Today's Post-Operative Visit

Thank you to everyone for all of your thoughtful and inspiring comments. You have no idea how much they mean to me.

So I had my post-operative appointment with my breast surgeon today, and she seemed very impressed that I have been off pain medications for over a week and she said all of my surgery wounds were healing really well.

At the start of the appointment, a resident who works with the surgeon, came in to talk with me first. He sat down and looked at Mike, my dad, and me and said quite morosely: "So in light of the fact that you tested positive for the BRCA gene, looks like we are recommending a bilateral mastectomy." I, of course, responded with: "Um, I had the surgery two weeks ago." Needless to say, the resident was mortified and clearly flustered the entire rest of his visit with me. And, of course, he didn't say a word when he came back in with the surgeon. My dad said we should have played along with him for a bit....but I didn't have the heart. More like...I didn't think on my feet quiickly enough to actually play along:)

I was presented with a choice today, which doesn't have to be made until after chemo (thank goodness!), on either having an axillary lymphnode dissection surgery (because they found a 1 mm micrometastesis in the lymphnode they took during my surgery) or doing radiation therapy on the same area. They both would have the same outcome, but they each present different (and some that are the same) potential side effects. That said, we are going to do lots of research so that we can make an informed decision that makes the most sense for me.

I also found out today that the start date for my chemotherapy treatment will be two to four weeks from now. I have to get my heart checked out next week to make sure it is strong and ready for chemo, then I will meet with my oncologist to discuss the chemo medications they will be using, etc. and then they will put in my a porto-cathe (it's like a permanent IV under my skin), which will make blood draws and chemo infusions a whole lot easier for everyone involved. I will also hopefully start some physical therapy next week to help me get back the range of motion in my arms.

Okay...I have one more tidbit from the day of my surgery to share before I sign off...So my friend, Molly, shared a quote with me a few days prior to my surgery. Here's how it goes: "You give up your breasts and get back the rest of your life." So when I was just about to be taken from recovery to my room, I told everyone (doctors, nurses, etc.) in the room to wait a second because I had something important to say....and this is what I said, "You give up your breasts and you give up your life." Oops! What can I say...I was still coming off of the anesthesia:)

Two Weeks Already!

I can't believe it's already been two weeks since my surgery, which included a double mastectomy, oophorectomy (fancy word for getting ovaries out) and lymphnode dissection. And I have to say I am feeling pretty darn good. I still have some pain, which I am now able to manage well with an occasional dose of Tylenol. The best medicine, however, has been the amazing support and strength of my wonderful husband, Mike, and the unconditional love, laughter and smiles of my 4-year-old son, Nicholas...and, of course, the incredible support, kindness, thoughts and prayers of our family and friends...and even strangers (I am not shy about telling people my story:).

My recovery is going well and I am looking forward to when I get back the full use of my arms. I still can't pick up anything more than 10 lbs..a challenge when you have a 35 pound rugrat scuttling around:)

Tomorrow, I will be meeting with my breast surgeon to hear what my Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) medical team recommends for the rest of my treatment, which is looking like it will include chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy. Expect an update on the treatment plan/schedule in my next post.

Thank you to everyone for all of your love and support!