March 31-Scooter takes me for a ride

Well, another nice day outside. All week we've had nice warm weather. Actually even drove my scooter after washing it. Couldn't resist riding it. Especially since the calendar does still say March. Did see that snow could be coming next week though. Even did a bit of raking.

Went out to dinner with the Beckster and family. As usual, a nice evening out.

Tim's life has been filled with play rehearsals. Almost every day he has about a 3 hr. rehearsal. Have heard that the end result is usually amazing. Should be with all their hard work. My one concern is that he be able to maintain his grades that he's always had, and do the play. Plus outdoor soccer is starting. He does enjoy the play, even if he is just in the chorus. I think that life could be a bit easier once he gets his license in August. This week was just a bit overwhelming for me, with new job and play practices, along with guitar lesson. Plus the anxiety of CT scans for Barry. But as Tim told me, "mom, you're doing fine." I don't know how parents can have their kids involved in so many activities. My mind (especially this week) could not handle it.

We should hear on Monday on how Barry's CT scans went. Then we'll have a plan for his next chemo treatment.

Next CT scans

Barry's been scheduled for his next CT scans this Friday in Pittsburgh. It's been 7 weeks since his treatment. If there is growth, he will have chemo next Friday, Good Friday. If there is no change the chemo will be April 20th. Of course we are praying for no change, just to make it farther between treatments. Less time away from his job.

First day complete

My first day on the new job is done. I met so many wonderful people. Wish I could remember all their names but I can't. It was also special just seeing some familiar faces there. It was a typical first day on the job, listening to so much information but knowing that it is only my first day. As my boss said, she was told 3 years and she would know the complete cycle of the job!
Everyone was so kind to me, and it's my kind of department to work in: food is appreciated there! One thing that this job offers that my other job didn't: the ability to wear sandals. Oh yes, free local newspaper.. Can't beat that.

I did come home for lunch to see Barry which was nice. Only drawback to leaving the college for lunch, is you lose your parking spot. I think that my scooter will come in handy due to its size, especially for parallel parking on the street.

A new beginning

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day. Temps hitting 70 degrees I believe. Tim went shopping at Goodwill for his outfit to wear in the school play of Footloose. While he was gone, I went to the college track and walked my first mile of this year. My goal is to get back to walking since it's right where I'll be working. Plus I'll be getting out of work 1/2 hr earlier than I'm used to, and saving about 1/2 hr of commuting. I washed my truck and Tim's car later on in the day. Couldn't resist the nice warm temps. Felt like heaven. Talked to my parents on Cape Cod and they had temps in the 40s. What a difference.

Oh yes, I may have walked a mile today but I also enjoyed 2 strawberry shortcake desserts! Oh well....

Just like a first day of school, I've got my clothes all set for my new job tomorrow. Can't wait. I hope I sleep well tonight. I haven't had a new job in 4 years. A new beginning.

Changes

Today I was just going to post about tomorrow being my last day at the bank, but today's news put a little change in my thought process. I heard that Elizabeth Edwards is battling cancer once again. She went through breast cancer in 2004 and now has been diagnosed with cancer on a rib and possibly lung. Yes, cancer sucks. Doesn't matter who you are or what you do, you can be a target for this terrible disease. What gets me the most is the headlines that the media put out there about the news conference: Edwards wife's cancer treatable not curable. Why is there a need to put this spin on her recent diagnosis. I swear the media is just out to get people. It's hard enough to hear the word cancer. Sure, no cure now but was this conference about that? Don't think so.

Well, tomorrow is my last day at the bank. This week has certainly dragged for me. After work today (early day) we went out for drinks and dinner at a Mexican restaurant. I hope my new boss is as kind and compassionate as this boss has been to me. And I think she will be.

I start my new job on Monday. Have already heard from several people at the College looking for lunch dates. Nice going someplace that you know other people. Looking forward to this change.

It's my TWO year Cancer-versary today!

And to think that J remembered it. You can tell who has personally been touched by cancer to remember such a date.

Yes, 2 years ago today I first heard that dreaded word "cancer". It's so clear to me. Look at what has happened since to us. So much, the good the bad and the ugly.

I'm headed to work early this a.m. for a "breakfast with the President" meeting. Took me 4 years to be able to get up to that special floor of that building, and am looking forward to it.

Well, off to work I go. And with a much clearer mind. Thanks.

Sclerosing adenosis-Diagnosis that I did write down

Sclerosing adenosis
A guide to diagnosis and treatment
Sclerosing adenosis is a benign condition whereby extra tissue grows within the breast lobules.
It can cause recurring pain, or result in a small, firm lump in the breast.
Diagnosis
Your GP will refer you to a specialist at a breast clinic for a mammogram or ultrasound scan.
Because sclerosing adenosis can be difficult to distinguish from breast cancer, you may be advised to have a biopsy or a small operation to remove the affected area.
The tissue is then tested in the laboratory to confirm the diagnosis.
Sclerosing adenosis is also found by chance on routine mammograms, or following breast surgery.
You can find out more about breast clinic investigations from the link below.
Treatment
Following a clear diagnosis, no further treatment is required, although you may choose to take painkillers if needed.
What this means
Having sclerosing adenosis doesn't increase your risk of breast cancer, but it is important to continue to be breast aware and to go back to your GP if you notice any further changes.

