Wednesday report

Went to the breast surgeon today who said I was healing beautifully.  Also said I made a very smart decision to have a double mastectomey since they found some atypical cells in the right breast.  At that point I started  crying and she just gave me a hug and said I am going to be ok.  No chemo, no radiation and 99%  no tamoxafin although I have an appointment with an oncololgist in a few weeks.  She told me to have him read the report before he sees me as she really doesn' see the point in me taking the drug which is great news.  I also got another prescription for valium as they help with the spasms (she explained that that means I am healing) and they also help me sleep.

What an emotional day!  Came home and had a shot of chocolate vodka and some peanut butter filled pretzels.

Nap time.....

Monday Report

Went to the the doctor and got the last drain removed - ahhhh - what a relief.  I can take a real shower tomorrow with no bandages covered.

Stopped by the office on the way home so say hello to everyone (my Mom's suggestion).  Was great to see everyone and I really do miss you guys!

Treated Mom and Lauren (my personal chaueffeur) to lunch and now it is nap time!

  Might walk down the block later for a manicure if I have enought strength!

Enjoy the nice weather.

Pre weekend update

Luda the visiting nurse just left.  My blood pressure was a little low but she didn't seem overly concerned - 108/62.  She changed the dressings and will come back on Tuesday. (I still haven't looked).   Made an appointment for Monday morning to get the other drain removed at my plastic surgeons office.  Then I will see my breast surgeon on Thursday.

I am more tired today than I've been the past few days so been napping alot.

 A friend brought me over a bunch of the movies that were nomoniated for the Oscars but haven't been able to stay awake to watch them!

Hope you all have a nice weekend.

Hugs,

Ingrid

PS - My apt smells fabulous - there are flowers in every room!!!

Doctor Visit

Had my first doctor visit post surgery today.  He said I was healing beautifully.  Only one drain was able to be removed, hopefully the other one will be removed early next week and then I will follow up with my other surgeon.

He also said I could shower (with a towel pinned over the dressings) and most importantly - I can drink!!!

Happy Thursday!!

More Good News

I heard from the doctors nurse today - (dr is on vacation on Colorado).  Lymph nodes were negative and I had non invasive cancer and its ALL GONE!!!

Had to share the news - surprised you didn't hear me shouting from my window!

Thanks for all the cards - got a huge bunch in the mail today!

Ingrid

hello

I know its been a few days so thought it was time for an update.  I was feeling so good the past few days and I think last night I finally crashed.  I was feeling a bit sorry for myself and felt like everything including my big toe hurt but thankfully the feeling has passed and I'm doing ok now.  I am definitely sore but I had major surgery so I guess it is to be expected.  I have an apointment tomorrow with the doctor and hopefully the drains will be removed and I will be able to take a real shower instead of just a sponge bath.

I had a decent breakfast since yesterday was a hardboiled egg and a bunch of munchkins but I am back to eating my fruit and yogurt with just a few treats throughout the day.  The best medicine (besides drugs) is babies, flowers and chocolate!  My friends with 11 month old twins visited the other day and my cousin Seth who is 4 months came by with his Mom and Dad yesterday.

I took a walk around the block yesterday with a friend to get sushi and felt like I walked 10 miles! 

Been catching up on TV shows that I dvr'd since everytime I pick up a book I fall asleep!  Everyone tells me sleep is good and I am a champion napper! 

OK - couch is calling - nap time.

Have a good day all.

Hugs,

Ingrid

So Happy to be Home

I am feeling much better today.  I slept pretty well last night and have been taking it easy.  Valium is really helping with the muscle spasms.  Haven't taken any of the percoset as I am not in pain - just uncomfortable and extra strength tylenol seems to be working. 

Feels great to be home and clean.  Not able to take a shower but since I have a hand held shower was able to have my hair washed (thanks Rob!).

I really am so lucky to have so many great caring friends and family.  I am enjoying all the flowers and the chocolates!

Had a visit yesterday from visiting nurse services and might be approved for a few visits a week.  My case is still pending but my vitals were good and she said I was healing very well.

I have to call my doctor on Tuesday and hopefully will be able to make an appointment for Thursday and get the drains removed.

Hope everyone enjoys the beautiful weather and the long weekend.

