Monday, July 6, 2009
I had my appointment with the surgeon that is going to perform my hysterectomy & double oophorectomy (ovaries). Because my cancer was Estrogen positive, this is the best way to remove the production of estrogen.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Appt w Plastic Surgeon
Monday, June 29, 2009
This went really well, the doctor was very helpful and understanding. We discussed the various type of breast reconstruction and she gave me the pros and cons of each type.
Implants; I would need to have an expander installed first and filled every couple of weeks until the desired size is reached, then the actual implants could be installed.
Tram Flap; a procedure where your stomach skin & muscles are used to form boobies. The down side is that the recovery is very painful and long. The up side is a free tummy tuck!!
I'm leaning towards the tram flap, I just can't see myself with implants, especially when I'm 90. I don't have a problem with implants but I really like the idea of a tummy tuck.
This went really well, the doctor was very helpful and understanding. We discussed the various type of breast reconstruction and she gave me the pros and cons of each type.
Implants; I would need to have an expander installed first and filled every couple of weeks until the desired size is reached, then the actual implants could be installed.
Tram Flap; a procedure where your stomach skin & muscles are used to form boobies. The down side is that the recovery is very painful and long. The up side is a free tummy tuck!!
I'm leaning towards the tram flap, I just can't see myself with implants, especially when I'm 90. I don't have a problem with implants but I really like the idea of a tummy tuck.
Zoladex
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
This was my second injection of Zoladex, which is the drug to shut down my ovaries...let the crazy hormones begin!
This was my second injection of Zoladex, which is the drug to shut down my ovaries...let the crazy hormones begin!
Cirque du Soliel
Friday, May 22, 2009
I had bought tickets to see Cirque du Soliel OVO just as all the cancer stuff started happening, I was my treat after everything I have been through. We brought the kids and they loved it. Hunter's not a big fan of noise but the show made up for it. This makes 8 shows I have seen.
I had bought tickets to see Cirque du Soliel OVO just as all the cancer stuff started happening, I was my treat after everything I have been through. We brought the kids and they loved it. Hunter's not a big fan of noise but the show made up for it. This makes 8 shows I have seen.
Radiation 1 through 25
May 11 to July 16, 2009
Received daily radiation treatments which weren't too bad until near the end. I started burning but I didn't get open wounds until after treatment was complete. I was warned that I would "continue to cook" for about a week or 2 after treatment, which I did. The worst was the burn on my neck area, as it's right were my seatbelt rests and it really hurt. I went to the Almonte Hospital and the ER doctor was great, very helpful and prescribe me burn medicine that healed me up.
Received daily radiation treatments which weren't too bad until near the end. I started burning but I didn't get open wounds until after treatment was complete. I was warned that I would "continue to cook" for about a week or 2 after treatment, which I did. The worst was the burn on my neck area, as it's right were my seatbelt rests and it really hurt. I went to the Almonte Hospital and the ER doctor was great, very helpful and prescribe me burn medicine that healed me up.
Bone Marrow Density test
Monday, May 4, 2009
Received a bone marrow density test, as the doctors have decided to start shutting down my ovaries. Happy to report my bones are as good as they should be...I hope so, I'm only 38!
Received a bone marrow density test, as the doctors have decided to start shutting down my ovaries. Happy to report my bones are as good as they should be...I hope so, I'm only 38!
Radiation Scan & Markings
Monday, April 20, 2009
I got my first tatoo...well actually 5 tattoos! I was scanned, measured, marked and finally tattooed in preparation for radiation. Now I have 5 dots on me for the rest of my life.
I got my first tatoo...well actually 5 tattoos! I was scanned, measured, marked and finally tattooed in preparation for radiation. Now I have 5 dots on me for the rest of my life.
Chemo #6
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Well, today was my last chemo treatment. It's suppose to be a happy day and I got to ring the chemo bell but it was really bitter sweet, as I'm done with chemo but I have to still come back to the cancer center every 3 weeks with receive the herceptin. Done but not done.
