Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Surgical Oncologist #2 -- part 1

We left for NYC at 8:30am and returned at 7:00pm, the longest we have ever been away from the kids. Mom said they were fine, but Daniel gave me the biggest hug when I got back and has been on me every since...something as many of you can imagine I am thrilled with beyond words. He really missed me. He also didn't ask to nurse, just wants hugs. Bittersweet relief.

This doctor is somewhat better than the first one, but I'm not sure he's "the one" either. We still have another sugeon appt next Tuesday, and this Friday we have our first medical oncologist appt as well.

Tomorrow, for something different, I have an appt w/a psychiatrist. I see a therapist regularly and have for about 3 years or so, mostly to deal with anxiety and management of my tinnitus. She's wonderful and I will keep seeing her. But she can't prescribe and I may need antidepressents or at least a more steady supply of Xanax. Usually a script for Xanax from my regular primary care doc (30 pills) lasts me almost two years. I went through 30 pills in barely more than a month since this cancer stuff started.

So, it may take me till tomorrow night to fill you in on today's appt. I will say that nothing earth shatteringly bad was added to my plate.

There was even a piece of good news. I am NOT Her2 positive, in simple terms this means the cancer, while invasive is not aggressive. This is a HUGE relief to me and the best possible result.

I also met with some VERY wonderful genetic counselors today who were especially kind-hearted and helpful...and blood was drawn for the BRCA tests (two weeks for results). This will show whether my children are at risk. Keep collective fingers crossed.

Finally, I had a PET scan today to see if the cancer has spread anywhere. It's not the only way they look at that, but it's good to get started on some more info gathering. And don't laugh, but the 45 minutes of IV and then subsequent 30 minutes inside the tube for the scan was the most relaxed I've been in weeks...I even snoozed!

Okay, I know it's not major details, but I'll get to that tomorrow, I promisse. Suffice is to say for now this docs take on thing is far different than doc #1, but I'm not sure that's all good...I'm a bit dubious.

I have a baby boy & little girl to go hug :D

Thank you for your support, dearest friends, especially the posts from yesterday which I now just read. You are making this process more bearable and I cannot express my gratitude enough.

Till tomorrow......

7 comments:

Mervat said...

I am relieved to read that you are not Her2 positive. I am also glad you managed to get a little rest, albeit in a scanner! And, I too suffer from tinnitis; I know the feeling/ringing well.

You go and hug your dear ones to your hearts content.

All my love,
Mervat.

sallymandy said...

Sending you love and support, Kayleigh. I wish I could send you a hug. Your little Daniel is going to be okay, dear. And so are you. Much love.

Brenda said...

I don't know how closely related Xanax and Ativan are, but if Ativan works for you, its a drug you will also use for chemo, it helps control nausea and helps you sleep. I take a lot of the stuff with my chemo. I always thought Xanax and Ativan were about the same.

Good news on the Her2 test.

Looking forward to hearing more.

Jean said...

So pleased you got some good news! Thinking of you EVERYDAY dear Kayleigh. Stay strong x

i_b_erin said...

Here's wishing you peace...Good news on the Her2 test.
I've been reading your blog for a while, and only wish the best for you, Mommy happy! How sweet,and I wish that for you also!

The WalMart Vegan said...

Yay! Some good news is always welcome.

Still praying for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

hugs, hugs, and more hugs. for you, for your son, for your daughter. just keep going, one day, one hour, one minute at a time.