Update

Everything went well yesterday. I hadn't been to cancer and hematology in three weeks and two days! After that appointment, we went to see Dr. Dodde. I had a consultation with him regarding the upcoming surgery and he also removed a spot off my back. It is a little sore today, but not bad. The worst part would be the restrictions that I didn't think about. I am not supposed to shower for 24 hours...no big deal. I am not supposed to "soak" for a week....big deal. That means no recreational swimming or swimming for exercise. I am not supposed to "sweat" for a week either....another big deal. I guess I might have to settle for staying in the air conditioned house working on my Alaska album and maybe, just maybe start thinking about school.

The spot that he removed will be analyzed by a pathologist. I don't know when I will get the results. Probably not anytime real soon. The stitches are scheduled to be removed at the hospital before I have surgery on Monday, August 9.

In regards to the upcoming mastectomy, I am scheduled for Monday, August 9. The hospital will call me a day or two before and let me know the scheduled time. Pray that it is early in the day. The surgery should take about three hours total. I will be staying in the hospital for one, possibly two nights. I have updated the meal calendar as we are hoping to have some meals brought in next week. It would be nice, too, if some of you would like to make a meal that we can stick in the freezer.

Please continue to pray for all who have been affected by cancer.

Robin

I'm Back!

We are back from our vacation to Alaska. A great time was had by all. We were amazed by the beauty of the inside passage. Vacouver, BC is a very, very cool city too. That is where our cruise started. We were spoiled rotten on the ship for 7 days, followed by 2 days in Anchorage before we flew home. I felt fantastic the whole time. The swelling in my hand and arm has come down considerably. I am convinced heat and humidity have something to do with the swelling. I told the nurse at the oncology office that I think vacations should be prescribed for every patient about a month after chemo treatments are finished. (That way the insurance company could pay for it!)

I have a pretty big day scheduled for next week Thursday, July 29. First, at 1:00, I will have my 3 week dose of herceptin. There is a suspicious spot on my back that needs to come off by Dr. Dodde and that is scheduled for 4:00. It will be biopsied once it is removed. Please pray for good results on that.

The mastectomy is scheduled for August 9. I hope to spend lots of time by the water with friends and family between now and then. And yes, I hope to go back to teaching in the fall.

Robin

And the Venogram says....

Three IV's later, Dr. Nye determined that what was once a blood clot is now a completely blocked vein and according to him, it always will be. He said this is a result of the port and I will have to live with it. I don't understand it and I am anxious to talk to my oncologist. I am disappointed to say the least.

Robin

More Tests

When Dr. VanderWoude saw my hand and arm today, she decided to order a venogram. YUK! YUK! YUK! I had this test done at the hospital on March 1, and I was really hoping I would never have to have it done again. The worst part about it is the room they do it in. It is huge and scary. She said it is the best way to determine how best to treat the blood clot. So, I guess if it gets me off the Lovenox shots, I'll do it. It is scheduled for 3:15 on Thursday.

The girls and I are busy packing!!

Robin

Time Flies

Time really flies when you are feeling good and having fun! I have been feeling great this past week. I have enjoyed the boat, the pool, the cottage, sunshine, and lots of friends and family this past week. My hand and arm are still swollen, but it hasn't been bothering me too much. Dr. Hoberman said we just have to give the blood clot time to clear. I have an appointment with Dr. VanderWoude (oncologist) this week Tuesday. I haven't seen her in almost 6 weeks. I hope she remembers me!