We Have a Date.

Thursday was an event-filled day.  I had the follow-up visit with Dr. Rourke, my surgeon, followed by my weekly dose of Herceptin.  She is very happy with the progress so far, but still wants to see some more progress by the time I finish the FEC.  I think of Fantasy Island when I hear her name, although spelled differently from the host.  Remember that show?  She keeps telling me “you’re young,” but I think I’m showing my age…

Playing with Colors

Someone asked me why I have been “silent” for the last couple of weeks.  I guess I haven’t really felt like reporting, or perhaps there wasn’t anything new to report. I am growing a bit weary and I have the sniffles, but I am hanging in there and overall feeling very good.  As you know, I went in two weeks ago for my first FEC treatment (it is a three-hour ordeal, but I got to sleep in a bed the whole time).  I have heard how hard it is on  your body so I took the next day off “just in case.”  I slept a lot, but I didn’t really notice anything different.  No side effects.  No unusual symptoms.  And by Saturday, I was feeling so good I went on a photo shoot with some other photographers.  Then I had fun playing with the colors in post processing.  I’m taking time for me and my family while also keeping a full-time work schedule.  I’m putting it all in perspective.  My boss told me yesterday, “you haven’t missed a beat,” and I believe she’s right.  I have noticed a few more typos than I usually make, and while that bothers the perfectionist in me a little I’m not overly concerned.  The good news is, chemotherapy doesn’t have to rule my life, nor does my life have to stop because of it.

Come and sit a spell.

My surgeon was pleased, but I still have the “orange peel” which she would like to see go away by the time we do surgery.  My surgery date is tentatively scheduled for July 8th.  It is a 3 to 3.5 hour surgery.  I will be in the hospital overnight, or two nights at the most, but then I get to go home.  Tim was especially pleased to hear there will be no “nursing” required during post-op.  I won’t be able to drive for two weeks, but most women are back up to full steam by the third week.  I’m taking three weeks off, so if anyone wants to come and visit I would love to have the company!

I say “tentatively” because surgery will be on July 8th as long as my treatment stays on schedule.  (If I get sick they could postpone a treatment or two, which delays surgery.)  Or, if the cancer starts to grow again, she said we would move the surgery date up.  I will see her two more times before surgery.  She’s keeping a plastic surgeon on stand-by in case she has trouble closing me up.

You can skip the next paragraph if you don’t want to know what the plastic surgeon does.

Dr. Rourke gave me the name of my plastic surgeon for if/when we decide to do reconstruction, and explained what happens during the mastectomy as well.  They will remove the breast and lymph nodes under my arm.  They can’t do reconstruction at the time of surgery because of the type of cancer.  I can’t have implants for the same reason.  I’m not sure if this is the same doctor who she will have on stand-by on July 8th or not.  If she has trouble closing me up, e.g. the gap is too large to connect the skin from top to bottom, the other surgeon will step in and help.  At that point they will pull a flap from my back, around the side and close it up that way.  It sounds complicated, but I’m sure they know what they are doing.  I pray they don’t have to do a flap, but it’s not looking promising at this stage.  Reconstruction must wait until at least six months after finishing radiation, so it will be Spring or later before we can even consider it.  Again, I can’t do things the easy way.  She said not just any surgeon will do for my type of reconstruction.  Apparently surgeons who do implants are rather common, but only one surgeon in the area can do what I need.  I believe it’s called an autologous (trans) tissue flap, but I’m still learning all the terminology.  Basically he will take tissue from my abdomen and replace the missing breast tissue.  The side-benefit is a free tummy tuck and natural feel, but recovery is longer (6-8 weeks) and it’s more complex than implants.  I’m sure I’ll learn more when I see Dr. Gordley, but that procedure is still at least a year away.  Right now I’m focusing on finishing chemo and getting through the first surgery.

Aside, did you know all medical insurances are required to cover reconstructive breast surgery by law?  I didn’t know that, but apparently the lobby is so large they have no choice.  Apparently studies show quality of life is greater after cancer for those women who choose to do reconstruction.  We are still weighing the pros and cons, and we have lots of time to consider it.

God is good.  He has given me opportunities to help others as others have helped me.  For those who may need words of comfort, remember this.  His grace is sufficient. He is made perfect in my weakness.  His strength helps me through this, and going through this makes me stronger.  There is no reason to fear, for God is with me.  (II Corinthians 12:9, Romans 5:4, Isaiah 41:10).

As I wrap up this week’s blog, I’m sitting here listening to sawing and pounding and zipping and banging as the house next door is being constructed.  This little rental house was a good place to live for a short period of time while looking for a more permanent home, but our lease is nearly up.  So we have put in an offer on a house (in an area that is already built) and if all goes well, we will close in the next couple of weeks.  I’ll keep you posted on that as well.

Next up:  Tuesday I see my oncologist.  Thursday is FEC #2 (out of 4).  Herceptin weekly.  Surgery on July 8th.