Snow People

I kicked the kids out of the house for the afternoon and they froze, oh no!

Just kidding. They had some fun in the snow cause Rex says, "a busy day goes quicker and then xmas is here sooner"

Here's the tunnels they are building to your house!

Happy Snow play to all!

Sherie, Rex, & Ruby

Twas the night before christmas

No it is not St. Nick laying a finger aside his nose, it is Andy shushing Sherie, again! The story of our lives and now it is a kodak moment.

The meal calander is nearing a finish and while we experienced lots of great meals and were so overwhelmed with all your generosity of taking the time to prepare some pretty outstanding meals, the time has come that I re-enter the kitchen and cook again! I have stepped up and cooked 3 great meals this week already! (pork tenderloin/spagetti bolanese/chicken taco soup(thank you Kristi P) I had to call Helen the first night for moral support and a few cooking questions, but I feel it is all coming back now. Thank you all again for all the meals, sweets, and treats. Andy, on the other hand, is troubled by the weight he gained from it all and blames you all for it. I tried to be the psychiatric nurse that I am and point out that he didn't have to have 2nds and eat all the treats, but he is still pointing the finger. Seems he is always doing something with that finger! I guess when you have a bad shoulder you use the body parts that work in excess!

So, The kids are watching A Chritmas Story in preparation for this evening and tomorrow. They have been pretty hyped. They are having a sleepover in Rex's Green Monster bed tonight, I wonder if they will actually sleep. My parents and Auntie Bonnie are spending the night tonight so they can be here bright and early for the excitement! We are going Mexican tonight for dinner, hence the Chicken taco soup. We are heading to our adopted family, The Everding's, for christmas dinner & celebrations tomorrow (beef/shrimp/salmon), we have Friday off to play, to my parents house on Saturday for Turkey dinner & celebrations, and then to Andy's parents on Sunday for Ham & celebrations. So, it seems after my 3 days of cooking I will be getting a small reprieve.

I am done with everything and now able to relax and enjoy the holiday. The champagne is chilling, the pomegranite liquor has been purchased, and the pomegranite seeds await! My favorite part of the holiday is late tonight when the kids are in bed, the presents are all under the tree and all the lights in the house are out, except the christmas tree ones. Andy & I usually sit there and enjoy a cocktail, a kiss, and enjoy the moment. Here's what it looked like last year.

So, Merry Christmas friends and family. No talk of pain, surgery, or boobs today. Life is good and we send our love to you all this holiday season. Thank you for all the extra tidings of good cheer that you sent our way!

Sherie

Andy's Surgery

Andy's surgery has been confirmed for Wed. January 7th. It is an outpatient procedure, so he'll be in and out same day. It will be at the Harrison Surgery Center in Syracuse and Dr. Marc is going to be in there with our boy making sure everything goes as planned. From what Andy understood, I wasn't able to go to the surgeon appointment, they will "cut him open, put in plates and screws and close him up" those are his words, I told you earlier in another blog he was dramatic. By doing this, it will help bones fuse together and then next year they will go in and take it out. He will be in a sling for about ten days and unable to lift more than 5 lbs. for 3 months. That's all I know at this point. He is nervous, hasn't had surgery since he had his appendix out when he was 10 and he doesn't remember that being a good experience. I am working with him on meditation, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques to turn his negative thoughts into happy ones. So far, he has been a very good student!

Tonight is Andy's Xmas office party at the Brewster Inn in Cazenovia, Rex and I just finished working on part of his secret santa gift. His staff go all out and do 30 minute presentations of their gifts, it is hilarious. Yes, the kids are off school due to the BIG snow storm. It is coming down steady, but they are small flakes and we are hafl way through it! Pretty if you ask me.

Me and my expanders are well. I have felt more skin/muscle expanding this week as evidenced by sharp pains around the folds of them when I move certain ways. Nothing a little motrin 800 won't fix. I have the last expansion on January 5th. I am still awaiting confirmation of my next surgery date.

So, one more xmas party with friends tomorrow, xmas brunch at the club on Sunday and then the kids xmas parties at school on Monday and Tuesday and then it'll be the big day! shopping all done, lots of wrapping to go, but I can kick that out with a good 6 hours of focus!

Stay warm, oh, I almost forgot my funny thing for this blog. As Rex and I were working on the project for Andy, Rex asked me what I wanted for christmas and I sang, "all I want for christmas is my two fake boobs, my two fake boobs, my two fake boobs (obviously sung to the tune of my 2 front teeth) I laughed more than Rex and he said, "blog it! "

Happy snow,

Sherie

Party, Party, Party

So we are half way through the holiday parties and we are still looking pretty good. Granted we have been home from all of them early, but we put on a good face while we were there. This weekend was "the" party to kick off the holiday season according to all those there. It was fun from what I can recall. Yes, it's another one of those silly Sherie stories, but this one does NOT end in a split!
So, as if the party itself wasn't enough, we started at a preparty (a lovely event hosted by the Marshalls. thanks to them for opening their home to us all) @4:30pm. I drank only minimal champagne, but apparently the hydrocodone I tool at 2pm was still going strong and intensified the effects of my alcohol. I know, you are saying Sherie is a nurse practitioner and she warns other patients about this, well everyone also knows nurses are the worst patients and we don't listen to ourselves! So yes, I shouldn't have done it, but I didn't want any pain and I didn't have any! so that logic worked. So, for me, hydrocodone and champagne makes one very happy and very talkative Sherie! and you thought I was bad enough with nothing. Apparently I talked through the whole performance (sorry Laura, I really enjoyed what I heard), flitted from person to person spreading joy and cheer, and well I still haven't heard the rest of the stories to know what else.
Thank you to my body guards, Shell & Larisa. They followed me around the whole evening to ensure I didn't get into any trouble or do anything inappropriate. They also got me to sit down and eat.
Thank you to my lovely husband, who presented me with the beautiful necklace I was wearing that evening, for appropriately trying to cut off the wine at the table (I still had a few sips), and for getting me home by 11pm. It was a beautiful time surrounded by lovely music and entertainment, fabulous holiday decorations, and so amny of my dearest friends.

We were up early Sunday for a trip to Rochester to see Momma Mia, what a great show. Te kids had a blast and the cast was phenominal. I would encourage people to go, but that was their last night in Rochester. Go if you are ever anywhere it is! Those Sweds know how to write some great songs! Home that evening to massages. I was finally cleared for them again and it was like heaven. My boobs have been getting so much of the attention that the rest of my body was desperate for some of its own!

Woke to a sick Rex X. he said he felt nauseous and was warm, so he stayed home today. He watched the entire first season of pushing daisies. He seems to be on the mend now. Ruby is off at brownies right now and then her and I are off to martial arts, she got her yellow belt last week!

Andy got into see the specialist today, they had a cancellation. He put him through the ringer with shoulder movement and he is pretty sore and resting now. The verdict is this: he can do nothing and have this pain the rest of his life or have surgery and it should get better.(he said the doctor was realistic that there are always those that don't end up the way we want them too, but mostly they do) They actually have a surgery slot on New Years Eve(I thought he was kidding, but he is not). I guess it was a wise thing that he had already determined to not do the party. My big boy is scared of surgery, but he is also tired of the pain and the restrictions it has put on his life, so he is pulling up his big boy undies and going to have the surgery. I already gave him a book that a friend sent me on mindfulness/relaxation techniques specific to surgery. Now I just got to get him to read it! Thank godness it came with a DVD too cause he is a slow reader! So, guess it is also good I didn't but that new dress I saw the other day for new years.

