Post surgery follow ups

Last week I had a couple of post surgery follow up appointments. The first one was with my plastic surgeon,Dr. Halls, on 10/22. He took the surgery bandages out and shortened the tube on my Jackson-Pratt drain. He bandaged just the incision underneath my left breast and the drain site near the armpit incision. He said I can raise my arms up to shoulder level.

The second follow up was with my medical oncologist, Dr. Shenoy, on 10/24. She gave more good news. The pathology report from my breast tissues also came out negative from cancer. She still recommends to move forward with radiation in my armpit as “insurance” to make sure all the abnormal HER2 positive cells that may be behind the nodes or hidden are destroyed.

Next month I’ll be seeing my radiation oncologist who will confirm my treatment. Until then I will relish in the wonderful news from my post op appointments.

My cousin Crystal also joined me in attending a breast cancer educational forum 4 days after surgery on 10/21. We learned a great deal especially about pathology. I’m including a photo of HER2 cells for your reference.

On 10/23, my mom joined me in the Think Pink! Event at the hospital. It was an inspirational evening and again learned more information especially about diet. It is recommended to have a Mediterranean (think pescatarian) and plant-based diet (not vegan or vegetarian). So I have eaten very little red meat since my diagnosis. My meals should be 2/3 plant based. Thank goodness for the recipes that the registered dietician provided and some great cookbooks I’ve received as gifts from friends and family.

As always, I am signing off with all my gratitude to God, family, friends, and other fellow fighters.