3 Week Update
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Shira Kolat
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Shira Kolat
Tomorrow will be 3 weeks since my mastectomy, so I thought it would be a good time for an update.
This past Friday, they removed my drains! That was a huge step and allows me to wear "normal" clothes and sleep/shower much easier. It was an annoyance to have drains attached to me for 2.5 weeks, but so glad that part is behind me!
As far as pain, I have been doing really well. Most days I can manage without even taking Tylenol. I have a few hours per day where I feel particularly sore, but overall it has been super managebale.
I met with my Oncologist yesterday for the first time since this all began. Even though it seems like you would start there, in many cases, they just focus on removing the tumor first and you meet with oncology to get a treatment plan after the surgical procedure. Anyway, she had some slightly different information than what I was originally told. I had been told that I would 100% need chemotherapy; although that is still likely, it's not a definite anymore.
She ordered an Oncotype genetics test on my tumor. This is a test used in breast cancer to determine likelihood of recurrence and predictor of whether or not a patient would benefit from chemotherapy. The test should be back within 10 days and then we will know the next steps. If I need chemotherapy, we will begin either the last week of May or first week of June. I will need 4 treatments with 3 week in-between each. This schedule should ensure that I can start the 2025-2026 school year on time!
Regardless of chemo, I will need to begin hormone drugs that I will take for 5 years. This will make me go into immediate menopause, so I am feeling a bit nervous for this. If you've gone through menopause, send me all the hints and tricks!
On Friday I will begin PT for upper body and shoulder strength. After a few sessions, I will be able to drive again, and eventually lift Jason!! I've gotten out of changing lots of stinky diapers lately, but I miss holding my baby so very much.
I will update again once I get my Oncotype results back. I want to again THANK everyone who has sent text message, cards, called, donated money, sent gift cards, cooked & sent meals. I feel so loved and supported during this time. It means the world to Dani and I to have such supportive friends and family looking out for us!
This past Friday, they removed my drains! That was a huge step and allows me to wear "normal" clothes and sleep/shower much easier. It was an annoyance to have drains attached to me for 2.5 weeks, but so glad that part is behind me!
As far as pain, I have been doing really well. Most days I can manage without even taking Tylenol. I have a few hours per day where I feel particularly sore, but overall it has been super managebale.
I met with my Oncologist yesterday for the first time since this all began. Even though it seems like you would start there, in many cases, they just focus on removing the tumor first and you meet with oncology to get a treatment plan after the surgical procedure. Anyway, she had some slightly different information than what I was originally told. I had been told that I would 100% need chemotherapy; although that is still likely, it's not a definite anymore.
She ordered an Oncotype genetics test on my tumor. This is a test used in breast cancer to determine likelihood of recurrence and predictor of whether or not a patient would benefit from chemotherapy. The test should be back within 10 days and then we will know the next steps. If I need chemotherapy, we will begin either the last week of May or first week of June. I will need 4 treatments with 3 week in-between each. This schedule should ensure that I can start the 2025-2026 school year on time!
Regardless of chemo, I will need to begin hormone drugs that I will take for 5 years. This will make me go into immediate menopause, so I am feeling a bit nervous for this. If you've gone through menopause, send me all the hints and tricks!
On Friday I will begin PT for upper body and shoulder strength. After a few sessions, I will be able to drive again, and eventually lift Jason!! I've gotten out of changing lots of stinky diapers lately, but I miss holding my baby so very much.
I will update again once I get my Oncotype results back. I want to again THANK everyone who has sent text message, cards, called, donated money, sent gift cards, cooked & sent meals. I feel so loved and supported during this time. It means the world to Dani and I to have such supportive friends and family looking out for us!
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