Off to see how my patients are doing upstairs.

Sherie

It's snowing....finally

I am a Lake Placid girl at heart and I like the snow! The holidays are just not the same without it! Let it Snow! but not enough for a school snow day though, that would ruin it! I like some alone snow time too.

Andy had his apt. with Dr. Marc this week. The collar bone is still not healing and they are referring him to a specialist. We don't know what that will mean yet, but Andy has been experiencing more discomfort with the cold. wet weather. Yesterday he was home for lunch and he screamed out in pain. He was having a muscle spasm, but said it felt like part of his broken bone was coming through his skin, he is very dramatic, he must get that from Ruby. So, if we see you out at parties this holiday season, don't forget, it is the Right shoulder! Lots of people have been hitting/squeezing it when they see him.

I had a "pump up" on Wed. with Dr. Gil. He said my skin is very pliable and stretching well. (Those are compliments you want from the plastic surgeon)I told him I was pretty happy with the current size, so he just did a bit more and then has me scheduled for one more pump in a month. Remember they have to inflate you a size bigger than you want so they have skin to work with in surgery. His office is also working on my "change out" operation(removing temporary expanders and putting in real implants) and we are shooting for end of February. Just in time for Red Sox Spring Training in Florida the following month. That is just a one day surgery and apparently much easier than the last surgery. If that is the case, I'll be home in a few hours!
So Dr. Gil gave Andy an early xmas present. He gave a MD order that I have to massage each breast, in all four quadrants, 5 times a day.Think about that, that is 45 times total for both sides! Does he know it is the holiday season and I am busy being crazy with that, how do I have time for that much breast massage? When I brought that up, he said I didn't have to do it alone! Andy perked right up and proceeded to whine about how this would be the first time since the kids were born that he would have that much action with my girls. So, maybe that will help his shoulder. The massage is suppose to help the expander stay pliable and to prevent adhesions and the such.
So, the expanders are hard and now proceed into my artpits, as warned by others, but they arent too bad. They are sore the day or two after the expansion and I get muscle pain in and around them when I over stretch certain ways, but otherwise I have full range of motion and I am able to do what ever I want. I have even been sleeping on my side, but I so miss my belly sleeping.

So off for a pedicure in Bijou's new Rinalto chair! You should check them out! It's my one attempt thus far at relaxing!

I finished all the inside and outside decorations, we are getting the tree tonight.
Most of the cards are out, but I keep thinking of others I fogot, so don't feel bad if yours arrives late, I did alot this year trying to thank everyone that has been so supportive to us. You had to know I would find a loop hole in that whole I don't have to send thank you rule!
I started wrapping, I have lots more. I only have a wee bit of shopping left.
Nice event at Hobbit Hollow tomorrow night to benefit the Skaneateles Festival, it is my favorite event of the holidays, and I am looking forward to that. Maybe I'll see you there!

Talk to you next week, if I don't run into you sooner.
Sherie

Merry MEALS! updated 12-11-08

(click on calendar to enlarge)

Yes ... she is feeling better... much better... but December is a very busy month...and Sherie is STILL supposed to be taking it EASY.

Meals are still very much appreciated...

Please contact Helen to get on the December schedule..

(ps... I think I might get Sherie a cook book for Christmas... do you think she has forgotten her way around the kitchen?!) - Shelly

New Mattress for Andy

So my father in law sent me this image tonight. At first I thought him insensitive to my current boobless condition, but then I said, "maybe this is what Andy needs to accelerate his shoulder healing. Maybe he has been missing my girls so much that he hasn't been sleeping well and allowing his body to heal." So, if anyone sees this mattress go on sale, let me know cause I think it would be a great christmas present for Andy!

I am in the midst of early xmas craziness: decorating (outside first to keep up the appearance I am still on top of things and then inside this weekend), xmas cards(getting picture, printing picture, writing letter for out ot towners, addressing envelopes, and getting them in mail by weekend), shopping (mostly online at this point, trying to cut back and hoping I can stick to it), wrapping (I bought the paper, labels, and tape, but no active wrapping yet), attending xmas parties (had one last weekend, one today and three more this weekend & we know that means figuring out what to wear and making sure I don't duplicate the same outfit when there is a chance that someone at any of the parties might have been at another party where I wore already wore it). Of course there is still all the other day to day stuff that has to get done too for the kids, the house, and Andy. Year end is a busy time for the businesses and we are also kicking into all that fun!

So, who has time for recovery? not me, I am back to my old ways. I am only doing one motrin a day now, the discomfort is managable, Iam sleeping fine. tubes are out, expanders are filling. I go back for another pump up next week.

Andy 's shoulder has really been bothering him, he has been working like a dog the past few weeks. He has an apt, with Dr. Mark next week to see if the bone stimulator is doing the trick, he seems to think not. Poor thing. Seems breast cancer is better than flipping head over handle bars!

Andy is still out now at meetings and the kids are supposedly getting ready for bed, guess I better go make sure about that. Wouldn't want this blogging to interfere with my real job!

Toodles,
Sherie

A time to give thanks

Happy Thanksgiving! How do you like our turkey?
My Plastic Surgeon said he did this turkey last year and look how fabulous she looks! Next yesr maybe we can do a comparison.....NOT!

So, I went for an appointment with Dr. Gil today. The song that is going through my head right now is "drain free, as free as the wind blows" I think you all know it as "Born Free" , but as he removed the last two drains today I am like a new woman. It is too bad my wind is blowing with all this snow too! These last two drains were apparently under the muscle and Dr. Gil warned I may feel more pressure than last weeks removals, but no, it was fine, until he got to the suture area again, that hurt abit. I just hate his choice of suture thread, it really irritated my skin. So, no more fanny pack for awhile, rumor has it, I will have drains again when I have my replacement surgery, but for now, I am drian free!

Now that that is behind me, we moved on to the next phase, this is the image that came to mind.
Yes, I got "pumped up" today for the first time. Well actually the second time, but the first time I can't count because I was unconscious in the OR. So lets say this is the first time I was fully aware. Mom was right there again witnessing the whole procedure, she is getting brave in her advanced years, either that or all those years of ER have toughen her up! So he got out his magnet locator and gently ran it across my scarred breast to find the "port". Once located he inserted a butterfly needle into it. Mom jumped, I did not, as I didn't feel a thing. When they do the surgery alot of the nerve endings are severed, so there's no pain with such a small needle. Then he hooked up the syrainge and literally pumped in saline until I started to feel discomfort. I got 130 cc's in each. The left breast had a bit more sensation during the needle insertion and Mom said I jumped for that one. I took my Motrin 800 one hour prior to my appointment per Dr. Gil's instructions. So far, there is some muscle soreness from the whole procedure, but not too bad. They certainly feel and look full. I can't imagine having to do many more of these as they seem fine the size they are now. I am due back in two weeks for a review and possibly another pump. No rush though as I can't have the replacement surgery until February, so we'll take it slow and see how it goes. I know my survivor girls have said by the time you are done with this process you feel about ready to burst, I am lucky this iwas only my second pump, if I were further along right now I might have been the newest float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and with the drains gone, what would have held me down?

