After a very trying New Year beginning, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Many of you probably know that in October a malignant lump was discovered on my left breast after being cancer-free for almost 23 years. Talk about a whammy diagnosis! After much discussion and contingencies, we decided to travel on to Mesa, AZ for lumpectomy and followup treatment. All of my previous mammograms, sonograms, MRI's and biopsy had to be repeated before surgery. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center wanted to make sure what they were dealing with and then chart out best course of action. Finally had surgery in December with a favorable result, non-invasive ductal cancer, commonly known as DCIS. All of the tumor was removed with good margins and no lymph nodes were affected. Followup treatment has been radiation 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Below is a photo of my radiation team along with me ringing the bell signaling my end of treatment. A certificate was also presented to me for completion that said I completed my full dose, tolerating cold hands, a hard table and holding still. Patients then ring the large bell 3 times well. It's toll to clearly say, my treatment's done, this course is run, and I'm on my way.
As you can see a lot of people were involved in this process. I really liked the techs but can't say as I'm not glad to see them anymore. One of the techs, Caleb, was asent when the photo was taken.
That's enough for now. Will try and keep post more frequent from now on. Just trying to get back to normal time now.
