There is nothing better than spending time outdoors with some of your closest friends. I was so excited to be given the green light to go to BOW (Becoming an Outdoors Woman) last weekend, I was practically bouncing off the walls. The weekend was great. The accommodations were a little more rustic than other weekends, the food basic but plentiful, but the workshops were fun and the company couldn't be better.
For me the whole weekend helps put everything into perspective and allows me to get in touch with myself. I took the photography and birding workshops, as well as wilderness survival and trout fishing. The wilderness survival module was really interesting and the hands-on component had us creating a shelter in the woods using only what we had in our pack. I was lucky enough to have an uprooted tree in my quadrant, the perfect place to hunker down if rain and nightfall are approaching. One of the participants built her shelter near a hornet or wasp nest (I don't know the difference) and a couple of us (including me) got stung when the leader was critiquing the shelter. The hornets got so upset they wouldn't let one girl pick up her backpack, she had to leave until they settled down again. Fortunately I'm not allergic to stings.
The trout fishing workshop was the only event all weekend with all of us together. Kelly, Marion, Kelly's mom Lindy and sister Andrea (plus our two cabin mates) all took trout fishing on Sunday morning. We fished at a private pond stocked with rainbow and brook trout. I think the best part is watching your friends get a fish hooked. Kelly had one of the large rainbows on briefly and I thought she was going to jump into the water with the fish. We're definitely going fishing next spring. Our cabin mate, Dawn, did land one of the rainbows...it was one of the largest fish I've ever seen anyone catch. It had to weigh in around five pounds. I'm not sure, if in the excitement, anyone thought to weigh or measure it.
I'm already looking forward to the next BOW, I may even try the winter one in February if I get myself geared up with some warm clothing before then.
I received a card from Lois and Del, I think they must have been visiting Rob's parents for the annual sauerkraut supper.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
BOW Bound
It has been a roller-coaster week where I have felt pretty much as low as I've felt along this journey and I've hit the highest highs as well. Today clinches it, I'm going to BOW this weekend.
Sensitive people may want to skip this paragraph. BOW was dependent on what was happening with my infection. Last night while readying for bed, I bumped the scab where the left drain came out. When I got up to take my medication at 4 a.m. my PJs were covered in goop. All while I was sleeping the chest was draining through the old hole. I covered it up and went back to bed. When I got up it was the same. I was scheduled to call my nurse to let her know if I had swelling again. Needless to say because the area drained all night there was no swelling at all. Dr. Ginny called me back and said there was no point in her going in and opening me up to put a drain in, if the body was already looking after itself. She gave me directions on how to treat it and I went in to get a fresh dressing and some gauze and tape to carry me through the weekend.
While I had her on the phone I asked her some of the questions we should have asked yesterday regarding the pathology report. I asked her to explain it to me again, and in simple terms the chemo did its job really well, essentially melting away all of the cancer cells both in the lymph nodes and the breast. In fact, she says in the 25 years she been doing this she's never seen a cleaner report. She says at this point radiation is just extra insurance. I'll continue to be followed by the clinic for next five years. Every six months for the first two years and then yearly thereafter.
I had a card yesterday from my friends in the Atlantic Presbyterian Cursillo. Now I have to start packing for tomorrow...'cause I'm going to BOW and spending time with some of my best mates.
Sensitive people may want to skip this paragraph. BOW was dependent on what was happening with my infection. Last night while readying for bed, I bumped the scab where the left drain came out. When I got up to take my medication at 4 a.m. my PJs were covered in goop. All while I was sleeping the chest was draining through the old hole. I covered it up and went back to bed. When I got up it was the same. I was scheduled to call my nurse to let her know if I had swelling again. Needless to say because the area drained all night there was no swelling at all. Dr. Ginny called me back and said there was no point in her going in and opening me up to put a drain in, if the body was already looking after itself. She gave me directions on how to treat it and I went in to get a fresh dressing and some gauze and tape to carry me through the weekend.
While I had her on the phone I asked her some of the questions we should have asked yesterday regarding the pathology report. I asked her to explain it to me again, and in simple terms the chemo did its job really well, essentially melting away all of the cancer cells both in the lymph nodes and the breast. In fact, she says in the 25 years she been doing this she's never seen a cleaner report. She says at this point radiation is just extra insurance. I'll continue to be followed by the clinic for next five years. Every six months for the first two years and then yearly thereafter.
I had a card yesterday from my friends in the Atlantic Presbyterian Cursillo. Now I have to start packing for tomorrow...'cause I'm going to BOW and spending time with some of my best mates.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Grabbing the Elixir
So all along his journey the Hero has one goal in mind...the elixir. He has fought enemies, been helped by friends and mentors, faced tests and challenges, all for this elusive goal. Of course obtaining it isn't the end of his journey, he has to understand and learn how to use it and then take those lessons back to his own world.