Andy had a hard weekend. We're not sure if it was the weather or the fact that he is working like a dog, but his shoulder was really bothering him this past weekend. He continues with the 30 minutes stimulations daily and will go back soon to see if that is helping, in the mean time, I am hoping he gets some rest over the holiday.
Oh, speaking of Andy, big surprise on the home front this week, Andy designed what Rex is calling "the most beautful thing he's ever seen". Since we moved back into the house after "the big renovation" 7 years ago, we have been finishing up things we didn't do then. One of the things that needed finishing was the mudroom. We have had a rolling rack for our coats and 2 old dressers there that I was becoming fond of. Andy had been working on the design secretly for months and Matteo was busy making it. The origional plan was to move it in when I was in the hospital, but Matteo and I foiled that plan. I left after 23 hours and Matteo needed more time. So, instead it was delivered this week and the contractors are busy getting it together in time for a Thanksgiving unveiling. (i will take a picture and post as soon as it's view ready)

So most of Andy's and my family are coming to us for dinner. They are all doing all the work, they won't let me help. I just made sure we had enough alcohol! It will be nice to be home and to have everyone here.

So, Thank you to our family and friends for all the love and support you've shown our family, thank you Dr. Jeff for getting all those cancer cells out of my body, thank you Dr. Dave for the good cry and for the news that no radiation, chemo, or hormones are needed, and thank you Matteo for our newest masterpiece.

I need to get these babies supine, I forgot what a load they can be!
Sherie

Drain, drain go away......

So I had my Plastic Surgeon appointment today. I won part of the battle. I got to have 2 of the drains removed today. The other 2 were close, but no cigar. I guess I could have lied, but I would only be cheating myself and there's really no point in that! If my body still needs to drain, then drain away... I am through fighting you drains! It helped that the ones he took out were the 2 bigger ones, so the 2 smaller ones left are very managable and a good compromise.

So my Mom was there with me and when he said I could have the 2 out, I had my shirt off in a matter of seconds (no that won't work the same for any of you men!) He had me put my hand on my boob where you could visable see the tube under the skin and then he pulled. I could feel all this tube unwinding inside of me and then it was out! Mom said I made a face with the first one, but didn't make a noise. We did the same with the second one, but no face and no noise this time. That one hurt, but it was only him cutting the suture that was holding it in place at my side. I told him the suture thread he used was hard and irritating to my sensitive and delicate skin, he said, "thanks for letting me know".

So, he is cutting back my narcotic, I was only doing 3 a day anyways, and weaning me off them and gave me high dose motrin instead. I go back next Tuesday(11.25) and should be able to get the other 2 drains out then. He is also going to "pump me up". This will be the second time, but the first that I am awake for, (he did the first in the OR) so that will be a fun and exciting appointment. He(Lets start calling him Dr. Gil) said to take the Motrin before as it is usally pretty sore durning and after for a few days. Remember what he is doing is inserting saline into the expanders he placed under my breast muscle and when he puts the saline in, it expands the skin and muscle. So what I feel is not pain, but more muscle ache. Some have said you can even feel your skin stretching and that has it's own unique sensation.

That was that.

I attempted driving today and did OK and felt confident I could do it safely, so everyone needs to be abit more alert on the road again cause I am back! Thank you Mom for being a great driver for me the past two weeks, I loved the company and may continue it for awhile cause it was good bonding time!

I am sleeping well, in my own bed, although I have to lie perfectly straight on my back the whole night which isn't easy cause I love to sleep on my tummy and side and I love to flip and flop alot. I even went to bed with my glasses on last night and I didn't even realize it until this morning. Well they say this way of sleeping decreases wrinkles on the face, so there is the up side of that!

While I have my good days, there are other days I stay in my flannel pj's (the new girfriend ones from Victoria's Secret are to die for), don't shower, adn move very slowly around the house and nap alot. Usually by 5pm every night, I need to be supine! Sitting and standing take it toll on my rib cage and chest and I just need to be still. I know you are all saying, "sherie still?" it is perplexing to me too, but a very necessary position for my recovery. Andy has trained the kids well on how to gestapo around after me to ensure I am resting. Last night, Andy was at a meeting late and Rex was on duty. He stood outside my bathroom door while I changed the dressing and drained the drains to make sure that was all I was doing and to make sure I wasn't sneaking in any other activity. He was so cute!

So, off to watch Pushing Daisies! It hasn't been on for 3 weeks and is in jeopardy of being cancelled. I urge all of you to tune in next Wed. @ 8pm on ABC to watch it, it is a great show. Rex is even hooked!

Time to celebrate the drain removal with a drink!
Cheers, Sherie

The center of my world

So this is a Jackson Pratt Drain and it is the center of my world right now. I actually have four of this babies! two on each side. they have a few stitches securing them into my skin under each arm. Apparently there is about 4-6 inches of them inside me capturing all the extra fluid my body can't absorb on its own and it drains into those little granade bulbs which are all secure in my fanny pack to give me a hands free existance with them. I drain them two times a day and when each has less than 30cc's a day for 2 consecutives days then they get to come out. The Doc. said typically 2-3 weeks, but maybe I am the exception. Well he may not know it yet, but we all know it, I am the exception and they will be out at my next appointment on Wednesday! Too much information on this, I know, but Andy and the kids won't look and don't want to hear it either and honestly, I don't want you all to think just cause I look great that this is a walk in the park, there are a lot of sucky parts to deal with and this happens to be one of them. So if you see me out with my styling black fanny pack on my waist, no I am not a european tourist, I am just draining and maybe I will bring the fanny pack back. I am going to see if my sister will let me borrow her bedazzler, she really has one, to make the fanny pack a bit prettier!

So I had my one week follow up with the General Surgeon yesterday. He said everything is healing well and looks great. I had no bruising or swelling this time amazingly. He said my skin looks super healthy. The pathology report was in and............... Clear Margins all the way around! no signs of invasion anywhere! We Got it All this time! He is sending on the report to Oncologist to review. I emailed the Oncologist and told him the short version and he said he would take a look at the full report on Monday, but if this is indeed the case, he doesn't see the need for any other treatment. I guess that means I can just focus on the reconstruction which is quite enough.

I can still not drive until my next appointment. I went out last night to Rex's indoor soccer game.(i was scolded atleast 3 times for it, so the erst of you can rest assure that it wasn't without grief from all the moms/dads in my life) It was quite noisy, but I am glad I went. He got 4 goals and 2 assists, he was on fire! It was great seeing him, his team is so great and they play every game like it is the championship. It was inspiring.

So, other than that I have been taking it easy around the house. Slowly doing some long overdue projects that don't take alot of effort, pluggin through andy's office stuff as it trickles home, and watching alot of TV on my new 50 incher! The kids both just left for overnights with friends, so you know what that means....... yup, Andy and I can watch whatever we want tonight on the new tv. Remember I can't raise my heart rate yet!

