January 20, 2012: A Funny Thing Happened on My Way to Being a Model Chemo Babe...OR Living a Chemo Fear

On Friday (January, 20th), this blog entry was going to be called "So what do Cancer Babes do on their Friday nights.......". Well, what we thought might be a one night episode has taken a life of its own and is not over yet (and will be continued in other entries).  So hang onto your boots, the bumpy, bumpy ride has started! (with tons of gory details that keep unfolding...)

To bring the right color to this picture, I'll start from the beginning.  The beginning was where my previous blog entry ended -- my first day of chemo was a glowing success.  In fact, the next 8 days were really great, little to no nausea, food did not taste too bad, I was only really fatigued on day four, went for walks every day, went to a yoga class, cooked, baked, spent with time boys, drove the boys around, started a de-cluttering project and kept my hair.  The walks were great with a variety of great walking partners including my hiking guide, Angela, who, with me, Sophie (her dog) and sometimes Todd in tow, took us up Burnaby Mountain through various routes that ranged in intensity and lasted between an hour to an hour and a half.  I was starting to envision setting a chemo record of walking every day of the journey and even getting into some kind of shape by the end of this thing! (NOTE: the walking started as soon as I could after my last surgery, with more walking partners, so this was a strong continuation of the effort.)

NOTE: Exercise can prevent so many nasty ailments so if you are not exercising now, get off your duff and go.  The youtube link came from my sister who is a Kinesiologist/Personal Trainer/Rehab Specialist.  The message is simple and powerful:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUaInS6HIGo&feature=youtube_gdata_player

As my sister, Shirley, Lisa, Angela and others know I am no stranger to rehabbing my body after having kids.  Exercise and supporting disciplines like personal trainers, physiotherapy, massage therapy, acupuncture are all great things to keep the bod healthy and to prevent a ton of nasties. Even though I have cancer, it will not stop me from believing in living healthy physically, mentally and through diet.

I digress….For more clarity, while on the type of chemo that I am on (which is a 21 day cycle or every three weeks), the following (and more) is generally expected:

·         Days 1- 3ish: largest impact of nausea - I sailed through that par

·         Days 7-10: expected nose dive of white blood cell count to start and immunity compromised - on days 7, 8, 9 and prior I had lots of energy with the exception of day 4. Day 10 is when the problems started and will be described in gory details below

·         Days approx 19-21: white blood cell count should back or close to normal to prepare for next round

·         Weeks 2-4: hair loss to start - I was doing pretty good in this department, until today,  January 25th (two weeks on the nose, I am experiencing more hair loss than normal, but I still have lots of hair to go before we pull out the old hair razor and give my head the old brush cut...)

So day 10 arrived. I got up with the boys and felt good.  I got my day going, continued on my de-cluttering project (going through ALL of the loose toys around the house, organizing them and then figuring out what to do with them, I was pretty proud that I still know the difference between Lego and Bionicle parts, Kinects, Pokemon, Yugeo, game pieces, etc, etc, etc, etc..).  I was looking forward to lunch and my regular afternoon walk.

At 12:30 pm, while basking in all the toys parts, I started feeling a blunt, but persistent and noticeable pain where my left breast used to be (mid chest near my chest bone and near the tissue expander -- yes the fake way to grow a breast).  I didn't think too much about it as I have had many wild and wonderful sensations with the overall experience to this point.  The pain then started to travel a little towards my shoulder, but there was no sign of infection (ie increasing warmth or readiness in the area and I did not have a fever).  I was getting a bit more concerned as I started to get a little chilled and tired.  I figured a good lay down would do the trick and I would be ready to go through the rest of the day.

Well, once I was down, I was down.  I got more and more chilled and just could not get warm, however I had no real fever until about 2:00pm when it reached 99.4 degrees F.  I finally  started feeling warm at 4:00pm after lying in bed with all my clothes on, all my bedclothes, using an electric heating pad and having my temperature climb to 100.4 degrees F.  By 5:00pm my temperature went 101.2 degrees F and by 6:00pm it went all the way to 102.9 degrees F.  In between all this burning love, there is a strict protocol that we cancer babes need follow.  If our temperature rises between 100.4 - 101.1 degrees F and stays within this range or greater than an hour we are get a hold of our oncologist to review the symptoms (as there can be more than just a fever) or go straight our nearest Hospital emergency.  

