Falling into place

It was 7 years ago this morning I took one look at Dr Lynn as she came into the second recovery and knew my hair was history and it was worse than she thought.  I beat her to the punch by saying it’s in the nodes, isn’t it?  That was 1 lumpectomy, 6 chemos, 2 wigs,  Portia the port, Pedro the pic line, 6.5 weeks of radiation, a packing infection, 1 boob, 2 ER visits, multiple hospital stays, a  tram (that sucked and I do not recommend it at all) too many scans and  tests to remember, ditto blood draws, shots in the butt, biopsies- yet yelling ouch still makes me happy, doctors appointments that went from 3 months to 6 months to a year then back to 3 months to 6 months to monthly, 22 pounds ago. Most important of all and because I am apparently an overachiever, I went from an expected late Stage 1/early Stage 2 to Stage 3 to now a Stage 4- all due to those pesky lymph nodes.  Damn nodes. 

In 5 sleeps, I will be gracing the Surgical Center for what I hope to be the last time.  The ovaries and tubes will be removed first by Dr Carroll, who will then turn over the removal of the offending lymph node (I am thinking of naming her Lucy, the looney lymph node. Suggestions are welcomed) to the good Dr Lynn.  The plan is out patient and yes, I have a bagged packed.  As Dr K pointed out last week, it’s me, so pack a bag.  He laughed when I told him I was way ahead of him. 

I am not nervous as I have been down this road before.  Rumor has it I will have a drain (yet again) and that sucker will last a week or less no matter what she says.  Hate those things.  According to Dr K, I will continue the Faslodex shots for at least 5 years.  And yes, he was smiling as he was typing.  But I let it go as he a) cancelled the Lupron shot (those side effects are awful) and b) he lowered my Ibrance from 125 mg to 100 mg and that people, should give me a much-needed break.  2 of the biggest side effects of Ibrance are fatigue and insomnia.  Honestly the fatigue has been horrible.  I have been off the Ibrance since December 19 due to the surgery (I go back on it January 31) and this weekend was the first one I had a bit more energy.  This is why the Ibrance is going down to 100 mg.  Dr K did say I might be able to stop the Ibrance, but we will talk about that in a few months.  I would be so golden. 

A few things from this past week:

·        Major shout out to Nurse Carolyn—who, after the poor lady at the Medical Mall tried 2 times to get blood—got the blood and it did not hurt.  Some of you might remember Nurse Mike from the last go round. He was the one who tattled to Dr Lynn on me being in church after the mastectomy. Anyway, I bragged on how good he was with needles, but I am replacing him with Carolyn, who just also happens to be his wife. Yay and a huge thank you to her. 

·        I had to do 2 urine samples. One at the OBGYN and one at the Medical Mall Just to make sure I am not pregnant.  Immaculate conception #2. 

·        The sign in the bathroom at the Medical Mall: Do not put urine sample on top of the trash can.  Note: the trash can has a swinging top.  I could not stop laughing.  We are surrounded.

·        My angels—present and past.  On Communion Sunday, Pastor Bill does the prayer list while the kids are still in there.  The older boys (6^th and up) now sit with me.  As soon as my name was said, Charlie and Ethan just turned and had this look—I assured them I was good as they have walked this walk with me 2 years ago.  Then I went back to the classroom and Brett started in with why did Pastor Bill say surgery. Told them all was good, and since they are germy, I am staying away next week.  Funny how they all started in on how clean they are.  Kids always get it.

·        As always, I am humbled by all the prayers, the hugs, the offers to help in anyway. 

Of course, the surgery was scheduled for the first time available which had me down there by 530am Friday morning.  It has changed from what I have seen, but the plan is to stay the night across the street and Billy will be with me.   Mom will follow later as she will watch over the dogs.  By the way, right eye Rosie is doing great.  I did have a chat with her as she and her collar pushed me off the couch.  I reminded her that on Friday I rule and she had to deal with it. Nothing like a one-eyed dog in a shame collar staring at you with that nope, I am Mom’s baby and that rules look.

An update will happen. Who will do it has not been decided.  It might be amusing.

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.