Breast Cancer Post-Surgery Update (last update July 17 - 5:35 PM)

• Wednesday, July 12 - 11:35 AM - Off to the OR, doctors say it should be about 4 hours.
• Wednesday, July 12 - 2:16 PM - Nurse Lori just called from the OR and so far so good. Got about 2 more hours to go.
• Wednesday, July 12 - 3:35 PM - Dr Senofsky just came out. She is still being operated on by Dr Watson and they found another tumor hiding near the one we knew about and pre-cancerous cells (D.I.C.S?) on the right nipple, which they also removed. Not sure what makes a cell pre-cancerous, versus cancerous? Really struggling with how to tell her this info, made the decision to let her recuperate these next few days and she will know on Monday when we get the pathology report from Dr. Senofsky and Dr. Watson. I can't bear to see her worry over this news until Monday, so I will keep it from her. I may regret that decision but I have her health and mental well-being as top priority right now. Hopefully Monday will bring news that all the margins are clear and they got it ALL! If not, Monday could be a very rough day.
• Wednesday, July 12 - 6:15 PM - She is out of surgery, She handled surgery very well physically but Dr. Watson says he and Dr. Senofsky were both "disappointed" by what they saw. This has got to be the most disturbing news of the night. He did end his conversation by telling us he is extremely optimistic and feels very positive that Valerie will be fine.....good words to hear, but hollow after the other statement. Dr. Watson clarified that his disappointment was in finding the second tumor and that unlike the first one (which was ductile), the second was lobular. In addition they removed approximately twenty Lymph Nodes as well as the right nipple. In putting this together (Thursday night while Valerie rests) I found the link above (ductile vs. Lobular) and must say it took a huge pressure off my mind....only time will tell what they really are, but I pray it is nothing!
• Thursday, July 13 - 2:00 AM - I snuck in past the security guard and went to Valerie's room. She is doing ok, still very tired but ok and telling me so. They let me stay for about 15 minutes, but because it was a shared room, I had to leave so I wait in the lobby and miss her!
• Thursday, July 13 - 6:35 AM - Doctors checked her, and were happy with her progress. Today is a good day to visit as they will likely discharge on Friday (at least that is what they think so far), so come on by if you want to.
• Thursday, July 13 - 2:16 PM - She stood up for the first time a minute ago, a little woozy but made it to the restroom! Too bad she'll have to get up every 5 minutes! Those that know Valerie will know why.
• Thursday, July 13 - 3:32 PM - Moved to the new room (714) and the new number is (310)267-1568. At least tonight I can stay in the room with her.....no more sneaking in! The nurses (Patrick, Mimi, Kathleen and Rosa) were very helpful in making this happen.
• Thursday, July 13 - 10:45 PM - A couple updates from Valerie's room while I watch her sleep peacefully. Dr. Watson has decided to keep Valerie until Saturday or even Sunday if she wants (helps to have the Chief of Staff as your surgeon!). Second thing is Valerie knows about everything (second tumor and the doctor's "disappointed" comment). She handled them all admirably and is eager to start the battle against this long, slow car crash called Cancer that we will both safely walk away from! Both our hearts go out to the others suffering in this hospital, many had no warning a hug, kiss, "I love you" or "see you tonight!" was the last their loved one would hear from them, so much hurt, and so much hope all in one place.

• Friday, July 14 - 3:38 PM - Our kids visit Mom in the hospital. I forgot to take a picture of our son (I am sorry bud, I was too busy giving you hugs)! Valerie also had a visit from Jackson (the hospitals pet therapy Golden Retriever), which I also forgot to take a picture of (Bad day to have dad holding the camera). We should be leaving around 10 AM on Saturday for home. Today was a good day!

• Saturday, July 15 - 12:05 PM - On our way home, yeah so it is a little blurry, I was a little excited!

• Saturday, July 15 - 12:52 PM - Me waiting for Dion to drop off prescriptions and then we will go home and wash off the stink...and yes I stink! She said it not me, so it must be ok to post this one.
• Sunday, July 16 - 8:20 PM - Well, it has been great to be home, but it has not been without its own challenges. Unfortunately we wait for the results of the pathology report to determine what kind of battle really lies ahead (even then, does anyone really know what to expect?). The results are due Monday, July 17. The challenges have been with what can only be described as "panic" or "anxiety" attacks. Valerie has a true fear of leaving her children and me behind. Not a fun thing to experience, and largely psychological with no real remedy for this particular cause of her fear. I can only hope that the pathology results on Monday will bring an end to this fear she has. I think I'm pretty good at calming people down, but am sure being tested lately! Unfortunately these attacks occur during sleep (right when she wakes up), so it does not give me a whole lot of time to "chat" her down. Many of you have had some great suggestions (go to sleep thinking of something good, know that you are safe and will wake up to a new day, know that God is caring for you, you are safe in his arms). To all of us not experiencing it, it seems easy "chill out", "calm down" or "relax", but those words don't fix the underlying issue. Hopefully tomorrow will be a beautiful day!