This round really did a number on me. I felt like I went 10 round with Mike Tyson and lost, then got run over by a truck, I could barely move. Thankfully, a friend hooked me up with a great Registered Massage Therapist that comes to the house.
Well, today was my last chemo treatment. It's suppose to be a happy day and I got to ring the chemo bell but it was really bitter sweet, as I'm done with chemo but I have to still come back to the cancer center every 3 weeks with receive the herceptin. Done but not done.
This round really did a number on me. I felt like I went 10 round with Mike Tyson and lost, then got run over by a truck, I could barely move. Thankfully, a friend hooked me up with a great Registered Massage Therapist that comes to the house.
Appt w. Radiation Oncologist
Friday, April 3, 2009
This was my follow-up appointment with the radiation oncologist. It was just to set in motion the plan for radiation, which will start May 11/09.
This was my follow-up appointment with the radiation oncologist. It was just to set in motion the plan for radiation, which will start May 11/09.
Heart Scan (Muga)
Thursday, March 27, 2009
Because of the Taxetere and the HER-2 drug (herceptin) that I will be receiving, they are known to cause heart damage, so I need frequent heart scans to see how well (or not) it is functioning. I started out at 72%, this time I'm at 66%.
HER2-positive breast cancer is a breast cancer that tests positive for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), which promotes the growth of cancer cells. In about one of every three breast cancers, the cancer cells make an excess of HER2 due to a gene mutation. This gene mutation can occur in many types of cancer — not only breast cancer.
HER2-positive breast cancers tend to be more aggressive than other types of breast cancer. They're also less responsive to hormone treatment. However, new treatments that specifically target HER2 are proving to be very effective.
Because of the Taxetere and the HER-2 drug (herceptin) that I will be receiving, they are known to cause heart damage, so I need frequent heart scans to see how well (or not) it is functioning. I started out at 72%, this time I'm at 66%.
HER2-positive breast cancer is a breast cancer that tests positive for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), which promotes the growth of cancer cells. In about one of every three breast cancers, the cancer cells make an excess of HER2 due to a gene mutation. This gene mutation can occur in many types of cancer — not only breast cancer.
HER2-positive breast cancers tend to be more aggressive than other types of breast cancer. They're also less responsive to hormone treatment. However, new treatments that specifically target HER2 are proving to be very effective.
Chemo #5
Thursday, March 19, 2009
My chemo was postponed about a week and a half, as the doctor wanted my body to recover from whatever it was that sent me to the hospital a few weeks ago. Again I received Taxetere and needed the really expensive drug to keep my blood levels up. I felt like I had been hit by a truck, every part of my body hurts.
My chemo was postponed about a week and a half, as the doctor wanted my body to recover from whatever it was that sent me to the hospital a few weeks ago. Again I received Taxetere and needed the really expensive drug to keep my blood levels up. I felt like I had been hit by a truck, every part of my body hurts.
Look Good Feel Better
Monday, March 9, 2009
I went to the Look Good Feel Better program. I had a wonderful time with other cancer ladies and we were treated to a make-up lesson. The best part was receiving a ton of free make-up and moisturizers.
I went to the Look Good Feel Better program. I had a wonderful time with other cancer ladies and we were treated to a make-up lesson. The best part was receiving a ton of free make-up and moisturizers.
Emergency Room AGAIN
Monday, March 3, 2009
I ended up in the ER at the General Hospital because of high fever, headaches and diarrhea. Lucky me, it was my night to receive a lumbar puncture, that ruled out meningitis. I nearly passed out during the procedure. I was sent home but was right back the next night. This time they kept me for 3 days, used me as human pin cushion and scanned every part of my body but nothing explained my symptons. Fever broke and I was sent home.
I ended up in the ER at the General Hospital because of high fever, headaches and diarrhea. Lucky me, it was my night to receive a lumbar puncture, that ruled out meningitis. I nearly passed out during the procedure. I was sent home but was right back the next night. This time they kept me for 3 days, used me as human pin cushion and scanned every part of my body but nothing explained my symptons. Fever broke and I was sent home.
