Monday back to....

Today David Alexander had school today. He had a great day! William and I had a good day too! It was however hard to get back on schedule for us - early to bed for all of us tonight. I feel wonderful! Tomorrow, I see the surgeon and I'll get one or both of my drains out. December 3 I'll see the oncologist to make a plan of action. Right now the plan is rest, recover, and heal! Oh yes and have fun!
Thank you all for the prayers, friendship and kind words.

Great News from the Pathology Report

Dr. O'Farrell, the surgeon, called today with the pathology report. The lymph nodes were completely clear of an cancerous cells. So the cancer did not spread. He did not take any of the pectoral muscle but some of the tissue that envelopes around it. That and the breast cells were clear of any cancerous cells close to the muscle. All receptors were positive and therefore could be treated with hormone therapy. All wonderful news in a not so great situation. I do not understand all of this information now but will soon. Keep up all the good work- the prayers are helping!!!

Happy Thanksgving!

Today is Friday November 23, another new day, another great day. I am feeling pretty good and working hard to keep my spirits up. Thank you for all the prayers, phone calls, meals and flowers. I know this journey is not always going to be easy but together with the Lord we can do it.

Home, Sweet, Home

Hello everyone! Thank you for your prayers and good thoughts during my surgery and at the beginning of my recovery. I feel really great! I have some tender areas and get tired easily but that is to be expected. I was home around 2:00 this afternoon (11-20). It is good to be home!

Emotionally, I am also doing well. I am so delighted to be cancer free! Pathology reports should be in by Friday which will help us make our plan for the next course of action. It was a little unnerving to see the unveiling of my "unboob" this afternoon- all the pictures I saw were of nicely healed ones. But this to shall pass and it certainly beats having the big lump in my breast.

Meals- we are doing real well on meals. I am going to take November and December out of the loop. The timing is perfect because I can start radiation or chemo after the new year.

Thank you for all the delicious food and prayers.

Love and prayers to you all too! Laura

Resting Comfortably

Laura has had a very good day. She arrived at her hospital room about 2:00pm. She was alert and in good spirits. She is eating, drinking, walking and eager to get back home. The medical professionals at Seton Medical Center were pleased with the way that her procedures went and her progress thus far. We still seem to be on target to be discharged at some point on Tuesday. Thank you for all of the nice calls and well wishes.

Out of Surgery at 11:20am

Laura is breathing on her own again and on her way to recovery. She is in great spirits, but she will be spending the night at the hospital and heading home tomorrow. We will post again later when we have some more information to share.

Genetic Test Results

I am BRACA negative!!!!! Yahooooooo! With that said, Monday November 19th, I will have a mastectomy of my left breast at 10:00 at Seton on 38th Street. I should be home Tuesday evening. David will update the blog so you can get my latest medical information. I am so excited to get the cancer out and start the healing process. It is going to be a long journey but we can do it with God and all the loving family and friends at our side.

The next step begins in 4 - 6 weeks and depends on the pathology reports. Updates as soon as the cancer is reviewed for what to do and when.

I love you all and thank you so much for the prayers and support!

Waiting....

We are still waiting on the genetic test results. They were "Fed Ex"ed on Friday the 9th. So hopefully tomorrow. William and I have been busy looking for school like a MDO so I can get some extra help. We have found several nice places. Now I just need to decide. I had my
pre-operation appointment today - it took a loooooong time but now everything is in order for Monday. We are still waiting for the genetic test results.....

New Books

I am so excited I found two books written by an oncologist and a breast cancer survivor. One is a guide to treatment and feelings. The second is an guide for nutrition and exercise while you are beating breast cancer. I can not wait to read them.

Meals Calendar

I have been so blessed with loving family and friends. You have all lovingly offered meals and help with William and David. I have added a calendar if you would like to sign up to bring meals. Please do not feel obligated. Just email me and I'll add you to the calendar. I have a good friend who is a cancer survivor. She said it would be best for us to have 3 meals a week while I am going through chemo and radiation. Thank you again and in advance. I know that with your loving support this journey will be easier.

Surgery on 19th

I have scheduled the mastectomy on the 19th of November. I still do not have the results from the genetic test. I will if negative keep the right breast and if positive have both breast removed. Four weeks following surgery I will start radiation. Radiation will be 5 minutes a day, 7 days a week, for 7 weeks. Immediately following will be chemo. Chemo will be 1 time a week for 3 months or 6 months. Eighteen months to two years from initial surgery will be reconstructive surgery. That is a light at the end of a tunnel. Another bonus is reconstructive surgery will use tummy, behind and thigh tissue. The delay is that chemo and radiation kill fast growing new cells and reconstruction is just that.

The surgeon visit

We saw the surgeon yesterday. I will have the left breast completely removed, radiation, then chemo, and finally reconstructive surgery. If I am genetically predisposed to cancer then I will have both breast removed, radiation, then chemo, and finally reconstructive surgery. My huge dilemma is if I am not predisposed to cancer do I still then keep the right breast? What are my chances of getting breast cancer in it? The genetic results should be in on the 9th. Thank you again for all of your kind words, prayers and support!

Where we are....

Friday, we had an appointment with Dr. Patt, the oncologist. I will have surgery, radiation (because the cancer tumor is 1 cm from my pectoral muscle), chemo, and then reconstructive surgery. The type of surgery is a personal choice - and it is a difficult choice to make. I want to be healthy as quickly and simply as possible. We will continue to discuss it and of course follow the surgeon's advice. The results from the genetic testing should be back after the 9th. That will also play a huge part in what our final surgery decision is. We meet with the surgeon tomorrow. Thank you for the continued support, love and prayers!