My CANcer Chronicles Blog Posts

One year ago today, I was given the most horrific news anyone could possibly get…”Michele, I’m really sorry to have to tell you this, but you do have breast cancer and it’s very aggressive…stage 3…”.  It was a Friday, October 14th.  I was at school when I got the news.  I had asked my doctor to call me as soon as she knew.  Dr. Smith delivered our son and she knows I don’t like to “beat around the bush”.  Tell me and tell me now…no I don’t want to sit on a couch in an office, I want to know now!  It was like yesterday, I remember my phone ringing and me asking my colleague to watch my class while I took an important call.  Needless to say, I was devastated.  My whole life flashed before my eyes.  How would I tell my husband, my son, my family and friends….was I going to die, was I going to live, how could I leave this Earth…I have so much more to do, to see.  It was all overwhelming.  After talking to my doctor and discussing the next steps, I went back to my class like nothing happened and continued on with my day.  I had to…no choice, didn’t want anyone to know something was terribly wrong, didn’t want to tell anyone before my husband and didn’t want my students to know.  It was a dreadful day that turned into a perfect storm.

Have you ever been through a storm and thought it would never end?  A feeling of fear and uncertainty encompassed your every thought…then daylight…sun…calmness.  We face storms all the time in our relationships, work, abilities, etc.  Storms come when we least expect them and when we are warned and take time to prepare.  I was warned (I found a lump) and I was prepared (I got my mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy).  What I least expected was it to be malignant.  My storm was this tumor that took over my breast.  All my life, I had been rather healthy, energetic, and strong.  Now this cancer entered my body like a hurricane, typhoon, any type of extreme weather you could think of, and destroyed my thoughts of the future I had intended.  Cancer ravaged my mind, soaked my spirit, and flooded my body with unwelcomed cells.  My storm was raging inside me and clouding my vision.  A year ago today, I allowed a diagnosis to change my way of thinking, my attitude, and my hope.  Then, there was a calmness, an acceptance and a will to live.  “So what do I need to do first Dr. Smith?”  The storm seemed to relinquish my mind and allow me to see the light.  It was time to fully understand what my family was about to face and how we were going to get through it.  God told me that if anything, I would see his face.  If I was ready to live and fulfill his purpose, I would see his glory.  As I reflect a year later, I understand more now what I heard God speak into my heart.  My storm has blessed my life with new visions and opportunities, new purpose in life and appreciation for everything I have.  I thank God everyday for His mercy and His grace and know that I am covered.  Now with that comes more responsibility.  Education in early detection and prevention, nutrition and a healthier lifestyle, all of which should be shared with others.  My writing has been therapeutic for me, but I hope it continues to be educational and inspirational for others.

After the perfect storm, there usually lies a perfect rainbow.  During my storm, I had to learn about the rainbow.  Learn about the gift of life and what that really means.  A diagnosis is not death, it’s a diagnosis.  It tells you there is a problem, an issue, a situation, a concern…however, you want to call it, a diagnosis.  No doctor, and I have seen several, told me I was going to die!  No doctor said, you might as well give up!  My God, doesn’t even conceive of these thoughts so I had to come to my own understanding and see that rainbow that God provides after those storms.  Psychology will tell you that each one of those colors has meaning and can provoke thoughts that those colors represent.  As a student of psychology, I know it is true and believe in God’s purpose in the smallest to the biggest of storms and rainbows.

My rainbow: Red gives me the energy to go on as I am covered in the blood of Jesus, Orange allows me to be optimistic, Yellow gives me an intelligent mind to read and understand the journey, Green keeps me balanced and able to see how I can demonstrate growth through the struggle, reborn in this world and renewed in my spirit, Blue brings me peace, trusting in only Him as doctors are used as his vessels, Indigo continues my woman and mama intuition, I still have a husband and a son to take care of and need my senses to be of sound mind, and Violet leaves chance to my imagination.  I can continue to dream BIG, fulfill my purpose of this Earth, and be the light that God wants me to be for others.

My CANcer Wisdom to you:  You may not be able to prepare for the storms that come, but if you awake to a new day, you can assess the damage, clean up the mess, and make a plan to rebuild, emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually!  There will be storms and there will be rainbows…will you wallow in the storm or be hopeful for the rainbows?

This is the day that the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

On this day the Lord has made, we enter into the 1st of October, the Sabbath. The beginning of Breast CANcer Awareness Month. This is the time of year when we are reminded about getting our mammograms, self-breast examination, donating to research and various organizations and walking for survivors and those still continuing to fight the good fight. Little did I know almost a year ago, this would be the month I would be diagnosed.

