July 22, 2013 - It's been awhile!

July 26, 2013 - I think the last time I've posted anything was back in Feb 2013.  Sorry for that but I've been rather busy.  Since February, I've made a major change in my life - I've retired from 30 years at Mayo Clinic on July 12, 2013.  After my year long journey with breast cancer in 2012 and getting back to working fulltime earlier this year plus all the 'crap' that is going on at work, I didn't need the stress any longer.  I am grateful that I was eligible to retire and grateful that my family supported my decision.  After being 2 weeks into retirement mode, I'm really liking it!  But let’s see once the pay checks stop coming :(  Don and I have decided to defer my pension payments for as long as we can, maybe 5 years or until Don decides to retire which my be in 7-8 years...we'll see how living on ONE income works out. 

I had my 6 month recheck with Dr. Tim (oncologist) back in June 2013 and everything looked ok as far as my health...although I've had no labs since 12/2012 and no x-rays/MRI/Ultrasound since the fall of 2012 so I'm not sure how they know that everything is ok 'inside' my body.  Dr. Tim explained that he will do a physical exam on me every 3 months including checking my lymph nodes under my arms, etc.  He said that if I notice any changes in my health/body that last greater than 72 hours then he should be notified.  I don't know about you but wouldn't that be to late then??  I'm the kind of a person that likes preventative healthcare, not reactionary healthcare.  Seems odd, I know and it’s not like I don't have this conversation with him every 3 months.

I've also started with a chiropractor (Pratt Family Chiropractic) in February or March 2013, with prompting from my sister Mary, and had much success.  Besides doing adjustments on me they also focus on exercise to be fit, nutrition, and educating people on what is good to eat and what is not good to put into your body.  That was one area that Mayo did not offer any assistance with for cancer patients.  Mayo basically said to go back to the life you were living…well isn’t that what got me into this mess in the first place, so something had to change.  I’m having less back issues and feel less stressed (maybe that is because I’ve retiredJ).  I’m thankful to say that I’ve lost about 15lbs of chemo weight just by watching the foods I eat and exercising most days.  My goal is to lose about 20 more lbs., time will tell but I have great hope!

Benjamin update – he is now 16 months old!  He is crawling everywhere, climbing, standing, saying a few words and is FULL of life!  Don and I were privileged to take him to one of his physical therapy appointment this past Tuesday in Mankato.  He wears a little brace on his right leg and the therapist has him doing all sorts of things.  Walking on a treadmill, scooting around on a little horsey, and walking (with assistance) with a small walker, to name a few.  He has gained some function back in his right hip flexors and he moves his toes quite well.  They said the progress could/would be slow but he is still little and they say that Benjamin will be the one to want to move around on two feet….it’s up to you little boy and we are all there to rally round you!  Just knowing he has the Gerhart/Kramer genes in him, I’m positive that he has the determination!!  Nothing is going to hold him back!  We love you Benjamin with all our hearts!  Xoxoxoxoxo



Ben and his little friend Amelia!

Ben in his fort!

Ben 15 months old!

Baby Reisdorfer update – Marie is due the end of September – first part of October and is doing well.  She is 30 weeks along on Saturday and looking more glowing each day.  They found out that they will be having a baby girl so very excited about that!  She and baby are doing well.  Here is a picture of her at 28 weeks along.



Marie at 28 weeks (and Caption, her dog - not sure what's wrong with him!)

Back on Mothers Day 2013, Don, Marie and I went up to the Mall of America to walk in the Susan B. Komen walk for breast cancer awareness.  There were thousands of people there and very inspiring to see so many survivors! 

Don, me and Marie - Susan B. Komen walk at MOA



These are some of the surviors that were present.

July 2013, Cathy, my daughter-in-law was part of a team at the Mankato Relay for Life and invited Don and I to attend.  So Cathy, Bill, Ben, Don and I attended and walked the luminary trail. It was very inpiring to see all the luminaries with survivor names along with luminaries of people that have passed because of the dreaded disease.  Let's find a cure!

Mankato Relay for Life July 2013

The end of August Cathy, Bill, Ben, Don and I are heading up to northern Wisconsin for some R&R.  We will be staying at a cabin on the lake...so relaxing.  Can't wait!

