I can see it now, Heidi, Jessica and I in the classic "Charlie's Angels" pose........ Maybe next Halloween!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Wigged out!
Well, yesterday was quite an experience! Heidi, Jess and I went to choose my new wig and I must say that although having my side kicks with me did indeed make it fun, it was a lot more difficult then I thought it would be. I must have tried on 20 or so different styles, and colors, none of which seemed to be really right for me. We had all decided that we should have fun with it, and even try for a style that wouldn't be typical for me. It's hard to get helmut shaped hair anyway!
Ultimately, we settled on a fairly dark brown wig, shoulder length and kind of cut in a shag style. It would have to be trimmed and the bangs would have to styled a bit differently, but it seemed like the best choice at the time. Well, by the time we got home and started talking it over, I finally realized that it felt just a little bit too much like I was getting ready for halloween! Regardless of how real the wigs look, the bottom line is that a cap of hair is being placed on your head, and it just doesn't feel right. Having sorted through my feelings a bit, I decided to leave a message for the lady at Appearances, asking her to hold off on ordering the wig, as I was having second thoughts about my choice.
Now, unless she ordered the wig immediately after we left, I am no closer to owning a "full cranial prostethis" then I was before. They aren't open again until Tuesday, so I won't know for sure until then. Jessica and Heidi have both been very helpful, because I was feeling like throwing in the towel, but both pointed out that there will be times that I may not want to wear a baseball cap or a scarf and that I should have the wig for those occasions. I must admit, it's a bit of a dilemma, but I will simply have to try again.
So that's the story of my day yesterday. Heidi took pictures, and once she sends them to me, I will likely post a few here on the website. Then you'll see for yourself how really silly I looked. Anyway, the search for hair continues!
hugs to all,
Shannon
Ultimately, we settled on a fairly dark brown wig, shoulder length and kind of cut in a shag style. It would have to be trimmed and the bangs would have to styled a bit differently, but it seemed like the best choice at the time. Well, by the time we got home and started talking it over, I finally realized that it felt just a little bit too much like I was getting ready for halloween! Regardless of how real the wigs look, the bottom line is that a cap of hair is being placed on your head, and it just doesn't feel right. Having sorted through my feelings a bit, I decided to leave a message for the lady at Appearances, asking her to hold off on ordering the wig, as I was having second thoughts about my choice.
Now, unless she ordered the wig immediately after we left, I am no closer to owning a "full cranial prostethis" then I was before. They aren't open again until Tuesday, so I won't know for sure until then. Jessica and Heidi have both been very helpful, because I was feeling like throwing in the towel, but both pointed out that there will be times that I may not want to wear a baseball cap or a scarf and that I should have the wig for those occasions. I must admit, it's a bit of a dilemma, but I will simply have to try again.
So that's the story of my day yesterday. Heidi took pictures, and once she sends them to me, I will likely post a few here on the website. Then you'll see for yourself how really silly I looked. Anyway, the search for hair continues!
hugs to all,
Shannon
Friday, August 22, 2008
Did anyone get the license plate........
....... of the truck that ran over me????? Whew, tough couple of days! As my friend Dani said, "we bid farewell to the girls, "O" and "Vary" on Wednesday". I had a little more difficulty bouncing back from this surgery, as they not only removed my ovaries and fallopian tubes, but placed the port through which chemo will be delivered in the future. Believe it or not, the port is what has made me the most uncomfortable.
The good news is that I made it through this procedure without getting sick from the anesthesia and thanks to JoAnne, I came home to a HUGE balloon, pics of the 4 of us on our 4-wheeling weekend and ice cream in the freezer. You don't have to be a little kid to appreciate the healing power of ice cream and we really like pictures of ourselves too!
So although it has been a tough couple of days, sleep and drugs are wonderful things, and I feel stronger today. No wonder as my recovery was fueled by the wonderful stuffed shells, garlic bread and white chocolate chip cookies that Dani dropped off yesterday afternoon. Although I don't recommend going through most of these processes, there is still a bright side, and Dani's food is absolutely one of them!
