I had an appointment with a hematologist today because I had some blood work come back with a few abnormalities and my primary doctor wanted it checked out. When I arrived they drew my blood and before I left we found out that all my counts were normal. So, no problems there! Thanks to everyone's prayers! While I was there we talked over a few symptoms I've been having with my lymph nodes so he also ordered a PET/CT scan. I'm glad. I think the PET scan will help relieve my anxiety that I might have cancer somewhere else. The scan will be next Tuesday the 24th.
We also discussed chemo a little bit (even though he is not my oncologist) and due to my age it is a given that I will have to have chemo. He believes I will have 4-6 rounds of chemo and maybe hormone therapy of some kind. I asked him about whether I will lose my hair and he said that I will probably lose my hair. He also said, "You know it will grow back, right?" LOL! Yes, I know it will grow back. Duh! lol!
I think it is finally starting to sink in though. I've been telling myself that it is okay if I lose my hair, but the reality is going to be really hard I think. For Kevan too. I'm not looking forward to losing my eyebrows, eyelashes and nose hairs either. But, I guess I can draw my eyebrows on. Can you get eyebrow wigs? ;o) I guess a plus is that it will save me a lot of time getting ready in the morning. I grabbed a little pamphlet in the office. It recommends going wig shopping before treatment and purchasing one before treatment starts. I can feel the itchy-ness already! It is a blessing I work from home. At least I won't have to wear a wig everyday if I don't leave the house. Kevan said he is going to make me watch the first Star Trek movie so I can see the girl with the bald head. lol! I've never watched Star Trek in my life and I'm not sure I'm going to give in. We'll see.
I also found out that I am HER2 negative and the BRAC1 and BRAC2 tests also came back negative. They said this was good. :o) Now, we are just waiting on one more to come back. The Oncotype test. Also, when they called they said that my surgery may not be on 4/30, but might be pushed out another week or so due to scheduling. I'm pretty sad about it. I just want to start this already! It is hard sitting around thinking about it and not being able to do anything.
I can't end this post without mentioning a HUGE blessing. We have our wonderful Sleep Number bed all setup in our bedroom here in Tennessee. FINALLY! I have missed my bed! I can't wait to go to sleep tonight. Thanks again Joyce and Paul for helping us load it all up and Gerry for helping us get it setup tonight. I am one happy girl! Even the cats were excited and Aubie rolled around on it when we turned on the massage option. Happy kitties and happy Jayde. :o)
Glad you have such a good attitude during this difficult time, Jayde. You are a testimony to God's goodness. Its great that the PET Scan is scheduled. Some insurance companies don't want to pay for that. I know that the prospect of losing your hair is daunting, but you will get used to sleeping in a little later and not having to deal with daily washing, conditioning, drying, straightening, etc.! And yes they have false stick-on eyebrows!! I have a pair. But I ended up getting a wig with bangs so that I could just pull it down and cover where my eyebrows were supposed to be. Something to consider. Praying for you daily, friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks Michele. You had a really good attitude when you went through everything too. I am so glad you shared your journal with us because I think that remembering the things you wrote about (with a sense of humor most of the time) has really helped me. Thank you for being you and letting me ask you questions. Also, thank you for your prayers!
DeleteJayde, you have such an amazing attitude. I didn't know about the stick-on eyebrows but my mom has eyebrow tattoos! They fade after a few years so now she uses them as "stencils," if you will, and she draws over them. I think I told you...breast cancer survivor. As for your hair...I encourage you to have fun with hats. I love hats, you can create a whole personality with hats, they are not itchy. I will even buy you one. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Christine. I actually thought about the tattoo eyebrows, but I could never do it. What if arching your eyebrows isn't in style one day. lol! I read about a woman last night that had hers tattooed on using Henna tattoos. So, it was only temporary. I have a few ball caps that I wear, but I'm pretty sure people would be able to tell I was bald underneath the cap. lol! You don't have to buy me a hat! lol! I looked at head scarfs last night, but I am so fashion boring that they are all way too BOLD. I was looking for black, navy, gray (lol!), but they were all multi-colored, hot pink, bright orange, etc. I do not like to draw attention to myself. I want to blend in. I might need to go to the motorcycle do-rag section and find one that is less loud! :o) Although, then I might end up with a black one with a big skull on the back. lol!
DeleteJayde, I'm glad to see that you are writing this blog. A pastor friend of mine wrote a blog during his bout with cancer and found it to be a wonderful way to release the multitiude of feelings that he experienced. I have no doubt that writitng this blog will be a tremendous tool that God will use to touch and minister to others. But I'm praying that it will equally bless you!
ReplyDeletePraying for you!
Joe McIntire
P.S. Check out my daughter's blog- The Harris Life. You might find some much needed laughs from time to time.
Jayde,
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing here. It helps abate the worries. You may already have seen this, but if you haven't its definitely worth watching if not owning. It goes on sale in May...
Pink Skies
http://pinkskiesthemovie.com/
- A friend of Charlie's