Well, surgery is over and here I am in the hospital! This post will be short; I feel a little high from the painkillers.
Friday was the big day. Getting checked in to the hospital was easy, and all of the nurses were very nice. I did learn the hard way that not all hospital transporters are especially bright. I really think that as I patient I shouldn't have to tell hospital staff where I am supposed to be. Sigh. I made it to the OR at about 11:00, and the last thing I remember from that was having a mask placed over my nose and mouth. Waking up from surgery wasn't so much fun, and then being moved into my hospital bed was horrible. I had some pain from the surgery, but the worst was dizziness and nausea from the painkillers. So, I slept on and off most of the day Saturday. The nurses really wanted me to use the toilet and I finally had success with that late Saturday afternoon. Poor Jen Owens even got to witness me vomiting (sorry, Jen!). The good news from the surgery was that the cancer hadn't spread to any nodes! Yay for that!
I had a hard time convincing the doctors and nurses that the painkillers they were giving me were making me miserable. On Sunday one of the nurses was finally able to convince one of the residents that I needed something else. So, now I am feeling pretty good. A little dizzy still but I was able to take a lap around the floor without much assistance. And I am still using the toilet like a good girl.
So fair I haven't had the nerve to look at the ports (I have two drainage ports on each side that will need emptied for about a week) or my non-existent boobs. That will come soon enough. I have some great decorations in my room! Flowers from the DPT faculty and my FXB team. And a card from some DMU colleagues. And a Magic Mike XXL poster. I've decided that being in the hospital isn't so bad if you feel okay; I get room service and cable tv. People bring me stuff when I ask. And I get to lay around in crummy nightgowns with no pants! I head home tomorrow, and that will be pretty good, too!
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Just a bunch of nice stuff...
I've had some really nice things happen in the last 24 hours!
Amy Johnson Samo with Plethora Photography met Troy, Marah, and me at Easter Lake Park last night to do some photos. We have never done family photos before and I am so glad we had this experience. I'll admit that it probably isn't something I would have thought of on my own, but Jen Owens took care of everything. Because remember, she's amazing. Here are a couple of the pictures from last night. They turned out wonderfully!
Today was my last day at Farrell's, and students in all classes were encouraged to dress in pink to show support for me. It was almost overwhelming to see all the pink at class! I was also approached by the FXB head coach, and she presented me with a bracelet. The bracelet is from a woman in a different class, who doesn't know me at all, but she is a cancer survivor and wore the bracelet throughout her journey. I am so honored to wear it and appreciate this person's kindness!
I work with some really great people in the admissions office! They are the people I spend most of my time with and in many ways they know me better than anyone else. They know me so well that they presented me with a very generous Hy-Vee gift card and this:
Today is my last day at work for a while, and while I will miss being at DMU I am really going to focus on getting healthy. So, that means NO WORK for the next few weeks. I know that I am leaving my duties in very capable hands, though!
Amy Johnson Samo with Plethora Photography met Troy, Marah, and me at Easter Lake Park last night to do some photos. We have never done family photos before and I am so glad we had this experience. I'll admit that it probably isn't something I would have thought of on my own, but Jen Owens took care of everything. Because remember, she's amazing. Here are a couple of the pictures from last night. They turned out wonderfully!
Today was my last day at Farrell's, and students in all classes were encouraged to dress in pink to show support for me. It was almost overwhelming to see all the pink at class! I was also approached by the FXB head coach, and she presented me with a bracelet. The bracelet is from a woman in a different class, who doesn't know me at all, but she is a cancer survivor and wore the bracelet throughout her journey. I am so honored to wear it and appreciate this person's kindness!
I work with some really great people in the admissions office! They are the people I spend most of my time with and in many ways they know me better than anyone else. They know me so well that they presented me with a very generous Hy-Vee gift card and this:
Today is my last day at work for a while, and while I will miss being at DMU I am really going to focus on getting healthy. So, that means NO WORK for the next few weeks. I know that I am leaving my duties in very capable hands, though!
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
A visit to the plastic surgeon
Yesterday, Troy and I met with the plastic surgeon to discuss the reconstruction part of my surgery. That's the part where I get new boobs. The surgeon was very nice and explained things well, so I think I understand what I'm getting into. Basically, after the general surgeon is done destroying my boobs the plastic surgeon will come in and start to fix things. He'll insert one of these beauties - called a tissue expander - where my new boobs will eventually go.
Because the implant will go under muscle, we need to stretch the muscle slowly to create a place for the implant. I'll make several visits to the plastic surgeon's office post-surgery to have more and more fluid added to the expander until I am the size I want to be. I'm thinking I'll go for this look:
At that point, the surgeon will remove the expander and insert the real implants during an outpatient procedure. It all sounds simple, but it will take quite a bit of time and will be a bit uncomfortable.