Bye for now!
Kathy

February 1, 2013 - Survivorship

February 1st - I have been asked to be involved in something new at Mayo, it's called Mayo Survivorship.  Basically it's working with breast cancer survivors that are through with all their treatments and surgery and looking at the aftercare of a cancer patient.  Through the breast clinic I have been set up with a series of appointments which are a massage, an appointment in the lymphedema clinic to assess how my shoulder/armpit are doing following the mastectomy and lymph node removal, an acupuncture appointment, an appointment with a wellness coach with a final appointment with a physician in the breast clinic. They are trying to determine if these therapies are important to a survivors health and to lessening the chances of recurrence.  I always wondered what happened when all the treatments, surgeries and appointments were through, what was I to do in regards to my nutrition, exercise, diet, etc?  The oncologist basically told me when I asked him about the topics, he said I should exercise, eat right and to let him know if I have any "new" pains that last greater than 72 hours.  Seems simple right...but it's not that simple when you don't feel as energetic as you used to, don't look the same  and your body is not what it was a year ago.  I hope that this program will aid other breast cancer survivors in their aftercare.

January 19, 2013 - One year out

January 19th - yesterday, January 18, was one year ago that I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I've been feeling pretty good (with exception of getting the flu a few weeks back) since the mastectomy back in August, then radiation therapy then the ovary surgery in November.  I still get tired rather easily however I'm trying to push myself into getting back to the healthy living center to workout.  Two of my coworkers and I are doing a ten week Ride It Out for women, which is on spin bikes.   Hopefully this goes well as my stamina and endurance is rather low right now.  Wish me luck!!  Marie and I have also been trying to frequent it as many times as possible too.  We are trying our hand at yoga!  We have a cruise booked for late April/early May.  Can't wait!!!!

I don't have a follow up appointment with Dr. Tim until mid March but I'm going pretty well on the Arimidex (hormone drug).  Just a few mild hot flashes to contend with which is good from my opinion.

Tomorrow we are heading to St Peter as Benjamin is getting baptized.  He was 10 months old on January 17th.  I had the pleasure of watching him on Tuesday this past week as Cathy's parents were both not feeling well. They've moved back from Spokane and now live in Eagle Lake and provide day care for Benjamin.

Here to a cancer-free year and many more to come.
P.S.  Don and I may go down to the Eagles cancer telethon this evening which starts at 8:00pm and goes through tomorrow.  Lets hope they find a CURE for cancer soon!!!

January 8, 2013 - Don & I both sick over New Years

January 8th - Don came home the Friday before New Years weekend not feeling well.  We was down and out with chills, fever, headaches, cough and body aches.  I was thinking I was going to fend it off but unfortunately New Year's Day evening I came down with a scratchy throat and before you know it I had all the symptoms that Don had.  He even stayed home from work that whole next week as he still was having headaches and was just not feeling 100%.  I still have a pretty good cough that's hanging on but for the most part feel a little better. We both had the flu shot but had heard the this "flu" was the A strain of the flu which of course we were not vaccinated for.  This is the sickest we've both been in over a year!!  Don and I hope that the rest of 2013 will keep us healthy!!!

December 27, 2012 - update on hormone pills

December 27th - Well I'm about 2 weeks out from starting the Arimidex hormone pills and the side effects haven't been too bad (knock on wood).  Just a few hot flashes and joint pain.  Along with the hormone pills I also have to take 1000 mg of calcium and 1000 IU's of vitamin D3 on a daily basis.  This is because the bone mineral density test showed that I was on the verge of having osteoporosis which causes fractures and we don't want that to happen.  Also the Arimidex causes bone thinning also not good.  I will also have to have two shots per year of Xgeva which is a bone strengthener.  Lets hope the side effects are kept at bay for many years to come as I have to take the hormone pills at least for the next five years or more.

I will be starting back to work starting 1/2/2013 working half days through January, the upping to 6 hours per day in February with the hopes of returning full time in March.  So have to get my brain back into work mode...aghhhh!

Christmas was very fun this year with little Ben.  He was on cousins, aunts/uncles, grandparents, great grandparents and present overload.  We had the Kramer Christmas at the villa in Hayfield, the Gerhart Christmas at Mary and Jerry's here in Rochester and our family Christmas at my daughters home and he made all three and did extremely well!!  It was so much fun seeing everyone!!

Don and I hope that you all have a blessed and healthy 2013!

December 17, 2012 - doctor's appointment

December 17th - On Wednesday I have a few appointments at Mayo.  Starting off with blood work, then a bone mineral density test then onto an appointment with Dr. Tim plus another appointment after that. So needless to say I will have a busy day at the Mayo Clinic. The bone mineral density test is to ensure that my bones are strong enough so that he can start me on the Arimidex - hormone therapy.
I've been recuperating from my surgery over the past week and a half.  Initially a lot of pain, swelling, black and blue marks everywhere, but now some of those symptoms have lessened or subsided and I'm on the mend.

