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

Yesterday was a mix of good family stuff & not-so-good medical. Blahhh. Stuff. At least 1 more surgery needed, decisions need to be made. They found precancerous cells during the operation to remove the cancer.. Add infection (OUCH) and a jammed finger (which has been hurting like crazy) to the mix. Will update everyone after Monday when I see the Dr. again. Good things: air conditioning, British comedies, Watermelon Italian Ice, Grape Soda and.. Watermelon. Which I’m off to fetch presently. As my Sister put it, so perfectly, “Cancer can kiss my ass!”

Hello all. Relay for Life was a blast on the weekend! Pictures and videos can be found here: Relay for Life 2010

I’ve had lab tests, bloodwork, an mri and a bunch of other stuff that all points to my being ready for surgery (a partial mastectomy/lumpectomy) on July the 15th. People have asked me if I’m nervous, but the truth is, not really. I feel positive, hopeful and just take each day as it comes. This is all possible because I have health care and the most overwhelming support from family, friends and the medical professionals that I’ve seen. This will be an outpatient procedure. I will be going home the same day. Incredible what advances in medicine there have been in just five years, let alone since my Grandmother was diagnosed in the late 1950s. She left this world too soon, but her daughter, my Aunt Mary, is a survivor as well, and there are so many others I know who have fought back and won their battles with cancer.

They tell me I’ll have chemo once I’ve recovered from the surgery, and after that, radiation. There is more to talk about concerning those subjects, but I won’t get ahead of myself. Just going to focus on the next step. I will update you when I come to those bridges.

Speaking of Bridges, I watched an old episode of The Closer with Mom tonight, and I think Beau Bridges is stunning in a frock!

I am very much loving the sound of steady rain for a greater part of today. It’s been so dry outside, and so long without it, that I am not listening to music for a change. The rain is a pleasant song tonight.

And I’m still being a goofball, no need to fear any change from that!:

Double Vision.

Fun With Broken Sunglasses.

Self Portrait With Olympus

Well, there is no easy way to break the news.
In this post I am telling closest family and friend, alike. Until now I’ve only told a handful of people. I decided I wanted some time to process it all before putting it out there for folks to read.

In the past few weeks, I’ve been in and out of doctors’ office’s and the Women’s Health Center for exams, mammograms, ultrasound and a biopsy. On the fourth of June, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
The good news is that it is one spot, very small, isn’t fast-growing and the doctors and nurses I have talked to all have said that there is no question that I will recover from this. One doctor said that he can’t say that to all women who are diagnosed, but that, with treatment, I will be just fine.

I am scheduled to have an mri next week, so they can detect anything else that might look suspicious. After that I’ll meet with my doctor to schedule surgery, which will remove the nodule and a bit of the tissue surrounding it. After the surgery, I will have radiation and chemo treatments and will lose my hair, temporarily. That’s actually one of the things that will be hard for me, I have to admit. There are times when it all feels overwhelming and scary, but they’ve given me lots of great information about what to expect and numbers to call if I need help with anything. For the most part, I am happy and working on sewing projects, photography and gardening. Lots of good get-togethers with friends and family are in the works, too.

So, I’m sure I’ll be filling everyone in, as I learn more myself. Please feel free to ask any questions you might have, I won’t be offended. And also feel free to pass this along to any mutual family and friends, especially if they don’t spend any/much time online.

I guess God/the Universe/Whatever-you-like-to call-it decided I was ready for another big challenge! Personally, I wouldn’t have minded a little bit of a break, since I’ve just been getting back on my feet after a doozy of a year in 2008. But it is not up to me, and I won’t stress over what can not be changed. Actually, I have to admit that this year I have been feeling more inner-strength. Might as well put it to good use! :-D

Taking it one day at a time!
Lots of love to all my amazing supporters!
xoxoxo Amy