Today I got the news we've all been waiting for. The pathology report is back and I am cancer-free. That's right, between the chemo and the surgery all the nasty little cancer cells are eradicated. Yeah!
Of course, like the Hero, I still have to make my way back to the normal world and return to normal life; and as we know, I'm still a long way from "home". I will still do the radiation, that part of the treatment plan hasn't changed. I will still have the hysterectomy to minimize the chances of developing ovarian cancer, and I plan to have reconstruction too. However, all of this can be done knowing the worst is behind me and the monster guarding the elixir has been slain.
Now, the nasty little infection is slowly retreating too. I was drained again today, 50 ml of gunk. Yesterday's total was really around the 100 ml mark. It foams up going into the bottle so it looked like a lot more. Rob asked today and Lisa confirmed the amount was actually about half of what I reported yesterday. The new plan is we see what happens overnight. If I accumulate more fluid then it's back to the operating room late tomorrow to have it opened up, cleaned out and a new drain installed. Definitely the end of my plans for the weekend. If, however, I don't fill up again, then the antibiotics are really taking hold and nothing needs to be done. The body will eventually right itself and I can go to BOW as planned. Let's keep our fingers crossed for option two.
Again, Rob and I want to thank each of you for your support during the past seven months. It has been a wild roller-coaster ride filled with highs and lows. Your cards, calls, emails, gifts, prayers, energy and positive thoughts have given us great comfort and strength during this time. Through the darkness we were able to see how truly blessed we are in our lives by all of you. We know we've still got a long road ahead of us before life is back to normal, but each day we get a little closer and we thank you for your participation, your role as friends and mentors, along our journey.
Today I got the news we've all been waiting for. The pathology report is back and I am cancer-free. That's right, between the chemo and the surgery all the nasty little cancer cells are eradicated. Yeah!
Of course, like the Hero, I still have to make my way back to the normal world and return to normal life; and as we know, I'm still a long way from "home". I will still do the radiation, that part of the treatment plan hasn't changed. I will still have the hysterectomy to minimize the chances of developing ovarian cancer, and I plan to have reconstruction too. However, all of this can be done knowing the worst is behind me and the monster guarding the elixir has been slain.
Now, the nasty little infection is slowly retreating too. I was drained again today, 50 ml of gunk. Yesterday's total was really around the 100 ml mark. It foams up going into the bottle so it looked like a lot more. Rob asked today and Lisa confirmed the amount was actually about half of what I reported yesterday. The new plan is we see what happens overnight. If I accumulate more fluid then it's back to the operating room late tomorrow to have it opened up, cleaned out and a new drain installed. Definitely the end of my plans for the weekend. If, however, I don't fill up again, then the antibiotics are really taking hold and nothing needs to be done. The body will eventually right itself and I can go to BOW as planned. Let's keep our fingers crossed for option two.
Again, Rob and I want to thank each of you for your support during the past seven months. It has been a wild roller-coaster ride filled with highs and lows. Your cards, calls, emails, gifts, prayers, energy and positive thoughts have given us great comfort and strength during this time. Through the darkness we were able to see how truly blessed we are in our lives by all of you. We know we've still got a long road ahead of us before life is back to normal, but each day we get a little closer and we thank you for your participation, your role as friends and mentors, along our journey.
Back to the Doctor's Office
Really, they should just build me a revolving door. I was back to the doctor's office this morning (Tuesday -- it is now early Wednesday morning as I write). *Some of you may not want to read from the second paragraph if you have a squeamish tummy. The breast health nurse, Lisa, called last evening to see how I was making out. She didn't like how slowly I seemed to be responding to the antibiotics and wanted to discuss it with my doctor. This morning, she called again and asked me to come in and see one of the physicians on the team.
I think it was the quickest trip to the hospital we've made yet. We left here at 10:30 and were home again by 12:30. Dr. Topp looked at me today and he wasn't particularly happy with what he saw. He decided to drain the fluid (pus) from the area. They cut the breast nerves when they remove them so he was able to insert a needle into the area so easily I didn't realize it was in until he started commenting on on the discharge amount and colour. I only glanced at the bottle, but Rob guesses the doctor removed about a cup of fluid from my chest. He prepared a sample to send to the lab and I have another appointment on Thursday. Dr. Topp has prepared me to expect them to open the area up and clean it out and "pack it". Given that fact that the area is still swollen and red tonight I'm guessing Thursday will be another interesting adventure in medicine.
