Ta Ta Cancer follows my Breast Cancer journey from diagnosis thru surgery, recovery and reconstruction. It is a candid account of my journey and I'd love to have you along for the ride.
Just returned from the Juravinski Cancer Centre for a consultation with another oncologist. My surgeon had set up this referral to discuss whether I need further treatment for my breast cancer. I had been told that if I was in the U.S. I would be prescribed an oral medication to increase my odds of keeping…
Other than my trips to see doctors, surgeons and therapists, I have not left my house in 5 weeks. That’s a long time to be “out of touch” with the real world. Today I made an appointment to get my hair cut. I was driven to my hairdresser, as I still can’t drive. The trip…
The swelling under my left arm and chest area has been causing me a lot of discomfort. I have seen my reconstructive surgeon three weeks in a row and as the swelling is still so severe, he has not been able to add any saline into my tissue expanders. “I don’t want to add anything…
This week I have really noticed a big improvement in how I feel. I have more energy (in fact I’ve gone two days without an afternoon nap) and my appetite is returning. I even had my first “craving” for a toasted bacon, lettuce tomato and avocado sandwich…and it was good! The days seem to go…
Yeah…it’s Friday! Actually it could be Tuesday…everyday is the same for me. HOWEVER, today I thought I would try my best to fix myself up. Everyone feels better when they look good. Now for someone who has a hard time lifting their arms up, washing, blowdrying and styling your hair is a major undertaking. But…
The severe swelling I have is not getting any better. I don’t see my surgeon until next Tuesday so I need to do something in the meantime to move things along. I spent hours yesterday searching out physiotherapists who are trained and certified in lymphatic massage. I found some and immediately sent messages to them…
Just got back from seeing my surgeon again at the Juravinski Cancer Centre. I had seen him last Wednesday when he tried to drain a large hematoma that has formed on my left side. Today I went back and was examined by two Residents and the surgeon. The hematoma which is the size of a…
One of the biggest aids in my recovery has been my menagerie of pillows. I have my “chest” pillow, as seen here, that travels everywhere with me. It acts as a chest protector, arm elevator and all round comfort pillow for me. I have two small heart shaped pillows that I put under my arms…
Ahhh, Friday. Ahhh, any day. Since I’ve been home recuperating everyday seems to blend into the next day. Friday is the same as a Tuesday and Saturday could be a Wednesday, they’re all the same. Friday evenings were always a night to relax and unwind. And usually would start with a very dry vodka martini…
I didn’t sleep a wink last night anticipating my appointment today with the surgical oncologist. At 2:30pm I received the news that the pathology report shows that all cancer was removed with the mastectomy and there were no signs of cancer in my lymph nodes! I couldn’t have asked for better news. I am elated.…
Read more Cancer is but a chapter in my life…not the whole story
I am almost three weeks post op. Some days it feels like three years. I have to admit that the last few days have been really rough not just physically but more so emotionally. I am sick and tired of feeling sick and tired! The lymphedema that has sprung up on my left side is…
As part of my mastectomy surgery I had sentinel lymph nodes removed. If cancer has spread, it has most likely moved into the underarm lymph nodes first. Lymph is a thin, clear fluid that circulates throughout the body to remove wastes, bacteria and other substances from tissues. Lymphedema is the build up of fluids in…
Today I finally got the all clear to have a shower. What a great feeling to be able to wash away any remnants of my stay in the hospital. Showering today was more than just being able to wash my own hair, showering meant that I was finally able to do something on my own.…
My beautiful daughter has come for the long weekend for a visit. We haven’t seen each other since mid April, right after my biopsy but before my diagnosis. I know that it has been hard for her living 5 hours away. She has been worried about me and of course I have worried about her…
Two weeks ago today I had my double mastectomy surgery. On one hand it feels like only yesterday but on the other it feels like a lifetime ago. It has been a rough two weeks but each day I am a little stronger and a little more mobile. I can now brush my teeth, lift…
Oh what a feeling. My last tube was removed today and I am elated!!!! I had my first followup appointment with the Reconstructive Surgeon today at the Juravinski Cancer Centre. It was a quick appointment. I didn’t actually see my surgeon, but his intern instead. I had met her in hospital so I knew she…
I am truly hoping that this will be the last post I make about my drains…at least until my next surgery…which I don’t dare think about yet. Tomorrow, I see the reconstructive surgeon and have my fingers and toes crossed that he will remove my final drain. This plastic tube that is sutured to the…
Before being discharged from the hospital I was given a booklet entitled “Exercises after breast or upper body lymph node surgery”. It lists several exercises to start to do the first week after surgery and then another set after you have your drains removed, which in the book says “in seven days”. Ha, who are…
It’s Saturday. The “weekend”! Normally that would feel special but for me everyday is Saturday…without the “special”. I have been feeling a bit stronger every day although I tire very easily. In fact I just woke up from a three hour nap. Before my surgery, I was lucky to sleep three hours straight a night…
Just got back from a trip to the clinic to have my dressings changed and drains examined. My right drain has slowed down a lot the last few days although the left is still producing abundantly and still leaking. The nurse examined the drains and reviewed the spreadsheet where I record the output every time…
For the last two days I have been fighting a fever. It’s really taken its toll on not only my body but my psyche. This time last week I was still in hospital and so yes I know, I am doing much better than I was, BUT, today I am definitely feeling down. For…
Yesterday was a busy day for me. I hadn’t really left my bedroom let alone the house since my surgery. I was feeling rather smug; thinking “I got this. My recovery is going to be faster than expected because I’m strong and determined.” Well the determined part may be true but the rest…not so much.…
Today was my first day out of the house since Friday. I’ve been camped out in my bedroom since arriving home after surgery. Today, I had an appointment at the V.O.N. clinic to have my dressings changed and my sutures examined. Apparently if you can get to the clinic, then that’s where they want you…
Drainage tubes. The bane of my existence. They have to be milked and drained several times a day and the amount of fluid from each drain has to be recorded. Yes, you read right…milked and drained. Sounds like I’m a dairy cow….without teets! Let me try to explain how these things work. One end of…
I haven’t yet talked about Wednesday June 13th other than a brief post as I left for the hospital. It’s taken me these last few days to gather up enough strength to tackle this subject. The day was hot and muggy, even though it was only 5:30am when we left for the hospital. The air…
Sorry, I Don't Have Time For Cancer 