I also received a visit from the traveling hairdresser, Missy Reynolds. Because I had such difficulty blow drying and styling my hair yesterday morning, I decided to cut most of it off. As usual, all I had to do was ask. Missy came to my rescue after work with scissors and beer in hand, to give me a much needed trim. I must admit, I like it and now all I have to do when I get out of the shower is use a little mousse, run my fingers through my hair and I'm done! And maybe it won't be such a shock when I lose it all anyway.
It's gonna be a good day today. Heidi, Jess and I are going to Appearances to get fitted for my new "full cranial prostethis". I doubt that it will be like any other chemo/wig appointment these folks have encountered. With my "back up" beside me, I know we will have alot of laughs and it will likely be more light hearted then what they are used to. I just hope we don't get kicked out!
Anyway, that's it for now. I so appreciate all of the calls, cards, food, haircuts and wonderful people I have encountered through all of this. I know I keep saying it, but I really am very lucky!
Hugs to all,
Shannon
The good news is that I made it through this procedure without getting sick from the anesthesia and thanks to JoAnne, I came home to a HUGE balloon, pics of the 4 of us on our 4-wheeling weekend and ice cream in the freezer. You don't have to be a little kid to appreciate the healing power of ice cream and we really like pictures of ourselves too!
So although it has been a tough couple of days, sleep and drugs are wonderful things, and I feel stronger today. No wonder as my recovery was fueled by the wonderful stuffed shells, garlic bread and white chocolate chip cookies that Dani dropped off yesterday afternoon. Although I don't recommend going through most of these processes, there is still a bright side, and Dani's food is absolutely one of them!
I also received a visit from the traveling hairdresser, Missy Reynolds. Because I had such difficulty blow drying and styling my hair yesterday morning, I decided to cut most of it off. As usual, all I had to do was ask. Missy came to my rescue after work with scissors and beer in hand, to give me a much needed trim. I must admit, I like it and now all I have to do when I get out of the shower is use a little mousse, run my fingers through my hair and I'm done! And maybe it won't be such a shock when I lose it all anyway.
It's gonna be a good day today. Heidi, Jess and I are going to Appearances to get fitted for my new "full cranial prostethis". I doubt that it will be like any other chemo/wig appointment these folks have encountered. With my "back up" beside me, I know we will have alot of laughs and it will likely be more light hearted then what they are used to. I just hope we don't get kicked out!
Anyway, that's it for now. I so appreciate all of the calls, cards, food, haircuts and wonderful people I have encountered through all of this. I know I keep saying it, but I really am very lucky!
Hugs to all,
Shannon
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
ONE MORE DOWN :)
Hey Everyone... it's me "Goose" or as you know me better ... Linda :) Well another procedure done !!! Shannon did very well as she has been through all of this... it is absolutly amazing how strong and determine she has been since she had gotten the news !! But for you that know Shannon well you are not surprised *huge smile* Tony, Brian and I were all there for her this morning at 6:00AM, and no we did not play cards this time.... I felt that Tony may need his ones to buy Shannon's new "hair piece" *LOL* The surgery took about two hours and per the Doc's everything went very well ! So I thought I would jump on here and give you an update on the latest. I know Shannon will be on here in the next day or two so she can explain it in detail as she does so well...
BUT before I go ... I would LOVE to leave you with this little "Gonna Be" thing I adore... puts a smile on my face everytime I read it *hehehehe*
GONNA BE A BEAR !
In this life I'm a woman. In my next life, I'd like to come back as a bear. When your a bear, you get to hibernate. You do nothing but sleep for six months. I could deal with THAT!
Before you hibernate, your suppose to eat yourself stupid. I could deal with THAT !
When your a girl bear, you birth your children (who are the size of walnuts) while your sleeping and wake up to partially grown, cute, cuddly cubs. I could defiantly deal with THAT!