Hopefully these tests on Wednesday go well and I can bring in 2013 on a good healthy note!!

December 6, 2012 - home from surgery

December 6th - I had to report to Methodist Hospital today at 7:15am, and went into surgery around 10:00am.  Dr. Bakkum removed the ovaries and tubes in an outpatient procedure to get prepared to start taking the hormone therapy that Dr. Tim wants to place me on. After getting back to the room around 1:00pm, I was informed that the procedure went well and no cancer was found!!  Since the surgery was done laparoscopically they checked other areas in the abdomen area (like the liver, kidneys, etc) and there was no other areas suspicious of concern, which was terrific to hear.  I was dismissed around 4:00pm and other than some lower abdomen pain and feeling tired, I'm not doing too bad (knock on wood)!!!! Now onto the recuperating and starting 2013 out on a healthy note!!
Thanks to all the kind well wishes from family and friends. I appreciate it so much!

December 2, 2012 - Yet another surgery

December 2nd - I started back to work November 19th working half days until Thursday of this week when I will be having another surgery which will be to remove my ovaries and tubes.  This is all being done on an out-patient basis and laparoscopically unless something else is discovered while the surgeon is in there.  I pray that nothing else is found!!!!  The surgeon says its a 2-3 week recovery time which is much better than the last surgery.

This reason for all of this is to ensure that my body is producing the least amount of estrogen as possible so that it decreases the chance of a recurrence.  The ovaries are the biggest producer of estrogen thus the surgery.  I am scheduled for a bone mineral density test the 19th of December, depending on all of these results Dr. Tim will be placing me on Arimidex hormone therapy for 5 years.  I will be seeing him that day also.

Since I went back to work I've had the great opportunity to work from home which is wonderful.  I wasn't sure that I'd like it but its growing on me.

I'd like to wish my niece Alyssa happy birthday on December 4th.  Have a great day!

Also I want to remember my Dad who passed away December 4th back in 1999.  I can't believe he's been gone for 13 years already. I miss him so much still each and every day...love you Dad!

November 19, 2012 - Appointment with Dr. Tim

November 19th - I had a follow-up visit with Dr Tim last Thursday. We talked a lot about the aspect of placing me on Arimidex (hormone therapy - HT) to reduce the risk of a recurrence. Prior to him starting me on the HT he wants to make sure that my bones are strong enough so he has scheduled me blood work and a bone mineral density test in December as the HT causes bone thinning. He won’t use Tamoxifin as that can cause blood clots which I’ve had problems while on chemo. Since the tumor was estrogen positive they need to make sure that my body is producing the least amount of estrogen possible prior to going on this drug (Arimedix is a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors). This works by decreasing the amount of estrogen the body makes. This can slow or stop the growth of many types of breast cancer cells that need estrogen to grow. Because they are not 100% sure that I’m in menopause he is recommending having my ovaries removed. A hysterectomy may also be an option to relieve any anxieties of any gynecological types of cancers. I will be meeting with a GYN surgeon sometime in the upcoming weeks. This is all very overwhelming to me and the information that I’ve read on Arimidex and the side effects are not the most appealing. Heaven help me make the best decision.

Dr Tim also thought I may have shingles as I had a rash on my right shoulder blade. He placed me on Valtrex for this but I’m not 100% convinced that I have it as I have no itching, pain, or any other symptoms…weird, I know.

I started back to work today, working up to 4 hours as tolerated. Today went well as it was nice to see my co-workers and reconnect with them. Many things have changed while I was away from the office for 10 month so Jenny and Melissa (my co-workers) will have to take some time to “re-train” me in.

I have a new found prospective on work which is to try not to take it too seriously and get all stressed out about it. Life, family and happiness are way more important to me then getting all riled up about work stuff. Any who…We’ll see how that goes!

