Quick note before work

What an exhausting day yesterday-definitely no trouble sleeping.  I just wanted to say not to be shocked if you see me after today-I have an appointment at 4:15 pm for a  haircut.  I am donating my hair to Locks of Love and cutting it short.  I was devastated this morning washing my long hair and doing it, but after finding a picture of me that I really like with short hair, I am feeling much better about it.  I just had to give my boys the "Don't tell mom I look weird" when I get home speech. :)  I don't think they'd like to see my meltdown if they said that to me!  Anyway, Happy Friday!  I am trying my hardest to stay positive.  I will try to post pictures later of my before and after!

Unbelievable choice

So now I know why a part of me had my reservations about celebrating my results yesterday.  I kept thinking- I just need to hear it from the oncologist before I can celebrate.  And instead I was told that statistically there is at least a small benefit (up to a 5% increase) to my survival rate by going through chemo based on my situation, but that the decision was mine to make.  And so the waterworks start yet again as I can't believe what I am hearing.   How do you make a decision like that?  My life is amazing-of course I want to do anything possible to live the longest and healthiest life I can.  To get rid of this cancer as completely as possible.  My chemo starts Tuesday.  What would you do to add more time to your life?  Do me a favor and just do it.  

...and not so great news

This is Ryan (Anne's husband).  We went to the oncologist today and were surprised by the fact that chemo is still very much a possibility and may slightly improve long-term outcome.  Her case is borderline so the decision is up to us...a tough position to be in.  Anne will provide a more detailed update tonight.

GREAT RESULTS!

I just got a call from my surgeon's office with my Oncotype results saying that my 5 year risk of recurrence was 7% which puts me in LOW category!!!!  I will feel even better when I hear it from the oncologist tomorrow, but I am almost positive that means NO CHEMO!!!!!!  Thank you for all of your concerns, thoughts, and prayers!

12/6 Update

Sorry I haven't updated in a while-still chugging along, still waiting on my results.  I plan on calling my surgeon's office again tomorrow if I don't hear something by 1 pm since I will probably have to reschedule my oncology appointment if I don't have my results.  I am feeling better at work and I think I will feel okay going through my first full day of work tomorrow.  I have to share a cute story at work--a fifth grader at school said, "Are your hospital bills going to cost you a lot of money?"  and I said "luckily I have really good insurance so I won't have to pay too much for my surgery."  I wasn't sure where this was going until she said, "Well I found this quarter on the floor and I thought it might help."  Awww....
Anyway, I promise I will update my blog as soon as I hear any results from my Oncotype!

Wait, wait, wait!

 I called my surgeon's office this morning and they had not received any results from the Oncotype company.  The nurse called the company, and I guess there was a delay in receiving my specimen so it was not even started until 11/28.  Therefore, I won't have any results until 12/5-12/8.  BOO!  I really need to have my results by the 8th because I have my oncologist appointment that day and I will have to reschedule it if my results aren't back by then.  Anyway, I did feel better today at work, less soreness by the end of my shift so I hope the improvement continues.  I am looking forward to going out to eat tonight with a gift certificate from all of my fellow school nurses.  I hope everyone has a great weekend!

First day back at work

I walked into my clinic this morning and it was all decorated with pink garland, a silver Christmas tree with pink ornaments, pink ribbons on the cabinets, and welcome back letters from the students!  It was such a nice welcome back!  I did get a million hugs today, but I survived.  :)  I had no idea how much multitasking I did on a daily basis until coming back.  I was very happy to have worked a half day because by noon I was finished both mentally and physically.  I came home, ate lunch, and took a nap.  Still no word on my Oncotype results.  If I don't hear anything tomorrow morning, I am going to call and ask so maybe I can have the results by the weekend.  Thank you to everyone who worked so hard on decorating my clinic!