I am done! The Triathlon (Surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation) known as Breast Cancer treatment is complete. I started this journey almost nine months ago with a report of a "suspicious spot" on my mammogram (November 17, 2011) but as of Friday, August 24th, 2012, I have completed the race. As with all long distance runners, I have had to learn to pace myself, take care of my body before, during and after the race, and not give up when the going gets rough, just keep pushing. There have been lots of life lessons learned during this very humbling experience. Usually there is only one triathlete in a family, but you know us Pickles, we all wanted to race, at the same time, on different tracks all over Houston. So, lets recap the numbers...
7833 Number of miles (at $.55 a mile - $4308 for tax purposes) that we have driven to and from the various doctors/treatments/therapies/surgeries (4112-Karen, 1514-George, 2207 Eddie---I win!) While I win on the mileage, Eddie wins on the parking fees. His doctors are downtown and charge $12 to park, the Woodlands is free. Eddie gets a half point.
84 Doctor appointments (42-Karen, 27-Eddie 15-George--I win) You realize, of course, when you have 84 doctor appointments you have spent at least that many hours in a waiting room
71 Inches of Stitches (36-Karen, 20 Eddie, 15-George--I win, again) Eddie's are the prettiest, and with proper care will not be that visible even with shorts on. Mine look better every month (except the ratty chemo port that comes out on Tuesday of next week--yeah) but very few will see those. George gets a half point for scary scars, for sure...hope the stitching on the inside of him is prettier than the outside.
40 assorted tests, xrays, scans (29-Karen, 8-Eddie, 3 George) The winner in this category gets to glow in the dark--that would be me. Next time you see me, ask me how to scare a Radiology Doctor. It involved a long wire in my boob before surgery number one.
38 visits to CVS for drugs (20-Karen, 10-Eddie, 8 George--hummm-Me)and these are just for the Rx drug. The additional trips for OTC/bandages/creams and assorted first aid items were at least that many. I am so glad that our pharmacist is also a long time family friend, people in Kingwood would think something was going on....
30 radiation treatments - 6 weeks, five days a week, 45 minutes drive each way, leaving at 7:45 each morning...this is not in the Doctor appointment count, and there were mornings that there was up to a 2 hour wait for this.
25 nifty headcoverings - wigs, turbans, scrubs caps, in assorted colors - no winners here, just a fashion statement kind of thing. This number was actually lots higher, but some did not look quite as good as others, so they were donated to a Cancer Support Group.
24 Physical Therapy treatments - two knees replacements---still star of his class. Eddie got his groove back in record time--we will let him win this category
22 days in hospital - (George 16, Eddie 6, Karen 0) The zero by name, I have come to realize is a small victory. When in the waiting room for the various treatments, tortures, and appointments--there is sharing---I was surprised at the number of people that had numerous reactions, infections and hospital stays. George wins on points, but I get a half point for my 0.
22 hours in surgery (George 10, Eddie 4, Karen 7) George wins--hands down, it was not even close.
17 times we have seen Eli - best medicine in the world---he is sooo cute, and has a smile that lights up the room with an infectious laugh, that makes me laugh.
7 surgical procedures (Karen 3, George 2, Eddie 2) - Lauren wants a point for her C-Section delivery--since she is a Pickle/Day. Tuesday's port removal will give me a slight lead on quantity at a total of 4.
6/6/18 days/shots/weeks of chemotherapy (Karen 6 rounds of chemo, with Neulasta shot the day after for 18 weeks) The boys can't hang here---particularly Eddie--he doesn't do nausea, bone ache or fatigue. Done!
6 pink flamingos - in the yard, out of the yard - back in box - done! Ready to be shared with some one else.
0 hairs on my head - Lost all my hair on day 13 day of the first round of chemo, here I am 11 weeks (77 days)---nothing on top. Well, crap. My legs have gotten the message--and have picked up on where they left off, but the top of my head, not so much. My doctors have no explanation---more of "it happens" kind of thing. Great--just my luck.
1 pill for 5 years - Bleh! Estrogen inhibitors--not a fan, on second formulation. The bone and joint pain from the Neulasta shot for five years---seriously? Hot flashes? That is so last decade for me. Aggressive behavior/mood swings ---bitchy---Eddie is sooo looking forward to 5 years of that. 20% reduction in reoccurring risk---nothing to sneeze at, will keep pushing.
1 out 2, 1 out 3 -These are the American Cancer Society statistics for Men and Women's chances of developing cancer---with skin being the most common in the count--during the course of their lifetime. Take care of yourselves--- Which brings me to my last number....
1,732,865- That is the number of prayers, words of encouragement, random acts of kindness, cards, calls, emails, Words with Friends games, that our family has received over the last nine months. Thank you all for your support.