Happy Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow. ~Edward Sandford Martin

November 9, 2012 - what's new in November

November 9th - an update on the radiation burns - other than a little bit of pealing skin remaining, the burns are healing quite well. My checkup with my oncologist and plastic surgeon are on Thursday this coming week. Other than tiredness, I've had some low back and leg pain which I feel is a different pain than my normal back pain. It could be due to me trying to get back to DAHLC (Mayo's fitness center) to get back into shape or the meds I'm on for hot flashes. This will certainly be a topic of conversation at my appointment. Also Dr. Moynihan has given me the ok to come off the Lovenox (blood thinner) by the end of 2012!!!! It is good news!!!! Giving yourself shots in your belly twice per day is not a fun thing. I have a greater respect for diabetic people that have to do that daily. Update on Ben, he will be getting the IVIG treatments this next week. They will be staying with us for four days as he will be getting the treatments on an outpatient basis at St Mary's. The treatments take about four hours to complete so they will be at the hospital most of the mornings. Good luck to you my sweet grandson! Prayers are coming your way for this treatment to aid in your recovery for your little leg. God be with you! Today I'm heading into the DAHLC for a Reiki treatment. Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy. So I'll see how I feel after this...can't wait! Have a great weekend with your families!

October 27, 2012 - Ben update

October 27th - I realized that I haven't given a Benjamin update for quite some time. Ben has regained some movement in his right hip, toes and ankle but has a ways to go to gain full strength and movement in the right leg. Despite this Ben is a happy - go lucky 7 month old. He is sitting up by himself and rolling from back to tummy and tummy to back so his set back hasn't stopped him from moving around. He is receiving physical therapy and will be getting a second series of IVIG treatments here shortly. The 1st doses where given when he was in the hospital back in August. Lets hope and pray that this series of IVIG will help stimulate somemore of the nerves in the little right leg.

Ben 7 months

Ben and Daddy in their Vikings gear!

Ben out for a stroller ride. Ben has brought great happiness to our family! We facetime with him and his family quite often as we need our Ben fix. We love him with all of our heart and will do anything we can for our grandchild. Dear God, keep Ben in your loving care and bring him strength and complete healing in that little right leg...Amen!

October 23, 2012 - dealing with radiation burns

October 23rd - I'm still dealing with the radiation burns. Putting on Aquaphor and Xeroform gauze strips to get the burns to heal. It's a slow process but seeing some slight progress. The radiation nurse and nurse practitioner didn't feel the burns would be better by next week so they have delayed my return to work from 11/1 to 11/19/2012. I see Dr. Tim (oncologist) along with Dr Jacobson (plastic surgeon) on 11/15/2012 for a check up so hopefully that goes well. They have adjusted my medication for hot flashes as they were causing some weird sides effects such a dizziness, headaches, weight gain and the list goes on and on. I need to talk to Dr. Tim more about that when I see him on the 15th to see if this is all really necessary. I assume at that appointment he will be talking about placing me on a hormone therapy. Not sure which one that will be or what the side effects will be. Here are a couple of pictures that show the radiation burns...and YES they do hurt!! Along with these two there was one on my right back shoulder blade area and a smaller patch on the front upper right closer to my neck. Those two areas have healed up nicely and just look like a light brown tan. This would not be my recommendation on how to get a tan:) They said I would have to wear 30 spf on my skin in those areas along with a 15-20 spf on the rest of my exposed areas.

Arm pit radiation burn

Chest radiation burn

October 10, 2012 - Last day of treatment!

October 10th - well today at 11:00am is my LAST radiation treatment!!!
It's a very exciting and emotional day for me as this has been a long and trying journey.
I couldn't have done it without the support of my husband, Don, my kids and their families,
my family, Don's family, our many supportive friends and the belief and faith in The Lord.

Once the last radiation treatment is done, Desk R has a bell that patients ring three times to let all know that their treatments are complete...I get to ring that bell today!!  I can't wait!!

I'll write more later today once the treatment is done.

More to come!

Radiation scanner - Desk R

Radiation Techs - Dave and Tracy on last day of treatments

Ringing the bell.

On my last day of treatment I had a wonderful surprise waiting for me after treatment. Don, Bill and family, Marie, Don's parents, my brother Dave, along with several friends were there to see me ring the bell! Thanks to all of you that were there to share this day with me. It was an emotional experience for me...an end to cancer treatments and a new beginning to life without cancer! What a great feeling!!

October 3, 2012 - update on radiation treatments

October 3rd - just an update on the radiation treatments.  I've completed 20 of 25 treatments.  I have two treatments left this week and three next week.  Wednesday, October 10th will be my LAST radiation treatment!!!!!  Having said that I've developed a pretty good sunburn on my front chest and on my back right clavicle area.  Its pretty painful, itchy and red.   They say that the effects from radiation will last 2-3 weeks after radiation is done so I may see blistering yet.   I've been somewhat tired but not as tired as when I was going through chemo, thank goodness!!