Needless to say I'm guessing BOW is off the table for this year. Even Kelly, the eternal optimist, concedes if they pack my chest I can't do the weekend. I hope if I let the coordinator know tomorrow, some other woman can take advantage of the opportunity. I may use my disappointment to leverage Rob into seeing a "chick flick" this weekend. We'll see.
On the plus side, I think the fever is finally reacting to the medicine. I think today was the first time it hasn't soared above 37C all day. Plus my headache has finally abated. This afternoon I felt good enough to run the dishwasher and tidy the kitchen. Although it meant a catnap afterwards, perhaps the root of my sleeplessness now. Speaking of which, I received a lovely card from Bonnie M. today, who apparently wrote it during a bout of insomnia at 2 a.m. Off to watch a little TV and hopefully get a little sleep before I get up to take my 4 a.m. antibiotic.
Thanks again for the ongoing prayers and support.
I think it was the quickest trip to the hospital we've made yet. We left here at 10:30 and were home again by 12:30. Dr. Topp looked at me today and he wasn't particularly happy with what he saw. He decided to drain the fluid (pus) from the area. They cut the breast nerves when they remove them so he was able to insert a needle into the area so easily I didn't realize it was in until he started commenting on on the discharge amount and colour. I only glanced at the bottle, but Rob guesses the doctor removed about a cup of fluid from my chest. He prepared a sample to send to the lab and I have another appointment on Thursday. Dr. Topp has prepared me to expect them to open the area up and clean it out and "pack it". Given that fact that the area is still swollen and red tonight I'm guessing Thursday will be another interesting adventure in medicine.
Needless to say I'm guessing BOW is off the table for this year. Even Kelly, the eternal optimist, concedes if they pack my chest I can't do the weekend. I hope if I let the coordinator know tomorrow, some other woman can take advantage of the opportunity. I may use my disappointment to leverage Rob into seeing a "chick flick" this weekend. We'll see.
On the plus side, I think the fever is finally reacting to the medicine. I think today was the first time it hasn't soared above 37C all day. Plus my headache has finally abated. This afternoon I felt good enough to run the dishwasher and tidy the kitchen. Although it meant a catnap afterwards, perhaps the root of my sleeplessness now. Speaking of which, I received a lovely card from Bonnie M. today, who apparently wrote it during a bout of insomnia at 2 a.m. Off to watch a little TV and hopefully get a little sleep before I get up to take my 4 a.m. antibiotic.
Thanks again for the ongoing prayers and support.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Still Battling
It has been a long weekend. On the plus side, the whole breast removal followed by an infection during which time I completely lost my appetite, has meant I've dropped about 10 pounds in the last month. Other than that the weekend completely sucked. I've done nothing but sleep and watch TV. My temperature has been riding a roller coaster and today is the first day I haven't had a pounding headache. I alternate between chills and fever. Then throw in a couple of night sweats. I've changed my PJs three nights of the last four. And one night I had to find a dry pillow and sleep on the other side of bed.
Rob's fishing weekend got scaled back (no pun intended). He and the other amigos stayed in the city and fished. The trophy is back in my house for the fifth consecutive year -- thanks to a whopping 21-inch bass weighing five pounds.
Hopefully today is the turning point and I start feeling better. I really want to go to my event on Friday. Rob says he can probably drive me which means I won't need to expend that energy at least. Then if I have a setback I can call him to come get me. It's nice that the event is less than an hour from home for a change. If it was in Cape Breton, the five-hour drive would be too daunting. I have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday for my pathology report...hopefully I'll get the green light for the weekend too.
Rob's fishing weekend got scaled back (no pun intended). He and the other amigos stayed in the city and fished. The trophy is back in my house for the fifth consecutive year -- thanks to a whopping 21-inch bass weighing five pounds.
Hopefully today is the turning point and I start feeling better. I really want to go to my event on Friday. Rob says he can probably drive me which means I won't need to expend that energy at least. Then if I have a setback I can call him to come get me. It's nice that the event is less than an hour from home for a change. If it was in Cape Breton, the five-hour drive would be too daunting. I have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday for my pathology report...hopefully I'll get the green light for the weekend too.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Another Setback
Well, it was back to the doctor's office yesterday. For the past week I've been running a little fever or having chills. Not all the time, but every other day or so. However, on Thursday both the chills and the fever increased in persistence to get my attention. I was running a fever of 39.1 Thursday night and I called the nurse at the clinic Friday morning. I was asked to come in, and was seen by the surgery resident.
