Monday morning is my last test, the Bone scan. This will check to see if there is any cancer in my bones. I go to the hospital at 9:15 for the injection of medicine and then return at 12:30 for the scan. In between I have an appointment for a follow up with Dr. Kaufman. My under arm area, shoulder and chest area and parts of my arm are still sore. This is from the nerves being cut/damaged during surgery and also from the swelling. This is a natural process and over time the fluid that is causing the swelling will be absorbed back into my body. So it's ice and IBprofen. It's taking much longer to feel better than I thought it would.
Oh well, today was a 45 minute walk with Annie and the couch all afternoon, catching up on my taped tv. I'm going to make my best effort at work this week for Tues to Fri 8 - 4:30.
I'll post following my test/results.
Sharon
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
And the appointments keep coming
Wow, I thought that today I would just meet Dr. Taylor and be gone. Not so fast. Once I arrived, reception got me checked in and the volunteer Elsie got started with all her information and paperwork.
Next came the appointment with Dr. Taylor, who seems very nice. He gave me an overview of radiation and how this part of the treatment has evolved over the past 4 years since we now have the option of having a lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy. Based on my situation, the 15 minutes per day, 5 days a week, for 7 weeks is his best advice. They will make a model of my breast, (now who ever thought I would be a breast model) and use this for a targeted plan of attack. I need to have radiation to seek out and kill any free floating cancer cells that may have broken from the pack and are out traveling around in my breast, looking for a place to set up camp and multiply. The radiation is excellent at killing off the individual cells, it just doesn't work for attacking a lump of cancer cells, hence, the surgery.
Third up was Mary, she does counselling and has all the program information. I spent some time with her and when I left, I had a binder full of color coded tabs and sheets of information. I am now set to organize things and keep track of appointments.
Last stop was Cheryl(?) who is in charge of clinical trials. Since Dr. Taylor mentioned the OncoType DX test and I told him I had already signed up for it, he suggested I meet this lady. She works with all the Dr.'s and Dr. Kominsky is also part of this big clinical test. It is being conducted all over the US and Canada. They are trying to collect data on the validity of Chemotherapy for patients who score in the "medium" chance of reoccurance. Half will have chemo and the other half will just have drug therapy. I told her I will be getting back a very low score so I'm sure they would rule me out, but I took the literature just the same.
All this took me until noon, so much for bringing McDonalds back to all the office for breakfast!
I'm going to BBQ this weekend, steaks will be pink in the middle!
Sharon
Next came the appointment with Dr. Taylor, who seems very nice. He gave me an overview of radiation and how this part of the treatment has evolved over the past 4 years since we now have the option of having a lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy. Based on my situation, the 15 minutes per day, 5 days a week, for 7 weeks is his best advice. They will make a model of my breast, (now who ever thought I would be a breast model) and use this for a targeted plan of attack. I need to have radiation to seek out and kill any free floating cancer cells that may have broken from the pack and are out traveling around in my breast, looking for a place to set up camp and multiply. The radiation is excellent at killing off the individual cells, it just doesn't work for attacking a lump of cancer cells, hence, the surgery.
Third up was Mary, she does counselling and has all the program information. I spent some time with her and when I left, I had a binder full of color coded tabs and sheets of information. I am now set to organize things and keep track of appointments.
Last stop was Cheryl(?) who is in charge of clinical trials. Since Dr. Taylor mentioned the OncoType DX test and I told him I had already signed up for it, he suggested I meet this lady. She works with all the Dr.'s and Dr. Kominsky is also part of this big clinical test. It is being conducted all over the US and Canada. They are trying to collect data on the validity of Chemotherapy for patients who score in the "medium" chance of reoccurance. Half will have chemo and the other half will just have drug therapy. I told her I will be getting back a very low score so I'm sure they would rule me out, but I took the literature just the same.
All this took me until noon, so much for bringing McDonalds back to all the office for breakfast!
I'm going to BBQ this weekend, steaks will be pink in the middle!
Sharon
It's my Lucky Day (yesterday!)
Yesterday I had my CT Scan to check my liver and lungs for any signs of cancer. I went in at 8:30, was out by 9:15 am. Later in the day I went back to Dr. Kaufman for a quick check up. I just wanted to have him check and make sure that the swelling and pain I have been having is in the category of "normal". Yes it is, and ice and IB profen will be my new best friends. While I was there, he checked out my reports and my CT Scan came back perfect, just like I expected.
Today I get to explore a new place that will become a destination point for many days to come, the St.Joseph Hospital Cancer Center. My Radiation Oncologist is Dr. Michael Taylor, his profile is second on this list.
I am confident that Dr. Kaufman would refer me to the best people for my particular situation as a positive outcome is also in his best interest! We were discussing that it would be optimum if my OncoType DX results are back before I meet with Dr. Kominsky, the Medical Oncologist. I agreed, but also confirmed with Dr. Kaufman that I would not be making any treatment decisions until this report is back. That appointment is for June 8th, and that is just shy of the 10 - 14 days that it takes to get back the results.
But the way my luck has been holding out, who knows! Yesterday at Costco, Ric pulled me out of the line up to put my order through, he told me it was my LUCKY DAY. I was quick to agree with him.
If you are following along, post a note, it's quiet in comment land!
Sharon
Today I get to explore a new place that will become a destination point for many days to come, the St.Joseph Hospital Cancer Center. My Radiation Oncologist is Dr. Michael Taylor, his profile is second on this list.
I am confident that Dr. Kaufman would refer me to the best people for my particular situation as a positive outcome is also in his best interest! We were discussing that it would be optimum if my OncoType DX results are back before I meet with Dr. Kominsky, the Medical Oncologist. I agreed, but also confirmed with Dr. Kaufman that I would not be making any treatment decisions until this report is back. That appointment is for June 8th, and that is just shy of the 10 - 14 days that it takes to get back the results.
But the way my luck has been holding out, who knows! Yesterday at Costco, Ric pulled me out of the line up to put my order through, he told me it was my LUCKY DAY. I was quick to agree with him.
If you are following along, post a note, it's quiet in comment land!
