Tag Archives: breastcancer

January 14, 2017 · 12:03 am

46: Spirit of Aloha

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The past three days have been spent on the island of Oahu. I had my Nuclear Medicine Bone Scan and a Chest CT on Wednesday. This morning my Oncologist, Dr. Clayton Chong gave me the great news that my Bone Scan was Negative for Malignant Neoplasms! The chest CT was done for that nodule that they have been keeping an eye on, it has not changed since the last scan!!! My office visit went well with my Oncologist, I told him I was moving back to California, it was sad saying good-bye to such an amazing team. Doctor had one of the nurses flush my portacath, and instructed the nurse to give me copies of all my medical records for me to give to my new doctor. I also got copies of all my post treatment scans from medical imaging……three CD’s! I am ready to transfer my care. By me hand carrying my medical history, it will make the transition a lot smoother…..I hope.

The picture above, was at a restaurant we ate at  Thursday morning. I asked my daughter to take a picture of it because it depicts the true meaning of the Spirit of Aloha. Living and working here on Maui since July 2014, I have met so many wonderful people. I love the way the keiki (children) refer to me as “auntie”. I am going to go thru some serious ocean withdrawals, and will miss the patients that I have imaged working at MDI. I was at Safeway the other day and ran into three people who I have done their mammograms, one lady heard that I was leaving from a friend…..word is spreading.

I also wanted to mention about my colonoscopy that I had done on December 8th. Well, it turns out that I did have two new polyps, they were both removed and both of them came back to be “tubular adenomas”. Yes, if you have read my previous blogs, those are the ones that can turn into a cancer (considered pre-cancerous). So, with that being said, when I establish with my new medical team in California this will be one topic that will be discussed. The G.I. doctor here says that I could wait to  have another exam in 2 to 3 years, which concerns me. Not sure I want to put it off that long.

Well it is 9:57 pm here on Maui, and I want to go to bed, I plan on paddling out with the Maui Canoe Club in the morning.

Mahalo for reading my blog….Happy New Year!!!

 

 

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November 7, 2016 · 7:13 am

43: Mammogram Appointment

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Breast Cancer awareness month has come and gone. However for me, as a Mammography Technologist it is everyday of the year. And now as a Breast Cancer survivor, bringing awareness is just that much more important.

I had intended to blog about how to prepare for your Mammogram Appointment prior to the month of October, but it just did not happen. Preparing for the Voyage to Lana’i , paddle for life took precedence over everything.

So here it goes:

Be on time

You are given a check in time and an appointment time. There is a reason for this. We are only given a certain time slot per patient. At my work we are given 15 minute time slots per patient for a routine screening, 30 minutes for a diagnostic appointment and/or a patient with an augmentation.  And please, IF you have an augmentation (implants) please mention it when making the appointment if you are not asked that question by the scheduler. Some patients register, then proceed to talk on the phone or just be on their smart phones instead of doing the questionnaire given to them. So, the purpose of you check in time is to complete all necessary paperwork prior to you appointment time.

No lotion, powder or deodorant. 

You are probably wondering about the picture above., I will explain that in a bit.

Deodorant, deodorant  mimics micro calcifications. Some micro calcs get worked up, meaning additional images and after the additional images IF they are deemed “indeterminate” by the radiologists they are either followed up in six months or he/she gives a recommendation to biopsy them! Lotion or powder can come out in the image, especially if it has some type of shimmer to it. Also with lotions and or body oil, it makes the breast slippery making it easy to move when in compression, causing motion. An image with motion will be rejected and repeated. I had a patient that had coconut oil all over her body, her breast were small, there was no friction between her skin and my paddle. I was using my small half paddle for her but her breast kept popping out from the compression paddle. She agreed to go into our bathroom to wash her breast off with soap/water and we proceeded. And of course by now we were well into her 15 minute time slot for her mammogram.

When I bring a patient in the room I will ask I they have product on. If they did come in with deodorant on we offer baby wipes to wipe it off. I document it in my paperwork when a patient comes in with deodorant on. I have had a patient get called back for possible “residual deodorant vs micro calcs” therefore, I do not recommend coming into your appointment with deodorant on.