He feels there is an infection somewhere, but aside from some heat on the left side of my chest, and the temperature, I'm not exhibiting any other signs. No redness, no seepage around the wound. He had thought he might need to aspirate the site, but he says there is no fluid there, it is just dense. He prescribed a 14-day round of antibiotics and sent me for a urinalysis and blood cultures.
Let me say again, the IWK is not my favorite place to go for blood work. I'd much rather go to the Dixon Center where they are used to working with hard veins. First there was a debate over whether the doctor wanted the samples taken from one site or two (let me tell you, they're lucky to get blood out of one site these days, the veins in my right arm are all hard, and I'm not allowed to be poked in my left arm ever again). Then the first vein they tried wasn't giving much blood and the girl sticking me called for help. I was long enough with them taking my blood that Rob was getting ready to come looking for me.
I have a follow-up appointment with my surgeon on Wednesday for the pathology report. Hopefully we'll all see an improvement based on the antibiotics. I have plans for next weekend which I'd rather not miss, especially because the event is paid for and at this point is non-refundable.
On an up note. I received two gifts this week. One is a super-soft lounge suit from Kathy W in the Colorado office. I'd be wearing it today, but it is too warm considering the heat I'm still generating. The second gift is the most beautiful scarf I've ever seen. It was hand-woven by Aunt Joyce and it reminds me of a peacock tail. It has the most vibrant, rich colours in it and I can't wait to wear it. It will make even the darkest days brighter.
The boys have moved their fishing weekend to the city (in case I get worse). They were supposed to fish their favorite bass lakes in the Valley, but Rob felt he couldn't be that far away from me in case I do need to be taken to hospital. Kelly may still come out this afternoon. I'm just waiting to see how I feel. I think I've slept about 18 of the last 24 hours.
He feels there is an infection somewhere, but aside from some heat on the left side of my chest, and the temperature, I'm not exhibiting any other signs. No redness, no seepage around the wound. He had thought he might need to aspirate the site, but he says there is no fluid there, it is just dense. He prescribed a 14-day round of antibiotics and sent me for a urinalysis and blood cultures.
Let me say again, the IWK is not my favorite place to go for blood work. I'd much rather go to the Dixon Center where they are used to working with hard veins. First there was a debate over whether the doctor wanted the samples taken from one site or two (let me tell you, they're lucky to get blood out of one site these days, the veins in my right arm are all hard, and I'm not allowed to be poked in my left arm ever again). Then the first vein they tried wasn't giving much blood and the girl sticking me called for help. I was long enough with them taking my blood that Rob was getting ready to come looking for me.
I have a follow-up appointment with my surgeon on Wednesday for the pathology report. Hopefully we'll all see an improvement based on the antibiotics. I have plans for next weekend which I'd rather not miss, especially because the event is paid for and at this point is non-refundable.
On an up note. I received two gifts this week. One is a super-soft lounge suit from Kathy W in the Colorado office. I'd be wearing it today, but it is too warm considering the heat I'm still generating. The second gift is the most beautiful scarf I've ever seen. It was hand-woven by Aunt Joyce and it reminds me of a peacock tail. It has the most vibrant, rich colours in it and I can't wait to wear it. It will make even the darkest days brighter.
The boys have moved their fishing weekend to the city (in case I get worse). They were supposed to fish their favorite bass lakes in the Valley, but Rob felt he couldn't be that far away from me in case I do need to be taken to hospital. Kelly may still come out this afternoon. I'm just waiting to see how I feel. I think I've slept about 18 of the last 24 hours.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Drain Free and Tattooed
The Hero often stands out from his peers in some way or another. It may be his size or appearance, his intelligence or his ability to perform specific skills such as fighting or magic. Whatever it is which sets him apart, it also aids him in his journey. My special feature is a set of five new freckle-looking tattoos which will enable the radiation technologists to aim the treatment when it starts.
Today was a great day. Firstly I made good time going across town, in spite of the early morning rush hour traffic. I had my drains removed and had the tattooing completed. All of this, and a stop for a coffee and muffin, and I was home before noon.
The nurse was very pleased with the scars, and the removal of the drains only took about five minutes, most of which was just the preparation -- removing the old band aids, setting up new dressings and snipping the stitches. Removing the drains didn't hurt, it just felt peculiar; I could feel the movement of the drain as it was sliding out from under my skin. I was surprised by the actual appearance of the drains. I guess I was thinking it was just more of tubing extending underneath my skin, like a hose siphoning water out of bucket. Instead each drain was flat, about a centimeter wide, half a centimeter thick and about 15 centimeters long with numerous small holes dotting it. I now look like I've been stabbed with a carving fork in the middle of my chest, but I'm told the holes will heal over in short order. I felt immediate relief after the drains were removed. Although they weren't hurting, they were causing discomfort and irritating my skin, and both those issues disappeared along with the drains.
