I will admit I was scared to death. I hadn't slept good the night before with all those "what ifs" running through my head.
The first step Tuesday morning was to get a shot that would inject some radioactive dye into the breast that would travel to the lymph nodes causing them to "light up" and the surgeon could locate them easier. We then went over to the surgery center where I filled out yet another ton of paperwork (my case alone is probably responsible for the death of several trees!). While waiting to be called back I was able to visit with some great friends that had come to support us and be with Jim. Thank you pastor Aaron, Brandon, Shelley and Eli, Ray and Morgan for taking time out to come.
My time had come and I was called back. They got me settled in, took my vitals and started the IV. I talked to the doctor and he agreed to give me something to relax me and that helped! A lot!
Eventually I was taken to the operating room. I was given propofol and the next thing I knew they were telling me to wake up. I didn't want to wake up, things were good- at that point! But all of a sudden I heard the nurse pop the top on a coke and my eyes and mouth flew open! Awwww, that first sip tasted so good!
We made it home and I slept on and off the rest of the evening.
They marked a spot on my chest before surgery to indicate where the tumor was, but when the surgeon went in to it, the tumor was actually deeper and they had to dig around more. I was told to expect to be really sore and they were right!
As far as the results, I won't know anything definite until Monday. They removed several lymph nodes to be biopsied along with the tumor. The lymph nodes will be tested to see if the cancer has spread to them. If they are clear, then we will stay with the current treatment plan of six weeks of radiation. If the lymph nodes are cancerous then the treatment plan will change. It's gonna be a long weekend!
Please pray that the cancer has not spread! Thank you all again for all your prayers and support!
"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank him for his answers." Philippians 4:6 (TLB)
I'm glad everything went okay. Hope you aren't too sore. :)
ReplyDeleteAnna & I are with you along with our thoughts and prayers!
ReplyDeleteMy prayers will be with you throughout your course of treatments. My friend, who had this same procedure last Friday, went back today to get the drain tube out and was told they got all the cancer...none in the lymph nodes!! I'm believing in faith that you're going to get the same results. God Bless You!!!
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for good test results and, yes, giving thanks for blessings received and those yet to come.
ReplyDeleteGlad everything went well. We were trying to keep Jim company via Facebook during your surgery. ;-) Keeping the prayers and positive thoughts going for you, Ali.
ReplyDeleteGood news, Ali. We will continue to pray, now specifically now that the lymph nodes will be clear and that you will be able to continue your treatment plan. Love & hugs.
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