Chemo #4
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Now that my body is getting use to the chemo drug, it's time to switch it up. I received Taxetere today which is the super strong cancer killer (and white blood cells). I have to take a supplementary drug called Neulsta to boost my white blood cell count, damn thing costs $2,900 each, luckily I'm covered for it. This time, I had back and muscle pains but no nausea!
Now that my body is getting use to the chemo drug, it's time to switch it up. I received Taxetere today which is the super strong cancer killer (and white blood cells). I have to take a supplementary drug called Neulsta to boost my white blood cell count, damn thing costs $2,900 each, luckily I'm covered for it. This time, I had back and muscle pains but no nausea!
PWGSC Interview
Monday, February 9, 2009
Okay in the middle of all this madness, I had an interview with PWGSC. I applied for the job last spring and wrote an exam before I started chemo. I think I did pretty good but only time will tell and I mean lots of time, it is the government after all.
Okay in the middle of all this madness, I had an interview with PWGSC. I applied for the job last spring and wrote an exam before I started chemo. I think I did pretty good but only time will tell and I mean lots of time, it is the government after all.
Chemo #3
Monday, January 26, 2009
I went in for chemo #3; again armed heavily with anti-nausea drugs. I don't remember getting sick but I know my engery levels have hit bottom.
I went in for chemo #3; again armed heavily with anti-nausea drugs. I don't remember getting sick but I know my engery levels have hit bottom.
Flu bug in the house
January 7-12, 2009
Everyone got the flu...it started with Harley, then Dan, next was me. Of course, I ended up in emergency because of the fever and vomitting. They hooked me up to a hydration IV and left me there for the next 14 hours but I did feel better after that. Finally poor Hunter got the flu on her birthday. Luckily my in-laws where there to help with the kids but I think in the end they ended up with the flu too.
Everyone got the flu...it started with Harley, then Dan, next was me. Of course, I ended up in emergency because of the fever and vomitting. They hooked me up to a hydration IV and left me there for the next 14 hours but I did feel better after that. Finally poor Hunter got the flu on her birthday. Luckily my in-laws where there to help with the kids but I think in the end they ended up with the flu too.
Abdominal Ultrasound & Chemo #2
Monday, January 5, 2009
I had an abdominal ultrasound and everything was clear. The cancer has yet to metasisize to my liver or my kidneys, so that was good news.
Then I was off to the chemo centre for round #2, this time I was armed with heavy duty nausea drugs (Amend) and I received home hydration for the next 2 days following chemo. I didn't vomit this time but I still felt like crap.
I had an abdominal ultrasound and everything was clear. The cancer has yet to metasisize to my liver or my kidneys, so that was good news.
Then I was off to the chemo centre for round #2, this time I was armed with heavy duty nausea drugs (Amend) and I received home hydration for the next 2 days following chemo. I didn't vomit this time but I still felt like crap.
Appt w. Radiation Oncologist
Friday, 02, January, 2009
Met with the Radiation Oncologist, who is a very nice man but holy cow is he French. Even Dan had a hard time to understand him. He said that I need radiation on the breast, lymph node and upper chest (near the neck). Standard practice is 25 treatments, that Mon-Fri for 5 weeks. At least, it's at the Civic Hospital so it's a bit closer.
Met with the Radiation Oncologist, who is a very nice man but holy cow is he French. Even Dan had a hard time to understand him. He said that I need radiation on the breast, lymph node and upper chest (near the neck). Standard practice is 25 treatments, that Mon-Fri for 5 weeks. At least, it's at the Civic Hospital so it's a bit closer.