Wouldn't you know that all this peaked just after office hours for my oncologist and all my regular doctors on a Friday night-- Murphy's law at it again.  So the first line of defense was to contact the on call oncologist to review the situation.  This process went pretty smoothly where we got a hold of Dr. Lee who seemed competent and nice.  She agreed we were at the right stage to truck on over to emerge.  Into high gear we went with arranging for dinner for the boys with my parents and getting Marc's and Lisa's help to get Iain to his Friday night basketball game after that.  With this all arranged, Todd and I were off to emerge at Eagle Ridge Hospital.  By getting Dr. Lee on our side, she was able to call ahead and let the emerge staff know that we were on our way.  This part of the protocol is not so I am pampered, but to ensure that I am not exposed to high germ traffic areas for too long in the hospital or where I can give more of my own and so that I can be evaluated as quickly as possible due to my compromised immune system.

The process worked beautifully.  I was admitted almost immediately where the details of  the situation were gathered, vitals acquired and an intravenous started (took two tries -- there will be a definite poking theme through this experience).  Once the emerge doctor (Dr. Street) was able to evaluate the situation, he ordered a chest X-Ray to make sure there were no nasties in my heart and lungs, blood work that included checking my white blood cell count and checking for infection/bacteria and a urine sample to test for infection/bacteria.  I was finally able to take Tylenol to start addressing the fever now that I was under medical care and evaluation so masking the fever was approved.

The result of all this (and three pokes later), was that my white blood cell count was low (which was totally expected based on the chemo drugs I am on), but they were within a tolerable range (my cell count was 1.6 where normal is 4).  The on call oncologist's advice was not to prescribe antibiotics yet as no infection had presented itself and the cultures from the blood and urine tests came back negative.  It was also felt that my body could still fight what might be going on given the current blood cell count and that my general demeanor was reasonably healthy looking.

Basically I was discharged with only Tylenol, white blood cell count of 1.6 and a healthy demeanor.  The condition on the discharge was that we may need to repeat the protocol if an infection did present itself.

Lo and behold guess what....

To be continued.....

January 11 2012 - Chemo Phase 1, Day 1 - The Importance of Sweating the Small Stuff (details really are important)

Post created from my iPad 2:o)

“Life is great. What a beautiful crisp winter day we had in the Lower Mainland--lows of 0 degrees and highs of maybe 5 degrees. The sunrise was amazing with vivid and various shades of pinks/mauves-- fitting colors for the journey ahead. The view of the North Shore mountains and mountains in US direction were breathtaking-- we truly live in one of best places in the whole world!

For me, the morning started at 7:00am with driving Iain to an early school basketball practice. Graeme was already out the door at 7:00am to catch his bus to school after picking up a close friend along the way. Todd was up since 5:00am to get his workday stared. Once everyone was settled, my day progressed nice and gradually with calmness, quiet and a pleasant peppermint tea (with a touch of honey). Don't get me wrong, I love the commotion that is the Thomson family, however, serenity is very much underrated.

My appointment time was 10:00 am and after some prep (including supremely valuable anti-nausea medication -- two types to start with and others for back-up) from a very nice, energetic, positive and competent nurse (whom I bribed with some chocolates to make the experience the best possible and to pay forward a strong recovery), the first two doses of my chemo cocktail started--cocktail is very appropriate given the nice deep rosy hue-- just didn't, have the tasty experience of a usual cocktail. A second drip treatment started at 11:00am (that had the potential of offering sinus pressure and/or headache) which lasted about 40 minutes and then, voila, it was over sans the headache. In fact, I left feeling quite normal and had the pleasure of meeting other upbeat cancer buddies. Todd didn't have time read his book and I barely had time to get into my iPad.

We trucked on home, had a great lunch (which still tastes normal so far) and went for wonderful a walk with my Mom around Glenayre and College Park (Lisa you know the route) which spanned a nice leisurely 1.5 hours - had to slow down so my poor Mom could catch her breath -- she may get in shape with me:o)

The trick is now to stay ahead of the nausea, which I am now doing as a get ready for a good night's sleep. I am now being summoned to go to bed by my caregivers, so I will continue tomorrow or as soon as I can.

