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