I am feeling stronger every day. My right arm pit and ROM is still somewhat limiting, but I feel like I am moving forward. M-W I recollect that I took the days pretty easy.
Kathie Wilde came by for a visit and brought a gift from L&D practice. It is a battery operated facial cleanser to be used in the shower. Kathie loves her. It was pink! How awesome. I have been using it faithfully for a week and do really like it.
I dropped off some thank you cards at the hospital with Brielle, on Monday. We picked out a few tags off the Christmas giving tree. She and I have gone shopping this week and got the 3 gifts purchased. Today, Nov. 27th she saw another giving tree at church, so she was excited to pick up a few more tags. There were notes on a near by poster board, explaining the families we would be helping and their circumstances. I tried to help her understand how we were helping. She was excellent at church today, unlike last week. I did not have the other kids with me today.
Tuesday we heard back from Dermatologist that Jim's biopsy on his face came back basal cell carcinoma. He will have to have this surgically removed in the doctor's office. There is no danger that this will spread systemically, but would spread across his facial dermis. We do not have an appt. for surgery as of yet.
Wednesday, Colleen dropped off an awesome scarf she had knitted, along with some out of this world cooked apples. I really, really, really liked them!!
We had a small gathering at Mom and Dad's for Thanksgiving this year. 9 Adults and 4 kids. It was extremely yummy. I made rolls, Jim worked on cooking a Turkey outside and hanging Christmas lights. Cori and her kids came over later, as well as Jaron & Summer, and Rob & Sara and all their group, so we ended up with a houseful, by evening. Corby is still at odds with the family, so we did not see or hear from him. I know he was on everyone's mind. Oh, by the way, it was mine and Kennedy's birthday this year on Thanksgiving, so Happy Birthday to us!! We celebrated over pumpkin pie!
Staci, Martha and myself went to Target for the mn Black Friday sales. We waited outside for 1 1/2 hours, weather not bad, thank goodness. I was impressed how smooth it went and how organized Target was. I saw two nurse friends at Target as well. Donna and Jessica. Mom and sister Staci went to Shopko. They also had a good experience. They did not show up until after it opened so they fore went the standing in the cold in line experience. We then came home and went to sleep around 2:30am We went back out to Toys R Us and Big 5 around 1100. I then took Staci and Martha back home. My mom, sister and I went to lunch, then did a tad more shopping. Slept good again that night!!!!!
Saturday, my friend and neighbor Marlene called and we went to a local boutique @ Aspen Ridge. Found a few unique gifts, then turned around and took Mom and Staci back later that day. Mom got some good idea's for gifts to make. Jim and I had gift certificates for a movie and dinner that we had been hanging on to for a long while. We went to dinner at Cheesecake factory, then off to see Breaking Dawn.
Came home and put up Christmas tree and Nativity. Yes, my old life is back!!!
Sunday was another beautiful day. Jim and I went over to the mall in the am, before the stores were opened and walked. Unfortunately I still cannot walk at a very fast pace, but the goal was to try & walk off some off that Thanksgiving dinner you know. I don't think Jim would say we were very successful. I was quite distracted with window shopping!!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Nov. 17th - Nov.-19th
Wow, it gets really hard to remember what to journal when you let so much time lapse!
These are the highlights I can remember.........
Staci's date cancelled on her on her BIRTHDAY! It was not a good day. Ends up he was sick. BUT I think she liked my present to her : )
Colleen came over Thursday night and we had dinner together. She brought soup and bread, I provided salad and pie. We just sat and laughed and ate too much. She got me caught up on my work life. She brought another awesome gift from the IMC L&D unit and the L&D managers. A night at the Zermatt Resort, with breakfast and dinner!! When I write my thank-you notes I am constantly getting choked up, I tell you. The outpouring of love is just more than I can bear some days!