Some people have asked if I will miss my boobs after they are gone. I'm not too worried about this, mostly because I have a boob twin. Yes, there is another person on this planet whose boobs are pretty much identical to mine. Laura and I were in graduate school, attending a conference in California, when we made this great discovery. I still remember standing side-by-side, topless in front of a mirror in a San Diego motel room, in awe that God had created TWO sets of such marvelous boobs! I've asked Laura to send me boob pictures on demand if necessary, and I'm confident that she'll help me out.
I haven't written too much about Troy and Marah yet. They are doing fine. Well, Marah doesn't really have a clue as to what is going on. She just knows that mommy will have to go to the hospital to have an ouchie on her boob fixed. Troy is being a great support, but he will need help just as I will. So, here are some ways you can help Troy:
Because the implant will go under muscle, we need to stretch the muscle slowly to create a place for the implant. I'll make several visits to the plastic surgeon's office post-surgery to have more and more fluid added to the expander until I am the size I want to be. I'm thinking I'll go for this look:
At that point, the surgeon will remove the expander and insert the real implants during an outpatient procedure. It all sounds simple, but it will take quite a bit of time and will be a bit uncomfortable.
Some people have asked if I will miss my boobs after they are gone. I'm not too worried about this, mostly because I have a boob twin. Yes, there is another person on this planet whose boobs are pretty much identical to mine. Laura and I were in graduate school, attending a conference in California, when we made this great discovery. I still remember standing side-by-side, topless in front of a mirror in a San Diego motel room, in awe that God had created TWO sets of such marvelous boobs! I've asked Laura to send me boob pictures on demand if necessary, and I'm confident that she'll help me out.
 |
| Me and Laura back in 2002.
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- Figure out a time to come have a beer with him. He's a social guy and likes people. Unlike me. And he likes beer.
- Volunteer to come babysit me so he can go ride his bike. I probably won't be able to be home alone with Marah for a couple of weeks, and it will be important for Troy to be able to go out and ride his bike for a few hours.
- Mow the yard. It is already hard enough finding time to do this, and it will be doubly hard when I am out of commission and unable to watch Marah on my own.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Thanks, God, for the cancer
Today is Sunday, so that means you all get a dose of spiritual Katie! I am choosing to view this cancer journey as a blessing. God is allowing me to go through this journey and I plan to learn a lot along the way.
I really hate it when people say "God won't give you more than you can handle." That phrase just deserves a punch in the face. God WILL give me more than I can handle. But he won't give me more than I can handle with him. There will be tough days ahead, and I know that. There will be times when I will feel like crap and just want it to all stop. But with God in control I know that everything will be alright.
I am really fortunate to have a great church family. Troy and I started attending Willow Creek Baptist Church just over a year ago. So, we don't know a ton of people, but the small group we have is full of caring individuals who have been very supportive. If any of my local friends don't have a church home and want to check out Willow Creek with us sometime you're more than welcome to join us. I always learn a lot from the sermons, and today was no different. We're in a series on Hosea, learning about love. Today was about tough love, and God's disciplinary hand. Don't worry, God didn't give me cancer to strike me down because I am a horrible rebellious sinner. Okay, I obviously am a sinner, and sometimes horrible and rebellious, but God uses everything in our lives to teach us something. So, today I am saying "Thank you, God, for putting me in this situation to teach me." I've learned a lot already, and the lessons will certainly continue over the next many weeks and months.
I really hate it when people say "God won't give you more than you can handle." That phrase just deserves a punch in the face. God WILL give me more than I can handle. But he won't give me more than I can handle with him. There will be tough days ahead, and I know that. There will be times when I will feel like crap and just want it to all stop. But with God in control I know that everything will be alright.
I am really fortunate to have a great church family. Troy and I started attending Willow Creek Baptist Church just over a year ago. So, we don't know a ton of people, but the small group we have is full of caring individuals who have been very supportive. If any of my local friends don't have a church home and want to check out Willow Creek with us sometime you're more than welcome to join us. I always learn a lot from the sermons, and today was no different. We're in a series on Hosea, learning about love. Today was about tough love, and God's disciplinary hand. Don't worry, God didn't give me cancer to strike me down because I am a horrible rebellious sinner. Okay, I obviously am a sinner, and sometimes horrible and rebellious, but God uses everything in our lives to teach us something. So, today I am saying "Thank you, God, for putting me in this situation to teach me." I've learned a lot already, and the lessons will certainly continue over the next many weeks and months.
Saturday, August 22, 2015
A few random thoughts
Here are a few things people should know:
1. The next person who approaches me with a stupid look of pity on his or her face is going to get punched in the face. I'm not a violent person, but I have learned some amazing punches the last six weeks doing Farrell's Extreme Bodyshaping and I am NOT afraid to use them. Don't look at me like I'm some sick lost puppy. I also have a great roundhouse that I would love to use.