Please let this month be a reminder to go to your doctor and get those mammograms!  Take the time each week to do self-breast examinations.  Early detection is the best way to combat this ugly disease.  Take it from me as a witness….I have very dense breasts and I do self-examinations.  I went for a mammogram because I felt a lump in my breast that I could grab.  When I had the mammogram done, you could not see what I felt.  I had to get an ultrasound and a biopsy to get the full picture.  That mammogram would not have been enough.  Knowing your breast and being able to recognize changes is crucial to early detection.  Although technology has advanced what physicians are able to do, there are always instances where one test is not enough.  Thank God for self-examinations!  If you are a woman with dense breasts or even fibrosystic breasts, alert your physician so they are more diligent as they review your mammogram.  It may also prompt them to conduct more indepth tests if you have any concerns.

My CANcer Wisdom:  Please encourage your sister friends to do their self-examinations and get those mammograms done.  Don’t put it off until later…

My October posts are dedicated to one of my best friends Kelly L. Golliday.  She fought a valient fight and remained the most positive and spiritual sister you could ever know.  She inspired me and continues to be my Angel in Heaven! Rest well my sister💗

    Sunrise 1/28/71-Sunset 7/28/08

 

We’ve waited many years…99 to be exact, for this wonderful sight!  School endings were delayed, families marveled, co-workers gathered, animals were confused, insects hovered…all to witness an act of God!  For some, it was in totality, for others, it was enough to realize that something was changing, something was different.  I was excited about the possibility of seeing a once in a lifetime event.  I was ready with t-shirt and glasses in hand.  While I’m looking through my glasses, of course, I’m seeing the sun slowly disappear, a slight haze come over the playground, the temperature slowly decreasing, and then….I hear this complaining…”…when is the eclipse…when is it going to get dark…this is a waste of time…we have to stay late for this….I left work early for this…they ended school early for this???????”  I was discouraged for a moment, not believing that students and adults would complain about something they could not control or plan for.  My mood was almost ruined, then I thought to myself, everyone is not in the place you are Michele, everyone is not looking through the same lens as you.  One might ask, well what does that mean?  Well, finding out you have a disease that changes your life or can be life threatening will cause you to see life through a different lens.

April 2017, I went into remission and doctors said there was no CANcer in my body!  It took a while to realize that with this comes a responsibility and calling to share my story with others.  On this day of the total eclipse, it was my responsibility to ensure the appreciation for the moment we all on this earth would share.  See, the total eclipse was not just about the moon passing between the Earth and the sun, but it was about the moment 99 years in the making when the Earth and everyone on it seemed to stand still and focus on the sky, looking up and wondering.   As I ignored the complaining, I reflected on my own views relative to the eclipse and what I’ve been through.  I see and look for symbols, things that make me see how blessed I am, symbols that keep me optimistic and hopeful of things to come.  I look at the sun as life before my diagnosis, bright, shining, always high…I look at the Earth as me, massive, full of strength, many valleys, rivers, mountains, depth…and then the moon, passing by, leaving darkness, giving shade.  The total eclipse, there is always light behind the moon, waiting to shine again.  Shade and darkness only lasting but a few minutes, enough to make a difference but not enough to scare away hope!

Its been a while since my last post, partly because I was behind the moon hidden in darkness waiting for a symbol of hope, renewal even.  Inspiration and courage I longed for, to be vulnerable again.  On this day, I found excitement and fun, a symbol of God speaking to his children, showing us what he can do…I believe CANcer has been My Total Eclipse and has brought me to my new reality, out from the darkness, in front of the shade, back in the light with bigger and brighter hope.

 

 

My CANcer Wisdom to you: A Total Eclipse is an awe inspiring moment.  Don’t waste those moments with complaints because it did not go as you had planned.  Enjoy the process of the moment, time spent with others, time spent just being.    Live, Love, Laugh!

 

 

One of my friends posted an interesting question on Facebook regarding relationships between men and women, “Is there a difference between a mate and a match?”  I pondered that for a while. I even left Facebook and returned to read that question again. I do believe there is a difference and have only learned or concluded this difference recently. When I was young, I wore the t-shirt over my head so it would hang long down my back. I wore my mom’s old dress she let me play dress up in and I held, from what I can recollect, a bouquet of “stuff” I used as flowers.  My thoughts were of the fairy tale nature and my Prince Charming was still of my imagination! I think ALL little girls have these thoughts, dream these dreams and long for their vibrant imaginations to become real! As I am now an adult, I have realized that all those thoughts and all those dreams and that vibrant imagination is not reality… however it can be what YOU define it as and what YOU make it to be. So as a little girl, I did not even begin to realize relationships between man and woman, mate versus match or anything of that nature.