Dr. Chen's nurse called on Thursday and again on Friday am, November 18th asking about output from the JP drain. She was not encouraging that it would be pulled, so when I went to my appt. Friday afternoon, I was not expecting it to get pulled. But once again, there are small miracles that occur in the world everyday and mine was I got the JP drain pulled out!! Yeah!!!! Reflecting back, I am glad I did not know, thus I did not worry about how it was going to feel. It was not near as bad as my mind would have made it out to be.
I was so happy, I had a very BUSY week-end ahead of me! I will not be having any more re-constructive surgery, until February. I will go in two weeks, to receive my first injection into the expander for my 'tank up'.
Later that Friday night I went to the Time Out for Women Conference with mom held at the Salt Palace. This conference is sponsored by Desert Book. Friday, we heard from Sheri Dew, Brad Wilcox and Hillary Weeks spoke and sang. It was a cold, wet day. We had taken Trax and had to wait for 40 minutes to access a train to get home. We decided to drive the next day. Saturday was also very good, Michael Wilcox and 4 women speakers, plus the group Jericho Road entertained us. Michael Wilcox's wife died last year. He read an excerpt from a journal entry that was written in 1987. It was the only journal entry he had. It helped egg me on to keep this, my journal, going. There were 5,000 women in attendance. My purse was over loaded and it was crowded conditions. These added to my discomfort, but I felt like I did ok, and thought it was well worth the time and effort. I will plan to go next year and will be able to enjoy it even more.
Sunday was the Primary program. Sara, Rob, mom and day all came to support the kids and Jim. The program went well, Rowan sang like a little champ and Jim did awesome. They sang, Teach Me to Walk
Sharing Time went well other than Brielle was being a stinker. I had the kids write what they were grateful for on leaves, then announce their individual gratitude comment into the mike, then hang it on a pre-made tree. We then watched a 38 minutes Christmas movie and ate the sugared corn puffs I had made & bagged. Daemon and Rowan had spent the night Saturday night and Daemon worked feverishly on his Lego presents. Both had over 500 pieces in them. He is amazing with these and it is impressive to me that kids can figure these out! I don't think I could complete one successfully if my life depended on it.
After church, we then came home, Jaron, Summer and Staci joined us. We made haystacks and strawberry pretzel salad for dinner and sang happy birthday to Staci and Daemon. Whew! What a week-end. Feels like my old like creeping back in on me!
These are the highlights I can remember.........
Staci's date cancelled on her on her BIRTHDAY! It was not a good day. Ends up he was sick. BUT I think she liked my present to her : )
Colleen came over Thursday night and we had dinner together. She brought soup and bread, I provided salad and pie. We just sat and laughed and ate too much. She got me caught up on my work life. She brought another awesome gift from the IMC L&D unit and the L&D managers. A night at the Zermatt Resort, with breakfast and dinner!! When I write my thank-you notes I am constantly getting choked up, I tell you. The outpouring of love is just more than I can bear some days!
Dr. Chen's nurse called on Thursday and again on Friday am, November 18th asking about output from the JP drain. She was not encouraging that it would be pulled, so when I went to my appt. Friday afternoon, I was not expecting it to get pulled. But once again, there are small miracles that occur in the world everyday and mine was I got the JP drain pulled out!! Yeah!!!! Reflecting back, I am glad I did not know, thus I did not worry about how it was going to feel. It was not near as bad as my mind would have made it out to be.
I was so happy, I had a very BUSY week-end ahead of me! I will not be having any more re-constructive surgery, until February. I will go in two weeks, to receive my first injection into the expander for my 'tank up'.
Later that Friday night I went to the Time Out for Women Conference with mom held at the Salt Palace. This conference is sponsored by Desert Book. Friday, we heard from Sheri Dew, Brad Wilcox and Hillary Weeks spoke and sang. It was a cold, wet day. We had taken Trax and had to wait for 40 minutes to access a train to get home. We decided to drive the next day. Saturday was also very good, Michael Wilcox and 4 women speakers, plus the group Jericho Road entertained us. Michael Wilcox's wife died last year. He read an excerpt from a journal entry that was written in 1987. It was the only journal entry he had. It helped egg me on to keep this, my journal, going. There were 5,000 women in attendance. My purse was over loaded and it was crowded conditions. These added to my discomfort, but I felt like I did ok, and thought it was well worth the time and effort. I will plan to go next year and will be able to enjoy it even more.
