One week on

Time is such a strange phenomenon.

This time last week I was sitting on the ward in fetching DVT stockings, knickers made of dishcloth and  a robe that tied at the back.  

Today I'm on the sofa, sunlight streaming through the windows, coffee in hand and it all seems very far away.

Gory bit:  The hospital I was treated at have been fund raising and have a new piece of equipment - which meant that the lump was excised via an incision in my armpit, at the same time as nodes from my lymph system were removed for testing.  This means I only have one wound, one scar site and my right boob looks untouched.  By comparison to last time this is amazing!  The armpit is quite a major junction of nerves and muscles so it's still quite painful, but it's been easier to deal with.

The nodes were clear so the cancer hasn't spread.

My follow up is June 7th and at that point I'll know the nature of the lump they took out and what the next steps are.  I'm planning on it being the same as last time, radiotherapy and no chemo - but I realise it's not actually in my hands.

I've just been looking back at last year's posts - I feel I should say I don't think I'm any less upbeat than I was last year, it's rather more that I have an overwhelming 'been there, got the t-shirt', a feeling of ennui.

My lessons from last time include remembering how quickly my energy can run out, so I'm trying to nap and not to commit to doing too much, whilst not just slumping on the sofa.

I have a thermos flask/mug which has already proved invaluable for the journeys to and from hospital.

I have much better headphones for listening to podcasts and books while out and about.

I think I've got this.

The Sequel

One of the reasons for creating this blog was the ability it gave me to update several people at once.

Anyone reading this from work - I'm now out of the office until June 5th.

I've been diagnosed with another cancerous lump, this time in the other breast.

I have my pre-op assessment on Wednesday, wire insertion and radioactive tag on Thursday and the lump will be taken out on Friday.

This one is even smaller than the last one and I'm expecting to follow the same route - op, radiotherapy, job done. 

If you're interested in my progress I'll be keeping this updated - if you're not interested I'll see you on June 5th.

And to everyone who's had a kind word or thought for me - thank you - they really do mean a lot!

Here we go again

It seems my Facebook update on the anniversary of the operation (15th April) was a little hung-ho of me.

Last Wednesday I had my first post operation mammogram.

We had trouble getting a clear picture of the right one (moved to a smaller more focused paddle and then to the 3-D version) so I was booked in for an ultrasound on the Saturday (bless the NHS for running an extra set of sessions on a Saturday).

The ultrasound took a very long time.  The Dr was very thorough and seemed to be on the verge of saying there was nothing there (I believe we call this one wishful thinking!) and then she found what they'd seen on the mammogram. 

'Shall we take a biopsy now?' 

I assume the answer to that one should always be yes.  

She took three samples in the end and I was sent off with a pressure bandage and an instruction not to get it wet.

Which brings us to today.

My name is finally called - I head towards the Dr who has called my name and am intercepted by one of the Drs I'd seen previously - he seemed very pleased to have recognised me and asked what was up with my liver ...

Poor love!  The Dr who was actually trying to see me led me away ... and he had a nurse in tow.

I know what that means.

'Oh no, it's not, is it?'

Slightly surreal conversation ensues - I didn't let the Dr say a lot, I assume I was trying to keep a little bit of control; 'yeah, yeah, been here got the t-shirt, apparently I'm getting another one' was my state of mind.  (When it wasn't that I was in danger of breaking down so I focused on what I felt I should already know.

Also entertained my audience with the story of me running off last time with just a wire in my boob and no radioactive marker (it seems I can't resist trying to make people laugh in the middle of stressful situations).

This lump is coming out 19th May - it's smaller than the last one so just as much reason to think it'll be quite straight forward.

More news as I get it.