Yesterday was a very busy day. Coffee was made, animals were fed and we were out the door just after 8 am for our 9:30 am appointment. We live about an hour out from town (due to traffic most of the times) so we have to plan accordingly and especially for all the crazy construction right now.
Our first stop was the plastic surgeon. He was going to check the incisions, bruising, and drain output. We talked about the drains that Stephen has to clean twice a day. I joked about offering shots (that is what they look like) well okay maybe for a vampire but still. I was a little anxious as not knowing what this visit would entail because technically this is MY first ILC rodeo. They took us back into a room and asked me to disrobe from the waist up. Ha, this is quite the process. There is a shirt that has pockets to hold my drains (keeps them in a safe place), my Masthead surgical convertible bra (these things are amazing and so comfortable). The bra has two rings on each side that hold the drains. But wait….stop right there - did either of us think about bringing a lanyard to hold the drains? Nope, again first rodeo, but my loving husband asked the front desk if they had one we could borrow and problem solved. Next, there is the abdominal binder, this contraption is such a pita. The binder is to help the healing processing by adding support to your stomach and help restrict fluid buildup. I have to wear disposable panties underneath to help with the irritation on what I lovingly call my ‘Joker scar’ (because it is literally hip to hip - “why so serious” - insert Heath Ledgers Joker voice). I know it serves a great purpose, but it does not make me like it any more.
My drains have been my nemesis more so than the binder, well the left upper one to be exact. It has been quite pissed off. Not sure who offended it as we have tried to be gentle and loving with each of them. But it decided to create the most issues (more pain and nuisance than anything). Y’ALL HE TOOK THOSE DRAINS OUT! I am now only sporting two drains - one for each hip, and as long as those behave they will come out next week. I do have to keep antibiotic ointment on the breast drain incisions and a band aid for a few days - this is chump change comparatively to this past week. He said my breasts and the bruising looks good, and so does my incision area. I literally teared up and almost cried in the office - the freedom felt after those drains were removed is indescribable. I have an appointment next Tuesday for follow-up and to remove one of the hip drains (as long as they are behaving and then at the end of the week for the other). I was so elated that I almost forgot about the pathology report looming over my head.
Now we were off to see the breast surgeon and discuss the pathology report - the dreaded lymph node report. We had a little time to kill as she was still in surgery, so we went over to the hospital and had some coffee and a lemon loaf as a treat. Finally, it was time for our appointment, and off we went. Again, we were showed to our room and asked to disrobe - only this time just the shirt and bra. It literally took more time to disrobe than she was there in the office. Pathology report shows clear margins and NO LYMPH INVOLVEMENT! This is beyond wonderful news. This means no radiation (which honestly I feared more than chemo). So much comes with radiation that I am so beyond grateful to not have to travel that path.
Our next major appointment is July 10th when we meet with the oncologist. She ultimately decides the next treatment course. There is a test that will be ordered, oncotype, and this is a determination of whether or not chemo is required. Believe it or not, chemo and ILC do not always work well together. Weird, because I am sure you are like me and just think chemo and breast cancer go hand in hand. However, that is not always the case. So, now we wait and see, and during this time I will do my best to rest, as I often forget that I literally had major surgery and want to do so many things but I am quickly reminded that I cannot either by my body or my husband.
Hope you and your family have a wonderful and safe holiday!
Much Love,
Stephen & Deandra