Before you all think I dropped off the face of the earth I thought I would pop in and post an update. Some of you have been kind enough to contact me off-list and many of you have kept me in your thoughts and prayers over the last few weeks. Thanks so much for those prayers, they are working.
As many of you know I was diagnosed with breast cancer a few weeks ago. The first surgery completely removed the tumor and three lymph nodes ("sentinal node biopsy") in which one node tested positive, one negative, and one 'undetermined.' 10 days later I underwent another surgery in which a 2nd layer lymph node cluster under my arm was removed. All of those nodes tested negative (what a relief it was to hear that).
Needless to say having two major surgeries in two weeks was a bit much and with the pain meds I don't remember much of it at all (probably a good thing).
On April 30th I start chemo. I'll need between 4-6 sessions (I'll find out how many for certain next week). To make this treatment easier (on everyone especially me) last week I had yet another sergical procedure for insertion of a chemo port, which will greatly simplify getting the drug and accomodating blood draws, etc.
After that, I undergo radiation. All in all the next few months are going to be difficult emotionally and physically. I'm brused and battered, but hey, this is war :) And given the cancer is the 'most common' form of breast cancer, non-agressive and hormone receptor positive (a good thing), and was detected very early I'm actually in a pretty good place right now, especially now that I have a diagnosis and treatement plan.
I can't say enough about Guthrie/Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA. When I'm there, they treat me as though I am the only patient they have...like a queen. It takes me an hour to get there but it is so woth the drive. They are all so kind, caring and helpful and I feel totally secure in the quality of care I am receiving.
My husband has been a rock through all of this - he has gone with me for every appointment, surgery and procedure, and has waited on me hand and foot for the past month...feeding me, giving me my meds, not to mention doing laundry, dishes, cooking, etc. All in all, I feel truly blessed.
So...I'm stepping on the soapbox for a minute.....please, please, PLEASE....have those regular mamogram checks -- early detection makes all the difference. It's no fun dealing with cancer, but your chances of being a survivor are excellent if it's caught early on.
-Irene