made it to an "in crowd", not really the one I was hoping for, but at least I'm confident in the fact that a LOT of research has been done and there are many proven treatment methods. I was also told it's Stage II, could be better, could be worse, but that's what it is.
He did say that radiation will be the way they'll treat my breast cancer, for which I am thankful. I really wasn't too excited about getting chemo, especially after seeing everything Dave went through, although I know mine isn't anywhere as bad as his was. So, suffice it to say, I'm thankful the lumpectomy is over and done with and I'll be glad to get tomorrow's procedure behind me as well. We don't know about the treatment plan yet, again, just taking one day at a time here...
I can't tell you enough how much we appreciate everyone's support, encouragement and prayers during this time. Yes, it's overwhelming, but with the support of so many, the experience is much more tolerable. We're blessed with many friends and family members who make this whole experience more bearable.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Results of the Surgery
Well, I'm hanging in there and letting Dave take care of some of the duties I usually do...like get up with the boys in the morning, get their breakfast, make sure they get dressed, get their teeth brushed and be ready for the bus, within an hour. Dave usually gets to bed after me and sleeps in a little, but for the next few days, it's up at 7:00 AM for Daddy! Hey, I've got to take advantage of sleeping in while I can!
I'm hurting a little bit today, but, am taking my Lortab and keeping the pain managed pretty well. I was told to elevate my arm with some pillows and my sweet techie husband set me up with a laptop on the couch, so I'm happy as a clam! I actually went out and took a very short walk in the afternoon to get some fresh air and circulate the blood, but I didn't overdo it.
Around 1:30 in the afternoon, Ruthann, (PA to Dr. Martin) called and said my pathology report wasn't back yet. That was kind of disappointing because we were hoping to find out more about the cancer. She said she'd get back in touch with me as soon as they knew something.
About an hour later I get another call and it was Ruthann again. She did say that the mass that was removed had clean margins which is very good news. The doctor did have to take some of the chest muscle and go to the chest wall to get the clean margins, but it wasn't bad and there'd be no more surgery on my breast. The pathology report showed that there were microscopic cancer cells in the sentinel node that was taken out and they would need to go back in and do an Axillary Node Dissection. This didn't sound great, but, at least now, that Dave's surgery was set for 3/18, they could get me in the next week to do this 2nd procedure. So, I now get set up for the 2nd procedure for 3/10 to take out more nodes to see if the cancer is spreading further.
I'm hurting a little bit today, but, am taking my Lortab and keeping the pain managed pretty well. I was told to elevate my arm with some pillows and my sweet techie husband set me up with a laptop on the couch, so I'm happy as a clam! I actually went out and took a very short walk in the afternoon to get some fresh air and circulate the blood, but I didn't overdo it.
Around 1:30 in the afternoon, Ruthann, (PA to Dr. Martin) called and said my pathology report wasn't back yet. That was kind of disappointing because we were hoping to find out more about the cancer. She said she'd get back in touch with me as soon as they knew something.
About an hour later I get another call and it was Ruthann again. She did say that the mass that was removed had clean margins which is very good news. The doctor did have to take some of the chest muscle and go to the chest wall to get the clean margins, but it wasn't bad and there'd be no more surgery on my breast. The pathology report showed that there were microscopic cancer cells in the sentinel node that was taken out and they would need to go back in and do an Axillary Node Dissection. This didn't sound great, but, at least now, that Dave's surgery was set for 3/18, they could get me in the next week to do this 2nd procedure. So, I now get set up for the 2nd procedure for 3/10 to take out more nodes to see if the cancer is spreading further.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Lumpectomy Day
Well, Dave and I are up and out the door and off to the Women's Pavilion where they'll inject radioactive dye into my right breast. They do this first (at 7:30 AM) and then I'm transported over to the hospital for the lumpectomy and sentinel node removal. Dave is right with me, wearing the caregiver shoes now, and he's doing a great job. He does try really hard to be funny and sometimes it works and other times I just have to tell him, "Still not funny." But, he's there with me before I go into surgery and is trying to keep things "light" with all the nurses and staff. I find out that instead of the day surgery, I'll be having my procedure done in the main surgery area of the hospital (at Gwinnett Medical Center), and I'm not being put under with a twilight anesthetic, nope, they are knocking me out, all the way...o.k. by me, I'd rather not know what's going on to be honest.
During the lumpectomy, the doctor tells me that not only will I have the radioactive dye in there (I'm assuming to find the cancer), but they also put in a blue dye right before the surgery...like it'll give my skin a blue hue...I'm very fair skinned, so, great, now tomorrow I'll look like a Smurf? We shall see....
The procedure takes about an hour and a half and while I'm in the post-op room, I have some kind of allergic reaction. The nurses think it's because they had to give me some morphine to kill some of the pain right after surgery, or maybe it had something to do with the anesthesia...they don't know for sure. I'm already allergic to penicillin and sulfa drugs, so I guess I may have something else to add to my list.