2. The best thing a person has asked me so far is how I like to be supported. So many people just assume to know what a person with cancer wants. If you really want to support me don't be weird around me. Buy me treats. Bring me dinner. Send Channing Tatum to my hospital room to do a dance. Text me silly pictures. Make me laugh. Mow my yard. Pull weeds at my house. But whatever you do, you better not feel sorry for me (see number one above).
4. Now it is time for me to plug Farrell's. I started FXB back in July with Jen Owens. We vowed to do the 10-week program together, and I am heartbroken that I won't be able to finish. For those of you who don't know, FXB is a combination of kickboxing and strength training. We meet six days a week; weekdays at 5:15am and Saturdays at 6am. The classes just about kill me. The nutrition part is tough. But it has been amazing. After five weeks my body fat percent dropped over 5%. I am seeing muscle definition for the first time ever. I'm pretty sure I am on my way to a six pack. My coaches, instructors, teammates, and the location ownership have been so supportive since I shared my diagnosis. I heart them a lot. So, if anybody wants an ass-kicking workout please check out FXB!
5. It is okay if you want to ask me questions. Just don't call me unless you're on the pre-approved list. You already know if you're on the list. If you're not on the list just text. Because I really don't like to talk on the phone. But I appreciate hearing from you. I just might not respond right away.
1. The next person who approaches me with a stupid look of pity on his or her face is going to get punched in the face. I'm not a violent person, but I have learned some amazing punches the last six weeks doing Farrell's Extreme Bodyshaping and I am NOT afraid to use them. Don't look at me like I'm some sick lost puppy. I also have a great roundhouse that I would love to use.
2. The best thing a person has asked me so far is how I like to be supported. So many people just assume to know what a person with cancer wants. If you really want to support me don't be weird around me. Buy me treats. Bring me dinner. Send Channing Tatum to my hospital room to do a dance. Text me silly pictures. Make me laugh. Mow my yard. Pull weeds at my house. But whatever you do, you better not feel sorry for me (see number one above).
3. What else can you do to help? Ask Jen Owens. She rocks my socks off. Seriously. She is amazing. She is coordinating meals and is doing an event as well. So, if you want her to know that you want help, just leave a comment at the bottom with the best way to reach you.
5. It is okay if you want to ask me questions. Just don't call me unless you're on the pre-approved list. You already know if you're on the list. If you're not on the list just text. Because I really don't like to talk on the phone. But I appreciate hearing from you. I just might not respond right away.
A timeline of what's going on...
Well, I've decided to start this blog to keep everyone informed on my new journey with breast cancer. Since my diagnosis I have spent more time texting and talking on the phone than ever before! So, this will serve as a way to keep people up to date on what's going on with me and really, it is about the best thing for an introvert like myself. To get started, here's a timeline of what's been going on.
Monday, August 10
I was sitting in bed shopping online for a dress to wear for my best friend's wedding next month. I reached across my body and the side of my arm rubbed across my breast. That's when I noticed a lump. I immediately knew that the lump shouldn't be there.
Tuesday, August 11
I called my doctor's office first thing in the morning, and had an appointment at 10:45am. The doctor confirmed that my lump (which was about the size of a blueberry) needed further examination. That afternoon I had a mammogram and an ultrasound. I could tell from the body language of the techs and doctors that afternoon that the lump wasn't good, but I was told that I would find out in a day or two if I would need a biopsy.
Wednesday, August 12
The call finally came around 4:30 that afternoon that I would need a biopsy to further determine if the lump was cancer.
Friday, August 14
I had the biopsy Friday morning, and it wasn't terrible. Especially when my boss was sending me awesome texts during the procedure, including this gem:
My boob really hurt by Friday afternoon, and over a week later I still have an ugly bruise where the doctor took the samples. I was told I would get a call back on Monday with the results.
Tuesday, August 18
The call finally came on Tuesday morning at around 8:03 in the morning. I was at work, preparing for our first interview day for the Physician Assistant program. While I fully expected to hear that I had cancer, the news was still a shock. It isn't something you ever expect to hear when you're 37 years old and relatively healthy. I cancelled my morning (thank goodness I have such wonderful colleagues!) and began the process of telling family and friends. The doctor's office followed up to let me know that I would have a meeting with a surgeon the following day.
Wednesday, August 19
Troy and I met with Dr. Mohan, the general surgeon who would be working with me. He was also my mom's surgeon when she had breast cancer over five years ago. He explained that the cancer was relatively small at just over one centimeter and it was invasive. It most likely is in some lymph nodes. I was given lots of options, but in the end we've decided to do a double mastectomy with reconstruction. Chemotherapy will follow. Because of my young age, we're being aggressive.