Chemo #1
Monday, December 15, 2008
I was really impressed with the how quickly this session went through. I didn't wait long in the waiting room, then the nurse quickly brought my order to the pharmacy and within minutes my medication was there. The poor girl next to me waited more than an hour to get her chemo from pharmacy. The medications was actually there before they could get my IV started, because it only took them 3 tries.I have to take 3 types of chemo, the first on is red and very toxic, I couldn't move my arm while it was dripping in but in only took about 15 minutes. This is one the makes me pee red and I have to flush the toilet 2x. The second one took less then a minute but I had to eat a popsicle while it was being administered. Something about it wanting to kill the cells in my mouth, so if my mouth is cold the medicine won't go there. The last one took 30 minutes and she explained that it would cause brain freeze and sinus pressure. Sure enough, my head was throbbing by the time it was finished.They gave me loads for drugs to get at the pharmacy, so we stopped there before coming home, which turns out, I REALLY needed the drugs.It took less than 2 hours of being home before I started vomiting. I even puked up my anti-nausea medicine and had to call the home nurse to come to give me a shot in the ass to help with the nausea, which didn’t take long after she left and I vomited again. Fortunately, this all happened at night and the kiddies were sleeping, they have no idea what’s going on.Today, the nausea is gone but I still have a really bad headache. I was able to eat a small breakfast and sleep for a bit, so it’s getting better. I keeping positive thoughts that this is the worst of it.
Appointment with Medical Oncologist
Wednesday 26, November, 2008
This morning I decided to get dressed up for the occasions. I did my hair, put on my make-up and put on my new boobs (well the temporary ones anyway). We got to the General just in time to fill out forms and the receptionist was nice enough to fax my bank disability forms.
Next, we saw the medical oncologist, nice enough and doesn’t beat around the bush, which was nice. After going over my medical history and pathology report, we decided that I needed 6 rounds of chemo. Because of the cancer spreading to the majority of my lymph nodes and tested positive for creeping outside the nodes, the cancer could be anywhere. So, the first 3 cycles (FEC) are a bit mild but the last 3 (taxatere) is the heavy duty one. Apparently, this is the most common treatment method. At some point during the cycles, I’m going to need a drug called Nulastin to boost the white blood cell counts; the damn thing costs $2,700 each x3, holy crap. I’m lucking enough to have double drug coverage and I’ll use my Amex so at least I can get some cash back from my charges.
She wants to start me around mid-December, as I need day surgery to have a port-a-cath installed. It’s a little thing that sits under your skin in your chest and has direct access to my veins. She offered up the PICC line, which is an IV that stays in you for 6 months…no thanks, I have small kids that would play with it, too risky. She mentioned that this is the busiest time of year, so I might have the day surgery in small country hospital in Perth, hey if it gets me in faster, I’m okay with that.
I’m still waiting for the results of the hormone tests, as this will effect other treatment options but won’t delay the first couple rounds.
After my appointment, I met a friend from the Soo, whose son is in Intensive Care at CHEO. I tell you after seeing the sick babies and kids in that area, my heart was breaking and my problems seem so minor in comparison. At least, I got to take her out for lunch, so she won't have to eat more hospital food. I sure hope the lil guy gets better soon.
So I have a few more appointments before chemo actually starts but guaranteed that I will be bald before Christmas. Santa better bring me a nice wig!
Boob Fitting
Tuesday 25, November, 2008
I went to a really nice lingerie boutique that specializes in mastectomy items. I actually had to make an appointment first. I had been told that I can't wear the actual prosthesis until about 6-8 weeks after surgery, I'm only on week 4 but I went anyway. First I got fitted with a post surgical bra, looks like a sports bra with a pocket inside for the temporary boobs, which actually look like the shoulder pad that we all wore in the 80's. Since I was so large before the surgery, the specialist explained that I will probably never be that big again, so I have to get use to seeing myself with itty bitty titties. Okay, they are a C cup, but that's small for me. After that, she brought me a few brands and sizes of the actually prosthetic breasts. After trying on a few, I decided on nice shaped pair that felt real in weight, and of course, a normal bra (with pockets) to go with it.Are you ready for this....$400 each!! OHIP does pay for 50% and my drug plans will pay for the rest, but those are expensive boobies that I can take off every night. Okay, I'm going to start complaining a lot about how much things costs, but I'm lucky enough to have coverage, I can't imagine what others do when they don't have coverage. That being said, I plan to donate my used "equipment" when I'm done with them.