On this day and in this hour, Saturday, July 15, 2000, at 4pm, 17 years ago, I married my best friend. Happy Anniversary to us💗🥂 As I reflect on the gorgeous day with God, family, and friends, I realize the difference and have answered that question. I believe the difference between a match and a mate is that a match is two people equally yoked and a mate is around for a reason or season! Think about it… if you have a roomMATE, that peroson may be there for the reason of companionship or to help pay bills.  Your classMATE is there for a season of school years to be reunited in chance meetings! A match is like a pair of shoes, you need both to stand firm, walk safely and to climb mountains when needed or walk easily on a clear, sunny day!

Our relationship, likes others, has seen its ups and downs. Thankfully more ups than downs😊 But I think a true test of our faith came when I was diagnosed with breast CANcer. I had so many thoughts going on in my head. What was going to happen to me, but most importantly, what was going to happen to my family. We definitely made sure our son continued with as much normalcy as allowed, however, I worried about my husband’s health and emotions. When I expressed my fears with him, like the coach that he is, he told me not worry, everything will be alright, and one of his favorite reassurances, “I got it!” He stayed by my side, went to treatments, missed his own appointments, took care of our son when I couldn’t, cooked, cleaned, kept me comfortable and made sure I wanted for nothing. We watched karate movies and reality shows on the couch and even exchanged the crazy Facebook videos that kept us laughing! My soul match indeed!

To this day, from my bald head to this newly growing fuzz, my soul match sees me as I am. Happy 17th Anniversary to my Soulmatch💗

What if everyone got CANcer, but not the kind that hurt,  the kind that made you think and the kind that made you work.  What if CANcer made you think of all that you could do, be a better friend, better Christian, a much better you!  What if CANcer also made you take the time to pray, for all your family near and far and even people who get in your way.

What if CANcer also helped or made it for you to forgive, the people in your life that hurt you or made it difficult for you to live. What if CANcer showed you the bright side of life to lead, to live, love, laugh, reflect, relax and also to read. To be kind, caring, and nurturing, fulfill the purpose of the most High, to walk with God and reveal his grace to those who have been bold to deny.

What if CANcer came your way, like it did for me? I say for me for what it did in my life you see. I’ve been able to reflect, think and accept the fate that is mine, and take CANcer as a second chance to live as God ordained me divine. I will do my best to be the best in this new life I’ve been given and take the time to share my story of CANcer and how I’m livin’!!! So What If CANcer came to you, it WOULD hurt and make life strange, just think positive, pray and watch God work his merciful change!

My CANcer Wisdom to You:  Be ready for your What If…whatever it may be…

Friday, at 3:42pm, I was officially released by the radiologist! Another mission in my journey complete. Besides some scaring and an unwanted half boob tan … I’m good! I must say though, my 33 visits … yes 33 visits, consecutively, since the middle of May, were a little taxing, but the staff there were GREAT! At the Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia, Snellville,  I felt like the only one receiving treatment. They knew me by name and I never had to wait (…but I guess if you go somewhere for 33 days at the same time, you will be known)! When it comes to customer service, Miss Carla the receptionist, exchanged the same pleasantries with me each and every time.  Dr. McElveen and her staff were the best!

When I was first diagnosed, I really didn’t know what to expect. I kind of thought everyone would approach me walking on eggshells.  I knew my family and friends would because they were sensitive to my needs and did not want to do or say anything that would bring me down.  Didn’t really know about the staff…was this just routine for them, unfortunately, they’ve seen hundreds of me each year.  Those who work with CANcer patients have to be extra sensitive and probably get specialized training to deal with our moods, questions, and fear.  I was very blessed to have a team that acted as my coaches and motivators to keep me positive and assure me that they would do their very best to get me back to being me!  Of course they could never make promises, but even in their honesty, they always gave me a sense of hope.

