The port is in, and I am covered in bandages so I have no idea what it looks like. I am allowed to remove the bandages on Friday so can see it then. My surgeon also put in a marker right near the tumor on my left side. If all goes according to plan chemo-wise, the tumor could shrink so much that it is hard to find so the marker will tell everyone where it is. The tumor will have to come out one way or another even if it is borderline microscopic so the marker will help guide that process.
The surgery went well. We spent more time waiting for it to start than in actual surgery. When the anesthesiologist came to talk to me, he offered me the option to have local anesthesia and some medicine to make me really drowsy or general anesthesia. PUT ME UNDER. I didn't want to see any of what was going on even in a drowsy/unaware state. So, now I have, what I like to call, a bionic port. It will give me super powers over the next several months. I know it. It will also make for a good conversation piece when people see the giant lump near my clavicle.
I have an echocardiogram tomorrow morning then chemo education on Friday. Goodness.
As soon as I heal from this surgery, I hope to get back to the gym. I miss it so much. My oncologist said that I could not go during days 6-12 after each chemo infusion because that is when my immune system will be at its lowest but I can go any other time as long as I feel up for it. Man, I am ready to get back. Days 6-12 can be walks in the neighborhood or something easy and not terribly taxing on my body.
My pre-op nurse this morning was very nice and caring, and she kept saying "you're so young to be going through this." I am so young to be going through this, but the deeper I delve into the world of breast cancer, the more I find that there are alarming numbers of young people getting diagnosed with this disease. One really has to wonder why and how this can be prevented. I had not even had a mammogram until two weeks ago. Standard screening mammograms do not start until the age of 35 for most unless there is significant family history. I suppose that I am lucky that I was able to detect my lump on my own.
I am lucky and so extremely thankful for so many things in my life.
Nancy, I am sending lots of prayers your way! I just devoured all of your posts and am quite taken with your writing and ability to find some light moments mixed in with so much new information and heavy stuff. Henry is a lucky lad to have such a smart and determined mother. I will be following along and cheering you on from afar!! Lots of love, Charity
ReplyDeleteNancy,
ReplyDeleteHave been praying for you for a we know. You are on my prayer list and will pray for
you and your sweet family every day. So thankful you were the early detector
And can start the "attack" soon. You've for what it takes to TAKE this. You are young, you are strong, you are a winner, you have faith...you will be cancer free. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13.
Sending prayers, hope and love,
Jan Boggs
Nancy,
ReplyDeleteOops! Didn't proof this time...was my third try and finally posted.
Suppose to say: been praying for you for a week now.
And... You've got what it takes
Sorry for all the errors...wanted to get it posted before it disappeared again! Every time I "previewed" it disappeared so didn't preview...
Good luck in Chemo school today. Your blog has made me laugh so many times. Your sense of humor and strength is awesome. Can you believe "our" little boy will be 25 on Monday?
ReplyDeleteEllen