Surgery Follow-up
Thursday, 13, November, 2008
I met with my doctor for my 2 week follow-up after surgery. She finally took the drains out after my nurse & I ganged up on her and begged. Luckily my nurse has had a mastectomy and knew what I was going through. It feels so much better having them out, but now I have huge holes and I'm crossing my fingers that they close up properly, as I am prone to scars. I also found out that I'm allergic to every kind of medical tape. My chest is blistered and rashed, ouch!
Okay the pathology report...as I knew from the MRI, there were 2 tumors in my right breast, one was 2.4cm & the other 1.8cm and the left breast was normal. I was taken back when she told me about my lymph nodes. Originally, the MRI showed 4 tumors in the nodes. Well, she took out 29 nodes and 21 of them had cancer and the result was inconclusive if the cancer had traveled into my blood. I did have all the tests done prior to surgery (bone scan, ab ultrasound, chest x-ray) which were all clear at the time, but that was 2 months prior to surgery. My doctor mentioned that the oncologist might want to redo all the tests. But either way, it looks like chemo is inevitable, as well as radiation to the armpit.
So the next step for me is to get fake boobies while I wait for the oncologist appointment.
Surgery Story Part 1
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Well I survived the surgery. I went to the hospital at 6:30am on Thursday, and the surgery started at 8:00am. There were a few hiccups along the way but nothing to devastating. Everyone in the prepping area was really nice, but after 2 nurses & 3 needle holes later, the IV still wasn’t in but the anaesthetic had no problems. As the porters were wheeling me to the operating room, it was just like a scene in a horror movie. We went into the section with all the operating rooms and we kept passing rooms with patients waiting outside, then we past more rooms, and a few more patients but then we turned down a long hallway, with only one operating room and there was no more people in the hallways….creepy. One of the porters was a very nice lady that wished me all the best and asked to give me a hug before going into surgery.After going in the operating room, the anaesthetic played connect the dots on my back to mark the areas to receive the spinal blockers (something like an epidural to reduce the amount of pain), after that I had a good sleep and woke up around 1:30. The surgery itself took about 4 hours. After waking up, I was transferred to my room…in a ward…I was not happy about that!! But what can you do. Dan was there when I woke up and stayed with me for the majority of the time. He has been wonderful throughout this entire ordeal and I’m so thankful for him.Over the rest of the day & night, I progressed with my movements and made sure that the pain killers where taking right on time. I tracked my progress but how much easier it got to go pee. I was released from the hospital around 1:30 on Friday. I have 3 drains in me (looks like Christmas tree bulbs) that have to be emptied a couple times a day and the home care nurse has been here twice to administer the good drugs.I’ll write more later.
Night Before Surgery
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
I wanted to let everyone know that I have been getting your message and I truly love receiving them. I know I know, I’m really bad at responding but sometimes it’s just too emotional for me. All the love and support has kept my sanity in check so far and I will need plenty more to get me through the surgery and recovery.It is really hitting me tonight. The thought of not having boobies anymore is hard to take. My head knows that once the boobies are gone, so is the cancer but my heart doesn’t want to envision my body with double D’s. I guess I’m as prepared as I could be….I got me some drugs!!! Thank you everyone for the love and concern that you send my way and I am getting your positive vibes.
Bra Burning Party
Saturday, 25 October 2008
Last night was amazing. I was truly touched by the support and willingness of my friends and family to burn their bras in honor of my upcoming double mastectomy. Someone was looking out for us, as it poured rain all day, and then stopped raining for about an hour to give us enough time to get the fire going and throw our bras in. This is not something I would recommend doing. We were all astounded by how quickly the bras went up in flames or melted away.
Who knew bras were so flammable. And the smell…OMG…potent, disgusting and at times unbearable. There must be a hole in the ozone right above our backyard now. All that remains in the chiminea are the wires from all the underwire bras.
All in all, it was a great time and the amount of support I’m receiving from everyone is truly appreciated and will be much needed soon.
Doctor Called
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Well, last week the new date was Oct 28, but the doctor, herself, called me today to say that the hospital was rearranging OR times and I got bumped to Oct 30. This is now the 3rd time change.
Apparently, the doctor has no concerns was how quickly the cancer is spreading but I"M FREAKING OUT!!!
