Tag Archives: imua

January 28, 2017 · 12:03 am

47: MDI Ohana

blog

Much mahalo MDI for all the love and support since my Breast Cancer diagnosis! God has a plan for all of us and I truly believe I was meant to discover my breast cancer while living and working on this beautiful island of Maui. My decision to stay here and go thru my cancer journey here with all of you was the right choice. Because of all the love and support from my MDI Ohana, the Maui Canoe Club, friends we have made on this island and my family, I was able to kick cancers (you no what!) It was an honor to work with such an amazing team. My Oncologist thought I was nuts when I refused to get put on medical leave during my treatment, this job is what kept me motivated, and helped me thru the aggressive treatment with flying colors!

To all the patients that have reached out to me to wish me well, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Mahalo Ruth (printed with permission) for the dinner date, I enjoyed our visit and will keep in touch

blog2

Today was my last day working at MDI, this time next week I will be on a plane to California. This will be my last week end living here, so until February 3rd, I will be tying up loose ends before I leave and enjoy the island.

Mahalo Maui for being so therapeutic for me!!!!

Mahalo for reading my blog……Pina

 

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , ,

January 14, 2017 · 12:03 am

46: Spirit of Aloha

fullsizerender

 

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!!!

 

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

September 26, 2016 · 7:08 am

39: Voyage to Lana’i

dscn0270

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

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,

August 15, 2016 · 8:03 am

37:Coming up on One Year!

DSCN2981

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!

DSCN3014

 

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.

 

1 Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

May 31, 2016 · 8:06 am

34: Memorial Day

DSCN0278

While most people here on Maui probably spent the day at the beach, my daughter and I went to a small town in upcountry called Makawao. We stopped at the Veterans Cemetery, where every single plot was adorned with a flag and a floral lei. Thousands of plumeria flowers were scattered throughout, with the slight breeze in the air the fragrant flowers were obvious. Because of my ongoing radiation treatment, a day at the beach was not a good choice for me….and besides, the beaches were really crowded. And it’s not like a can get in the water yet….August can’t come fast enough !!

On May 20th, I had my Herceptin infusion, along with a short term follow-up CT of my lungs for that lesion on my right lower lobe. The day was jam-packed, we flew to Oahu, went straight to Queens Medical Center. The radiology department was right on time with my scheduled appointment, after which we headed to Dr. Chongs for my appointment with him. As soon as the infusion was done we headed back to the airport. I needed to be back on Maui for my 3:15 radiation treatment appointment. The day went smooth, the TSA line had me worried there for a bit but we made it!

I received the results of the CT, “stable right lower lobe pulmonary nodule”…HAPPY DANCE!!!!! So what’s next? The nodule has not grown since the last CT done in February, it remained 7mm in size. Back in August 2015, when it was discovered it was 5mm, now the plan is to repeat with another CT in six months to confirm its stability.

Radiation Treatment: So far I have had 13 treatments. My last scheduled treatment is June 29th. I can do this!!!! After chemo this is a breeze!!! At work I have many patients wishing me well. I had one patient that we were doing a six month follow-up from her November 2015 mammogram. She told me she was hoping that she would get me, as she wanted to see how I was doing. Patients will sometimes ask me if they can hug me, this is the rewarding part of my job….hugs are good. My next infusion is June 17th.

My husband bought me a new camera for our wedding anniversary in April. He said that since I can’t get in the water or paddle out with the canoe club I can take photos, I am having fun with my new camera, it’s a Nikon coolpix900. One of the coolest features of this beauty is that it has its own wi-fi. I have an app on my iPhone , I can transfer the picture from the camera to my phone anywhere! Oh my the possibilities…..83 optical zoom!!

DSCN0297

I took this picture when we were leaving the cemetery today. I was probably a good city block away from this horse!!!!

