Back in the Saddle

So, my first night at work went ok. I was on a job where I didn't have to keep up with a line I could go at my own pace, which was nice... But it also made for a long night, I think it would have went faster had I been on the line but that is ok. It is just good to be back. And I was pooped when I got home last night I was in bed about 1/2 hour after I got home.
All and All I think it was a good night. I had a lot of support from my co-workers and I thank you all for that.
God Bless
Lah

Chomping at the bit

So I was up before 7 ( no not to watch the wedding) but because I was like a kid on Christmas morning, I go back to work today after being off for 27 days! ( 7 of which were a plant shut down) I am showered and I took a walk. And now I am just waiting until time to go to work.. I am so lucky that I have a job I love that I can't wait to get back to it. I must admit though, it is a good thing I am going back on a Friday. I will have 2 days to recover, before I go into full swing next week. I will drop a note when I get home tonight to let everyone know how it went.
God Bless
Lah

Last day

Woo Hoo!  This is my last day of Short Term Disability. Back to work tomorrow and I can NOT wait.. I feel great today almost no pain. Got a phone call from my surgeons nurse this morning and I meet with the radiation oncologist next Friday, I probably won't get radiation on that day but will at least have the plan and the schedule set up ( I hope) Even though the weather is gloomy I am beaming. So excited at the good news that is fallen in my lap
You all enjoy your Thursday and wish me luck as I re-join the work force.
God Bless
Lah

It's a good day

So I am just back from the doctor, and I am not as swollen as she was expecting so I did not have to have fluid drained. And I saw my oncologist everything is going well, I just need to get set up so I can start radiation and get this party started! And over with.. It was a nice morning spent with my mom. And now I am freshening up and meeting some friends for dinner.. This girl is blessed!
God Bless
Lah

Alleluia!

Just got a phone call from my surgeon and she said everything on my pathology looks good! ALLELUIA!
Another case of answered Prayers.
I did tell her I was a bit swollen and after asking me a few questions she decided she wants to see me tomorrow to possibly drain some fluid ( I know sounds like fun doesn't it??) We are over joyed.. I always thought this would be the case but it was so good to hear it! So I see her tomorrow and my medical oncologist who I am sure will suggest the RX course after radiation, but that is a bridge I don't have to cross now, right now I am just going to rejoice in the fact that I am cancer free! "ALLELUIA , ALLELUIA LET THE HOLY ANTHEMS RISE!!!"
 Good night and God Bless
Lah

It is early!

Would you look at the time? 6:28AM all this time off I am getting a first shift schedule again. Good thing I go back on a Friday to try and get back in my second shift groove. I must admit it has been nice to have meals with my guys, OK with Bill cause if Morgan is home and if there is no game on our TV he is up in the " Man Cave" and I only see him when he needs fuel ( food) or to hydrate or to use the rest room. Oh well boys will be boys I guess.
Anyway I put in a decent night last night,( we slept with the bedroom window open and I loved it. to bad it'll get closed today ) I am still sleeping with a ice pack but that is ok, I am sleeping on both sides and occasionally I find my self on my stomach, so I am taking that as a good sign. I know as soon as I am done in here I am going for another ice pack.
Good thing I have Bill to keep a eye on things all this time I thought my appointment with my medical oncologist was Thursday morning. Oh no it is tomorrow morning. Which is good I will have a much better idea of where I stand tomorrow afternoon and I will be sure to post. I am also meeting some wonderful pals tomorrow ( can't wait to see you guys) then I can rest Thursday ( like I haven't had enough rest) before I go back to make some pies !
Anyway I am coming along nicely and know I will get good news tomorrow I have amazing people in my court! Have a nice day
God Bless
Lah

Funny Story

OK so this may only be funny to me but here it goes, So since I had surgery Friday late in the day I was not to shower for 48 hours and because we went to church Saturday night and yesterday was a lazy day I didn't shower, until this morning. Well I was watching T.V in bed last night and had my arms crossed touching my ( right ) shoulder. I felt something weird in the seam of my shirt and tried to get at it and couldn't so I went under my shirt and on my right shoulder was a EKG patch that didn't get removed in the OR on Friday.. Why did I not feel that Saturday?? Or even Friday night?? To funny.
I am about to go on the road, for no particular reason just to get out and behind the wheel again.
Have a nice Monday
God Bless
Lah

