A Change of Plans

Did I mention that I like to plan for things and know what's coming?  I also like to take action once I know there's a problem.  So, to hear that there was going to be a change of plans and slight delay in my treatment was very disappointing.

This is just what happened on January 15, the date that had been circled on my calendar for almost two weeks as the date of my first chemo treatment, the date that I would begin to kill this cancer growing inside my body.  When I met with the oncologist, she shared some unexpected news with me.  The results of an MRI had become available the night before and were changing our plans.  The MRI showed concern with a lymph node on the right side.  At the time of my diagnosis, no lymph nodes were able to be felt or seen on ultrasound.  However, over the course of preparing for treatment, a lymph node was able to be felt.  The original thought was that it might be a result of some infection from my biopsy.  I had taken an antibiotic for a possible infection, but the lymph node was still there.  The MRI also showed a possible tumor in my left breast.  The doctor told me that both places needed to be biopsied before I received any chemotherapy.

Talk about a flood of emotions!  The thought of having two more places biopsied was not appealing, since I vividly remembered how the first one had felt.  The news that the cancer could have spread to a lymph node was scary, and that it could also be in the other breast was shocking.  However, the rational side of me understood what the doctor was saying.  We need to know what we're dealing with before we start killing the cancer with chemo.

So, the biopsies were scheduled for the following day, January 16, and my first chemo treatment was moved to Monday, January 20.

I had the biopsies yesterday.  I experienced significantly less pain during the procedure as compared with my first biopsy.  However, I began to have a lot of pain at the site of the lymph node immediately following the procedure.  That site has continued to be sore today, with less pain at the other site.  Unfortunately, I'm also still sore around the port placement site, which is right above one of the biopsy sites.  Basically, my whole chest just hurts!  I'm hoping for improvement soon, though.

The hardest part of the biopsy is having my activities restricted.  I hadn't returned to normal following my port placement surgery.  Now, I have additional restrictions.  I can't lift my arms above my shoulders or lift anything more than 10 pounds.  Not easy with two young kids to care for!

Fortunately, I'm surrounded by wonderful people who are supporting me in every way imaginable! Quentin has kept our household running smoothly, and I am so grateful for his support and care.  My mom has also been here to do anything and everything needed.  My dad and mother-in-law have both pitched in this week to help take care of the kids and shuttle them to and from school.  I can't even count how many texts, emails, cards, and well-wishes I've received from friends and family.  I feel so blessed to have the support of so many!  It makes all the difference in the world!