"Big" news! On Wednesday, I was lucky enough for the doctor to tell me I can keep the expanders in for now. As a matter of fact, he did a "fill" and put 500 cc of saline in each one and wow - I have CLEAVAGE!!Seriously, they are looking decent. He wants to add more next week as long as the infection stays away. I had no expectation other than to hear Dr. Carter say, "we're taking 'em out, or leaving 'em in". No idea that he would ask me to come downstairs to begin the next step in reconstruction. I was ok until I saw the needles! At first, he took two needles out and said he would numb it - No biggy I thought. That was easy. What was I thinking?? Holy s*** - the next FOUR needles he pulled out scared the bejeezus out of me and I dang near fainted. No lie, each one was about 14 inches long and about 3 inches in diameter. I started to sweat and my eyes blurred - "Hey, Doc - you're not using those are you?" Ahh, but of course he was. I started to cry - everyone wants to zap me with needles nowadays and I have truly gained a real fear of them - especially those big ones! Lucky for me that once he located the correct area of the magnet in the expander, he knew exactly where to inject the mammoth needles. Yippeekiyaa....Each one took about two minutes to inject - he went slow. My chest is a bruised, but thankfully, there are still many area's that remain numb from the original surgery. Guess what - the doc wants to do another fill next week, too...yay, can't wait for THAT trauma.....
As for today, I had the wits scared out of me.
Unfortunately, one of our awesome guys' son was diagnosed with swine flu. "Dad" came to work - as he normally would....but it immediately had me on high alert as soon as I found out. He had no way of knowing that if he is carrying the virus, he could transfer it to me and it could be lethal......scary thought, huh? Cancer patients systems are highly compromised - especially during the second week after a chemo treatment, which I'm in that week...... I sure hope his little boy is going to be ok. Everything I hear about this flu is that it is bad and takes a lot out of everyone it touches. As for me, I'm staying away.....
Other than that, being back at work is great - I really did miss my group - especially the ladies in Admin. They are top shelf....so I brought in tons of chocolate to show some love....lol
This week my energy level is coming in tiny little bursts and I'm enjoying each one of them. It's not much, but I'll take it! My cousin Deb sent me an email, and my aunt who is undergoing her own chemo at 80 years old is still hanging tough. I look at her and know that she is my chemo hero in this mess. If she can do it, so can I and I will continue to smile, as she does, and look to the Lord for faith and guidance, just as she does. Love you Aunt Rose.
I'm so glad you were able to get started on your reconstruction! I hate that you had to go through all of that pain. I was always terrified of needles but going through this I'm getting use to it. HA! I'm always checking in on you and love your updates! You too will be glad you made this page to look back on. You continue to be in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteArla, That is great news. You are back to work, you are healing, your haircut is awesome, the infection is gone, the reconstruction has begun. You will put this ordeal behind you before you know it. Hang in there my friend....you can do this. You in are in my thoughts and prayers often. Stay strong.....
ReplyDeleteYour Friend, Donna
Hi Arla,
ReplyDeleteWe are strangers yet we are sisters, I was diagnosed with Triple Negative IDC on April 7, 2008. My tumor was incrediably small 0.6 mm, Stage 1 Grade 2 Node Negative, one technician remarked at how incredible it was that it was even found, I'm 100% sure that when films were being reviewed Jesus placed his finger on that tumor and pointed it out for the reader. Although I am 18 months out the journey continues. You can get caught up at my blogs at: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/terid or http://users.blogforacure.com/angelwthwingz
Blog for a cure is a wonderful site where you will find others that are triple- and what they have gone through.
You can email me at Angelwthwingz@comcast.net if you would like.
May we both be blessed!
When I look at how I found out about my cancer and how far I've come, I am amazed. I found a strength I never knew I had. My friends, my family, and my co-workers really "showed" up when I needed them and each day I thank God for the chance to get up and have another day with all of them. Wow, it is a wonderful feeling to feel so loved.
ReplyDelete