I definitely understand why the women I’ve met and those I know in this journey say there is no such thing as CANcer free.  That’s not a bad thing, it’s just a realistic thing.  We are in remission.  When I began my radiation treatments, I had been in remission for about a month.  Radiation is to make sure, if there are any mico, mini, obsure cells, all cells are destroyed….hopefully…That’s the thing about CANcer, and that’s the thing that keeps you from being CANcer free.

Being  finished with radiation, leaves me time to shop, travel, visit, eat, and be merry!  I feel blessed that I managed the radiation experience with minimal effects and can put that experience behind me.  Like I told the staff when I left, “I really appreciate all of your help and care.  You guys (I’m from the Bronx ;-)) are the best!  But I hope I never get to see you again!!!

My CANcer Wisdom to You:  Enjoy life and the journey you’re on…feel blessed!

Happy Father’s Day!  On the Father’s Day, I want to take the time to acknowledge and appreciate all fathers, but especially those fathers who have cared for or continue to care for the women in their lives with breast CANcer.  It is no easy task and a task that is uncertain.  You are our Superhero and our Rock.  Thank you for caring for us and our children.

According to the American Cancer Society, there are about 252,710 new women who are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer (cancer has spread to lymph nodes and/or other organs) and about 63,410 women with no-invasive breast cancer, the earlier stages. cancer.org. I cannot find hard statistics on the number of women that have children, but I can guarantee, it is a lot! That means there are fathers out there that are having to play a new role.  My husband had to go above and beyond to continue to keep things as normal as possible for our son.  Some might say, “…women do that all the time, work, take care of the children, clean, etc.”  That is true, however, this is different.  When a mother has CANcer, sometimes nurturing your child(ren) is hard to do.  About two days after my chemotherapy treatments, I could barely move, let alone hug my son tight, get on my knees and pray with him as we did every night, and play with him like he was used to.  I couldn’t steal kisses, nurse him when he was sick, and go to all of his basketball games and practices as I was used to doing.  My husband had to do all of that…and he had to take care of me.

Being a husband/father of a breast CANcer patient can be stressful and overwhelming.  My husband never mentioned it, but I could tell in the effort he put into keeping things normal, keeping me happy, and maintaining his sanity as provider of our household.  I am not high maintenance, but I know I must have driven him crazy asking about my wigs being on straight, my scarves matching my outfits and if my head looked too big!  not to mention my hot and cold flashes at night, tossing and turning, and craving foods that he would get for me only not to be able to eat them.  He is most patient and a son of God and I know he prayed for ALL of us to get through this.

As a caregiver, you don’t think of yourself and what you need.  You work tirelessly to be supportive and remain vigilant in keeping the atmosphere positive and sanitized!  My husband protected me from every germ known to man and then some.  Germx and Lysol became apart of our décor!  But if it weren’t for him, I don’t know what would have been the outcome.  The battle we fought as a family was less painful and easier because he was able to be a father, husband and a coach and allowed me to receive treatment and recover without worry and without fear.

Telling my dad about my diagnosis was one of the hardest things to do.   It was about two weeks after I told my family before I spoke to my dad about it again.  I could tell it was hard for him, to see his daughter going through such a difficult time.  He would call and ask how I was doing and ended every call with “…hang in there baby…”  Each time he saw me, I had changed.  I lost my hair, my weight, and my “glow”.  I tried to convince him that I was going to be ok and that what he sees are side effects to the medications that were actually working.  The actual CANcer was not doing this.  His phone calls and our visits made me feel like “baby girl” again.  When my hair started to grow back, I could see this smile like that was his visual reminder that I was getting better.  At church, he looked at me today and said, “You look like a Burrus, you look like me!”  As if I didn’t look like him before!  He hugged me twice and we took a selfie.  I felt like that little girl again, who held his hand trying to keep up as we walked.  Fathers continue to be so important to sons and daughters, young and old.

My CANcer Wisdom to You:  On this Father’s Day, please remember all of the fathers who are our Superheroes. Those who take care of us and our families and love us through sickness and health.  Happy Father’s Day!