I can't go back to work because it would screw up all the disability paperwork, so now I'm stuck at home...oh well, maybe I should clean it.
Lymph Node Biopsy Results & Surgical Consulation
Monday, 06 October 2008
Unfortunately, the results of the biopsy were positive and even upgraded my cancer to metastatic breast carcinoma. This means that the cancer is spreading but where it will go is anyone's guess. If you're curious, just google it.
I put in my order for a double mastectomy, so now the surgery is going to be delayed until the end of October, as the doctor needs to book a longer time in the OR. Well, I don't want her to rush so I'll wait, and wait, and wait.
Unfortunately, the results of the biopsy were positive and even upgraded my cancer to metastatic breast carcinoma. This means that the cancer is spreading but where it will go is anyone's guess. If you're curious, just google it.
I put in my order for a double mastectomy, so now the surgery is going to be delayed until the end of October, as the doctor needs to book a longer time in the OR. Well, I don't want her to rush so I'll wait, and wait, and wait.
Lymph Node Biopsy
Friday, 26 September 2008
Well just another medical joy...I feel like someone up there is laughing at me! I went in, got all prep, then...the radiologist couldn't find the lesion...she got the resident to look...he couldn't find the lesion...so finally the doctor comes in, she finally finds the lesion but only after nearly putting the ultrasound wand through my armpit. During the entire procedure the doctor was like a cheerleader for the resident and pretty much forgetting the fact that I was in the room. "Good job…go hear…no you missed it…go back…yeah" I did consent to the resident but was anxious the entire time. The doctor asked him a question and he answered with "I think so" … wait one minute "you think so or you know so!!! I could hear the two talking after the procedure and the doctor actually told the resident that this would probably the hardest biopsy he'll ever have to do…hello, I'm still in the room and don't want to hear shit like that! Oh, the doctor also told me that I was one of the youngest patients that she had ever worked on, now don't I feel special. First the resident froze me, it took over 10 minutes. Then the doctor started the procedure using the spring loaded claw needle (makes a wonderful click as she pulls the trigger), but then she was too afraid because my lesion is so close to my chest wall, so she decided to use a small suction type needle to get samples, only inventory was low today and every needle she asked for, they had run out of. So she finally started taking samples, then she lets the resident take samples (still cheering him on)…after about an hour and 8 samples later, the freezing started to wear off, so once I started screaming in pain, she said that they have enough samples. THEN she explains that because the lesion was so deep into my lymph node system (I have no idea) and too close to my chest wall, she is not confident that they will be able to get a diagnosis from them…meaning that if they can't diagnose them, then they will biopsy my nodes during surgery…good idea Einstein, couldn't you have just by-past today's little fiasco and do it during surgery! There is still some pain, but Dan has gone to get me some pain relievers.. Chinese food & ice cream!
Pre-Operative Education
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Dan & I attended an education training for what to do after the surgery. It was very informative and helpful. There were a few breast cancer patients with different types of cancers, so it was helpful to hear what they are going through. Also, there was a man with breast cancer there, he has a wonderful attitude. During the presentation, Dan held my hand or rubbed my back the entire time, as I was the only one there scheduled for a double mastectomy, so it was hard to hear the afterwards of the procedure. Dan did good though, I thought he would pass out at the description of the drain tubes and what his role would be, but luckily he was sitting, so he did have far to fall. He has been great through this entire process, even when I just burst into tears, he's right there for me.
Last day of work
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Very Emotional Today was my last day of work and I feel relieved that I don't have to worry about it anymore. I've been doing some searching on the web about mastectomies and what they look like and I have to tell you, it's not pretty. I know my head says it's the only way to get rid of the poison growing in my body but my heart is having a hard time dealing with the fact that I'm not going to have my real breasts anymore. I've haven't been able to stop crying for the last hour. Luckily the kids went to bed early, because I don't want them to see their mommy like this. Since finding the lumps until now, it's been a whirl wind of emotions going through me. I hope once the cancer is gone that life can get back to normal. Well as normal as possible during all the chemotherapy & radiation. I know that I'm strong enough to get through this, but it sure is testing my strength!
