I met with the surgeon, Dr. Ross Walker, this morning; he set my surgery date for Thursday April 7th. This is one day past the 6-week recommended window for surgery after chemotherapy. Close enough. It is also Dr. Walker's first day back after what he described as a "long overdue" vacation. I don't know where is he going, but fingers crossed that he doesn't have any travel delays. Assuming that he is taking a holiday that is refreshing, he should be in good shape for my surgery on the 7th!
The surgery will be a lumpectomy to remove what is left of the two tumours. They are close enough together that Dr. Walker expects he will only have to make one incision. And he will also remove the sentinel lymph node—the first lymph node that receives lymph fluid drainage from the area of the tumours. That lymph node is identified by a radiographic substance injected either the day before or the day of the surgery. I won't know the exact time of the surgery until the day before.
After surgery, I will be discharged the same day. Dr. Walker advised that I should take Friday off and can return to work and usual activities by Monday. He also advised that I will receive radiation therapy about a month after the surgery. At some point, I will see a radiation oncologist to get that sorted. The radiation will be in May, and I expect that I will be able to cycle to the appointments, which will be every day for a yet-to-be-determined length of time.
It is rather remarkable, I think, to have reached 60 and never had anesthetic. No surgeries, no medications, one broken bone many years ago. I've enjoyed such good health, except for this cancer, which will soon be gone.
So that's the news update from here. There were no surprizes for me today, which seems like a good thing when you are at a doctor's appointment. Dr. Walker was surprized that I had seen the MRI report. He had never heard of Pocket Health. His amazing and super-organized nurse, Logan, gave me a printed copy of the report.
I'm so happy that the red-winged black birds are back, and the robins and cardinals are singing before dawn.
Wishing you the joy and fresh energy of spring.
Helleborus, from spring 2020