the finale to venting frustration of a month lost

[marni]

So after a partial masectomy last week and another 4 days lost to required rest and pain meds, I saw the breast surgeon and oncologist today. The partial masectomy got rid of all of the ductal melanoma and left a good margin of healthy tissue. For reasons too complex to go into, I have refused radiation, but neither thinks this is a bad thing.

The compromise solution is to monitor me every 6 months with a mammogram and put me on Tamoxofin. If anything comes back, I will just have a total removal.

So as far as I am concerned this is good news. Medications and follow up mammograms beat radiation and surgery any day.

Time to end the pity party, hoist an Arrogant Bastard Ale in celebration and get back on top and back into control of my life.

I have had three consecutive days of exercise, not riding unfortunately, but at least workouts and cardio work, and I feel wonderful.

[OakLeaf]

(((((((marni)))))))

I'm glad you're feeling good. Take good care - and be careful not to push too hard. Pain is exhausting even when you're not aware of feeling it. (I wound up sick for months, years ago, all because I wouldn't rest and heal a bad case of road rash. And the pain from the biopsy really became much more obvious after it was gone, which took about two weeks just for the two core needle punches.)

[Bike Chick]

Marni, I am so sorry for your breast cancer but it sounds like the prospect is positive.

Enjoy the cold one! You certainly deserve it but do take care of yourself and get plenty of rest.

You are a tough one!

[jessmarimba]

It sounds like you've picked a very rational plan of action. Enjoy the beer! Hang in there and take care of yourself during the recovery.

[lph]

Oh, enjoy that beer, you've deserved it! Tough cookie.

[hebe]

Enjoy that beer! Two of my close friends have recently completed treatment for breast cancer, they are both now unstoppable and a complete inspiration.