Here we go.....

A couple significant happenings recently.....

I learned that a neighbor's 48 year old daughter was diagnosed last week with early stage breast cancer.  And, I learned on Monday night, that a young woman that I met while in JLY 20+ years ago underwent a bilateral mastectomy on Friday.  Please join me in praying for these two lovely, young women, as they endure their treatments and travel their individual journeys. 

Yesterday, I went for the dry run for my radiation therapy.  My friend arrived early to lend her support which was very sweet of her to do. The experience was daunting!  I cannot begin to explain the complexity of the process.  As I walked through the hallways of the inner workings of the center, it didn't feel like I was in a medical facility. I survived.  As a result of the drawings made on my body, I am aware of the area that will be "hit" with the beam.  The area includes my entire right breast and extends into and past my axilla (a medical term for arm pit.  Sounds so much nicer!  I will never say arm pit again!!) to include the lymph nodes since the microscopic cancer cells showed up on my pathology.  The importance of knowing this area is to enable me to treat my skin multiple times per day to minimize the effects of the radiation.  As some of you know, I am super worried about dermatitis and burning.  It seems to be what is freaking me out the most!   Plus, I learned that I could end up having 35 treatments, but the extra two will not be determined until later. 

I had a bit of a meltdown with the nurse following the dry run.  My emotions have not stabilized yet....

Today, I had a hard time getting out of bed.  Poor Lily.  I didn't get up until 10:00, which also meant Lily did not get out for a walk until then.  Spent the morning crying, until no more tears would flow. 

At 11:00 sharp, the telephone rang.  I peeked at the caller ID and it was Cancer Care.  Dr. Tabatabai was calling.  My heart began to race.  Now what?  He explained that the lab made a second attempt at the Oncotype DX Assay since a second sample was not available to send to them for study.  This time it was successful.  And....MY SCORE WAS 6!!!!  Dr. Tabatabai was pleased that it not only confirmed his decision to not recommend chemotherapy but it was a VERY low score.  The score is on a scale of 100 and scores of 18 and under are considered great and there is definitely no need for chemo.  Recall that this is a study that predicts the likelihood of recurrence.  He said "it is icing on the cake".  I couldn't talk, because I was crying.  He inquired to make sure I was OK and he asked if they were happy tears.  This time they were!

I headed to the center this afternoon for my first treatment.  My friend arrived shortly thereafter.  I was so excited to give her my gift to mark the end of her treatments, complete with tissue paper that had the word "CELEBRATE" all over it.  We sat in the Women's Waiting Room in our blue robes chatting away, only to be interrupted by Mike who came to escort her back for her treatment.  Soon after, Bryan summoned me.  I took one look at him....he had a Steelers' scrub top on! Of course, I had to comment.  He said "Please tell me that you aren't a Ravens' fan".  I laughed and said "I bleed purple!!".  But, I told him that some of my very good friends are Steelers' fans and that I have done one or two kind gestures including making one a Steelers' Birthday Cake.  I suspect he and I will get along.  When leaving, I told him that tomorrow I would wear purple for Purple Friday and he said he would wear a Steelers' Jersey just for me.  I learned from a 27 year old woman today that having a sense of humor there will go a long way.  It is serious business, and some folks being treated are quite possibly in a life and death situation, which I respect with my entire being.  However, if a little humor helps me cope with the treatment, I will call on it!

My friend and I chatted for quite a while by the front door of the Cancer Center.  It is heartbreaking seeing some of the folks entering through those doors.  Most folks would not believe that I have/had cancer and I'm there to be treated. I look healthy, because I am healthy.  I just need to take this extra step to be sure that any remaining cancer cells are obliterated and I can continue to live a long and healthy life. 

As for Pink Ink, I opted to change up the format.  The format doesn't quite scream PINK INK, but it is more easily readable.

Hugs to my family and friends for all of your wonderful support.  Here are a few pictures:

This is the beautiful bouquet that Bob sent to me to wish me well on my first day of treatments. 

 

This one is the calendar that I made for on the refrigerator to help me keep track of my treatments.

 

This is my Westie, Lily, in case you've never seen her. Lily is a Therapy Dog and with that face and her sweet personality, you can understand why the folks at Autumn House love her!  Woof!