Hey all - 

The first phase of Chi’s recovery is behind us - she is done with chemo! We were thrilled to learn that the latest MRI and ultrasounds continue to show that the treatment was very effective on the tumor and the affected lymph node. The side effects of her chemo were very real with hair loss, difficulty eating, swollen ankles/feet and fatigue but we are thankful to have that in the rear view mirror.   

Her surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, February 27 at 10 AM at Emory Saint Joseph’s. The doctors will perform a mastectomy on her right side along with reconstruction, sentinel lymph node biopsy and augmentation to her left side for symmetry. We were happy to hear that the mastectomy and reconstruction could be performed as part of the same procedure as there was discussion about having to get them done at two different points in time. Recovery involves doing very little physical activity or movement for the first two weeks, with no vigorous exercise or heavy lifting for six weeks.

In addition to surgery, the other part of her recovery plan is to continue getting infusions of two targeted drugs, herceptin and perjeta, for her type of breast cancer. Just like the chemo infusions, she will get these every three weeks until her one year mark in October. These drugs were included in the chemo infusions that she has been getting up until now. There will still be side effects, but nothing as severe as chemo.

We took advantage of most of the side effects of the last chemo treatment behind us and went out to Vail for a few days this week for the kids’ winter break. Chi isn’t skiing, but the rest of us are. It’s a good break from reality for all four of us before surgery and that recovery in the coming months. 

With love,

Brent, Chi, Austin and Nora