Therapy

I have been to therapy twice now since my initial appointment.  It is an interesting experience.  They take their hands and pull or stretch the skin by moving it in two different directions.  I also have some cording (which means the lymph node cords have gotten big..today I learned they do not really understand why it happens) in my armpit.  So they strum it like a guitar and also put some pressure on it to make it go away.  Then they try to get my swelling in my armpit down by "massaging" the skin.  I left therapy today with this tape on my back.  The tape is put in place to help lift the skin up so the extra fluid will move to a place that has lymph nodes. Lymph nodes will then in return move the fluid.

My Fake One and Updates!!

On Saturday I decided to wear my fake one for the first time.  I put it in the bra and realized that it is perky and mine is saggy.  I was in a panic so Todd called the Morgan's and Katie came to the rescue.  She brought tape and another fake one.  For fifteen minutes we worked to get the fake one saggy!!!  How funny is that :) We finally got it so it didn't look so different.  The biggest problem was the fake one kept crawling up and felt like it was hitting me in the chin. And the real one kept sagging!!!  

On Monday..I went and met my radiation doc.  There was so much information that she went over.  It lasted two hours.  She explained that she wants to see skin changes on my chest; which means that my skin will look like it has been sunburnt.  The radiation will be from my neck to the middle of my ribs from the middle of my breasts to under my arm pit.  It looks like it will be Monday through Friday for five to seven weeks. 

On Tuesday, I went to therapy and was told my muscles on my chest wall is to tight.  I have to start therapy to loosen up those muscles.  The exercises are not very much fun.

Just a little something

Below is something one of Campbell's friends mom sent me.  She found a cancerous lump in her breast about two months after I got diagnosed.  I liked it so I thought I would share it with all of you.

They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Well, what if you didn't sign up for extra-strength training? What if you'd rather catch a few breaks once in awhile? Is that so much to ask? At some point, you'd think you'd be entitled to a free pass or two: skip this challenge; avoid this crisis; delete those problems. It's not that you're not strong or that you don't have what it takes to get through this. You are, you do, and you will. But you've built enough character already, and it's time for things to lighten up a little! I know it's not really my call, but if I were in charge of life's wheel of fortune, you'd get a free spin. And, I'd be right there, cheering you on!

The Answer

My breast tissue that was removed weighed 3.7 lbs.  1628 grams.

That is alot of breast tissue!!!!

New Information

We went to the Cancer Care yesterday and Dr. Kennedy called.  At both places we received a lot of information (new and old) about the cancer.

1. Lymph nodes were negative
2. Skin and nipple negative.
3. Cancer mass started out as 5 cm when removed was .2 cm (which is the size of a tip of pin).
4. Pathology Report stated this is a stage one cancer...which means that the chemo has worked. Even though path says stage one; my cancer is still stage three C. 
5. We will continue to be treated as having Stage 3c cancer.
6. Dr. Kakani stated that it is like being 99% cancer free. Dr. Kennedy stated this is not the results of someone with a poor prognosis. 
7 Pet Scan scheduled in two weeks to rule out cancer in other places.
8. Got information about a clinical trail involving tamoxfin.  A drug I have to take for five years.  Todd and I need to look over all the information before deciding.
9. Drains will be getting removed on Friday.  They are really annoying and not allowing me to sleep very well. Range of motion in my arm is also inhibited because they are still in. 
10. Due to my port being removed, discussed with Dr. Kakani about when to get a new one.  I have 7 more rounds of herceptin; which is given through an IV.

Description of what Herceptin is:

TRASTUZUMAB (tras TOO zoo mab) is a monoclonal antibody. It targets a protein called HER2. This protein is found in roughly 25 to 30 percent of breast cancers. By interfering with this protein, this medicine can stop cancer cell growth. This medicine may be used with other cancer treatments.

A Child's View

Last night it was time to empty my drains and Todd and I were in the bathroom.  Campbell decided she wanted to help.  Todd and I looked at each other in fear; we did not know what to do.  I explained to her what mommy's chest looked like and told her that if she did not want to see she could leave the room.  She looked at my chest and asked some questions.  Then she left and went to the kitchen to get this poster she made that said mommy the greatest. She came back in to the bathroom and held the sign up and talked to me about my chest.  Todd and I could not believe that she did not even flinch when she saw my chest.  She taught me a lot last night.

God is Good!!!

I got rest of tests results today, still have some questions about them. But this is what they said. Skin and nipple negative for cancer. (Skin was positive in July). All lymph nodes negative.  Margins were big enough surrounding the cancer mass.  All good news.  Drains are not filling up as full.  Should be able to get them removed sometime next week.

Thanks for your prayers.