Some good news!

Today I met with my third and final doctor in the Mount Sinai "dream team", my radiation oncologist Dr. Conrad. I spent a lot of time first with her fellow, and then met the doctor briefly afterwards.  We didn't go into a lot of detail about the radiation since it is so far off at this point and I may forget details, but she did give me a sense of timing.  Once chemo is done, I will likely have a 4-6 week break, then surgery, then another 4-6 week break, and then radiation. Radiation happens every day, Monday to Friday, and will be 6 weeks.  the tedious part will be going downtown every day but at that stage of the journey I expect I will be grateful to be trekking down the mountain and can deal with it!  The doctor said that I am doing the hardest part first with chemo, and that radiation doesn't have a lot of side effects, mostly topical. 


Now to the good news. I didn't expect it but they also told me all my test results today! Fast turnaround from last week!  the best part of all is my scans were clear!!!! bone scan, ct scan - all good!  and the biopsy of my lymph node in the right armpit is all clear too!!!


I am incredibly relieved by the news and know that now I just need to focus on the original program and crush this thing!


it is amazing how a little bit of good news can lift my spirits and my determination.  Plus, I am starting to feel a bit more like myself a week out from chemo treatment.


While at the hospital I also stopped at the wig boutique that has a bunch of hats, and I bought two, one that is a good everyday newsboy hat, so soft and comfy, and also a nice one for outside, a big floppy hat with butterflies, that also has an spf of 40.  I saw the butterflies on it and couldn't resist :)


So far my hair has not fallen out.  It may be all in my mind but it does feel a bit dry and looks less healthy but what can you expect with all these weird drugs in the body.  I know I will be sad when it starts to fall, but I am glad I have some hats and can pick up my wig as well. 


Also, Jeff shaved his head this week in solidarity! I won't post a photo as he will kill me, but it was super sweet.  He is such a good support to me.  He went in to the office today while I was at my appointment and met with his manager and director. they are very supportive of him and us, and I think he could potentially be approved for a compassionate leave to be off with me at least during the next few months for chemo. We will see.  I am thankful for a great employer.  The lady working at Tim Hortons that is diagnosed with breast cancer does not have an amazing drug plan, sick leave, and compassionate leave for their family to also be off work during a time like this.


here is a photo of me and my newsboy hat :)  Happy & grateful for a good day today.