The appointment with radiology consisted of an information session, a quick meeting with my radiologist, and the actual calibration and marking. The information session reviewed the potential side-effects -- tenderness, possible redness, fatigue and possible scarring on the lung tissue which could appear in future scans.
I also got my beginning date. Radiation commences on October 13, the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. I'll have 25 sessions in all, Monday through Friday (except holidays) so I should be wrapped up by November 17. I love having start and end dates; it must be all those years working with deadlines.
The calibration was relatively quick. I was asked to lay on a table, my left arm positioned above my head and bent at a 90 degree angle (this is why the post-surgery exercises were so important), my knees were bent and rested on a foam wedge and they put plastic markers on my skin around the affected area. Finally, the technicians made temporary marks with markers, checked the calibration using the scanner and then I got my tattoos. The spots are little and look a bit darker than my natural freckles. I'm told they'll fade some over time. They basically mark the outline of the area to be radiated. I'm looking forward to starting this next phase and getting it behind me.
Yesterday I dropped by the office for a few hours. The team had lunch together and I had a chance to touch base with many of my colleagues. I think it was about four o'clock before I was able to work my way out of the building. It was great visiting and catching up with everyone.
This weekend Kelly is coming out. She, Marion and I are going to do some shopping together. The next weekend we're taking a Becoming an Outdoor Woman workshop. The next few weeks are going to be busy and I'm sure the time between now and when I start radiation will fly.
Today was a great day. Firstly I made good time going across town, in spite of the early morning rush hour traffic. I had my drains removed and had the tattooing completed. All of this, and a stop for a coffee and muffin, and I was home before noon.
The nurse was very pleased with the scars, and the removal of the drains only took about five minutes, most of which was just the preparation -- removing the old band aids, setting up new dressings and snipping the stitches. Removing the drains didn't hurt, it just felt peculiar; I could feel the movement of the drain as it was sliding out from under my skin. I was surprised by the actual appearance of the drains. I guess I was thinking it was just more of tubing extending underneath my skin, like a hose siphoning water out of bucket. Instead each drain was flat, about a centimeter wide, half a centimeter thick and about 15 centimeters long with numerous small holes dotting it. I now look like I've been stabbed with a carving fork in the middle of my chest, but I'm told the holes will heal over in short order. I felt immediate relief after the drains were removed. Although they weren't hurting, they were causing discomfort and irritating my skin, and both those issues disappeared along with the drains.
The appointment with radiology consisted of an information session, a quick meeting with my radiologist, and the actual calibration and marking. The information session reviewed the potential side-effects -- tenderness, possible redness, fatigue and possible scarring on the lung tissue which could appear in future scans.
I also got my beginning date. Radiation commences on October 13, the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. I'll have 25 sessions in all, Monday through Friday (except holidays) so I should be wrapped up by November 17. I love having start and end dates; it must be all those years working with deadlines.
The calibration was relatively quick. I was asked to lay on a table, my left arm positioned above my head and bent at a 90 degree angle (this is why the post-surgery exercises were so important), my knees were bent and rested on a foam wedge and they put plastic markers on my skin around the affected area. Finally, the technicians made temporary marks with markers, checked the calibration using the scanner and then I got my tattoos. The spots are little and look a bit darker than my natural freckles. I'm told they'll fade some over time. They basically mark the outline of the area to be radiated. I'm looking forward to starting this next phase and getting it behind me.
Yesterday I dropped by the office for a few hours. The team had lunch together and I had a chance to touch base with many of my colleagues. I think it was about four o'clock before I was able to work my way out of the building. It was great visiting and catching up with everyone.
This weekend Kelly is coming out. She, Marion and I are going to do some shopping together. The next weekend we're taking a Becoming an Outdoor Woman workshop. The next few weeks are going to be busy and I'm sure the time between now and when I start radiation will fly.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Delayed Again
Well the drains are still in. I did a little light gardening on the weekend...getting rid of some dead leaves, flower stems etc. basically tidying up the gardens; the gardens look one hundred per cent better. However, the downside is I also increased my circulation and the amount of fluid emptying into the drains, which means they didn't come out today either. I have an appointment for Wednesday morning to have them removed, prior to going to the Radiation department to have my markings made.
I was also running a bit of a temperature on Sunday and was a little worried I might be developing infection, a possibly given the length of time my drains have been in; however my temperature was normal this morning, so it must have been a bug I picked up.