Sand

Here on Maui I have come across sand artifact on a mammogram. I did one view on a patient, then when I did the oblique view (side view) I noticed that on my image there was artifact where there was no breast tissue. My image receptor had all these sparkly things on it. I remembered that when she came in she had on a beach cover-up with a swim suit top on. I asked her if by any chance she was swimming in the ocean this morning? The answer; “Yes, but I rinsed off at the park before coming here”.   Well there was enough sand in her suit that clung on. Solution, my schedule fortunately was pretty open that day, this was the patients baseline mammogram (first one) she lived literally in the neighborhood of our clinic so she went home and took a proper shower then came back and I worked her in!

The Picture

I begin to position my patients first view, and I can feel that there is some kind of product on my patients breast. I continue to compress the breast, my positioning light is on, and with the compression this white stuff seeps from my patients breast tissue!!! I lift my paddle off of my patients breast and ask her, again if she has product on?

Me: I thought you said you did not have lotion on?

Patient: I don’t

Me: oh, what’s this…..as I point to my paddle

Patient: It’s sunscreen

Me: (with a puzzled look on my face) were you not asked NOT to wear  any lotion, powder or deodorant?

Patient: YES, they didn’t say I couldn’t put SUNSCREEN on! ( in a very harsh tone)

SERIOUSLY!!!!! OMG I COULD NOT BELIEVE HER RESPONSE TO ME AND HER TONE.

Me: I walked over to the baby wipes, asked her to please wipe, said that I would take one image, if I saw artifact on my view I would delete it and cancel the appointment. I then grabbed my cell phone and told her that I was going to snap a photo of my paddle to show the scheduler how these products interfere with the imaging. I tilted the unit at an angle for the image.

Wiping this sunscreen off of the unit made a mess. I managed to get it all cleaned up and we were able to complete the exam……of coarse this exceeded her 15 minute time slot!

Prior Mammograms

If it is your first mammogram at a facility and you have had priors elsewhere, please arrange for you priors to be sent to the imaging facility. I we receive them ahead of time the images are imported and prior reports are scanned, we have everything for our radiologists to make a comparison when he looks at the current study. IF, you don’t make those arrangements, we get you to sign a release for priors, we look up the location of your priors, and it helps if you know where your last mammogram was at. Last week, I spent 22 minutes with a patient on the computer looking for a facility on the mainland. She knew the state and city and part of the name of the facility (her prior was a 2015 study, how can you not remember)  We managed to find it. Release signed, we got started at 825 am, by then my 815, 830 and 845 patients were registered…….THEN….she had implants and was not double booked!!! My morning snowballed after that. You can not rush through a mammogram to get caught up, it was not until a patient called to reschedule an appointment that I was able to get caught up from my morning fiasco.

Clothes

Make every attempt to wear two piece clothing and not a dress. We only require you to change from the waist up, when a dress is worn to the appointment the patient is standing in her underwear with a long paper gown on (my clinic uses paper disposable gowns). I have had patients not have under clothes on,  which made it pretty awkward. In this case I got creative and taped a gown creating a skirt like cover-up, then a half gown on top. I do not understand why someone would not wear under clothes to a medical appointment!

Time to sign off, Mahalo for taking the time to read my blog, was not my intention to make it this long.

Pina

 

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October 11, 2016 · 4:08 pm

41: Maui to Lana’i and Back !

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When I signed up for this voyage I was a little apprehensive about it…to say the least. But I really wanted to do something significant to celebrate my successful feat in conquering each obstacle this past year. Chemo therapy was no joke, with each treatment I was sicker and sicker, then came surgery . With the help of amazing Physical Therapist, and my personal daughter nurse Mo with me, I recovered seamlessly. Then came Radiation Therapy, again by following doctors instructions on skin care to a tee in addition to  Physical Therapy, the Myofascial release, followed by Lymphatic massage has been a god send. One full year of Herceptin infusion completed……..I am officially done with treatment! How do I say farewell to this past year? I signed up to take part in The Pacific Cancer Foundations “Paddle for Life” “Voyage to Lana’i” fundraiser!

First and foremost, much mahalo to those who contributed to my cause, I am beyond appreciative. Love and support is not just monetary contribution to my cause. The past year I have received many cards (via mail), text messages of support, voicemails left on my cell phone, family coming to Maui, patients that I have imaged inquiring about me. I could go on and on. I truly feel so much love and support from everyone….I am blessed.