Hugs,
Ingrid

Going home

Had an amazing day yesterday. I felt really great and had so many visitors that really lifted my spirits. By the time everyone left I was exhausted! Everyone commented on how well I looked and I felt good too.Now it is a different story. I feel like I was hit by a truck. My chest is very tight and I'm really achy. Why did they need to wake me at 1:45 to take my vitals? Wishing I still had the morphine pump alrhough not in pain just very uncomfortable. Plus I have the hiccups and they are quite annoying. I am being discharged In the morning. MOm already filled my prescriptions in the hospital pharmacy.cant wait to be in my own environment with out a huge needle in My arm.Going to attempt some more sleep.
Gnite
Ingrid

FYI just took more Valium and extra strength Tylenol

Morning

As soon as I fell asleep it felt like the woke me to take my vitals. Blood pressure finally going down, not that it was ever really high but for me it was. This morning was 125/75. Took another Valium they seem to help the most. Wanted to just take Motrin/ibuprofen but hit the morphine button at 6. Everyone tells me give into the pain. It is not pain just discomfort. Been up for hours. Thought I would sleep better here but guess I was mistaken. They were back at 4:45 for vitals and been up since. Trying to sleep but not happening. Interns have already been by twice this morning and the said I was healing beautifully. Waiting for some food- I am still hungry which I guess is a good sign. Dont really want twizzlers but might have to. Was just told 8am for food. Ok that all for now.

I'm doing ok!

Hello all, I feel so much better than I thought I would. Not going to lie it is uncomfortable but not really in pain. Took a while to get a room but on the 13 th floor for the next few days. Everyone is so nice here. I have massaging things on my legs to help prevent clots. Everyone know how much I love massages! Took a Valium earlier to help with muscle spasms and did hot he morphine pump a bunch but not in a while. Rob left earlier and my parents just left as well thankfully they fed me a bit because still waiting for my dinner - I'm hungry! They gave me a tuna sandwich which was horrible. It is a bit difficult updating from phone but wanted. You all to hear from me that I'm doing ok Hugs Ingrid

Recovering...

2nd Phase Complete!!!

As per Rob, Ingrid is in recovery, awake, and waiting to be moved into a room.

Thank you for all the prayers and good wishes.

Keep checking back for updates!

Surgery Update

1st Phase of Surgery complete and went textbook perfect!!!

Check back later for further updates!

Third times a charm....

What a rollercoaster ride I've been on:

1) February 10th - mixup with operating room
2) February 14th - Surgeon sick
3) February 16th - FINALLY the day of my surgery

**Note - read the blog - there were 2 visitors for me at the hospital today that were told I was discharged!!**  It's hard to personally contact all which is why I've created this

I've gotten 2 shots of radioactive dye and I'm not glowing yet.

I was very upset yesterday in the moment but trying to see the positive.  I was able to have a nice valentines day and I got the best sleep I've had in weeks!

Keep the positive thoughts and prayers coming.  Visitors welcome in the hospital on Friday and at home starting on Sunday.  Call first to make sure I'm feeling ok and up to.

Hugs to all,

Ingrid

Only me

At hospital in gown and nurse comes in. One of my surgeons is sick. Surgery rescheduled for Thursday. Have to get another shot tomorrow. What doesn't kill me makes me even stronger.

Almost surgery day

Had another good weekend. Saw the Nerds down at Jenks sat night. Very wierd being at a beach bar during the winter but they were awesone. Celebrated Helens birthday, saw boyfriend, dinner with my parents and then home to watch the Grammy's. Don't think I shed a tear at all yesterday! It is getting very real and the next time I wake up (unless I fall back asleep or nap) will be the day of surgery. Benadryl not really working. Had a drink while watching Grammys, and took pill about 10:30. Fell asleep around 11 and now wide awake. 3.5 hours - woo hoo.

Thanks for all the cards, calls, emails and Facebook messages (private messages only - not all fb world knows my business). Most of all thanks for the prayers - if G-d does not hear he must be deaf!

This will probably be last post prior to surgery. I have had a few surgeries in my life but all have been outpatient. I have never stayed overnight in the hospital- maybe I'll get more sleep there!

Someone will update after surgery.

