Whoa...This Week Was A lot!

Bradenton Beach, Florida

June 25: Larry and I went to meet several members of the multidisciplinary team back-to-back: Social worker, dietician, physical therapist, chemotherapy oncologist, radiation oncologist, genetic counselor, and nurse navigator. All women - I love that! We were there around four hours and were inundated with information. It's good they gave us everything in writing because much of it got jumbled up in my brain. I have discovered of late that an emotionally stressful situation and/or information overload can cause serious forgetfulness and confusion. I have a large folder full of information since the start of this. It's been a lot to process and digest. Especially since everything is happening to quickly and changing often.

Both the oncologists did a breast exam to palpate the rogue cells. In the past few months, my poor boobie(s) have been squished, fondled, photographed, and poked with needles several times.

The nurse navigator informs up that I'm set up for a biopsy on July 11 for the suspicious area on the right.

June 26: Baseline echocardiogram before starting chemo because the medications can causes changes or damage to the heart. That is because some of the cells the chemo goes after are also in the heart. The tech tells me my images are great. Okay...so I'm photogenic. Then on to another location for a bilateral 3D mammogram and ultrasound. Let me tell ya, they put the bobbies thru the ringer (feels like it!) on a 3D mammo!

June 27: Chest port placement for chemotherapy and infusions. Up until now, this has all felt kind of surreal. But laying in the hospital bed in pre-op, getting the IV, answering questions, and receiving education on the port, made it feel quite real. I couldn't stop the tears. It's okay to cry, to be scared, to be angry. Tears are a release of emotions - good and bad. It wasn't the first time I cried since this journey started and I'm positive it won't be the last.

I have to say that every single UC Health employee (Colorado Springs, CO) that I have encountered since this began, has been wonderful! I have been so impressed and feel that I am in great hands. UC Health cancer care is ranked one of the best in the country. National Recognition: UCHealth’s University of Colorado Cancer Center is one of only 51 National Cancer Institutes (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the nation. It’s also the only one in Colorado. NCI designation signifies excellence in cancer research and care.