Updates from last post.........and what have I learned?
I was apprehensive about the radiation. One would think with all this chemo that hopefully all dividing and cancerous cells are dead or on their way out. But apparently there may still be some strays in the breast. Without radiation there is a 60% chance of return...substantially less with the radiation..less than 10%. The radiologist is a nice young man(about 40). He has ordered another mammogram so there is a baseline, and they can see what things look like in "there" after the surgery. I also got to meet him with my clothes on. That should be a rule for all doctors! He gave me a breast exam which scared me. Four months after surgery does he expect to find new lumps? But you aren't quite as chatty when strangers are examining you with half your clothes removed.
Radiation generally goes for 5-7 weeks. When I told him I was a teacher and didn't want to be missing work the first week of school he was very accommodating and scheduled my "fitting" for mid-August. When I asked if he had kids, he said he had two ages 3 and 10. "What great ages!" I said. He replied, "Those damn doctors don't know what they're doing. We were only supposed to have one!" So he has a sense of humor which is an added bonus.
The results of this last chemo have stayed with me longer. I am more tired than I had been with the others and am still having trouble eating fresh fruit and vegetables. Yes, I continue to still eat more frequently and larger amounts. While I absolutely hate all the side effects (weight gain, hairlessness, feeling like crapola...my sister Connie reminded me that chemo is my friend. Something I had forgotten....and something for which I will always be thankful. My spirits are great - and that is important to my ever kind care giver who doesn't let me out of his sight. Paul has experienced sympathy eating with me and has also added a little poundage. Isn't that nice of him? A loving husband down to the core!
You are my wings and continue to lift me with your positive thoughts and messages of goodness.
Make Pink Tough and Continue to Expect Great Things
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Leah! I miss you! I can't wait to come and visit! I have gifts for you (one chocolate for you and realized it may look funny after yesterday and again today as I put it in the refrigerator!hahahah) I took you shirt with me every where I went and it was a conversation starter as everyone wanted to know what it meant! I told them it meant what it says Make pink tough expect great things! I had a friend back home doing just that and I am supporting her by wearing, holding up, talking about, and sending her strength through the shirt! I love you and miss you! Hope to see you and Paul soon!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking of you lots Miss Leah! Corie and I had quite the time at the School for the Blind this last week and I look forward to sharing our funny adventures (I had to use a public restroom blind!). Anywho, I hope you start getting some energy back this week. If there is a good time to come by and see the nest please let me know. Love you!
ReplyDeleteHi Leah,
ReplyDeleteFinally it's cooler. I can now think, and move. I felt so selfish whining about the heat when I would think of you and the heat.
Hopefully you found ways of relief.
So one more mountain to climb, radiation.For the last several months I followed a local radio host and his team prepare to climb Mt. Rainier. They had months to train for the long upward climb. You had zero training time for this and look at you go, upward and onward.
Now that it is cooler we can resume our plans for a visit. I can come by anytime this week, we can visit at your home or I can steal you away and we can go stroll through the Bellevue botanical gardens for as long or as short a time as you care to. Or we can do both. I will let your body and desire guide you. Let me know.
Love Monica