Last weekend before cancer treatment

It dawned on me that this weekend is the last weekend I’ll have before a treatment plan is put in place. All results should be back by Thursday when we speak with the oncologist. At that point surgery or chemo will be scheduled, and we’re off to the races. 

Once we begin the current version of myself will forever be drastically different. Not that I won’t be fighting but once we start, just like Covid, there will be a version of Danyel before and after cancer. 

The shitty reality is, when I get free of Toby, there’s always the chance that Toby 2.0 can pop up. Being triple negative, SUCKS! The tendency is if he does come back it generally happens within 5 years. I’m sure you’re saying, but Danyel, you have to think positive. I get that completely. There are also statistics, and this is a true possibility. Will it actually come back? I hope not. Again, life will forever be divided into, before and after cancer.

This weekend is all about placing all my client orders, doing as many edits as I can, and making my to-do list as small as possible.

Images are from last Saturday’s Canine’s Uncorked at Willamette Tualatin Estates.

Next week:

Monday: I have an ultrasound scheduled to scan my ovaries.  They saw an area on the CT and need to rule out Toby isn’t there too.
Tuesday: Meet with Dr. Rivera to consult about my port placement surgery.
Wednesday: A viewing session for one of my clients. 
Thursday: Meet with Dr. Topp to decide on treatment dates.
Friday-Sunday: We’re heading to the beach for a great weekend with family & friends before the battle with Toby begins.

Genetics results should be back by Thursday. The panel they are running is listed below.  

Invitae Breast Cancer STAT Panel

Primary panel (7 genes)

BRCA1, BRCA2, CDH1, PALB2, PTEN, STK11, TP53

Add-on CHEK2 Gene (1 gene)

CHEK2

Add-on ATM Gene (1 gene)

ATM

Updates will probably be less as I begin treatment. For now, I’m just trying to document as I go.

Sunday evening I had a moment. Took a shower before bed. Pulled the drawer open to get my toothbrush, when the scissors started calling my name. #chopchopchop  It’s all be shaved this Saturday anyways.  Chemo doesn’t get to take my hair. Yes chemo is still a month away but it’s hot and I won’t be able to raise my hands, so having no hair to maintain will actually help.

This week included a pelvic ultrasound, meeting the chemo port doctor (Dr. Rivera), and reconnecting with my Oncologist today.

ULTRASOUND: The CT scan had shown spots on my ovaries that needed more imaging. A pelvic ultrasound was completed and found out they were just fluid-filled cysts. WIN!

PORT DOCTOR: Met with Dr. Rivera for the first time to discuss the procedure of the port surgery. I find the whole thing creepy, but it’s got to be done.  Like everyone else, she was super sweet and very thorough. 

DR TOPP  – ONCOLOGIST: We met with ZZ Topp again to go over the plan. I got to view the imaging they took. It’s weird but also fun to see the inner workings of my body.  I brought her one of the Tails books. She was delighted and asked me to sign it for her. She talks with my breast surgeon often, so I made it clear Dr. Walcott will get a book when I see her next. 😉   Who knows, maybe I can get Ricky Bobby & Dr. Walcott’s pups in the next book.

*******************************************************************************

Double Mastectomy Surgery: AUGUST 30TH

Chemo Port Surgery: SEPTEMBER 14TH 

Chemo begins: OCT

*******************************************************************************

Now that surgeries are scheduled the reality is setting in. We’ve been running to so many appointments that it didn’t seem real, but my breasts will only be with me for another 11 days.  I’ve opted to NOT do reconstructive surgery. It’s way more surgeries and pain, and there’s a chance they can get sick. Why go through all that?!?!    The nurses said the number of women that choose this option is growing every day. 

We have an exciting weekend planned. I told Mike that my #1 ask was to have a fun weekend with family and friends before the real fight began.    My bestie and he made it happen. Can’t wait! 

PS~ If I want to eat ice cream and pizza I can, damit! #dontjudgeme