Sharon
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Passed with flying colors
Okay, so I had to have a pre bone scan test. If things come back ok then I can process with the scan. I am positive that this test will come back negative.....it was a PREGNANCY test. So I guess I'm on track for that appointment.
As for the next step, yesterday I picked up 2 bottles of "chalky" milkshakes. I got to drink one before bedtime and then one more for breakfast. I don't think they have WhiteSpot's recipe for milkshakes!
Up and at it this a.m. and like a good patient, I drank the whole second bottle of chalky milk. Really, it wasn't that bad, they've come a long way in disguising barium! Annie and I got on the road to Bellingham and as soon as I was checked in, the hostess with the mostest greeted me in the testing room with......a nice cold chalky milkshake. "Just to make sure your stomach is full" she says. Hey, the bottle I drank was sitting at my throat, I was SURE I was full :-)
This test was a piece of cake, it took 3 seconds for the first pass and 8 seconds for the second one, and then I was done! Piece of cake..... But I would prefer if they held the milkshake on the side!
I'm going back to Dr. Kaufman this afternoon, I'm feeling that my arm and underarm is more sore than it should be, so I'm going to err on the side of an extra appointment. I also got a call from the OncoType DX lab. They have my sample, they called to double check my authorization and verify my info. That test should be back in 10 - 14 days. I watched the short video on their website, very interesting.
I am back at work as much as I can be, but Friday will be the test of a full day as I have no appointments that day! Whoohoo, I'll be the only employee glad to put in a full day on a Friday!
Things are moving along, I continue "to do the next right thing", (I took that line from Michael J. Fox's show on Optimism) This show was worth watching and I'm glad I taped it. I might need a refresher along this journey.
Staying positive, even with my quilting withdrawals.
Sharon
As for the next step, yesterday I picked up 2 bottles of "chalky" milkshakes. I got to drink one before bedtime and then one more for breakfast. I don't think they have WhiteSpot's recipe for milkshakes!
Up and at it this a.m. and like a good patient, I drank the whole second bottle of chalky milk. Really, it wasn't that bad, they've come a long way in disguising barium! Annie and I got on the road to Bellingham and as soon as I was checked in, the hostess with the mostest greeted me in the testing room with......a nice cold chalky milkshake. "Just to make sure your stomach is full" she says. Hey, the bottle I drank was sitting at my throat, I was SURE I was full :-)
This test was a piece of cake, it took 3 seconds for the first pass and 8 seconds for the second one, and then I was done! Piece of cake..... But I would prefer if they held the milkshake on the side!
I'm going back to Dr. Kaufman this afternoon, I'm feeling that my arm and underarm is more sore than it should be, so I'm going to err on the side of an extra appointment. I also got a call from the OncoType DX lab. They have my sample, they called to double check my authorization and verify my info. That test should be back in 10 - 14 days. I watched the short video on their website, very interesting.
I am back at work as much as I can be, but Friday will be the test of a full day as I have no appointments that day! Whoohoo, I'll be the only employee glad to put in a full day on a Friday!
Things are moving along, I continue "to do the next right thing", (I took that line from Michael J. Fox's show on Optimism) This show was worth watching and I'm glad I taped it. I might need a refresher along this journey.
Staying positive, even with my quilting withdrawals.
Sharon
Friday, May 22, 2009
GPS to follow along?
Today my job was to call Dr. Kaufmans office to find out about the next appointments and when I called, Laurie had just finished leaving a message on my home phone. It took me three rounds of listening to get everything down.....here we go!
May 26 - pick up a prep kit for CT Scan and a lab slip for blood work.
May 27 - Check in at 8:30 am for CT Scan
May 28 - Check in at 9 am for a 9:30 appt with Dr. Taylor, Radiation Oncologist
June 1 - Arrive at 9:15 am at St. Josephs and get an injection at 9:30 am
June 1 - 11:30 at Dr. Kaufmans for a follow up appointment
June 1 - 12:30 go back to hospital for my Bone Scan
June 8 - Check in at 1:10 for a 1:30 appointment with Dr. Kaminsky, medical Oncologist
Who needs a social life with a calendar like this? I feel like I'm on 24 where so many things happen in a very short time span. I think I did use the word Super Highway when I started this blog, I'll have to go back and check.
For now, it's a beautiful sunny long weekend.....I know I'm going to be at the water!
Sunny days......
Sharon
May 26 - pick up a prep kit for CT Scan and a lab slip for blood work.
May 27 - Check in at 8:30 am for CT Scan
May 28 - Check in at 9 am for a 9:30 appt with Dr. Taylor, Radiation Oncologist
June 1 - Arrive at 9:15 am at St. Josephs and get an injection at 9:30 am
June 1 - 11:30 at Dr. Kaufmans for a follow up appointment
June 1 - 12:30 go back to hospital for my Bone Scan
June 8 - Check in at 1:10 for a 1:30 appointment with Dr. Kaminsky, medical Oncologist
Who needs a social life with a calendar like this? I feel like I'm on 24 where so many things happen in a very short time span. I think I did use the word Super Highway when I started this blog, I'll have to go back and check.
For now, it's a beautiful sunny long weekend.....I know I'm going to be at the water!
Sunny days......
Sharon
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Latest and greatest news
So tonight was my first follow up face to face with Dr. Kaufman. It felt really good to hear him explain everything to me again, as well as a bit of new information. The best part of my visit was finding out there is a relatively new test, Oncotype DX, that is being performed on tumors and the results are very helpful in making decisions regarding future treatments. Of course it was my choice to request this test, and he informed me some people do not want to know the results. I chose to have the test done. The tumor has already been removed so it requires no more from me other than my consent. What this test does is give one more piece of information to add to my file when everyone sits down to discuss my further treatments.
In the meantime, I am going to have my CT Scan booked. Once this result is in, along with the above mentioned result, then the Dr.s who will direct me along this journey will be armed with every available piece of information regarding my specific case. This just makes sense to me!
As for the bandages, they are now off, but the incisions are still taped up. To me they look nasty, but to Dr. Kaufman they looked great. During the surgery Dr. Kaufman decided to take some extra tissues which has made the incision bigger than what he had anticipated. Thank goodness he did this, those samples tested positive for Stage 0 cancer cells, aka Pre Cancer cells. I can live with a higher nipple, thank you very much :-)
My arm and underarm is still very sore, I'm still napping 2 - 3 hours a day, but I'm still getting good news along the way.