Speaking of Andy, he was busy cleaning the garage today. Rex and him are preparing to work on a project Rex has due for school tomorrow. Now my handy Andy has moved on to making me some shelves in my secret office room. He's also busy on a new design for a piece to go under and around the new TV. That man never stops!
He says it feels like the bone stimulator is working as his shoulder feels a bit better. he will continue to stimulate for another few weeks and then we'll get another xray to see if it is helping. I think he looks forward to the nightly stimulations as its about all he's getting right now.

Time to rest. Much love to all,
Sherie

First Day Out

So today was my first time leaving the house. I had a follow up with my Plastic Surgeon. Grandpa came to watch the kiddies as they were off school for Veterans Day and my Mom took me to the appointment. Andy had a weekly meeting he couldn't miss.
We all slept in, I was able to get up and shower before the kids even woke up. When they did wake up, they woke up agruing and for some reason I couldn't handle that and started crying. (I don't want you all to think I am made of stone) I think it is getting close to that time of the month and my hormones are ready for their monthly release! So they released all over the kids for about 5-10 minutes, they quickly stopped fighting and snapped into helping mommy mode after that!
The Plastic Surgeon was very timely and we didn't have to wait at all. He removed the pain pump, one less thing sticking out of me. He removed all the itchy tape and checked the drains. They were all intacted and draining well, no sign of infection at incision sites. He said they may need to stay in another 2-3 weeks! now that is fun for you. Knowing I would continue with the drains I came up with a way to put all 4 drains in a fanny pouch so now the family doesn't have to continued to get grossed out with them hanging out from under my shirt! Once I slid on this tank top over the properly fitting sports bra it doesn't look too bad. The Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Gil, pumped me up alittle during surgery so no one had to see me flat chested, that would have just been wrong. He said he will do the next inflation in 3 weeks, with or without drains. He will see me weekly until then. He gave me some exercises I have to do everyday to get my pectoral muscles strong again and sent me on my way. No driving for another 5-7 days. No treadmill or increasing my heart rate(is that his way of saying sex?) for 3 weeks.
I go and see the General Surgeon on Friday. He should have the rest of the pathology report by then.
So I am back home. had some great leftovers for lunch with my mom, you guys really know how to cook!
Grandpa beat Rex in Chess.
Ruby is off at the cousin's 4th bday party.
I've got 3 beautiful bouquets of flowers and a scumpcious fruit bouquet already today, thank you all for thinking of me, these things really brighten up the place. Thanks too for the cards and music, and other goodies that have been coming in the mail.

Well, I am going to rest a bit, it's been a busy day.
Love, Sherie

Post Op Report

This is a picture Andy took of me during my brief hospital stay, I don't know why they didn't want me to stay longer. I tried to look my best, I did everything myself and never buzzed for the nurses, I counselled the patient in the bed next to me, and I helped the head nurse with her patient assignments for the aides.
Ok, so that's a bit of an exaggeration, but you got to admit, I do look good!
I had a picture of me with the drains hanging out and the pain pump, and my chest all bandaged up, but I figured some of you might not want to see that much. So just cause I look good on the outside, I really did have major surgery and I am dealing with that under neath my new Victoria Secret and Vera Wang pj's!
So yes, I came out of anesthesia well and I slept well that night in the hospital and I was able to get up and get going by 6am.
Dr. Michael(my awesome neighbor)delivered me a medium iced coffee from dunkin donuts @ 7am and that's all I needed.
My Surgeon was in by 8am looking for me, I was up at the sink freshening up, I startled him cause I wasn't lying in my bed moaning and groaning. He said he was leaving the rest of the decisions up to me and the Plastic Surgeon. He said the surgery went well and they are going to test the tissue they took to ensure I have clear borders and that they got it all. I see him again this Friday.
My Nurse Practitioner was the next visit @ 8:15am, she was in the hospital for training and stopped in to see me, she too is awesome, I did all my NP training with her when I got my NP a while back.
About 9:30am I got a visit from Ms. Maria, my sweet friend and Lic. Massage Therapist and she played with my feet.
My Plastic Surgeon came in after that and said everything went well on his end yesterday and that I could go home. I reminded him that he was the one who said we nurses usually push to go home too soon and that he wanted me to stay 1-2 days. He said he remembered saying that, but that was before he knew me! (I see him again this Tuesday. No driving for a week and out of house for appointments only for first week.)
So when Andy called asking what I wanted for lunch, I told him I was going home. so, yes, I was home in 21 hours! I have been resting, for me, but I am up and around and feel pretty darn good. My Mom, Sister, and Dad have been here helping Andy with the kids schedules, the house, and me.
I am in no pain and well covered with the pain pump and other oral meds they gave me. I am sore in the chest and where the drains are, but I have pretty good use of my arms as they did the lymph node biopsy last time. There appears to be far less bruising than last time. The Surgeons did a unique cut for me due to the previous surgeries I had and I think that is making for an easier recovery and a better looking outcome down the road, again I won't go into detail unless you ask.
I was able to sneek a peek at what use to be my pretty cleavage. There is surprisingly still some there, but it is weird being able to cross my arms in front of me so easily! The expanders are in and I can feel them, again discomfort, but no pain.
So thank you all for your prayers and thoughts, it's going to take more this this to stop me!
Love to all,
Sherie

you AREN"T gonna believe this! - from shelly

FRIDAY @NOON...

Oh, My GOD! she is amazing!
guess who just called me from the CAR..??

she is on her WAY HOME! Sherie had such a good morning

at the hospital... the doctors agreed that she would get better rest,

and have less risk of infection if she were at home. Good job girl!

(Larisa... sorry, but it looks like there there might be another SuperWoman in Skaneateles!)

sherie update #1...via andy..from shell

(Thursday 11-6)
6:30 pm .Andy just called me from the hospital..
so far ..so good. Sherie went in pretty much as scheduled....(today @3:30).
At 6:30 they had completed phase I. (breast removal) all went very well.

8:30 pm. Andy just called again. Phase II complete - plastic surgeon.
everything went good...Andy had not yet spoken to either Doctor, or seen Sherie... but the anesthesiologist said Sherie woke up crackin' jokes...that's our girl! She said something about "no cameras" please... I think she has been watching too much "DR 90210"

I was lucky to spend some time with Sherie this morning... she was in very good spirits... she was kinda hungry (the no food after midnight thing is a bummer) she couldn't tell if her rumblin' tummy was hunger - or nerves...

I'll keep you as posted as Andy calls in...
I believe Sherie is scheduled to come home Sunday.

Friday AM update:
I spoke to Andy - and even Sherie last night. She was doing great, sipping a bit of ginger ale about 9:30pm. She said she handled all the anesthetic very well... (I guess the not eating all day on Thursday paid off!)

Apparently, she said, as she was coming out of anesthesia, "I'll make it in time for "The Office" and the Anesthesiologist said, "You're not going to the office!" and she said, "No, the tv show!"..
oh...this girl is a handful even on the operating table! We LOVE you Sherie!

What a difference a year makes!

