It was one of those weeks where everything and nothing happened all at the same time. I had 2 doctors appoitments and I dipped my toe back into working. I also cooked chilli and baked a cake from scratch (including icing). I've been intending to post another entry on the blog but my days kept getting away from me. So that's why it's some random time of morning and out of sheer guilt I'm doing an update.
So the drains are out! I ended up getting them pulled on Tuesday. When I called the Plastic Surgeons office on Monday they said the output was too high and to call back tomorrow. I called and they said come on in, even though well probably only pull one. So I waited for Nadia to get home then she drove me into the office. Of course as we get there..it starts to pour. The office was nice and empty at this time of day (late afternoon), and I made a mental note to make sure this is the time I always come in. I swear sometimes I go in there and you would think they were giving out free procedures. In any case my surgeons nurse comes in and is like yah I think we should take both and says "it's time" ...as if were delivering a baby. I had already read online in the Breast Cancer discussion boards that it doesn't hurt. The nurse takes a look at my incisions and says they look good. She then cuts the strings that were holding the drains in place. We then go on to discuss how it doesn't hurt but feels a bit weird. She tell me to breath in and hold it as she pulls it out. Each drain takes 2 seconds to come out. It does feel weird...kind of like something is being pulled through your chest....because it is! I then ask all the important questions.
1. Can I take a full shower now - her answer is yes
2. Can I drive - Yes but let's take baby steps and only emergencys right now. Next week you can start driving more regular.
3. When can we start filling me up - Next week Wednesday.
I told the nurse it was like Christmas in March and she had made my day!
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Next stop on the cancer train was a meeting with my Medical Oncologist (MO) on Friday. We discussed the pathology report in more detail. Turns out my tumor came back grade 3, when the original grade from December biopsy was grade 2 (grade 3 is worse). I was a little surprised about that. However on the bright side 1. No lymph nodes showed cancer 2. The official size of the tumor is 1.5 so that keeps me in stage 1. Doctors will "re-stage" you after surgery because more information is known at that time. I exepcted other outcomes from surgery so I'm happy God continued to bless me with good findings. Some ladies end up with masses intheotherbreast, lymph node involvement and a whole host of issues. Biggest news of the week is she's declaring me Cancer Free!
Now that I'm cancer free the discussion moved over to how to keep me that way....the dreaded chemo talk. My doctor starts off by saying chemo is a definite. Last time we spoke she said it was highly probable so no surprise there. She began to discuss the two courses of treatment and what the other MO's think about my case. One course has harsher medicine than the other. She doesn't think I need the harsher meds. We actually look at a tool which the docs use to tell you what your chances of reoccuracne are with the different treatments. Not having my lymph nodes involved gives me a 20% chance of this not coming back! In any case we talk about another test which is also used to help decide which chemo. It takes about 3 weeks to come back. I thought it was already ordered but the MO says she prefers to discuss it with patients after their surgery findings. So we've ordered the test and will move on from there. I'm not happy or sad about it just trying to keep moving.
Of course with my personality I'm trying to figure how chemo fits into my busy schedule. Nadia has a big birthday in September plus illprobaby start chemo right before or after my 10 year reunion...SMH. The schedule that ill probably be on is one dose every 3 weeks with a total of 4 doses. In theory it doesn't sound bad. I can still get boob fills evenif I'm on chemo but I can't do the exchange for the final implants until a couple weeks after chemo is done. I know God has brought me this far and will carry me through.
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