NOTE: Without attention to detail, we would not have the improved chemo treatment methods I am experiencing and if I don't follow the detailed instructions I have been given, this could be a very bumpy ride (Quote from a Harry Potter movie). Thanks for all your thoughts, prayers and strength today--sure is doing the trick so far. More to come- I may amend this post for grammar, spelling and other musing...

C

PS- will provide a link to a great song by Kate Bush called "Woman's Work" next time -- it means a lot to me.”

January 8, 2012 - Part Deux - Email Sent to Network

Hello Everyone and Happy New,

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Years! 

The Thomson household had a wonderful holiday that seemed to measure up to the Thomson boys’ discerning expectations.  I quote “this was the best Christmas ever” – how’s that for measuring up.

Christmas and New Year’s was filled with lots of food, love, family, friends, presents, fun and food (did I say food…).  Having had a great time and no sleeping pattern, it is still great to get back into normal life, routine and a new year.

This year will be about getting through the breast cancer journey for me.  My job is to kick cancer in the butt (appropriately phrased by Carissa – the ultimate Cancer Babe)!  Once I am done, watch out!

So the next phase of the journey begins this week on January 11^th  - my first scheduled chemotherapy appointment.  I have to say that I am not looking forward to all the side effects, but after this first chemo treatment, only 7 more treatments to go (one treatment every three weeks – 8 treatments total).  You bet I will be doing a major countdown on this particular project and looking forward to a happy dance once this and other treatments are over.

I will continue to walk, go to yoga classes, spend time on hobbies and spend time with friends and family as I feel up to it. 

To keep anyone (who is interested) up to date with how I am doing and with my musings, I have set up a blog (thanks to Carissa – the ultimate Cancer Babe) as my main method of communication in order to respect everyone’s email inboxes.  I will still use email updates from time to time and will definitely use email directly with anyone that likes email better. 

The blog address is as follows:

http://carmelacancerbabe.blogspot.com/

I will send you all an invitation to the blog shortly where you can choose to join or not.  I believe you can post comments on the blog, so test it out and I will learn how to use it better too.

You can also email me at my new email address that I have set up through my new iPad 2 (yes I am now a current technology user thanks to this great Christmas present from Todd and the boys – I absolutely love it. One can live on an iPad alone – well almost:o)).  The new email address is as follows:

Carmela.Thomson@me.com

My regular email address is just as good:

Carmela.thomson@telus.com

My Best,

Carmela aka soon to be a Sinead O’Conner look alike:o)

Think Pink   

Live Strong, Be Strong

PS:  Latest quote from a yoga instructor I just met:

Breathe in Life

Breathe out Love

My version:

Breathe in Life and Strength

Breathe out Love and Strength

…. Learning to breath is all part of the journey

January 5, 2012 - New Blog - Carmela, Cancer Babe (thanks to Carissa, my rockstar and fellow cancer babe)

I have decided to use a blog to communicate to everyone on as regular a basis as I can so that I do not invade your email inboxes as much.  I love getting your emails and your ongoinng support, but I appreciate everyone has a "day job" and does not need more emails.  I will send out email from time to time to everyone, and will definitely be on my email for anyone that wants to continue communicating with me using that method.

I have to thank Carissa for providing advice and guidance on getting a blog going and inviting me to her blog.  You see Carissa is about a year ahead of me in her Breast Cancer Journey and is a colleague of mine at TELUS.  Carissa is a beautiful, professional and courageous role model for me and many others.  I have to thank Shirley and Kathy for bring us together in this journey as I have already had the pleasure of experiencing Carissa's professionalism in our professional lives at TELUS.

I am not sure that I will do this blog justice after having the honor of following Carissa's journey prior to mine though her blog.  Carissa's posts are together real, insightful, uplifting and well written (which comes in handy when her backgound is in communications:o).

I hope this communication avenue will help me and you. 

My wish is that any message posted here will help someone in some way, especially anyone that will be joining this journey. 

I also hope that I can take my experiences and advocate for a cure or at least much better early detection methods so that healthy people like me and many others do not have be sick and have our bodies invaded in order to get better.