Sunday was the Primary program. Sara, Rob, mom and day all came to support the kids and Jim. The program went well, Rowan sang like a little champ and Jim did awesome. They sang, Teach Me to Walk
Sharing Time went well other than Brielle was being a stinker. I had the kids write what they were grateful for on leaves, then announce their individual gratitude comment into the mike, then hang it on a pre-made tree. We then watched a 38 minutes Christmas movie and ate the sugared corn puffs I had made & bagged. Daemon and Rowan had spent the night Saturday night and Daemon worked feverishly on his Lego presents. Both had over 500 pieces in them. He is amazing with these and it is impressive to me that kids can figure these out! I don't think I could complete one successfully if my life depended on it.
After church, we then came home, Jaron, Summer and Staci joined us. We made haystacks and strawberry pretzel salad for dinner and sang happy birthday to Staci and Daemon. Whew! What a week-end. Feels like my old like creeping back in on me!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Shopping Day November 16th
Last night I forgot to mention I went to a Relief Society Christmas Social with my mom at her ward. It was very simple, but good & their Bishop spoke with them. I got a call just as I was going to leave from my friend Monica inviting me to go to our ward's enrichment night! That is the 2nd time I have done that! Gone with mom, instead of supporting my own ward.
I really need to stay more aware of these enrichment activities and make a better effort to support them, socialize and learn from what they offer.
Today, I went shopping. I have learned how to tuck the JP drain out of sight pretty well and load up on Aleve and 1/2 a codeine and off I go. My pace is quite slow, I realize when compared to other walkers/shoppers, but slow and steady gets the job done right?
Tomorrow is Staci's birthday and I still need to figure out something for Sharing Time this Sunday. This Sunday is the Primary Program. Jim and Rowan are singing a duet, "Teach Me to Walk". I am in charge of Sharing Time, since I have not helped with the program at all, I feel like this is the least I can offer.
Another awesome friend, Shauna from work came by with a meal and a poinsettia. She is over the bereavement program at work and has always been a great listener. Once again, I am in awe of the support I continue to receive.
Off to shop. Jim goes with me to the mall. I have already bought Staci, some ReVital Lash, just looking for a few more items to augment the gift. I went into the brand new H&M store and end up with a gift certificate. I bought a silver zippered bag, thru in some socks, lotion and a card and called it good. The parking at the Fashion Place Mall is getting more difficult all the time! I wish I could take advantage of a handicap stall today. Jim needs to get back home to get ready for work, so I drop him off and venture out alone.
Next off to the Deseret Book store and Michaels. I pick up a DVD and some construction paper. I found a cute idea for Christmas gifts for the coordinating council @ work and the women I work with in the Primary presidency. I ran into a old friend, Jeanine Dodge. She has always been so fun to visit and talk with. She has retired from the hospital, but is working in home health. She has a massive bruise on her thigh, arm and face, from trying to help her husband with a trailer. It was good to see her and visit for a bit.
I fully intended to go next to DSW, the shoe store, but found myself running out of steam & I was quite hungry. I went home for a quick lunch and rest, then picked up Brielle, DJ and Rowan.
We ate the dinner that Shauna had brought over, then took DJ to scouts. Staci went with me and we headed off to Target to get new church shoes for Rowan and Brielle and a birthday present for DJ.
Let's just say, I slept well.
I really need to stay more aware of these enrichment activities and make a better effort to support them, socialize and learn from what they offer.
Today, I went shopping. I have learned how to tuck the JP drain out of sight pretty well and load up on Aleve and 1/2 a codeine and off I go. My pace is quite slow, I realize when compared to other walkers/shoppers, but slow and steady gets the job done right?