If your a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business, you swat away anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too. I could deal with That!
If your a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling! He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat.... YUP, GONNA BE A BEAR !
Hugs and Kisses to ALL of you xooxoxxoxoxox
BUT before I go ... I would LOVE to leave you with this little "Gonna Be" thing I adore... puts a smile on my face everytime I read it *hehehehe*
GONNA BE A BEAR !
In this life I'm a woman. In my next life, I'd like to come back as a bear. When your a bear, you get to hibernate. You do nothing but sleep for six months. I could deal with THAT!
Before you hibernate, your suppose to eat yourself stupid. I could deal with THAT !
When your a girl bear, you birth your children (who are the size of walnuts) while your sleeping and wake up to partially grown, cute, cuddly cubs. I could defiantly deal with THAT!
If your a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business, you swat away anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too. I could deal with That!
If your a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling! He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat.... YUP, GONNA BE A BEAR !
Hugs and Kisses to ALL of you xooxoxxoxoxox
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Good news!!!!
I am a Great Aunt! I am also a Great Nana, but that aside, I actually am a Great Aunt! My neice, Sheara, had a baby girl on Monday morning around 9am! How cool is that? They live in New Hampshire, so unfortunately I haven't seen her yet, but my brother called last night saying that he and Laurie aka Grandpa & Grandma, had just held baby Sarah, and that everyone was doing fine. What an amazing and wonderful day!
Just thought I would share,
Hugs
Shannon
Just thought I would share,
Hugs
Shannon
Monday, August 18, 2008
Sneakin up on surgey..........
Good morning all,
What an amazing weekend we had! Spent the most of each day with Heidi, Steve, Jess, Josh and the kids. Did some gardening, boating, fishing, BBQ'g, card playing and just enjoyed the weather, and the ability to play outside and be together. Saturday evening, Tony and I sat by the bonfire in our back yard until 11:30pm! It was such an amazing night, and we just enjoyed being together. It was also one of the first times he and I have really talked about a lot of the challenges that are facing us. I am awfully lucky to have him!
Anyway, not much else to tell. Ian, Shannon and I are going shopping today for school clothes, so the kids are very excited. It' should be a good day. Wednesday of course is the day that marks the end of an era in that the old ovaries will take a hike. I am looking forward to getting this behind me, and should only experience a few days of discomfort. Mr. & Mrs Goose will of course be at our side helping us to get through the day.
Friday, Heidi, Jess and I have an appointment at Appearances to choose my new hair, so am looking forward to that. There will certainly be a great deal of laughter as we make our choice. So as I sneak up on Wednesday, I have been ever more grateful for the kids and the support I have received from my wonderful family and friends. They keep me focused on what is important, which is simply enjoying every day.
Hugs to all,
Shannon
What an amazing weekend we had! Spent the most of each day with Heidi, Steve, Jess, Josh and the kids. Did some gardening, boating, fishing, BBQ'g, card playing and just enjoyed the weather, and the ability to play outside and be together. Saturday evening, Tony and I sat by the bonfire in our back yard until 11:30pm! It was such an amazing night, and we just enjoyed being together. It was also one of the first times he and I have really talked about a lot of the challenges that are facing us. I am awfully lucky to have him!
Anyway, not much else to tell. Ian, Shannon and I are going shopping today for school clothes, so the kids are very excited. It' should be a good day. Wednesday of course is the day that marks the end of an era in that the old ovaries will take a hike. I am looking forward to getting this behind me, and should only experience a few days of discomfort. Mr. & Mrs Goose will of course be at our side helping us to get through the day.
Friday, Heidi, Jess and I have an appointment at Appearances to choose my new hair, so am looking forward to that. There will certainly be a great deal of laughter as we make our choice. So as I sneak up on Wednesday, I have been ever more grateful for the kids and the support I have received from my wonderful family and friends. They keep me focused on what is important, which is simply enjoying every day.