Mahalo for reading my blog, have an amazing day!!!!……..life is good 🙂

 

2 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

May 16, 2016 · 12:49 am

33: Back to Work

FullSizeRender

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

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , ,

May 7, 2016 · 7:16 pm

32: Radiation Therapy

IMG_2978

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

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

April 24, 2016 · 5:36 am

31: Appointments

IMG_2876

The past couple of weeks have been riddled with appointments. I can see why I was required to stay on this island after my surgery. I had an appointment with Honolulu Orthopedics to be measured for a compression sleeve. I will be required to wear the sleeve when I fly and when going on long walks to help avoid Lymphedema. My compression sleeve should arrive sometime this week. I have also continued to go to my physical therapy appointments (twice weekly) and I do my P.T. three times daily when our schedules permit. My range of motion has improved immensely, my therapist is really impressed with my progress. I have the advantage of  knowing first hand what happens when you do not do the recommended exercises.

Surgeon appointment:

Dr. Nakashizuka was really happy with my progress. The mastectomy site is healing just fine. I have avoided fluid build up (Seroma), probably due to my Physical Therapist. She does a Lymphatic Massage, and has taught me how to do it, which I do nightly. I went to this appointment with three questions in mind.

1: When can I drive?

2: When can I get in the ocean?

3: When would she recommend the Profolactic  Mastectomy (Right breast) and the    reconstruction?

Driving? I am cleared to drive because I am not taking any of the pain meds that were prescribed. Ocean?……..wasn’t expecting this answer! She would prefer I stay out of the ocean at least till July! When we talked about me paddling out with the canoe club she would prefer that I wait till at least September to do that! And as far as my next surgery, not till this time next year! Because I will still be going through Radiation Therapy, and continue to have my Herceptin infusions every three weeks till September, she would prefer that I wait six months after I am completely done with my treatments before going thru with the right mastectomy and the reconstruction of both breast. It is what it is, I can be patient. I just have to tell myself that “this time next year, I will be all done with this”.

Pulmonogist appointment:

My appointment with Dr. Roger Yim, went well. The lesion on the right lower lobe of the lung that showed up in my initial scan from August 2015, which measured 5mm. Then again, post chemo, only now measuring 7mm……..did not excite him! I told him I was excited the he was not excited!…..we laughed. He went over my complete medical history with me and told me his plan for me. He ordered another CT, which will be done when I have my May infusion. This will make it three months from the one done in February. So long as the lesion has not increased in size, then he will ask for another CT six months from May. Just need to pray that this lesion doesn’t grow!!! If it does grow……that’s another blog!

Our time here on Oahu is coming to an end. This past week my son made it out here to visit. We went to Pearl Harbor, however due to the wind we could not go visit the USS Arizona Memorial. The featured picture was taken at the Ala Moana Center, which is the mall of all malls!! It is the largest open concept mall in the world!!!   A true shoppers paradise. I features many ponds and sitting areas to regroup and rest. I was actually focusing on the Lily Pad flower not realizing that there was Koi fish in the water!! We also ventured to the North Shore again, this island has so many beautiful beaches, I would love to come back when I can actually get in the water!! Next week will be our final week here, Friday I will get another Herceptin infusion. Get to fly back to Maui on Saturday April 30th!!

Aloha, much mahalo for reading!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_2867

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , ,

April 10, 2016 · 9:37 am

30: “Lopsided”

Image-1Queens Medical Center gave me a post surgical camisole with poly-fil non-weighted breast forms. Although this was truly appreciated it just didn’t work for me. Prior to surgery I did purchase a couple of front closer bras that were soft and I thought would work well. However without having a weighted prostheses the absence of my left breast was obvious. I tried adjusting the size of the non weighted form to properly fill the left side of my bra. Yes, I was able to pull some of the poly-fil out and adjust the size of the form, it was actually quite comical! I put on one of the bras that I purchased prior to surgery and placed the adjusted breast form in the cup on the mastectomy side. Monique and I went to my physical therapy appointment, followed by a trip to TJMaxx. I found a couple of button front tops to try on, went to the dressing room, looked at myself and laughed!!!! I was Lopsided !!! Because the poly-fil breast form is non-weighted, the weight of my right breast was making the left side of my bra ride up! Hilarious!!!!!!

