I took the picture above last week end while enjoying some much needed beach chair therapy. The picture speaks for itself…..I love it.
Since my last appointment in Oahu, I have been busy working and getting settled into our condo that we are renting. Every day I feel better and better, my hair is starting to grow, Jacquelyn says a have “peach fuzz”! When working I get to talk to patients, a lot of patients remember me from doing their mammogram last year. I had one patient literally tear up when she saw me. I told her not to cry for me that I would be fine. She was so sweet, we hugged after the exam, and she said she would look forward to her next mammogram so she can see how I am doing! (that’s a first, “look forward to a mammogram”!)
March 9th:
I Had a consultation with the Radiation Oncologist here at The Pacific Cancer Institute on Maui. I will be having radiation treatment. The Oncologist was very thorough in explaining the process and how it is done post-mastectomy. I will be having treatment Monday thru Friday for 6 weeks. Basically, Radiation treatment is the “clean up crew”. It will annihilate any residual cancer cells left behind. That’s what I want, NO CANCER CELLS LEFT BEHIND. I will be able to work thru this, just like I have been working thru my chemo treatments. Compared to chemo, this should be a breeze!
March 11th:
My appointment with my Medical Oncologist went well. Dr. Chong is really happy with my progress and how I am progressing. After he examined me, I was back in the chair for my Herceptin infusion. We flew out of Maui on the first flight which meant getting up at 4am. So of coarse I managed a little siesta during the infusion! Since it is only one bag it only takes about 1 hour, so it was a short nap!
After my appointment with Dr. Chong, I was off to see Dr. Nakashizuka. Again she examined me, the original tumor can no longer be palpated, however the lymph nodes still feel irregular. We talked about “the Plan”, she wanted to make sure that I was ok with the recommendation of delayed reconstruction vs. immediate. Here is what will happen:
- Left Breast Modified Radical Mastectomy with skin sparring for delayed reconstruction, on Oahu, at Queens Medical Center. Will be required to stay on Oahu for 1 month post surgery…..the hunt is on for a place to stay post surgery!
- Radiation Treatment to begin once healed from surgery. Treatment will be for 6 weeks Monday thru Friday, here on Maui at the Pacific Cancer Institute.
- Herceptin infusions will continue every three weeks till September.
- Appointment with the Pulmonary doctor on April 21st regarding the nodule on my right lower lobe. Lets pray that a lung resection is not necessary!
- After my last Herceptin infusion, the prophylactic mastectomy on the contra lateral side will be done (Right Breast) with immediate reconstruction. Well it won’t be “immediate”…..its a process! That’s another blog.
Surgery date……………….March 28th …..On Good Friday March 25, I will be 53 years old, Birthdays after a cancer diagnosis will be special!
Aloha, everyone much Mahalo for taking the time to read my blog!
My Breast Cancer Journey 