It's been 3 weeks since I had surgery and I can't believe how fast time has gone by. My wounds have healed nicely and even though my left underarm where the doc removed the lymph nodes is still tender I can raise my arm which is important for radiation.
Tuesday, December 27th - Appt with Dr. Purkert (Surgeon)Gave me the run down on how my surgery went and discussed the pathology report (which is a detailed summary of exactly what was done during surgery) I had a lumpectomy, a sentinel lymph node biopsy and of course the removal of my port. Turns out I had 5 lymph nodes removed and everything was negative for cancer. He was very pleased with the outcome and so am I!!! Dr. Purkert then did a quick look over and although my wounds look ugly to me, he said they were healing beautifully. So of course that made me smile. I'm still swollen and sore but I've been really careful not to interrupt the healing process. Next appt. is in 6-8 weeks.
Wednesday, December 28th - Appt with Dr. Moulds (Radiologist)
He too reviewed my pathology report and examined my surgical wounds. He was very impressed with how my body reacted to chemo and was happy with my pathology report and how my body handled the surgery. He had me raise my arm to see my mobility and then discussed the side effects of radiation which included possible redness/burns and fatigue. I hope I don't get tired because I'm really enjoying being somewhat normal again but we'll just have to see how my body reacts to the radiation and as always, I'll keep you all posted.
Saturday, December 31st - Ring in the hope 10K/5K race and 1k walk.
So proud of myself. This morning Cody and I walked the 1K. I know 1K is not a big deal but for someone who just a few months ago was lying on the couch all day in a vegetative state, it felt great. To me, it's a start. A start of something big. I feel like I'm gaining control of my life again and it feels so good. Seeing all those people line up at the starting line made me think of all the races I ran in Phoenix years ago. It motivated me. And although I didn't run this one(so not ready for that yet) I walked that 1K and I'm so glad I did. It really got my heart pumping. But in all reality, Cody and I walked from our house to the race, then walked home so I actually did a little more than a 1K but who's keeping track? I AM!!!
I took a few photos that I will post to my blog (http://jenniferkile.blogspot.com) when I get a chance. HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!
Monday, January 2nd, 2012 - Appt with Heather (Radiology Therapist)
Heather is my new BFF. Ha-ha, not really but she was so personable and informative that I feel like she will make radiation treatments more bearable. Today she gave me a CT scan and 3 tattoos. Yup I got 3 tattoos. Not the normal kind you think of when you hear people say I got a tattoo. They're actually small pen sized dots on my left and right side and one on my chest. While I was in the CT scan she used beams to line me up. She then marked my skin in 3 spots with an X. While I was lying there she cleaned my skin and pricked me quickly with a needle to tattoo me. This is so they can line me up perfectly every time I get radiation. I certainly didn't enjoy the needle but compared to chemo nothing I do will ever be that bad so I took it like a champ. Radiation begins
Monday - Friday, January 23rd - March 5th.
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012 - Dr. Wilkinson (Oncologist)
Just a general appointment to see how I'm doing now that I'm been off chemo for 6 weeks. Yes, 6 weeks. I'm shocked too and so thrilled but the side effects are still hanging in their. I asked her the following questions:
My joints are stiff. Sometimes it's hard to walk up the stairs or get out of my chair after sitting too long.
All normal unless it's a major pain in a specific area then call us.
My toes are still tingling/numb and some of my fingernails and toenails are dying.
The numbness is normal. The fingernails and toenails will either grow out or fall off. (Hopefully grow out I thought)
The hot flashes are terrible. They're still really bad and happen a few times during the day/night
Normal. (Since everyone is different she can't tell me when if ever the hot flashes will end.)
I'm upset with the loss of my eyebrows.
It's normal to loose them. Don't worry, they will grow back soon. (I'm not to thrilled with that response but what can I do? Keep penciling them in I guess.)
Dr. Wilkinson told me to continue to eat healthy foods that offer plenty of vitamins, drink more water, milk and EXERCISE. All I'm guilty of not doing 100%. I know, I need to get my act together.
Speaking of exercise and still motivated from my 1K walk, I bought the Pussy Cat dolls dancers body work out video to try to loose those darn 15 pounds I gained during chemo. I don't know what I was thinking. While I appreciate their sexy moves and plan to get them down to a T, I can't not move my body like that right now due to my recovery. So I'll just sit and watch those skinny little girls in those teeny tiny outfits and patiently wait a few more weeks while I recover. Until then, I'll walk on the treadmill or find some other low impact workout. Anyone got any suggestions?
Thanks again for all your awesome support in 2011. I can't believe I made it through the last 6 months but I know without all of you there's no way I would have been so strong. You're encouraging words meant so much and without you all, fighting cancer would have been a lot tougher. I still have a few more months to go but I know I'm on the downhill side of this journey and even though the fight is not as fierce as it was, I'm still not giving up.
Lots of love, Jen
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