I got my lymphedema compression sleeves on the 30th. They are what they sound like: basically thick, really tight, skin colored sleeves that go from wrist to armpit. They are really hard to put on because they are so tight. But I was told to wear them when I go to higher elevations to prevent lymphedema (arm swelling). So I went snowboarding the next day, wearing my sleeves. They were so tight that my hands felt like they were losing circulation and then they started getting really swollen. I decided to risk it and take the sleeves off and it was sweet relief. Luckily my hands went right back down to normal and my arms were fine. I talked to my physical therapist about this, and she said "just wear them when flying on a plane but don't stress about wearing them when you snowboard." I was relieved to hear that because they are really NOT fun!
I finally had my last Herceptin infusion on 1/11/12. This was one year to the day that I was diagnosed with cancer. This has made me realize the incredible value of a year and how short life really is. When I met with the doctor, he said he is confident everything is gone but I need to get a PET-CT and a brain MRI to be sure. I asked why I needed a brain scan and he said because herceptin does not treat the brain so it is a precaution to make sure the cancer didn't travel there. He very casually added, "and if it did, we have a painless treatment for that called Gamma Knife (sterotactic radiosurgery) so don't worry about it." Ok I guess having my head put in a vice with direct radiation to it wouldn't be so bad, right? I'll try not to think about it. Meanwhile I was stoked to hear I can probably schedule my scans next week, as soon as I got approval from my insurance.
Well, my excitement was short lived. I got a call from Donna while I was at work on Thursday. She left me a message asking if I had breast expanders in still. Um, really? YES! Thanks for forgetting! And she said that if I DO, that I can't schedule my scan until they are out. I was fuming mad and heartbroken because I want nothing more than to be able to have all of my scans behind me so I can finally declare myself cancer free! I called her back and when I finally got a hold of her, she said that I can still schedule my PET-CT, but not my brain MRI until after my surgery. She said meanwhile, if I have any symptoms like headaches and dizziness to let them know right away. Great. Now every time I have a headache I'll get paranoid and think the worst. It's going to be a long few months before that scan... but I'm trying to stay positive and patient and always grateful for the blessings in my life.