Rhandom Schittshowe Cancer Journey

Trip List Calendar

2024-05-02 : Sassy T-Shirts #1
I had some convalescing projects set up for myself before my surgery. Then, after surgery, I got inspired to make some sassy t-shirts. I used some of my own Merino and Bamboo shirts, and fabric markers to make these.


2024-05-07 : Surgeon Follow-Up and Seroma Drain NUDES
Surgeon Follow-Up
Saw my surgeon at the Sturgeon. She removed my steri-strips, and drained ~60ml of fluid from seromas on both my right, and left, sides.
Facebook Post:
I didn't know how to interpret that I had a 4mm tumor in my lymph node. After meeting with my surgeon, I have more information, and it's not good. Generally, breast cancer tumors don't start spreading until they're over 2cm. Mine was only 1cm, so they didn't even expect a lymph tumor at all. My tumor was HER2+, which means it was aggressive. Aggressive enough, apparently, that my surgeon called me "special", and has now lined me up with a bone scan on Monday. Breast cancer that mets to bone is really bad, so I'm hoping that hasn't happened.

Am I doing my best to be positive and stay on the humor train? Absolutely yes. Am I scared and sad? Also yes.

I know it's hard to know what to say to someone dealing with cancer. I was struggling with that myself not that long ago. So, here's a little PSA that might help (see photo below). Also, keep in mind that if you don't know what to say to me, an inappropriate joke about my missing boobs is always a winner. Thanks for all your support.

PS… random swearing is good too.


2024-05-08 : Sassy T-Shirts #2
I enjoy my first set of t-shirts so much that I decided to do a second set. These will probably be the last ones.


2024-05-10 : More Appointments Set Up and COVID Booster
Comprehensive Breast Care called with next round of appointments:
- May 13: Bone scan: looking for mets to my bones
- May 17: Heart echocardiogram: baseline for check-ups every three months during treatment
- May 21: Oncology Consult at the Cross - first meeting with oncologist
- June 13: CT Scan – abdominal and pelvic
Alberta announced that they're offering COVID boosters for seniors and immunocompromised. I phoned to make appointments. I don't meet the age requirement, but I explained that I'll be having chemotherapy, and they booked us both in. When we got to Safeway, I again had to answer why I was getting the booster, and when I told them I would be getting chemo, they took me no problem. I'm happy. If we can avoid getting COVID while I'm getting chemo, that will be good.
Facebook Post:
Because my cancer is so aggressive, they're loading me up with medical tests and appointments. If you've been curious about what's happening and when, here's some info.
- May 13: Bone scan: looking for mets to my bones
- May 17: Heart echocardiogram: looking for mets on my heart
- May 21: Oncology Consult at the Cross - first one
- June 13: CT Scan - looking for mets... somewhere... not sure where exactly - maybe my chest wall?

I am still hopeful that I'll make it to brunch theatre with Brent, Rob, Sherri and Ken on June 2, but it is looking less likely that I'll be ok to volunteer at the Fringe this August. We'll see.


2024-05-11 : Bye Bye Boobies Gathering #1
I had planned to have this gathering BEFORE my double mastectomy, but then that got moved up, and this had to get moved back. It was great to see lots of my "support people" over two afternoons, including some amazing Boobie cupcakes, made by Save-On Foods.


2024-05-12 : Bye Bye Boobies Gathering #2
Another great visit with supporters - unfortunately, no photos from today other than the cupcakes


2024-05-13 : Bone Scan and Seroma Drain
Bone Scan:
Clinical History:
Positive lymph nodes. Query mets.
Relevant Priors: None available

Technique:
740 MBq 99mTc-MDP injected IV. Other imaging technical parameters are available upon request at
1-844-642-4723 (1-844-MIC-4RAD).
Whole body imaging, multiple planar views of the [thorax.

Findings:
There is no focus of abnormal uptake identified. Specifically, no evidence of metastatic disease.
Minimal activity is seen within peripheral joints typical of minor osteoarthritis.

OPINION:
No evidence of bony metastases.
Saw my surgeon at the Sturgeon. She drained ~40ml from a seroma on my left (the right one is gone).
Facebook Posts:

Bone scan today. Calgarians and Red Deer-ites, if you see a radioactive glow in the north, it’s the Arhonda Borealis (Thanks to Laura for that bad joke.

Results so fast… no evidence of metastatic disease in my bones. One down… ??? to go. Whew.


2024-05-15 : Discharge from Comprehensive Breast Care Program
Today I was discharged from the Comprehensive Breast Care Program and I will now be under the care of the Cross Cancer Institute.


2024-05-17 : Echocardiogram
Had to jab me three times to get a vein for the radioactive stuff. Ugh.

Interpretation Summary
Normal LV size and systolic function, EF 59%, GLS -21.3%
Normal RV size and systolic function
No significant valvular dysfunction
Facebook Post:
Echocardiogram today. Wish me luck - hopefully they don’t find anything. I had a brain scan when I was 21 and they didn’t find anything then, so…….


2024-05-21 : Oncology Consult - Postponed
I picked up a head cold a couple of days ago. I tried to sleep it off, but didn't get there in time. Phoned them and they postponed my appointment. I'd hoped maybe we could do it over Zoom or something, but nope.


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