Tuesday, October 14, 2008

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!!!


12 comments:

  1. So much news...

    You're thought of, prayed for and loved by us...and all of your other friends, too!

    ~Blessings,
    Jan

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Michelle,
    I'm so happy for you that Bobby is such a Loving Dh! Laughter is so good!:o)I'm so glad he's there with you every step of the way!
    So glad ya'll got to have a nice lunch and cof. treat. :o)
    I hate to say no mammo for me this yr. :o( With Dh laid off no insurance.With our home being paid for we can not get any type of help.
    My Love, thoughts, and prayers are with you!
    Have a good evening!
    Blessins' (((((HUGS)))))

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Michelle, I am so glad to see that you are feeling much better, sounds like you had a wonderful day Monday, made me want to be there too. My hair fell out on day 14, I was on a different drug though so probably works different with each one. I was ovarian cancer.
    The day after it started falling out I called my friend and she came a shaved my head, Well I cried for a few hours and then I called her. I felt so much better after that was over, no more worrying about when it was going to happen etc. and guess what? God had given me a perfect head and all those years it had been hidden under all that hair, I may have never known that if it had not been for that darn chemo, see there is an up side. lol Big Hugs to you and your wonderful family..
    Deb

    ReplyDelete
  4. It's good to hear you're seeing the good in everything while this is going on. Positive attitude helps so much! Try Zingerman's in Ann Arbor when you go there again. It's a little expensive, but SO good!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Michelle, I am sorry you must have more surgery, but I'm glad that they found this and it can be taken care of.

    It's so nice that you got to enjoy your day in the city. You are such a sweet person and lovely lady. You are in my prayers and thoughts all the time. Hugs, Kathi

    ReplyDelete
  6. Yes a partner is a blessing if you can laugh !!!
    My mammogram is tomorrow

    Praying for you!!

    deena

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi, I just read about you over on Diana Lyn's blog and wanted to come over and meet you. Then when I got here I had to read your blog. My heart goes out to you and your family. But go forth with God's Strength and Grace. You are a beautiful woman, inside and out, and I know that He will carry you in His arms and protect you.

    Gosh, I don't know, I wish there were words to say to make it all go away but there isn't. I lost my dear friend 3 years ago and since them I've taken on the mantle of fighting cancer. I talk about it with everyone, to raise the awareness, and to share my desire to "Kick Cancer's Butt". I too hate cancer and all that comes with it.

    I'll be comeing back in and reading your posts, keeping in touch and praying.
    Stay strong sweet Michelle.
    Prayers,
    Charlie

    ReplyDelete
  8. I saw your comment on another blog, Sweetie's I think and thought I would come and visit. I hope you are doing better by now. Your hubby is such a wonderful support for you. That is great!

    ReplyDelete
  9. So much news, Regards Steven May

    ReplyDelete
  10. Michelle, I found your blog through Lindanjake. Reading your comment about your dad after your mom died, make me think that maybe we were related. The very exact same thing happend to me, my mom died from breast cancer in September and in December my dad was dating and 1 year and 2 months after my mom died they got married. WOW, my sister and I were happy for them, but it really strained the realtionship and it is so much different now. I am sorry that you are going through what you are going through. God is good and hold onto HIM and you will get through this. Yes I had mine done this last Tuesday.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Michelle, I'm just popping over from Diana Lyn's blog. I wanted to let you know I'll be thinking. I am a six year survivor feel so blessed to be doing well. You have a wonderful attitude and strong spirit and this will carry you through the bad patches. Your hubby sounds great...I have a great one too...this just makes thing easier.
    I had all my lymph nodes removed and I was worried about lymphedema too...just read all you can about it...there are lots of do and dont's that help avoid the condition. Gosh, I didn't mean to go on and on.....take care...blessings and hugs, Linda

    ReplyDelete
  12. Morning Sweetie, I was thinking about you this a.m. and came for a visit! So glad Bobby is there for you!:o) What a Sweet Man! Lucky you , you are Blessed! Glad you had a wonderful day, You will have many of those days , it is so easy to get wrapped up in everyday life, I treaseure every moment now more then ever! What wonderful friends you have to bring you dinner! Xo Diana Lyn

    ReplyDelete

I appreciate each and every single one of you who stops by for a visit...thank you! Please leave me a comment...I really love hearing from you :)