I received cards from Diane G. and the Tiverton Christian Church as well as a package from one of Rob's co-workers with a couple of books and a card.
Rob says I should mention that my hair is coming back and is becoming quite thick. At this point it is just dark, inch-long fuzz and I can't really tell what colour it will be or if it is coming in curly. I have notice my eye lashes all have a kink in them and the right eye has longer lashes than the left eye. I don't know if it was that way before or not.
Tomorrow I'm having lunch with some of my co-workers and I'm quite looking forward to the outing.
I was also running a bit of a temperature on Sunday and was a little worried I might be developing infection, a possibly given the length of time my drains have been in; however my temperature was normal this morning, so it must have been a bug I picked up.
I received cards from Diane G. and the Tiverton Christian Church as well as a package from one of Rob's co-workers with a couple of books and a card.
Rob says I should mention that my hair is coming back and is becoming quite thick. At this point it is just dark, inch-long fuzz and I can't really tell what colour it will be or if it is coming in curly. I have notice my eye lashes all have a kink in them and the right eye has longer lashes than the left eye. I don't know if it was that way before or not.
Tomorrow I'm having lunch with some of my co-workers and I'm quite looking forward to the outing.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Goodies Galore
I had some visitors last night. The Contract Center manager, Debby, and a coworker, Tammy, dropped by on their way home from work. They came with a gift and card from the management team. It was another phenomenal basket filled with goodies. I tried to take a picture of it, but none of them turned out. The basket (actually a pretty purple metal bucket) was full of fruit and chocolate, cookies, and a block of cheese. It was lovely and the card was signed by most of the management team and included Starbucks gift cards. I guess I'll be taking Rob out for coffee soon. They stayed for a little bit and we had a nice visit. I think by keeping in touch with colleagues and at least having a passing knowledge of what is taking place at the center it will be easier when I finally go back to work.
I also talked with Sharon R. last night; she's my neighbour's aunt who just found out she has breast cancer. She goes in for round two of her chemo on Monday, six more to follow. Sharon lives out west and is hoping to come stay with her brother and have at least one treatment here. We chatted for about an hour and will get together when she visits. I've said from the beginning if my experience can help someone else then something good has come out it. Sharon had many questions and I did my best to share my experience honestly with her. Of course, we both know that each person reacts to treatment differently, but it is reassuring to discuss the process with someone who has already been through it. I did recommend she should look into the Look Good, Feel Better program, as I found this to be very helpful.
I still have my drains; hopefully if not by tomorrow then by early next week they'll be taken out. Meanwhile next week's doctor's appointment is a visit with the radiology team to get tattooed prior to treatment. Another phase of the journey is just about underway.
I also talked with Sharon R. last night; she's my neighbour's aunt who just found out she has breast cancer. She goes in for round two of her chemo on Monday, six more to follow. Sharon lives out west and is hoping to come stay with her brother and have at least one treatment here. We chatted for about an hour and will get together when she visits. I've said from the beginning if my experience can help someone else then something good has come out it. Sharon had many questions and I did my best to share my experience honestly with her. Of course, we both know that each person reacts to treatment differently, but it is reassuring to discuss the process with someone who has already been through it. I did recommend she should look into the Look Good, Feel Better program, as I found this to be very helpful.
I still have my drains; hopefully if not by tomorrow then by early next week they'll be taken out. Meanwhile next week's doctor's appointment is a visit with the radiology team to get tattooed prior to treatment. Another phase of the journey is just about underway.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Journey Continues
There is a reason why fantasy writers have series of books. It's because the Hero's Journey just keeps on going and going. Today I met with the gyno-oncologist. One of the known factors about the BRCA1 gene is the carrier has an increased probability (35 to 40 per cent greater than the average woman) of developing ovarian cancer. After having an examination and discussing the possible risks, including the early onset of menopause, we have decided to pursue prophylactic surgery to remove the ovaries and uterus.
The biggest issue at hand is, unlike breast cancer, there is no proven screening technology available for ovarian cancer. Too often women who develop this disease discover it too late. Rather than constantly worrying about it and wondering, I've decided to hedge my bets and have it all removed...let's face it, I'm not using it anyway.
My doctor wants to wait until all the radiation is complete and my body has a chance to recover, so it will be late in the year or even early in 2010 before I have surgery. The surgery itself takes two to three hours, with one night in hospital and three to four weeks for complete recovery.
Meanwhile, my co-worker Socrates, is just getting home from a eight-day hospitalization (complete with five blood transfusions) because his body and immune system were too weak to fight a common cold. He's doing better now, but it does go to show the myriad complications and pitfalls a cancer patient faces.