 

When doctors say you are CANcer free, it’s such a weight lifted. However, that weight is replaced with insecurities, recoveries and new discoveries of how your life will NOW be lived! Before I was diagnosed and long before I new anyone with CANcer, I thought CANcer free meant that’s it… everything is all good, back to normal. Hair grows back, strength is restored and life is great! I am learning in MY journey that there is no such thing as CANcer free…

RADIATION STATION
Taking on CANcer is like riding a train; You have to get on that train, ride and pass many stops and then when you reach your station, you still have to go up and sometimes down and cross bridges to get to your destination. Sometimes you just want to get off regardless of if it’s your stop or not (DENIAL) and at times you just want to ride because you are too tired to get off and go where you need to go (EMOTIONAL STRESS). If that seems like a strange analogy, just know, when you are a CANcer warrior, you try to find anything that will explain the journey. I got on this train to good health at the Chemo Station. While on this train, I went through many dark tunnels. I wanted to get off but I knew I wouldn’t make it to my destination. My engineer (GOD) assured me there was ligh at the end of the tunnel!  I rode on…I continued on my journey and got off at Radiation Station. I’m here for 33 treatments until the next train comes along. I completed treatment 19 this past Friday and have 14 more to go! I am looking forward to the next train as it will take me to my final destination, Improved Quality of Life!

Roller coasters, trains, staircases, war, fire, all analogies used to help others and themselves relate to CANcer and the journey.  For some, it is all they can do to think about what next, what does this mean to have CANcer, what will life be like.  Train stations make me think of transitioning.  Going from one destination to another, leaving the past moving to the future.  My train will be leaving Radiation Station within a few weeks leaving the majority of my CANcer treatment behind me.  I am excited to continue on my journey to a better quality of life.  Looking forward to moving forward and transitioning to helping others in their journey.  Reality will have it that the future is uncertain and the ride will be long, but I am secure in the fact that GOD has a destination for me that my train will travel to with dignity and grace.

My CANcer Wisdom to you:

Travel lightly and enjoy the ride.  Your journey will have ups and downs, uncertain turns and perhaps some bumpy rides.  Appreciate the trip and know your station is forthcoming where you can get off and lead a healthier and more meaningful life.

It’s been 3 weeks since I received the call that I had a complete response. What that means is when they removed the tumor and six lymph nodes, the lymph nodes were benign and the tumor had no traces of cancer! Due to the type of breast cancer I had, my doctors had to be aggressive and made the decision to treat me before surgery.  According to BreastCancer.org, if Chemotherapy Before Surgery Destroys All Breast Cancer in Lymph Nodes, Survival Is Better, Especially for Women With HER2-Positive Disease. This type of treatment is called neoadjuvant treatments. These treatments are given to weaken and destroy breast cancer before surgery. Most neoadjuvant treatments involve one or more chemotherapy medicines. At first I felt like “…please just take it out..”, but now I understand the purpose and I am thankful! If you are contemplating your treatment plan or want to know options, you can visit the website breastcancer.org and find out more information.

When I first got the news that I was a rare case, a complete response, I did not know how to feel. Oddly, I heard what my surgeon said and she explained what that meant, but I still wanted to hear…CANcer free! At my follow-up appointment, I did hear those words and felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. I came home and texted and called and let everyone know I was CANcer free. I was all ready to blog and then this weight I thought was lifted fell right back on my shoulders. What surprised me was that it wasn’t because I was worried about me, I began thinking of the countless women that continue to fight what seems to be an insurmountable fight. There are so many women (1 in 8) that have breast cancer. The most unfortunate aspect, is a lot of these women do not have access to proper healthcare due to lack of insurance. I will not use this forum to debate the healthcare issue, however, it is a real problem when a woman has to decide if they should see a doctor for a lump they found or “hope” that it’s nothing or be in denial. Women should not have to settle for a mammogram and not elect to get the ultrasound or biopsy due to financial obligations. I have insurance and if it were not for my biopsy, icy tumor would not have been seen. The mammogram was not enough! Women with dense or fibrocystic breast may not be able to see the mass clearly. This could cause misdiagnosis or no diagnosis at all. When I got that dreadful phone call on Friday, October 14, 2016, I was told my I had stage 3 breast CANcer that was very aggressive…72% survival rate if I was lucky! Thank God my doctors were aggressive with my case and evaluated it with a team a second time to determine stage 2a. Again, I have insurance. My heart continues to be heavy for those who do not have insurance.

As I continue with post surgery treatment, radiation for 33 days and tamoxifen for 5 years, I would like to encourage you, those with cancer, without cancer, and/or if you know someone with cancer, don’t be afraid to ask questions, read and research, and do all you can to be proactive in your life of health.

My CANcer Wisdom to you: Know and understand treatment options and educate yourself on the outcomes!

