Getting ready to be wheeled to the OR some good stuff in the IV.

The best nurses!

Ready to go home and recover!

Reason to kick cancers ass!

Reason to kick cancers ass!

Yet another reason to kick cancers ass!

Last night I spoke with Dr. Sowden who was my cancer surgeon who is now my hero!  She took time out of her weekend to give me the news that my cancer is gone.  There was some concern during surgery that it my have been invasive rather than the DCIS non invasive.  The other concern was that the cancer was very close to the outer skin in one area and would the margins be clear.  All turned out great it was non invasive DCIS and after making over 200 slides of what was taken of breast tissue and tested the margins are clear and I've been born again.  I can't begin to explain the feeling of joy, happiness, relief etc. more for my children and family than myself.  During this journey I've had a very calm sense of peace I knew I was in very good hands and from all the support I had I knew no matter the turn out somehow everything would be ok. 

I must say I would not change this experience it has actually been a positive eye opener on how life can change within minutes.  I do look at things differently and I am trying to slow down and take life slower.  However I can't ever change how I like my life in order and my OCD is just here to stay I can deal with that. 

My family and friends I will treasure forever they are my rocks that I said formed my boulder to crush the cancer.

I'm excited to start working out again that will happen in a few more weeks I still need to rest that is very difficult for me but I know when to say when.

Thank you to my amazing parents, sister, Ashley, husband, children, Beth, Darcey all my dear friends there are too many to type my fingers are sore you all know who you are and I love you all very much!

Cheers to health, happiness and smiles................

CONSTANT FORWARD MOTION!

November 5, 2011


Waking up in my own bed this morning cancer free was a feeling I can't explain.


My surgery yesterday went better than expected.  I arrived at the hospital at 6:45 and had the nuclear medication injected into my left breast.  From their I was in pre-op.  Tim, my sister, Darcey, Beth, Wanda and Paula kept Tim company throughout my surgery.  It was also nice to see my dear friends wish me well as I waiting for surgery.


The Fletcher Allen staff was amazing we joked a little with laughter, it was nice to take the edge off.  I was taken down to surgery at 11 right before they wheeled me down the hall I had a little cocktail in my iv next thing I remember was a oxygen mask over my face.  Four hours later I woke up and it was over.


Tim was standing next to my bed and told me I had done amazing.  Dr. Sowden took three lymph nodes, they were cancer free, she told Tim they all did a dance in the O.R. when the negative result came in.  Dr. Maclennan was by Dr. Sowden's side, what a great team.  Dr. Maclennan is the reconstructive plastic surgeon and instead of the expander she was able to place my permanent gel implant and to boot I got a breast lift.


While in recovery I had a male nurse, not sure how much Tim had to pay for that but it was a pleasure.  His name was Christian and he was adorable but most of all very sweet.  I asked if he would come home with me and my husband would be glad to pay him - after all it's almost hunting season.  Of course Tim ended up not buying that and Tim gets an A+ for his nursing skills.  Of course though I made my mother come over last night to massage my feet a legs.


So hear I rest and recover and thank God for the best outcome.  


I've been beyond blessed with my family and friends I'm very fortunate to be so loved.


Now I start my new life it's time to slow down and breath and most important enjoy every moment.


Again Thank you everyone for sticking by me on this bumpy road.


xoxo
Shelly

November 3, 2011

Tomorrow is the big day I’m ready for a good night sleep after a busy day today.  The phone calls, doctors appointments, making sure the kids are set with school and hockey for the weekend, laundry and the list of medications have kept me on my toes today.

My surgery is going to be about 3 ½ hours hopefully I will get in on schedule.  The first thing is to be injected with nuclear medicine.  Once in surgery Dr. Sowden who is the cancer surgeon will remove my nipple and extract my breast tissue through that incision.  Dr. Sowden will also remove my first lymph node and text it immediately.    Next step will be Dr. MacLennan the plastic surgeon; she will either place the expander or an implant depending on how healthy the skin looks. 

I’m mostly sad that I’m going to miss my children play hockey this weekend I’m the biggest fan and I cheer the loudest.

Thank you everyone for all your love and support.

I will keep you posted on the surgery result, no before or after picture – sorry.

xoxoxo

Kicking Cancers ASS!