Staying very positive
Sharon
In the meantime, I am going to have my CT Scan booked. Once this result is in, along with the above mentioned result, then the Dr.s who will direct me along this journey will be armed with every available piece of information regarding my specific case. This just makes sense to me!
As for the bandages, they are now off, but the incisions are still taped up. To me they look nasty, but to Dr. Kaufman they looked great. During the surgery Dr. Kaufman decided to take some extra tissues which has made the incision bigger than what he had anticipated. Thank goodness he did this, those samples tested positive for Stage 0 cancer cells, aka Pre Cancer cells. I can live with a higher nipple, thank you very much :-)
My arm and underarm is still very sore, I'm still napping 2 - 3 hours a day, but I'm still getting good news along the way.
Staying very positive
Sharon
It's all about the F word
Food, friends, family......fooled you! Yesterday I went to the office for an hour, then met with Pauline and Shelley for lunch at Bob's. They serve so much food that I saved 1/2 my burger for Ryans dinner (our night guy at work, he's the best!) All that excitement led to a 2 1/2 hour nap at home. It's amazing, I never nap, yet I've had to sleep every day in the afternoon. It doesn't even feel optional, it's more of a necessity. It must be part of the whole process. Judy T and Jesse T arrived about 7:30 and we made our way over to Paso Del Norte for some of their fine Mexican food. I passed on the Margarita, tequila with a Vicadin appetizer, maybe not! I ordered chicken enchilada's with their home made green sauce and they did not disappoint!
It was a great day with no medical issues to report about! This afternoon is the big reveal, Dr. Kaufman will detail all the findings from the lab reports. I think the super highway to recovery is going to have some unexpected exits and some construction zones that will need navigating..... but until I have all the facts, I'm traveling on cruise control! The great news is that I DO NOT have any more surgery and that he removed ALL the cancer that we know about. I'm sticking to this positive news.
Have the best day today
Sharon
It was a great day with no medical issues to report about! This afternoon is the big reveal, Dr. Kaufman will detail all the findings from the lab reports. I think the super highway to recovery is going to have some unexpected exits and some construction zones that will need navigating..... but until I have all the facts, I'm traveling on cruise control! The great news is that I DO NOT have any more surgery and that he removed ALL the cancer that we know about. I'm sticking to this positive news.
Have the best day today
Sharon
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Surgery Town is in the rear view mirror!
Got the Good News! Whoohoo, let the healing continue. That was the best news I could hope for and Dr. Kaufman called me at 8:35 pm to confirm that there was NO cancer cells in the Sentinel nodes and there were CLEAR margins around the tissue that was surrounding the lump of cancer.
He discussed the details of the lump, it measured 2.2 cm so it will be classified as Medium in size, Small is 2.0 cm or less So the good news about that is it was on the very small side of medium. The scale for medium is 2.1 to 5.0 He also removed some extra tissue as the lump was very close to the skin and this tissue tested positive for Stage 0 cancer. Again, the good news is that Dr. Kaufman removed it.
The best defense in this journey is a great surgeon, and rest assured, I have the best. He has been pro active in things and so far the news I am getting is what I wanted to hear. I follow up with him on Thursday and set up the next action, a CT Scan to check my bones, liver and lungs. This is a routine test and I expect all the results to be negative, no reason to expect anything different!
The Pink Journey continues!
Sharon
He discussed the details of the lump, it measured 2.2 cm so it will be classified as Medium in size, Small is 2.0 cm or less So the good news about that is it was on the very small side of medium. The scale for medium is 2.1 to 5.0 He also removed some extra tissue as the lump was very close to the skin and this tissue tested positive for Stage 0 cancer. Again, the good news is that Dr. Kaufman removed it.
The best defense in this journey is a great surgeon, and rest assured, I have the best. He has been pro active in things and so far the news I am getting is what I wanted to hear. I follow up with him on Thursday and set up the next action, a CT Scan to check my bones, liver and lungs. This is a routine test and I expect all the results to be negative, no reason to expect anything different!
The Pink Journey continues!
Sharon
Treat the feet......
...when you can't take the wait. As much as I don't ever want to wish away time, this afternoon has really stretched itself to the limit, and it's still only 3:22pm. No siesta today, the brain won't take a break, but my feet did! mmmmmmmmm
Although my paperwork said to call at 4 pm, you all know I was dialing the doctor at 1:15 today. "My guy" is stepping out on me today, he's in surgery this afternoon, being someone elses "guy". I have no problem sharing ;-) However, Dr. Kaufman is the one to give me my lab reports, so I must spend the rest of the day clinging to my cell phone. Yes, I plugged it in as soon as I found out he would be calling! He has to get out of surgery and start on the paperwork part of his day before this will happen. So here I sit, typing away with my cell phone sitting in front of me, willing it to ring!
I'm off to Piecables Quilt Guild meeting in Lynden tonight, Dani is picking me up at 4:30 and we will grab a bite to eat before the meeting. At least my toes look good!
Staying positively PINK today!
Sharon
Although my paperwork said to call at 4 pm, you all know I was dialing the doctor at 1:15 today. "My guy" is stepping out on me today, he's in surgery this afternoon, being someone elses "guy". I have no problem sharing ;-) However, Dr. Kaufman is the one to give me my lab reports, so I must spend the rest of the day clinging to my cell phone. Yes, I plugged it in as soon as I found out he would be calling! He has to get out of surgery and start on the paperwork part of his day before this will happen. So here I sit, typing away with my cell phone sitting in front of me, willing it to ring!I'm off to Piecables Quilt Guild meeting in Lynden tonight, Dani is picking me up at 4:30 and we will grab a bite to eat before the meeting. At least my toes look good!
Staying positively PINK today!
Sharon
Monday, May 18, 2009
Siesta Fiesta
Wow, I've been napping every afternoon since Thursday, but today was exceptional! Ryan picked me up and we went to the office for Randy's Bday lunch. After having delicious Chinese food, I came home, put on my pj's and went to bed. My siesta lasted all afternoon. Watched the hockey game, made a sandwich and fed the 4 legged kids, and hit the couch again. Then I bundled up and headed out in the rain with Annie, pj's and all. Oh well, so what if I'm the crazy lady with her dog and pajamas in the alley! I was comfy and warm.