Hugs to all,
Shannon
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Here we go.............
Whew, what a week this has been! It has been filled with appointments and phone calls to and from the hospital, but at least most of the decisions have been made and the procedures scheduled. I saw Dr. Soultanakis (the gynocologist) on Tuesday, regarding the removal of my ovaries and he explained that he believed the benefit would be twofold. Not only does ovary and fallopian tube removal address the production of estrogen and eliminate the need for me to take an anti-hormone drug (Tomoxafin), but it also virtually eliminates the risk for ovarian cancer which is linked to breast cancer. At least that's one less thing to worry about in the coming years.
That being said, we went ahead and scheduled the surgery for Aug. 20, at which time they will also place a semi-permanant port through which the chemotherepy will be delivered. The doc advised that recovery time is generally a couple of days of discomfort, mostly due to bloating because they will blow my stomach full of air in order to manipulate the organs. I wouldn't walk behind me for a couple days if I were you! So menopause here I come............. poor Tony!
After surgery the next step is chemotherepy. My first session is scheduled for Thurs., Sept 4, so it seems I will indeed be able to enjoy one last hurrah with "The Bradford Gang" over Labor Day weekend. I will then receive 3 more treatments at 3 week intervals, and if all goes as planned, I will complete treatment on Nov. 6. Just in time for deer season! Gotta cook and take care of my boys you know!
My insurance company has also given approval for me to get a "full cranial prosthesis", so I'll be sporting a new wig soon as well. Maybe I should have had a boob job too, then I really could look like a new person when this is all over? Hmmm, I'm thinking Jennifer Aniston?? Anyway, I have an appointment at the end of next week for a fitting and was told that it usually only takes a few days to get my new hair. It's really kind of exciting, and I am sure Jessica and Heidi will have some say in what I end up with. I know you won't believe it, but they kind of laugh and make fun of my real hair.! Hard to imagine!
So that's the most recent news. I have been working with some very wonderful people and as I move forward, the decision to incorporate chemo into my treatment plan, although still frightening, becomes easier to accept. I just want to move on and get this all behind me. The good news is that getting ready in the morning will be soooo much easier without eyelashes and hair, not to mention, no need to shave! I also have the wonderful head pieces that you, my dear friends purchased for me. I'll be sure to post pictures as I go through my metamorphasis as a sense of humor will most certainly be needed to get through all of this. I can only imagine what Jess and Heidi have planned....................................
However, the entire week wasn't a bust. Ian and his step-sis, Shannon, have been with me since Tuesday evening, so I have enjoyed spending time with them. Unfortunately, both of them got sick while here. Shannon got sick on Tuesday evening so at least she was able to sleep through most of the discomfort, but Ian got sick Wednesday afternnon and he had a bit tougher time. I felt bad because we were supposed to have adventures with Dani and her grand daughter Meaghan, but it just didn't work out. Dani is such a sweetheart though, she still took the girls blueberry picking while I cared for Ian. Shannon and I then used those berries to bake a blueberry coffee cake.........mm mm good! As of today, both kids have their spunk back, and we spent time playing, running through the sprinkler and going out to lunch. Tomorrow, Ian is going to spend time with Grandma JoAnne, but Shannon and I are going swimming at Dani's house with Meaghan and Livvie, and there will be cake for everyone! Gotta focus on the good stuff!
Thank you to everyone for all of your words of comfort and encouragement. I know I will have a great deal to be thankful for come Thanksgiving time.
Hugs and love,
Shannon
That being said, we went ahead and scheduled the surgery for Aug. 20, at which time they will also place a semi-permanant port through which the chemotherepy will be delivered. The doc advised that recovery time is generally a couple of days of discomfort, mostly due to bloating because they will blow my stomach full of air in order to manipulate the organs. I wouldn't walk behind me for a couple days if I were you! So menopause here I come............. poor Tony!