I received a couple of cards yesterday. One was from friends of Rob's family, Irma and Vernie, and my Aunt Pat sent along greetings and included a little angel (whom she asked to watch over me and minimize my hot flashes...hope it works).
The biggest issue at hand is, unlike breast cancer, there is no proven screening technology available for ovarian cancer. Too often women who develop this disease discover it too late. Rather than constantly worrying about it and wondering, I've decided to hedge my bets and have it all removed...let's face it, I'm not using it anyway.
My doctor wants to wait until all the radiation is complete and my body has a chance to recover, so it will be late in the year or even early in 2010 before I have surgery. The surgery itself takes two to three hours, with one night in hospital and three to four weeks for complete recovery.
Meanwhile, my co-worker Socrates, is just getting home from a eight-day hospitalization (complete with five blood transfusions) because his body and immune system were too weak to fight a common cold. He's doing better now, but it does go to show the myriad complications and pitfalls a cancer patient faces.
I received a couple of cards yesterday. One was from friends of Rob's family, Irma and Vernie, and my Aunt Pat sent along greetings and included a little angel (whom she asked to watch over me and minimize my hot flashes...hope it works).
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
What a Weekend
This past weekend is the kind of weather we should have had all summer. Of course maybe we wouldn't have enjoyed the long weekend as much if we were used to three solid days of sunshine.
Rob and I stayed busy, taking advantage of the sunshine. We made a road trip to the Valley on Saturday to pick up a canoe we purchased. We stopped at a farm market and bought our veggies for the week -- fresh corn, beans, cauliflower, beets and new apples. Saturday night Ian and June visited and brought the fixings for supper. I turned over my kitchen and let them cook. I have to say once it sunk in that nothing was required of me except for my presence, and directions to the large pot, I quite enjoyed myself.
On Sunday we took the dogs for a hike on an old logging trail and then we drove deeper into the woods where we saw a bear crossing the road. What a thrill. We were both excited by the sight; I'm sorry I didn't have my camera with me, but Rob got a good view with the binoculars before it ambled away.
Yesterday we left the dogs home and went to a historic village about an hour away (1930s & 1940s era). It was enjoyable touring the old buildings and reading/listening to their history. Plus we ate the cookhouse lunch offered to visitors -- baked beans, egg salad sandwich on homemade brown bread and delicious gingerbread. Then we took the canoe for its inaugural paddle (I just sat up front looking pretty). Good news...it doesn't leak.
Needless to say I'm feeling good. I am still a little tender and I had a blocked drain on the weekend which compounded the tenderness. With a little manipulation I finally got it cleared and the drain flowing again which brought immediate relief. There is still a fair bit of fluid coming out, so it is questionable as to whether the drain will come out tomorrow. I have to call my nurse in the morning and we'll discuss. I'd like to get them out by the end of the week...we'll see. I'm sure I'm going to get tangled in them yet.
I've been doing my exercises so my arm movement is coming along quite well. Today I haven't taken any Tylenol and I'm feeling good. I'll try not to take any until bed time...we'll see how the day goes.
I got a slew of cards last week -- Helen, Aunt Carol, Debbie B, Kathy E, Southville Chuch of Christ and Marion (who also sent a warm cosy sweater for me via Kelly who was out Friday). Thank you again all of you.
Rob and I stayed busy, taking advantage of the sunshine. We made a road trip to the Valley on Saturday to pick up a canoe we purchased. We stopped at a farm market and bought our veggies for the week -- fresh corn, beans, cauliflower, beets and new apples. Saturday night Ian and June visited and brought the fixings for supper. I turned over my kitchen and let them cook. I have to say once it sunk in that nothing was required of me except for my presence, and directions to the large pot, I quite enjoyed myself.
On Sunday we took the dogs for a hike on an old logging trail and then we drove deeper into the woods where we saw a bear crossing the road. What a thrill. We were both excited by the sight; I'm sorry I didn't have my camera with me, but Rob got a good view with the binoculars before it ambled away.
Yesterday we left the dogs home and went to a historic village about an hour away (1930s & 1940s era). It was enjoyable touring the old buildings and reading/listening to their history. Plus we ate the cookhouse lunch offered to visitors -- baked beans, egg salad sandwich on homemade brown bread and delicious gingerbread. Then we took the canoe for its inaugural paddle (I just sat up front looking pretty). Good news...it doesn't leak.
Needless to say I'm feeling good. I am still a little tender and I had a blocked drain on the weekend which compounded the tenderness. With a little manipulation I finally got it cleared and the drain flowing again which brought immediate relief. There is still a fair bit of fluid coming out, so it is questionable as to whether the drain will come out tomorrow. I have to call my nurse in the morning and we'll discuss. I'd like to get them out by the end of the week...we'll see. I'm sure I'm going to get tangled in them yet.
