Cancer Is No Fun!

Today I visited with two sisters in my ward that have been diagnosed with cancer. The first sister I visited with was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Last Friday she had bilateral mastectomies.  This is bringing back so many memories.  It saddens me to know that she has to endure what I went through 8 years ago.  It's unknown at the time of this writing if she will need chemo and/or radiation.  I'm praying that she needs neither.  Fortunately, I did not need radiation, but I did have 6 rounds of chemo.  I lost my hair, lost weight (which I was thankful for), felt like crap, and had no energy.  It is NO FUN!

During our visit she was uncomfortable from the procedure, which is to be expected.  Also, having expanders doesn't help as they can and will be uncomfortable for a few months.  Her spirits are unpredictable and that is to be expected due to the physical and emotional strain that it takes on a body and mind.  My heart is full of sadness, concern and love for this sister.

After my first visit I stopped to see another sister in our ward that was preparing to have her second round of chemo tomorrow.  This is my first visit with her since my return from Florida.  I knew of her condition before I left, but at that time she did not want visitors. Ironically, she called me the day I left for Florida and my visit with her had to wait another week until my return.

I had been told a few different stories concerning her diagnosis, so I decided to ask her myself what is her story.  I feel this is important to share as most of us women have aches and pains that we ignore because they are female pains that we get used to.  She shared with me that she was having pains in her abdomen that she shrugged off.  After some time she began being sick to her stomach and unable to eat or keep little bites of food down.  On one particular day they were going to go to their cabin in Northern Arizona when she had a pain attack that was unbearable. Her sister took her to urgent care where x-rays were done.  After seeing the results they instructed her to see her physician. Her physician told her the results.  She has a mass on her right side 5cm - 7cm and a mass on her left side 7cm - 9cm with a lesion on her lung and liver.  Her diagnosis is Ovarian Cancer. It was decided to do chemo first and try to shrink the masses prior to surgery and then chemo following surgery.  At the time of this writing she has had one round of chemo and preparing for round two tomorrow.

As I mentioned earlier she called me the day I left for Florida.  The purpose of her call was to ask where she can get head coverings or scarves since she is now losing her hair.  I brought my little tub of head attire with me for her to choose what she would like to have.  When I was diagnosed I was given several things from another friend that went through breast cancer too.  I think it's time to pass it forward.  I let her select the items that she wanted.  I wish I had taken a picture of my selection before she took what she wanted but here is what I have left and I'm hoping these can also be passed on to help someone else.

A New Year ~ 2007

The past 6 months have been a roller coaster ride. Now what can I expect this year? I know there will be more surgeries and, thank heaven no more chemotherapy.

January 4, 2007, 9:30 am appointment with Dr Richmond. Due to me being positive for BRCA1 Dr Bachrach and I agree that I must have bilateral mastectomies. Doug knows it is the right decision and has come to terms with it. The doctor told me since I'm having both breasts removed that I do not need radiation therapy, however, he wants to take my case before a medical board for consensus.

January 16, 2007 I met with Dr Colleen the Gynecological Doctor. After examining me, Dr Colleen referred me to his partner Dr Rowland. Part of my treatment is to remove my ovaries. I had one salpingo oopherectomy in 1993, on the right side. This procedure is for the left. Because I'm genetically positive for BRCA1 and at high risk for Ovarian Cancer, I must have this procedure to reduce the risk. My appointment was to schedule the surgery and Dr Rowland will preforming the procedure. Later in the afternoon, I met with my Dr Rhee my Plastic Surgeon regarding breast re-construction surgery. Now that I do not have to do radiation therapy, I am a prime candidate to go through the expander process. This appointment was to discuss the process and how it works. I'll explain the process later.

January 24, 2007, I had a diagnostic mammogram in preparation for my mastectomies. This is to see that I'm clear of any abnormalities before the procedure. All is good!

February 5, 2007, I had a 9:30 am appointment with Dr Johnson to discuss my bilateral mastectomies. He explained that he would be doing a procedure that was skin sparing, so there would be enough skin tissue for the expansion process. He told me my procedure would be out-patient. "Out patient?", I said, "You have got to be kidding me?". I think he was a little surprised at my reaction, but come on you are taking off my chest and I'm going home right after the surgery. No Way! My face said it all. He could tell by my reaction that I was very uncomfortable with going home, so he told me, "We'll schedule you for a 23 hour stay." Thank heavens, what a relief that was. He said to me, "It is an emotional time isn't it?" All I could do was shake my head. He was totally understanding and knew that this moment was a lot to process.

February 15, 2007, I had outpatient surgery at Banner Baywood Medical Center. The procedure was the salpingo oopherectomy of the right side. Everything went well and no abnormalities.

February 21, 2007, I had a check x-ray needed for my upcoming surgery.

February 23, 2007, Blood draw for surgery.

February 26, 2007 I called my Dr Richmond,the Radiation Oncologist for the results of the medical board regarding me having radiation therapy. It was unanimous that I did not need radiation. I am so glad. This changes everything for me. I know now I can do reconstructive surgery. This is a good day!

All of these tests are making it more and more real. Surgery is emanate and I'm surprisingly calm. I'm ready, it's been a long time coming. I know this is the right decision for me and because of this decision my chances of being cured of breast cancer are greatly increased.