A week ago today, I took a turn on my journey that would determine the next chapter in my life. My CANcer Chronicles…

Wednesday, April 5th began VEEEERY early thanks to I~85!⚠️ My day began at 6am so we would not be late for my 8:00 day of reckoning!!! My surgery was scheduled for 1:30pm. You might ask, as I did, “Why am I here at 8:00am when my surgery begins at 1:30pm?” Well… here’s the low down for those who are scheduled for a lumpectomy or those who are just curious about where the time goes. Your day may vary depending on your situation:
6:00am 🎶Rise and shine and give GOD the Glory🎶
6:30am Leave for hospital earlier than usual due to fire and collapsed bridge on I-85!⚠️ Long story about a fire under an overpass in Atlanta, an overpass that collapsed due to the fire and an already congested highway now shutdown on the first day of Spring break!!! Our commutes will not be the same for a very long while…I digress!
7:57am Arrive at Women’s Center and check in.  We did good!

8:16am Go to pre-op area for instructions and change into fashionable hospital couture. I received a lovely gift from the staff . A plush pink blanket, pink footies, lavender lip balm, and a sample lavender lotion. Northside Hospital really has gone above and beyond in this process!!!

8:25am Check vitals sign consents.  I felt like I was closing on a house!
8:45am Watch WSB and the weather shenanigans! …and more about the bridge…
9:00am Nurse check in and get schedule for day😮 (…understand why I had to come at 8:00am… there’s a lot to do to prepare for surgery!)
9:15am More TV and window watching… storm has me worried but prayer handled that and was told the storm would not affect anything!
10:00am Walk to ultrasound… poking …prodding… doctor in and out…
Is there a problem? “Well… I can’t see it…” They ultimately found the tumor, but it was “… so small…” God’s work!
10:45am… Mammogram and wire placement to prepare for surgery.  Yes, I said wire placement.  I can’t remember all of the details, but there was a wire inserted into the mass (tumor) in my breast.  This was so the surgeon had a clear indication where the mass was and how to get to the necessary area where they would need to extract.  This was a very thin wire that resembled a thin, stiff, long piece of string.  By the end of this procedure, I surely felt like a robot, a mechanical being, with superpowers!!!
11:45am Headed to get scanned to make sure everything is in place and my breast is prepared for lumpectomy!  The hospital was huge so I was wheeled to what seemed miles away to get these scans.  This is really a process!
12:30pm I am back in my pre-op space with the nurse who packed me in this aluminum foil package which my son called my plastic bag! I joked with him on the phone about the doctors having to “bake mommy” like a hot pocket! Little did I know I wasn’t so far from the truth! This contraption was to keep me good and warm for surgery…. just like keeping the ribs warm at a barbecue! I was so hungry!  I then received pain medication, anxiety medication, a patch behind my ear for nausea and a continuation of fluids through the IV which was supposed to be my breakfast and lunch since I couldn’t eat before surgery.

1:25pm Headed to surgery.  They wheeled me in my hot pocket!
Like clockwork, at 1:30pm as scheduled, I received my general anesthesia. The nurses put the mask over my nose and told me to breathe in deeply… I was hesitant, nervous, and really didn’t want to breathe! I was encouraged to breathe deeper and relax and that it would be ok. So, I sent up my thoughts to God and took my deep breath. In what seemed like seconds I felt a touch and heard my name called by a nurse. I remember looking at her and asking when I was going to have my surgery?!?! She laughed very lightly and told me not only had I had a successful surgery, but I had also been sleeping in recovery for the past 2 hours!!! I was shocked and relieved, thankful and encouraged. One lymph-node was removed and was benign. Great news!
5:15pm My husband came back to recovery. I was able to sit up, get dressed and stand without a problem. Some become nauseous and may even be dizzy. Me, I felt fine!
5:30pm I was placed in a wheelchair and taken to my car to go home… no complications, no overnight stay needed!!! Go home, rest and relax!

 

At home, especially the next couple of days, I was sore and did not have the complete use of my left side where I had my surgery. I have to sleep on one side or on my back so I do not pull or put pressure on my stitches. The first 48 hours, I had to wear a bandage wrap around my chest to my underarm where they took the lymph node. I must wear a sports bra 24/7 until I have my follow-up appointment and be careful not to pull the dressing off or get it soaked with water. It’s a little uncomfortable, however, it’s getting better day to day and it sure beats having a cancerous tumor!!!

Overall, I am thankful for God’s mercy and grace and his work with my team of health care professionals. This process has been tough and at times down right painful, but prayer, my husband, son, family, and friends have helped me through!

My CANcer Wisdom to You: What doesn’t kill you, should make you stronger!