The Voyage :

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My day started with a 330am alarm. By 445am I was at our bus pick up location at Maalea Harbor, which took us to the West side of the island. I was not launching off, so therefor I was at the boat ramp. We were taken to our support boat via a zodiac boat. One the first six man exchange I was put in. You transfer in the open ocean from you support boat to the zodiac then to the canoe. I was really out of comfort zone but with the help and encouragement of my team and the boat support team I managed to transfer….no fear! (It’s not like I can say “God, please make the waves stop so I can transfer without the ocean moving”) I did it I am so proud of myself! Kept telling myself “I beat cancer I can do this”. Being in that canoe in the open ocean was intense on the way to Lana’i, the waves were intense, it was beyond exhilarating !!!! After a couple of exchanges I was put in to be part the landing crew. Paddlers in the launch and landing are survivors. Since I didn’t get to launch I got to land. Coming just past that rock that I never thought we would reach was so emotional. Our captain Linda T.A. had us stop just before coming in and said some encouraging words to each one of us, we were the last canoe in. All the other paddlers were lined up at the beach, I could just see and hear the cheer coming from everyone one the beach as we landed. To follow Hawaiian tradition when you land on another island, permission is granted, then you present gifts after Hawaiian chants and prayers. Each paddler presented gifts to the people of Lana’i. We were given Taro plants, and roots to present to them one by one……all 300 plus paddlers!!  It was a beautiful ceremony.

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We were provided lunch, by Hard Rock Cafe. After eating those of us that were camping needed to set up camp before the sunset. We were provided tents to pitch….pink tents!! I don’t remember the last time I camped in a tent! Some paddlers opted to stay at the Four Seasons or the Lana’i Hotel, I believe those were you only options. I opted to camp.img_3700

I pitched my tent and then went a little hike up to “sweetheart rock” with a fellow paddler and friend Flora.

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This is the rock that when paddling into Hulopoe Beach at Manele Bay I thought we would never reach! The view was so beautiful! Dinner was provided by Nalus , I believe they also provided our breakfast Sunday morning as well. A small group of us wanted to ride to visit Lana’i city. We piled into my team captains car and she took us to visit some sites on the island before going into the very small “Lana’i city”. Here is a picture of us by “Jax” which are large concrete barriers in the shape of jax. They create an ocean break where the barges  come in for deliveries of containers. img_3668

Sunday morning come oh so fast, sleeping on the ground was not very comfortable, especially being sore from paddling. By 630am our tents had to be down and packed, our bags with our belongs with our team had to be taken to our specific support boat. We had breakfast, 10 minute yoga stretch , morning prayers and chants in Hawaiian, songs were sang it was truly beautiful. I again did not get to be part of the launching crew, but we did get to see the launch before going to the boat harbor to our designated support boat. img_3698

A total of twenty-four canoes entered the water…and they were off. On the first six man exchange I was put in. Again transferring was a bit intimidating for me but I did it! It was blazing hot, the ocean was calm and our support boat captain turned the motor off and said we could jump in the ocean if we wanted. I jumped!!!! We had a rope to hold onto so we would not drift far, you bet I held onto that rope. It was so refreshing to jump in for that moment. There was going to be a couple of exchanges before I went back in so I grabbed my camera and took some photos. dscn0847

This is a picture of the zodiac coming toward our support boat to pick us up for another exchange. I was put in, and from what I understand the distance was another 3.8 miles away from Maui. Once in the canoe, you are paddling with strength that you did not know you had. No more exchanges, we were taking this canoe in!! Our steersman Buck was very encouraging, telling us that we were survivors and we could do this!! “Stroke, stroke, stroke” he shouted periodically, “timing people”, “stay focused, you can do this”, “stoke, stroke, stroke my matees! Our support zodiac came over to us to make sure that we were all ok to “ironman” in, we were given small water bottles in case there was not any at the beach waiting for us.

To describe the beauty of Maui from the ocean is impossible. We were so far out that you could not even see the beaches of the West side or the high rise resort hotels of Ka anapali. It was blue ocean, the verdant westside of Maui topped off with blue skies and scattered clouds that looked like a halo over an angel. Purely breath taking. As we got closer to Maui, we could see the resorts, with each stroke we got closer, but it seemed to take forever. The end was near as we got closer and closer, we could see that the rest of our team was in the water waiting  to help us bring this canoe in. We landed!!!

