Let's see...........
I was taking a shower, slathering myself with something decadent from the Bath and Body works Collection and I always do my self-exams in the shower.
Noticed something that didn't seem to be there last week.
Hubby came home and I made him feel me up--he noticed it too.
Went to the gynecologist and he ordered a mammogram and sonogram.
Doc said I needed a biopsy. Went to a different doc for the dreaded second opinion and alas, he ordered a biopsy too.
Waited the weekend for the dreaded results and was told that the biopsy was malignant and it was time to see a surgeon.
DEVASTATION!
Went to my GP and he recommended a third opinion and his dad is a well-renowned surgeon in town and he said, yeah sugah--the breast needs to come off. My surgery was scheduled for June the 6.
Had the boob whacked off and immediately lost 5 lbs! LOL! Lymph nodes came back clean so I thought I could skate out of chemo. Unfortunately, the tumor was 4.3 centimeters-(About the size of a lemon) and Alex (the oncologist) said due to the size, I really need the works--chemo and radiation.
I will undergo 8-12 weeks of chemo and rest radiation depending on how well I do and how well the bloodwork comes back.
Oh, I had so many visitors and flowers in the hospital--everyone was so lovely! I ended up donating a lot of the floral arrangements to other patients because they were so beautiful and I knew it would make someone's day.
Found out insurance would pay for one fake boob and two bras. I get two new bras every year and one fake boob every four years. I requested a boob from the Pamela Anderson collection but alas, they were on backorder :biggrin:
Got the mediport, which is basically a catheter type of thing inserted in my chest last Monday. They will be able to administer the chemo through there and it will help my veins from blowing out.
I start chemo this coming Monday, the 9th. They wanted me to begin chemo yesterday but I am so battered and bruised from the mediport insertion that I really feel I need time to heal.
Had a scare this morning because I couldn't breathe. I felt like I was having an asthma attack. Thought maybe the mediport had become dislodged and woke hubby up and he raced me to the doc where they did a couple of xrays, put me through the normal rigor of tests and etc. and told me I was fine--probably just anxiety.
So now I'm home--taking it easy and trying to get strong for Monday.
That's how it all began--that quickly!
Now that you are updated.........I will begin on Monday with my fanciful tales of Chemotherapy! Woo Hoo!
(warning: unsolicted feedback)
Thank you for sharing this first-hand account with us, dahling...it's an excellant way to get these trials & tribulations out of your head, while at the same time, giving others the opportunity to experience this vicariously...
Sounds like a scary incident that you overcame today...which accounts for your strength & awesomeness!!!
May I suggest some reading on "mindfulness" if you'd like something to divert your attention and alleviate the natural anticipation for monday?
You CAN do this and we can't wait to hear about it! :hug:
"Mindfullness? Do elaborate, please?
Not necessarily an endorsement for/against buddhism...but, mindfulness is a 'meditative' concept based upon buddhist principles...also commonly utilized in therapy for stress management and/or maintenance.
In a nutshell, it's a way to redirect feelings of anxiety, fear, angst, & of being overwhelmed, etc...and being more aware of the "here and now".
QuoteMindfulness points to: Being aware of and paying attention to the moment in which we find ourselves. Our past is gone, our future is not yet here. So what exist between them is the present moment.
If this is a remote interest, maybe your oncologist or someone in your support circle could suggest/recommend stress relief or meditation exercises, as well?
EXCELLENT! I start going to a support group on Tuesday. I'll bring it up. Until then I will consult with my friend who is Buddhist.
I can also use the net to surf up on it............
Thanks again, dahling---you are a bevy of info!
Kiss, kiss,
Tallu
After second round of chemo--here comes menopause and night sweats--that equals no sleep--that's why I'm writing this at 3 am.
Damn, first they take your bewb then the one thing that makes you a woman goes away ... whoever thought I'd miss tampons? :biggrin: