Last week, during the biopsy, I asked Dr. S if she would call me with the results. I think it startled her that I would ask, but I told her that if I heard her voice on the phone I would immediately assume that it was bad news (see here if you don’t know why). She laughed and agreed that she would call me regardless of the results. So I waited with my phone attached to my hip because I wasn’t going to miss that call.
Yesterday, I had to run and meet C for a quick minute and realized that I didn’t have much gas left (the light wasn’t on, but it was close), so I jumped out and started the pump. Of course, I left my phone in the car. When I opened the door, I heard the last of my ringtone, and saw the caller ID, “Breast Care Specialists.” I immediately called the office, and they put me through to Dr. S (I guess enough biopsies later and the Dr. will take your call if you catch her between patients).
“Hey Eileen, it’s Dr. S. I wanted to let you know that all 5 spots came back clean.”
I don’t think I understood for about 5 seconds. I’ve never gotten a call for a biopsy that came back without something showing up.
“All 5, are you sure?”
“Yep. I already talked to Colleen [Dr. A] and we’re going to go ahead with the lumpectomies rather than the TRAM reversal.”
The rest is pretty much a blur of pre-operative tests and appointment dates, but bottom line is that I am going in for outpatient surgery on March 1 to finally get these stupid tumors out of my body. I will probably have a few days of down time, but nothing like after the bilateral and TRAM.
I see Dr. A on Monday, and now, armed with a surgery date, we will be able to set the dates for radiation. We will also talk about that spot on my sternum that her friend has been reviewing on my PET scan, and see what we are going to do about that.
I am still smiling, but feeling a little unsettled. I know how to do the crap news pretty well at this point. Maybe I’ve forgotten how to process good news. Or maybe I’m just distrusting of the results. Regardless, I’m trying to revel in the good news…
In other news, my hair seems to be regrowing, which is weird to me. I’m not out of my last chemo for a full 3 weeks yet, but it’s definitely starting to sprout. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still bald and I still see plenty of scalp, but there is more dark stubble than there’s been. I may move back to bandanas soon because Lola is rubbing the hair down at my temples where her seams join. All-over baldness from chemo is one thing, but intentionally causing male-pattern baldness is another thing entirely.
And lastly, there was news out of Harvard University this week about using aspirin as an arrow in the quiver against breast cancer. The article cautions women against taking aspirin since the study is inconclusive as it was merely a lifestyle follow-up survey and not a blind study with half the women using aspirin and half using a placebo.
Let me tell you, if a daily dose of aspirin shows promise in keeping breast cancer at bay (and apparently colon cancer too), I’ll be taking a low dose every day. I know that there are some issues with aspirin thinning out the blood, so I may have to wait until I’m done with radiation, but Bayer will be a staple in my morning pill regime along with my Vitamins D and B12. How great would it be to have a low-cost, readily available, non-prescription drug to use in the fight against cancer?
Now, I just pray for the news that it’s effective in the fight against all cancers.
alyson pollack said,
February 19, 2010 at 6:48 am
Wow!!! That is awesome!!! I love reading your blog. You have the most amazing strength!!! Keep that spirit!! Thinking of you!!
Jenn said,
February 19, 2010 at 8:47 am
Fabulous news!!!
sarahfeather said,
February 19, 2010 at 9:12 am
YAHOOOOO!!! What fantastic news! Can’t imagine how great that must feel. Congratulations!
Laura Buchanan said,
February 19, 2010 at 12:14 pm
yippee!!!!!!!!!!!
Mindy said,
February 19, 2010 at 1:27 pm
YEAH!!!!!!!! That is such amazing news. Its about time you got some good news!! Celebrate and enjoy. You all must be so happy and so relieved. I’m so thrilled for your great news!!
Natasha said,
February 19, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Fantastic! I’m so glad. Good news to revel in. Bask in it’s goodness, lovely! xoxo
debbi chartash said,
February 19, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Of course it was better. I only think of positive things for you. Remember “embrace life” You will get through this horrible time and be able to enjoy your boys. Just keep smiling for me. You have such a beautiful smile.
Love, debbi
Polly Wade said,
February 19, 2010 at 4:54 pm
WOO HOO!
livingbeyondbc said,
February 19, 2010 at 4:54 pm
Glad to hear the news about your test results! Interesting when you say that you’ve been so used to hearing bad news that maybe you’ve forgotten how to process the good news. I think many women can identify with you!
Buzzy said,
February 19, 2010 at 5:57 pm
WHOOT!!!! WHOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RIGHT ON!
Dainty said,
February 19, 2010 at 6:12 pm
Beenie, you made my MONTH!! Fantastic news. Fantastic woman. Just plain fantastic!!!
I’m so happy and relieved for you, girl. A lumpectomy is going to seem like a pedicure after all of the crap you’ve endured. Hurrah for good news!
WeeHeather said,
February 19, 2010 at 6:36 pm
Yay!!!!! Beens, I’m so thrilled for you! This is brilliant news – please know that as I read this, I swore out loud in delight, but I’ll not lower the tone by posting it on here, hahaha!
Sending lots of love over the ocean! xxxx
Karen said,
February 19, 2010 at 10:08 pm
You go girl!! I am happy you’ve got some good news coming your way.
Kerri Mathis said,
February 20, 2010 at 6:50 am
I’m so, so happy for this news. What a great week!!!!
Patty said,
February 20, 2010 at 8:46 am
The news is absolutely the best! Press on !!! Love you to all~
Amy said,
February 20, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Yay! This is excellent news!
Zenny said,
February 21, 2010 at 11:22 pm
Waaaahoooooooo!
Samantha Quinn said,
February 22, 2010 at 11:09 am
That’s great news! Yea!
Kristen Brooks said,
February 22, 2010 at 6:57 pm
YIPEEE ! You have made my tears turn to smiles
I can’t wait to to see you with your hair ! I always loved it.