The Blessings of Life

It has been a while since I last wrote . . .  I just wanted to share a little bit.  I promise to keep it short.

I've been cancer free since February 2009!  For that, I am very grateful.  There's so many things for me to be grateful about.  I'm grateful for sunshine, for a soft breeze that hits my face, for a chance to spend time with my husband . . .  my family. . .  my dog.  Ah, there's so many things to be grateful for these days. . .

I am grateful for how cancer changed my life.  The changes were baby steps at first and have now come forth with great significance.  One major change, God became more and more important.

Last February I picked up my guitar and started practicing with the worship band at church.  It took a couple of months to build my speed up, form callouses on my finger tips and get enough courage to start  playing with the worship band on Sunday mornings.  I had to over come my fear of playing in front of people and/or making mistakes that someone one might see and hear.

In April of 2012, I took the Abate class for Motorcycle safety and received my motorcycle endorsement.  Believe it or not at 54 years old I am riding a motorcycle and loving it.  But I had to overcome a lot of fear.  I had to get past the accident I had 30 years prior.

Cancer taught me that time and life are precious.  I didn't want to wait for a "better" time or when I had "more" time or when it didn't seem "as scary" to do the things that were important to me.  I encourage everyone whether they are facing a life threatening situation or not to make time for God, your family and the things you hold dear.  Step out in faith, you never know what you might find.

God Bless

Surgery Completion

On August 21, 2009 I went in for the final surgery to complete the process. YEAH! It seems that each plastic surgeon has their own way in regards to the reconstruction process. This time my surgery involved a reduction (mammaplasty) to my natural breast as well as a nipple for the implant breast.

It's been a month and I'm happy to say that everything is healing well and the doctor says I am doing fine. There was no cancer found in the tissue removed in the reduction. I will not be dealing with breast doctors again until November of this year when I go in for my yearly mammogram. Again YEAH!

It really is amazing what these doctors can reconstruct on a human body. Of course it never takes the place of what I had, it is cancer free and looks pretty normal. I'm doing well and I believe that's the most important thing to focus on at this point.

Thanks everyone for your prayers and support over the past several months. I am a very blessed person.

How Do You Spell Relief? I M P L A N T

On Monday of this week, I had my surgery to remove the tissue expander and replace it with a saline implant. What a vast difference in how that area feels since the exchange! I'm a bit tired and sore, but no more "rock hard booby!" What a relief!

I am still one more surgery away from being complete with this process. In a few weeks, I will go back under to reduce and "perk-up" the natural breast. Some of the tissue taken out from this breast will be used to make a nipple for my implant breast. I will be thankful when all of this is done. It has been a long process.

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers, I really do appreciate them.

Sincerely,

Getting Closer One Surgery At A Time . . .

I just arrived home after a visit to the Plastic Surgeon's office. I received my last expansion fill and will now wait about four weeks (at least) before I have the surgery to remove the tissue expander and put in the implant.

More decisions?????? I was given pamphlets on "silicone" and "saline" to look over and try to decide which one will work best for me. I also need to decide whether I will have a "nipple" put on as part of my reconstruction. If not, then I have this last surgery before me. If I do, then I'll have one more surgery after the implant to reduce my natural breast and use some of that tissue to make my new nipple on my reconstruction breast. Yikes!

If you're reading my posts and have been through this process, I'd love to hear what decisions you made and how you decided. (I'm not thrilled with the idea of two more surgeries.) Please share your insights.

Sincerely,

HAPPY EASTER

Happy Easter everyone. . . And it is a good Easter Sunday. I apologize for not writing the last few weeks. Seems increasingly harder to find the time since I returned back to work.

Medically, I am still in the expansion stage. I see the PS doctor again this Thursday and this will probably be my last fill. I will be so glad to get rid of "rock-hard" booby and replace it with something a little more comfortable. I will still have another surgery to go through after the implant. The PS said that he does not reduce the natural breast until he's finished with the tattoo on my fake one.