I've been doing my exercises so my arm movement is coming along quite well. Today I haven't taken any Tylenol and I'm feeling good. I'll try not to take any until bed time...we'll see how the day goes.
I got a slew of cards last week -- Helen, Aunt Carol, Debbie B, Kathy E, Southville Chuch of Christ and Marion (who also sent a warm cosy sweater for me via Kelly who was out Friday). Thank you again all of you.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
A Drainage Delay
We just returned from vising the Breast Health Clinic. It's been a week since my surgery and it was time to have the dressing removed and the drains examined. We were hoping the drains would come out today, but there is still too much fluid. At this rate it will be next Wednesday before they come out. Monday is a holiday, I'll call on Tuesday and get an appointment for Wednesday. This works out well because I have an appointment Wednesday to see the gyno-oncologist too.
On the up side, my nurse today was very impressed with how well the scars are healing. She said they were the best she's seen and told me I was a good healer. Removing the dressings wasn't as bad an experience as I had expected. I'm now free and clear to shower (heading that way shortly) and they gave me some pads to remove the dressing residue.
I still have two small band aids where the drains go in, but that's a lot better than the huge pad I had strapped to my chest all week. I'm a little less sore today than I was yesterday and hopefully by next week the worst of the pain will be over. I expect I may still get twinges now and then because the nerves in the area were traumatized, but we'll see.
I'm planning on enjoying the long weekend regardless. Kelly is coming to supper tomorrow night and Rob and I plan to make a day-trip to the Valley on Saturday.
On the up side, my nurse today was very impressed with how well the scars are healing. She said they were the best she's seen and told me I was a good healer. Removing the dressings wasn't as bad an experience as I had expected. I'm now free and clear to shower (heading that way shortly) and they gave me some pads to remove the dressing residue.
I still have two small band aids where the drains go in, but that's a lot better than the huge pad I had strapped to my chest all week. I'm a little less sore today than I was yesterday and hopefully by next week the worst of the pain will be over. I expect I may still get twinges now and then because the nerves in the area were traumatized, but we'll see.
I'm planning on enjoying the long weekend regardless. Kelly is coming to supper tomorrow night and Rob and I plan to make a day-trip to the Valley on Saturday.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Life Rolls On
I had an email this morning from one of Rob's sisters. She was checking in because I hadn't blogged and was worried I was feeling off. The truth of the matter is I feel pretty good, and I didn't really have anything to say. But her comment made me worry there are others out there reading who are also concerned because of the lack of updates.
I've basically been taking it easy. I'm doing a lot of sleeping, a lot of reading and watching TV. I even played a video game for a little while. I've been doing my exercises and checking my drains (every day a little less fluid is expelled). I would say mobility on the right side is probably somewhere around 80 per cent of normal, whereas the left is still around 60 or so -- which makes sense when you consider the lymph nodes being removed on the left.
I sat out in the sunshine for a bit yesterday with a book and even got a little color on my skin. Last night Rob and I went for a drive along the coast. The sunset was stunning and the rising moon brilliant.
Today I plan to take some rapidly ripening tomatoes and some roasted peppers and make a salsa to freeze. I made supper last night (although I had to have Rob lift the cover from the barbecue).
The mail was overflowing with cards -- Rob's parents, Aunt Myrt, Aunt Al and Megan all sent messages wishing me a speedy recovery. I have an early appointment at the Breast Health Clinic tomorrow. Hopefully the drains the bandages will be removed then and I can get this itchy tape off of me.
I've basically been taking it easy. I'm doing a lot of sleeping, a lot of reading and watching TV. I even played a video game for a little while. I've been doing my exercises and checking my drains (every day a little less fluid is expelled). I would say mobility on the right side is probably somewhere around 80 per cent of normal, whereas the left is still around 60 or so -- which makes sense when you consider the lymph nodes being removed on the left.
I sat out in the sunshine for a bit yesterday with a book and even got a little color on my skin. Last night Rob and I went for a drive along the coast. The sunset was stunning and the rising moon brilliant.
Today I plan to take some rapidly ripening tomatoes and some roasted peppers and make a salsa to freeze. I made supper last night (although I had to have Rob lift the cover from the barbecue).
The mail was overflowing with cards -- Rob's parents, Aunt Myrt, Aunt Al and Megan all sent messages wishing me a speedy recovery. I have an early appointment at the Breast Health Clinic tomorrow. Hopefully the drains the bandages will be removed then and I can get this itchy tape off of me.
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