We have had 4 doctor appointments this week and it is only Wednesday. They seem to be all bunched up lately! We saw the surgeon in Hamilton for a follow up today and were hoping the pathology report would be in, however no such luck. Apparently the pathologist was on vacation (wondering why they did not know this info before?) so we have to go back again in 2 weeks. I was still glad to see the surgeon today because of the one spot that looked as if it was not healing. She told us that is looked just fine and it was a 'burn ' from the inside out due to the skin retractor they use during surgery. So it should heal up soon, which is good news. The radiation oncologist was wanting the spot to be healed before he starts radiation (he estimated I would begin radiation 5 days a week x 5 weeks starting Aug 24th). I have another appointment with him in 2 weeks to have a CAT scan and to finalize the plan of when to start radiation. All in all this is making things very busy around here. I'm also starting the Herceptin treatments again next week-that will be 13 treatments every 3 weeks.

We had a little adventure this morning in Hamilton. We were driving to the cancer centre which is up the mountain going our usual route (well, the only one we really know) and the mountain access was closed (another good thing to know ahead of time). Anyways, we turned around and tried to find another way up which proved difficult as Hamilton is full of one way streets. We passed a street that looked promising so we turned around (on a one way street) and drove the wrong way to get to the street we wanted. Of course we passed a police cruiser while driving the wrong way on the one way. I don't think he was too impressed and looked very surprised. We quickly turned on the next street and thankfully we did not see him again!

Another piece of good news that we found out today was that I qualify for getting the genetic testing to determine if I carry the BRCA 1 or 2 gene (results of this will enable us to plan future treatment for myself and determine if our daughters are at a higher risk). I had the blood test today, so they estimate I'll find out in 6 months or so.

I want to thank all our friends for helping us out with so much child care during these busy weeks. We appreciate it so much-it sure has taken some stress away. Our kids have been happy and that makes us happy!

Tomorrow it will be 2 weeks since the surgery and I'm feeling better every day. I still don't have lots of energy but I am able to do a few things without having to hit the couch. Today I even went to church and felt pretty good. The home care nurse is still coming every other day to take care of a skin tear that isn't healing all that well. I was allergic to the tape from the surgical bandage so I have a big rash and a few skin tears, all of which are healing nicely except for the one-although I think it looks better even today. On Wednesday we see the surgeon for a follow-up and hopefully at that time she'll have the pathology report so we will find out how many lymph nodes were involved and how the margins look. On Monday (tomorrow) we see the oncologist and will find out when I start radiation-they hinted at Aug 17th however September 8th would be more convenient as the kids are back in school. So we'll have to deal with that one as it comes. Oh yeah.... I am growing some lovely peach fuzz on my head-unfortunetly it is all grey! That better change! What happened to the wavy brown hair with blonde highlights I ordered?!

Today it has been a week since the surgery and hopefully the worst week is behind me. Everything seems to be healing well and the last drain came out yesterday. I do have a bit more swelling than I did before and I'm guessing that is because the drains are out, we'll have to see what the nurse says today. Today is supposed to be her last visit, although I'm hoping she'll come a few more times just to make sure everything is OK. There is something comforting about having her come by and check things! My energy level is still quite low and I don't feel as though I could go out of the house yet-I'm tired just thinking about it!

We are grateful that this past week has gone relatively smooth considering that the surgery only took place on Monday. We have had so much help with child care and meals that I have been able to take some much needed rest ... this has been wonderful! My girlfriends have arranged a schedule for our kids to be taken care of everyday this week and the kids are having a blast. I am feeling better daily and my mom has been here everyday helping with the house and caring for me. I was really pleased when I was able to reduce my pain medication to just extra strength Tylenol from Morphine and Tylenol 3 (though these were nice drugs to have). Even the nurse that comes everyday has been a great support and tells me that things look great. I have two annoying and uncomfortable drains that remove fluid from my body as a result of the surgery and the nurse informed me today that I may have one of the drains removed tomorrow (which will be painful but worth it). My next goal is to work on my range of motion exercises in my left arm which I have casually started but need to be more consistent. We couldn't have managed without such wonderful friends and family!

Just a quick update to let you all know how things are going here. I am home from the hospital and feeling tired to say the least. Rich was going to try to post an update last night but he was too bushed. Monday was a long day for all of us! The surgery went as well as can be expected, and the doctor was pleased with everything. I slept alot during the day and alot at night. The anesthetic made my stomach upset though and I threw up my supper. They told me if I throw up my breakfast this morning I would have to stay an extra night. So I was kind of thinking that would be a good idea, but my breakfast stayed down and home I went. Apparently 95% of mastectomy patients go home the next day, some even the same day. Home care nursing will start tomorrow, so that makes me feel a bit better.
Well Rich is off with kids on a bike ride and mom is coming over to help me out. I think I am going to lie down for a bit. Thank you all for your concern, phone calls and prayers. It makes a tough time a lot easier.