Good News

Wednesdays tests were a piece of cake compared to the others. I had an echocardiogram and pulmonary function test. The echo was done by a sweet lady named Bernadette (I wanted to break out in song when she told me her name - I'm sure I could have revived some of the Four Tops sweet moves too!). She is originally from the Caribbean and still has a pretty thick accent that I could have listened to all day. She was a talker and had a great sense of humor, two things I love. An echo is basically an ultrasound of your heart so we had plenty of time to talk. She ended the test by boldly declaring, "Good news, Jennyfuh! You have a heart and it is working!". I hope I get Bernadette for my next echo. The PFT consisted of four different breathing tests that measure lung capacity and function. I didn't have any problems with the tests. Katie, the tech, was impressed with my breathing skills. I told her I've always had alot of hot air. Katie is good at giving breathing tests, not so good at picking up on sarcasm.

Thursday I had surgery to place the "Power Port" in my chest. After having elevated blood pressure readings my last couple of appointments/surgeries I was happy to see that I am back in the "normal" range. I believe it is due to my lessened anxiety (you'll read why in the next paragraph). I guess it doesn't really matter why as long as my blood pressure stays down. I had a great team for this surgery. I took it as a good sign that my pre-op nurse was named Joan (my Cannonball Grandmas name) and I couldn't have been more right. I had the best team that day (I grabbed a comment card so I can give credit where credit is due!). From the phlebotomist to ekg tech to surgeon to recovery nurse. They were all great people. I loved the ekg tech the most. I mean, who couldn't love an 80 year old named Freya?!?! The "Power Port" was placed just above my left breast and can be palpated through my skin. Kind of weird but I've had numerous people tell me I'll be so happy it's there when I start chemo. It's similar in size to a 2 liter soda lid and is in the shape of a triangle. It can be used to both give medication and draw blood so my poor arms can have a break. One little, funny story about my recovery - As I was coming out of the fog I could hear Justin (a 15 year old kid who just had his appendix removed) becoming disgruntled and confused as to where he was. The nurses rushed to his side to calm him down and he fell back asleep, as did I. I have no sense of time but not too long after that a third patient, Sylvia, was placed in between us. Sylvia must have had the really good stuff because her snoring rattled the walls. I kept thinking in my head, "I wish she would quit snoring, I wish she would quit snoring.". Well, I didn't have to think those thoughts for very long because her snoring alarmed Justin who, again, became disgruntled and yelled, "SHUT UP, LADY!!!". The nurses rushed to calm him down but I was giving him praise from across the room. Thank you, Justin.

And now to the really good news... I received a call from Dr. K2 on Wednesday night. The results of all the tests came back as he had expected and hoped for and I am in Stage 2! I never thought I would be cheering for any stage of cancer but I'll take Stage 2. It does not appear that the cancer has spread to my bones or my brain and is localized to my chest area, YAY!!! He didn't want me to go through the weekend wondering what was going on so he made that call. I like him even more now. I will still meet with him Monday morning before my first chemo treatment to go over everything face to face but it is a relief knowing that information already.

My Mom has been playing taxi driver and personal assistant for me and seems to be enjoying the job. Jereme made it into town yesterday and we are all headed to a Spring Training game today. Please continue to pray for restful sleep and peace of mind. Thank you!