This voyage was beyond amazing, never did I imagine that one day I would be part of a team to paddle from one island to another. Doing this was physically and mentally challenging. It was both spiritual and emotional for me sometimes bringing tears to my eyes thinking of the past year….. but that is exactly what it is now…in the past. Time to focus on the the next phase.

Much Mahalo and love to the Pink Paddlers for being so welcoming, you are an exceptional group. I can not believe that this much anticipated event is over, I am so glad I did this.

Much Mahalo and love for taking the time to read my blog.     Pina

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September 26, 2016 · 7:08 am

39: Voyage to Lana’i

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I remember when I first moved to Maui, Jack and I were inside of Safeway grocery store, we saw this lady who was wearing a Mana’olana Pink Paddler t-shirt. Jack started a conversation with her letting her know that we had just moved here and that I was a mammographer . She invited me to paddle, as this is for supporters of Breast Cancer not just for survivors.

It is strange how the universe works. Here we are just over two years later, and I am a survivor!!! Last year I was looking into taking part of this annual voyage, however that ambition was cut short with my diagnosis of Stage 3 Breast Cancer last year in August.

My first chemo therapy was September 25th, exactly one year ago. I did it!!!! I managed to get thru the 6 treatments, recovered. Followed by surgery, recovered. Followed by Radiation Therapy, recovered! On September 2, I had my last of 12 Herceptin  infusions. I am kicking butt!!! All of this would not have possible without the love of my husband, kids, cousins (very special and dear to my heart)! I can’t say enough about all the amazing people I have met here on Maui…..much mahalo for the love and support.

The voyage? I will have to admit I was reluctant to sign up! After all this is traveling from one island to another and back. I have been paddling on Saturdays (cause I work M-F), lots of people here that I paddle with are retired, or have jobs that allow them to paddle out during the week. The more I thought about, the more the challenge excited me! I called the Pacific Cancer Foundation, talked to the director and she encouraged me, telling me that I could do it!

The Voyage to Lana’i  is not a race, I know that it will be physically challenging, but this past year hast been challenging, if I could survive Stage 3 Breast Cancer treatment, then I can do this, I am up for the challenge. And being placed on a team with the Pink Paddlers is just going to make this journey across the ocean extra special . The picture above was taken in 2014, when paddled with them how ironic is that!

I plan on blogging about my experience, I know it will be emotional and bittersweet for me. It will be my way of saying “nice try cancer” “I won”. The following is a link to my page for donations……please only donate if you are able, any amount is appreciated.

http://paddleforlife2016.myevent.com/participant/389253

This week I go see my Radiation Oncologist. A three month follow up appointment. Also I already have my next appointments set for my follow up with my  Medical Oncologist. My next trip to Oahu will be a two night stay.

January 11th: CT scan of the chest and abdomen. And a Bone Scan

January 12th: follow up with Breast Surgeon  Dr. Mari Nakashizuka/ in regards to the prophylactic mastectomy and my first consultation with Plastic Surgeon,  Dr. Vincent Nip (yes Nip!)

January 13th: follow up with Medical Oncologist; he will go over the results of the scans with me. Just need to pray that no new cancer decided to pop anywhere, and that the lung lesion has not grown!!

Mahalo, for reading my blog…have a wonderful work week!….Pina

 

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September 2, 2016 · 7:41 am

38: The Hair is Growing!!

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I do not recall ever having short hair! The texture is soft and it is curly in the back and wavy up on top. I had to break down and by a hair product, using Tea Tree Shaping Cream by Paul Mitchell. When some patients  see me and remember me from last year, they say “oh , you cute your hair….that looks really cute” My response : “actually this is new hair growth after Chemotherapy”!  Their jaw drops, patients have teared up, hugged me and have just been so kind with well wishes and prayers.

I do the Bone Densities for MDI, twice a month. One of the x-ray technologists does them on Saturdays. My last Dexa day (as I call it) told me she refused a Saturday appointment because she wanted me to do her exam so she can see how I was doing. Apparently I did her mammogram when I was in the middle of Chemo, she was so sweet.

It is hard to believe that a whole year has passed already. The journey has not been an easy one (especially the chemo part of it) but I did it!!!!!!

TOMORROW IS MY LAST HERCEPTIN INFUSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  After tomorrow I will officially be finished with my treatment! Except for the Anastrozole that I have to take for the next five years (possibly ten) And of course the ongoing test to make sure the cancer does not decide to pop up somewhere else!!!…..one day at a time!!!

