Surgery went well

My wonderful family at Chad and Lynsey's wedding

Surgery went as expected today, getting into the OR around 9 and leaving around 12, actual surgery time was only about 1 1/2 hours.  No complications and my incisions are very small :)  So relieved to have this behind me, and I'm glad I had it done- it is just extra assurance.  Added bonus of no nausea and very little pain!  The narcotics are keeping me very comfortable, but I doubt I really need them. 

Procedure was actually not robotic, as I thought, rather it was strictly laproscopic and I have 1 larger incision near my belly button (1 cm), then 2 more on either side near each ovary (5-8 mm).   Oddly I have some pain in my right shoulder due to the phrenic nerve getting irritated by the air they used to inflate my abdomen.  But that should go away soon.  

My doctors and nurses were really great and I was thrilled they let me go home early afternoon!  My dad will be staying with Parker and I tomorrow, and Patrick will return to work for a day and then he can spoil me all weekend.  I have so many wonderful friends and family- thanks for all your prayers and support.  

Kristin

Parker in his new toddler bed & a very proud Mama.

What a big boy!  And a cutie!

Slow and steady wins the race

Very sad news reached me on Monday, a fellow breast cancer warrior passed away. Though we'd never met, she and I exchanged a few emails- and I found her optimism infectious. She too was very young and got only 4 years after her stage IV diagnosis. There is no rhyme or reason why some people live and others die. I'm just sorry that Courtney was part of the latter. Thanks for your wisdom, Courtney.

On the heels of such sad news, I got word that my tumor markers are continuing their gradual decline and I continue to experience little in the way of pain or side effects! I have decided to proceed with the surgery to remove my ovaries and thereby decrease the amount of estrogen feeding the cancer. April 26th is the big day, and I'm sort of excited to have that done - so I can move forward. It was a very hard decision, but I know its the right choice.