Picture 1 :Andy & I last November when we modeled at The American Heart Assoc. Heart & Soul Event. (yup, Jessica Simpson hair extentions again)

Picture 2: Andy & I this November sporting a bandage ensemble in honor of our battle scars.
(ok, we were mummies for halloween)

The differences:
1. hair and make up
2. clothing

The similarities:
1. the smiles (andy is smiling under the bandage)
2. the love (his heart is on his vest)
3. the attitude

Just trying to keep things in perspective!

I'm feeling warm and fuzzy all over from all the love and energy I am getting from you all.
You all Rock!
and now I go to the hospital and don't think you are getting a picture of me there!
maybe I should bring the extentions & some make up just in case the paparazzi sneak in.
Sherie

(click to enlarge November meal schedule)

Thanks to all their wonderful friends... the Ramsgard's have a full month of yummy dinners awaiting them! However...If you are interested in contributing a December meal - please email Helen, and include the date you are interested in! THANK YOU!!

Which size do you think?

Andy couldn't pass this picture up at the pumpkin patch and while it is alittle early to be worrying about size, he thought this was a good test. So what do you think? Seriously, it will not come down to yours or my choice for size, it's more about what my body can tolerate in the whole process, most end up smaller, yeah, I always wanted to be smaller. No more reaching in my shirt and scooping them back into place in my bra when they are popping out! I just did that last night and said, "I won't miss that".

So I have been busy finishing up the cubscout popcorn. I am officially done until the next order comes in on the 20th, what will I do with all my free time?
I finished all Andy's office stuff. Bills are paid and October invoices are out.
I finished all the house stuff, bills and the such.
I did all the birthday shopping for the month and the the gift are wrapped and the cards are signed.
The laundry is done, the house is clean.
The shopping is done and the house is stocked with the kids lunch items and favorite meal and snack items!
Andy's prescriptions are all filled and his vodka is chilling.
The DVR is set for all my favorite shows.
Cards, emails, and phone calls have started coming in from all of you sending me lots of good, positive energy and support.
I have a massage tomorrow and a lavender pedicure thursday morning.

So what now?
I gotta pack a bag for the hospital.
I gotta write down the kids activities for the days I am in the hospital so Andy & my mom know where they go and when.
Review my preop instructions.
Eat and drink alot tomorrow as I can't do either after midnight.
Breath!

I feel good and I think I am as ready as ever. Let's just do this!

I'll try and post again before I go in, but if I don't posts will be made on my behalf with reports of how things are going.
Thanks again to everyone for your ongoing love, friendship, and kindness. I couldn't do this without you!
Sherie

Big Night on the town

So last week was a lovely event at Mirbeau to support the Carol Baldwin Breast Cancer Foundation. The picture is of me, the girls, and Daniel Baldwin. He was taking a picture of just us and then asked if he could be in one with us, so we let him! You have to admit, we all look pretty darn hot! I had in some Jessica Simpson Extensions to give my hair the extra fullness and bounce and you can get them too at Bijou Salon, right here in Syracuse! You are welcome Kim!


So, I have been so busy getting EVERYTHING done before the surgery that I have not been eating well and the day of the event was no different. I went on an empty stomach and immediately began drinking the pink martinis they were serving. You all know where this is going, Sherie out, without Andy to watch her, and her friends just feeding into her every whim. They carried my bags, they got me drinks, they got me food, they never stopped me once from a drink! thanks girls, I was loving you that night but cursing you the next day! I also met some great ladies; survivors, non survivors supporting others, pioneer nurses breaking into the wellness field, Carol Baldwin was a hoot, Jeannie Ralston (author of The Unlikely Lavender Queen) hung with us, a total ladies night.


So, apparently I did do a split by the end of the night, I forgot about it until I was reminded the next day. I was wondering why my legs hurt so much. Andy always says if I am doing a split, then I am drunk. Well OK, you got me, I was drunk, but as the girls kept telling me all night, I have a good reason! Funny or not, it was exactly 2 weeks before my surgery, so I kept saying things like, Oh in two weeks I'll have no boobs and I'l be drinking an IV. So, maybe the comedian was funnier, but I guess I had some steam & anxiety to blow off. Well, it's gone, I am not drinking again until atleast this Friday!


So, hangover and all, I got up the next morning and packed up the family and we went to Rochester for the weekend. We had a blast. We did the Strong Museum of Play, The Science Museum, & the Genesee Country Museum. We also saw Legally Blonde: The Musical. It was nice not being too far from home, but far enough to do some different things. Poor Andy got a cold, so he was having a hard time breathing as his head was so stuffed. Poor me cause I had to stay away from him as I don't want to get sick before surgery. That illness cloud needs to leave our family alone!

So this week is dedicated to Popcorn! Yes, it is our last year as the Popcorn Kernals for the cubscouts and those who have been around me at the end of October the past 2 years know what that means. My whole life becomes popcorn: distributing it, reordering more, tally all the forms, inputting it into the computer system, ordering scouts prizes and blah, blah, blah.... I get pretty obsessed with it, sorry, I'll be back next week guys! Good News is it looks like we beat our record last year and sold over $20,000! 36% of tha goes right back to our pack, so yeah to all the cubscouts, their parents, and all you friends who made this a great year for us.

Met with the Plastic Surgeon last week for my 2 week pre-op. He went over everything that is going to happen, before, durning, and after the surgery, he was great. The surgery is scheduled for 3:30pm on the 6th, I don't even go in until 2pm that day, so it will probably be late before i am out. I will try and have Andy give Shell a report to get to everyone. I will be in the hospital until sometime Saturday or Sunday. Once home, my Mom will be staying with us to help Andy with me and the kids. Friends have told me I may have a hard time breathing and therefore talking that first week, so I will try and just blog. I will also have 4 drains, 2 out of each side and a pain pump, right in the middle of my chest, hanging out of me that first week, so moving around is not going to be easy. No driving for 10 days! I got some great new Victoria's Secret PJ's to lounge in. I got lots of books to read, and I have Michael's whole DVD collection right next store to view so I will be set! Maria is giving me two massages next week to "prepare" me and she is going to make a hospital call! yeah for Licensed Massage Therapist who become dear friends! So, I haven't been too worried or anxious about any of this yet, trying to live in the moment and be mindful.


Andy had some xrays yesterday. His shoulder is healing slowly. They are ordering a special test for him to see if it is going to heal fully and they brought up the possibility of him needing surgery if the next test doesn't look good. Again, he'' continue with PT and we'll keep on focusing on what he can do and we'll deal with another surgery when and if it happens.


So, now we are just trying to come up with some good Halloween costumes for our Halloween dinner with friends on Saturday. We've always been so into Halloween (we got engaged on it!) and love to dress up, but this year we have been off a bit and we're fallen behind the curve on "dressing up". Hopefully, something will inspire us soon. I'd hate to disappoint, but "We've got a good excuse!"


Back to the popcorn.... Sherie

The week in review...

Here are the kids last weekend in Cooperstown. It was a beautiful fall weekend and it was nice getting away. What a beautiful place it is, if you haven't been, I would highly recommend it, especially in the fall.

Made it back to Syracuse for Spamalot. Lacked some of the energy and excitement of broadway and it was our third time seeing it, but give me any musical, anywhere, and I am usually pretty contented.

