Sunday, March 25, 2012

THINK PINK - CHOICES


This blog was designed to feature things which bring joy and beauty to my life;


It has taken me a while to figure out how to talk about something which is going on, and which is at first glance, anything but a source of joy, fun and happiness.



About eight weeks ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer in the left breast.
My first response was denial (not uncommon, cancer always happens to other people).

I met up with two lovely ladies from the Kim Walters Choices program,
who gave me information, reading material, a special cushion, and a fabric bag to hold drains.  Drains??  What is that all about??



My first choice was to have a wide excision day surgery, followed by radiation.
The wide excision had cancer in the margins.

I was spoilt by so many nice people, who sent prayers, flowers, cards, emails, and rang to check on me. 
 I did find joy and happy times in all this.


I returned 12 days later for further surgery, a wider excision and removal of a lymph node.  This time I was 24 hours in hospital.



While I recovered I made up this Liberty fabric, purchased in London 3 years ago.
At last the time seemed right for a pink floral loose shirt.



Today I saw my surgeon again, and to his surprise there was far more cancer in the second excision than he or his colleagues had anticipated.
It is DCIS, but very widespread.
Once again, I had to face Choices:
Go with radiation, but chances are much higher that it will escalate further in the next year.

Or have the entire breast removed.

That is what I chose.



My mastectomy will be this Friday afternoon.
The silver lining is that there is quite a good chance that I will not need to have radiation therapy, which I had dreaded, nor take strong and debilitating drugs.
Fingers crossed.



My diet is now focussed on careful avoidance of the carcinogenic,
and the consumption of appropriate amounts of high antioxident foods,
like these tasty products ....

Now, back to the fun things.



Her Majesty, looking gorgeous in pale pink last week.
I hope she is enjoying her Jubilee.

And I hope you have a good week too.





















24 comments:

  1. Much love being sent your way from us, this is a challenge we wish you never had to face but believe that you will overcome it and still be the amazing person that you are. Thoughts and prayers. Gemma xx

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    1. thanks so much - you are indeed a gem! Looking forward to reaching the other side on this one. xx

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  2. Oh Patricia.
    I had to reread this post several times to let the words sink in. If you feel like a chat(no pressure)please email me at
    redroses.crystal@gmail.com
    Breast cancer is touching so many lives. I just know you will be facing this operation with courage and grace.
    Sending love and hugs
    xxxx

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    1. Annie, thank you so much, needing all love and hugs right now. I have to admit I had to reread the post a few times myself before I published, just to make sure I got my facts straight! I will email you, when the chaos round here subsides a bit. xxx

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  3. Came over from Red Roses blog. I am so sorry for your journey. Know that even strangers are thinking about you and sending you positive vibes. As I say to my friends with cancer.... "gritted teeth, you will get through this with gritted teeth determination". Stay strong. A-M xx

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    1. Thank you A-M, it is lovely to know positive vibes are coming via the blog. Gritted teeth it is, in fact only gritted teeth got me out of the doctors consulting room!
      PS love your work, as seen in Red roses gorgeous house!

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  4. Dear Patricia - I am so sorry you have to go through this, and that the first two procedures were disappointing. I wish you the very, very best for Friday and will be thinking of you like mad. Please keep us posted on how you go on and what happens next. Lots and lots of love, Audrey (MrsE) xxxx

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    1. Audrey - what a pretty name you have Mrs E - immediately thinking of the late exquisite Audrey Hepburn. Thank you for your caring words, it means such a lot to know friends in blogland are thinking of me too. I will try to keep you all posted, without letting the blog become a misery. That would never do. xxx

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    2. A less like AHepburn Audrey you'll never meet, sad to say. But thank you! Thinking of you today now (its v. early Friday a.m. for you I think). Lots and lots of love, Axxx

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    3. Feeling the wonder of good wishes from across the globe this morning. How wonderful are the women in my life, and how it lifts my spirits to know so many are encouraging me on this journey. Have begun my fasting, and will go to the hospital at noon for PM surgery. Will admit to occasional jitters but pushing them sternly away and replacing with attractive thoughts :) xxx

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  5. Hi Valerie, welcome to my little blog. I have taken at peek at yours, and see you also love a lorikeet and sewing. What's not to love? Thank you for your best wishes and prayers - I am so grateful to everyone for their caring and kindness.

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  6. Oh Patricia, I'm just popping over from Annie's blog. You darling soul. Sending you all my very best wishes from Hobart. J x

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    1. thank you Jane, and welcome to my blog. My cheer squad means a great deal to me right now!

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  7. Patricia, wishing you all the best for Friday, Fifi xo

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  8. Thanks Fifi - trying hard to be brave here! xx

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  9. Thankyou for your, as always, lovely comment Patricia.
    I like the idea of a blog cheer squad, so here we are...the Red Cardinal cheer squad!
    Bestest wishes Patricia
    xxxx

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    1. I love it - the Red Cardinal Cheer Squad has such a good ring to it!
      Off to coffee with girlfriends - I'll share it with them. Wearing my blue linen shift and RPE beads - might be in the loose shirts for a while after tomorrow. Thankyou for your lovely wishes xxx

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  10. Hello Patricia.

    I am sending you my prayers from way over the other side of the Ocean's.. I read dear Annies post this morning..which brought me to you.
    Stay strong. Think of all the lovely things you like and your family. Strength and mindset helps.. My brother in law is in remission from lymphatic cancer.. his attitude is positive..
    I wish you all the best.
    love your night shirt.
    val.

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    1. Thank you VAl, I know strength will be needed over the next months of treatment. THank you for your good wishes, and glad you like my shirt. Welcome to the blog, too!

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  11. Patricia: Sending you love and strength.

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    1. Tabitha, thank you so much, need all the strength and love that can be mustered!

      PS Your blog is fantastic, I so enjoy your Way with Words! I am doing a Dickins readathon this year and enjoying his wordsmithing hugely :)

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  12. Well it just goes to show you can't keep a good blogger down!
    Bravo Patricia, reading and commenting on blogs so soon after surgery. You are marvellous.
    xxxx

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  13. Hi Patricia, hope you are doing ok after Friday and that your recovery is speedy and positive. Stay strong, Fifi

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    1. Hi Fifi, came home a few hours ago, and a bit upsy and downsy at the moment. Trying to be strong, and thankyou for your kind encouragement. xx

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