Tomorrow is Staci's birthday and I still need to figure out something for Sharing Time this Sunday. This Sunday is the Primary Program. Jim and Rowan are singing a duet, "Teach Me to Walk". I am in charge of Sharing Time, since I have not helped with the program at all, I feel like this is the least I can offer.
Another awesome friend, Shauna from work came by with a meal and a poinsettia. She is over the bereavement program at work and has always been a great listener. Once again, I am in awe of the support I continue to receive.
Off to shop. Jim goes with me to the mall. I have already bought Staci, some ReVital Lash, just looking for a few more items to augment the gift. I went into the brand new H&M store and end up with a gift certificate. I bought a silver zippered bag, thru in some socks, lotion and a card and called it good. The parking at the Fashion Place Mall is getting more difficult all the time! I wish I could take advantage of a handicap stall today. Jim needs to get back home to get ready for work, so I drop him off and venture out alone.
Next off to the Deseret Book store and Michaels. I pick up a DVD and some construction paper. I found a cute idea for Christmas gifts for the coordinating council @ work and the women I work with in the Primary presidency. I ran into a old friend, Jeanine Dodge. She has always been so fun to visit and talk with. She has retired from the hospital, but is working in home health. She has a massive bruise on her thigh, arm and face, from trying to help her husband with a trailer. It was good to see her and visit for a bit.
I fully intended to go next to DSW, the shoe store, but found myself running out of steam & I was quite hungry. I went home for a quick lunch and rest, then picked up Brielle, DJ and Rowan.
We ate the dinner that Shauna had brought over, then took DJ to scouts. Staci went with me and we headed off to Target to get new church shoes for Rowan and Brielle and a birthday present for DJ.
Let's just say, I slept well.
November 15th, Tuesday Jim's Turn for Uncertainity
I called this am and cancelled my appt. with Dr. Chen. I believe the purpose of the appt. was to pull my JP drain. The goal was to get the drainage to clear fluid and 15 ml or less per day. Reality is the fluid is still old blood and 35 to 45 ml's per day. The JP is still doing it's job and draining the hematoma, albeit I can tell the fluid is getting lighter and the amount is decreasing, but I feel like she will not pull it today, so why go in? I called the office and asked if I could have an appt. for later in the week. After a brief Q&A, they agreed to move the appt. to Friday.
Jim has an appt. with a dermatologist today to get a specific sore on the right side of his mustache area checked out. We are wary of cancer these days! The blemish/sore refuses to heal over the past 6 months. The appt. went well, they took a biopsy of this area and freeze dried several area's on his forehead, arms and back. We will need to wait a week for the results. Time to wait it out again!
I baby sat Kaia this afternoon, since she has been running a fever she could not go to her usual daycare. Sara had to take Daemon to his counseling appointment. Kaia is such a stinker and so smart. She loves to play in water and to mimic others, especially other children.
I find it amazing how fast the days are going by!
Jim has an appt. with a dermatologist today to get a specific sore on the right side of his mustache area checked out. We are wary of cancer these days! The blemish/sore refuses to heal over the past 6 months. The appt. went well, they took a biopsy of this area and freeze dried several area's on his forehead, arms and back. We will need to wait a week for the results. Time to wait it out again!
I baby sat Kaia this afternoon, since she has been running a fever she could not go to her usual daycare. Sara had to take Daemon to his counseling appointment. Kaia is such a stinker and so smart. She loves to play in water and to mimic others, especially other children.
I find it amazing how fast the days are going by!
November 14th A Cloud is Lifting
I can feel my old self emerging. It's most interesting, to come out of this cloud of fear, pain and doubt.
Today, another good friend from work, Claudia came by and brought me dinner and a gift. She is so generous, loving and kind.
I went to Bunco tonight, even drove myself. I must admit, driving is quite uncomfortable, but not impossible.
