Phase 2 complete

Phase 2 complete!!!!

Just a quick update to let you know that I am doing well. I had surgery last week to remove the tumor and check my lymph nodes. I wasn’t worried about the lymph node biopsy since it was highly unlikely that the cancer spread and that those cells were chemo resistant. As expected no cancer cells were found. The amazing news is that the tumor had shrunk (reacting to the chemo drugs) to the point where my surgeon couldn’t even see it on an ultrasound. She called it a “complete pathological response”. What can I say- I am the poster child for chemo. In all seriousness it was the best result we could have hoped for. Of course she still went in and removed about 3cm of boob. She must have done a great repair job because I can’t really tell- lefty doesn’t look noticeably smaller to me. Ha, now you’ll all be looking to see a difference next time I see you. Overall the surgery went well and I was able to go home the same day. I was up and walking around the next day. The only thing that is still bothering me is the underarm. The nerves sometimes get affected when they remove the nodes. Hopefully it is only temporary.

My body is coming back to a ‘normal’ (pre-chemo) state. My hair is starting to grow back. The fuzz has doubled-check out the pictures below.....and no I didn't walk Nate to school like that I wore my scarf. My energy level is high. I’ve even regain my taste buds- no more yuck mouth and wine tastes good again.
Only one phase left- radiation. Despite how well my body responded to the chemo and the lack of cancer cells found in surgery I still need radiation therapy. I will likely start my treatments at the beginning of July. I have to get daily (Mon- Fri) treatments for 6 weeks. UGH! I haven’t read about any nasty side effects (just redness, sunburn skin and fatigue – which I think is more from the daily drudgery of going to the doctor’s office) but we’ll see how it goes. Hopefully everything will be done by September enabling me to come back to the States for a visit.

Many thanks to everyone for the thoughtful emails, call and generous care packages of support. I appreciate the prayers, well wishes, and positive juju sent my way. It all helped!!!! That plus those wonder drugs;)