I can hardly believe that my 9 1/2 month cancer journey is coming to an end.  You know someone told me early on, the day I became a cancer patient, I also became a survivor!  I didn't feel so much of a survivor at that time but now that I'm nearing my last radiation treatment I'm getting that feeling of a survivor!!!!  And it feels mighty good!!

Prayers go out to those that are newly diagnosed with cancer and those who are in the midst of it!
May God be with you and give you strengh!

September 25, 2012 - checkup & radiation treatments

September 25 -  I had a check up with my oncologist on Monday along with completing my 13th radiation treatment.

My checkup with Dr. Tim went well.  We discussed several aspects of my continued care such as hormone therapy and future checkups. I had noticed a small bump/nodule in the armpit of the right arm where they took 23 lymph nodes.  He thinks this is due to scar tissue associated with my operation.  He thought an ultrasound should be done to rule out anything else so that was done on Monday also.  Dr. Tim called me later in the day and indicated it was a small fluid filled cyst which sometimes happens after surgery.  At this point there is no worry for recurrent cancer.  He indicated to just watch it and if it got bigger they sometimes have to remove or drain the fluid.  I'm still dealing with hot flashes and neuropathy in my left foot and we are trying to decide if another medication my help both of these along with helping me sleep.  (gabapentin)

On Monday I completed my 13th radiation treatment of 25, so I'm about half way through these!  I've developed a light to moderate "sunburn" on my chest, which is very itchy!!  They say this will get worse as the treatments continue...awesome:(

I'm trying to do my exercises every day to stretch my back and to work my arms so that I do not get lymph edema.  I have to remember to not work my right arm so much or lift heavy objects as this can increase the chances of developing lymph edema.  So far that is helping.  I don't have a lot of energy but trying to stay as active as possible.  Fall is in the air so would be a great time to get outdoors for little walks.  Enjoy!!!

September 14, 2012 - Update on radiation treatments

September 14 - well, I have 7 radiation txs under my belt thus far.  I've had some mild side effects such as increased hot flashes and waking up again in the middle of the night and not being able to get back to sleep.  This is a bummer because I sure do like my sleep!
When I met with the nurse at Desk R she suggested several lotions and creams to start using in the radiated area of my body.  Radiation thins the skin and she indicated by the 15 or so tx my skin would start turning red as if I had a light sunburn.  By the 25th tx, sometimes peoples skin will be red as if they"ve gotten a real bad sunburn and will sometime cause blistering of the skin.  During the last 10 txs I will be meeting with the nurse on a daily basis following my tx to access my skin issues, if there are any.  As of right now there aren't any...but keep your fingers crossed that it stays that way!!

You know, since I've been diagnosed with cancer I have heard of so many others that have been newly diagnosed with various forms of cancer.  I'm not sure why or how cancer ever came about but we need to find a way to stop it.!  So if I could put a plea out there...please show your support to elimate this awful disease in whatever way you can!  Participate in a walk/run to support your cause of choice, donate to the Eagles cancer telethon, along with various other ways.  All of our involvement will make a difference!  As I've said before...cancer truly sucks!

September 5, 2012 - 50th birthday & 1st radiation treatment

September 5th - if you don't already know I CELEBRATED my 50th birthday on 9/5.  My sneaky little family decided to plan a little secret get-together instead of taking me to Outback for a delicious steak.  The plan that I knew was that we were going to Glynners for a drink and to say " hi" to Missy (one of the waitresses there), then on to Outback by 6:30 pm to get my birthday steak, then back to our house for DQ cake.  Now doesn't that sound like a nice low key 50th?!?!?  

Well, it didn't actually work out that way. We did make it to Glynners but to my surprise there were several of my family and Don's family members there and many co-workers, friends and old friends that I haven't seen in a while.  Wow, was I surprised!!  It was so good to see everyone! And it surely was a great 50th birthday...thank you all for taking the time to spend it with me!!!  A special thanks to all the sneaky people (you know who you are and payback is HE-double toothpicks!!!!) for making my day great!  Thanks to Bill for bringing Ben over to see me earlier that day.   Wished you could have stayed to see everyone!!  As I said last night 50 is great!!!!!

