Great News!

The pathology results from the 2nd surgery show no other signs of cancer! So, I think we're in good shape. Will post again tomorrow after my doc appts.
Thanks for tuning in!

Drainy Drain Drain Drain....

Well, I wasn't expecting the 2nd surgery to be so much different from the 1st, but it was. I'm much better now and don't have to take the pain pills quite as much. The drain is a hinderance but not the end of the world by any means.

Was supposed to go see the surgeon today but it was too soon to get the drain out so he just told me to stay home and come on Friday. So hopefully I can get it out on Friday because I am going home to St. Louis this weekend and spending the week with all my YaYa sisters!! Ya Ya!!

Even if I can't have it out, I will just go with it in and have a good time anyway!
So, Wednesday is the next big Dr. day to get some news! Will keep you posted!

Surgery #2 Done!

Well, today they took out a "range" of lymnodes (node dissection) and will again test them to see if any more of them have cancer. I have a drain this time and can't take a shower for awhile and I'm not allowed to lift anything over 15lbs for 3 weeks. Now it's crampin my style a bit!! So I guess I'm not going back to work as soon as I thought.
My Aunt Sandy came in from St. Louis to help out with going to Dr. appointments. Chris went to my 1st surgery and again today. He has been absolutely wonderful throughout this whole thing and is my best friend and supporter as always (I am very lucky to have him!), but unfortunately he still has to bring home the bacon. We thought it would be a good idea to have someone to go with me when Chris can't so we have more "ears" in the room when talking with the docs. Thank you Chris and Aunt Sandy! Mom will be coming later when treatments start.
We will be meeting with my surgeon on Monday, so hopefully we will have the pathology report back by then. And then on Wednesday, we meet with my Medical Oncologist and my Radiation Oncologist. I am hoping that we will get lots of info next week!

A Small 2mm Setback....

My surgeon called today with the pathology results from my surgery. If you remember from a previous post, there was a 20% chance they would find something after surgery and it turns out I do have a small bit that spread into one of my lymphnodes. Lucky me! haha So we will schedule another surgery so he can go in and take that bit out. He said it is even quicker than the last surgery so no big deal.

Also, he will refer me to a medical and a radiation oncologist so we can plan out the rest of the treatment. I will post more when I have my next surgery date.

Still feeling pretty good..

Just a little sore is all. I am certain now that I will be able to slowly get all those pesky household chores done that I have lined up!

For some reason, there is not an option to leave a comment on my previous post..I am still working on it and am posting today in hopes it will fix itself.

Thanks again everybody! I will let you know when I find out anything new. XO Laura

Doing Great!

Out of surgery and back home. A little groggy and sore but no big deal. The surgeon said that the test they did on the lymphnode did not show any more cancer. Great News of course! That quick test is generally 80% accurate. They do test the tissue further and we should know the results of that on Tuesday.

Also have to make an appointment to see the surgeon again in 2 weeks. Really like him alot too!

Once again...a BIG THANK YOU..to all of you for the messages and phone calls of support! I really enjoy hearing from you!!

Will update again when I hear more. Until then...

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow

(no..I didn't come up with that. lol)

That which makes you stronger!

Vacation was great! Had such a good time visiting with old friends and soaking up the island vibe! I pretty much forgot about my lump!

I would like to thank everyone so much for all your thoughts, emails, and calls. It's so nice to hear and feel everyone's positive energy!

Back to reality! One more day of work, then on Tuesday I go in for a pre-admission appointment for my surgery on Friday. All I know about the surgery so far is that they will be doing a lumpectomy and sentinal node biopsy and a possible axillary node dissection. They will just take out the lump + a bit around it to leave a clear margin and a sample of lymphnodes. While I am still under..they will do a quick test to see if the cancer has spread and take out more if needed.

They will do more lab work on the removed tissue after the surgery to determine what the next steps will be as far as treatment (chemo, radiation). The oncologist will decide on the treatment and I will meet with him/her in the near future I'm sure.

So, I am posting a video that I came across on Facebook that I really related to. It means so many things really..but the reason I am posting it is because naturally we do not wish to see our loved ones go through rough times. I believe that all that worry, dread, and anxiety should rather be channeled into the strength and growth that will blossom out of the tough patch. Sometimes, whether it's voluntary or not, you have to experience things that aren't necessarily pleasant, but force you to accept and grow. You can reluctantly accept them or welcome them as a challenge and adventure.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ky6vgQfU24