Thursday, 5 July 2012

When push comes to shove

I saw my Breast Cancer Surgeon on Tuesday , as I already knew , he has referred me for Chemotherapy. I have my appointment to see the medical Oncologist next week at the Cancer Care Centre.

He also confirmed the mastectomy was the best decision because along with the small area of invasive cancer and Ductal Carcinoma in situ (DCIS) - I had pre-cancerous changes right up to my nipple.
The right boob was my choice and it was clear.
I am thankful for right decisions and that I don't need radiation therapy.

My drain remains in situ, till the drainage decreases to under 30mls per day (90-100ml atm). It is uncomfortable and painful at times but much better than the alternative - a large needle being inserted to syringe off (out) the site if it starts to swell. I have good pain relief and it doesn't stop me doing most of things I want to do, except running which is the only thing I want to get back into. Pity about the all the housework I'm just busting to do, too ;-).

What I wasn't expecting : is that I am in 15-20% of women HER2 Positive - which means I need an additional , different type of targeted therapy ; Herceptin - after my 4-6 cycles of chemotherapy is completed ...every three weeks for a year . Hopefully, the infusions can be scheduled with minimal interruptions to normal life.Whatever it takes !

It is extra insurance which allegedly keeps the cancer cells from growing, especially targeted towards them and not my normal cells. I'll consult Dr Google find out more about it next week I am sure.

"Knowledge is the antidote for fear." Ralph Waldo Emerson



I am in it for the long haul and I am ready to take the Stand (lyrics) . I have an appointment to have a Port-a-cath inserted next Wednesday. My Surgeon said it was a good idea and referred me to an experienced Interventional Radiologist.

It means I can use my right hand - therefore iPad - whilst I'm having chemo ... for this I am very thankful . As they can only , always, use my right arm due the surgery to remove my left axillary lymph nodes. It also means less problems for accessing veins for chemo infusions and blood tests.

This week, I had the chance to meet up with the gorgeous  Deb from Bright and Precious , she is delightful. I am so thankful, Deb is so inspirational and because her vision board idea has given me light and inspiration.



Oh, did I tell you how thankful I am to home for a few days xox. Everything is a glorious mess still because we left in a hurry but home sweet home.


What are you thankful for this week ?

Comments (44)

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DebBrightandPrecious's avatar

DebBrightandPrecious · 681 weeks ago

So glad you're home! Thank you for updating us with the details. It was such a pleasure to catch up with you this week. You are so beautiful and so strong. I know you will ace this. xx
1 reply · active 681 weeks ago
I can imagine how wonderful and comforting it must feel to be home, even if it is just for a few days!
Sending big hugs your way, Trish :)
xx
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1 reply · active 681 weeks ago
Glad you're home Trish and with a plan to be getting on with. I'm hearing lots of good news in this and am very hopeful that it will go well for you. Thinking of you always. xx
1 reply · active 681 weeks ago
Welcome home Trish, there is much to be said for healing at home! Here's to the drain slowing down for you soon as well.
We love Rascal Flatts. Great song choice!
xxXOoo
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1 reply · active 681 weeks ago
Pink Ronnie's avatar

Pink Ronnie · 681 weeks ago

Welcome home, Trish. I think of you every day.
Thanks for continuing to share your journey with u...
Ronnie xo
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1 reply · active 681 weeks ago
Glad you got to go home, and that you sound so positive. Keeping you and yours in my prayers xxx
1 reply · active 681 weeks ago
I am thankful that you seem to be getting such good treatment! And thank you for sharing.
My recent post Down time- kids
1 reply · active 681 weeks ago
There are terms here that I have never heard, and I can imagine you are on a learning curve right now that you would rather not have to be on. But the information is handy for everyone else and for the woman who sadly have to skip down the breast cancer road after you.

I have been looking for the right thing to send you for your vision board. Nothing seems perfect. I am not sure it ever will, but I certainly will be finding something.
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1 reply · active 681 weeks ago
I'm thankful that you're home, I'm thankfully that you'll be getting treatment & such great people surrounding you. I'm thankful for having a friend like you. xx
1 reply · active 681 weeks ago
Being home for a few days certainly is something to be thankful for. Fairy wishes and butterfly kisses lovely
My recent post Thankful Thursday - The Little Things Edition
1 reply · active 681 weeks ago
In my nursing days I saw that a persons positive attitude made the world of difference to their healing.I am so glad you have such a wonderful strong positive outlook Trish.It flows on and you are truelly an inspiration to many.This makes me thankful for you and all those who will be helped by reading your posts.xx
1 reply · active 681 weeks ago
I am so glad you are home Trish. You are so strong and inspiring. Loads of love to you xox.
1 reply · active 681 weeks ago
Glad to hear you are home... and to feel/ see your thankfulness coming through in spite of a difficult situation...
1 reply · active 681 weeks ago
How wonderful that you are home Trish! Nothing better then the comfort of your own things and people and stuff. x
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1 reply · active 681 weeks ago
Home, sweet blissful home.
Sounds like you have a great medical team working closely with you too.
Much love and hugs to you, Trish x
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1 reply · active 681 weeks ago
Isn't home just the perfect place when you need comfort. I can tell you (from my experience with my son) that a port a cath will be the best decision. Every month and every hospital stay I thank the day I agreed for my son to have this proceedure. I hope that everything will start to move forward positively for you . Hugs again for you and your family.
2 replies · active 681 weeks ago
You are such an incredible inspiration Trish. The way that you are taking this in your stride, and just pushing through is incredibly admirable.
I'm keeping up the prayers for you, and so thankful you've got some time at home, especially since you have had birthdays to celebrate. :)
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1 reply · active 681 weeks ago
Just found you on Flash Blog Friday, never read your blog before. You are inspirational and I wish you all the best x
YAY for home! One of these days when my kids stop giving each other bugs, I'll get out of the house to send you something gorgeous for your vision board. You're in my thoughts and my heart, stay strong wonderful woman! xx
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You've really been in my thoughts. I picked up a little card but have failed to actually out it in the mail (I will though!!) x
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Home would seem like a palace now compared to your hospital stay. sometimes we forget how special out horn really is. You have reminded us all! Hope there are a few extra smiles while you are at home xx
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Clearly, I have been absent for a while, because, oh dear, you have cancer? I am so sorry, but glad to hear you are recovering well and have a plan in place to fight it. I'll keep up better now, stay strong, my prayers are with you xo
Praying and hoping that all of your therapies do their jobs and maybe the housework fairy pops over for a visit (they like to do the housework you know!) x
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