It's Cancer - The go-ahead I've been waiting for

Yesterday at MDA I had my assessment and the left side of my chest was marked for radiation. I also passed the breathing test so radiation will begin on Wednesday, July 5. This will begin phase three of my treatment.

Once radiation begins, I'll receive daily treatments for four to six weeks. Side effects will include fatigue and redness of the targeted area. I won't be able to be in the sun. Drinking is also prohibited, so I'm attempting to drink as much Deep Eddy vodka as possible between now and July 4th.

Today I'm celebrating Iris Guss, who was Big Daddy Nick's maternal grandmother. Iris died a week ago and a memorial service was held yesterday. After MDA I pushed myself to get to the service and reception, and I'm glad I did. I loved hearing family stories about her, especially her practical joking. She was a special woman who enjoyed a long life.

It's Cancer - "B9"

Getting quickly to the point, the new mass I recently found in my left breast is benign, or "B9" as it was written on the preliminary report I received.

Yesterday my day at MDA began at 6:45 a.m. with an ultrasound. When the technician returned to the room after the ultrasound was reviewed and said the doctor wanted to biopsy the mass, I started crying. Although I'm a glass-half-full person, my immediate thoughts weren't positive. The doctor explained that the ultrasound showed a large mass and the biopsy was needed to determine whether or not it was cancer or scar tissue (as he suspected). It took about two (long) hours to complete the biopsy and get the preliminary report of no new cancer.

Today I'm celebrating the good news about the mass and my lingering wound. Yesterday two surgeons agreed that my wound has closed. They gave the go ahead for me to begin radiation so this afternoon I'll be back at MDA for an assessment by a radiation oncologist. My fingers are crossed that she also gives me the go ahead.

It's Cancer - Another lump

Many people have commented on my blogs about my cancer journey. For me, blogging has been cathartic. I can read about my treatments and feelings, and re-read the caring and encouraging postings from family and friends. All the positive thoughts have carried me when I thought I couldn't go on.

Last night, when I was changing the bandage on my wound, I felt another lump in my left breast. Whereas the lump that was removed on April 11 was under the nipple of my left breast, the new lump is above where my nipple used to be. Can it be another cancer tumor so soon? Scar tissue? A cyst? What else could this be? Hopefully this blog will help me put my scary thoughts in perspective. One thing for sure, I'll be on the phone to my oncologist at MDA first thing in the morning.

Today I'm celebrating Father's Day and my 65th birthday. I tried to get 65 kisses from TLP, but he can only count to eight. I gave him a bite of my Italian cream birthday cake, but it spit it up in his hand and gave it back to me. How I love that little boy!

It's Cancer - Standoff at MDA

Yesterday the radiologist said my wound has to be better before radiation can begin. Today my surgeon said my wound is better and it's fine for radiation to begin. She (my surgeon) did prescribe a topical cream to use on my wound twice a day. I see her again in two weeks.

My thoughts and prayers are with those who were shot in Virginia this morning. Such a tragic and disturbing incident that is truly hard to comprehend. The leaders of both political parties need to stop thrash talking, quit pointing fingers at others, and work together for the good of the country. They need to do what's best for the people and set aside party differences.

Today I'm celebrating nothing. I'll be in a better mood and able to see the bright side in a couple of days, but today I'm sad.

It's Cancer - Radiation postponed AGAIN

I was at MDA this morning for my radiation assessment. As soon as the radiation oncologist saw my wound she cancelled everything. My wound that opened because of the infection I got after surgery has not closed and still drains a small bit every day. To say that I'm disappointed at another delay in radiation is an understatement!

I'll be back at MDA tomorrow for my surgeon to take a look at my wound. My oncology surgeon and plastic surgeon have stated they would prefer for the wound to close on its own, but I'm ready for one of them to pull out their sewing kits and do some stitching. It has been six weeks since the wound appeared. I don't think it's going to close on its own.

Today I'm celebrating a dinner out with Mr. B. I want to get my mind off of today.

It's Cancer - Radiation postponed again

My wound has not completely healed, so my assessment for radiation will not happen tomorrow. Although I'm disappointed with another postponement, I know I need to heal first.

I'm also disappointed with my new hair color. On the back of my head there is tons of very very  short and very very dark hair. It's not long enough to tell if it will be a different texture than it was before, but I'm amazed at how dark it is. I wanted my hair to

grow back a pretty color of gray, or even white. No such luck.

Today I'm celebrating online shopping. I should be receiving some packages in the mail this afternoon. It will be like Christmas in June! Happy early birthday to me!

It's Cancer - Embracing another setback

Yesterday was Wednesday so, of course, I was at MDA. I first saw my surgeon. She is pleased with the healing of my open sore/wound on my left breast, but put something on it that was supposed to help it heal faster. Instead I woke up this morning with several blood spots on my camisole and on the sheets.

Although this is a setback, I didn't tell Mr. B or call the doctor because I don't want to go back in the hospital. I changed my bandage this morning and wore a black shirt today. If I started bleeding again it wouldn't show through my black shirt. The event I've been working on for many months is tomorrow night and I'd really be upset if I had to miss it because I was back in the hospital.

Today I'm celebrating the specialty cocktail I've concocted for tomorrow night's event. I made a batch tonight for the family and got thumbs up. Tomorrow will be a busy day preparing for the event, but I can rest over the weekend.