This is a rather quick update. As we all now know, I've had this superficial vein clot going on for at least the past week. I've done all that the docs have wanted me to do. As of this past weekend, my arm still required being elevated almost constantly. no matter what I did, it still turns this purple color as it is currently as I type. Periodically I raise my arm as though I'm trying to request permission to do something or better yet, the 70's show with John Travolta -- Vinnie Bobarino -- Welcome Back Cotter -- with Horshack stretching his right arm up and shouting: Ooh -- oooh--ooh--oooh - for those of you who are old enough does it conjure up the memories somewhat? Anyway, that's what I've had to do. Very tired of this! Very, very, very difficult to live this way. That's if you want to move around at all.
So I put in a call to my Dream Team to let them know the latest -- and it isn't working for me any longer......
I get the call back from my Oncologist, Dr. B. He simply said, he wants it to come out. This is not working and I shouldn't have to go through this any longer.
He also brought up to me that he had rechecked my PET scan a couple times and that he believes that I have a ittty-bitty lymp node that has cancer in between my breast bone and heart artery. OK. Before we all stop breathing -- BREATHE....................I did..........Our family knew about this from the first time results, but it was dismissed somewhat due to it's size. It's a blip literally -- HOWEVER, reality dictates a bit of a change in my chemo as well as my future radiation schedule. The good news my diagnosis is NOT changed. My course of action is not change; the fact I want and now MUST have a bilateral masectomy is and was the correct decision I have made for myself. He also went on to say that this changes the use of the 3rd chemo drug, which by the way is the worst one to be one because up to 5% can get weakened heart muscles surrounding the heart due to it's use to fight cancer. So he's taking me off that one!!!!! I only have to use 2 chemo drugs now!!!!!! 2 only. Thank you God! Thank you God! We will also be able to be very exacting as to the type of radiation I will have to endure. I asked him if it's in my bone -- breast bone -- he said, "NO." It's a blip and its confined to the node only! (Lynn dodges yet another bullet! WWWWWHHHHHHHEEEEEE!!!) I know for some we could look at it from a different angle by saying, "Yah, but..............." Go ahead go there, I won't because it's not necessary. This cancer is what it is. We are nuking it currently and we will really nuke that area later.
The best thing is my guy -- my Dr. B is very, very focused on this and he's ready for action! I just love him. I love that he is that thorough, articulate, paying attention to DETAILS, and that he revisited this PET Scan not once but twice! He's not glib or cavalier. He's spot on and he's watching -- so am I -- I must add! PHEW! Can we always say such words about our docs? I know I haven't been able to in the past! NO WAY.
The fact my body is responding really quickly to just one treatment is amazing. I can't feel my tumor in my underarm today. It's there but it's not protruding, it's very small -- marble size today. Before it was over an egg size. I can't wait for my docs to FEEL ME! LOL!!! Jim just verified and he's jumping for joy! Me, too! So the chemo is working. As brutal as this beast is, this is what you want. This is the goal. Seek and destroy! And I have to say, the power of prayer is GLORIOUS!!! JUST GLORIOUS!!! THANK YOU!!! All the masses and prayers once again are paying off. If you need proof, here I am! I'm not going anywhere.
I also blew up with freakin zits all around my chin, upper lip -- Oh, Yeah, every woman's nightmare! I mean nightmare. They also hurt. Turns out this is a side effect of the chemo drug that I will no longer be taking! Yippee!!!! One more reason. I tell you these drugs are brutal on your body.
Oh, yes, for inquiring minds, I still have my hair! Not sure for how long, but then again, maybe with this change in chemo drugs (less) maybe I'll get to keep my hair!!!! Not sure, but one can hope, right? We'll see. Either way, I have a game plan. Ever the planner.
Now, presently, I suspect I will be in surgery by the end of the week. Oh, goody, just in time for EASTER.
Oh, well, if it means getting rid of that F%$&*** port, then so be it. It was an easy procedure due to the expertise of Dr. Hyde --so let's hope it's even better coming out. Now, the clot will need time to dissipate completely, but that's ok.
My chemo treatments will be IV through my LEFT arm. They ususally don't like to administer the chemo in or near the area "affected." But due to my CLOT in my right arm, can't due any chemo there. But due to the fact I have less chemo, only 2 rather than 3, I should be good to go. I guess I'm making them a believer that if there is anything that is going to happen, it could and might with Lynn. So they won't be taking any more chances. I should be hearing from my docs in the next couple days. We'll see how Dr. Hyde wants to proceed as well. All I know is, if I could go in tomorrow to get this thing out of my body, I would go in tomorrow first thing. Get this out of me. Just like the cancer, I want it out. All in due time.
That's what I know presently. I hope all of you are doing well. Keep loving your lives and loving your families and don't be afraid to tell someone how you truly feel. Be open, because one never knows. I plan on being here for a long while. I'm still doing what I have to do.
Oh, yeah, and I got to eat almost normal today and I got to go for a walk with energy! My dog, Woody, and I went into the field near my home -- I kept on smiling and thanking God and angels for all my blessings. And thanking him for my energy return. It felt so wonderful. Truly, without your health, you have nothing.
Ok. Today my Cup's Half full. Maybe even fuller.....That's nice to say and feel.
Ciao, Ciao.