Big day tomorrow, I'll get both my results back in the afternoon. Positive thoughts, as I am well into the healing process, I don't want to go back to surgery town. Visited, got released and I'm back on the highway.
So a big THINK PINK RESULTS!
Sharon
Big day tomorrow, I'll get both my results back in the afternoon. Positive thoughts, as I am well into the healing process, I don't want to go back to surgery town. Visited, got released and I'm back on the highway.
So a big THINK PINK RESULTS!
Sharon
Friday, May 15, 2009
Ding Dong, Delivery lady!
So beautiful.......even the delivery lady was dressed in pink, Thank you Thank you, Thank you! Shelley and Sandra, the flowers are beautiful. Thank you!
Dr. Kazmyra, my GP called to check in on me today, so did the clinic. Both were glad to hear how I have been healing and feeling.......And a big "shout out" to Petie, she came over and checked me out! Not a job for my Dad! And I got a full report, Harry B with a pink ribbon, Kramer, thanks for the flowered shirt!, and Brian, well, I heard all about the pink post it note saying "Go Sharon" Thanks to everyone at work today, You know your support has been felt all the way over here!
You guys are the best!
Thinking Pink!
Sharon
Dr. Kazmyra, my GP called to check in on me today, so did the clinic. Both were glad to hear how I have been healing and feeling.......And a big "shout out" to Petie, she came over and checked me out! Not a job for my Dad! And I got a full report, Harry B with a pink ribbon, Kramer, thanks for the flowered shirt!, and Brian, well, I heard all about the pink post it note saying "Go Sharon" Thanks to everyone at work today, You know your support has been felt all the way over here!You guys are the best!
Thinking Pink!
Sharon
Best results one could hope for!
The best support! Kelsey and her co-worker in pink
All went exactly as planned during the surgery. We all put on our matching party hats, the great anethesiologist gave me wonerful drugs, Dr. Kaufman performed the surgery, the lab gave us back NEGATIVE results on the lymph nodes, they sewed me up and sent me to recovery.
That's when the party really began. They serve THE BEST soda crackers and cranberry juice you can imagine (they come with a side of Vicadin).....and that's where Dr. K gave me the great news. This test is 85% accurate, so now we hsve to get the next 15% cleared. That will come on Tuesday.
Kelsey and her friend Kayla, THANKS GIRLS, JOB WELL DONE!
I am very glad my dad was with me, Ry guy showed up at the surgery center and gave me a great big hug before things started,(he just wanted to squeeze my boobs one last time) ;-) Dani F. came down and stayed the whole time. How fantastic to wake up with friends and family by my side.
I'm pretty sore, one hand typing here. Dad took me down to B'ham and we got some steaks. He's wearing thin of my turkey for five days plan! Plus for $13 you can get your hair all cut off next door to Fred Meyers!
Bye for now, thanks for all the support.
Think Pink
Sharon
All went exactly as planned during the surgery. We all put on our matching party hats, the great anethesiologist gave me wonerful drugs, Dr. Kaufman performed the surgery, the lab gave us back NEGATIVE results on the lymph nodes, they sewed me up and sent me to recovery.That's when the party really began. They serve THE BEST soda crackers and cranberry juice you can imagine (they come with a side of Vicadin).....and that's where Dr. K gave me the great news. This test is 85% accurate, so now we hsve to get the next 15% cleared. That will come on Tuesday.
Kelsey and her friend Kayla, THANKS GIRLS, JOB WELL DONE!
I am very glad my dad was with me, Ry guy showed up at the surgery center and gave me a great big hug before things started,(he just wanted to squeeze my boobs one last time) ;-) Dani F. came down and stayed the whole time. How fantastic to wake up with friends and family by my side.
I'm pretty sore, one hand typing here. Dad took me down to B'ham and we got some steaks. He's wearing thin of my turkey for five days plan! Plus for $13 you can get your hair all cut off next door to Fred Meyers!
Bye for now, thanks for all the support.
Think Pink
Sharon
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
A great day yesterday!!!
This was my last full (sort of) day of work and Debbie and the staff were so fabulous. First Debbie shows up with bunches of pink ribbons and decorates my office door along with a few other doors in the office. We are a trucking company so the craftiness of this is pretty amazing!
Next she shows up with this......WOW, it is amazing. And the card that goes with it could not have been better. I has a special drawer for cards that I save, yes, I know, a bit of a pack rat with paper, but this card will be in the box forever and when I am having a tough day in July or October or even next year, I will pull out that card and put my chin up! Thanks Debbie and Chuck!
Just when my day was about to end, Petie comes in with flowers. Since she was waiting for me to open the card, I quickly pulled out the note and they were from my dear friend Lori P. We've never been close girlfriends in the sense of that statement, but we've known each other almost "forever". The best thing about Lori is that when we all get together, it feels like I just saw her last week. She is one strong lady! These flowers are beautiful, the roses are just like her, pretty and petite.
Now on the to medical stuff. My MRI was AMAZING NEWS. It clearly showed the exact spot of crap (my new C word, Thanks Lisa J.) NOTHING ELSE SHOWED UP. That was the best news possible. So now Dr. Kaufman is going to get a good nights sleep tonight and be well rested for his 8 am patient, me! He does beautiful work, I'm in great hands with him, my dad will be with me right up until I go into surgery and then afterwards Dr. Kaufman will report back to Dad. He will also speak with me before I leave the clinic. Yup, clinic, no hospital for me, that's where people get sick!
Think pink, in fact, us quilters have a color called Double Pink
So double up tomorrow and let's all hope for clean test results!
Have a Double Pink Day
Sharon
Next she shows up with this......WOW, it is amazing. And the card that goes with it could not have been better. I has a special drawer for cards that I save, yes, I know, a bit of a pack rat with paper, but this card will be in the box forever and when I am having a tough day in July or October or even next year, I will pull out that card and put my chin up! Thanks Debbie and Chuck!