I won "Travel", so the evening paid for itself. Lot's of good food, good people and good laughs.
Today, another good friend from work, Claudia came by and brought me dinner and a gift. She is so generous, loving and kind.
I went to Bunco tonight, even drove myself. I must admit, driving is quite uncomfortable, but not impossible.
I won "Travel", so the evening paid for itself. Lot's of good food, good people and good laughs.
Friday, November 11, 2011
November 11th A New Day in my Known Recovery
It was such a beautiful sunny morning when I walked into the family room. I saw several flocks of geese flying over head and enjoyed the beauty of the morning and the mountains.
I am alone and enjoy the moment to sit with my book in the sun and read, read, read.
I feel like I have learned how loved and blessed that I am. That, with my lessons in patience I have gained more experience and this has lead to a greater capacity to have hope, love & have faith. I acknowledge I have a long road ahead of me with the virtue of patience!
I know that I would have learned to cope with whatever my outcome was, but I feel grateful that I dodged a big bullet.
I went to Seagull Book with Jim to look for a movie for Primary, then had a great visit with Teresa back at the house. She brought me..................... Homemade bread and wild rice chicken soup : )
I am alone and enjoy the moment to sit with my book in the sun and read, read, read.
I feel like I have learned how loved and blessed that I am. That, with my lessons in patience I have gained more experience and this has lead to a greater capacity to have hope, love & have faith. I acknowledge I have a long road ahead of me with the virtue of patience!
I know that I would have learned to cope with whatever my outcome was, but I feel grateful that I dodged a big bullet.
I went to Seagull Book with Jim to look for a movie for Primary, then had a great visit with Teresa back at the house. She brought me..................... Homemade bread and wild rice chicken soup : )
November 10th Good News Day< A month of waiting is over!
Feeling sore, but better every day. Morning is hardest, after lying still all night I am stiff and sore, just like any surgery.
3pm FINALLY arrived. Jim, Mom, Summer and myself took off for appt. with oncologist.
Upon arrival to the office we were told my appt. had been scheduled for 2:15. Seriously??
I've been watching the clock all day, slowly ticking away. I was So glad that I had brought my packet with me that had the time on it, that their staff had written. In addition, I stated that I had not received a reminder phone call on the 9th or this could have been corrected at that point. I was firm that I did not want to wait another week for this appt. After a few minutes of waiting they verified that the staff member that had made my appt. was a "temp" and had made several mistakes. They agreed to meet with me. We had to wait over an hour, but it was worth it. This also allowed sister Staci to finish up her shift and join the clan.
Dr. Litton spent an hour with us. The visit was to focus on what the 4 invasive biopsies meant for me, not the DCIS. He wrote 3 pages of diagrams, pictures and notes explaining the biology of cancer, risk factors and treatment options. He took us on an emotional roller coaster ride, but I enjoyed learning all he was offering. It was like getting the puzzle pieces to all fit together.
The short version of his visit is the following.There are 4 risk factors they look at when determining treatment
1. Size of the invasive cancer.
2. Lymph Node findings
3. Hormone and HER2 receptor findings
4. Tumor cell features ( Grade of the cancer 1-3 )
My Findings:
1. Low Risk All 4 of my biopsies were well less than 1 cm. They are identified as "microinvasive". He described my situation as the large DCIS mass as a car in the garage idling. Microinvasion, indicates the car is backing out of the drive way. "Invasive" cancer is on the street and possibly the free way (systemic ).
2. Low Risk All 3 of the axilla nodes they pulled were negative. ( Not on the freeway )
3. High Risk When looking at these 3 receptor cells, it is best to have positive estrogen and progesterone receptors, mine were negative. Conversely, it is best to have a negative HER2 receptor, mine was positive
4. High Risk My microinvasive cancer was a Grade 3, which is fast growing and follows the result of the positive HER2 finding.
He said that within 2 months, my outcome would have been different. Once again I am blessed this was discovered so early!
