Good News

I received a pathology report back from my surgery two weeks ago and there was no sign of cancer.  This means that the chemotherapy has worked and the primary tumor is gone.  Because I opted to NOT have the secondary tumor removed (under my arm) I will most likely still proceed with radiation to be sure there is not "stray" cancer cells left over in this area.  There is a good chance that these are gone too - but will consult with the radiation oncologist next week about how we proceed and next steps.

I did truly believe we would have good news from this report, but to find out that there is NO sign of cancer, was the best news possible.  This was incredibly encouraging and we have felt a great sense of relief this week.  There is still work to be done and there are no guarantees, but it does feel like the hardest work is behind us and we have turned a corner.  

SJ

Healing

Surgery went well and I am recuperating.  Recovering from surgery has been easier than recovering from chemo.  The pain has been manageable, even though I probably weaned myself off the meds earlier than I should have.

I have been amazed at my body's ability to withstand the many assauts on my system and heal.  I was not in great shape going into surgery last week.  I got a cold/flu bug a few days before surgery and my already weakened body from chemo was not in good shape.  A simple walk down the street left me dizzy just a couple days before surgery and I was not gaining the strength I believed I needed.

On the day of surgery, the plastic surgeon took me aside for some last minute conversation and measurements and saw that I was not well.  He asked me a few questions and said that it was possible the anaesthesiologist would not want to go ahead.  Knowing the kind of delays this would mean, I sucked it up and played down how rotten I was feeling.  Surgery went ahead.

I awoke after surgery - with the chemo drugs still weakening my body, a nasty cold/flu bug and the anaesthetic in my body - to begin my recovery.  The first couple of days were not great - but better than coming home after a chemo treatment.  I was cognizant and able to make rational decisions about my pain and care, I was able to have conversation and interact with my family and I was able to rest.

This past week I have seen the plastic surgeon a few more times for post-operative care, and my body is healing well.  No complications.

I have never been so amazed at what my body is capable of.  I have not broken any world records or had the satisfaction of completing some impressive physical feat, but I feel like I have taken on a virtual chemical warfare, sickness and now surgery and my body has responded with this incredible will to live and be well.  I remember my oncologist telling me that because I was young and strong that they would throw everything they could at me to eradicate the cancer from my body.  In my head I was ready for this - because it was the right decision for me.  But physically - I had not idea what I was in for.

I have a new respect and love for my body.  A new respect for the very real, and perhaps mundane, everyday rhythms that make me human.  It is strange that I now feel more at home in my body than I ever have, even in my current weakened and scarred state.

Surgery tomorrow...

Just a quick note that surgery is going ahead tomorrow morning with a 7:45am start time.  It should be about 2 1/4 hours in surgery and then home later in the day.  Matthew will be with me in the hospital and Mom & Dad will be "holding down the fort" at home.

Being a "J" I feel much better about "getting this done" than sitting around and waiting any longer.  I am sick with a nasty cold and certainly not at my best going into this - but still ready for next steps and moving forward.

Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers.  We feel so supported and surrounded by friends and family.