Month: February 2015

Day 10b: Diagnosis Part II

Day 10b: Diagnosis Part II – Today was a long day filled with more information and more testing. Where to start? Met with the surgeon, we talked about many things.

Grade: I have an “estimated” Histologic Grade of 1 and an “estimated” Nottingham Grade of 5-9. Right now we are considering this to be a low to moderately aggressive cancer. This is estimated because we do not know yet whether or not the lymph nodes are involved and they are the keepers to much data it would seem.

Hormone Recepters: One of the tumors is 100% ER and PR the other was 100% ER and 98% PR, don’t get much more strong hormone receptors than these… this means that a hormone receptor blocker will be in my future and it also means no estrogen or progesterone for me… like ever. Was also told to expect the oncologist (yet to meet) to prescribe something like Tamoxifen for a minimum of 5 years.

Ok, Stage. This is the tough one – we just don’t know and won’t know until we get more information on the lymph nodes.

So next steps:

  • Blood work-ups which include liver, CA15-3, Vitamin D, and other such stuffs. Did that today
  • Chest x-ray, did that today
  • MRI, the doctor is getting approval from insurance, so that should be next week.
  • Meet with the plastic surgeon (next Tuesday) and discuss simultaneous or delayed reconstruction – I prefer simultaneous, apparently this guy prefers delayed, so I am looking for a referral for someone so I can get a second opinion there.
  • Meet with surgeon again next week

If anything in the blood, chest x-ray or MRI look abnormal I may be sent for a PET Scan to get a head to toe.

Surgery: Lymph Nodes
They will do a sentinel node biopsy during surgery

Surgery: Breast
I lose the left nipple regardless of which option I choose. Options are: mastectomy or a lumpectomy (partial mastectomy). Because the nature of ILC is such that it is difficult to detect, slow moving and branches out not necessarily creating palpable tumors or lumps, I am opting for bilateral mastectomy. It is also possible that oncology treatments will be easier with a bilateral mastectomy, again, depending on lymph nodes.

For the left nipple replacement I am looking for some great artwork of the Yai-tzu dragon, the protector and guardian against any physical harm. So feel free to post any cool Yai-tzu art you find to my wall or send me a message.

Timeline: Waiting on insurance for MRI.

Treatment is simple…
1) Hormone blockers
2) Surgery
3) Potential radiation Therapy
4) Chemo

Seems like a simple 4 part plan to me. 

‪#‎strongerthancancer‬ ‪#‎embracingtheadventure‬ ‪#‎killerleftboob‬ ‪#‎hawtrightboob‬ ‪#‎breastcancer‬

Day 10: Surgery consult day!

Day 10: Surgery consult day! This means today will be a two parter with an update this afternoon. Carpet cleaner also comes today. Who knew that getting ready to be sick would be so much work! Thank God for friends and family.

The Bionic WomanI am guessing that we also get the referral to the oncologist today and find out what additional testing they would like done.

Actually woke up dreaming about one of my doctors trying to give me injections. In my dream, he only got through one and I chased him off. LOL. I’ve also had the theme to bionic man going through my head – I’m still adamant about lasers being a feature in the new set. “We can rebuild her. We have the technology. We can make her better than she was. Better, stronger, faster.” (Yes I know I am modifying the six million dollar man quote…. No bionic woman quotes are going through my head…)

Family is here and I am thankful for them. Mom brought everything from farm fresh eggs, to deer burger, farm fresh beef and farm fresh chicken. Then I handed her a pile of books on alkaline diets (I.e. Vegan cooking). She is great though, she is gonna help figure it out. A dear friend has told me that along this journey I will occasionally have to force myself to do things – like eat. They also said, don’t worry this minute, if you’re hungry now, just eat. This is certainly a lot to take in – appetite has definite been up and down!

10 days people. Just 10 days. Mind blowing really.

‪#‎strongerthancancer‬ ‪#‎embracingtheadventure‬ ‪#‎killerleftboob‬ ‪#hawtrightboob #‎breastcancer‬

Day 9: I was worried I wouldn’t have anything funny to talk about today…

Day 9: I was worried I wouldn’t have anything funny to talk about today… But not true! Apparently my announcement on running for office from LAST year popped up in the comments section of the 1030 KMAS website this morning. Who says the universe doesn’t have comedic timing!? And seriously – I still love the support!

So lots of good questions from friends on the diagnosis. I do not know stage yet and likely will not until more testing is done. This could be a good diagnosis, all things considered, but an MRI will tell us stage and whether or not this is invasive or in situ. Just a fancy way to say “is it anywhere else?” So stay tuned – talk with the surgeon tomorrow at 1.