So NOW what? 50/50 on the risk factors!
Fortunately, the top 2 risk factors weigh heavier than the bottom two. So it tipped the scale in my favor!
Mastectomy is the answer with NO follow up therapy! I feel so blessed and grateful!
There was an audible sigh of relief in the room. Jim said, " That's what I've been telling her, I just didn't have any thing to back me up!" I was never so happy for him to be right!
I have a 15-20% chance of re-occurence in the left breast. Careful screening will be done. I meet with Dr. Litton again in 5 months to set this up.
So, I can now focus on my immediate future! Get the hematoma healed up, drain pulled and schedule appt.'s/surgeries to get the "creature" off my chest and most importantly getting my life back. Playing with grandkids, shopping, getting ready for Christmas, getting back to work, getting back to church, re-gaining my energy/strength, cooking, actually getting something done on the FMLA leave, like cleaning out drawers, I am dizzy and grateful with the possibilities! And being a better person!!
3pm FINALLY arrived. Jim, Mom, Summer and myself took off for appt. with oncologist.
Upon arrival to the office we were told my appt. had been scheduled for 2:15. Seriously??
I've been watching the clock all day, slowly ticking away. I was So glad that I had brought my packet with me that had the time on it, that their staff had written. In addition, I stated that I had not received a reminder phone call on the 9th or this could have been corrected at that point. I was firm that I did not want to wait another week for this appt. After a few minutes of waiting they verified that the staff member that had made my appt. was a "temp" and had made several mistakes. They agreed to meet with me. We had to wait over an hour, but it was worth it. This also allowed sister Staci to finish up her shift and join the clan.
Dr. Litton spent an hour with us. The visit was to focus on what the 4 invasive biopsies meant for me, not the DCIS. He wrote 3 pages of diagrams, pictures and notes explaining the biology of cancer, risk factors and treatment options. He took us on an emotional roller coaster ride, but I enjoyed learning all he was offering. It was like getting the puzzle pieces to all fit together.
The short version of his visit is the following.There are 4 risk factors they look at when determining treatment
1. Size of the invasive cancer.
2. Lymph Node findings
3. Hormone and HER2 receptor findings
4. Tumor cell features ( Grade of the cancer 1-3 )
My Findings:
1. Low Risk All 4 of my biopsies were well less than 1 cm. They are identified as "microinvasive". He described my situation as the large DCIS mass as a car in the garage idling. Microinvasion, indicates the car is backing out of the drive way. "Invasive" cancer is on the street and possibly the free way (systemic ).
2. Low Risk All 3 of the axilla nodes they pulled were negative. ( Not on the freeway )
3. High Risk When looking at these 3 receptor cells, it is best to have positive estrogen and progesterone receptors, mine were negative. Conversely, it is best to have a negative HER2 receptor, mine was positive
4. High Risk My microinvasive cancer was a Grade 3, which is fast growing and follows the result of the positive HER2 finding.
He said that within 2 months, my outcome would have been different. Once again I am blessed this was discovered so early!
So NOW what? 50/50 on the risk factors!
Fortunately, the top 2 risk factors weigh heavier than the bottom two. So it tipped the scale in my favor!
Mastectomy is the answer with NO follow up therapy! I feel so blessed and grateful!
There was an audible sigh of relief in the room. Jim said, " That's what I've been telling her, I just didn't have any thing to back me up!" I was never so happy for him to be right!
I have a 15-20% chance of re-occurence in the left breast. Careful screening will be done. I meet with Dr. Litton again in 5 months to set this up.
So, I can now focus on my immediate future! Get the hematoma healed up, drain pulled and schedule appt.'s/surgeries to get the "creature" off my chest and most importantly getting my life back. Playing with grandkids, shopping, getting ready for Christmas, getting back to work, getting back to church, re-gaining my energy/strength, cooking, actually getting something done on the FMLA leave, like cleaning out drawers, I am dizzy and grateful with the possibilities! And being a better person!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)