MRI Results
Thursday, 18 September 2008
The verdict is in....well almost I saw the surgeon today, after all the tests she put me through and there is good news and bad news. Good News: nothing has spread to any other part of my body...yet Bad News: the MRI shows suspicious blobs in my lymph nodes which could carry the cancer to other parts of my body; now I need a biopsy on that before surgery to determine if all lymph nodes in my right armpit need to be removed or just the first 2.
My Boob: there are now 2 lumps both over 2 cm in size but they are really far apart (I have big boobs).
Option #1: remove the lumps with a lumpectomy leaving my boob concaved. Option #2: do chemotherapy first to shrink the lumps and TRY a lumpectomy with no guarantee of deformation but might result in a mastectomy afterwards. Option #3: mastectomy.
All the above will be followed by chemotherapy (expect #2) followed by radiation. Option #3 will involve reconstruction from my own body after all the treatments are completed.
My mind is made up to take Option #3 but I'm also considering a double mastectomy. The doctor assures me that there is no medical reason to chop off the other boob but 1) I don't want to leave in fear of developing cancer in the remaining side and 2) I want my boobs to look the same. What would you do???
MRI
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
Well that was a treat!! I got to lie on my belly with my boobs dangling down for 1 hour (they told me 1/2 hour), while the machine made all sorts of loud noises and I couldn't move. And I got injected with some sort of die, which then I had to wait around for another 1/2 hour after the test to make sure there was no effects from the die. But it's all over, no more testing. I just get to wait around for my doctor to get the results, then I will know what is happening. I've made peace with the worst scenario, so I'm not too scared of getting the results...at least for now. Again, forgot my socks!
Well that was a treat!! I got to lie on my belly with my boobs dangling down for 1 hour (they told me 1/2 hour), while the machine made all sorts of loud noises and I couldn't move. And I got injected with some sort of die, which then I had to wait around for another 1/2 hour after the test to make sure there was no effects from the die. But it's all over, no more testing. I just get to wait around for my doctor to get the results, then I will know what is happening. I've made peace with the worst scenario, so I'm not too scared of getting the results...at least for now. Again, forgot my socks!
Bone Scan
Thursday, 4 September 2008
Well it wasn't that bad. I was injected with some type of radioactive liquid in the morning, then I returned 4 hours later for the scan. It didn't take as long as I excepted and Caroline sweetly explained it was because I'm short (tall people are sooo mean). But if I go through any metal detectors or cross over to the States, I'm going to set off all sorts of alarms for the next 48 hours...cool. Now I'm off to the Soo because my grandma died a few days ago and the funeral is this weekend. She was 91 and has been ill for years, so now she is in a better place. Next week, the MRI.
Chest X-ray & Abdominal Ultrasound
Friday, 29 August 2008
Well, the ultrasound reviled good news...all my organs are where they should be! Now, next week I'm off to get a bone scan. I will be..RADIOACTIVE GIRL for a day Then the week after is the MRI, that will be the final test before surgery happens. I love all the little notes of support, keep'em coming!
Surgical Consultation
2008-August 21
Well, since I'm so young & perky (hehehe) they are sending me for a MRI cause the mammogram doesn't give a clear picture when you haven't gone through menopause...that being said...why would they waste my time sending me for a mammogram!! So, I should be going to get a MRI with 2 weeks and know my fate with 3 weeks. The waiting is killing me, I'm not a patient person.
Biopsy Results
2008-July-31
The doctor's office called and left a message on my work phone & on my cell phone. So I called them back, and the receptionist said the doctor wanted to see me right away...it Thursday...my doctor doesn't work on Thursday...this is bad!So the doctor came in on her day off to give me the results of the biopsy. I have Invasive Ductal Carinoma. Luck for me, it's the most common breast cancer. It means that a cancer cell started inside my milk duct but has spread outside the duct. From here, I got referred to a cancer surgeon and got prescribe some great sleeping pills.
