Semi Updates

I know I haven't updated! I have been very busy... I have been going to work in between doctor's appointments and physical therapy. I have a couple updates - good and bad. On top of that, I have been too lazy to write even though I do have a lot to say.

So here's whats been up:

1. Chemo port - they took the bandage off last week. It was hurting for a while but I am used to it. It totally feels weird and bumpy, I feel like Iron Man with the metal heart and all ;) It has been healing well except when I woke up today it was extremely bruised and more purple than usual. I wonder if that's normal? I'm going to see Gloria tomorrow so she can check it out... I hope its not infected or else they're gonna have to dig it out and I have to go thru surgery again and that was NOT like a ride in Disneyland so we'll see if I'll take it lying down the second time around!

2. Chemo Therapy has been delayed! I was supposed to start on my chemo treatments this week but the research people found a couple of "questionable" stuff so I need to do more tests. :( They found a cyst in my ovaries during the CT scan (first time I heard of this since the scan was done, why my oncologist forgot this tiny tidbit has got me baffled) so they need an ultrasound and obgyn appointment to verify that its nothing bad. I hope its nothing bad because 1) I cant take anymore bad news, 2) I want the treatments to start already!

3. Physical therapy - last week, my right arm (where they did the surgery) measured 130 and i couldn't raise it any higher than my head. My awesome arm measures at 160. So after i did a bunch of exercises, my defective arm is now at 160 also :) Awesome right? Lets not cheer yet - seems like I could be developing lymphedema :

From dictionary.com:

lymph⋅e⋅de⋅ma

–noun Pathology.

the accumulation of lymph in soft tissue with accompanying swelling, often of the extremities: sometimes caused by inflammation, obstruction, or removal of lymph channels.

My physical therapist is gonna monitor it for the next couple months but did you know that 1 out of 10 can get lymphedema after surgery?? 1 OUT OF 10. And with my luck, I might as well just be THAT one.

I think that's all the updates I have about me for now. Oh yeah! So the other day I was talking to the clerk at my apartment office (aka Lady that signs for my Twilight packages) and she asked me about my bruise (PFH aka Port From Hell). So I told her my story and turns out she has had a lump on her boob for more than a year. Her mom died from BC when she was 1 (never even got to meet her :( isnt that sad?) and now she's afraid that it might be BC! She's been going to the doctors but they keep telling her its not, but they haven't done a biopsy or anything on her, just saying it out of a hunch - are ya kidding me?? I told her to keep pushing them because if I would have listened to those 3 doctors who told me I was too young... gee, I don't think I'd be blogging or breathing!

So 2 things I realize from this:
1. PUSH your doctors! Fight to get a mammogram, fight to get a ultrasound! You can never be too cautious or too pushy! If after pathology they find its nothing, then get a 2nd opinion if you're still not in peace... life is too important for mistakes!
2. Thank you Kaiser for taking care of me! Thank you to my awesome job for my Kaiser benefit! I couldn't imagine going to any better facility

OK I am off to shower... maybe there will be an update tomorrow after my appointments. ;) Ciao!