December 20, 2011 - The "Breast" of the Season/ Things to be thankful for, some things to think about and one Ask

NOTE: Two parts to this note -  the second part is completely optional (I fully respect that not everyone may want to read my updates, extra details or my points of view).                                                                                                                        

To my good family, friends, neighbours and colleagues,

In lieu of our annual Thomson Family Christmas party we wish you all the best this holiday season and continue to thank you for your thoughts, love, kindness, prayers, humour and generosity.

My sister Maria tried her best to make sure we had our party, but we are keeping things low key and really focussing on enjoying the simple things this Christmas – thanks for wanting to make it work Maria.  Besides, we will make up for it either with a Christmas party in July or start again next year with bells on.

We are looking forward to a great 2012 as there is always, always, always something to be thankful for.

From our Family to yours,

The Thomsons.

Think Pink   

Live Strong, Be Strong

 

Optional Part:

Now that I am past another major milestone (2^nd surgery and an unexpected detour due to infection), getting back to normal life in time for Christmas and New Years is wonderful.  Spending time with my boys, family and friends is absolutely what the doctor ordered. 

In keeping with “there is always, always, always something to be thankful for” this is some of what I am thankful for:

1.     Having a great and extensive “Breast Friends” network.

2.     Time with my family and friends.

3.     Good surgery/pathology results:

·         No additional cancer in lymph nodes and surrounding tissue was found through post operative examination.  This is another indicator that the cancer has not spread past the left breast. The previous results from a bone scan and CT scan also currently indicate that the cancer does seem to have spread anywhere else.  As there is never a 100% certainty that there is no further cancer and, as the original diagnosis indicated, one characteristic of the my cancer does need some aggressive treatment.  Based on this, in the New Year (starting in January), I will still need to go through up to eight chemo therapy treatments (two types – with various potentially side effects) every three weeks, another treatment to address one of the aggressive characteristics of the cancer (with no known side effects – yeah!), radiation and longer term hormone therapy.

4.     Vastly improved chances of eliminating future recurrence, spread and mortality due to early detection and confirmed medical treatments:

·         Although ALL this treatment sounds daunting, difficult, uncomfortable and “inconvenient”, the chances of recurrence or spread will ultimately be cut down to less than 5% from the current greater than 37% and survival is a definite option – so I am good with the “inconvenience” and “discomfort”:o)

5.     New found drive for advocacy to support Rethinking Breast Cancer and All Cancers:

·         Ironically, I found out, as I was preparing for surgery, that the Canadian Medical Institute is recommending the following (which I am totally and diametrically opposed to including the way this is represented through the media to the general public - this is very shocking and does not provide all information required to allow people to form well rounded and accurate opinions):

·   Women aged 40–74 years with average risk for breast cancer do not need mammograms as often as thought, according to new screening guidelines announced November 21, 2011 by The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.

·   The new guidelines include these recommendations for Canada:

·   - women under age 50 who are at an average risk of developing breast cancer should not have routine mammograms

·   - clinical breast exams and self-exams have no benefit and shouldn’t be used

·   - women aged 50 to 69 who are at an average risk should have mammograms every two to three years, instead of every year or two

·   - women aged 70 to 74 who are at an average risk should have mammograms every two to three years (previous guidelines didn’t recommend screening for that age group)

NOTE: As many of you know, I know one or two things about business cases.  I have a significant problem with the one-sided view of this recommendation, as your truly and many others, would have fallen through the cracks of this new business case.  The main issue is that there is not a clear and effective alternative solution to better address early detection/diagnosis for women between the ages of 40 – 49 (as well as any women in other age brackets) and who do not have an “average risk”.  I would fully support changes to the current financial burden if there were solid and less invasive ways to detect cancer (any cancer) much earlier in the process and to find improved, less invasive and less costly treatments (as always, if you fix a root cause/issue at the front end of a process, the results at the back end are much better, with usually much less, risk, quality issues and cost associated – sorry, my process mind is coming into play again...)