So, after some Benadryl and sips of Sprite and a few crackers, I'm given the green light to go home. A nice lady came in to give me a pillow to put between my arm and my breast and to give me a "Breast Cancer Package", which has a very informative manual that explains EVERYTHING you'd ever want to know...Dave was jealous he didn't get any of this kind of special treatment when he was going through his horrible chemo and radiation treatments. I told him I just got lucky and got the right kind of cancer.
Now, it's in the early afternoon and we're on our way home. My mom and sister were at the hospital and came to the house for a while. My niece, Sarah, came to spend a few days/nights with us (she had done this too in the past with Dave's chemo rounds) and we appreciate the help so much. Our boys take a lot of energy and they love having their cousin there to be with them. So, we're at the house for a while, I'm in a little pain, but taking the Lortab on schedule and resting...so far, so good.
During the lumpectomy, the doctor tells me that not only will I have the radioactive dye in there (I'm assuming to find the cancer), but they also put in a blue dye right before the surgery...like it'll give my skin a blue hue...I'm very fair skinned, so, great, now tomorrow I'll look like a Smurf? We shall see....
The procedure takes about an hour and a half and while I'm in the post-op room, I have some kind of allergic reaction. The nurses think it's because they had to give me some morphine to kill some of the pain right after surgery, or maybe it had something to do with the anesthesia...they don't know for sure. I'm already allergic to penicillin and sulfa drugs, so I guess I may have something else to add to my list.
So, after some Benadryl and sips of Sprite and a few crackers, I'm given the green light to go home. A nice lady came in to give me a pillow to put between my arm and my breast and to give me a "Breast Cancer Package", which has a very informative manual that explains EVERYTHING you'd ever want to know...Dave was jealous he didn't get any of this kind of special treatment when he was going through his horrible chemo and radiation treatments. I told him I just got lucky and got the right kind of cancer.
Now, it's in the early afternoon and we're on our way home. My mom and sister were at the hospital and came to the house for a while. My niece, Sarah, came to spend a few days/nights with us (she had done this too in the past with Dave's chemo rounds) and we appreciate the help so much. Our boys take a lot of energy and they love having their cousin there to be with them. So, we're at the house for a while, I'm in a little pain, but taking the Lortab on schedule and resting...so far, so good.
Friday, February 27, 2009
"In Sickness and In Health"
You know, being married to the same person for a long time can put you in a very comfortable, take them for granted place. Well, Dave has traveled some over the many years we've been married (21+), but I had never been so excited for him to get home as I was this time. We've got a solid marriage, not perfect, but we love each other very much and have learned over the years not to take each other for granted. We're a team and we work well as a team. Back when we were dating, we'd always talk about just spending our lives together, raising a family, retiring, growing old together, getting that cabin in the mountains, sitting on the porch, enjoying the view.
Well, when I was 9 weeks pregnant with our 2nd son, Kyle, Dave had a benign brain tumor. I think this was one of those times in our marriage where we realized that our plans may not work out the way we thought they would. Fortunately, Dave had a fine surgeon that removed the tumor, there was some damage to his pituitary gland, but all in all, we were fortunate. Over the years, Dave has remained on some medications as a result of his pituitary gland being damaged, but he's been relatively healthy.
Fast forward seven and a half years and Dave gets the diagnosis of Myxoid Liposarcoma (Stage 3 - Malignant). This is a whole new beast and he's going in for the fight of his life. Sarcomas are rare, aggressive tumors that like to spread. His was a huge soft tissue mass on his left thigh, fortunately for us it hadn't spread, but he was going to be put through some of the roughest chemo possible to shrink the tumor and kill the cells before the doctor would remove the mass. So, like I said, we're about to get to the end of his journey, his surgery is about 3 weeks away, and then I go in for my mammogram.
I've had small health issues during the course of our marriage, but nothing major. Well, now, finding out I have breast cancer, I suddenly have something significant and I just see this in Dave's eyes when he got home from his trip that he realized, he wasn't the only one in the fight for their life now. A friend of his had lost his wife to breast cancer...I think it became very real to him when he came home from his trip and we were together how much we appreciated one another.
Dave's been an amazing rock for me and he has such a great attitude, I know that my prognosis, no matter what it is, I'll get through it, with him by my side (even if he's on crutches).
Well, when I was 9 weeks pregnant with our 2nd son, Kyle, Dave had a benign brain tumor. I think this was one of those times in our marriage where we realized that our plans may not work out the way we thought they would. Fortunately, Dave had a fine surgeon that removed the tumor, there was some damage to his pituitary gland, but all in all, we were fortunate. Over the years, Dave has remained on some medications as a result of his pituitary gland being damaged, but he's been relatively healthy.
Fast forward seven and a half years and Dave gets the diagnosis of Myxoid Liposarcoma (Stage 3 - Malignant). This is a whole new beast and he's going in for the fight of his life. Sarcomas are rare, aggressive tumors that like to spread. His was a huge soft tissue mass on his left thigh, fortunately for us it hadn't spread, but he was going to be put through some of the roughest chemo possible to shrink the tumor and kill the cells before the doctor would remove the mass. So, like I said, we're about to get to the end of his journey, his surgery is about 3 weeks away, and then I go in for my mammogram.
