The Skeletal Scan!!

So, on Friday I went for my first test. Besides some lab work (i.e. blood), I had some radioactive material injected into me (via a needle into my right arm). We went home, hung out for a couple of hours and than went back to Grand River for a skeletal scan. They scanned my whole body and I could see my skeletan on the screen as it scanned that section of my body. Very cool. I had extra scans done of my skull, ribs and pelvis/hip area.

Matt says I should tell people I had a "Boner". He also felt the need to play "Radioactive" by KISS...he's quite proud that there is a KISS song for every occassion!!

The scan was not scary in any way and it did not hurt. Hazel and Dan were awesome!!

Our understanding of the reason for the scan is to provide a benchmark (for later) and also to detect any cancer cells that may have packed their bags and moved on. Any possible spread will help determine the treatment plan.

I don't know any results...but Matt was wondering what Hazel had to say when she did the skull part and found it empty...

The Diagnosis...

Sometime mid-April, I found a small lump in my left breast. I went to my doctor and we had an ultrasound done at the end of April. The ultrasound showed a cyst. I was not worried about it and my doctor was not worried about it. We did decide it would be best to have the cyst aspirated (i.e. stick a needle in and pull the fluid out), and so a request was submitted for an appointment. We did not hear back from the surgeon and a month or so later when I started to have some discharge from that breast, my doctor pushed harder and got me into the Breast Clinic at Freeport Hospital in Kitchener. My appointment was for July 8th, for an aspiration. Know that at this point I was not worried...I didn't think anything was wrong...I just had a cyst and once we took the fluid out, I would be fine. The fluid would be tested just to be sure.

On July 8th when I went to my appointment, they discovered (via ultrasound) that it was no ordinary cyst. Instead of doing an aspiration, they did a biopsy. The radiologist was very clear to Matt and I at that time that she was pretty sure it was cancer and she would make sure her report stressed this. She did not want there to be doubt that could cause any delays. And she told me to call my doctor's office and let her know that the Radiologists was sending her report that day and that my doctor should make sure I had an appointment with the surgeon for when the pathology report (results from the biopsy) were available.

I am truly grateful for my family doctor for keeping the ball rolling on this, especially when we thought it was nothing. And I am grateful to the Radiologist for the conversation she had with Matt and I after my biopsy on July 8th. She gave us a great heads up and put me (and Matt) in a better position to deal with the news. At this point we knew it wasn't for sure...and only the pathology report would be able to confirm it.

My doctor's office received the pathology report late in the day on Thursday, July 15th. I had an appointment with the surgeon scheduled for Monday, July 19th. It will be one week tomorrow since I first met with the surgeon.

The surgeon confirmed that I do, in fact, have breast cancer. We know it's an invasive cancer and we know it's a large tumour. We don't know much else at this point. I have some tests to do over the next week to help with the staging and determine the treatment stategy.

I feel strong and confident that I will beat this thing. I am asking for lots of positive energy, thoughts and prayers. I am not sad and I am not afraid. I will admit to being a little nervous.

I say "Bring It"!! It has no idea who it's dealing with.

Oh my Gravy...

I have not been to the movies for a few weeks, so no reviews to give. Although Matt & I did rent "The Blind Side" a couple of weekends ago, and if you have not seen it you REALLY MUST! It's fantastic. I loved it! And so did Matt!!

I am very excited, and a little sad, at the prospect of my television viewing slowing down considerably with the season (and in some cases) series enders that are happening over the next couple of weeks! Tonight was the season end of The Amazing Race. I was rooting for the Cowboys...have you ever heard someone say "Oh my Gravy" before? Hilarious! I won't give away the ending in case you haven't watched it yet...I will say I LOVED LOVED the comment that Caite had for the Lesbians at the very end. You go girl!!

The Last Song...

Last night Jodi & I went to see "The Last Song" with Miley Cyrus and Greg Kinnear. I enjoyed it way more than last week's pick (The Bounty Hunter for those that are following...or maybe that would be for those who aren't following).

Anyway, this movie was a total tear jerker...you could seriously hear people sobbing in the theatre. And there were a lot of guys in the audience - a movie like this could prevent them from ever going to another chick flick.

I thought Miley Cyrus did pretty good. Greg Kinnear was awesome. And the young boy who plays Miley's younger brother in the movie was really good. I'd give it a definite 7/10.

Movie Reviews ...

So, my friend Jodi and I have taken up going to the movies on Tuesday nights. It's cheap and we figure this way we can go see a movie for less than we could rent it.
Tonight's choice was "The Bounty Hunter". Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler.
Jodi gave it a 6.5 or 7 (out of ten). I think a 6 would be stretching it. All the funny parts you've seen in any previews. And the ending is exactly what you expect it to be. I'm not sad I spent $4.20 to go see it...but I'm glad I didn't pay full price.

Last week we went to see "Remember Me". Robert Pattinson (Edward from the Twilight movies) and Emilie de Ravin (Claire from Lost). This one I liked. Pattinson is a pretty broody actor...no surprise there. I thought the guy who played his roommate was hilarious and Emilie de Ravin was great. But the best part about this movie was the surprise ending!! I was definitely happy we went to see it!!

I'm back...I hope...

So...it has been many many months, and I've thought often about taking the time to update my blog...but somehow it hasn't happened. I think I know the problem. It turns out I don't really have a lot to say. Well...I think I do, and than I realize I don't. But really I think I do...so I'm back...I hope...

I love this Family!!!

I was so honoured to join Matt, Lauren & Alex to have some family photos done! They turned out so great and we were really relaxed and enjoyed the experience with Christine of Click Photography!! She's amazing! She even made me look good! I thought I'd share a couple of my favourites...

This is our 80's Rock Band Album Cover...

Me and my boy...I'm such a lucky girl!!


And on a side note, thank you to everyone for their love and support through such a rough time. My step-Dad, Ian, is doing so much better. He came home last Saturday for the day with my Mom and will be coming home for a weekend visit this weekend. If all goes well, he'll be home to stay the last weekend of August. My Mom is a little nervous about it...but she is so excited to have him come home. I'm very proud of both of them!!