Feeling Truly Blessed

Dear friends and family,

Well, I finally feel like I'm beginning to recover. It's going a bit slower than I would like, but there seems to be an improvement each day now.

A lot of you already know this, but the pathology report came back and the cancer was completely contained in the ducts. So, I guess you could say, I'm cancer free. God has truly blessed me in this.

The surgery went well, and so has the beginning stages of the reconstruction. I probably won't know until I hit the 6 week mark what additional surgeries will be needed, but any others should only be out-patient basis. This leads me to believe that it won't be as difficult as this first surgery, so I'm hopeful that the worst is behind me.

I haven't met with my oncologist since the surgery, but I'm anticipating no need for any chemo. I will have to be on some kind of meds for 5 years that are a form of a chemo, but should be well tolerated when my body adjusts.

As of this writing, I haven't had to have any pain meds for a day and a half. Yey! Jim took me with him to eat lunch and run a couple of errands yesterday. It was so nice to get out, it was worth the pain and fatigue. When I got home, I had to sleep for an hour.

We have had friends and family really help us out by bringing meals by each day for two weeks. You cannot imagine what a blessing this has been.

The first week Jim had his hands full just trying to care for me. It was a full week before I could get in and out of bed by myself. He had to keep track of my pain meds, and drain tubes, help me shower, and dress. Such sweet independence when I was able to do these things myself. My husband has been another wonderful blessing.

My next scheduled doctor's appointment is the first week in March. At this time I am hopeful that I will be allowed to drive and lift my sweet little grandson. Also, Dr. Boustred is hoping to determine what other surgeries will be on the horizon. I know that I will have at least one more.

On a side note, Dr. Dickinson, Dr. Boustred, and PVH have been wonderful through this whole process. I couldn't have asked for a more supportive group of professionals.

Thank you all for your support, encouragement, and prayers through this whole process. You all have been a pillar of strength for me.

Kathy

Hey Friends,

Well, things are on schedule for Thursday the fourteenth at 7:30am. I finished all of the pre-0p stuff last week, purchased the things needed for after the surgery, and had some good quality time with family and friends over the weekend.

These next few days I'll be busy cleaning and writing lists for Jim. It seems like the time has flown by, but at the same time it's taking forever.

Every time I feel fearful and discouraged about the future, I am reminded of my husband, 6 children, grandson, and friends. I have been so blessed in my life and this fills me with a great determination to fight for that life.

Thank you all for your support, prayers, and concern. I will have someone update this blog after the surgery and I look forward to sharing with you all again on the other side.

A few people have asked to provide a meal. If you are one of those, my daughter in-law Elsa is setting up a schedule (Thank you so much Sweetie). Her phone number is: 970-691-4675

Kathy