I made it through scan day and, you'll be happy to know that, I am not glowing. Everyone was wonderful and I was out the door much earlier than expected, which made this girl happy. So now we just wait on results. My "Spidey-sense" tells me that it is going to show up in other places but the crazy part is that I feel good! Regardless of the results, my determination and silliness shall remain intact. That's how I roll!
Now I get another wee break. Nothing until my port placement procedure early on Friday morning. That will be followed by a weekend of taking it easy (because of the port procedure). PT on Monday and then I start chemo on Wednesday.
I'm going to try to get some more sleep but I'll check in again later. I have a feeling there will be napping later today. Yesterday was a long day.
Love to all!
Andee
Visit the new site at www.andreadoolin.com
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Moving right along.
Test day is moving right along. I thought I'd be a bundle of nerves but not at all. Not stressed at all and even felt a lovely peace in the middle of the MRI...yes, even with all of the noise.
Life is good!!
Photo diary - CORRECTION
CORRECTION
andeesworld2 if anyone is interested.
Chose Instagram because I'll have my phone more often than my big camera.
Follow if you wish.
Monday, May 5, 2014
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Andrea's Magical Medical Tour - May Day Edition
(Written May 2, 2014)
I had a very busy day yesterday. It started with a surprisingly fascinating appointment. I wasn't sure what to expect with the genetic counseling appointment. I learned so much! I will spare you the full details, just in cases you don't find it as fascinating as I did, but here are the highlights.
I had a very busy day yesterday. It started with a surprisingly fascinating appointment. I wasn't sure what to expect with the genetic counseling appointment. I learned so much! I will spare you the full details, just in cases you don't find it as fascinating as I did, but here are the highlights.
- More than 70% of cancers are sporadic, meaning there is no genetic trail or family history
- There are some benign conditions which could be indicators of cancer risk
- I'm being tested for 6 genetic markers - prior to my appointment, was only aware of two - BRCA 1 & 2
The consultation ended with a blood draw for the testing. I'm eager to find out the results!
Between my GC appointment and my RadOnc appointment, I made a stop at Josephine's Post-Mastectomy Shop. What a place! I met the daughter of the lovely woman who founded the store 40 years ago. She recently sold the shop but is still working 2 days per week and looking fun and fabulous at the young age of 77. I can't have reconstructive surgery until late next year, so if I want to have "a little something" up top, I'll have to go with prosthetics for a while. I'm currently not bothered by my boyish figure...I've had moments when I thought I would just keep it. I've gotten used to it already and felt a little odd when I was getting fitted. At first, at least, I will likely feel more uncomfortable with the falsies than going without. I know, it sounds like crazy talk. It's an adjustment but it's my reality now and I'm all about reality. Anyway, insurance pays for the fakes so I might as well have them, just in case. I can always take them off.
After my visit @ Josephine's, I made a trip to visit my folks. We chatted for a bit, Mom fed me and then I was able to sneak in a short nap before heading back to the Baptist.
I arrived early for my appointment - they requested that I arrive an hour before my appointment. I did, but I had already completed all of my paperwork so check-in took about 2 minutes. I thought it was going to be a long wait but, before I knew it, the nurse called for me. We had a great chat. She fit right into Andee's World! I talked to her about the blog, my t-shirt plans and my goofy way. She was great! She told me I needed a theme song for the blog. I asked her what she would suggest and she said Radioactive by Imagine Dragons. Good, right?!? We are going to do just fine together!
After another brief wait, I met my Radiation Oncologist. She walked in the room, introduced herself and said, "I hear that you are GREAT!" I'm not sure how to feel about that. I'm immediately wondering if Dr. AJ has been talking about the whole cupcake thing and she's wondering she gets hers, did I say something funny to someone...if so what was it? Was it inappropriate? Oh dear!! Turns out it was the nurse and the genetic counselor. That's good right? Anyway, I received the details for radiation and I will be bonding with these folks for sure. 5 days a week, baby! It sounds like a cake walk compared to chemo and the people are already fun so it shouldn't be so bad. I just need to find more t-shirts. LOL
So, with the exception of a few details, the path is set for the next few months of my life. Less than 50 days ago I couldn't have imagined all this but it's life and we're going to continue to roll with it.
Oh, one more thing. I've heard through the grapevine that there have been ladies who have heard my story and were inspired to go get a mammogram. THANK GOD!!! If you love me, or even like me a little...heck, if I've made you laugh a time or two, please listen to me. PLEASE GET CHECKED! Don't be frightened. Knowledge is power and the earlier you find something (if there's something to be found) the earlier you can take action. The goal is for no woman to have to go down the road that the Pink Ladies and I are traveling. I'm happy to answer questions, talk, whatever. Like I said, this happened to me for a reason and it has to be because I have a big mouth and very little shame so I will shout it from the mountain tops!! If you're due for a mammogram, DO NOT WAIT!! Save some Ta-tas ladies!!
Love to all!
Andee
Friday, May 2, 2014
A shout out to the Pink Ladies!
I will do my best to NOT make this the longest blog post ever. I'll break it down into multiples to keep it sane.
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So where to begin? Oh I know, first I need to send a shout out to some of my SILVER LININGS of the human variety. It is sad, but true, that breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women. That's WAY too common, in my book, anyway. I'm blessed to have access to "sisters", old friends and new, who either have battled or are currently battling breast cancer. Once again I get to say that it's a club you don't wish to have ANYONE join, but it's nice to have access to people who understand what this new world brings and to provide support, information and comic relief. So to Jennifer M, Lisa G, Elizabeth N, Nicole W, and Roseanne J - I feel so blessed to have you in my life and I hope I don't drive you all crazy with questions, FB comments and my goofy sense of humor. You are a tough group of ladies and I'm honored to know you! Love ya!!
.
So where to begin? Oh I know, first I need to send a shout out to some of my SILVER LININGS of the human variety. It is sad, but true, that breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women. That's WAY too common, in my book, anyway. I'm blessed to have access to "sisters", old friends and new, who either have battled or are currently battling breast cancer. Once again I get to say that it's a club you don't wish to have ANYONE join, but it's nice to have access to people who understand what this new world brings and to provide support, information and comic relief. So to Jennifer M, Lisa G, Elizabeth N, Nicole W, and Roseanne J - I feel so blessed to have you in my life and I hope I don't drive you all crazy with questions, FB comments and my goofy sense of humor. You are a tough group of ladies and I'm honored to know you! Love ya!!
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