The Appointment Update

Well, here's an update on what's been happening for the last few days...

The Monday appointment @ the U of M Cancer Center went well. My husband & I have decided that I *will* undergo an additional surgery to have more lymph nodes removed. That will take place once I'm all through with chemo. Radiation will follow. It's a totally elective surgery. The doctors there suggested it's a good idea to ensure there are no other unknown lymph nodes that are cancerous. Both Bobby & I feel it's better to be pro-active about this and really *know* for certain about these lymph nodes instead of just *hoping* they get everything through chemo. One of the complications involved is a condition in the arm known as lymphedema (which my breast cancer survivor cousin experienced) - swelling and numbness occurs. I realize everyone must decide for themselves, but to me it's worth taking that risk to put my mind more at ease. It may happen or it may not. I am confident I'll be able to deal with anything that comes my way, with God's help. That's how this whole journey has been so far...

I had my saline expander injections on Tuesday. That went just fine. I probably won't have to see the plastic surgeon again until my implant exchange surgery in about 6 months or so.

Yesterday I had to go in to the oncologist's office to have some blood drawn. My white counts are a little low but they assured me it's nothing to be overly concerned with. Everything else is great.

Back to Monday for a minute...I have to tell you how much I enjoyed the day, even though we did have to go for that appointment. Ann Arbor is a lovely town, full of sidewalk cafes and cute little shops. Bobby & I were able to go out to lunch. We found one of his favorite restaurants (BD's Mongolian Grill) so we ate there. The food was good and we enjoyed a nice time together. Afterwards we found a Starbucks. I got a strawberries & cream frappuccino (which I just get occasionally so it's a real treat) and Bobby got some coffee & a slice of pumpkin bread. We sat at a table outside, just watching all the downtown activity. The weather was absolutely BEAUTIFUL that day - like nearly 80 degrees. The couple hours we spent away from the hospital were so nice. As I've shared before, my husband has quite an enjoyable personality with such an awesome sense of humor and he was making me laugh the whole day. I love Bobby SO MUCH - he is such a blessing to me!

As far as any hair loss goes...it's 'Day 8' since 'Chemo #1' and I've only lost a few strands here and there...nothing major yet. A couple of people I met yesterday in the Chemo Room said all the activity gets going on 'Day 10'. Hmmm, I'll let ya know :)

A family we know brought us dinner last night - baked chicken, homemade mashed potatoes, broccoli & carrots, tossed salad and apple cider. Another family included a sweet card. It's so nice to be thought of :)

I have recently received some special packages from special blogging friends and I'll be posting about it soon.

Hope everyone is enjoying a good week!

P.S. Have any of you scheduled your mammogram yet? I hope so!!!