1/10 Friday. Full day of testing. Started first at my primary doc who I hadn't seen since Christmas Eve when she first made the observation and referral. She was so sweet - gave me hugs, reassuring words, personal advice, and encouragement! She spoke to me about her beliefs on herbal strategies even from her scientific background. I'll be using a ton of basil and turmeric in my foods from now on. Had EKG performed in the office. "Undress, gown open in front. " Note to self - get used to that phrase. EKG was "unusual". Stress can cause some irregularities. (Ya think?) She wasn't overly concerned but wanted a cardiologist to take a look. She would make calls and call me back before the end of the day.
Next off to chest X-ray. "Undress, from the waist up. Gown open in front." (Stranger number 42 who has seen my breasts this week) X-ray, check. Can't do blood work today because it has to be done on fasting. Do that Monday. Next off to MRI. Gown open in front. Strange experience. The most annoying thing thing about it was the cruddy headphones! No metal in those machines. Drowning out the sound of the machine with loud, poor quality music for a half hour was worse than the clanging and banging. MRI - check.
Off to speak with Dr. Dimercurio, plastic surgeon. Side note-- one of Delia's best friend's mom is an Anesthesiologist. Amazing person! When I shared my news with her she perfectly blended friendship and professional medical opinion to comfort and advocate for me. She asked if I would mind if she spoke with Dr. Dimercurio who is her very close friend about my situation and added that's he's the BEST. My surgeon, Dr. Bellavance will work only with him, but syncing their schedules would likely be a challenge. So Dr. D met with me informally - had been expecting me. He too, reassured me and spoke to me person to person, not just doc to patient. He said he would do his best to take care of me,work with the other docs and make something work with scheduling to get this gone. Very kind man. Again, more reassurance.
Next off to Breast Center for BRCA test. I thought it was a cheek swab, but apparently you have to swish mouthwash for 30 seconds and spit into a collection beaker. What, I can't rinse or brush first? Broccoli salad for lunch - not the best option. Wonder what the DNA on the broccoli chunks in my sample will look like..eeeew. That was quick and easy - and I got to remain dressed!! Spoke with ladies in the office about the scheduling thing. Dr. Bellavance will be out of town for first two weeks in Feb. so she wanted to get surgery done in Jan. The issue was syncing up with Dr. Dimercurio. Hopefully they can work it out. Problem is, Dr. B is from University of Maryland University Hospital in Baltimore and only does surgery in Hagerstown only a few times a month. If I can't fit in the schedule on one of her surgery dates in Hagerstown in January, I will have to go to Baltimore or wait until end of Feb, early March. She doesn't want to wait that long. If I have to go to B'more - no prob I will.
6 pm - Dr. B called me at home to discuss the scheduling. Discussed options. She'll make more calls regarding scheduling next week. She's still thinking by end of January. Will share location and date of surgery as soon as I know it.
No news back regarding the EKG - no news is good news? Still no KI67 or HER2 results. grrr.
That's the update for now. Love to all.
Tenacious D
Doreen - as a Mom of daughters, you know how hard this is for me, as your Mom, to face. You have always been there for me, and I will be there for you. You are a strong woman and have always had a "get it done" attitude. You are a beautiful example for your girls and I am so very proud of you. Keep that "tenacious" spirit! Love you, Mom.
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