After surgery the next step is chemotherepy. My first session is scheduled for Thurs., Sept 4, so it seems I will indeed be able to enjoy one last hurrah with "The Bradford Gang" over Labor Day weekend. I will then receive 3 more treatments at 3 week intervals, and if all goes as planned, I will complete treatment on Nov. 6. Just in time for deer season! Gotta cook and take care of my boys you know!
My insurance company has also given approval for me to get a "full cranial prosthesis", so I'll be sporting a new wig soon as well. Maybe I should have had a boob job too, then I really could look like a new person when this is all over? Hmmm, I'm thinking Jennifer Aniston?? Anyway, I have an appointment at the end of next week for a fitting and was told that it usually only takes a few days to get my new hair. It's really kind of exciting, and I am sure Jessica and Heidi will have some say in what I end up with. I know you won't believe it, but they kind of laugh and make fun of my real hair.! Hard to imagine!
So that's the most recent news. I have been working with some very wonderful people and as I move forward, the decision to incorporate chemo into my treatment plan, although still frightening, becomes easier to accept. I just want to move on and get this all behind me. The good news is that getting ready in the morning will be soooo much easier without eyelashes and hair, not to mention, no need to shave! I also have the wonderful head pieces that you, my dear friends purchased for me. I'll be sure to post pictures as I go through my metamorphasis as a sense of humor will most certainly be needed to get through all of this. I can only imagine what Jess and Heidi have planned....................................
However, the entire week wasn't a bust. Ian and his step-sis, Shannon, have been with me since Tuesday evening, so I have enjoyed spending time with them. Unfortunately, both of them got sick while here. Shannon got sick on Tuesday evening so at least she was able to sleep through most of the discomfort, but Ian got sick Wednesday afternnon and he had a bit tougher time. I felt bad because we were supposed to have adventures with Dani and her grand daughter Meaghan, but it just didn't work out. Dani is such a sweetheart though, she still took the girls blueberry picking while I cared for Ian. Shannon and I then used those berries to bake a blueberry coffee cake.........mm mm good! As of today, both kids have their spunk back, and we spent time playing, running through the sprinkler and going out to lunch. Tomorrow, Ian is going to spend time with Grandma JoAnne, but Shannon and I are going swimming at Dani's house with Meaghan and Livvie, and there will be cake for everyone! Gotta focus on the good stuff!
Thank you to everyone for all of your words of comfort and encouragement. I know I will have a great deal to be thankful for come Thanksgiving time.
Hugs and love,
Shannon
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Bald is Beautiful!!!!!
Well, I had my appointment with Dr. Hyman Muss yesterday. He's the Medical Oncologist that had come so highly recommended and after my visit with him, I now know why. He was also very personable and obviously cares a great deal about his patients. He even gave me hug when we were done talking! However, it is now time for me to stop looking for someone to tell me what I want to hear, and accept what I guess is the inevitable........... I will be better off if I accept chemotherepy treatment.
Dr. Muss spent a fair amount of time reviewing the results with me and for this I am very greatful as I am obviously making a life changing decision. He explained that the results of the Oncotype DX test (which is specific to me) indicate that there is an 11% chance that an incurable form of this same cancer could recur within the next 10 years. On their risk scale, this is considered to be relatively low, but of course that depends on your perpsective!
He then went on to explain, that removing my ovaries would be an alternative to taking the drug Tomoxafin but does not replace the need to consider chemo as a treatment option. The removal of my ovaries will as I have indicated before, stop the production of estrogen, but does not address the fact that my cancer is one that is systemic. And while avoiding Tomoxifin is good and he supports my decision to remove my ovaries because of the drug's side affects, chemo will still provide as he put it "added value".