I feel pretty good these days but I do get tired. Especially when I have to put in a 10 - 12 hour day for work. Life seems to be back to a more normal place. I believe hearing those words "Cancer-free" helped out a lot. My surgeon does not have any further tests he wants to put me through and I will go back in November for my mammogram. I was suppose to go and see the Chemo-radiologist guy one more time just to look over everything and see if he had any further recommendations but I guess the coordinator that said she would set the appointment has forgotten me. Monday I'll have to call there to see what happen.

I wish everyone a blessed day and thanks for stopping by my post.

Peter Tork Has Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

I was saddened this evening when my husband Bob showed me an article on Pop Eater.The article was from today reporting that the former Monkee, Peter Tork had been diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma. It was found on the lower region of his tongue. According to Peter's website, he was to undergo extensive surgery today, followed by radiation afterwards.

If you would like to read the original article, click this link; Former Monkee Peter Tork Fights Cancer.

As a kid I remember Peter Tork best as the Monkee with the cute dimples when he smiled. Often casted as the "dummy" in the TV show "The Monkees."

My prayers go out to Peter Tork as he goes through his treatment for his cancer. (An update on Facebook says that he's out of surgery and things have gone well.) May you meet your goal of being well for your concert dates starting in June 2009

Yeah, Peter for putting a link on your website to Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Alliance!

Returning to Work Monday

Yes, tomorrow I am suppose to be able to return to work. I've got some catching up to do. I'm hoping I can get back into the swing of things quickly. I was working from home a bit this past week, answering emails and returning phone calls. Now I've got to jump in and start going to meetings, visiting my properties and getting paperwork done.

This past Thursday, I had my last drain removed. I wasn't sure if Dr. PS would do that seeing as I was still putting out 25- 30ccs a day. Wow did that spell R E L I E F when it was pulled. How nice to not have a bulge on my side taking up space or to have to worry about dropping it when taking a shower, changing clothes or putting up with the itching pain when the stitches are pulled. I also received another 50ccs in my expander. I didn't feel discomfort that day, Friday or even Saturday Morning when I got up.

So here it is Sunday and I woke up early this morning with a piercing pain near my breast bone when I moved to get out of bed. (I've been able to lay down and sleep in my own bed for the last week without a problem.) Even as I sit on the couch typing on my lap top, I feel pressure across my right rib cage. When I got into the truck this morning, that movement caused piercing pain. Even opening the slider to let the dog in the backyard hurts. So now I'm wondering and trying to figure out what is causing this discomfort. I guess I will have to call first thing tomorrow morning to let Doc know what's going on.

Well I guess I will return to working on my daughter's Memory Book. Again, thanks for listening.

A Week In Review

Last Monday, Bob gave us a little scare when his heart started giving him palpitations that made him light headed and dizzy. After a visit to the Community North Heart Center the attending physician thought that he was having PVCs (Premature Ventricular Complexes) and not a heart attack. The doctor asked Bob if he consumed a lot of caffeine, which was a no. Than he asked if he was getting enough sleep which was a no and finally he asked if Bob had a lot of stress in his life right now. Hummmm, I wonder if a wife with breast cancer counts? The doctor seemed to think it did and sent him home after a couple hours of observation, blood tests and chest X-rays. Today, Bob seems to be OK from the PVCs but has come down with a cold. Yikes!



On Thursday, I received my first pump up. I was a bit apprehensive to have that done because of how painful the prior week had been. I will admit, this time it was OK and not that uncomfortable. I still have a drainage tube and everything looks like it's healing nicely. I will admit that this week has not been as painful as the others, but (there's always a but) I wish I'd known how uncomfortable these tissue expanders can be at times. No one talked about how they put pressure on your ribs especially when you're sitting for a while. This seems to be more of a problem towards the end of the day and I have a tough time finding a position to be comfortable in.



On Friday, my daughters came down for a visit. I was very excited to see them. My daughter that lives in the Detroit area brought me my favorite Cantonese Food. Believe it or not, I have not been able to find a Chinese Restaurant that makes it the same way here and I always enjoy the opportunity to pig out on some.



On Saturday, us girls spent the day shopping and shopping and shopping. I've not been out and walking that much in a while. Although a bit tired, it was a lot of fun. Later we watched some TV and played some cards.



