Some thoughts

Here are some thoughts I have as I am preparing for stage two of my journey. I am a planner, and I like to have a plan for every scenario. Some people think that is crazy, but it actually gives me comfort. So, I have two things I want to do. Number one, I want to grow out my hair. If I start now, I start now, if I have chemo and lose it, I start then, but I have a goal to grow my hair out and be able to donate it. It is a tangible thing I can do. Paige said she would do it with me and I can't wait.

Second, I want to de-clutter. I have been doing a lot of reading on how to eliminate stress(which I want to be as stress free as possible in stage two of my journey), and many people feel that living simply is a way to do it. I have some very close friends doing this as well. I plan to take the year to do it by choosing a room a month and totally de-cluttering that area. Above all, I need to make sure that everything I do has purpose, it has to absolutely be good for me. 2016 is the year of Kim. As selfish as that sounds, its what will have to be. I need to focus on me, and this 2nd stage of my journey.

Quick Update

I talked to my surgeon today. He wanted to know how I was doing. I told him I went back to work and did great. It was awesome to get back to school to see my kids and colleagues. He also had the pathology report. It was good! He said the tissue he took out came back with clean margins, so he got all of the cancerous tumor! Also, the lymph nodes came back negative! He was very pleased with the report. He said the tumor was 3.5 centimeters and that puts me at stage 2. I see him on the 4th and then he told me to be ready for moving on to the oncologist. He didn't want to wager a firm guess, but said that given the rest of the particulars of the tumor, and my age, I will most likely have radiation and possibly a little chemo. I had already prepared myself for that because every doctor had said that from the reports on the initial biopsy. So.... I have information, and can just enjoy the rest of this week with my friends and family, enjoy the New Year, continue to rest and heal from surgery, and start this fight again after the 4th! Merry Christmas!

Surgery

So, I am 6 days post surgery and still really sore. I knew I would be, but not in the places I am sore. For the most part, surgery went well. I arrived at the hospital around 6:30, registered and immediately taken to a pre-op room. From there I had to have dye injected into the lymph node area so the doctor could see the sentinal lymph nodes he was taking. Boy did that sting. The radiologist apologized ahead of time before he inserted the dye. Then I went up to mammography where the same radiologist inserted a guide wire for the surgeon so he would be able to make a clean cut of the tissue surrounding the tumor. The radiologist apologized again! I told him he has a heck of a job if he has to constantly apologize all day! Then I went back to my pre op room and waited. Dr. Peyser came to see me, and at 11:00 I went to surgery. I remember getting onto the table and that is it. When I woke, I was in recovery. I had been there 4 hours as I didn't wake up very fast from the anesthesia. My throat was so sore I could barely swallow. Finally at around 5:30, I was headed home. I climbed into bed, and Mark and Paige ordered me some soup for dinner. It got there just in time to have the power go out in the entire village! So, we ate by candlelight and cell phone light. I slept really well that night! I'm going back to work Monday, and can't wait. It's the last three days before break so it should be fairly easy. I may know Monday in regards to the pathology reports. I can't say enough about the staff at Millard Fillmore Suburban, they were all so wonderful.

Amazingly Blessed

I am amazingly blessed for so many reasons. Within hours of posting my new hairdo with the pink streak, I received over 40 comments and over 200 likes. I was astounded. I feel all of the positive energy and prayers coming my way. I got many hugs from my colleagues and students as I left today. One student asked me if I was scared. I told him I wasn't scared, but I am a little nervous. I'm not scared because my doctor is awesome. He was happy with that answer. I am not scared of surgery. I've waited for surgery for what seems like forever. Now that it is here, I'm nervous about the next step(that's me always thinking ahead!). Surgery is Monday at 10:30, so send those thoughts and prayers please.  I have a great weekend planned. Annie at Sheas on Saturday with Mark and my mom and dad, Sunday Paige comes home and I'm going to go finish a little Christmas shopping. I'll blog (or have Paige help me) on Monday(maybe), or Tuesday. Thank You all so much for reading and listening to me, it has made such a difference in my coping with this.

Update

Sorry it took me so long to post. I received my genetic testing back and everything is negative!!!! They still don't know why I got breast cancer, but it wasn't genetic. I am preparing for surgery on the 14th and have a lot to do. I need to get a few things done around home like the tree up, Christmas gifts finished, some freezer meals made, and some cleaning done. I also have to get my comps that have to have sections re-written finished as well. I have to be a copy maniac at school so things are ready for the sub. I did take time for myself though and got a raindrop massage yesterday from my dear friend Julie. If you want details on raindrop and Julie's practice, message me. I also have a hair appointment this week so I look good after surgery! Even if I don't feel good, my hair will look great! No, I anticipate an easy procedure and a speedy recovery. Paige will be home and will be a huge help. So, I may not update until surgery day, but so far, I'm keeping it all together....oh....and sleeping very well and very sound, thanks to a new regimen of essential oils. Have a great weekend everyone!