Tonight my brother, sister and mom will all be here. Bittersweet really. This was planned before ‪#‎killerleftboob‬ decided to attack. We will still have fun but it is also a time of preparing for battle and change. Mom doesn’t know yet that she will probably end up helping me with work and helping me find alkalizing vegan recipes…. That will be a challenge – we are a meat and tater family… Best redneckonize!

Make it an awesome day guys!

‪#‎strongerthancancer‬ ‪#‎embracingtheadventure‬ #killerleftboob #hawtrightboob #‎breastcancer‬

Day 8: Diagnosis day round 2!

Day 8: Diagnosis day round 2! Now it is also Dental day… So it is double D day and I will let you all figure out the irony of that on your own! . Since the dentist does right by me and provides a right proper sedative (1 halcion before bed and one an hour before the appointment) I am guaranteed to be in a great state of mind for news I receive today! . However… I may not remember it…. . Last time I took halcion I had the best dental appointment ever! Apparently I took a mid crown procedure selfie (um…. EW) and sent it off to Rick who was out in the waiting room – I found the pictures later… Glad I didn’t do anything crazier with them! OMG! But basically the appointment went like this: checked in, said hi to everyone, hours later “woke up” having a peanut butter milkshake at Kid Valley on Lake Washington. ‪#‎truth‬ Dentist needs to coach Radiologist on how to relax a patient…

Rick has offered to hold my phone during the dental appointment… Um…. No!

No idea when we get pathology news…. As long as it is sometime today.

‪#‎strongerthancancer‬ ‪#‎embracingtheadventure‬ ‪#‎hawtrightboob‬ #‎killerleftboob‬ ‪#‎breastcancer‬

Day 7a: Ended up back at radiologist.

Day 7a: Ended up back at radiologist. They called and said “How are you doing?” I say – massive pain – to the point of nausea and wanting to pass out. They say “Is it warm?” Me: “Yeah it’s warm – you stabbed it with an ice pick three times and took chunks out.” Her, “Hmm. Is it red?” Me: “Yeah, red, yellow and 50 shades of purple.” Her: “Hmmmm yeah you should come in.”

So – got to see the radiologist, he thinks it’s just a bad hematoma, recommends heat now. He also said they stabbed me with something larger than ice pick… 😐

He called pathology – they are still working stuff up. We wait another day. ⌚

Patience is a __________.

‪#‎strongerthancancer‬ ‪#‎embracingtheadventure‬ ‪#‎killerleftboob‬ ‪ ‪#‎hawtrightboob #‎breastcancer‬

Day 7: Today is diagnosis day.

Day 7: Today is diagnosis day. Probably not until after 3 pm. I am excited that I will have actual data – you know…. Because then I will have something to really worry about. This also means that a war plan is not far behind because with questions comes answers. (Also the 5 stages of grief – but we will get to that later)

The crab feed was fun last night. Also gave me a chance to practice my linebacker skills. Crowded rooms, lots of hugs and truly amazing people. 80‘s women’s suit shoulder pads coulda come in handy last night! Assigned a friend blocking duty for the left side. A few folks have seen my Facebook posts and were amazing in their love and support. I have a feeling people will continue to amaze me in wonderful ways on this journey. Is it strange that both excites and comforts me?

The U.S. greeting of “How are you?” has become slightly awkward in my mind. LOL. My usual “Great!” now feels a little false and that does bother me though it shouldn’t – but you know… for the most part that’s not a real question – thankfully. So perhaps this lil white lie will be forgiven. 😇

I didn’t have the crab – too many dangerous elbows flying at crowded tables in small spaces – and when something smarts you really feel like everyone is out to get it! . And I have no idea if biopsy sites are supposed to hurt like this – but it was a typical “Tammey” day yesterday, worked a full day and then at about 7pm my ‪#‎killerleftboob‬ was a major cranky pants. Made it home around 9:30 to my lovely ice pack with whom I have a somewhat complicated relationship.

So my good friend Dean must have seen the pain on it on my face last night. He saved me from the elbows and he whisked me away to Mercato’s. I couldn’t decide between the smoked duck gnocchi or the butternut squash ravioli, I ordered one – the waiter brought the other – realized his mistake and I ended up with both! Now that’s a fabulous mistake! . I really can’t say which was better! Best was all the space around me! No worries about a bump in boob there!

Since I have never been sick, geez… Never even broken a bone, this whole thing is a learning experience and I just don’t know what to expect – or how long it takes to heal – or what’s “normal” if there is such a thing.

On a prayer note – I appreciate all the prayer and positive energy being sent my way. I am so thankful for all my blessings, my friends and my family. Y’all just rock!

