Happy Thanksgiving!!

Hi Everybody,

I just wanted to say how thankful I am that I have such supportive family and friends. Having breast cancer isn't something I would wish on anybody, but it has really brought out the best in people and I feel really lucky that I have you guys.

I am also thankful for Connor, who keeps me from dwelling on me too much; for my husband for cooking everyday and being such a great dad; that eggnog is out in the stores; that I will be eating my weight in mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie; that I get to have my annual viewing of "It's a Wonderful Life" and, last but not least, my Christmas tree goes up tomorrow!

Hey, everybody! Let's limbo!

So, now I have the surgery scheduled. The genetic testing is underway. My surgery follow-up is scheduled for Dec. 29th and January 9th is when I meet my oncologist (yay! I got Dr. Rinn) for the first time. Now what? Let's spend the time between now and my surgery on the 16th making up colorful nicknames for me ( I like "Lefty". Thanks, Larry at Pioneer) while I'm in my uni-boob state. I am also still looking for a good t-shirt. Found one on Cafe Press that says "I'm making cancer my bitch". Think my surgeon will let me wear that to the mastectomy? I also like one that says "yes, they're fake. the real ones tried to kill me" . Anything that will give me a laugh is good. Oh yeah, I guess I could also spend this down time Christmas shopping!

OH, HAPPY DAY!

I have a surgery date!! Yahoooooooo!! I know it's weird to be so happy, but it's such a load off my mind to actually have a plan. It's going to be Dec. 16th at the Swedish Hospital Main Campus.

OH, THE WAITING IS THE HARDEST PART....

Hi All,

Decisions have been made. And a surgery date is imminent - aargh, once again have to wait another day to get the exact date. Do these people not know that the all-important Holiday party season is almost upon us? I must know when to plan my functions after all!

First off, went for a visit with Bob Resta, genetic counselor and a heck of a guy! Genetic testing for the two breast cancer genes is recommended due to my young age (don't laugh!) and the lack of medical history from my late father's side of the family. If it comes back negative, peachy keen! If either gene comes back positive, I will have a dramatically increased chance of another breast cancer and ovarian cancer, plus my sister and aunts would have to be tested. Because of the risk, I have the choice of mastectomy on the other side or one mammogram and one MRI every year. I would also have to have a hysterectomy, which is fine as I was not planning on using my ovaries again anyway. I should find out in about 3 weeks whether I'm giving up more body parts.

After getting everybody lost going 4 blocks to a different Swedish Medical center, I met with Dr. Christine Lee, breast surgeon and heck of gal! The tumor has tendrils that make it 3 cm, not 2, but the absolutely great and fantastic news is that there is no evidence of cancer anywhere else in my body, so yayyyyyyyyyy!!!!!

As for Righty, well kids, her days are numbered. I tried to work it out with her, but she's just too toxic. Gotta cut her out of my life. I've been prepared for this, but it will be a little sad for me to lose one of my "perfect" boobs. Dr. Lee wants me to wait to have my reconstruction to see if there's cancer in my chest wall, so I'll be a little lopsided for a couple months. Heidi and I were discussing finding some t-shirts with slogans on the right side, maybe "Under Construction" or "Men at Work" or "Coming Groundhog Day 2009" - any suggestions?

By the way, were you all clapping like loons at 4pm? Thanks!! I'm still "technically" stage 1 until after surgery.

Ta Ta for now (seriously!)

IS THIS THE BEGINNING?

Today I will meet with a genetics counselor and with my breast surgeon. I am hoping that the MRI results are good and we can get my surgery scheduled. Once this happens, I will feel like I can call this the beginning of my cancer treatment.

Remember how everybody had to clap their hands at the end of Peter Pan to let Tinkerbell know they believed in fairies? Well, at 4:00 today, clap your hands if you believe in boobies! Then I want you all to chant Stage 1 under your breath until security comes to take you away. Just kidding, peeps!

Check back tonight for the 4-1-1 on Righty's prognosis.

Not booby related

I just had to say that I am so happy with last night's outcome. I am filled with excitement and hope for the future. It's nice to finally have the person I voted for win! I was very impressed with John McCain's concession speech and I hope he continues to distinguish himself as a "maverick" in the Senate. Now, Obama better give my Hillary some sort of cabinet position!