Now it is September.

I am going on my fourth week since surgery.  I'm feeling really good.  I had my first of Nine infusions last Tuesday.  This medicine is the Herceptin Targeted Therapy medicine, I have to take due to the type of Cancer I had!  The infusion only takes about an hour maybe an hour and half.  Certainly, not as long as the Chemo treatments.  So, now I'm on a new countdown.  After all of this, I will have a surgery to remove the port.  Whoo Hoo!!

My incisions from surgery are doing well.  I have a plastic surgery check up tomorrow.  I hope to get clearance to start walking on the treadmill.

Two things left to say:

It is unbelievable to have had all the love and support, our family has received from family and friends.  I want to thank you all from the very bottom of my heart.  Thank you, Thank you.

Also, my sister--Scarlett (Carlie) is participating. Please take the 
opportunity to donate for the Susan G Komen race!

http://www.komennyc.org/site/TR?team_id=50501&pg=team&fr_id=1320&et=xINe7a1KKLjLRW_nb1H_1g&s_tafId=64496

Take care,

Alice B.

Hello

It's been a week since I was discharged from the hospital . Alot has happened.

To sum it up:
When I was discharged I left the hospital with some extra baggage.  Six drains - two connected to each side of chest and two below my belly.  These friends were a little tricky to disguise.  I was able to attach them to undershirts and then wrap them against me like I was packing extra padding.

I was able to sleep and rest quite a bit.

Friday was a big day.  I had a doc appointment with my breast surgeon.  First, since my drains were cooperating and my body adjusting it was deemed that all six can be removed.  I was a little nervous, it would hurt but all I felt was pressure.  Thank goodness!

AND we were able to review and go over the full pathology report.

*****Drum roll *****
Absolutely, unequivolantly no cancer was found.  My case was called a pathological clinical response.  Cancer free.  Cancer was undetectable.
I had responded to the chemotherapy.
My lymph nodes were benign, no cancer had spread there or ever been in the nodes.  Thank goodness! The result being no radiation needed.

So my diagnosis for Breast cancer was Stage II, Her2positive, no lymph nodes.
I will always need to know this as well as my children.  I have been informed that this type of breast cancer due to it being Her2positive, is not hereditary, but its certainly something my sisters and children will have to know, now and forever!

After my appointment, I would say hearing this path report took some weight off our shoulders.  Ben has been a trooper, but not without some wear and tear.  Lets just say stress is not kind to my dear husband.  I love him, he has always and will forever be my best friend.

I have been blessed with family and friends taking care of my family.  Everyone helping out by taking care of the kids, bringing us meals, and keeping us in their prayers.  Oh, and all the beautiful flowers and yummy goody baskets.

Thank you for all thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Alice B.

Yes it is true

I am home in my own bed.  I was discharged this evening. The  doctor mentioned this morning that I was able to be leave this evening if I wanted.  He actually said he has had two patients now it will be three that have just stayed in the hospital three days.  I was doing great and still am.  That usually most patients are doubled over ( no pun intends for the double mastectomy) and in severe pain still.
I can honestly say yes I'm uncomfortable but it is something I will get thru.

I was switched from the IV pain med to pain pills and that was going well so it was decided-- I would go home. I called home about 6:30 to tell everyone and by 7:30 I was all tucked in my bed. The kids were excited and happy to see me.  They have to learn no hugging and be delicate around me for a time ( I have six drains in- they will come out hopefully within two weeks).

So, I just woke up had a snack, my meds and gonna say good night

Thnk you for all the prayers and well wishes
Love, Alice

Moving right along

It is now 5:30 p.m.  The below I had written at 10:00 this morning but it was never published ( I can and will blame it on meds)

I have been in the regular room since Saturday.  It has been great. Ben and I are sleeping much better, especially since I am not checked on every hour ( which was a necessity in ICU).  

The hospital staff is terrific and Ben has of course hit it off with all of them.  For some reason, people  do like his dry humor-- I really think they just realize they do not have a choice!

On my agenda for the day I plan on catching up on sleep and have to walk the corridor a bit, plus get off IV meds and transition to pills .

I hope everyone has enjoyed their weekend. I can certainly say this has been a memorable one!

Moving

This afternoon, I moved from the ICU unit to my room.  Now the nurses will come check on me every 4 hours not every hour. Whew!  I actually had a really good nap today as well. Yeah!

Ben and I agreed to have the kiddos come up and visit us in the hospital.  They were really sweet and asked quite a bit of questions.  I am supposed to walk around and sit up , so the kids took a Lap with me around the floor.  

I am looking forward to sleeping tonight.  Hopefully, Ben and I do get good shut eye tonight.  

Fingers crossed.

Bye bye ICU

So I have been in the ICU for almost two days.  While in the ICU, I am checked every hour. Needless to say,  sleeping has not been ideal. Ben has been a trooper sleeping or trying to sleep on the small couch with his feet hanging off.  Moaning from his direction occurs on the other hour.

Hopefully this is the plan for today: I get unplugged from all machines, monitors and pumps --- then I can walk.

I'm also looking forward to eating solid foods.

I am asked about the pain, but to me I just have tenderness and feel sore.  But I might be in for a rude awakening.

It is amazing to feel loved by everyone ( family, friends and people that I do not even know!)

Sittin' Pretty...

Alice has been sitting up and visiting today. Yes, it's true. It was reported by reliable sources. She is only in ICU because of her sweet spirit they like having her there. Although, they claim it is to monitor the blood flow in the rearranged tissue. Things are going great and she is planned to go to a floor room in the morning. She is amazing and word on the street is Ben is trying to sell autographs of his fabulous wife.