Matrixectomy

Well,  besides having a Primary Physician, Oncologist, Radiation Oncologist, Pulmonologist, Breast Surgeon, Plastic Surgeon…..I can now add a Podiatrist to the list! Since Chemo treatment number four and five I have had problems with ingrown toenails. (There has been no coorilation between ingrowns and chemo.) I have experienced and continue to have slight neoropathy of the toes and fingers (not so much on fingers) So the infections seem to creep up on me! I don’t feel them till it’s infected. The past three months have been riddled with frequent trips to the Podiatrist. Literally it seems like I have been to see him every two to three weeks. He has in the past mentioned a procedure to eliminate the growth of the nail going down, causing the ingrown. The procudure is call a Matrixectomy. I had this produre done yesterday, initially went in for the ingrowns, agian. After he (Dr. Lee) numbed both great toes, he offered the procedure. It required more numbing, which was super painful…I mean SUPER painful.  After the side of the nail is removed, acid is placed to kill future growth of the nail. So, once agian I am on ocean restriction…no ocean for two weeks!!! Today was challenging to work, the toes hurt but I managed to work the whole day!!! fyi: the pain was when the injection of lidocaine is administed, after that I didn’t feel a thing… and Dr. Lee continuously kept asking if I felt anything. He wanted to make sure i was completely numbed up.

Hopefully tomorrow mornings flight to Oahu is uneventful. The Hawaiin islands are on huricane watch, so far Maui has been unscathed from this threat (knock on wood), I dont like turbulance on the flights!

It’s getting late and I have to get up early to fly out….good night and much Mahalo for reading…

Pina

oh, one more thing…. I wore mascara the other day for the first time!!! the little things!

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August 15, 2016 · 8:03 am

37:Coming up on One Year!

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Since my last blog  a lot has happened, my July infusion of Herceptin was on the 22nd. The day before that on Thursday the 21st I had another Echocardiogram, and a baseline Bone Density. The Echocardiogram (this was my fourth one) I had one before chemo started last year in September, the second was performed in November, the third was done one month after my last chemo and now this one in July. The purpose? The chemo treatment I was given effects cardiac output, also one of the side effects of Herceptin effects the heart. So far so good!!!! The heart is strong!!! I started to take Anastrozole (Arimidex) in February. One of the side effects of Arimidex is bone loss, hence the necessity for a baseline Bone Density. Happy to report I am in the “green”…..fellow technologists will know what the means!!! Normal! As of right now, my bone density is “normal”!….I would like to keep it that way.

I have also been going to Physical Therapy twice a week for Myofascial  Release Massage (covered by insurance) which has been wonderful!!! I have been going to Kihei Physical Therapy with Christine Lachance DPT. MSPT. CLT., she specializes in Cancer patients.

I am back in the ocean! The first week-end in August I paddled out with the Maui Canoe Club, it was beautiful! (With the exception that they were burning cane that Saturday morning and there was a huge brown cloud over the island). None the less, it was beautiful to be out on the water. Once I got back to the condo after the morning paddle out I turned my tv on and started to get sucked into watching the Olympics which were on day 2! I quickly turned the tv off, packed some fruit, grabbed some water, towel, chair, book and to the beach I went!!!! I was at the beach from 10 am till 4pm, so refreshing to be in the water again!

This past Friday, August 8th I was back in Oahu for Herceptin. I had a great visit with my Oncologist Dr. Chong, we talked about the past years treatments and how well I did. He commended me for having that fighting spirit and mentality to fight and stay positive (attitude toward treatment is half the battle) We talked about what is yet to come.

Saturday morning (13th) I had every intention on paddling out, however my stomach said overwise. I have been fortunate that the Herceptin side effects have not been that bad for me, however Saturday morning was plagued with many trips to the bathroom, I didn’t think going paddling was in the cards for me.

My next Herceptin treatment will be my last one!!!!! YES!!!! My last one!!!!!! Can I get an “AMEN” My next trip to Oahu is on September 2nd, after this appointment with Dr. Chong I will see him again in January 2017. It was supposed to be in three months, but that would mean coming in December. So, he pushed the follow-up out to January 2017, also because and that time he would like for me to have an appointment with the breast surgeon Dr. Mari Nakashizuka and the plastic surgeon, Dr. Vincent Nip. So, come January 2017 we will start the ball rolling for the next step……..prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction!

