I am SO happy to hear the good results of the chemotherapy, and I am sure that you must be beyond elated and relieved by this information as well, @Beth Gallagher ! ! It is good that they are doing all of the pre-operation tests, too. They did that with me before the pacemaker operation, just so that they knew for sure what to expect during the procedure.
Thanks, @Gloria Mitchell ! Thanks, @Yvonne Smith. I'm cautiously optimistic about the scan results but I know that there's a lot more to learn from the actual pathology after surgery. Scans only tell part of the story, but it's nice that so far the story is good. I'm also glad that they are doing all the tests; it doesn't hurt to get the big picture health-wise.
One week to go before surgery; anxiety and dread are building. When I started treatment in January, "the end of August" sounded so far away and suddenly, it's here. I need to read the 1" thick printout of "pre-surgery and post-op instructions." I'm supposed to stop all OTC meds and supplements beginning today so I hope heartburn won't make me crazy(er). I need to get a few things done this week that I won't be able to do after surgery... my right arm will be mostly useless for a couple of weeks. "No lifting more than 5 pounds and don't lift arm higher than shoulder height." Since I'm 5'2" everything in my house is over my head except my shoes. I guess next weekend will be a flurry of sheet-changing, mopping, dusting, laundry, and knocking off a few casseroles for the freezer.
@Beth Gallagher - Beth I want you to know that I will be thinking and praying for you Monday. I mean that literally, not just saying it . We will leave Sunday morning for much needed road trip and will be gone several days, but will check in to see if anyone has word of how you are doing. I think of you and Babs Hunt and the different approach each of you have taken. I feel strength from you both for whatever lies ahead for me in the future. Hope your up and running around with that beer soon
I really admire you for carrying on and keeping on doing what you always have as much as possible. I know so many women with lesser cancers that continually play the cancer card to avoid chores and responsibility. You may be only 5' 2" but you are one tough mama! I knew from the beginning that cancer was going to take an ass-kicking messing with our Beth. Your dread of the final ugliness will just make you stronger because you are so well prepared and self-educated.
Thank you so much, Gloria. I never turn down anyone's generous offer of prayers. I'm quite nervous about Monday but at least my weekend will be busy and keep my mind occupied. Enjoy your trip and be safe. We'll want to know about your adventures when you return home.
You are too kind, Faye. Plus you give me far too much credit for traits that I only wish I had. I don't believe I ever "kicked cancer's ass" so much as simply grudgingly showed up for the treatments, usually whining and dragging my feet. I appreciate your support, girl.
Today was my final day of appointments before surgery on Monday. I had the blood draw from hell; they took 8 vials of blood today. I asked what they needed that much blood for and the answer was "genetic testing, blood typing, and a CBC." I had no idea that the genetic testing required so much blood. After that it was on to have an ultrasound-guided "seed placement" where they use ultrasound to locate a tiny titanium clip that was placed in a lymph node when I was first diagnosed. The seed is to guide the surgeon so that she makes sure to remove the node that had cancer cells. Unfortunately though they tried for over an hour (2 different US techs and a radiologist) they couldn't find the titanium clip. So no seed was placed after all. They will attempt to find the titanium clip after the lymph nodes are removed by using x-ray or something. The good news is that the reason they couldn't find the clip is that the lymph node has shrunk back to normal size and is much smaller now. Lastly I had a covid test and a chest x-ray. I'm pooped since I didn't sleep well last night and it was an early day. I want to take a nap but I'm expecting a call from my surgeon and from the OR scheduler, who will let me know what time I must report for surgery on Monday.
It is good that you are getting closer to the end of all this treatment, @Beth Gallagher , and it sounds like everything so far has gone well, so it all looks good from here on. Now , you get to do the “arm tied down” thing after the operation. I had to do that after the pacemaker, and it is hard to get comfortable at night that way, and I had to sleep on my back, which I do not usually do. I was really glad when I didn’t have to wear that sling anymore; but it is necessary. Sending HUGS and PRAYERS for the surgery next week.
My surgeon called me last night to see how I was holding up and if I had any questions/concerns. I told her I was worried about my rapid heart rate and she was very comforting about it. She said that my body was still reacting to harsh chemo and trying to rebuild from the cancer, plus my months of relative inactivity were taking its toll. She also said to remember that a resting rate under 100 is perfectly normal (but not "normal" for me.) My current resting heart rate is around 80. My surgery will be her first one on Monday morning... I have to be there at 5 a.m.!! All my pre-op tests came back good so all systems are 'go.' Yikes.