9 Moons Ago

What an intense day. I have just enough energy to give a general update tonight, and will go into a little more detail next time.

Kathy and I hied off to Hershey this morning to sit and listen to an intense cram session all about the benefits and concerns about being tested for a genetic mutation which signals an increased risk for passing cancer along in the family. I’m primarily being tested to help me make the best decision about what kind of surgery I will need next. At any rate, it will most likely be a mastectomy on the left side, but if I do have this gene anomaly, I may consider a bi-lateral mastectomy. I want to do the least drastic thing, but also do enough to protect my health. One good thing is that if I get even just the single mastectomy, it will eliminate the need for radiation. Chemo is on the cards, though. I will have reconstructive surgery at some point, too. I heard from a few people who have had or know people who have had that done and it’s all positive and encouraging,

There was so much more discussed, but it was clear to both Kathy and I, and afterwards I did some paperwork, a family health history chart and had blood drawn. They will call be in to review the results in 2 to 4 weeks.

I normally don’t like to talk so much about physical illness, but this is a big thing and I am aware that you who bother to stop in truly want to know what’s been going on.
Mentally, emotionally.. just fine! Pretty effing fantastic, actually.

After the session, which was shorter than initially planned, due to the luck of someone canceling their appointment, we headed to Chocolate world, in the absolute crazy madness that is the rest-of-the-country and other-parts-of-the-world on Summer vacation. Living right near the place our whole lives, and going there often, especially off-season, we forget that Hershey is bigger than South Central Pennsylvania. But we waded through the sweaty sea of delighted and tired families, and found what we needed. We bought gifts for Mumsy, Dad and Kathy’s family. Kathy got her reeces pieces and I got some dark chocolate.

We went out to eat and shared a crab dip soft pretzel and I had a cup of french onion soup. Mmm.

Kathy and I napped/rested as soon as we were home, and later had a nice dinner with Mom while watching a couple of particularly hilarious episodes of the Office, one of which we hadn’t seen before.
I’m about ready to tumble into bed now. Thanks, all you lovely lot, for your notes, emails and comments. If you are reading this and I know you, in person, or through correspondence…I am most definitely thinking of you, too!
All My Love,
Amy

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 17th, 2010 at 11:38 pm and is filed under Family, Fighting Cancer, Friends, Health, Loved Ones. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.