Thursday, August 20
I had an appointment with a genetic counselor to try to determine if genetics is at all involved in my diagnosis. After reviewing my family history the counselor really thinks it is not genetic (which is great!), but a blood test will say for sure. Results will be back in about two weeks.
Despite feeling pretty good about this whole cancer thing, my body is revolting. I have a full body rash, so I went to my primary care physician and got some steroids. The rash is most likely due to anxiety. It is the worst on my feet, and rash bumps between the toes hurt. I've also stopped eating for the most part, which is frustrating. I know I need to eat to be strong for surgery, but food just isn't happening.
Friday, August 21
Finally, a day at work that feels normal! At the end of the day I get the call on when my surgery date will be - Friday, August 28. On Monday I meet with plastic surgery, and then the countdown really begins.
I've had a lot of people ask how I'm feeling. I feel fine. I'm not a crying mess and I don't think about it all the time. I just have some cancer in my boob that we need to have taken out. I get insurance to pay for a nice, new rack. How awesome is that!? I'm going to be away from work during some of the nicest weather of the year. I'm going to watch Netflix and read books. I'll probably sleep a lot. Of course I'll have pain from the surgery and that's why drugs were invented. The chemo might be terrible. I have been growing out my hair for over a year so losing it would piss me off. I have to miss my best friend's wedding in Chicago and that makes me mad. And I don't get to finish the Farrell's 10-week challenge that I was doing really well in. So, there are some annoyances and there will be some pain, but I have a great support network so things will be fine. God is in control here. No need to worry.
Monday, August 10
I was sitting in bed shopping online for a dress to wear for my best friend's wedding next month. I reached across my body and the side of my arm rubbed across my breast. That's when I noticed a lump. I immediately knew that the lump shouldn't be there.
Tuesday, August 11
I called my doctor's office first thing in the morning, and had an appointment at 10:45am. The doctor confirmed that my lump (which was about the size of a blueberry) needed further examination. That afternoon I had a mammogram and an ultrasound. I could tell from the body language of the techs and doctors that afternoon that the lump wasn't good, but I was told that I would find out in a day or two if I would need a biopsy.
Wednesday, August 12
The call finally came around 4:30 that afternoon that I would need a biopsy to further determine if the lump was cancer.
Friday, August 14
I had the biopsy Friday morning, and it wasn't terrible. Especially when my boss was sending me awesome texts during the procedure, including this gem:
Tuesday, August 18
The call finally came on Tuesday morning at around 8:03 in the morning. I was at work, preparing for our first interview day for the Physician Assistant program. While I fully expected to hear that I had cancer, the news was still a shock. It isn't something you ever expect to hear when you're 37 years old and relatively healthy. I cancelled my morning (thank goodness I have such wonderful colleagues!) and began the process of telling family and friends. The doctor's office followed up to let me know that I would have a meeting with a surgeon the following day.
Wednesday, August 19
Troy and I met with Dr. Mohan, the general surgeon who would be working with me. He was also my mom's surgeon when she had breast cancer over five years ago. He explained that the cancer was relatively small at just over one centimeter and it was invasive. It most likely is in some lymph nodes. I was given lots of options, but in the end we've decided to do a double mastectomy with reconstruction. Chemotherapy will follow. Because of my young age, we're being aggressive.
Thursday, August 20
I had an appointment with a genetic counselor to try to determine if genetics is at all involved in my diagnosis. After reviewing my family history the counselor really thinks it is not genetic (which is great!), but a blood test will say for sure. Results will be back in about two weeks.
Despite feeling pretty good about this whole cancer thing, my body is revolting. I have a full body rash, so I went to my primary care physician and got some steroids. The rash is most likely due to anxiety. It is the worst on my feet, and rash bumps between the toes hurt. I've also stopped eating for the most part, which is frustrating. I know I need to eat to be strong for surgery, but food just isn't happening.
Friday, August 21
Finally, a day at work that feels normal! At the end of the day I get the call on when my surgery date will be - Friday, August 28. On Monday I meet with plastic surgery, and then the countdown really begins.
I've had a lot of people ask how I'm feeling. I feel fine. I'm not a crying mess and I don't think about it all the time. I just have some cancer in my boob that we need to have taken out. I get insurance to pay for a nice, new rack. How awesome is that!? I'm going to be away from work during some of the nicest weather of the year. I'm going to watch Netflix and read books. I'll probably sleep a lot. Of course I'll have pain from the surgery and that's why drugs were invented. The chemo might be terrible. I have been growing out my hair for over a year so losing it would piss me off. I have to miss my best friend's wedding in Chicago and that makes me mad. And I don't get to finish the Farrell's 10-week challenge that I was doing really well in. So, there are some annoyances and there will be some pain, but I have a great support network so things will be fine. God is in control here. No need to worry.
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