Monique was quick to call my surgeon to inquire about a proper prostheses. After many phone calls we found out that I could get fitted and measured for a prosthesis at Queens. I would have to pay out-of-pocket and bill my insurance on my own. The prostheses could cost as much as $400.00, not including the cost of the pocketed bras…..yikes!!! Well, it seems non practical to put out that kind of cash for a prostheses that I would only use for a short time till my reconstruction surgery was done.

Yesterday, Friday April 8th I had my Herceptin infusion after my appointment with my Medical Oncologist Dr. Chong. Again he was over the moon excited about my post surgery pathology results. He went on to tell me that has only had six patients in which the Chemo coctail which I received was used. All six patients had no sign of aggresive cancer cells in their pathology. With two patients having non aggresive cancer cells (insitu).  I am one of the two patients, which is why Radiation Treatment is important for me to have. The amazing part is, that I no longer have the aggresive cancer cells in my breast tissue or my lymph nodes!!!!!!!……can I get an AMEN!!!! The Herceptin infusion went well. My oncology nurses, Lynne and Bethany were excited to see me, as this was my first infusion post surgery. When they asked my how it went, I jokingly told them that I was GREAT, minus one breast, and that if I started walking around in a circle they new why!!!…we laughed. I was finished with my treatment by twelve, Monique suggested that we drive to Kailua to check out a lingerie store.

Monique found this Lingerie store that specialized in post surgical/mastectomy bras, however it was clear on the other side of the island. My daughter said we should check it out, if anything you can at least get a comfortable bra to wear. Amy, the owner of the store was so nice, her mother is a survivor and they opened up this lingerie store after her surgeries and her quest for nice lingerie to wear post surgery. Amy was quick to let me know that she could look up my insurance information to see what was covered, and that she would only charge me my portion plus Hawaii tax, she would file a claim for the balance!!!! Needless to say I was excited!!! With our insurance, I was responsible for 10% plus tax!!!! So, the prosthesis that was my size was $200, which meant that it was $20 for me plus tax…..SCORE!!!! I purchased three bras (my insurance permits 6/yr) and my prosthesis and paid just under a whopping $60.00! The bra was so comfortable, and what a differance a weighted prostheses makes, I asked Amy if I could walk out of the store with it on!!!

Monique and I went to a beach side restaurant called Buzz’s…….lunch was delisioso!!! After lunch we crossed the street and went for a walk on this gorgeous beach!! Picture below……taken at Kailua Beach.

IMG_2713

The water was so warm, definitely will have to come back over here once I am cleared to get into the ocean!!!!

Thank you for reading my blog, and much mahalo for all the prayers and well wishes.

Pina

 

 

1 Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

April 6, 2016 · 8:53 am

29: Post op

FullSizeRender

To quote my breast surgeon Dr. Nakashizuka,

“ The chemotherapy worked, these are the results we want to have”. “The breast tissue showed no evidence of aggressive cancer cells.” “The Lymph nodes also did not show evidence of aggressive cancer cells!” “There was only signs of non invasive cancer cells.”

Doctor spoke these words in a joyful voice with such excitement. She talked about the size of the original cancer and the lymph node and that there was no longer any signs of the tumor and that the Chemotherapy treatment recommended worked. She mentioned that my medical Oncologist would again talk to me about the need for Radiation Treatment.

Doctor removed the dressing over the mastectomy site. While examining the surgery site, Dr. Nakashizuka was asking Monique about the amount of fluid discharge. Monique was rattling off numbers as fast as doctor was asking for them. Doctor then says, “the drains are ready to be removed”! I immediately ask, “is it going to hurt?” Doctor smiled and said I have been through much worse and tapped my shoulder. Ummmm, that didn’t answer my question! Well, no I didn’t feel pain when she pulled them out.

It was a good visit. I have a busy week of appointments. I am being referred to Physical Therapy, to help avoid Lymphedema. My first appointment is tomorrow at 730 am! No sleeping in for me!! After that I will get my monthly blood draw, and on Friday I get my Herceptin infusion after seeing my Medical Oncologist.

It’s going on 11pm here on Oahu, time to call it a night……good night.

Much Mahalo for reading

Pina (Josefina Wallace)

 

 

‘

2 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , ,