Element 53


This morning I met with my surgeon. How are all of these humans so amazing? It is hard to put into words how wonderful everyone is. 

My surgeon let me know more about the pathology of my cancer and outlined a plan for a few more tests in the next couple of weeks. The pathology tells us that the cancer I have is aggressive, and also that there are good treatments available to fight it. Additional diagnostic tests will include an MRI of my breast to learn more about the lump as well as an echocardiogram which is done to assess my heart health before starting cancer treatment. 

The plan for treatment is to start with chemotherapy and to re-assess the need for (and type of) surgery after we see how successful the chemo has been. My surgeon did a wonderful job describing in general terms what type of information is considered when making decisions about surgery. She and I also discussed how genetic markers can play some role in these decisions. I had already been leaning towards having genetic testing done, and now I'm quite sure I will.

Today I was most nervous about WHEN we could expect chemo treatments to start. I was worried that I'd be stuck waiting for a while. It was wonderful to hear that it may start as early as next week! Again, I am grateful that things are moving along quickly. 

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯


This afternoon I had a CT scan of my pelvis, abdomen, chest, and neck. This is one way to check and see if cancer has spread to other parts of my body. Since there was cancer in the lymph node they biopsied it is possible that this has happened. Whatever the case, the treatment will go forward as planned. I got a little bit of knitting done while I waited, but not much!


For the scan I was injected with iodine (element 53) which acts as a contrast agent (dye) to help visualize everything really clearly. It's another element to add to my recent collection of internal ingredients. The iodine feels really strange at first; an unusual warm sensation that doesn't last too long. It was injected in my arm and I could feel it in my throat almost immediately and then in my pelvic area very soon after. I was struck with how incredibly efficient the circulatory system is. I mean, I know it is efficient but knowing that and feeling it are two very different things. The scan was over quickly and when I got home the dog acted a bit weird so maybe I smelled funny? Who knows?

Tomorrow I have a couple of fun things planned. Stay tuned. ;)


Comments

  1. LightsmithMarch 28, 2022 at 9:19 PM

    Iodine is awesome. Could you 'taste' it? (I assume not)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SzerminskaMarch 28, 2022 at 9:40 PM

      Nope...it put a weird taste in my mouth but it wasn't an iodine-y flavour.

      Delete
    2. UnknownMarch 29, 2022 at 4:16 PM

      I totally remember that scan, did you get the peeing your pants feeling?

      Delete
    3. SzerminskaMarch 30, 2022 at 10:16 AM

      Yup. Reminded me of getting into a car with heated seats in the winter (and not knowing it). Similar 'uh-oh!' feeling. :)

      Delete

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