Just when my day was about to end, Petie comes in with flowers. Since she was waiting for me to open the card, I quickly pulled out the note and they were from my dear friend Lori P. We've never been close girlfriends in the sense of that statement, but we've known each other almost "forever". The best thing about Lori is that when we all get together, it feels like I just saw her last week. She is one strong lady! These flowers are beautiful, the roses are just like her, pretty and petite.
Now on the to medical stuff. My MRI was AMAZING NEWS. It clearly showed the exact spot of crap (my new C word, Thanks Lisa J.) NOTHING ELSE SHOWED UP. That was the best news possible. So now Dr. Kaufman is going to get a good nights sleep tonight and be well rested for his 8 am patient, me! He does beautiful work, I'm in great hands with him, my dad will be with me right up until I go into surgery and then afterwards Dr. Kaufman will report back to Dad. He will also speak with me before I leave the clinic. Yup, clinic, no hospital for me, that's where people get sick!
Think pink, in fact, us quilters have a color called Double Pink
So double up tomorrow and let's all hope for clean test results!
Have a Double Pink Day
Sharon
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
My last day of work...
Today is my last work day for awhile. It will be a short one, for more than one reason. First off, I didn't drag my body into work until well after 8 am. It was one of those nights where I was awake and thinking it was time to get up.....until I looked at the clock and it was 12:23 am. Geez. And that went on throughout the rest of my sleep. I really do need eight straight to make my way in the world the following day. Guess things are weighing on my mind.
I have a 5 pm appointment with Dr. Kaufman. We will be reviewing the MRI results and then discussing all the options regarding my surgery. Before leaving for work today I grabbed a notebook. There have been a few questions coming into my mind and I want to make sure I ask about all my options for Thursday. Most of my questions are What if.......? Then what? I'm trying to make sense of the best options based on outcomes, but I think what is all boils down to is that "you do the best you can with what you know". Regardless of what I choose for Thursday, I have no control over the cancer if it decided to rear its ugly head in 2 or 5 or 9 years from now.
Start planning your wardrobe for Thursday. I'd love to have some photos emailed to me to show your support. I am asking all the staff here to wear pink on Thursday and today I'm picking up a spool of pink ribbon to tie on all the mirrors of our trucks.
I wish I'd seen this site prior to yesterday, Save the TaTa's, I would have ordered a few things from here. I will definitely be shopping here next week. I was telling some people about these t's last night and one woman looked at me funny and said "why would you want to save them?" I guess we all think we know what we would do if we were walking the walk, but let me say this, for all your friends and /or family that you have seen deal with cancer, and for all the news and tv reports about all the advances and all the good news that is out there, you have NO IDEA what you will do when you put on these shoes. That is a fact.
So on Thursday when you put on your pink, regardless of what it is, say a little "Save the Ta Ta's" It will make you smile!
Today I am leaving work early, first to go to the surgery clinic and fill out all my paperwork and then over to Dr. K's for my appointment. I have a few things to do in B'ham so I'll get those errands done. I have Wednesday off, Dad is arriving, I'm putting a turkey in the oven and getting my place all in order.
Think Pink
Sharon
I have a 5 pm appointment with Dr. Kaufman. We will be reviewing the MRI results and then discussing all the options regarding my surgery. Before leaving for work today I grabbed a notebook. There have been a few questions coming into my mind and I want to make sure I ask about all my options for Thursday. Most of my questions are What if.......? Then what? I'm trying to make sense of the best options based on outcomes, but I think what is all boils down to is that "you do the best you can with what you know". Regardless of what I choose for Thursday, I have no control over the cancer if it decided to rear its ugly head in 2 or 5 or 9 years from now.
Start planning your wardrobe for Thursday. I'd love to have some photos emailed to me to show your support. I am asking all the staff here to wear pink on Thursday and today I'm picking up a spool of pink ribbon to tie on all the mirrors of our trucks.
I wish I'd seen this site prior to yesterday, Save the TaTa's, I would have ordered a few things from here. I will definitely be shopping here next week. I was telling some people about these t's last night and one woman looked at me funny and said "why would you want to save them?" I guess we all think we know what we would do if we were walking the walk, but let me say this, for all your friends and /or family that you have seen deal with cancer, and for all the news and tv reports about all the advances and all the good news that is out there, you have NO IDEA what you will do when you put on these shoes. That is a fact.
So on Thursday when you put on your pink, regardless of what it is, say a little "Save the Ta Ta's" It will make you smile!
Today I am leaving work early, first to go to the surgery clinic and fill out all my paperwork and then over to Dr. K's for my appointment. I have a few things to do in B'ham so I'll get those errands done. I have Wednesday off, Dad is arriving, I'm putting a turkey in the oven and getting my place all in order.
Think Pink
Sharon
Monday, May 11, 2009
Just way too cute.
I know most of us have seen this email picture before, but I wanted to share it again. Thanks to Maizie for sending this to me, nothing like a big smile from your Monday morning email! Although "cure" isn't a word that is used right now, it would be great if somewhere in the near future it could be used. Survivor is the word, and people are called that right from the beginning of a positive diagnosis
Surviror is the only term to use, we are all surviving our own issues and life circumstances, yours just are different than mine, and now some of my circumstances are the same as some of yours. Because you are all out there cheering me on, I know I will do just fine. I'm still with the mind set that I have had all good news since this trip started, no flat tires, haven't run out of gas, I'm still on the highway with a direct path to the end. Let's hope tomorrow keeps me in the fast lane.
Start planning your Thursday pink!
Sharon
Surviror is the only term to use, we are all surviving our own issues and life circumstances, yours just are different than mine, and now some of my circumstances are the same as some of yours. Because you are all out there cheering me on, I know I will do just fine. I'm still with the mind set that I have had all good news since this trip started, no flat tires, haven't run out of gas, I'm still on the highway with a direct path to the end. Let's hope tomorrow keeps me in the fast lane.
Start planning your Thursday pink!
Sharon
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Pretty pink picture
A small part of a larger piece of work. This is silk embroidery, one of the most amazing pieces of needlework I have ever seen.
Enjoy the sunshine today, I know I will!
Sharon
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Pass the boob basket please.