The kids had monday off for the non-holiday of Columbus Day, another beautiful day. Ruby went with a friend to the Science Museum in Syracuse and Rex & I had a great day at the zoo. Andy worked very hard to support our goofing off ways!

No doctors appointments this past week, it was just like the old days just doing stuff around the house and getting kids to and from activities. I have been exercising again and getting surgery ready. I did get out for a few lunches with friends and that was a nice treat. One day I didn't even leave the house, just did yard work and projects inside I haven't had time for. The Red Sox have kept me up late alot this week and I am half typing as I watch the game right now. They are ahead as of this line!

Ruby rode a cute new pony.

Rex wrote a spooky story

Ruby made a brownie bat for her brownie troop's Halloween event.

Rex's team won their first soccer game.

We all went to a 6 story treehouse in Ithaca with Andy's Webelos.

As normal as could be and I loved it.

Of course, in the back of my mind there is the clock ticking, 19 more days till the surgery, I have my 2 week preop with the plastic surgeon on Tuesday. I assume we'll talk nitty gritty about the surgery and aftermath, nothing I haven't heard already from my survivor girls. I am armed and ready for this on all fronts.

So, until then I will continue on overdrive to do everything I can now, to make up for not doing anything in November. I am planning a family thanksgiving at my house, but I will have everyone else doing all the work, I just want it here so I don't have to shower and it's quicker to my bed!

I planned and booked the office xmas party at the Brewster Inn again, it is always a nice evening with Andy's office and we all spend the night there, so it will be my first overnight away after the surgery, we all know what that will mean....... I can sleep in with no kids waking me!

Also, sent in our sponsorship for the Skaneatles Festival xmas gathering, they said I could have special parking and extra wine at the table for making it there so soon after my surgery!

Just gotta find something to do for New Years now. This is all me planning when I said I wasn't planning for awhile. I did delegate and didn't interfer with Halloween plans, we are going out with a few friends for a quiet masquerade dinner, just couldn't get into the whole wild dress up & party we went to last year, did that just come out of my mouth? I guess the"BC" has slowed me down just a bit.

Hope everyone is well, thanks again for your htoughts and prayers, I feel happy to have you all in our lives.

Sherie

THE TARGET & DATE ARE SET

I will go in Thursday November 6th for a bilateral Mastectomy & start of the reconstruction process. I will be at Community Hospital for two days following and then home. The first 2 weeks, I hear, are the ones I need to take it easy for. I will have drains in and won't be able to lift or drive during that period. Following that I still will have physical restriction on my activities, but my survivors girls tell me I can, and should, still try and get out to social getherings, as I can tolerate. Holiday season is quickly approaching & there are lots of parties, so don't take me off your lists just yet!
The reconstruction process (expanding & 2 more one day surgeries) will continue throughout the winter and I hope to be finished entirely with that process by bathing suit time in July.(I was going to say June, but I remembered we are in central new york)

Funny Victoria's Secret just sent an email about their spring bathing suit line and I realized I will be able to wear styles I have always liked, but not been able to pull off with my real boobs. I will probably be a bit smaller too, so I am going to have alot of 34C bathing suits up for grabs! Positives, it is all about finding them and holding on to them to get through what could be a long & sore winter. (see that was me doing a positive again, not painful, just sore) I must tell you, patients always used to say I was pretty good at what I did(psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfullness) and now that I am using this stuff on myself, I agree! and I haven't even had to resort to prescribing myself medications yet. Andy tried to talk me into it, but I just gave him some! (just kidding)

So, one month to go. I am exercising again, now that the first surgery has healed and I am getting what I call "surgery ready". The stars have the Oscars, I have surgery. I wonder if I should go tanning. Has anyone tried that cabbage soup diet? I should probably drop 10 pounds before the red carpet, actually I think Community Hospital's carpet is blue, I should remember that when I am picking out my gown, wouldn't want to clash. Hair up or down, need to remember to talk to Kim about that.

Honestly, I am good. The family is packing tonight for Cooperstown & looking forward to a great and warm weekend there. We are staying at the Otesaga Resort (ohhlaalaa) & going to hit all the museums (art/farmers/baseball) & shops. Then back to Syracuse on Sunday for SPAMALOT. (Yes, it will be my third time and the kids second, but it is that good!) The zoo or the MOST on monday as the kids aer off school. It'll be a great fall weekend. Hope all of you can get out there and enjoy it too.

Andy says Hi! Continues to improve, slowly, but surely. He's still a hurtin and he is spent by 8pm each night, he's been working like a dog! Thank goodness they started running the series of some of his work in the Post Standard this past weekend, it lifted his spirits and there are plenty more articles to follow. They wanted him to write a weekly column talking about different design ideas, but he doesn't like to write, that is why he draws! and draw he does, even with 4 broken ribs and a broken collar bone. That's my man. Keep your eyes out for him in the sunday paper again and keep on for me as we'll be away.

As a very handsome man, Matthew McConaughy, likes to say, Just keep livin(JKL)!

Sherie

Sassy Strides Strutted it's stuff yesterday. We joined the other 7500 people who walking in the Making Strides Campaign for Breast Cancer in downtown Syracuse. Our team had the 3rd highest amount raised. One of our Captains, Ms. Julia was top individual raiser until that morning and then some big CEO man came and knocked her down to 2nd place. I was able to make it to the 9th highest individual raiser with all of your help, Thank you! It was a beautiful day and inspiring to see how the people there helping support this cause. It was also amazing to see all the ladies with survivor shirts on and to hear their stories. While my journey is just beginning with this all, I am not alone and this was proof positive! This is a special bunch of ladies and I am honored to be amongst their ranks. It doesn't hurt that I look good in pink!

Gotta go get the kids, but wanted to send a big shoot out to everyone that donated and helped this be the biggest ever event in its 13 years!

Sherie

This is what I got Andy for our anniversary, it is a new superhero bike riding suit! Actually I am going to get him a wetsuit beacause he almost drown during the swim. It's true, if he had successfully finished the bike course you would have all heard the story about the swim, but after the fall, the bike fall got all the attention. So, what happened is he didn't have a triathalon suit this year and he decided to wear our waterskiing one instead. You true triathaloners are laughing now cause you know how heavy these are, not to mention ours has arms, so he had no movement there either. He said he tried to take it off in the middle of the swim when he realized the errors of his ways, but that wasn't happening either. I think he swam with it around his ankles for a while. This drama may have caused the bike accident, as he was trying to make up ground for a bad swim time and may have been a bit more reckless on the bike. Well, that all behind us, he'll have a new wet suit, he'll take a bike safety course, and he'll be ready to go next year.

He had a painful PT appointment yesterday and as he wasn't wearing his sling, a few people hit him on his shoulder, poor thing. Thank goodness the drinks were a flowing at dinner!

Our Anniversary dinner was very nice. Mirbeau went all out to try and get us drunk, but it was a school night. We were happily intoxicated and home by 9:30pm, Andy was sleeping by 10pm. I watched the Red Sox's beat the Angels!

