...And Here We Go...

I had a few interesting appointments last week, so I'll start at the beginning...

Monday I went in for my EKG (which took less than a minute - crazy) and then in for another radioactive injection to dye my bones for the bone scan, of which turned out just fine. According to my doc, all the tests that were done turned out great and there are no concerning spots or enhancements. I was glad to hear this as I had decided not to worry about any of it so as to not waste my time with worry, but then had started to worry that maybe I wasn't worrying enough about the whole thing and began to think that I had bone cancer. I only double-worried for about 3 minutes and then decided against it. Either way - I was happy to hear they were clear... and that I don't have bone cancer.

On Thursday, I went in for my first expander, or "boob," fill, which was cool. They located the valve in the expander with a magnet, then took a huge syringe - like horse vet huge - and stabbed it into the right spot. We then watched my chest expand while the syringe emptied. Very strange, but it didn't hurt. I do feel like the "band" around my chest got a bit tighter, but not painfully so. I'm a bit sore, but in a strange way. Not sure how to verbalize this one without hand motions...

Then on Friday I went back to the oncologist and spent some time with him planning out my next few months. His nurse gave me a flu shot, and also a shot to temporarily shut down my ovaries. As chemotherapy attacks fast growing cells, it can leave women either infertile or at the very least do some damage to the area. Whether or not I choose to have children, I don't feel that I am in a position to make a definitive decision either way this week. So, we're shutting them down. I should expect hot flashes any time now. Super.

The upcoming week is going to be busy - because I get to start Chemo!! Yay!!

Yes, I am actually looking forward to getting this show on the road, as they say. I know it's coming, it's not going away, there's really no getting out of it... so let's just go. I am curious about what it will do to my body and how it will make me feel. I don't know yet how my body will react - but I am hopeful that I can time my new hot flashes with my chemo visits, because that room is pretty chilly...

On Tuesday, I go in for a surgery to have a port put into my upper chest so that they don't have to continue to draw blood and put IVs in my arms. I already have a nice set of bruises and tiny red dots, so while I am looking forward to less digging around, I am not looking forward to the surgery as much. I will be out that same day, but will be put "under." The same surgeon that did my mastectomy will be doing the port, so I feel confident about the surgery itself.

Then Thursday I have my first chemo session and am wondering if picking up a McDonald's QP with cheese meal on the way home is as good of an idea as when I would get my braces tightened in grade school. I'm thinking probably not, but since McD's french fries are more native to my body than air, maybe just a large fry to ward off the potential evil tummy turns. We'll see if I get away with this, as my friend Kelly will be driving me and my chances of getting her to go through that drive through are about as good as dirt.

I am going to do a post of random thoughts one of these days that keep popping in and out of my head regarding this experience, but first have to write them down so I can sound less random.

I can say without flinching that Abbott Northwestern staff, employees, and every single person that I have come into contact with has been absolutely exceptional. They are some of the kindest, most accommodating, wonderful hospital people I have every encountered and make it very easy for me to stay positive and look forward to my appointments. I don't know if hospital recommendations are appropriate or realistic - but I HIGHLY recommend Abbott:)

Later,
Carrie

Oh - and no luck with the dreads yet - but WILL find them somehow, someway on Monday!