Surgery Update

I counted 11 appointments at MD Anderson between yesterday and today. Just regular pre-op appointments, scans and tests. I was surprised (and very disappointed) when my Plastic Surgeon informed me that he wouldn't perform surgery on me due to low white blood cell counts. My team later decided to give me a Neupogen shot. This shot was administered in my stomach and is supposed to stimulate bone marrow to help produce more white cells. At this point, I'm scheduled for surgery at 12:30pm tomorrow (June 6th), but first I'll have blood drawn to check my white cell count.
Never (EVER) thought I would pray for higher blood counts, so that I can have a double mastectomy. 😲

I'll update tomorrow if surgery has to be postponed OR in the next week or so, if surgery ends up taking place.

Round # 8 - Chemo Finito!

This ordeal has made ordinary dates memorable. I was diagnosed on October 17th, 2017. Exactly 7 months later, I completed my 8th round of chemo on May 17, 2018.  I see several lucky number 7’s in those dates. 😄 My heart feels so grateful that I continue to feel positive and happy.  My body is weaker and I’ve found it harder to keep my weight up, but I've managed to keep it up by stuffing my face! 🐽
Of course, muscle has been replaced by fat but I'll work on that as soon as I get clearance from my Oncologist and Cardiologist.  Although my body is weaker, my mind is stronger than ever! Not to be confused by sharper 😅 because my brain is definitely not what it used to be (chemo brain is so real).

I still have 10 months left in this journey of “active treatment” but it feels so good to be done with the first phase!! The second phase (surgery) will be here in less than a month. Phase 3 is dependent on the pathology results from surgery, where I could possibly have radiation everyday for 6-8 weeks. Phase 4, I'll continue going to the hospital for Perjeta and Herceptin infusions. Somewhere in between, I'll have another surgery or two for reconstruction.

I’ll spend 2 days before surgery at MDA getting a battery of  tests (MRI’s, ultrasounds,  XRays, echocardiogram etc., etc.....). I’ll update once I get those results.

Thank you to my lovely family, friends (and strangers) that have provided so much love and support. You keep me going!

This girl drove in from Dallas to to accompany me on my last chemo treatment, just like she has throughout our entire frienship. I love you SOO much Amy!!! ❤️❤️❤️

Round # 7

The penultimate round came and went. Things went pretty well until day 5. Sort of expected since day 5 during last round felt the same. I remember thinking to myself that if I died that day, I didn't really care. 😳 I know, I know... so dramatic... 😂 Still, I am so very thankful that thus far, I've only had 3 bad days (PTH chemo, night 3 on round 5 and day 5 on rounds 6 and 7).  I get my last round on May 17th and then surgery on June 6th. Suddenly, time is flying! If you are the praying type, please pray that things continue to stay on track and that the pathology report from surgery comes back as "complete pathological response". Thank you!!