Now it's Sunday afternoon and the girls left to return home about an hour ago. My oldest lives about 3 1/2 hours away while my youngest lives 5 hours away. I'm always sad to see them go, I wish we were all closer and could see one another more often than we do. That's just not a possibility at this time.

That' my week in review. Thanks for stopping by.

A Visit With The Plastic Surgeon

Yesterday I had an appointment with my plastic surgeon. While I had hoped he could wave some magical wand that would help me feel better, he just said I needed to find a way to bring the pain under control. So I left the office with one tube removed, a script for Darvocet, a suggestion to purchase some Alleve and an appointment for next week. I will admit, last night was the first time since surgery that I was able to sleep in my bed on my left side for part of the night.

Today I took Heidi Girl to the Vets by myself. I will admit I was tired by the time we returned home. And it was nice to get out of the house for a little bit. I'm hoping to continue to do these sort of things a little more each day so I can return to work in a week or so.

Not much more to report. Thanks all who have kept me in thought and prayer these past couple of months, I do appreciate it.

A Better Day Physically. . .

I feel better today, physically. My tissue expander breast is not aching and hard like it had been since surgery. Can't begin to explain what a relief I'm feeling on that level. Tomorrow, I see the plastic surgeon. I maybe lucky enough to have one of the tubes removed, I've not had much liquid in it for the past couple of days. I'm so thankful for the healing.

So what is my problem today? I'm having a panic attack about not hearing anything about my pathology. My mind is running in all directions and I'm afraid of the worst. I just called the office and my report is not in my chart so the office will have Dr. Nate's nurse call me when she becomes available. I'm not sure why I'm shaking and so upset right this moment. Maybe I'm just hitting an emotional wall. I feel a good cry coming on and I will probably be ok afterwards. Thanks for listening.

P.S. It's a little after 3p.m. and Dr. Nate just called. He said that they did get all the cancer out with this last surgery and after I get the drains out to make an appointment with him and we'd go over everything together. Now maybe I can relax with that knowledge. . .

Did I Miss The Explanation Class?

I ask this question in regards to being told what to expect with this tissue expander. I heard that there was some discomfort when it was filled. I heard that the chest muscle had to be expanded in order to take an implant later on. I heard that taking some Tylenol or Ibuprofen would help. I had no idea I would wake up from surgery in the type of pain I did. I can remember the nurse telling me to take a breath and relax while every muscle in my chest and back seemed to be causing me pain or be in a spasm at that moment. I had no idea I would hurt the way I do five days after surgery. I just don't remember any of my doctors explaining to me how this expander would affect my body.

At this point, I'm very sorry I decided to do reconstruction for a breast. I wish I hadn't been so vain to think I needed to look normal (whatever that is) in appearance. While looking down at my flat chest with steri-stripes over the incision/scar area is not pretty, maybe I would be feeling better and feel like I was healing if this damn expander was not there. And I'm scared. I don't know what to expect next. All I can do is pray that it'll get better. I just want some normalcy back in my life. It just seems like so much to ask . . .

I've done all this because I want to fight this cancer, I want to be cancer free. I won't know this until the pathology comes back from this last surgery. Dr. Nate cautioned me that they could not take all the skin away and with this cancer being to close to the skin, I might still have to go through radiation. If so, then this expander will probably have to come out. If that happens, I don't know that I'll have it put back in.

I know, I had hoped I'd have a better day today and could write something positive and encouraging for anyone reading my posts. Sorry, this is my reality right now. It will be better soon, I have to believe that.

My Winnie Post

It's Saturday evening and I just finished some Lasagna that my neighbor across the street brought over. I've been blessed that the last couple of days, one of my neighbor's has been kind enough to cook a meal for Bob and I and bring it over.

I'm miserable. I stopped taking my percocet because I was getting such headaches. I find it odd that a pain killer would give me pain but I can say that since I stopped taking it, I don't have a headache. Now I just ache. I can't get in a comfortable position. My right side chest and arm pit feel like someone beat it up. When I move certain ways, it feels like something is moving in my chest and the whole area fells hard! At this point, I don't know if this breast construction thing is worth the discomfort.

