What on Earth? Another Strange Diagnosis

My last post shared the decision to remove myself from the clinical trial.  Boy – was that the right decision.  My health almost immediately started to improve.  I’m eating well again, gaining weight (mixed feelings about that one) and overall feeling like myself.  Then – the next thing decided it was time to start– even if I didn’t feel ready. 

Since the surgery – I’ve had increasing pain in my left upper butt cheek.  Glamorous – I know and easy to attribute it to the pain of healing from surgery.  Every night – I would rub Icy Hot into the sore spot before climbing into bed.  One night – I realized – there was a rather large lump there.   “Poof – Out of Nowhere”.   The pain was also getting more difficult to manage.   I was able to get into the Orthopedic Oncologist (Miles) and be seen the very next day.  An x-ray and MRI were performed and a few days later a biopsy.  Although very unusual – the breast cancer has chosen to metastasize in my butt cheek.  Alan and I are lovingly referring to it as my ‘ass cancer’.  J  Another case of – ‘What on Earth’ to add to my memoirs.    Due to all this – the cane has come back and I walk with it wherever I go. 

Last Week – Alan and I went on a week vacation to Key West.  An absolutely beautiful, laid back and colorful island.  The temperatures were in the mid-70’s and we enjoyed eating the locale fare, sun bathing on our little piece of sandy beach.  Alan was able to go on a dive which he enjoyed – as well as snorkel.  It was a great experiencing – getting away from the noise of daily life and just being  a couple.  There were lots of great conversations on how we navigate this new phase – followed by lots of hugging and maybe some tears.

 It was my first experience taking the airport wheelchair from curb to gate and gate to curb as we traveled.  I now have a bit more empathy for those with disabilities that need this service.  As a bit of a control freak – it was challenging not being ‘in charge’ of what others were choosing to do with my body.  Some were very courteous/thoughtful – others were oblivious.  I think they were race car drivers in a former life.  I’ve learned that asking permission or consulting with the person in the wheelchair is an important part of the service.

This week we have a litany of doctor appointments on Tuesday– which is good as the ‘ass cancer’ appears to be getting larger and red/angry.  We’ll get that checked out.  Also – we’ve been given the privilege/gift of having my case reviewed by a renowned Breast Cancer Specialist – Dr. Eric Winer at Dana Farber in Boston this Thursday, February 13th.   Alan is unable to attend but I have a very good friend flying out with me.  It will be a bit of a girl’s adventure.  He’s has all my patient history from all the various facilities – and I’m curious to hear if he has other treatment options or if he might be able to provide a bit more insight related to my prognosis. 

Otherwise – all is well.  There is a lot going on and an incredible amount of learning along the way.  Love to all of you.  We couldn’t do this without your constant love and support.