Part 2

I finished my first week back to work and I feel pretty good. I have to say the beginning of the week was very tiring, but by the time Friday rolled around, I felt pretty good.

We are getting ready for the next phase of our journey, chemotherapy. I have to say this part scares me the most. Monday we have to meet with the surgeon to talk about putting in the port. I have small veins plus the chemo cocktail can damage the veins so the port is the way to go. Monday afternoon I have to have an MRI to make sure they don't see anything else. They are doing this because the type of cancer changed from biopsy to surgery. The oncologist told me it was a fast growing cancer and I have a good chance of getting it somewhere else in my body. Even though the lymph nodes were negative, we are treating this agressively. I will have 6 treatments, every 3 weeks for 18 weeks and then Tamoxifin for 5 years and then another drug for 5 years. I will lose my hair about the 2nd week after the first round. I anticipate the first treatment to be on or about July 7.

One of our other friends in Chicago was also recently diagnosed. Please put Barbara in your prayers.

Stay tuned........
Rhonda

Tuesday

Today was my 2nd day back to work. Overall I feel pretty good. I am still pretty sore but ok overall.

We go back to the oncologist on Thursday afternoon to meet with the research nurse to learn more about clinical trials. I am undecided if I want to go this route.

I am off to bed, I'll write more in a day or so.

Rhonda

SO....

A lot has changed in the last few days. Yesterday, we went to the general surgeon to find out the diagnosis had changed from the biopsy to the surgery. What this means - I don't have garden variety breast cancer, Ductal Carcinoma in Situ, I have Lobular Carcinoma in Situ. The primary difference there is a greater chance it will reoccur in the right side. Needless to say, Sharon and I were upset as we may have made different surgical decisions.

Today, we saw the oncologist. She is great. We were more relieved after meeting with her. She said the treatment recommendations would have been the same with either diagnosis. She is going to talk to pathology to find out how this happened. There are also answers she wants as the pathology contradicts itself in a few places. We are confident she will do what needs to be done and help us with the answers we need.

Next steps: I agreed to clinical trials for chemotherapy if I am a candidate. I will undergo 4-6 treatments (12-18 weeks) depending if I am on the clinical trial or not. Additional tests will need to be done if I am eligible. God bless the women before me for taking part in the clinical trials. I want to do my part if I can. After chemo, I will take Amoxifen for 5 years and then another pill for 5 years after that. We are treating the risk factors at this point.

A lot of information, but it has been a busy, emotional few days. Thanks for being a part of our journey.

Rhonda and Sharon

Mark, you knew I would keep it interesting!!

Tuesday

It is hard to believe it has been almost two weeks since I had surgery. I am doing better every day, and the pain is becoming manageable by Tylenol.

Sharon has taken me shopping a few times to get out of the apt. I did pretty well. I did get pooped out over the weekend when we went for donuts, and then to Barnes and Noble and to Marshall's. I had a long nap afterwards though.

We go to the general surgeon this afternoon. We should find out if chemo is the next step. we'll keep you posted.

Rhonda

Saturday

Well, today we went to Wally World. Sharon pushed me around in a wheel chair so I wouldn't poop out. It was really good to get out of the house.

Sharon and my mom are getting a new look, thanks to Clairol!!

We are going to Rudy's to pick up BBQ for dinner. We'll pick up brisket and smoked sausage. YUM YUM! wish you all were here.

I think tomorrow morning we are going to Round Rock Donuts. If you haven't been there, you will have to try it when you come for a visit. They are very good, and so good for you!!

Have a wonderful weekend.
Rhonda

Friday

It is hard to believe it has been a week since the surgery. I am doing pretty well overall. I feel better every day.

I have to admit I enjoy my naps and bubble baths the most!!

The plastic surgeon was very pleased and says it will take a few months for everything to heal and the swelling to go down.

We are going to take a drive to the bank and mail some cards. Tomorrow we are going to splurge and go to Round Rock Donuts.

Have a great weekend.
Rhonda and Sharon

Thank You

Thank you to our friends and family for the beautiful flowers, cards, emails, thoughts and prayers. We appreciate them very much.

Rhonda and Sharon

Wednesday

Today is a good day. I am officially ready to be well and back to it. I am tired of laying in bed and sleeping on my back sitting up.

My mom is going to stay with a friend tonight. I think she will stay with us until mid next week. It's good to have her here.

We go to see the doctor tomorrow for the first time. It will be good to get out of the house, even though it's hotter than hell with high humidity.

Chat with you later.

Tuesday

Well, we removed the dressings last night. It wasn't as bad as I expected. Dr. Hooterific did a really good job. Of course I have a lot of swelling and that will take time.

I am headed for a nap. Sharon made a nice breakfast for us.

I will check in later.

Monday

I am doing pretty well today. My mom has been here and my cousin Mike drove down from OKC. So I did get a little pooped out sitting up trying to be the center of attention!

Hoosier has been very protective and didn't want my mom around me the first day. He doesn't like her anyway. he is adjusting, too.

Sharon is doing ok, I think we are adjusting to a schedule of pain meds and taking naps.

I can take the dressing off today and have a bath. I am nervous about removing the dressing, but know it will be ok. It will be a shock at first I am sure.

I am going to lay back down for a nap. You can't take too many naps!

Rhonda and Sharon