Female in Motion

Last week, I related to you that I was in the hospital with cellulitis. My condition is slowly improving, so I thought I would share with you an update. I was released from the hospital last Wednesday, but required to return twice daily, at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., to receive IV antibiotics. Other than that, I am on bedrest.  Before I left the hospital, they surgically implanted a PICC line into my left arm, so that I can receive infusions without further damage to my over-taxed veins. The antibiotic treatments last 2 to 2 1/2 hours, plus travel time, so it is a large daily commitment. Folks from my church have been helping The Hubster with the driving duties. I am left weak, with little energy, but grateful to be making progress. I know God is with me, and I feel the prayers from all directions, lifting me to health. 1 Timothy 2:1 (KJV)   I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

Me and God, we have a plan. I made a trip to Cancer Treatment Centers of America--Zion, IL campus this week with my dear mother. After a post-surgical checkup, I was ready to hear all the news about my pathology report and the recommendations of my medical oncologist, breast surgeon and radiology oncologist. The tumor is more aggressive than any of us previously thought, so we need to be proactive. Thus, we have made a new plan, God and I. Next Monday, August 20, I will have a radical mastectomy to my right breast at CTCA. After a week's recovery, I will return for my first round of chemo (taxotere and cytoxen), followed by a shot of Neulasta, to prevent infection. The two chemo drugs are a new combo targeted just for breast cancer patients. Much milder to the system than the standard, heavy chemo drugs, but still completely effective. I'm still debating about whether to get a Bard Power Port during the mastectomy or use a PICC line. I will fly in to CTCA every three we...