The picture included with this blog was taken with a feature on my camera called “color selection”. I selected light purple and i pulled that color out with everything else black and white. This next one I selected pink hues!

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Mahalo, thank you for reading and Mahalo for all the patients of MDI that have inquired about me and for all the prayers and well wishes.

 

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May 16, 2016 · 12:49 am

33: Back to Work

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Last week I started my Radiation treatment. As mentioned previously my treatment will consist of  Monday thru Friday for six weeks. If you notice in this picture, the ceiling is made to look like you are looking up at the sky. It is actually quite mesmerizing. Walking into this room the “True Beam” can look really intimidating. The therapist that work under Dr. Baker are truly compassionate and make my feel comfortable. My appointment time slot for this journey is 3:15, when I arrive they are literally ready for me, I am in and out. That mold of my upper body that was made at the simulation appointment is on the table and those two little tattoos enable the therapist to target the area that was configured by the Medical Oncologist.

I have been on medical leave since my surgery March 28th. Tomorrow I go back to work, again,  I am super grateful to Maui Diagnostic Imaging for being flexible with me. My work schedule will permit me to go daily for my radiation treatments. I continue to also get my Herceptin infusions in Oahu. On Tuesday I will get my monthly blood draw to check my blood count levels prior to the infusion. On Friday May 20th, I will have a follow-up Lung CT, followed by my Herceptin infusion, then I need to high tail it to the airport to make my flight to be back for my 3:15 RadTx appointment……yikes……wish me well!!!!

It is going on 10pm, I must somehow try to fall asleep so I can get up early. I have been sleeping in, need to get used to waking up early again. I need to do some physical therapy on my arm before going to work daily, my days will be very structured that’s for sure!!!

 

Mahalo for reading my blog

Aloha, Pina

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May 7, 2016 · 7:16 pm

32: Radiation Therapy

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We flew back to Maui one week ago today on April 30th. The picture above is a picture of Sugar Beach in North Kihei, it’s a really nice long walk!!! On Monday I had my simulation appointment with the Radiation Oncology department here at the Pacific Cancer Institute on Maui. I got to meet Dr. Baker (he was off island the last time I was there). Dr. Baker talked with us (my husband and I) and explained again the importance of radiation treatment after chemo for me. It is important to know that not everyone with breast cancer gets both chemo and radiation…..each case is different.

The simulation CT was interesting. My upper body was positioned on a deflated pillow that contained micro beads. These micro beads when heated up stiffened and hardened, forming a mold of my upper body including my head. I laid down on it with my right arm down and my left arm up with my elbow bent. The mold was created, this will be used for all my radiation therapy appointments. The purpose of the simulation CT is so that the Radiation Oncologist can determine the radiation field and create a treatment plan. That is the simplest explanation I can think of without getting too technical!!!

The Radiation Therapist (Radiologic Technologist with a specialty license in Radiation Therapy) was very kind. Part of the process for the simulation appointment is you get marked (tattoo)  where the laser beam is to be positioned for you treatments. I joked with Max when he was about to tattoo me that this was his “side hustle”! I also let him know that these were my first tattoos, we laughed because seriously they are two very small dots!!!

My treatment will be six weeks long, Monday thru Friday my first treatment is Wednesday May 11th!! I am off of work for one more week, I go back on the 16th of this month. Just like with chemo I will work thru the radiation therapy as well. Maui Diagnostic Imaging will work with my appointments for the next six weeks permitting me to work thru this next chapter of my treatment.

Time to sign off, much Mahalo for reading my blog. It is 9:11 am, I need to do my physical therapy and pick up two very special people that will be here with me for the next seven days!!!

Aloha Pina

 

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April 4, 2016 · 8:07 am

28: Pathology Results

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Friday evening I received a phone call from the office of Dr. Nakashizuka. Her office assistant called to inform me that the pathology came back on my breast that was removed and the lymph nodes……..no residual cancer cells post chemo!!!!!

Tomorrow (4/4) I have my first post op appointment with Dr. Nakashizuka and she will go over the details of pathology with me and change the dressing over the surgical site. I have read many articles and books, in which they say that it is pretty traumatic for the patient the first time that she sees herself with out her breast. I don’t feel that I will break down, being a Mammographer and my time working at The Cancer Center in Palm Springs has prepared me for this. I have been extremely compliant as far as post op instructions go. I know far to well what happens to the surgical site if you over do it!!!! No seroma for me if I can help it!!!