The doctor's office called and left a message on my work phone & on my cell phone. So I called them back, and the receptionist said the doctor wanted to see me right away...it Thursday...my doctor doesn't work on Thursday...this is bad!So the doctor came in on her day off to give me the results of the biopsy. I have Invasive Ductal Carinoma. Luck for me, it's the most common breast cancer. It means that a cancer cell started inside my milk duct but has spread outside the duct. From here, I got referred to a cancer surgeon and got prescribe some great sleeping pills.
Biopsy
2008-July-25
This took place at the Queensway Carleton Hospital. When I saw the doctor last week she describe the procedure as 1 needle to freeze my boob and another needle to take a sample of the cancer cell. When I arrived at the QCH, I needed to sign a consent form, so I inquired about the procedure, the nurse told me the same thing, 2 needles. THAT is not what happened! It was 1 needle to freeze my boob (my boobs are so big, I didn't even feel it) and then...out come the scalpel yikes? I'm lying on my back, with a bit of a tilt to the left, so my boobs are propped up close to my face, so a scalpel coming at my nose was a bit disheartening to say the least. But the worst part was the 4 samples of cancer tissue that she removed from my breast with a spring loaded needle that shoots out a claw when she presses the trigger...4 times. I nearly passed out, so she stopped. Did I mention, I should remember to wear socks to these things, I was freezing.I guess I turned really pale when I went to the waiting room, cause Dan jumped up and ran to me, to make sure that I didn't fall down. I'm so lucky to have him!When they closed up my wound, they used some sort of medical adhesive that I had a reaction to. I was so ichy that I wanted to tear my boob off, instead I took of the adhesive and all was restored back to normal. Did I mention that it's the day before my birthday!
This took place at the Queensway Carleton Hospital. When I saw the doctor last week she describe the procedure as 1 needle to freeze my boob and another needle to take a sample of the cancer cell. When I arrived at the QCH, I needed to sign a consent form, so I inquired about the procedure, the nurse told me the same thing, 2 needles. THAT is not what happened! It was 1 needle to freeze my boob (my boobs are so big, I didn't even feel it) and then...out come the scalpel yikes? I'm lying on my back, with a bit of a tilt to the left, so my boobs are propped up close to my face, so a scalpel coming at my nose was a bit disheartening to say the least. But the worst part was the 4 samples of cancer tissue that she removed from my breast with a spring loaded needle that shoots out a claw when she presses the trigger...4 times. I nearly passed out, so she stopped. Did I mention, I should remember to wear socks to these things, I was freezing.I guess I turned really pale when I went to the waiting room, cause Dan jumped up and ran to me, to make sure that I didn't fall down. I'm so lucky to have him!When they closed up my wound, they used some sort of medical adhesive that I had a reaction to. I was so ichy that I wanted to tear my boob off, instead I took of the adhesive and all was restored back to normal. Did I mention that it's the day before my birthday!
Mammogram Results
2008-July-16
I received a message from my doctor's office before getting home from work on the day of the mammagram. That can't be good news. But my doctor only works Mon, Wed & Fri, so I had to wait until Wednesday to get an appointment.She said that the report noted some "suspicious" lesions. So next step is a breast biopsy.
I received a message from my doctor's office before getting home from work on the day of the mammagram. That can't be good news. But my doctor only works Mon, Wed & Fri, so I had to wait until Wednesday to get an appointment.She said that the report noted some "suspicious" lesions. So next step is a breast biopsy.
Mammogram
2008-July-14
Interesting...have you ever put your boobs in a vice just for fun? That's exactly what is feels like. First they were flattened on the horizontal, then on the vertical and finally on the diagonal. I needed a tire pump to get them back in shape. After the mammogram, I was ultrasound for about 40 minutes. Apparently, heat is not an option in medical rooms. I should remember to bring socks next time.
Interesting...have you ever put your boobs in a vice just for fun? That's exactly what is feels like. First they were flattened on the horizontal, then on the vertical and finally on the diagonal. I needed a tire pump to get them back in shape. After the mammogram, I was ultrasound for about 40 minutes. Apparently, heat is not an option in medical rooms. I should remember to bring socks next time.
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