Checking in on Amy

***UPDATE*** Original post below. Due to a covid cancelation my surgery will be tomorrow (Sept 30). *** Yesterday I met with radiation oncologist and had a follow-up appointment with my surgeon. Rick and I had both been feeling nervous about the pathology results. Unfortunately the results were not what we had hoped.  In the tissue removed from my original tumour site there was a small tumour remaining, which was expected. There were also some cancer cells in the surrounding tissue they removed, and in one spot those cells extended all the way to the edge of the tissue. (Imagine a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a tiny bit of chocolate ripple peeking out in one spot. We were hoping to NOT see anything peeking!) Since the cancer cells were present right up to the edge we can't be sure that there isn't still some cancer remaining, so I will have a 'revision' surgery to remove more tissue. Even though I knew this was a possibility, it SUCKS to be told this news. On the bri...

I had my first PICC line removed on May 20th. Yesterday, on September 22nd, I did it again! I had my second Herceptin-only infusion yesterday and they used my PICC for the last time. After this, I will need to have a regular IV started for these infusions which I am a-okay with if it means my arm can be free. I had my first 'freedom shower' this morning and it was great. Right now I look a little beat up without a shirt on. I am swollen and still sore and have lots of bruises. Most of the bruising and swelling is hidden in this picture, but it gives you some idea of the marks cancer is leaving on this body of mine... ...AND, then I put on a shirt I haven't been able to wear in a while (arms were too narrow for the PICC) and all of the physical trauma is hidden. Like magic, right? My new blue nails are courtesy a trip to the spa Wednesday morning. I had a gift certificate to spend. It was one of three I have received in the last several months from colleagues and loved ones....

It has been three days since my surgery and I'm feeling pretty good! I wanted to write an update while the experience was more fresh in my mind, but I've been too busy relaxing. :) My surgery was scheduled for 12:15 Wednesday. I checked in around 10:15 and was changed into my fancy hospital garb by 10:30. At this point I learned from the other patients that things were running behind by about an hour. It's a good thing I'm really good at waiting! I passed most of the time from 10:30 until after 1:00 reading, knitting, doing crosswords, and watching TV coverage of the queue to see the Queen lying in state in London. At some point around 12:00 I was called in for a pre-surgery interview and to have my IV started. They were able to use my PICC for the IV which made me happy - it's good to be able to put it to use while it's here. Before and after that point I made the occasional trip to the washroom to stretch my legs...most of the chairs in the waiting area were p...

Update....I'm about to head home and everything went well. :) Earlier today I wrote this full report.... Surgery is today! Not until the afternoon, though, so I can channel some of my nervous energy into writing about yesterday's pre-surgery adventures. I had a lovely walk yesterday morning - look at this sky! Amazing crepuscular rays. I was at the hospital around 10:30 for surgery prep. First stop was ultrasound where they used a needle similar to the biopsy needle to place a small magnet next to the titanium clip that was put in last spring during the biopsy. This will help the surgeon orient herself today; my understanding is that she will use a special tool to help her locate the magnet. This wasn't too uncomfortable because there was local freezing. There was a 4th year student from McMaster learning alongside the ultrasound technician and they did a great job. After the placement of the magnet I had a mammogram to check its location. I got to see one of th...

Way back in March I met my surgeon and I really liked her. On Wednesday (7th) I finally met with her again, and was thrilled that Rick could come with me so that he could meet her too; I knew he would like her as much as I did. My surgery is going to be next Wednesday (Sept 14th) and I am VERY excited about it. I can't wait to check another part of my treatment off the list. To me, this one seems easier than chemotherapy because it will happen quickly and not drag out across many months. My surgeon specializes in breast surgery, which is nice! Since my tumour had gotten quite large before I started chemo, the area she will remove from my breast is significant relative to the size of the breast. This means that my lumpectomy would leave me quite deformed without a bit of a rebuild. After surgery I will have a new, smaller, 'redesigned' right boob. We discussed operating on my left breast at the same time to make it match, but had to put this plan aside because of my still-no...

The last time I missed the first day of school was in 2008. I was at home with nearly-2-year-old Lucy waiting for baby Miriam to arrive. I recall how strange it was to watch kids walking by our house on their way to school and not have anywhere I needed to be. This makes sense; today a friend pointed out that I've been going to school for 40 years!  This morning we all woke up bright and early. With both kiddos in high school everyone else was out of the house by 7:20. Martha was quite put out by this, but an invitation to stroll in the woods with Lisa (and dog Lola!) helped her out of her funk. I am glad that the school year has arrived as our fairly busy summer days have had me missing my time alone at home.  I spoke with my surgeon's office today and I will be seeing the surgeon tomorrow afternoon with surgery to follow next week. I met my surgeon way back in March when this whole journey began. She has a wonderful manner - warm and confident and full of positivity. I'll...