I called the Surgeons today. They are still working on scheduling my surgery, but feel like the first week in November should work. I watched Oprah on Tuesday for the BC (breast cancer) special. It was inspiring to hear all the stories and experiences of other woman. I wanted to get it clear here though. They mentioned that friends and family should not believe people going through this when they say they are good and don't need anything. They mentioned something about not having to be Superwoman. Well, sorry folks, but I ain't giving that title up! I have worked way to hard for it and it ain't going anywhere now just because of this. Also, they were saying something about how spiritually you re-evaluate and re-prioritize and don't feel like everything has to be perfect. Yeah, not believeing that one either. Things still have there proper place and ain't no Oprah or other BC survivors telling me I have to let my perfectionism slide. What are they doing here, trying to drive me insane! I did like what Melissa Etheridge said to Christina Applegate about this being a gift and an opportunity to start new. I am working in therapy, with myself, on the body image issue post surgery cause I think that is going to be the hardest thing for me and Christina really hit a cord there for me.

Well, time to change out summer clothes for fall/winter.

There are only 2 1/2 days left to donate to the Making Strides Walk, if you have a little extra money burning a hole in your pocket, click on the link below and help the fight against breast cancer!

Thanks,

Sherie

Happy Anniversary to Us!
Here we are 14 years ago on our wedding day in Lake Placid. I know, you are thinking I haven't changed much and you are wondering who that hair bag is, but that's my boy. If you can't see it, he has a pony tail in the picture, he still has it too, just ask Steve who didn't believe him at New Years last year. We are off to Mirbeau for dinner to celebrate! Tell you all about it, well most of it tomorrow.
Sherie

meal update: via Shelly

Sherie said that since she is feeling good right now and definitely will need help with meals once she schedules her surgery for the beginning of November.... that she would do a bit of family cooking for the remaining days in October. Below is the October calendar ... full of helping friends and NO THANK YOU days... where Sherie will cook..

again... The Ramsgard's will need a bit more support in November..stay tuned for a new calender or email shelly or helen.

we share our continued THANKS for all your help!

calendar updated 10-1-08

click to enlarge

Looking ahead to New Years!

As we look ahead a few months to New Years Eve, It is with much sadness that we have decided to take a "buy" this year and not hold our annual party. Our recoveries will require our full attention & energy for awhile I am afraid.

I know a number of you look forward to this and in some instances even change your vacation plans, so I wanted to let you all know now, so that you could make those travel plans and accept those other offers that might come your way.
I also know that a few of you have been wanting to host a New Years Party, but didn't want to infringe on ours, so this is your year! We can assist in the ball dropping department!

We hope to be back in full force for the following year and for those who were wondering what the theme was going to be, it was going to be........drums a rolling........... DRESS TO THE 9! (for 2009) Cheers, Sherie & Andy

Making Strides

I am joining The Sassy Striders of Skaneateles next weekend in downtown Syracuse to Make Strides against breast cancer.

When I called to join them I asked what else I needed to do, beyond getting breast cancer, and they said, "be sassy"! I said, "I can do that, I have 42 years of practice", but I wanted to do more. You know me, can't do anything half(rhymes with bass), so I decided to hand over some of my money and then Andy said put it up on the blog in case others want to do the same.

So, join us to Stride, if you can, and if you can't, well then just show me the money! any amount makes a difference and is greatly appreciated.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer - 2008-2009

click on the picture to make a donation! THANKS!!

Plastic Surgery Lesson & beyond...

Andy & I met with the new plastic surgeon yesterday, we liked him very much. He spent alot of time talking about all the options that are available following mastectomy, I have decided to go with the bi-lateral, and what the whole process would entail. We agreed upon the tissue sparing/expander/implant route for several reasons, none of which I will bore you with here, but can discuss further if any feels they need to know more.

So, what will happen is they will do the mastectomy and try to keep as much of my external breat skin as possible, and simultaneously, the plastic surgeon will be placing in these expanders (look just like implants), under the breast muscle to expand the muscle over a short period of time. They will essentially "pump me up" through the weeks until I get to where I want to be. This procedure takes about 3-4 hours and I will be in the hospital 1-2 days. In about 8-12 weeks, the insurance companies like to wait about the full 12, I will go back in for a one day surgery in which they will remove the expanders and place in the implants. 8-12 weeks after that I go back in for another one day surgery to recreat the areola/nipple (won't go into that here as it made andy sick listening), but they come out looking pretty real.

So, I am going to try and schedule the initial surgery for the beginning of November, as we have some family long weekends in October that I didn't want to cancel and because October is my favorite month and I want to enjoy it. So it seems by next May I will be ready for my bikini!

I was surprised there were so many steps involved and that it did take so long, but it is still shorter/less side effects/risks than having to do radiation and/or take hormones for the next 4-5 years. By doing the bilateral I virtually cut my chance of every getting breat cancer down to less than 1%. (sometimes you can develop another one is some of the skin left behind, but very rare)

So thank you to all the ladies who emailed me and talked to me on the phone about their experiences with this, it helped to hear your story and it was reassuring to know I was on the right track and would be fully well again soon. What incredible ladies you all are, I am prowd to join your ranks! I only hope I can make it throught the hazing.

Enough medical mumbo jumbo,
Theater: We got out to see Church Basement Ladies @ the Merry Go Round Playhouse last evening. It was a great show and we were laughing hard, poor andy, but he said it was worth the pain. (I wouldn't be a very good board member if I didn't tell you that the show has been extended to next saturday and tixs are still available, so give that box office a call, you won't be sorry.)

Music: I also wanted everyone to know that they should go out and purchase Jason Mraz's CD. If you like Jack Johnson, you'll love this guy, it has become my feel happy music of the moment.

TV: Amazing Race starts Sunday, set the dvr and don't forget to tape the show after it too because football usually runs everything behind.

Activities: Big trucks is tomorrow, for those who are local, so don't forget to go and support that. You don't need kids to have a good time either. I might add that the cub scouts will be selling popcorn, so make sure to bring some money and buy some!

Alright, I have another super secret misson I am working on now, so I gotta get going. Hope everyone has a great weekend. It is alittle better for us knowing the Red Sox got the wildcard and are in the playoffs. (come on yankee fans, we let you have a big win last evening to get it)

Thanks again! I know the rules say I can't send thanks you's for all the food, cards, and gifts we are getting, but I want each and everyone one of you to know how much we are thankful for it all & how much it helps us get through this bump in our road. You're the best!
Sherie

Andy sleeps a whole night in his own bed! That's right, move over recliner, Sherie has reclaimed her man in bed. oh, that could be taken wrong, he's not that healthy yet!
It was just sleep and a little spooning. It was nice to have him back and by the morning we had the whole family there.
Our super triathelete is making his comeback now.
Yeah Andy!

