Chemo session no 1

I'm in the seat today, having my first chemo session. I slept little last night, anxiety crept in. But i had little to fear, my nurse, Skye, is fantastic, she's doing a good job. brett's beside me happily reading a rock and mineral magazine and I'm about to start the final bag of drugs which will take about 90minutes.

Apologies for the poor photo

Recovering with Family and Friends

It's been a big week, recovering from surgery and having my lovely big brother and gorgeous niece visiting.

We visited Cadbury's

(the glum face was because Lachlan told me to stop smiling)

We visited Richmond with our big sis and nephew too

We toured Port Arthur and even did the Ghost Tour

And enjoyed Tassie's breathtaking scenery

My niece helped me complete the finishing touches on the decorations for Helen's Stitch with Me day

And she put in a full day helping on the day, she did an excellent job so I could sit and rest when I needed to.

All of the ladies had a fabulous time. 

Helen's next Stitching Day will be with Lynette Anderson on the 15th March, register via the Hugs n Kisses website if you want to join us!

Now that my family has flown back to Bris Vegas it means back to my day job.

Surgery Take 2

I went back under the knife yesterday, it didn't run as smoothly as the first surgery.

I had to be at the hospital by 9am which meant I wasn't allowed any food after 12pm on Wednesday night and couldn't drink anything after 7am. I was eventually wheeled into theatre at 12:30.

The anaesthetist took two goes at getting the needle in and created a couple of bruises, the last time I had an intern and she was brilliant.

When I woke afterwards I had a massive headache and felt nauseous, last time I didn't experience either. The student nurse pumped a bag of fluids through, but I couldn't have anymore painkillers until after 5:30. I have had very little pain from the incision, just a bit of discomfort.

I'm home now, resting, drinking plenty of water and a few doses of panadol. 

So what's next, in about 4 weeks I'll start chemo, you'll probably get to see a bald me, wonder what my noggin will look like? 

The aftermath

Well I recovered nicely from surgery, was a bit sore but only really needed panadol for the ache.

My pathology results indicate it was a Grade 2, 11mm invasive ductile carcinoma, my lymph node was relatively clear however I am HER2 positive. HER2 positive is the issue here, it means I have high levels of protein in my cells which means there's a higher likelihood of it coming back. The treatment involves 3 months chemo, 12 months of Herceptin and radiation. Bugger!  The results also showed some of the cancer cells were on the outer side of the margin so back to surgery next Thursday to take a bit more out. Bugger! 

I have to miss a trip with Helen to Melbourne for Quilt Market, Double Bugger! But you bet I will be there next year!

Surgery is over

Well the surgery is over, it wasn't too bad. The damn spot, as I call it, is out now. I'm a wee bit sore but wanted to let you all know I am doing fine. My hubby took this picture just before I went in.

So what next, I wait and see what my results are from the lymph node biopsy and that will determine my treatment. Fingers crossed I only need radiation treatment.

Thank you for all your well wishes. 

Boobie Awareness

...and this month I have discovered I too have become one of those affected. It's not all bad news though I have caught it really early and is treatable. I will face surgery soon.
I can only praise what a great service BreastScreen Tasmania provide, it was picked up during my recent routine mammogram, I can't even feel it, so I am very lucky.
The staff at BreastScreen say only 58% of women use this service, it should be alot more, it's free and can save your life. So don't be scared ladies, for a couple of minutes being uncomfortable it may save your life too.
As for me I am coping with the diagnosis well, yes I shed a few tears but they were mostly out of relief knowing it's treatable. I have a great supportive team of family and friends I can lean on and to keep me positive,
So ladies know your boobies and if you notice any changes get them checked out and if you're eligible for a free screening go and do it!