I'm sorry this post is a "Winnie" post. I'm just trying to work through all of it. I hope that tomorrow, I can write something more positive or tell you that some of the discomfort has dissipated.

Two Days After Surgery

Today marks two days since my surgery. In that time I've slept, watched a little TV, slept, played on the computer, slept and worked hard to stay comfortable. I never realized that the little movements I make with my arms and chest could be so painful. I took a shower this morning and washed my hair. That felt good. Bob helped me to remove my bandages and I took my first glimpse at my removed right breast area. It's strange to see myself this flat chested. I know in time this will change, but it's not very pretty to me at this moment.

Besides all that, Bob and I have been emptying my drains and Bob took the numbing IV out this morning. That lightened the load a bit. I'm having trouble finding words to explain all this. Maybe as time goes on and I'm not so loopey with Percocet. Have a great day everyone!

Falling Asleep in Front of The Computer

I know I'm home because I'm falling asleep in front of my computer trying to write this post. I guess that's what can happen after all this surgery stuff. My update is that I had the mastectomy and then the expander was put in place. WOW, when I was brought down from recovery, I was hurting so bad I could barely take a breath of fresh air. The nurse said it was from my expander. So after about an hour, the pain was under control and I could breath easier. While I'd like to elaborate more, I'm just too tired to write. So I'll let Bob do the next paragraphs.

What a day at the hospital. I agree with Cyndi's statement although her one hour is a little off. Her pain was not under total control for almost three hours. She and I are not complaining about this time as her nurse was aware of the amount of pain and had our Doctor on this and finally came to the conclusion to administer morphine through self control.

All in all her surgery went well. She is tired, and resting. She will I am sure be back on here as time permits and write you more. The roller coaster ride is not over yet as we will not know if she is cancer free for the next four days. Torture by drip water is what this feels like on the husband's perspective of this situation. I am trusting in our God that she will not have to go through radiation treatment, but if she does at least we will know she is then cancer free as it will destroy the cells.

I want to thank Molly, Karen, and Sharon and everyone else that has kept Cyndi in thoughts and prayers, your a special group of sisters I know Cyndi has come to appreciate so much. So have I as I know she is not alone with this horrible disease.

God bless, and know we are also keeping each of you in our thoughts and prayers too.

Cyndi and Bob

As The Surgery Churns. . .

Today's episode opens with Cyndi laying in bed wondering what to expect with Wednesday's surgery. The thoughts race through her head, anxiety builds as a feeling in her stomach and she wonders if her life will ever seem normal. As the camera closes in on our star, we see the complexity of her problems by the expression on her

face. . .

It's been over 25 years since I followed a soap. I always thought soap operas were overly dramatic. They also spent a lot of time showing how messy each characters life had become. Since my breast cancer diagnosis, I feel like I'm staring in my own soap these days. Each surgery, each test, each new piece of information seems packed with emotions and questions. I find myself scouring the Internet for sites that explain my type of cancer (Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma). I read blogs written by other cancer patients to read how they've dealt with their diagnosis. I look at pictures of mastectomies to get an idea of what having this surgery will make my body look like, I look for pictures of breast reconstruction and the list goes on and on.

We end today's segment with the camera fading away from our star. From a distance we watch as she drinks her coffee and hits the send button on her computer to publish her post. Remember to return tomorrow to view another episode of "As The Surgery Churns. . ."

Dealing With Small Complications. . .

As I've mentioned in a few of my last posts, I've had trouble with fluid build up near my lymph node biopsy. On Tuesday, my doctor inserted a drain tube with the hopes of removing it by this past Friday. Unfortunately, I was still putting out about 75ccs from this area in a 24 hour period.

Another development I noticed Friday morning is a slight redness on my breast. The doctor was not quite sure if this was the start of infection or from the fluid that was building up in the area of where more breast tissue had been removed or what. A needle was inserted to remove some of the fluid for culturing. Due to the discomfort I started to feel, the doctor stopped. I'm on two antibiotics. Doctor is hoping to knock whatever might be there out. On Monday, I will see him again to see how the breast looks and hopefully remove my drain tube. I'm hoping this does not get any worse. Wednesday I'm suppose to have surgery and will not be able to if I have an infection. Yikes!