Needless to say, I will be spending some of my energy (when I am feel well) in support of advocating “Rethinking” Breast Cancer and ALL Cancers.  If the analytical reasons for re-thinking Breast Cancer/all Cancers is not making you think or drive you to action, the attached note may provide some emotional drive:

<SEE BELOW>

(NOTE: the message may sound like I am in the “denial” phase of this change in my life, however, I choose to believe that I am in the informed optimism phase of the journey and am REALLY looking forward to the completion phase (click on the link for one change cycle view - there are many other views of the change cycle that are very useful in all aspects of life and work):

http://changingminds.org/disciplines/change_management/psychology_change/positive_change.htm)

ASK: With this, please consider supporting my sister’s (Maria Morano) participation in the “ 2012 Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer” in support of the BC Cancer Foundation (especially because physical activity/fitness is one way of potentially preventing many health issues):

http://www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR?px=2610447&pg=personal&fr_id=1413&s_src=iphone&JServSessionIdr004=j08536d3e6.app214a

Click Here For More Info

My Best as Always,

Carmela

PS: Coldplay quote from  “Everything’s not lost” (Album – Parachutes):

“When I counted up my deamons and saw there was one for every day, with the good ones on my shoulders, I drove the other ones away.  So if you ever feel neglected, if you think that all is lost, I’ll be countin’ up my deamons, yeahhh, and knowing everything’s not lost”.

NOTE:  If anyone knows how to get Coldplay tickets, now that both shows in April have been sold out, let us know!! We are dying to see them live in concert.

PS - we did get Coldplay tickets for April 21st with many thanks from my sister-in-law Heather - Thanks Heather!! (crossing my fingers I will be well enough to go!!!)

Rethinking Breast Cancer (All Cancers):

Reasons why we should re-think breast cancer and all cancers:

The journey should never begin...

A life shouldn’t have to be shocked into a new reality of medical appointments, tests, surgery, physical deformities and “reconstruction”, chemicals, and statistics of recovery, spread or mortality

A society shouldn’t have to bear raising funds or budgeting for this financial burden when earlier detection should be supported in current or new, better and more efficient methods to inform improved, less invasive and less costly treatments.  There is so much other need in the world that can use financial and emotional support

A community shouldn’t have to feel the pain of one of its own

A woman shouldn’t have to hear the news.

A patient shouldn’t have to learn to find strength, courage and have a good attitude - for what choice is there when surviving, for yourself  and your loved ones, is not an option, it is a must

A career shouldn’t have to be put on hold

A team member shouldn’t have to say “I need to be away from work for a while”

A colleague shouldn’t have to hear the news and need to bear the load in support of a team member’s absence

A neighbour shouldn’t have wonder what to say, wonder “how can I help?” or take on day-to-day burdens to help

A friend shouldn’t have to feel like they don’t know how to help or how to feel from near or far

A brother shouldn’t have to see his sister’s journey and not know what to do

A sister shouldn’t have to feel a sister’s pain and fear for herself

A mother or father shouldn’t have to learn that their daughter is in harm’s way and live through worry and feelings of inadequacy

A husband shouldn’t have to worry, have doubts, need to seek strength and make up for two

A wife shouldn’t have to wonder “can he love me this way?”

A child shouldn’t have to feel afraid and helpless

A son should not have to cry at school because he is afraid for his mom

The journey should never begin....however, without alternatives for early detection and proven forms of treatment, current options for early detection should not be pulled from under us!

 

November 25, 2011 - A "Dangling Participle" - New Weight Loss Program - 2nd Surgery Post Op.

This email went out after my second surgery - Left Breast, skin sparing Mastectomy with axilla (lymph node) dissection - Surgery was successfully completed on November 24, 2011.


New Weight Loss Program starting November 24, 2011 - Not recommended for you at home, Limited to professional breast cancer patients:

To my good family, friends, neighbours and colleagues,

I am back home today after the start of the next leg (breast) of my journey.

Surgery went really well yesterday and a few good drugs are keeping me feeling quite good.

While I have been looking to lose some weight recently, this may not be the most advisable route to take – as noted this weight loss program is only recommended for professional breast cancer patients:o)

Although it would be easy to see the bleak side of this type of journey, there is so much to be thankful for especially with the kindness, love, good wishes and food (my mom and my Glenayre friends are keeping us well fed!) from this tremendous group of people, and many others, that I am proud are part of my “breast friends” network.  I know I will be fine by the end of this.  So my new motto is “show strength and you will receive strength” – this is the gift you are all giving me.

