Thursday 15 September 2022

Findings and Treatments and Other Stuff

 Yesterday, I had my first consult appointment with the surgeon. I felt very good about her (I know that's not necessary, but it helps me and how I feel about things). I found out that I am stage 1 (early stage) and the procedure will be a lumpectomy, followed after healing with radiation. I will then take hormone replacement therapy. Because I only spoke with the surgeon yesterday, I don't know anything about the radiation or the hormone replacement, as those are dealt with by other doctors. 

I feel very positive about what I was told and I know it could have been much, much worse. My heart goes out to all women who have had to hear less positive information from their surgeons.

The one thing I am most concerned about is the painful procedure that involves injecting radioactive solution into the breast to prepare for the sentinel lymph node biopsy. The hospital paperwork even says it is a painful procedure. They do not freeze you. I don't know why, but they don't. The only suggestion is topical numbing cream. I'm just so tired of pain (previous stuff that I don't talk about here) in hospital settings and just so tired of women having to tough it out. I made the mistake of looking online at first hand accounts of the procedure and scared the living daylights out of myself. Ughhh. 

Regardless, the rest of the news is good and my surgery date is set for only two weeks from now, so that's excellent. If I can figure out a way to sleep without worrying about the other thing, then I'm golden.


Other stuff: Tomatoes continue to ripen. I used up most of my jars canning just plain, diced tomatoes. I guess I'll do some freezing now. 

I booked myself in for a half day of supply teaching tomorrow afternoon just so I can do something and get distracted. 

It is feeling much more "fallish" here, as some leaves are changing colour and the night time temperatures are dropping. 

I'm back to not being able to concentrate enough to read and remember what the heck I've been reading (crucial when you are into murder mysteries - must keep all the clues and details straight).

I'm looking forward to the new season of "Island of Brian" which will start on October 2. There's not a whole lot on tv that I'm really into right now. Watched the Netflix two part series, I think it was called, "I Killed My Father". Interesting. 

Bluejays are loud. 

43 comments:

  1. I think it is important that you like your Doctors. I am keeping you in my thoughts.
    You are right women take the pain more than men that's for sure.
    It is feeling fallish here tonight we are going to the 40s overnight and our MT Washington had snow and ice today.
    Cathy

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mine was also stage 1, Invasive lobular carcinoma in 2000. I had the lumpectomy and radiation. Opted out of the anything else as I don't react well to meds. To be honest, since we have no BC in our family, I 'think' my BC was due to over 20 years of estrogen (Premarin) given to me after my complete hysterectomy at 34.
    As for the painful procedure, back then they put a wire into your breast (into the lump) to be able to find it (not the radioactive solution you mentioned). This was very painful... but the surgery itself wasn't bad. There was a drain that stayed in for a while and had to be emptied, but all in all, it was OK. You will do fine. It is a difficult time, but you will get through it. And I will keep you in my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I actually do get a wire put in, as well as two "seeds", but those procedures are done with freezing (like the two biopsies I had). For some reason this other procedure does not involve freezing at all. I do appreciate your good wishes - it is nice to hear from someone who got through it!

      Delete
    2. No freezing with my wire. That was difficult, but that’s when my philosophy of “it is what it is... and I can handle it” came in handy.

      Delete
  3. Catching any cancer early is the ideal and the most treatable. I'm glad you are happy with the doc. As for pain, whenever I have any kind of medical procedure, I always state that I want to feel no pain. If I'm not going to be totally asleep during a procedure, I want a sedative and/or numbing as well. The Fall weather is lovely and the cool air is much appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Here, it’s maybe not the same. I was told with certainty there was no freezing. Are you in the States?

      Delete
  4. When is the biopsy scheduled? I read through twice and can't see it mentioned. On the day I think a few hundred of us will be in our doorways, cheering for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well I’ve already had both biopsies. Now I have 3 other things that have to be in place before my actual lumpectomy which is on September 30th. Thank you Joanne!

      Delete
  5. That sounds like very good news, Jenn. Glad you only have to wait two weeks for the surgery. I don't understand why they don't give a light sedative (like they use for a colonoscopy) for that procedure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For the one I’m afraid of, it has to be done on the same day, before my lumpectomy. Maybe it’s all down to money why certain things aren’t done???

      Delete
  6. That is just the same treatment that my eldest stepdaughter had, three years ago.
    She has just had her latest review, all clear xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. Good news indeed & I agree, liking the doctor is a all part of that good vibes during the difficult times. The idea of pain scares me too. Sometimes reading up using Dr Google can be a good thing, sometimes not. Is there someone you can talk to on your current team about this? Distraction with books & TV, best medicine sometimes. We just finished Series #1 of The Chelsea Detective (DVD from the library). As for books, Elly Griffiths series of Doctor Ruth Galloway are really easy murder mysteries to follow. Keeping you in my prayers. ... Mary-Lou =^[..]^=

    ReplyDelete
  8. It's important to feel comfortable with your doctor whenever that's possible. So glad you won't be waiting much longer now. May I suggest you keep a small package of frozen peas or corn handy? Unlike an ice pack, the package of frozen veggies mold to your body and distributes the weight more evenly over a sore area. Also, are you able to take an OTC pain medicine before the procedure? By Christmas you'll be healed up. My BC was also caught early. It's good news that yours has been, too. --Elise

    ReplyDelete
  9. Good suggestion. Thank you for letting me in on your life, as well. I have a phone appointment with a nurse this morning. I'll be able to ask her these questions.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Glad you have found a good doctor and there is a good treatment plan for you.
    I recently watched "Enola Holmes" on Netflix and thought it was good. I am reading Sue Grafton's alphabet mystery series again. I read them years ago but since I can't remember "who done it", I can enjoy them all over again!
    Best of luck on the 30th!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm so very happy to hear that you caught this very early on. Having a connection or just liking your Dr. is a huge plus in my mind.
    I too hate that you have to tough it out for this procedure; that sounds barbaric to me in this day and age. I wonder if even having a Xanax prior would help you? (I had one just prior to my laser eye surgery to stop me from thinking about it)
    I pray that it's not as painful as expected and that you are on the road to recovery asap. Big (gentle) hugs coming your way.