Much love to all
Ingrid

update

Yesterday was my last day at work before going out on short disability.  Was blown away by the kindness and caring of my co-workers.  Special shouts outs to: Ada for the reading material - I think I will be back to work before I finish all the magazines! The hospital goody bag from Sheila had lots of my favorite things and Amy - the cookies are almost gone already (with help from Rob)- they were YUMMY.

The best news I heard in a while was from the genetic counselor today.  My test results were all NEGATIVE which is fabulous.

I am going to try my best to get some sleep tonight.  I finally bought Benadryl which my doctor suggested and can't wait to hopefully get more than 3 hours sleep.

Hope everyone enjoys their weekends.

Feelings

As usual sleep is not my friend. 

I am so blown away by the love and support I am surrounded with.  From my incredible boyfriend Rob who is always so positive to my friends both near and far as well as those that I've known for a lifetime to those who are relatively new.  My family, my neighbors, the people I work with who have also become my friends, people who have gone through similar experiences, including my case worker from the insurance company! 

I started this in bed on my smart phone but then had to get up and go to the computer because I still don't fully understand this blog thing. 

I hope I can get back to sleep.....

Surgery date confirmed

My surgery is confirmed for Tuesday, February14th.  I have to be at NYU at 6:00am.  At that point I will meet with my anesthesiologist and my doctors.  My surgery is scheduled for 7:30am.

On Monday, February 13th I have to go to Nuclear Medicine to get a Lymphoscintigram (injecting radioactive dye so they can check my lymph nodes).

I was told I would be pretty out of it on Tuesday and to keep visitors to a bare minimum the day of surgery.

Hopefully I will be feeling better and up to visitors on Wednesday.   Then if all goes as planned, I will be going home on Thursday.

The weekend

Had an amazing day despite my lack of sleep last night (and the past few weeks).   Did a little shopping and cleaning.  Then, since the cast came off yesterday I treated myself to a 90 minute massage - all I can say is AHHH - so needed and felt amazing.  Came home and napped for almost 2 hours.  Then out for yummy Thai food with Lauren and Felice.  I also heard from my parents today who are in the Caribbean and are having a wonderful vacation.  I almost felt like I didn't have cancer today.  I hope it continues tomorrow and the the Giants win.  Go BIG BLUE!!

Surgery

Originally scheduled for February 10th but has been moved to February 14th.  I should be in the hospital NYU Tisch for 2 nights and hopefully will get out on Thursday, February 16th

The beginning

I have Stage 0 Breast Cancer (DCIS ductal carcinoma). It started as bloody nipple in December. Never hurt - just saw blood on my bras    Had mammo and sonogram and dr thought it was a benign pappiloma in the ducts of my breast. They did fine needle aspirations and pathology came back benign. She set me up for a ductogram/glactogram. They couldn't do the test since the bleeding stopped. She wanted me to go for a MRI.

In the week between the unsuccessful test and the scheduled MRI - fractured wrist and elbow so did MRI with cast up to bicep - not fun. In that week and a half a visible lump formed but just thought it was a clogged duct and thought for sure I was going to have a lumpectomy. They found 2 abnormalities and ordered an MRI guided core biopsy that the head of the department did and used me as a research subject on 1/19. Found out 1/23 I had cancer and the course of action was mastectomy. 

Went last Wed 1/25 with my Mom and Felice (so she could take notes - arm in cast). I do love my dr. A lumpectomy is not an option since it is in my ducts and I am choosing to do a bi-lateral to I don't have to worry and get tested every 3-6 months. The best news is 100% survival, less than 1% of recurrence and if everything goes as planned I will not need chemo or radiation or tamoxifin. I did go for the genetic testing yesterday to see if I have the BRACA gene.

The doctor is so happy she ordered the MRI and we caught it so early.

I am 47 and I know I am losing my boobs not a vital organ. I know I am going to be ok but I'm still scared. Just of the unknown and recovery and what to expect. All of the information is overwhelming to me. 2 weeks ago I was fine and I still feel fine but I have cancer and am getting a double mastectomy. I am busy all day but when I get into my car after taking the train home I get all weepy and I'm having trouble sleeping. I think it is when I shut down that it gets to me.