I've had small health issues during the course of our marriage, but nothing major. Well, now, finding out I have breast cancer, I suddenly have something significant and I just see this in Dave's eyes when he got home from his trip that he realized, he wasn't the only one in the fight for their life now. A friend of his had lost his wife to breast cancer...I think it became very real to him when he came home from his trip and we were together how much we appreciated one another.
Dave's been an amazing rock for me and he has such a great attitude, I know that my prognosis, no matter what it is, I'll get through it, with him by my side (even if he's on crutches).
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Dave's Surgery Gets Rescheduled
Well, my week is going as well as can be expected. I miss Dave but we're speaking when we can while he's on his trip. I am happy he can see his team down there, have a nice "break" from all the cancer "stuff" he's gone through since August and have some time down in the nice warm temps.
During the day I receive a phone call from Dave's surgeon's assistant and she tells me that there is a conflict and Dave's surgery needs to get rescheduled. This turns out to be a blessing for us, because little did we know, but we'd need the extra week. So, Dave's surgery is now set for Wednesday, March 18th. We're both relieved that we'll have a little more time between my lumpectomy and his tumor removal.
During the day I receive a phone call from Dave's surgeon's assistant and she tells me that there is a conflict and Dave's surgery needs to get rescheduled. This turns out to be a blessing for us, because little did we know, but we'd need the extra week. So, Dave's surgery is now set for Wednesday, March 18th. We're both relieved that we'll have a little more time between my lumpectomy and his tumor removal.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Pre-Op and a Girl's Day Out
Bright and early Wednesday morning, I get picked up by my friend, Gwyn, to go to the hospital for pre-op. This turns out to be a breeze, no blood draws, a quick meeting with the nurse anesthetist and I'm set for my procedure the following Wednesday. Nothing to eat or drink after midnight before surgery, yada, yada, yada....
Gwyn tells me that she's mine for the day, let's do something fun, go out to lunch, catch a movie, go shop, whatever I want to do...so, hmm, I have to go to a Mall? I'm not a Mall person, I don't know why, I've just never really liked to shop...I can't spend hours looking for deals, going through racks of stuff, nope, I go in, find what I need and leave. Well, I do mention that I'd like to check out the Croc Outlet Store at Discover Mills, Bryce needs some new Crocs...and there's a movie theater there. So we go to the Croc Store, I find 2 pairs for myself, one for Bryce and she also makes so good purchases. We then walk around, find that the movie we're interested in isn't playing there, but do stay and go to Chili's for lunch. Ah, it is nice just to be out with a friend, no kids, having nice adult conversation...nice day so far.
After lunch, Gwyn asks if I wouldn't mind heading back to the Croc store...she's going to pick up some more for some family members...no problem. I got what I needed earlier so I just sit out front, check messages, etc. and she shops some more (see, I really am not a good shopper!) We end up needing to go to yet ANOTHER mall to see the movie we wanted (Slumdog Millionaire)...so, for me, I'm fine with that, why not break a record on my girl's day out? Two malls in one day is unheard of for me, but I'm enjoying being driven around, so we're off to the Mall of Georgia...we walk around, see the movie (which I recommend if you haven't seen it) and by 6:00 pm, I'm beat!
I appreciated my day out with Gwyn, she's a good friend and it meant a lot to me for her to be with me. I know it sounds silly, but, I usually don't "take a day off" like this, so I am glad she had the foresight to know just what I needed!
I came home to see my boys and my Mom, they hadn't missed me too much, but I know they were glad I was home and I was glad to be home...I was tired after my day out!
Gwyn tells me that she's mine for the day, let's do something fun, go out to lunch, catch a movie, go shop, whatever I want to do...so, hmm, I have to go to a Mall? I'm not a Mall person, I don't know why, I've just never really liked to shop...I can't spend hours looking for deals, going through racks of stuff, nope, I go in, find what I need and leave. Well, I do mention that I'd like to check out the Croc Outlet Store at Discover Mills, Bryce needs some new Crocs...and there's a movie theater there. So we go to the Croc Store, I find 2 pairs for myself, one for Bryce and she also makes so good purchases. We then walk around, find that the movie we're interested in isn't playing there, but do stay and go to Chili's for lunch. Ah, it is nice just to be out with a friend, no kids, having nice adult conversation...nice day so far.
After lunch, Gwyn asks if I wouldn't mind heading back to the Croc store...she's going to pick up some more for some family members...no problem. I got what I needed earlier so I just sit out front, check messages, etc. and she shops some more (see, I really am not a good shopper!) We end up needing to go to yet ANOTHER mall to see the movie we wanted (Slumdog Millionaire)...so, for me, I'm fine with that, why not break a record on my girl's day out? Two malls in one day is unheard of for me, but I'm enjoying being driven around, so we're off to the Mall of Georgia...we walk around, see the movie (which I recommend if you haven't seen it) and by 6:00 pm, I'm beat!
I appreciated my day out with Gwyn, she's a good friend and it meant a lot to me for her to be with me. I know it sounds silly, but, I usually don't "take a day off" like this, so I am glad she had the foresight to know just what I needed!
I came home to see my boys and my Mom, they hadn't missed me too much, but I know they were glad I was home and I was glad to be home...I was tired after my day out!
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