March 29, 2013 Journey Around the Pink Ribbon Part 2
Flashback-September 2003. Going into that first surgical procedure I still did not really think that there was any reason to be concerned, in fact I recall that my friend, Alyson, and I had a few laughs, after we called out the backup troops to bring us the mammogram films we promptly forgot and desperately needed. I was so grateful for her taking the time to come down and drive me around. Unfortunately that stereotactic needle biopsy turned out not to be nothing of course...While the chances were only 15% that what they were checking was anything malignant, I apparently had calcifications that now required further evaluation, i.e. a lumpectomy.
This lumpectomy was supposed to be a quick outpatient surgery...however when they give you some anti-nausea medicine with your anesthesia and it makes you feel like you are trying to swim out of the bottom of a jello pool-for hours, it was not so quick. In fact I remember, sort of vividly, being given the heave-ho from the nurses to hit the road (just kidding, those ladies are awesome!). However Alyson did not know how to get us back home, so because I was still swimming in jello somewhat, I leaned my head against the car door-jam and with one eye open, I guided us up the beautiful coast to the 78 FWY and to my house. Definitely a few more laughs were had along the way.
With that surgery and another day for recovery (I should have taken two) I had now missed more school days than I had in all the previous 5 or 6 years of teaching. My students were getting a little suspicious about why I was out. “Oh it’s nothing,” or “It’s just some family stuff I need to take care of,” was my usual reply, although they did ask some very interesting questions around this time though-"Was someone dying?" and my favorite(thanks Ashley Ward): "Was someone going through bankruptcy?" Luckily I felt they were 9 &10 and were not paying that much attention, as long I left the sub with decent plans, would they really notice my absences? Blessed again with another friend, Janet, who was just entering the teaching field, became my regular substitute, giving her the ‘dive right and get wet up to your ears’ experience with my class.
Sometime in October my friend Kim, her infant son, David, and I went to the follow-up appointment with the doctor. On this day I heard for the first time, although I already knew in my heart, the 'official' diagnosis-you have cancer. This was one of two times I can remember crying about about having cancer. Dr. Kroener was kind, stepping out of the room for a few minutes to allow us to process, returning to answer any questions and layout what would come next. I learned I had DCIS(ductal carcinoma in-situ) and it was double hormone positive. At this point it sounded like a bunch of gibberish. I guess now I have something to tell my mom.....and my students...
The afternoon was perfect, just after a rain so the air was clean and clear. With laughs and giggles, chips and salsa, and friends all around, we celebrated 9 years and one month of being cancer free. Thanks Ladies!
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