4 P.M Call from Dr.-BENIGN!!

I called the Cancer Center this a.m. to have them tell Dr. G. that I was home today. This way he could call me with the results if he gets them today. I heard from the Center when they called me back, that Dr. G would not be in until Monday. She said that he would be only person who could read the results. This is crazy. I asked if another oncologist would please read them and call me, as waiting until Monday is an eternity. You would think that they would be considerate enough and able to read any biopsy result that they got, regardless of who the patient is.

I also took a step and left a message on Dr. G's home phone about this. Not something I would normally do, but to me this is very important. The not-knowing is the worst thing, something I tell others of all the time.

4 P.M. Just got call from an oncologist at Cancer Center. BENIGN tissue samples!! Nothing cancer related. Thank God.

Biopsy is done

And the wait begins.

I was at the hospital for about 2 hrs. having the stereotactic biopsy done. I was already familiar with the process. A mammogram is done beforehand to pinpoint the area where the calcifications are. You lay on your stomach and have your breast pop through a hole in the table. The radioligist and the nurse work beneath you, after they raise the table up a bit. Your breast is compressed quite tightly, like a mammogram. Additional pictures are taken when a needle is inserted into the breast after being cleansed and numbed. I can't remember how many pictures are actually taken during the procedure. Once they have calculated the area they want to biopsy, this location is input into the computer so that the needle knows where to go. There is a loud bang at one point, this is when the needle is sort of boomeranged into the area. Like a slingshot. There is discomfort when this is done. I never actually even saw the radiologist as my head was aimed the other direction. You are not allowed to move at all. I can just listen to the conversations. By the end, my hands were so sweaty. After the specimens are obtained it is time to insert a clip into the area that was biopsied. This is used should I need surgery, to pin point the area in question. When the needle was removed, the nurse told me that it was bleeding such that it needed to once again be compressed. And this time, harder! Apparently an artery was cut. The nurse said that I had required more anesthesia than normally due to this fact. The reason for my "ouches". My breast was compressed for 10 long minutes and then bandaged up. Another mammogram picture was taken after the procedure which showed that all calcifications had been removed.

I should get the results of this biopsy in a day or two.

Once home, I quickly ate as it was 1 p.m. and went right to bed. Emotionally exhausted. Couldn't wait to get into my jammies.

In the evening we went to Tim's band banquet. I didn't want to miss it as last year I did due to that biopsy. I'm beginning to dislike the month of March.

Thanks for all your prayers.

Biopsy tomorrow

My breast biopsy is tomorrow a.m. Am thinking only positive thoughts. Will keep you posted.
Probably won't know results of it for a couple of days. Have had same procedure last year so am aware of what to expect.

New job 4 ME

Well, it took me about 4 years of trying but I finally got a job at our local college in town! I start on 3/26/07. Barry used to make fun of me. Everytime I got a reject notice from them, he would say I was gathering wall paper making material. What a mean guy! But as he told Tim, persistence paid off.

The hours are less and I will now be able to see Barry every day. At times now, I only see him on the weekend. Plus it's less than a mile away. Look at all the gas I'm going to save. I'm going to truly be a local person. This past winter I would drive to work in snow storms with white knuckles. Not my cup of tea. Stress that I don't need. And in the summer you can work without taking an away lunch and get out of work early. That'll be nice.

I will certainly miss my friends at the bank but know that I'll make just as many at the college.
Heck, I already know so many now!

Happy Anniversary to US

Yes, today's our anniversary. 27 years and still counting....

We're going out to dinner to celebrate. Really looking forward to it.

PS Posting this early so I don't forget come tomorrow a.m.

Mammo results

I knew something was up when the nurse needed to take another picture for mammogram. And then the radiologist came in to talk to me. There are 2 spots in question in the right breast that had cancer. He says probably nothing (easy for him to say), that he would bet his house on it, but.... I need to have a sterotactic biopsy on it to find out for sure. Funny how things work. It was a year ago that I had the same biopsy done on the other breast, followed by lumpectomy to remove what could have been pre-cancerous tissue. I'm trying to do as I say, not let tears cloud my vision but it's kind of hard. To get back to reality I have to think of Barry and what he's going through.

My oncologist received the report immediately, and has scheduled this biopsy for March 13th at 11 a.m. One step at a time.

There are times I think that boobs just are not worth the trouble!

8 p.m. I've left my pity party and feel a lot better. Got my nails done and had some pizza with Tim. Been about 6 weeks without nails on. Love having them done.

Another mammo tomorrow

Yes, 6 months has come upon me already. Time for another follow-up mammo. But you know, I sort of look forward to it. A chance to rule out any of the aches I've previously had, too see for sure that everything is AOK. So wish me luck. Hope I pass with flying colors!

It's my birthday...

Well, it was my 51st birthday today. And now at almost 10 p.m., my birthday week celebration is coming to an end. I love birthdays. And I make them last more than one day. Last night we went out to dinner with friends after I had chinese food with the people I work with for lunch. A great day.

Today we went out to lunch also. This evening I participated in our church's first ever chili cook off even. A fundraiser for our youth ministry's mission trip this summer which Tim is a part of. It was a lot of fun. Didn't win, but still had fun. All the teenagers gathered around me and presented me with a piece of cake with a candle in it. Sang happy birthday to me. A real nice surprise. Have never been with so many people on my birthday.

So, all in all a great celebration!

Almost my birthday

Today we are celebrating my birthday at work. Plus, after work we are going out to dinner with friends. So all in all, it's going to be a great day! Tomorrow's my actual 51st birthday.