I know it’s been a few days since I have posted. My life is pretty boring right now. Sleep, watch Olympics, nap, watch Olympics, nap, nap again, watch Olympics then go to bed. I do eat between naps. I know all my doctors keep saying embrace the sleep, which is when most of the healing happens, but I sure would like to note some improvement. I think I don’t take as many naps during the day. Most naps are me just falling asleep while watching the Olympics.
The neuropathy has not improved really. I know Dr. Sikaria said it would take a long time for it to go away, but even a little improvement would be nice. I am counting the days until I can taste again. All my research and talking with those in my Support Group, about a month from the end of chemo until taste buds return. Woot Woot! A little over two more weeks.
At this point I am not sure what I want more, eyebrows or taste buds. I would also like my face back. It’s still very puffy from the steroids and chemo. I tried a little bit of makeup yesterday, but it just looked stupid to me. I kept it on anyway. Some light eyebrows, just a dusting of shadow on my lids and mascara on what’s left of my eyelashes. I felt clownish, but no one said anything and I am sure Hubby or at least Darling Daughter would have said I looked horrible with the little bit of makeup.
We celebrated the Grandson’s 6th birthday yesterday since they will not be able to come over next weekend. Grandson picked dinner – Orange Chicken with rice and broccoli. Darling Daughter cooked and also made a really nice lemon cake with lemon icing. Grandson was overwhelmed with Lego’s, but was excited about the three Play Station games we got him as well.
Dr. Ali-Jones office called me this morning, Surgery is confirmed for Friday March 16th. I have to be at the Breast Diagnostic Center at 7:15 AM and surgery is planned at Torrance Memorial at 11 am. At the Breast Diagnostic Center (part of the Torrance Memorial complex) they will numb my breast and then using a Mammogram and/or Ultrasound they will insert a small wire directing the surgeon (Ali-Jones) to the marker that was left behind during my biopsy. They will then inject a radioactive isotope under my nipple so the Sentinel nodes are identifiable by scan at time of surgery so Dr. Ali-Jones can remove the first two or three nodes to check for cancer cells. A pathologist will check the nodes in the OR, and they will keep removing axillary nodes until they have confirmed the last node taken is cancer free. We’re not too worried as the MRI I had last September showed no nodes indicating cancer and an MRI is really good at picking up cancer in Lymph nodes.
I still have not heard back from Dr. Goldberg’s office about my plastic surgery. I will have to follow up with them to find out what is going on there.
We do have some shopping to do this week, one of my “other” sons is getting married this year and the bridal shower is on Saturday. I am not up to going to the shower all the way out in Pasadena, but we will pick up a gift and give it to his mom so take for us. Plus, it gives another excuse to go visit with his parents up the street.
Life is slowly healing
What a birthday present for Uncle David, your tumor removed! Depending on how quickly you feel better, it’s likely you will be able to come to Passover. That would be a good thing for the entire family. I’m praying that can happen.
Nane always said, “Patience is a virtue; possess it if you can.” I hated it when she said it, but as I got older, I realized it’s real meaning. Now it’s your turn to try to be patient as your body takes its own sweet time to heal from the onslaught of chemicals that have been running through everything. I know how much the neuropathy is a bother and you would really like to taste your food. Just think how much you will appreciate it when you no longer have the tingles and pain or when you actually taste the flavor of your food again. The hair on your body will grow out soon and you will begin to look like your old self as the chemo dissipates. Of course your hair may be a different color and texture than before. Most people I know have experienced that. It may prove very interesting. Whether it is an improvement or a disaster, it will be your hair. I’m probably telling you things you already know but reminding you to look forward to them makes me think you might just get that little extra ounce of patience you need. I will be flying to California on March 22 and plan to head to Phoenix to see Helen for a few days on the 23rd. If you are not going to be able to make Passover, maybe I can stop over in LA for a day on the way back to San Jose. I’m on Southwest for that trip so it’s pretty easy to make the change. We can figure that out when you know how well you are recovering from surgery. I haven’t laid eyes on you for almost a whole year and it’s making me crazier than I already am. LYTTMAB!