January 3, 2011 - Happy New Year

So, here is another update.  On Monday the 27th I did have the drain tube removed since it kept clotting up and would not drain.  At that time the nurse took out a large syringe and stuck it into me and started to drain out the fluid that had me swollen and in a bit of pain.  What amazed me was that I didn't feel the needle at all.  I'm pretty much numb.  After removing 110 cc of fluid we went home.  On Wed. the 29th I went back in and she removed another 120 cc of fluid.  Still no feeling in that area.  Since I knew the offices were going to be closed over the weekend I figured the fluid would slow down and I would be fine till this morning.  Well, that wasn't the case.  I had so much fluid by yesterday that  I was swollen way under my arm and down under my breat area.  My skin was and still is so sensitive and feels like a constant stinging, especailly when anything touches it.  Which means all the time.  This morning when I went in the nurse removed 200 cc of fluid.  She wrapped me really tight with and ace bandage to put more pressure on the sight so that there would be no space for the fluid to fill up.  I do feel much better today but I am still very tender.  I have an appointment with the surgeon on friday and the goal is top have the fluid stopped by then.  I need to go in each mornig to have the nurse check it. 

We also recieved all of the pathology reports back.  The lymph node and tissue they removed were all clear.  This morning the FISH test finally came back with a negative result which means that there was no abnormal protiens on the cells so that means that I will not have to take a medicine every day for the next 5 years.  That will also determine what kind of chemo I will need.  When I get clearance from the surgeon then I will meet with the Oncologist. 

Last week I found out that the Huntsman Cancer institute has wigs availalbe for women who need them.  I stopped there to see if it was true and 45 min. later came home with a cute wig.  It's my same coloring and cloe in style to my hair now.  I had a good talk with grand daughter Elinor (6yr) on New Years morning.  She understands the chemo thing because her stepmoms mother has had chemo.  She asked if my hair was going to fall out and when I told her yes she made ure I was going to get a wig.  I showed her my wig and she thought it was cute.  Yesterday I was talking to her on the phone and she wanted to know if my hair had fallen out yet.  I made sure she knew that I would let her know as soon as it did.  She is so sweet. 

So I'll check in later.  Today has been a lazy day of rest.  Tomorrow will be a part day at work.  We'll see how that goes.  Love you all.

Terri