Despite all this going on, I have been working. I'm trying to get my portfolio in order for my backup manager before the surgery day.

I believe that the surgery centers and/or doctors should give more insight into Seroma so that anyone who starts to experience this has a better understanding of what is going on and what to do.

Thank Goodness For 4-Wheel Drive

This was the view out my windshield this morning as I drove to check on my properties for snow removal. I was very thankful I had a gas-guzzling 4-Wheel Drive to make it where I needed to go. (Yeah Envoy!) The only other vehicles that seemed to be moving about easily were other 4-wheel drives as well. I saw many a car stuck in a BIG snow mound or at the bottom of their driveways as I traveled from the east to the west neighborhoods. The Indianapolis Area is not use to getting this much snow all at once and many people do not know how to drive in it. Hamilton County seemed to be doing a better job of keeping up then Marion County

I made it safely back to the office and will now just field calls as they come into us. I'm sure all the kids were happy that school was closed. If you have to be out and about today, please be careful.

Yet Another Visit To The Doctor Today

I woke up this morning and my lymph node area was beginning to swell again. It also looked a bit red and I really could not tell if this was the red color I was suppose to tell the Doctor about or not. So, this afternoon I saw Dr. Nate again. When he looked at the area, he suggested a drainage tube for the next couple of days. While a bit uncomfortable in the beginning of the procedure, the relief it's brought from the build up made the discomfort worth it. Hopefully by Friday it'll be out. He did not think there was an infection but put me on an antibiotic for safe measure.

I also have a surgery date. I was lucky enough to get February 4th at 8:00a.m. This will save me from six weeks of waiting that I thought I would have to endure. I'm thankful! Remind me of that next week when my anxiety level rises because the surgery day is close. How does one get use to the idea of what is going to happen to them? I intellectually understand, emotionally it's a lot to take in.

Well that's all the news I have today. Molly, I'm hoping you were able to see your doctor today and Karen, I'm praying for good results for you tomorrow.

Another Trip to The Doctor

I went to see Dr Nate today after a long weekend with a swollen arm pit. When he saw the area, he said he needed to extract the extra fluid. So with the help of a needle and his sonogram machine I received relief at last! Hopefully I will not have to go in again, but Dr. Nate told me that this happens from time to time and I needed to contact him immediately if any redness developed. If redness does appear, it means no expander for me at mastectomy time (Ugh!).

I also asked my doctor more about the size of my cancer. He confirmed that the nipple area still showed cancer and he had taken out as much tissue as possible on that side. I have an area about the size of a golf ball missing from my breast. (Hmmmm, when the surgeon removed the tumor from my brain, he said it was the size of a golf ball. I think surgeons like to use that analogy) Anyway, I asked Dr. Nate if he was going to run any more tests to see if this cancer had spread to my lungs or liver or anywhere else. He asked if the oncologist had ordered any more testing for me, which he hadn't. Then Dr. Nate said that because cancer was not in my lymph nodes, it should not be anywhere else in my body. He felt it should be contained to the area it was found. At this point, he didn't want to run any further unnecessary tests on me. I'm not sure if I agree with his rationale but I'll let it sit for now.

After I was done at Dr. Nate's office, I walked down to the plastic surgeon's office and told them to schedule my surgery. Maybe tomorrow I'll get the exact date and time.

Oh by the way, I decided to go with an expander and then implant for my breast reconstruction.

Summit Lake State Park

One thing that has been difficult since my diagnosis of breast cancer is just being able to go out and enjoy the day. Yesterday, Bob and I took a ride over to Summit Lake to check out where we will be going fishing this summer. It's about 47 miles from Indianapolis and takes maybe 40 minutes to get to from our home. While it was fairly cold, I did see some people ice fishing. Brrrr! It was a pretty day and a pretty drive. Just wanted to share the pictures we took.