Andy & I on top of the world, ok, Whiteface Mt., this past summer. We'll be there again soon!

realitively quiet day

Met with the oncologist today. He confirmed that should I go with the bilateral I would not need hormones, otherwise with doing just the left side, I would need hormones for 4-5 years.
Interestingly, he also went over research and the such and while I have 2 great relatives with breast cancer, mine is not considered heriditary. In order for this to be heriditary, it has to be present in every generation. So, nice to know my sister and Ruby are no more at risk than the rest of you. Statistics show 1 in 10 woman get this before the age of 80! Makes sense I should get it now, you all know I like to be ahead of the curve and the be the first when it comes to the latest trends. It was saddening to sit in the waiting room of the regional oncology center at Upstate today and see the number and variety of people coming and going, all who were dealing with some type of cancer. You'll all be happy to know after sitting in the waiting room and seeing that and then having the Doctor say, are you OK? I burst into to tears. So see, I am not a stoic rock, I do break down, I blame this one on Helen though, She got me going at the bus stop this morning and I was abit teary ever sense. That must mean my menses is around the corner too.

Continuing to do research and talking with others who have been through it. Next appointment is Friday @ 2:15 with the new Plastic Surgeon, what will I do with myself tomorrow with no Doctors appointments?

Andy had PT today and came home moaning and groaning. He is getting some reflexology done now, hopefully that'll straighten him out, if not, it might be time for the Boobie martini!

So, I am reading the Unlikely Lavender Queen, it is the book you too can receive and read if you go to the Mirbeau event next month, anyways she had a great line today I read in which she said in times of trouble, "just drink your way through them", so if the next time you talk to me I am slurring alittle bit, or more than normal, just know I am trying out that technique. (I don't want to limit my coping mechanisms, so it is always good to try new ones when you come upon them.)
Cheers

How about a boobie martini, it's my latest specialty drink?

follow up, research, & decisions

I had my routine post op follow up with the Surgeon today. The incisions look good, no infection, and healing well. The bruising is a lot better too. Agreed the left boob has to go, now onto the advantages and disadvantages of taking the right one too. It seems so drastic to catch this so early and have such a good prognosis and to be looking at a bilateral mastectomy, which when you first think about it seems like something only someone with "really bad cancer" should do, but that is why people are living, because we catch it early and have so many more choices to elimante the problem.

I did finally connect with my previous plastic surgeon and he is retiring and not doing new surgeries (not even for me & I thought I was special to him), so I got some referrals and headed back to talk to surgeon for his opinion. I have an appointment this Friday with a Plastic Surgeon who was on both lists and who is the guy my surgeon works most with. Sure, I could go and get a million different names from other people and drive myself crazy with this, but I value relationships between people and if these guys work alot together then I figure I am getting the best with them. My Surgeon, other than holding out on bad news, has been awesome through this all. He also reminds me of Kevin Youlkolis, the first baseman from the red sox, so I have some positive transferrence for him.

So, once I meet with the Plastic Surgeon and if I like him and we agree on what we are doing, they suggest having the surgery within the next month. They would do the removal and reconstruction at the same time, 2 days in the hospital and then out to be doted on my family and friends. I also have some videos to watch on reconstruction if anyone wants to join me for a movie night!
Enough boring medical stuff,

Andy saw his doctor yesterday and his chest xray was clear and his ribs are healing, he doesn't need to be seen again there. He'll continue PT and now it is just time that will complete his healing process. He is using the sling PRN now and it is amazing how much it is really more of a communicator for others to be gentle with him, because if he is not wearing it people just want to hug and touch him!

So, off to second grade orientation tonight. Probably see some of you there.
Thanks again for your your support through this.
Sherie & Andy

Some News & A Weekend Away

Here is the family at the Red Sox game this weekend!

So, I tried to post a new blog Saturday morning @ 4am before we left for Toronto, but I ran out of time and didn't want to miss the bus ride there, so you all had a weekend free of the Ramsgard news. Lucky you, cause it wasn't great news.

On Friday, I had my first appointment with the Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Bogart, one of Syracuse's best according to the CNY magazine this month. I happen to pick him becaue he was one of my first new friends when I moved to Syracuse all those years ago. The meeting was good and he explained all there is to know about radiation as it relates to me, Andy was there taking it all in as well. He also happened to have the pathology results I was still waiting to hear about from the Surgeon, so he shared those with me. It apprears when they took the breast "lump" and that extra 1 cm around it in surgery last week, that the 1 cm around it still has DCIS cells in it, in 3 different locations, which means they didn't get it all as they had hoped. Not great news, but still needed further info. from the surgeon as he was the one in there and could interpret what these results met to me.
So, we went to Shell & Marc's for dinner and continued to await the call from the surgeon. Let me tell you, if you awaiting what you know is already bad news, good friends, homemade chips & salsa, and a few mojitos help alot! The call came @ 6:32pm. The surgeon said he had already spoke with Dr. Bogart and asked if I had more questions. So the answer to my questions were:

1. yes, it is true, they did not get it all and there was involvement in 3 areas which isn't great, but it is still treatable.
2. He said he alrady took quite a bit of the breast tissue and as such, doing another lumpectomy would leave deformity and still require radiation & hormones.
3. He recommends a left breast mastectomy & reconstruction with hormone treatment following. no radiation needed as they are taking the boob and there is no lymph node involvement, that was still clear!
4. He also said some people also opt for the bilateral mastectomy, what I now call the "Christina Applegate" if they feel they will worry about reoccurance too much in the other breast or have a strong family history/test positive for the gene thing. He said research does not indicate a direct correlation of DCIS occuring in the other breast just because it occurs in one. Also, with doing a bilateral I will forego the radiation and possibly the hormones (I have a call into my oncologist to find out the answer to this as the surgeon didn't know for sure)
5. He recommends talking to the Plastic Surgeon now to see what he thinks about one versus two as far as comsmetic outcome. I have a call into him now and lets face it people, at this point, the cancer is going one way or the other and what is really important after all this is a nice set of boobs!

So, I have been doing lots of research on this all and reading about what other people choose to do and why and trying to figure out what will be right for me and Andy. I also have names from several of you and friends of yours that I can talk to who have been through this and I plan on talking with them too. I obviously also need to talk with the Oncologist and Plastic Surgeon and I am optimistic that will happen today.

I meet back with the Surgeon tomorrow for follow up from the surgery and to discuss what I want to do. I have a scheduled mtg. with the Oncologist on Wed. and I still planning on going to that and seeing if he can shed any more light on all this. So that's all for me right now, let's move on to happy stuff...

Rex had a great 10th birthday in Toronto watching 2 Blue Jay/Red Sox games back to back Sat./Sun. they lost the first one, but won on his birthday with Dice K pitching. (It was our first time seeing him pitch and it was awesome. Rex also got the treat of having his name on the scoreboard in the fifth inning. It was a quick trip up and back, but very memorable & a nice distraction. We also got Rex a signed Jacoby Ellsbury rookie card, which made him pretty darn happy! Andy, on the other hand, not so happy as he had no recliner to sleep in and sleeping in the hotel room chair just wasn't the same. Poor thing, he was happy to be home and weathered the pain of the bus ride well. He'd do anything to make sure Rex had a great time!

Andy is off to an appointment today. He is having another chest xray and meeting with his surgeon for follow up on the lungs and ribs. There are still occassions I will look over and see he is still pretty uncomfortable, but he keeps it pretty well hidden most of the time.

Thanks to all for all the incoming cards/flowers/snacks/meals/gifts. It warms our hearts to know we have such giving and loving friends.
Sherie