The BAAHSTID. (Jane pardon my French.)
The Good News: Monday I'll have the drain removed.
The Other News: I need a second surgery. The pathology report shows a few spots of tumor residue still lingering around the original site. The "margins" are not clean. I'll probably have surgery next week, we're waiting to see if the surgeon can work me into her schedule, as she's been on vacation this week. (Guess it's not ENTIRELY all about me.)
Of the 24 lymph nodes (out of 28) she removed from my left side, 10 contained cancer cells. This isn't the best of news, as fewer usually equals better in terms of outcome. There's a chance my course of treatment may need to be altered (chemo again ??). I'll know more after speaking with her.
The road is proving not only long, but filled with turns and uncertainties. I feel good, only slight tingling/burning remains in my left arm. What's left of Igor must be smirking from his vantage point, thinking he's about to gain control again. He doesn't know his days are still numbered, as the next surgery date nears. JEEZ, he's proving to be a persistently wretched piece of slime AND an annoying nuisance at the same time. It puts a smile on my face knowing he's going to be taken by surprise again BIG TIME.
Steve and I are down the Cape this weekend. The buds are just beginning to pop, the weather is warming up, everything is beautiful. We're about to go for a walk. This is great reflective time for me. I'm thankful for so many things. Waking up in the morning, the patience and loving care of my husband, the playful and gentle purring of the kitties. Most of all, the healing power of friendship. I'm so thankful for all of you, your constant well wishes and heart felt prayers and support. To be so blessed is amazing, you're in my thoughts every day. Know you're the reason I'm able to remain strong.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Igorless!
"Igorless" is certainly what we are hoping for. Kathy had her surgery today and the last nasty, little bits of Igor were removed (along with a whole bunch of lymph nodes). It will be 7 - 10 days before the pathology reports will be back. These results will show if there were "clear margins" (in other words, do any minuscule evil Igor cobwebs remain?). If they do, another surgery would be scheduled...soon.
Kathy is well ensconced in the Phillips Building of Mass General. This is where the crown princes of the world come to have their treatments. And, why would we expect anything less for our Kathy??? We would not!
On the 22nd floor, with a panoramic view of Boston, the State House, the Harbor and Logan Airport, post surgery, Kathy was glowing and alert. Steve has been with her since their 0545 arrival this morning. The relief was evident on both of their faces. They were relaxed and happy. Kathy will be spending a restful night at the hospital (until 0430 when the resident comes by to check on her) and then home tomorrow where a visiting nurse will be stopping in daily to help out.
Denise and Ellen, please know that although Kathy fully intended to come to the airport and help schlep bags for school vacation, sadly, her doctor has advised against this. Such a shame!
Kathy sends love and thanks to all of you. She'll be back on her blog soon. Until then, please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
Irene
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Back to Boston
feeling like my "old" self again. This is HUGE, and I am grateful !!
The trip West was just what the doctor ordered, and then some. Mary Susanne and Cookie, a.k.a. Fred, were over the top in welcoming us back to the Desert Inn (the name I dubbed their home in Tucson). Martha and I gave it a 5 Star rating, even though they don't give out Starwood points. San Francisco was a family fest. Kate flew up from Santa Barbara, Sarah, Greg, Steve and I met Chrissie in Meridian, the only one missing was David. We toasted you and Alex every chance we had !! Also the Wilsons, fondly remembering the last time we were all together. Lew and Pearl provided much needed kitty fixes. On to Portland and visits with Jack and Ana. It felt like old home week, catching up on what's been happening in their lives.
Medical Update: My surgery has been pushed back to April 15. Tax day will take on a whole new meaning for Igor. His size has diminished, but it seems he's not going down without one final struggle. Because he's cowering and trying to hide behind the wall of residue he's created (who even knew this was possible in a breast), surgery will be guided by wires inserted before sedation. YIKES was my first response to the doctor. I'm pretty sure this is where all the left over Percosets come into play.
Hair Update: Wigs aren't my favorite accessory but I've come to grips with having to don one every once in a while. Shopping the other day, short wig in place, I was tapped on the shoulder and asked by a stranger who my hair dresser was. She liked the cut. SHE WANTED A NAME. She made my day.
Steve and I are down the Cape for the weekend. It's sunny but cool and windy. We'll have to bundle up for our walk to the beach this afternoon. I'm thinking first a stop at Percy's for pancakes will be the order of the day.
I look forward to doing NORMAL things between now and the 15th. I have a renewed appreciation for life. As always, my strength comes from you, your prayers and well wishes. You remain in my thoughts and in my heart. Thank you for being there for me.
The trip West was just what the doctor ordered, and then some. Mary Susanne and Cookie, a.k.a. Fred, were over the top in welcoming us back to the Desert Inn (the name I dubbed their home in Tucson). Martha and I gave it a 5 Star rating, even though they don't give out Starwood points. San Francisco was a family fest. Kate flew up from Santa Barbara, Sarah, Greg, Steve and I met Chrissie in Meridian, the only one missing was David. We toasted you and Alex every chance we had !! Also the Wilsons, fondly remembering the last time we were all together. Lew and Pearl provided much needed kitty fixes. On to Portland and visits with Jack and Ana. It felt like old home week, catching up on what's been happening in their lives.
Medical Update: My surgery has been pushed back to April 15. Tax day will take on a whole new meaning for Igor. His size has diminished, but it seems he's not going down without one final struggle. Because he's cowering and trying to hide behind the wall of residue he's created (who even knew this was possible in a breast), surgery will be guided by wires inserted before sedation. YIKES was my first response to the doctor. I'm pretty sure this is where all the left over Percosets come into play.
Hair Update: Wigs aren't my favorite accessory but I've come to grips with having to don one every once in a while. Shopping the other day, short wig in place, I was tapped on the shoulder and asked by a stranger who my hair dresser was. She liked the cut. SHE WANTED A NAME. She made my day.
Steve and I are down the Cape for the weekend. It's sunny but cool and windy. We'll have to bundle up for our walk to the beach this afternoon. I'm thinking first a stop at Percy's for pancakes will be the order of the day.
I look forward to doing NORMAL things between now and the 15th. I have a renewed appreciation for life. As always, my strength comes from you, your prayers and well wishes. You remain in my thoughts and in my heart. Thank you for being there for me.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