Today, 9/6, was my first radiation treatment. I went to Desk R in the Charlton building of Mayo Clinic with a little apprehension.  I was not sure if radiation was going to noticabley cause immediate hurt or pain to me or what since it was my first treatment.  The two techs were very nice and explained everything they were doing.  They took a couple of X-rays and radiated me a few times and I was there maybe only 20 minutes or so.  So far it was painless but I did go home and take a few hour nap...I'm not sure if it was the treatment or from all the excitement from last night.  They did say tiredness is one of the symptoms of radiation txs (treatments).  This was the first of 25 txs so here we go!  I'm on the downhill path of my cancer treatments/surgery journey and I'm looking forward to feeling a whole lot better in about a month or so when txs are completed.   I really do not want anymore surprises in regards to my health!  So here's to my health!!!!

August 29, 2012 - A week busy with Ben

August 29th - Our little grandson, Ben has been in the hospital since last Wednesday.  So that is part of the reason I've been MIA for awhile.  He was finally discharged this morning.  He has weakness in his right leg and he is unable to move it.  After an MRI, lumbar puncture, multiple blood work, ultrasound, X-rays, EMG, transfusions, nose and throat swabs and being inspected by multiple doctors (as he was classified as an "unusual" case), they are still unable to determine a cause for his partial paralysis.   The theory is an entervirus similar to polio.  It attacked his anterior horn cells of his spinal cord which affected his leg movement.  He has regained some sensation in his foot and his hip and has a good physical therapy plan.  The pediatric neurologist is optimistic that Ben will regain most or all of his movement in his leg.  Please send your prayers!  Thank you for all the family and friends support and visits during Ben's hospital stay.

As far as me, I continue to feel better each day after my surgery.  Through several visits to physical therapy I am able to get my arms above my heads for the radiation treatments. I had the radiation simulation today which placed marks on my chest and they created a mold of my right breast for the treatments.  My first radiation treatment is September 6th, the day after my 50th birthday!  What a birthday present:(.  I guess I'm still alive so I better quit complaining!!  50 is awesome!!

August 19, 2012 - Update and time with hubby

August 19th - First off I'd like to wish my little brother Dave, Happy 44th Birthday!

Update on the drain removal - I was able to get two of the drains out on Monday (8/13) and the remaining one out on Friday (8/17).  What a relief that is, for me and for Don (no more cleaning the drains!).  I continue to work on my exercises to be able to get my arms up over my head.  It's slow going but I'm making some progress.  I have a couple appointments at Mayo on Wednesday this coming week.  A post-op visit with the plastic surgeon and an appointment in the Lymphedema Clinic.  Hopefully all goes well.  I'm feeling a bit better each day!

Today Don and I decided on taking a road trip to get out of the house for awhile - we drove to Winona and up the Wisconsin side to Stillwater.  After some walking around, we then enjoyed some bar-b-que at a place called Smalley's...yum, yum!  Thanks Bill for recommending this place.  Stillwater was busy with people and alot of boats on the St. Croix river.  It was a beautiful, relaxing day and we enjoyed the sights along with spending some quality time with my hubby which is always a great thing.  I love him so much!

August 13, 2012 - Healing Process

August 13th - I'm not sure if I mentioned before but the results of the surgery were amazing.  They removed 23 lymph nodes from under my right arm and all were free of cancer!  The final pathology of the right breast showed a single microscopic focus of residual invasive ductal carcinoma measuring 0.08cm.  The tumor itself had completely resolved so there was no tumor to send out to the I-SPY study that I was participating in.  The left breast was free of any cancer.  The surgeons and my oncologist were very thrilled with the results, as was I!! 

As I mentioned before, now I am into the "healing" process and I have to say the first week was challenging.  Quite a bit of pain, taking care of the five drains, fatigue, etc.  On August 8th, they took out 2 of the 5 drains and hopefully tomorrow they will be able to remove the last three.  The output has to be below 30cc's for two consecutive days before they will consider removing them.  Other than that the surgeons say that the surgical areas are healing well.  Now they want me to heal as much as possible and to be able to get my right arm up over my head so that radiation can be done.  So I have to work on my exercises to strengthen my arms again.

My first appointment for radiation therapy is Monday, August 27.  This will be a one hour appointment for them to place their markings and such.  Then I will have 25 radiation treatments – Monday through Friday excluding weekends.  My treatment journey is nearing an end which I’m very excited for.  It has definitely been a long, tiring, trying, roller coaster of a journey for the past seven months.

Sorry that I missed the ESC picnic.  I was not up to getting out with the drains still in place and not really feeling up to getting out it at that point.  I’m sure you all had a great time.