Timeline

Many will want to know what I've done with this stupid cancer and when, without reading this entire blog.  So while I think you are missing out on a lot of dumb cancer fun, below will be a timeline of the major happenings. While I will add links to the individual stories as I can, until I finish you can search the blog for descriptions of any of these milestones to find out my experiences, as I will pretty much document all of this crazy journey. 

September 8, 2016

The night I found a lump in my right breast. 

September 9, 2016

Visited my Primary family doc in the morning and after an exam, immediately sent me to Baylor Scott and White in Fort Worth by 1:30. Three (count them 3) mammograms to "get a better look" with 35 pounds of pressure (squishing the girls) and then 2 Sonograms later, the Oncology Radiologist breaks the news that I have breast cancer in both breasts. 

September 16, 2016

Back to Baylor for biopsies. Oncology Radiologist shows me the cancer on the screen. 

September 23, 2016

First appointment with surgeon at Baylor Scott and White 

October 3, 2016

Blood work

October 10, 2016

Baylor again for pre-op procedures: mapping of my lymph nodes and putting guide wires in my tumors. Very uncomfortable procedures. 

October 11, 2016

Double (bilateral) Mastectomy. 4 1/2 hours in the operating room less than an hour in recovery. 

October 12, 2016
Discharged after 24 hours to go home. 

October 17, 2016
1 week checkup with surgeon. Two drain tubes taken out. Still cannot drive or lift. Another week of taking it easy. 

October 23, 2016
Was able to sleep without the wedge and on my side with pillows good support

October 25, 2016
2nd appointment with surgeon. 2 more drain tubes taken out. Still on restricted activity. No driving.

November 8, 2016
Appointment with Primary Doctor due to lymph fluid buildup. Didn't want to drain at this time. Wrapped back up to see if my body will absorb.

November 14, 2016
Too much fluid had built up on the left side. Doctor drains a lot with a needle. Wraps me back up with an ace bandage.

November 16, 2016
Decides not to drain the right side but wraps me extremely tight and lectures me on not lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk. The insides need to heal and lymph nodes need to stop dumping fluid in empty spaces. She compared it to a broken bone in a cast. So, I'm wrapped so tight I can't breathe and hoping the insides heal quickly.

December 7th, 2016
I've quit wearing the wrap and it's still got some swelling and scar tissue build up but I'm assured it's normal and it looks great!

December 12, 2016
Blood draw for genetic testing

December 13, 2016
Labs for Oncologist to determine treatment

February 1, 2017
Started on the Aromasin to block all hormones 

August 29, 2017
Can't take it anymore. The side affects are more than I can handle. Visit with Oncologist about Quality of life issues and all the side affects. He agrees to let me go off of the Aromasin for 2 weeks and call him back with how I feel. 

September 12, 2017
Called Oncologist with how I was feeling. More energy! Not as moody! I hate the Aromasin! So, he prescribed Tamoxifen. 

September 21, 2017
Doctor visit with my surgeon. He agrees that Tamoxifen has far less side affects and won't hurt my joints as bad. Why didn't they try that first?

September 27, 2017
Today I turned 60. Hard to believe but I'm alive! I have a terrible sore throat with all my lymph nodes swollen and feel like crap. Not a good day. 

September 1, 2019 
I was released to yearly exams finally! Physically, my chest is tender and sometimes feels like pins and needles sticking me. But I'm not healed emotionally. In fact, it just seems so new and raw at times.