‪#‎strongerthancancer‬ ‪#‎embracingtheadventure‬ ‪#‎killerleftboob‬ #‎hawtrightboob‬ ‪#‎breastcancer‬

Status

Day 6: Ok… Worlds most effective alarm clock

Day 6: Ok… Worlds most effective alarm clock for me to date… Rolling onto my ‪#‎killerleftboob‬…. Now that my eyes have stopped watering and I can see… Let’s try this.

Yesterday’s realization is an ironic one. This is the last “healthy” week I will likely have for awhile. Yesterday included a little anger as I looked at the beauty of the day and honestly at myself. Strange thing about cancer. I obviously don’t “feel” or “look” sick – sans pain from recent procedures. It also included a little bargaining, which I am quick to label these things as I do them. Talking with one of my besties, Lisa, I say… “This is probably bargaining but I just really think I can deal with any news on Tuesday except Stage 4, I just don’t know what I will do if it is Stage 4.” Then I went on to tell her the reasons it couldn’t be stage 4 and the survivability rate for each stage… Yeah the things your brain will keep handy…. Here is the great thing though. Lisa looked at me and said, “Yes, that is bargaining. You need to stop it. If it is stage 4 you CAN deal with that too. You can deal with whatever it is.”

You need warrior friends who will lovingly b!tch slap your @zz back to the front-lines of battle. My bestie who is former special forces likes to remind me that people go into special forces because they enjoy the challenges and it’s important that training “suck enough” – and if it doesn’t Cadre is there to help it suck more. It’s important to take you beyond what you believe your limits are. At least that was my takeaway Griff. oh and I’m sure if I missed the point your TAC side will kick in and you will let me know. (Guys… It is so hard not to fall into a Forest Gump, “Yes drILL SARgent!” )

I do like a challenge and I do love an adventure – this does promise to be both.

Love you guys and please keep the prayers, tips, tricks, ideas, humor (I am soooo glad you found your nipple Paletta ) and guys, please keep the love coming my way. You are all feeding my spirit and giving me strength. Much .

‪#‎strongerthancancer‬ ‪#‎embracingtheadventure‬ ‪#‎hawtrightboob‬ ‪#‎killerleftboob ‪#‎breastcancer‬

Day 5: Because I’ve never really been sick…

Day 5: Because I’ve never really been sick, except for when India tried to kill me and face it I still love her anyway, pretty much every couple hours I have new realization. Yesterday, one of the big ones was – I could lose my nipples. (Yeah… We are talking nipples people, ladies have two… Boys have two… My dog has 8… I think). This gave me a bit of panic, then an amazing loving most dear to my heart friend said… “What about tattoos?” 😯Who’dathunk?! Now I always said if I ever got a tattoo it would Hobbes – but this might not be the spot for Calvin & Hobbes. But all options are on the table… Wonder Woman, dragons (I do like dragons) a Phoenix, cherry blossom… Sponge Bob and his starfish friend…

Also, since we are assuming surgery, I needed to bump my crown work up to prior to surgery consult. I have a cracked tooth… Of course… LOL. Now it takes halcion for me to survive a trip to the dentist (for him to survive the trip?) anyway, my dentist is on vacation so I’m seeing a new guy. Thank God for the rx right? Wait… Not so fast first pharmacy says they can’t fill it because he is approved for a class to write HIGHER doses…. Made no sense. At the risk of looking like a felon… (Which is about how it feels just buying cold meds) I go to another pharmacy and explain the whole deal, it doesn’t make sense to them either…. They dig around and say they can’t fill it cuz his DEA license is current but his license to practice dentistry… according to their database is not…. They said another pharmacy’s database may have different data…. Appointment is not until Wednsday, so I’m sure we will figure it out…

If any horse tranquilizers go missing from any local vet office – it wasn’t me, and I have an alibi….

Pain report? Still hurts. Get to change dressings today….. Oooooooooweeeeeeeeeee 😯

‪‪#‎strongerthancancer‬ ‪#‎embracingtheadventure‬ ‪#‎killerleftboob‬ #‎hawtrightboob‬ ‪#‎breastcancer‬

Day 4: WOWZA… the pain…

Day 4: WOWZA… the pain…

Lots of pain and bruising at the biopsy sites. Not cool. The question I woke up with was… Can you get a custom wig made with your own hair? Now keep in mind – I have no idea if I will even need to… But “type a” planning brains want to think it all through… If not maybe I’ll do Marilyn Monroe wig… Or classic Cher… Or keep people guessing and alternate between the two… Just can’t see myself rolling without any…

I also woke up to the lyrics of “What’s the frequency Kenneth?” Hmmm… Only my radio and 80’s friends will get that one.

Happy Valentine’s Day y’all. Much

‪#‎strongerthancancer‬ ‪#‎embracingtheadventure‬ ‪#‎killerleftboob‬ ‪#‎breastcancer‬ ‪#‎hawtrightboob‬ ‪