For this email update there are some people and groups of note (as many of you know, I can’t help my professional tendencies):

·         Derek wins the “booby” prize for the most jokes that are sent with great regularity

·         Julie and Geoff for being the best employers a person can have

·         The TELUS Real Estate team for being the best team a person can have

·         My old Procurement team for keeping in their thoughts even though I have moved on

·         All my close colleagues at TELUS – your support is just amazing

·         “My medical team” – I need to trust them

·         All my friends in the Glenayre neighbourhood in Port Moody for being part of the best “hood” ever – you know we will be “coffeed out” by the end of this:o)

·         My great friends from high school, university, previous work lives – you know who you are and I trust you won’t tell too many embarrassing stories to the others.

·         My families are just amazing – mothers, fathers, cousins, aunts, uncles, sister, brothers, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law and all the family in between

·         My boys Graeme and Iain for being strong, kind and loving

·         My husband, Todd, who has been a rock through this.

While there is much more to come, I am very fortunate and will continue to be so with so much love and support.

My best to my “breast friends”

Carmela

PS – As humour has great healing qualities, music is also a great healer.  If you have time, feel free to share good music that I can consider adding to my growing collection.  Graeme, my older son, is making sure that I stay “cool” with a lot of the latest music, but other music of all types would be interesting to discover while I am on “vacation”.

PPSS: I will leave you with a quote from the book “127 Hours – Between a Rock and a Hard Place” by Aron Rolston (not all of this applies, but much does – good book to read and good movie to watch):

“For all that has happened and the opportunities still developing in my life, I feel blessed.  I was part of a miracle that has touched a great number of people in the world and I wouldn't trade that for anything, not even to have my hand (CT: breast) back.  My accident in and the rescue from Blue John Canyon were the most beautifully spiritual experiences of my life, and knowing that, were I to travel back in time, I would still say "see you later" to Megan and Kristi and take off into that lower slot by myself.  While I've learned much, I have no regrets about that choice.  Indeed, it has affirmed my belief that our purpose as spiritual beings is to follow our bliss, seek our passions, and live our lives as inspirations to each other.  Everything else flows from that.  When we find inspiration, we need to take action for ourselves and for our communities.  Even if it means making a hard choice, or cutting out something and leaving it in your past.

Saying farewell (CT: not to life, only a part of my body) is also a bold and powerful beginning.

October 20, 2011 - Let the Humour begin....

This is only one of many jokes, humourous you tube video, funny emails, etc that I received.  I think it is still the funniest joke (received from my older brother), but Derek still wins the boobie prize for the most jokes and funny emails sent.

"In the beginning God created Eve, and she had three breasts. After a month in the garden, God comes to visit Eve. ‘How’re things, Eve?’ he asks. ‘It is all so beautiful,’ she replies. ‘Everything is wonderful, but I just have this one problem. It’s these three breasts. The middle one pushes the other two out, and I’m constantly knocking them with my arms. They’re a real pain.’ ‘That’s a fair point,’ replies God, ‘I’ll fix that right away!’ So, God reaches down and removes the middle breast, tossing it into the bushes. Another month passes, and God once again visits Eve in the garden. ‘Well, Eve, how’s my favourite creation?’ he asks. ‘Just fantastic,’ she replies, ‘but for one small oversight on your part. All the animals have a mate, except me.’ God thinks for a moment. ‘You know, Eve, you’re right! You do need a mate and I will immediately create Man from a part of you! Now, let’s see…Where did I put that useless tit?’

The following you tube video is the best and funniest Breast Cancer video that seems to have been found by quite a few of you:o)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsyE2rCW71o&feature=share

October 20, 2011 - Keeping YOU "Abreast" and Keeping ME "A" Breast (Results and Next Steps from Pathology report from 1st Surgery)

To all my family, friends, neighbours and colleagues,

So I started writing this email before Monday so that I could draft some levity to the circumstances.  Based on the update I have for you, I think the next phase of cheerleading that I need from everyone is way more humour cuz the good wishes and love were REALLY good, but the cheering section will need to boost up the volume (something like in Horton Hears A Who when the township of Whoville shout out I am here, I am here, I am here…to be fully heard and saved).