Because the cancer is systemic, the chemo addresses the possibility that a microscopic piece of my tumor has broken off and attached itself elsewhere in my body. If this has happened, it could lie dorment for several months/years before presenting itself as another likely incurable cancer. So what's the "added value" you might ask? Well, he advised that because I am so young (at least to be diagnosed with cancer) he felt that it would reduce the recurrence risk to about 8%. Based on this information, and after discussing it with Tony and other family members, I have decided to "bite the bullet" and accept the treatment, because from my perspective, that's 3 more chances to live to see 55.
I don't yet know when the first treatment will be, but expect it will be in the next few weeks. I left a message for Maggie this morning to go ahead and start the process, so will have more info by the end of the week. I would like to wait until after Labor Day, as "The Bradford Gang" has plans for a weekend of fishing, BBQ'ing, 4-wheeling and bonfiring as well as knocking back a few brewskies. I'll have to wait and see though, as I go back and forth between avoidance, and just wanting to get it over with.
So, here's how it will all play out. Chemo for 3 months, radiation for about 7 weeks, and then surgery to remove my ovaries. The good news being that this will all be over in about 6 months. In addition, I now have the opportunity to see what I look like in long hair! I guess there is a place in Winooski that works with cancer patients to provide wigs, or as my friend JoAnne was advised when she researched it for me, a "full cranial prosthesis"! That's insurance companies for you. Oh, and I know Jessica is already planning for all of the outrageous things she will paint on my head!
Although yesterday was a hard day, I am thankful that I finally got to speak to someone I trusted, and who finally explained in detail why chemotherepy would benefit me. Even as I write this, I struggle to accept my decision, but know that when I look back at this in the future I will be glad that I chose this course of treatment. So onward and upward we go!
Again, I appreciate all of the cards of support and your good wishes for my well being. Without all of you, this would be a much more difficult road to travel. And you know what they say, "bald is beautiful".
Hugs and love to all,
Shannon
Dr. Muss spent a fair amount of time reviewing the results with me and for this I am very greatful as I am obviously making a life changing decision. He explained that the results of the Oncotype DX test (which is specific to me) indicate that there is an 11% chance that an incurable form of this same cancer could recur within the next 10 years. On their risk scale, this is considered to be relatively low, but of course that depends on your perpsective!
He then went on to explain, that removing my ovaries would be an alternative to taking the drug Tomoxafin but does not replace the need to consider chemo as a treatment option. The removal of my ovaries will as I have indicated before, stop the production of estrogen, but does not address the fact that my cancer is one that is systemic. And while avoiding Tomoxifin is good and he supports my decision to remove my ovaries because of the drug's side affects, chemo will still provide as he put it "added value".
Because the cancer is systemic, the chemo addresses the possibility that a microscopic piece of my tumor has broken off and attached itself elsewhere in my body. If this has happened, it could lie dorment for several months/years before presenting itself as another likely incurable cancer. So what's the "added value" you might ask? Well, he advised that because I am so young (at least to be diagnosed with cancer) he felt that it would reduce the recurrence risk to about 8%. Based on this information, and after discussing it with Tony and other family members, I have decided to "bite the bullet" and accept the treatment, because from my perspective, that's 3 more chances to live to see 55.
I don't yet know when the first treatment will be, but expect it will be in the next few weeks. I left a message for Maggie this morning to go ahead and start the process, so will have more info by the end of the week. I would like to wait until after Labor Day, as "The Bradford Gang" has plans for a weekend of fishing, BBQ'ing, 4-wheeling and bonfiring as well as knocking back a few brewskies. I'll have to wait and see though, as I go back and forth between avoidance, and just wanting to get it over with.
So, here's how it will all play out. Chemo for 3 months, radiation for about 7 weeks, and then surgery to remove my ovaries. The good news being that this will all be over in about 6 months. In addition, I now have the opportunity to see what I look like in long hair! I guess there is a place in Winooski that works with cancer patients to provide wigs, or as my friend JoAnne was advised when she researched it for me, a "full cranial prosthesis"! That's insurance companies for you. Oh, and I know Jessica is already planning for all of the outrageous things she will paint on my head!