I have two drains on the mastectomy site that have been draining well. My daughter has been emptying and measuring the fluid daily. The surgeons office gave us a log to track the fluid. I am sure she will be pleased with my daughters diligent entries.

The Little Things:

You don’t realize how important good range of motion of your shoulders is for getting dressed. Due to the ” Lymph node dissection” my left arm has limited mobility. I had planned ahead and purchased  tops with buttons up front. I had to do a little retail therapy today and purchase a couple more tops and easy pull on bottoms. I attempted to put my favorite pair of shorts on today, but pulling the zipper up and buttoning the button was too much! So, shopping one must go!!!

It is getting late here in Oahu (well late for me) so I’m going to sign off. Thank you for reading, will keep you updated on upcoming appointments. Thank you for all the well wishes and prayers.

Much Aloha, Pina

 

 

 

 

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April 2, 2016 · 12:36 am

27: Post Mastectomy

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Aloha Friday! Happy April fools day 🙂

Sunday evening I prepared the clothes I would wear to the hospital the next day. I  had been NPO (without food/water) since Sunday 7pm. I had a lite dinner as instructed, which we enjoyed at Monkey Pod here in Ko Olina. We chose Monkey Pod because we were familiar with the menu, now was not the time to try something new.

Getting up at 345 am on Monday March 28th was easy for me. I did sleep well,  however I was anxious to get it done. We pulled up to the valet attendant in front of the Outpatient Surgery attached to Queens Medical Center. Yes “Outpatient”! Lots of people were surprised to learn that this surgery would be done as outpatient! We arrived at about 520am, I was asked to be there by 530am. I signed in, and was attended right away by registration. Shortly after registering I was taken back to the pre-op holding. Everyone who has had any type of surgery knows the drill, you change, vitals are taken, you verify name, date of birth numerous times and confirm what it is you are having done. I had a clear view of the dry erase board that had the surgery schedule on it. All my Rad-tech family knows what board I’m talking about. I was the first surgery scheduled for Dr. Nakashizuka. Patient names were not on the board, the list was separated by surgeon then listed by type of surgery. Each surgeon was color coded, my surgeons schedule  was written in green.

I was her first case, Left Modified Radical Mastectomy Skin Sparing…….715am. Followed by two Lumpectomies and one subcutaneous mediport placement. Today was an observed holiday so the schedule was lite! All vitals were taken, I was ready! The anesthesiologist came to talk to me, he asked if I had a problem waking up from general anesthesia? I let him know that I usually wake up vomiting. With that being said he would give me something for that.

Just before they took me back I was listening to my “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten……it was on repeat!!!!! They Gurney I was on was put side by side the operating table, the room was cold. My gown was untied in the back and I scooted over. I laid with both my arms spread out. I remember Dr. Nakazhizuka coming over and placing warm roll under my left shoulder. Music was playing in the room, but I don’t remember the type.

Surgery was done by 945am.

I woke up fine, with out they usual projectile vomiting. Shortly after I was given a dry piece of toast and a small cup of juice. I didn’t take long after consuming it that the nausea set in. My daughter Monique told me I’m a “clean thrower upper”, cause I managed to get it all in that small emesis basin they give you. I’m a pro at vomiting, after chemotherapy!

The picture above was taken before the 12:00 hour. I was discharged before noon. Yup, up and walking!!!!! Monique went over to the Women’s Health Center at Queens and purchased this robe for me. Patients who get a Lumpectomy vs. Mastectomy are taken from the Mammography department after their Needle Localization to the Out Patient Surgery Center via wheelchair. They are given this spa like robe to cover them up versus a blanket over them. When one of the Lumpectomy patients was wheeled over she noticed the robe and asked about it. She surprised me with one! I love it!

The past days have been spent relaxing here in this house we are renting till April 30th. My son found it thru VRBO. We are staying in the Ko Olina area of Oahu right down the road from Aulani Resort by Disney, my daughter Monique is in heaven……she loves all things Disney!!!

Right now I feel fine, shoulder feels a little numb but other than that I’m fine. I will continue to blog periodically throughout this month…….tired of typing.

Aloha Friday

 

 

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