Let's get a recap of what's taken place thus far...I was diagnosed early May with infiltrating ductile carcinoma, stage 2 (this is good) and had a mastectomy and reconstruction of the left breast, performed at the same time, on July 6th. Sometimes it feels like someone has punched me in the chest with a steel ball but most of the time it's controlled by pain medication -- there is an art to medicating for pain and avoiding side effects, like constipation -- you may laugh but trust me knowing the balance is critical and someday maybe you'll be knocking on my door for my hard earned expertise! I'm getting around pretty well. My body typically lets my mind know quickly that I've overshot my to do's -- the conversations between body and mind are entertaining - I try to stay out of the way. Body is winning most dialogues. Had my first surgeon's appointment July 17th. Dr. Hyde who performed the mastectomy and removed the sentinel lymph node checked the surgery site. I asked where am I on a scale of 1-10 for progress -- he said a 9-10! He also said that I am cancer free. Yes, you heard that correctly. Let's breathe in this victory but I'll also caution you and say I have not met with the Oncologist (that's next week) who will determine the next treatment steps based upon many different criteria of the cancer that was removed. Now we switch to a new stage...it's about treatment that will prevent the cancer from returning. That could mean many choices...so for now let's celebrate the victory of "cancer free" and embrace the visualization of the least invasive treatment possible -- which is taking/doing absolutely nothing!! Remember our visualization of happy healthy lymph nodes...it worked! See how powerful we are!!! Now it's about visualizing peace, gratefulness and being healed.
I've listed in the favorite weblink section the company that has been providing our yummy food -- The Dinner Studio. Good nutrition is key in healing from surgery...so understand that all of you who have given to help support this food service have an integral part in my healing. I've never respected food as I do these days.
So glad you are aboard the journey -- you are magical!
Karen
4 comments:
greetings to our our k 2 from Joani and brian we are rejoicing in your progress, recovery, and amazing spirit! You are the master of the boat and we are proud and humbled to be your loyal ship mates. We love you and jeff and hope we can make a visit soon you name your favorite healthy food and something to cuddle with! Let us know when and how we can bring greetings !
are you up for company yet? LMK b/c I love you and am standing by...L, Julie
Karen, I'm so glad to hear you are doing so well through this ordeal, and I am sure hoping it will get better from here!! It certainly sounds like you both have awesome friends. Glad to hear you are being so well taken care of by Jeff, your doctors,and everyone else!! Here's to you feeling 100% one of these days soon! Jana B.
"Cancer Free" are beautiful words (with a small asterisk until you see the oncologist). It shows that prayer, humor and good doctors can overcome the biggest obstacles!
Love,
Brad and Laura
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