Thanks to Tricia for keeping you all in the loop!
My surgery went well and it's amazing how much better I continue to feel every day. I got out of the hospital on the Saturday following my surgery and life was a blur of pain and drugs after that. I have regained almost full range of motion on my left arm and my pain management is finally under control. On my right side, I asked my surgeon to cut extra deep to make sure she took all of the cancer out. I knew she did her job when I started getting feelings of electric shocks on my right side whenever I moved. This was apparently what nerve damage felt like. This additional piece was extremely painful and added to the pain medications I was taking.
Now, onto the good stuff. I went today to get my pathology results. I walked in thinking that I had thought of all of the possible scenarios in my mind - but they continue to surprise me! The good news is that my margins came back clear to at least 1 cm (this seems small, but is actually good). The left side contained no cancer, but the right side still contained 6 cm of agressive DCIS (a type of breast cancer).
What does this all mean in non medical terms? They are fairly certain that they got all of the cancer out of my body - YEAH! But, because there was still a large portion of cancer remaining after 6 months of chemo, they may want to add radiation to my current plan of action as a safety net. In my doctors words, that would ensure they "mop up any remaining cells".
This is of course great news. But, because of all of the turns I have been thrown so far along this path, I am pessimistic to start the celebration until I know whether I am done or not. My oncologist will be reviewing my pathology report tomorrow and then will make a decision on whether he wants a radiation oncologist to look at my case or not. I should find out at my treatment on Friday which way he is thinking of going.
Although I want to ensure that I do everything I can to get it all, I would really like to hear that I don't need radiation and that I can think about going back to a job I love, a life filled with fewer hospital visits and more time to spend with each of you!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Surgery complete - rest needed!
Hi everyone - this is Tricia, Tasha's friend. I asked Tasha today at the hospital if she wanted me to post a little update and she agreed...
The surgery went as planned, according to her 2 surgeons. She had a lot of pain coming out of recovery, and it took a while to get that under control with the right dosage, etc. but by the end of Tuesday was talking a bit. Rest was her next challenge, with a roommate who snores REALLY loudly and watches TV until 2 am. She's not getting a lot of sleep and has had a lot of nausea. Yesterday and today were a bit better, although her pain management is still inconsistent and she needs more rest. Her surgeons were both by to see her and are quite happy with how everything looks, obviously pending the pathology report later this month. The hope is that she can get some more rest to help the healing process! She still expects to be able to go home in the next couple days, depending on what the doctors think.
Overall, Tasha has of course been amazing through the last few days. She continues to show strength that is inspiring and has shown her sense of humour even while in pain. If her roommate ever quiets down so she can get some rest, I expect that she'll be home to her own bed soon!
The surgery went as planned, according to her 2 surgeons. She had a lot of pain coming out of recovery, and it took a while to get that under control with the right dosage, etc. but by the end of Tuesday was talking a bit. Rest was her next challenge, with a roommate who snores REALLY loudly and watches TV until 2 am. She's not getting a lot of sleep and has had a lot of nausea. Yesterday and today were a bit better, although her pain management is still inconsistent and she needs more rest. Her surgeons were both by to see her and are quite happy with how everything looks, obviously pending the pathology report later this month. The hope is that she can get some more rest to help the healing process! She still expects to be able to go home in the next couple days, depending on what the doctors think.
Overall, Tasha has of course been amazing through the last few days. She continues to show strength that is inspiring and has shown her sense of humour even while in pain. If her roommate ever quiets down so she can get some rest, I expect that she'll be home to her own bed soon!
Sunday, May 6, 2007
The End Of The Yellow Brick Road?
We have been lucky enough to enjoy some celebrations over the past week. Talyn turned 2 and we had a nice little party to celebrate that with some close friends. Talyn was spoiled with many gifts and enjoyed a day of treats! We then traveled to Regina and he enjoyed another party that my parents had for him. His BaBa also turned 30/30 (60 to us) and there was a surprise party for her at Sean & Michelle's house (Ryan's brother and wife).
We are now back in Calgary and focused on what is next - the surgery. My parents are here which brings me some calm and my boys are always with me to keep my spirits high. This surgery will be about 4 hours long and if everything goes great, I should be out of the hospital in 3 to 5 days. Although I'm sure Ryan, my parents or Tricia will call some of you, please feel free to call our house if you haven't heard anything and are curious. I am very grateful to have so much support!
I was very saddened to hear that a friend of mine's doctor found a lump at a routine physical exam. She is going to go get it checked out and I'm sure that it will all be fine. But it's just another reminder at just how quickly life can take us for a turn we don't expect. Please be diligent about your health - without that, we won't be able to accomplish all of the great things we are here to do!
We are now back in Calgary and focused on what is next - the surgery. My parents are here which brings me some calm and my boys are always with me to keep my spirits high. This surgery will be about 4 hours long and if everything goes great, I should be out of the hospital in 3 to 5 days. Although I'm sure Ryan, my parents or Tricia will call some of you, please feel free to call our house if you haven't heard anything and are curious. I am very grateful to have so much support!
I was very saddened to hear that a friend of mine's doctor found a lump at a routine physical exam. She is going to go get it checked out and I'm sure that it will all be fine. But it's just another reminder at just how quickly life can take us for a turn we don't expect. Please be diligent about your health - without that, we won't be able to accomplish all of the great things we are here to do!
For the past 9 months, I have been following a winding path. Mostly, it has been brighter and sunnier than I was expecting, but I did get thrown a couple of unexpected twists along the way. With my surgery day hours away, I am not really sure what to expect - but am hoping that it will be my chance to click my heels 3 times and say "I want to be done, I want to be done, I want to be done". Can't wait to see you all soon!
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