We arrived at 2:00 pm and I was in surgery by 3:45. According to Dr. Vargas, he took about a 50 cent piece of tissue out of my left breast to ensure that there were clean margins around that little .6 centimeter mass. He also took lymph nodes from my left underarm. Dr. Vargas implanted a "Power Port" on under my right clavicle. This is where the medication for the chemo will be placed. I have good size sutures in all of these areas. We've been able to stay in front of the pain with ibuprofen (Motrin), ice packs and lots of rest. In about a week or two I should have full movement and doing great again.Chris and the girls are a big help and have been waiting on me hand and foot. Emails and calls from friends and loved ones are greatly appreciated and keep everyone's spirits up.
So the cancer is out and gone!
Now we are going to be working to make sure it doesn't come back. In late July I'll start the chemo and we'll move on from there.
Every now and then I get a little scared -- especially when I read the medical records with frightening words like "malignant" "cancer" etc. I give up a prayer and remember to be grateful for all that is, and I am calm again. It truly is amazing what goes into to fighting breast cancer. Each of the doctors have told me that they are so very close to a cure. Right now the cure rate for most breast cancers is at least 90%. Phenomenal!
I remind myself there is nothing to worry about. My goodness, small children all over the country are fight cancer for their lives and go through much worse. If they can handle it with smiles on their faces and great hope; I can too. I pray for those little ones and all who are fight the cancer battle. May God give all comfort and peace today.