48 hours after surgery

Well the dressing came off about a hour ago.  I am very swollen and have some discomfort. But I am ( not quite) 48 hours post surgery, so I guess that is to be expected.
All is going well. Michelle just went back to school so Bill and I are lounging in our perspective recliners just relaxing.. ( And ok sawing some logs. LOL ) Have a great evening.
God Bless
Lah

Happy Easter

Good Easter Morning everyone. I put in a good night last night with the help of a RX and fatigue. We went to Mass last night which I must say I think the Easter Vigil is one of my favorite Masses of the year.  Our new Priest who is just awesome, but it was something he had in the bulletin that made me pause and reflect, and since it is Easter and a time for new beginnings I have decided to take Father Showri's advice and ( try) to have a Attitude of Gratitude . To be thankful for each new day. Mass got a bit lengthy last night and I was hurting by the time we got home at 10:15 so I went to bed with a fresh ice pack and a pain pill and slept soundly until about 6:30 so I got up. And am ready to start this glorious day.. A few comments that were made by a nurse before my surgery on Friday have me taking pause but I am not gonna spend time fretting about that until / if I have to. I see my oncologist on Thursday and I think I see the surgeon that day too, so questions will at least be asked that day and I am sure answered. And hopefully I will be back to work on Friday, only 8 hours until radiation is done. So that wont be so bad.
OK time for another cup of coffee and to try and peel some spuds.
God Bless you all on this Holy Day and everyday!
Lah

Day 1 surgery 2

Good Morning everyone; Sorry I didn't post anything yesterday I was a bit tired. Everything went well yesterday ( I think) I was awake for the  whole procedure and comfortable. I went in a little after 3 and we where home by 6. But it was still a long day. I'm sore today but I am sure I was last week also. I will know more after I see the doc and or hear from pathology again.
But I am not in the drivers seat He is and He will take care of me, He has for all these years. I am truly Blessed to have such wonderful people in my life. I will probably be back later today.
God Bless
Lah

1 year

Ok this has nothing to do with my blog, but a year ago we at Nestle lost a very special person. He was taken from us far to early. God must have had a special job for him in Heaven, 

we all miss you Donny Angel. Your star is especially bright.

Love you

Momma H

Here we go again

Well surgery is about 7 hours away and I tell ya I can't wait for a lot of reasons;
1) Just to be done and  get radiation scheduled
2) Nothing to eat or drink after midnight sucks, I have had nothing since 7PM and I think just because I know I can't eat or drink I am starved, I'd eat the south end of a north bound skunk ( OK not really but you get the point) Will try to post something after surgery, I just had to jot down a few thoughts.
Love to all
God Bless
Laura

Better Attitude

I have a much better attitude and outlook then I have had  for the last 2 days. I took a walk at 7:15 and I feel rejuvenated. I just talked to a wonderful friend who even though she is going through her own "stuff" gave me encouraging words. And my wonderful GREAT Aunt who encouraged me to read her blog, which I did. I am not in control( I never was ), He is. And what better week then Holy Week to realize that ( again). Everything happens for a reason, it is all mapped out for us before we are born, all part of His plan. He will help us when we decide to let Him drive. I am now in the passenger seat. Let Go and Let God!
Blessings
Lah

Surgery set

OK I added a picture of our little man because he ( Hayu) makes me smile. Surgery is set for Good Friday at 2:15 PM . I am encouraged because this is a very Holy day and I am taking it as a sign. Like I said in my previous post I did not sleep well last night, but I did come to the conclusion I am NOT going to worry until there is reason to worry. I know I will be in good hands and I'd rather do this now then half way through radiation... I will continue to keep you all posted.
God Bless
Lah

Day 7

Well needless to say it was a restless night last night. I kept thinking negative thoughts, what will they do with out me? Will Bill know how to pay the on line bills??? And then I kept reminding myself it doesn't change that I am still stage 0 until they tell me otherwise. So I hope as the day goes on I will get my positive attitude back. I know that is what I need to stay in and win the fight. It just sucked the wind right out of my sails. And as I sit here writing this, I am thinking why??? The surgeon only wants to make sure she got all the suspect material that is just being pro active and I am just worrying myself in to a tizzy for no reason. ( imagine that?) I am going to have questions for the nurse when she calls today.. Thanks for checking in and please continue to pray..
God Bless
Lah

Well Crap in a Sack

OK so here I am strutting my feathers feeling all invincible. That I am recovering so nicely from my surgery last week. Well my surgeon just called and my pathology report is in... And she is fairly confident she got all she needed to but not 100% and not enough to not do anything. So I am going back in probably Friday to have her take a little more and hopefully all of it. And hopefully I will feel like this next week too.
It sucks but hopefully this will be it and I will be back to my old self very soon. It is Holy Week so please Pray for a Easter Blessings
Good Night
Lah.