Keeping with levity and humour (you know that breast jokes will have to be part of this journey), the original email heading was “Keeping you “abreast””, the new one is “Keeping YOU “Abreast” and Keeping ME “A”  Breast”.  To explain the change in subject heading you will need to read the “Serious Stuff” first followed by some Lighter Stuff.

Here’s the serious stuff…

The positive results we were expecting on Monday took a different route.  The bone scan came out clear so it looks like the cancer has not spread to my bone structure which is great news.

The pathology report on the removed breast tissue (tumor and surrounding tissue) was, unfortunately, not as positive.  It looks like there are at least two additional tumors (very small in nature), cancer in at least one lymph node and cancer on the outer edges of the incision. 

The good news with this is that the main tumor and some of the surrounding cancer has been completely removed so that it is no longer an immediate threat.  The not so good news is that because of the new areas of cancer (albeit small at this point) were not expected and it cannot be determined how much more cancer  there is in the breast, the current decision is to remove the whole left breast and lymph nodes followed by both chemo therapy and radiation.  It does not look like the right breast has any issues at this time (way to go right breast:o)).  This process can take a number of months depending on the extent of chemo and radiation that will be recommended post surgery (2^nd surgery).

I have appointments with my doctor and an oncologist next week to confirm this opinion.  I will also be meeting with a plastic surgeon next week to confirm reconstruction options as well. 

Due to the surgeon’s schedule (holidays), the next surgery date is currently scheduled for November 24^th.

I will continue to educate myself (Todd will get educated with me as he has the bigger brain at the moment) during this time to ensure we are making the right decisions.

Here is the Lighter Stuff:

Ok team, since good wishes, love and positive thoughts have helped to get through round one with some positives and some negatives, let’s use as much humour as possible for round two (and all that goes with round two).  Good jokes, links to funny stuff, you tube comedians, etc, etc. etc. are all welcome. Anything to laugh this stuff away is very much in order – all the breast jokes you can think of are of particular interest…

Also, beware that you might find me lingering at your doorstep to go for a coffee or walk or calling you out of the blue so that I don’t go too stir crazy taking care of myself (my own company is not that exciting:o)).  Emails might continue to flow your way and your responses definitely help me even if I can’t respond back to you right away.

So….Your job is to continue to be my cheerleaders, let yourselves be heard (I am here, I am here, I am here … ), remain calm, think positive thoughts, keep up the wishes and love (always good to have) and help me laugh my guts out (and the cancer away). 

In turn, I promise to also remain calm (meditation I hear can be a good thing, but that means I will have to stop talking for a period of time:o)), think positive thoughts, keep fighting and wait for the humor to roll in.  I will continue to sit tight, read, putter, crochet, walk and ignore my Mom’s worrying (although her healing soups and rustic Italian cooking do wonders for me.  Having time to walk with her is also a very good thing).  I will also try to enjoy my own company as much as possible, but you know how painful that is:o)  Todd, the boys, my MomS (mamma Morano and mamma Doreen) and Dad continue to ensure that I am OK and that I don’t overdo it.

Thanks for your love, support and upcoming humor.  Now you know what to do next…

My best,

Carmela

PS – the first breast joke for those of you who really know me:  think small, but not too small:o)

October 7, 2011 - 1st Surgery Post Op. Positive Outlook

Everyone,

Your positive thoughts and prayers are definitely doing the trick.

Two positive outcomes this week:

1.     Breast MRI came out clean so it currently looks like the cancer is still localized to the one lump – yeah!

2.     Surgery went really well yesterday.  The lumpectomy was successfully completed and only one lymph node needed to be removed where normally three or many need to be removed.  This is great news as this should reduce the chances numbness or other complications in my left arm.

I will be hanging low this week where I can do basic moving around, walking and basic chores as I start recovery.  I don’t feel any pain so far and have some basic pain medication just in case.

I am in good hands with Todd/the boys, my parents, doctors and plenty of friends and family supporting me directly or with positive thoughts and prayers – I am very blessed.

As I feel better in the next few days, I will start connecting in a more friendly and less “generic” fashion.

Thank you for your kind support and wishes.

My Best,

Carmela

PS Todd has been very awesome through this and deserves a lot of credit too.