So, I have breast cancer. I cut my hair because I didn't think I could stand watching the long stuff fall out.

This has been a hell of a shock and is taking me a while to get used to the idea. I still get very shaky and teary eyed when I have to talk to or go to see the doctor.

Anyway, I had a lumpectomy on April 9th and on April 16 they removed lymph nodes. The sentinal node had cancer in it but the other 9 were clear. I am recovering nicely from the surgery and have started physical therapy. I am postponing chemotherapy until after the Memorial Day holiday because Tommy and the kids will be here for a visit. Those little ones have been through enough this past year and they don't need to see Gram looking ill. After chemo, I will have radiation and then hormone therapy. I expect all this treatment to last most of this year. The chemo will finish early in September and maybe I will be free by Halloween.

So ladies get your mammograms regularly and listen to your doctor. As some of you know I had a successful biopsy last Spring but ended up down this path anyway so be careful.

It is amazing how many women I have met that are survivors. (not sure I like that word) My best friend, here in Chicago, had it 10 years ago. My piano teacher had it 10 years ago. My physical therapist tells me that 8 of her current clients have breast cancer.

I am amazed at the changes in technology in the past 10 years. Someone has invented a sort of tiny geiger counter that helps the doctor find the sentinel node. Of course, for it to work you have to have 4 shots around the nipple. That made for an interesting morning. And it didn't work on me. The nuclear material that they injected decided not to move around. So the doctor had to dig a bit in my arm pit to find what he wanted.

I was able to shower immediately. 10 years ago some of these women had to go 3 weeks without a proper bath. If they left the hospital with a drain, as I did, they couldn't bathe until the drain was removed. I had been warned that when they removed the drain I would "See Jesus". I didn't feel a thing. Maybe they have improved the tubing in some way. Most of the ladies I have met had to have 6 months of chemo. I will have only 7 sessions, 2 weeks apart.

I was released from the surgeon last night. Lucked out there------quite a sexy Greek guy------on the right side of 50, too. I have decided to hate the oncologist and have a very closed mind about him now. I am sure that will change. I hope that changes.

On a brighter note. Spring has sprung in Chicago and my garden looks great. The tulips are finished and the liliacs are in full bloom. My rhody is ready to bloom as are the peonies. Downtown the temps are in the low 80's and in the high 70's here by the lake.

Thanks to Pat who came to stay for a while. I miss you.

I do miss all of you and hope to hear from you. I intend to keep this post going through all this stuff. If you are interested visit. I am sorry that I haven't written to each of you but my emotions are still all over the place. This is the first time I have been able to write about it at all.

Sending love to you all
Dorothy
or
Dallie

your choice

Comments

[sul]

Hey There - You look great in that picture, but you know how I react when family members cut off their long hair - back to therapy for me!

Good luck! We're always there for you!

[michelle King]

Hi Dallie...

You do look amazing in that photo. Hair or no hair......you are beautiful. Just the fact that you would have the strength and the courage to share your story with other women......puts you in the inner beauty category, instantly.

You have a great attitude and you have been victorious. That is what you must remember. You are a survivor but more then that......you are a women who wants to share with others. We need more women to share their stories. No one should have to feel alone.... ever. This truly is the greatest gift you could give to not only yourself, but to so many others.

Dallie, you've inspired me.

Cheers to you!!

[annuabchurf]

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