One Week

WOW I can't believe it one week ago today was my surgery, I feel so good. It is hard to believe I am only a week post surgery. I am sleeping on my stomach and everything.
I spent today with a wonderful women, her and I went through radiation together in 04 she was the appointment just before me, we became fast friends ( "breast friends") in the waiting room and have a wonderful friend/relationship to this day. It is always a good day when I get together with her, she always lifts me when I need lifting.. And grounds me when I need grounding! ( Thnx Mary I love ya)
I am surprised and thankful at how amazing I feel. I see my doctors ( surgeon & oncologist) next week I am thinking after those appointments I will know when I start radiation but until then I feel wonderful and am so thankful for all of you.
God Bless
Lah

Day 6

What a glorious day, you wouldn't know it by looking at the thermometer 28* but it is a lovely day I have a load of delicates and a load of bedding on the line. And Mother Nature is ready to throw a curve ball with a winter weather warning, does she not know it is SPRING?

Anyway enough about her. I feel GREAT today if I wouldn't look down and see the steri-strips covering the incisions I'd forget I had surgery 6 days ago. But I did. So far today no pain to speak of, had a little yesterday but I was naughty ,Bill and I pruned my hydrangea bushes , even though he wheeled the chain saw I was gathering the brush. Had to sit with a ice pack in the afternoon but no meds :)

Now before you all yell at me ( I know I deserve it) I also know that was a big no no.

But it was good to be outside doing something... And believe it or not I am looking forward to Thursday when I go back to work...

Have a wonderful Monday

Gods Blessings to all of you and especially to D.E ( Your in my thoughts & Prayers dear) and to

 G.R. ( you too are never out of my thoughts and Prayers.

Lah

Day 5

Good Sunday Morning,
As we start Holy Week I am struck by how truly blessed I am. Yes I am on this journey again but ;
Stage 0 = Lucky, No Chemo = Lucky , No lymph nodes were taken = Lucky, I have a lot of friends and family praying for me = Lucky and a lot of them have me on their churches prayer chains= Lucky! Yes this girl is truly Blessed.

The days and nights have been fairly easy and pain free, but I get abut mid-late afternoon and I am having some pain not bad enough for a RX but bad enough to need ice. I am planning on going back to work on Thursday so I think starting today when I start feeling the pangs of pain I am going to lay down for a power nap. And we'll see if that helps.
Enjoy your Sunday
Lah

Day 4

A week ago today Bill and I renewed our wedding vows, ( We will be married 25 years in May) The road has had a couple bumps but not many. This is just one of them.
Last night was a restful night. I am extremely swollen yet and a bit concerned. I am also itchy so I know that means I am heeling, which is what I want. But I am feeling so good this time around I am almost wondering when the "bad" will hit~ Hopefully it wont. As of now I am planning on going back to work on the 21 which is a week before I see my doctor. I should know by Tuesday the 19 how I am feeling and if I am not close to 100% I will contact work and change my back to work date. Of course they wont let me go back with out a release but I think that is on its way. It is weird how simple tasks like pushing a broom or the vacuum cause pain. Don't worry Bill is a huge help and not letting me do that. But even driving and wearing a seatbelt cause a slight bit of pain.
But I am only 4 days post - op so I guess that is to be expected.
Enjoy your Saturday
Lah

Day3part2

Today was rough, I didn't do anything but on a scale I'd say my pain hovered between 5-7 I took a nap but no RX may have to suck it up and take one.  I am also very tired and I don't know why I am not doing anything, but sitting , icing , eating and sleeping! 