This morning I had a date with Belinda and Michelle at the MRI clinic. Once again, this was at Mt Baker Imaging and everyone there is so nice and polite. I got checked in very fast, I didn't even have time for basting any Hexi's. (for you non quilters, these are little pieces of fabric I baste onto paper, sew them together, then take the paper out, a perfect take along for waiting rooms!)
The first part of the exam was a cake walk, I layed on my back, they fluffed the pillows all nice for me, strapped me in so I didn't fall out of bed, and slid me into a big white hole. Since I had my eyes closed, I had no idea how contained I was. The second part of the test was a bit more than I expected. It involved needles! I dislike needles, well, I'm sure none of you like needles, but it's a bit hard to find a good vein in my arm and I've had some unpleasant experiences.
Had I known, I would have drank a lot of water prior to the test, but oh well. Michelle did a great job, got some hot packs and had both arms prepping. She started on my left side and Michelle was preparing my right arm, just in case. I told them they could take one try on each arm!
Like a hot knife through butter, Michelle had things started so smooth that I barely even felt her. Wonderful staff. Then they put my boobs in a basket, slid me into the machine and I had a 15 minute rest while the machine did all the work.
Piece of cake! The tests have been stamped with RUSH; they usually take a week to be read, but mine will be done asap and the reports sent over to Dr. Kaufman and Dr. Kazmyra by Tuesday afternoon. Dr. K and I will go over everything at my pre-op appointment on Tuesday, May 12th at 5 pm. Before I left the clinic I wandered over to the Ultrasound/Mammo side and asked to speak with Nancy, the Ultrasonographer. She had a free minute for me and I wanted to thank her for recommending Dr. K to me. She gave me a big hug and told me he does BEAUTIFUL work, so I am in good hands!
Until then, have a fantastic Mothers Day weekend. I know I will, I'm spending Sunday afternoon it with my best friend....Betty! (inside joke and yes, it was alcohol related)
Think Pink
Sharon
The first part of the exam was a cake walk, I layed on my back, they fluffed the pillows all nice for me, strapped me in so I didn't fall out of bed, and slid me into a big white hole. Since I had my eyes closed, I had no idea how contained I was. The second part of the test was a bit more than I expected. It involved needles! I dislike needles, well, I'm sure none of you like needles, but it's a bit hard to find a good vein in my arm and I've had some unpleasant experiences.
Had I known, I would have drank a lot of water prior to the test, but oh well. Michelle did a great job, got some hot packs and had both arms prepping. She started on my left side and Michelle was preparing my right arm, just in case. I told them they could take one try on each arm!
Like a hot knife through butter, Michelle had things started so smooth that I barely even felt her. Wonderful staff. Then they put my boobs in a basket, slid me into the machine and I had a 15 minute rest while the machine did all the work.
Piece of cake! The tests have been stamped with RUSH; they usually take a week to be read, but mine will be done asap and the reports sent over to Dr. Kaufman and Dr. Kazmyra by Tuesday afternoon. Dr. K and I will go over everything at my pre-op appointment on Tuesday, May 12th at 5 pm. Before I left the clinic I wandered over to the Ultrasound/Mammo side and asked to speak with Nancy, the Ultrasonographer. She had a free minute for me and I wanted to thank her for recommending Dr. K to me. She gave me a big hug and told me he does BEAUTIFUL work, so I am in good hands!
Until then, have a fantastic Mothers Day weekend. I know I will, I'm spending Sunday afternoon it with my best friend....Betty! (inside joke and yes, it was alcohol related)
Think Pink
Sharon
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
And the plans continue
I just got a call from Dr. K's office and have a plan. I have the MRI tomorrow and barring any findings here are my dates.
May 12, register for surgery then continue over to Dr K and discuss my surgery and lay out that plan.
May 14 check into surgery at 7 am
May 21 Visit Dr. K for Post Op appointment at 5pm
May 26 Return to work
Sounds like a good plan, so everyone get ready. I am asking everyone to wear pink on the 14th of May. Paint your toes, put on pink lipstick, put on pink panties. Just put on the pink, think rose colored thoughts for me, and with everyone out there cheering me on, I will do just fine. And remember, I GOT THE GUY!
So as mentioned, all these dates may change, but here's hoping we follow this path.
Think Pink!
Sharon
May 12, register for surgery then continue over to Dr K and discuss my surgery and lay out that plan.
May 14 check into surgery at 7 am
May 21 Visit Dr. K for Post Op appointment at 5pm
May 26 Return to work
Sounds like a good plan, so everyone get ready. I am asking everyone to wear pink on the 14th of May. Paint your toes, put on pink lipstick, put on pink panties. Just put on the pink, think rose colored thoughts for me, and with everyone out there cheering me on, I will do just fine. And remember, I GOT THE GUY!
So as mentioned, all these dates may change, but here's hoping we follow this path.
Think Pink!
Sharon
At the Beginning....Part 2
Here is the explanation and the plan from Dr.K and the most important part of my story. Are you paying attention? This is VERY important. The mammogram did NOT detect my cancer. We know it is there, I can feel it and it has been biopsied. It is there. But even after very close examination of my breast area where the biopsy was performed, they cannot see the cancer. The spot has been marked by a metal "clip" the size of a grain of pepper, and when Dr. K blew up the picture the clip was about a 1/2" in size.........and still no sign of the cancer. So trust in mammograms, but verify with your own monthly self exam!
Here is all the good news that has come behind the one ugly word.
Early detection
Size is small
Type of cancer is estrogen fed which translates to SLOW growing.
I got the guy!
Right now I am traveling this cancer trip on the interstate. We all know there are many on and off ramps, but the quickest way to your destination is a direct trip. Here is my direct road map. Many things may change, but as I discussed with Dr. K, I can compartmentalize things very well, let's handle one thing at a time. He agreed, stating that there will be many "hurry up and wait" issues, ie having the biopsy, and these situations will give me plenty of worry. So let's focus on what we know and what can be dealt with in the immediate. No point in borrowing worries from the future, they probably won't happen anyways.