Although yesterday was a hard day, I am thankful that I finally got to speak to someone I trusted, and who finally explained in detail why chemotherepy would benefit me. Even as I write this, I struggle to accept my decision, but know that when I look back at this in the future I will be glad that I chose this course of treatment. So onward and upward we go!
Again, I appreciate all of the cards of support and your good wishes for my well being. Without all of you, this would be a much more difficult road to travel. And you know what they say, "bald is beautiful".
Hugs and love to all,
Shannon
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
A motto to live by........
I received a note from my sis in law today with this motto to live by, and thought it appropriate..........
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO what a ride!'
Need I say more?
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO what a ride!'
Need I say more?
Things are lookin up!
Good morning all,
So it's 4am and my husband has just left for Andover! You know, I thought that once I stopped working, I might actually sleep past 5am, but noooooo........... I didn't sleep much the night before either because my dog (Jack) got himself a bit of a bug in his little intestines. He was pooping and throwing up a storm, with traces of blood in what he was getting rid of. Of course this all happened after normal business hours, so I had to take him to the emergency vet. clinic. He was getting dehydrated so they kept him overnight and gave him an I.V. of saline solution and antibiotic.
Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep worrying about my little guy. The good news is, after spending yesterday at my normal vets office, getting pumped full of more saline and antibiotics, he is now eating again and seems to be back in control of his bodily functions. He slept like a baby last night, tucked right under the blanket next to me! Thank God! He however, is still asleep as I write this.
Anyway, I've had a good week. We went 4 wheeling in Bradford with JoAnne and Bill over the weekend and only got rained on a little bit. Even managed to have a fire and BBQ outside. I was trying to get all of my summer activities in before I had to start chemo, but now it seems that I may not have to worry about that anymore.
I saw my surgeon (he's actually a surgical oncologist, and man is he CUTE!) last Thursday and explained my thoughts to him about avoiding chemo by having my ovaries removed. He said that because the final pathology report showed well defined margins around the tumor they removed, and because my cancer is 90% estrogen receptor positive (it means the estrogen is what is feeding my cancer), he would fully support that course of treatment. He also explained that the survival rate was on par with those who chose to undergo chemotherepy treatments.
He then went on to explain that the reason I was having trouble finding statistics on ovary removal is because the procedure is one that is used primarily in other countries, and that the drug companies would really prefer that we use chemicals instead of other alternatives, and guess who's funding most of the research! The other good news is that Dr. Muss, who I will see for my second opinion, is actually doing research based on this course of treatment. Hah!!!!!! I knew I was on to something! So anyway, not sure when I will see Dr. Muss as it seems that doctors like to have vacation in the summer too, but I am now 90% sure that I will NOT have chemo!
Now, having said all that, the only thing that may change my outlook is if the Oncotype DX test comes back and shows that I am at a high risk for recurrence. Still waiting on those results, but they should be available this week, and I will certainly have them when I see Dr. Muss and also when I see the gynocologist on Aug. 12.
Either way, I feel good because I feel like I am in control of my own treatment, and believe that having done the research, I will be able to choose the course of treatment that is best for me. My advice for anyone going through something like this is to be proactive in your own care, and don't assume that just because you are speaking to a doctor, they know what is best for you. Even in the medical field the almighty dollar is the bottom line!
I am off to dinner at Goose's house tonight. Her son, Tyler is home on vacation and it seems that he and I have a date with the rest of the family at the card table. I fully expect that my monetary situation will be greatly improved after this evening as I intend to kick butt! Yeah Tyler, that's right, it will be your money buying me breakfast tomorrow!
So the summer is passing, and although it hasn't been the vacation I originally planned, it has been pretty terrific. Although, I am a little poorer monetarily, I have been given so much by all of you. You know all those corny little sayings we hear like "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger", can really be true! Although, I certainly wish I didn't have to go through all of this, I am still grateful for the lessons learned and for the support and friendship. I really do feel lucky!