Have a great Friday

Day 3 of recovery

Well I slept through the night with out the help of RX ! :)
Thanks to all the warnings from my friends and a lesson learned I am still a ways away from 100% so I am going to take it easy today. Bill is caught up so he is staying home with me today. Instead of posting on my blog I should be composing a " Honey Do " list .  Driving still is a bit bothersome probably shouldn't have ventured out yesterday but .....  I am feeling great but my body does tell me when I have overdone things so I have to listen to it and heel so I can return to work next week.
Have a great Friday
Lah

Day 2 part 2

Today I think I may have over did it a bit. I got a lot done before noon but then had to take a pain pill and a nap. I got up from my nap and got supper in the oven ( pot roast potatoes and carrots) and I got tomorrows supper ( cream of potato soup) started. But am feeling tired which is hard to believe since I have only been up from my nap for about a hour.
Time for ice and putting my feet up. Gonna try and stay up a little longer so my sleep tonight is less restless. I am also itchy so I assume that is the heeling process!
Thank you all for your encouraging words, they are so appreciated, keep em' coming
Lah

Day 2 of recovery

Well I put in another good night, although last night I was a bit more restless then Tuesday I still got a decent nights sleep.
I only had to take 2 pain pills yesterday but went through a lot of ice packs
I had Bill take the dressing off this morning and it looks pretty good. I also got a shower in before he left for work so I feel more human. I think the ice pack will be my best friend today too.

I think I figured out why I feel light headed and a bit dizzy ( dizzier then usual) Before surgery they gave me some anti nausea meds in my IV but they also put a anti nausea patch behind my ear that needs to be there for 24 hours , I am just ready to remove that. But I am thinking that is the cause of it.

Also just started to have a bit of pain, I have ice on the wound but may have to take a pain pill.
Lah

Day 1 of recovery

Well I am not sure recover is the right word, I put in a great night last night, I didn't wake up once. Now I am in almost no pain but I am kind of dizzy or light headed. Have not taken a pain pill yet today but I did just get up. I have a super dry throat but am drinking H2O like crazy, and when my coffee is done I will have a nice hot cup of Joe. So far the start of day 1 I feel pretty dang good.
Lah

Home

Just got home and before I fall in to a RX induced sleep I thought I'd share the first part of my day ;
Needling , like last time was not a great experience. Although this time I was in a comfy chair it was still a not so great experience. While compressed the mammography doc was " placing the needle" * I started to get a weird tingling feeling in my left shoulder, then I started to get queasy and light headed, so I said something. The mammography tech said " she's gonna pass out" so they raised the compression the doc left and a Wonderful RN ( Shelly) came in. they laid me down and kept cold compresses on me. When I got some color back they raised me up and started the procedure over . At about 9:00 AM I was reunited with my wonderful Bill, and off to surgery we went. Where I slept like a baby.
I woke up in recovery so I assume all went well. :)
The Surgeon said it was Harder to get at then she anticipated. She went from the top ( by top I mean if I were looking down, she went from the "top. ) She also had to go deeper and take a bit more then first thought. But was still confident. However we still do have to wait to see what pathology has to say, which is common procedure.
I am quite medicated , tired and sore. But I am also over this hurdle.
The medical staff that took care of me in Marshfield were/ are awesome
Thank you and God Bless them all.
Shelly you are awesome at calming and soothing me taking my mind off of what was going on.
Scott, you are a wonderful nurse you did a excellent job of explaining things and doing your job!
Lah
{ just a note** Needling / placing the needle is where you are compressed in the  mammography  machine. They then place a LONG needle about the thickness of 2-3 hairs in the area that surgery is going to remove, they then take pictures of that to make sure they have the right area. then off to
surgery} 

On the Road again

We are just getting ready to head to the hospital.
Nothing to eat or drink after midnight, I'd do just about anything for a cup of coffee. :)
First procedure is at 8 AM the surgery at 10 AM so I am hoping to be back by 2PM at the latest and will hopefully share the day with everyone reading this
even if it is only me.
Brightest Blessings everyone.

calm and cool

As I sit here less then 12 hours from surgery I am remarkably calm.
Is it because I have been down this road before, and kind of know what to expect?
Is it because I am tired?
Or simply because I know it is in His hands. If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it. He is AWESOME!
Good Night,
( I will try and post when I get home tomorrow) :)

And so it starts

Well here is a little about me for those that are stumbling on this.. In July of 2004 I was 40 years old and diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.
On 3.8.11 I was diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer ( in the opposite breast as in 04) tomorrow I am having a lumpectomy and have decided to blog about this 6 week journey. A commitment for me since I may be the only one reading it. But we'll see. So until surgery is over. I guess this is it.
Have a great Monday