Step 1: MRI
Booked already for tomorrow, Thur May 7,2009
20% of MRI's come back with issues showing up on them and I might be one of the lucky ones. This is being done to ensure that there are no other spots of cancer in either breast. Since we can't see this spot, are there other relatives out there hiding in the hills? Just a precaution, we are not expecting to find any. There is some lag time from this appointment to the surgery appointment to give everyone time to do any further testing ie another biopsy. So we hurried up and got this appointment, and I'll wait through the weekend for some results.
Step 2: Book Surgery
During the surgery there is a 15 minute test performed on the Sentinal Node, this is the gatekeeper to your lymphatic system. This test is 85% accurate. If negative, they sew me up and send me to recovery. If it tests positive for cancer cells, Dr. K will continue with removing the lymph nodes and then send me to recovery. This will change my trip, I just don't know how. Then comes the wait game. The same node is then sent off to pathology for a test that is 100% accurate and it takes 2 days for those results to come back. If negative, I wait one month. If the results are positive, then I will get out the map and we will look for an exit off the Interstate and see what town that takes us to. Until then, that is not an issue for me.
Step 3: Take a month of no worries, but have a CT Scan done. This will ensure that there are no other cancers in my system, ie: bone, lungs, or organs. Again, not expecting to find anything, this is just a precaution to rule out things.
Step 4: I start Radiation treatment, 15 min a day, 5 days a week, for 7 weeks, and then start a drug therapy for 5 years and "ain't life grand!"
This will take me to the end of the summer. I have a trip planned for mid September and Dr. K has told me to keep my plans and look forward to the time away.
I feel really good, no different that I did 4 weeks ago. I am back to sleeping pretty good, I don't get my usual 8 straight, I'm waking up once or twice, but I just don't look at the clock and I roll over and go back to sleep. Annie and Molly keep good company for me and I have a great support system of friends, family and co workers. Who could ask for more.
So through this journey, THINK PINK! I just opened up my new spring/summer lipstick. I had purchased it last fall, it was sitting in my cabinet, just waiting for the right time to be opened up. It's a nice bright pink, MAC Chatterbox. Could it be any more perfect for me!
So let me close with a few photos. There is pink everywhere and it is beautiful!
That's all for now! Thanks for following along, knowing that you are reading along my journey is a fantastic support for me! Thanks
Sharon
Here is all the good news that has come behind the one ugly word.
Early detection
Size is small
Type of cancer is estrogen fed which translates to SLOW growing.
I got the guy!
Right now I am traveling this cancer trip on the interstate. We all know there are many on and off ramps, but the quickest way to your destination is a direct trip. Here is my direct road map. Many things may change, but as I discussed with Dr. K, I can compartmentalize things very well, let's handle one thing at a time. He agreed, stating that there will be many "hurry up and wait" issues, ie having the biopsy, and these situations will give me plenty of worry. So let's focus on what we know and what can be dealt with in the immediate. No point in borrowing worries from the future, they probably won't happen anyways.
Step 1: MRI
Booked already for tomorrow, Thur May 7,2009
20% of MRI's come back with issues showing up on them and I might be one of the lucky ones. This is being done to ensure that there are no other spots of cancer in either breast. Since we can't see this spot, are there other relatives out there hiding in the hills? Just a precaution, we are not expecting to find any. There is some lag time from this appointment to the surgery appointment to give everyone time to do any further testing ie another biopsy. So we hurried up and got this appointment, and I'll wait through the weekend for some results.
Step 2: Book Surgery
During the surgery there is a 15 minute test performed on the Sentinal Node, this is the gatekeeper to your lymphatic system. This test is 85% accurate. If negative, they sew me up and send me to recovery. If it tests positive for cancer cells, Dr. K will continue with removing the lymph nodes and then send me to recovery. This will change my trip, I just don't know how. Then comes the wait game. The same node is then sent off to pathology for a test that is 100% accurate and it takes 2 days for those results to come back. If negative, I wait one month. If the results are positive, then I will get out the map and we will look for an exit off the Interstate and see what town that takes us to. Until then, that is not an issue for me.
Step 3: Take a month of no worries, but have a CT Scan done. This will ensure that there are no other cancers in my system, ie: bone, lungs, or organs. Again, not expecting to find anything, this is just a precaution to rule out things.
Step 4: I start Radiation treatment, 15 min a day, 5 days a week, for 7 weeks, and then start a drug therapy for 5 years and "ain't life grand!"
This will take me to the end of the summer. I have a trip planned for mid September and Dr. K has told me to keep my plans and look forward to the time away.
I feel really good, no different that I did 4 weeks ago. I am back to sleeping pretty good, I don't get my usual 8 straight, I'm waking up once or twice, but I just don't look at the clock and I roll over and go back to sleep. Annie and Molly keep good company for me and I have a great support system of friends, family and co workers. Who could ask for more.
So through this journey, THINK PINK! I just opened up my new spring/summer lipstick. I had purchased it last fall, it was sitting in my cabinet, just waiting for the right time to be opened up. It's a nice bright pink, MAC Chatterbox. Could it be any more perfect for me!
So let me close with a few photos. There is pink everywhere and it is beautiful!
That's all for now! Thanks for following along, knowing that you are reading along my journey is a fantastic support for me! Thanks
Sharon
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
At the beginning....
For some this may be a repeat of information, but for those of you who come to this blog later in the story, this is the beginning.
I am 46 years young, and I do not need to go through cancer to find out that I love life, I already know that. I also know that I have too much fabric and too many unfinished projects (ufo's for you non quilters)to leave this planet, and besides, that's not in my plan.
So here is my plan, all based on EARLY DETECTION!
I found a bump in my boob in late March and dismissed it, after all, I had just had a mammogram, colonoscopy and a full overhaul, including blood work in Nov/Dec of 2008. Plus, I was raised that if you find something not quite right, keep it for a while and if it hasn't gone away, then deal with it. So when I felt this bump again in mid April, I called my GP (April 13) for an appointment (got in Apr 15th) The last time I saw Dr. Kazmyra, Blaine WA in January, I told her I would see her in a year, I'm healthy and all my tests/exams checked out just fine. Since I was in seeing her, she took me seriously, that this just didn't feel right to me. The next step was an ultrasound, and that was booked for Monday, Apr 20th. After the Radiologist, Dr. Barret took a look at the pictures and did a few pictues of her own, she suggested a biopsy. My response was, "What ever day at what ever time, the sooner the better" This was good news to the Dr as she noted that the clinic has a policy of being proactive and she was glad to hear I was on the same page. My biopsy was booked for Thursday, April 23rd. Nancy, the Ultrasonographer, and Dr. Garrity worked together and got 4 fabulous samples to send off to Pathology.