Now if I can only keep my hair! It seems that Jessica really had her heart set on painting silly pictures on my bald head, and of course publishing them for all to see. I know one thing for sure, I won't be drinking too much and passing out when she's around. I envision her with a maniacal little grin coming at me with a razor in one hand and a beer in another! :) :) :)
Hugs and love to you all,
Shannon
So it's 4am and my husband has just left for Andover! You know, I thought that once I stopped working, I might actually sleep past 5am, but noooooo........... I didn't sleep much the night before either because my dog (Jack) got himself a bit of a bug in his little intestines. He was pooping and throwing up a storm, with traces of blood in what he was getting rid of. Of course this all happened after normal business hours, so I had to take him to the emergency vet. clinic. He was getting dehydrated so they kept him overnight and gave him an I.V. of saline solution and antibiotic.
Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep worrying about my little guy. The good news is, after spending yesterday at my normal vets office, getting pumped full of more saline and antibiotics, he is now eating again and seems to be back in control of his bodily functions. He slept like a baby last night, tucked right under the blanket next to me! Thank God! He however, is still asleep as I write this.
Anyway, I've had a good week. We went 4 wheeling in Bradford with JoAnne and Bill over the weekend and only got rained on a little bit. Even managed to have a fire and BBQ outside. I was trying to get all of my summer activities in before I had to start chemo, but now it seems that I may not have to worry about that anymore.
I saw my surgeon (he's actually a surgical oncologist, and man is he CUTE!) last Thursday and explained my thoughts to him about avoiding chemo by having my ovaries removed. He said that because the final pathology report showed well defined margins around the tumor they removed, and because my cancer is 90% estrogen receptor positive (it means the estrogen is what is feeding my cancer), he would fully support that course of treatment. He also explained that the survival rate was on par with those who chose to undergo chemotherepy treatments.
He then went on to explain that the reason I was having trouble finding statistics on ovary removal is because the procedure is one that is used primarily in other countries, and that the drug companies would really prefer that we use chemicals instead of other alternatives, and guess who's funding most of the research! The other good news is that Dr. Muss, who I will see for my second opinion, is actually doing research based on this course of treatment. Hah!!!!!! I knew I was on to something! So anyway, not sure when I will see Dr. Muss as it seems that doctors like to have vacation in the summer too, but I am now 90% sure that I will NOT have chemo!
Now, having said all that, the only thing that may change my outlook is if the Oncotype DX test comes back and shows that I am at a high risk for recurrence. Still waiting on those results, but they should be available this week, and I will certainly have them when I see Dr. Muss and also when I see the gynocologist on Aug. 12.
Either way, I feel good because I feel like I am in control of my own treatment, and believe that having done the research, I will be able to choose the course of treatment that is best for me. My advice for anyone going through something like this is to be proactive in your own care, and don't assume that just because you are speaking to a doctor, they know what is best for you. Even in the medical field the almighty dollar is the bottom line!
I am off to dinner at Goose's house tonight. Her son, Tyler is home on vacation and it seems that he and I have a date with the rest of the family at the card table. I fully expect that my monetary situation will be greatly improved after this evening as I intend to kick butt! Yeah Tyler, that's right, it will be your money buying me breakfast tomorrow!
So the summer is passing, and although it hasn't been the vacation I originally planned, it has been pretty terrific. Although, I am a little poorer monetarily, I have been given so much by all of you. You know all those corny little sayings we hear like "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger", can really be true! Although, I certainly wish I didn't have to go through all of this, I am still grateful for the lessons learned and for the support and friendship. I really do feel lucky!
Now if I can only keep my hair! It seems that Jessica really had her heart set on painting silly pictures on my bald head, and of course publishing them for all to see. I know one thing for sure, I won't be drinking too much and passing out when she's around. I envision her with a maniacal little grin coming at me with a razor in one hand and a beer in another! :) :) :)
Hugs and love to you all,
Shannon
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