    Oh, I love Brian and Sarah!! They are in our (old) stomping grounds now in Florida.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh dear Suz... Xanax would require a referral to a psych. Not going to happen, but lovely thought anyway.

      Delete
  12. I too, am pleased to hear the cancer was caught so early. I don't understand why a procedure would be done without pain meds. Sounds ridiculous in this day and age. Hopefully you can take something to take the edge off.
    Enjoy your day of supply teaching!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Well, that's good news, if you have to be dealing with this diagnosis at all. Very good news! And having a date is useful, and a doc that you like. I know I, too, would be agonizing about the impending test (pity they can't do it after you are already knocked out for the surgery). But Elise's suggestion is a good one. Just know it's part of the end game and so far, that end game looks very good indeed. Biggest gentle hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I understand that it needs to be flowing through your system to get to the lymph nodes prior to the surgery. Hugs accepted, Jeanie!

      Delete
  14. Really pleased that your cancer has been caught early. Mine was stage 2, grade 3 which was why I opted for a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. Don't worry about the injection for the sentinel node biopsy. I don't remember it being particularly painful but I did turn a fetching shade of blue which faded the next day. Good luck with your treatment. I remember asking a friend who had been through treatment does there ever come a day when you stop thinking about bc, she said yes of course-and it did.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well this makes me awfully happy. I wonder if yours included freezing in the injection? I can handle blue. Thank you for this comment - it really helps.

      Delete
  15. I too am glad they have caught you early, that you like your doctor and that your date is soon. I know we will all be thinking of you and wishing the best for you. You are a strong person and will get through this.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thank goodness for the early diagnosis. Thinking of you. x

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi Jen... thank God they found it early. I have a couple of friends who had the treatment that you are going to have and they are living happy, healthy lives and are cancer free. Is Island With Brian the same as our Renovation Island? Oh how I love that show so much. Many prayers going your way. xxxxxx.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is one and the same, but for some reason, goes by a different name for the American audience. Thank you Katie, it helps to hear that others have come through with flying colours!

      Delete
  18. Hi Jenn, sorry I can't remember if any freezing was involved. I know at the time I was feeling nervous so it feels a bit of a blur. I remember walking to the nuclear medicine dept and walked back to the ward ok, just kept telling myself it would soon be over.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thanks for replying. Nervous indeed. I have “shaky moments “ after my various procedures and appointments. Sometimes it’s one day at a time, sometimes it’s one hour at a time - with upcoming stuff, it might be one minute at a time. But I imagine you know that. I’m so glad you’re all done with yours!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh, I think feeling good about your surgeon/doctor is everything. So glad yours is stage 1 and they caught it early. I know nothing about the procedure you talked about, but do know reading stories on line can scare you. I've done it too. My doctor told me to stop believing everything I read on line. I hope you can sleep and not worry too much. The days go by so fast. Things will be back to normal before you know it!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I admire how you are taking this head on. We had to wait two months before my husband could have his cancer surgery. I am in awe of how strong we were for each other. I thought the stress would cause us to argue, but it was the opposite. His was caught early and that seems to be the key. You will be in my thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, sometimes you have to be strong when that’s your only choice. It has been three months already from my first unofficial diagnosis so my surgery will be almost four months. But I kept reminding myself that if it had been more advanced or more aggressive then I probably would have been seen more quickly ( at least I hope I would have been). Thank you for commenting- these are all so helpful and kind. I’m glad your husband’s was also caught early!

      Delete
  22. I too concur having a doc with whom you feel good is vital for the prognosis. It sounds like it will go OK in the end.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Jenn, I'm so happy to hear that the news you received is good! That is awesome. I also think it's great that you had a good feeling about the surgeon. I think that's really important. It puts you at ease. Please don't spend more time than necessary with Doctor Google! It is exhausting and sometimes scary.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thank you for the update. I have been thinking about you and wondering how you are. I am so glad you got better news than it could be. Keeping you in my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I don't want to get your hopes up but there might be an alternative of using a radioactive seed instead of the wire. It maybe that the hospital you are attending has no one trained in the procedure or that there are other reasons but at least you could ask the nurse why this isn't an option for you. You can also ask if an I.V sedative can be given first. I've had some painful stuff in the past and I just have to tell myself the pain means another step forward in my treatment. You are correct in thinking women are expected to tough things out. I will be looking forward to a post op post from you.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Considering it will be almost three months wait to get my surgery and I’m going to a specialized clinic at an excellent host, I’m probably not going to question the advisements of my surgeon.
    I’ve had some medical trauma from my childhood that has affected how stoic I am and how I fear unnecessary pain. I’ll get through it, as thousands of women before me gave, but it causes me anxiety regardless.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I understand. As a child you feel powerless. No wonder you are affected by it.

      Delete
  27. You are right, Bluejays are loud.
    And I am sure the procedure in the hospital will go smoothly.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I am so glad that you are getting in so quickly. Keeping you in my prayers.

    God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Best of luck with everything - so glad you are being treated so promptly. My step-sister went through this just before lockdown and while not pleasant - she did manage the first procedure. But it doesn't seem fair that women are always the ones who seem to have to "tough it out". By the way, my SS is doing fine as she too was lucky that they caught it so early. Saying a prayer...

    ReplyDelete