So then the waiting game. It takes 2 days for testing to be completed so I booked an appointment with Dr. Kazmyra for Monday 3 p.m.. I called at noon, and again at 1:30 p.m. and again at 2:45 p.m. and still no results.....so I had to cancel my appointment and rebook for the next day. Oops, Dr. Kaz doesn't work on Tuesdays, how about Wed? OK, I'm set for Wed......but you all know me and know that there was no way on earth I was going to stew in my pot all day Tues AND Wed. So of course I phoned the office at noon. Yes, the report was in, no, they couldn't tell me the results. Then they called back and told me sometimes Dr. Kaz stops in on her day off, and 30 minutes later they called again, Dr. Kaz is in and she will see me.
I called Debbie, my boss and she turned around from her way home and she met me at the Dr's. I had a plan. If we got good news we were going for drinks, if we got bad news, we were going for doubles! And doubles it was.
While having the biopsy, I asked Nancy who would be a surgeon, should I need one. The first name out of her was Dr. Kaufman, and then she listed a few others. When someone doesn't have to think about a response, you can trust there is a reason. So I asked Dr. Kaz to book me with Dr. Kaufman. She was concerned that I might not be able to get into his schedule as he is very busy and in demand, it might be up to six weeks. Debbie told her to call and get an appointment, and make is soon to make me better. Dr. Kaz came back saying that Dr. Kaufmans office will call me, they are booking into mid May and I might be placed with Dr. Bauchman. The next morning, I received a call from Dr. Kaufman's office and was marking down my appointment time. Saturday at 11:00 May 2nd with Dr. Kaufman Woohoooo! I got the guy!
The guy happens to be President of a consortium of 600 Breast Surgery clinics across the U.S. He is internationally known speaker on the subject, has written and published many papers on the subject, and many other things...AND HE'S MY GUY! So when you hear me say, "I got the guy", and give 2 thumbs up, this is why.
So I have met with Dr. Kaufman, now being referred to at Dr. K, and I have a plan.
I will post the plan later, I need to finish some work, leave early for the lawyers office to sign off on the financial report for Donnie's Estate. I am at the final stages of settling the estate.....
and then be back in Blaine for a meeting at The Wheel House. Bevies start being poured at 5 p.m......Go Canucks, Go!!
I am 46 years young, and I do not need to go through cancer to find out that I love life, I already know that. I also know that I have too much fabric and too many unfinished projects (ufo's for you non quilters)to leave this planet, and besides, that's not in my plan.
So here is my plan, all based on EARLY DETECTION!
I found a bump in my boob in late March and dismissed it, after all, I had just had a mammogram, colonoscopy and a full overhaul, including blood work in Nov/Dec of 2008. Plus, I was raised that if you find something not quite right, keep it for a while and if it hasn't gone away, then deal with it. So when I felt this bump again in mid April, I called my GP (April 13) for an appointment (got in Apr 15th) The last time I saw Dr. Kazmyra, Blaine WA in January, I told her I would see her in a year, I'm healthy and all my tests/exams checked out just fine. Since I was in seeing her, she took me seriously, that this just didn't feel right to me. The next step was an ultrasound, and that was booked for Monday, Apr 20th. After the Radiologist, Dr. Barret took a look at the pictures and did a few pictues of her own, she suggested a biopsy. My response was, "What ever day at what ever time, the sooner the better" This was good news to the Dr as she noted that the clinic has a policy of being proactive and she was glad to hear I was on the same page. My biopsy was booked for Thursday, April 23rd. Nancy, the Ultrasonographer, and Dr. Garrity worked together and got 4 fabulous samples to send off to Pathology.
So then the waiting game. It takes 2 days for testing to be completed so I booked an appointment with Dr. Kazmyra for Monday 3 p.m.. I called at noon, and again at 1:30 p.m. and again at 2:45 p.m. and still no results.....so I had to cancel my appointment and rebook for the next day. Oops, Dr. Kaz doesn't work on Tuesdays, how about Wed? OK, I'm set for Wed......but you all know me and know that there was no way on earth I was going to stew in my pot all day Tues AND Wed. So of course I phoned the office at noon. Yes, the report was in, no, they couldn't tell me the results. Then they called back and told me sometimes Dr. Kaz stops in on her day off, and 30 minutes later they called again, Dr. Kaz is in and she will see me.
I called Debbie, my boss and she turned around from her way home and she met me at the Dr's. I had a plan. If we got good news we were going for drinks, if we got bad news, we were going for doubles! And doubles it was.
While having the biopsy, I asked Nancy who would be a surgeon, should I need one. The first name out of her was Dr. Kaufman, and then she listed a few others. When someone doesn't have to think about a response, you can trust there is a reason. So I asked Dr. Kaz to book me with Dr. Kaufman. She was concerned that I might not be able to get into his schedule as he is very busy and in demand, it might be up to six weeks. Debbie told her to call and get an appointment, and make is soon to make me better. Dr. Kaz came back saying that Dr. Kaufmans office will call me, they are booking into mid May and I might be placed with Dr. Bauchman. The next morning, I received a call from Dr. Kaufman's office and was marking down my appointment time. Saturday at 11:00 May 2nd with Dr. Kaufman Woohoooo! I got the guy!
The guy happens to be President of a consortium of 600 Breast Surgery clinics across the U.S. He is internationally known speaker on the subject, has written and published many papers on the subject, and many other things...AND HE'S MY GUY! So when you hear me say, "I got the guy", and give 2 thumbs up, this is why.
So I have met with Dr. Kaufman, now being referred to at Dr. K, and I have a plan.
I will post the plan later, I need to finish some work, leave early for the lawyers office to sign off on the financial report for Donnie's Estate. I am at the final stages of settling the estate.....
and then be back in Blaine for a meeting at The Wheel House. Bevies start being poured at 5 p.m......Go Canucks, Go!!
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