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.
