Dr. Washington saw me after my visit, because she will see me once a week, always on Tuesday. She said to be sure I'm using aquaphor to lessen irritation. She also said that her and Dr. West spoke and that she is going to give me my boost around the scar but not directly on it. This is what she and Dr. West agreed to do to avoid my breast rupturing and she agreed it would still treat the area she felt was most necessary. I suppose this could be considered "good news."
Wednesday I had to drive to Orange to get Herceptin, so I attempted to do that in the morning. Big mistake. It took me an hour and 45 minutes to get to Orange, there was so much traffic. Then I barely got back in time for 5th period. I was able to teach 5th and 6th, just to turn around and go to radiation at 3. That appointment was a lot faster, other than the wait time in the lobby. I decided that next time I have Herceptin, I'll try to rush into radiation during my 1st period prep, and drive to Orange after work. Maybe I'll miss less work that way. Missing work gives me more stress than working does, that's for sure.
Thursday morning during 1st period prep, I rushed down to Breastlink in Murrieta to get my breast reduced. Maria, the nurse practitioner took care of me even though I showed up early and was technically supposed to see Dr. West. He told her to remove 200 cc's and I told her NO way! That would make me super lop sided. So she said we would shoot for 100 and see how it looks. When she got to 75 I said that's good! So now I have 475 in my left and only 400 in my right. I can notice a huge difference, but others swear I don't look too off balance. It was a success. I managed to get radiation that day without having to have my breast strapped down! It was sweet relief. I was in and out of there in 15 minutes. Finally.
Friday I was in and out of there in 15 minutes again (not counting lobby wait time). Monday, Wednesday and Friday I got the "spa" treatment, where they put the wet towel on my breast. I'm glad this weekend I get a bit of relief from the radiation routine. I'm tired of it already. :P
Speaking of being tired... if one more person asks me with a sympathetic undertone "how are you feeling?" I might just lose it! How long will it be before people stop treating me like I'm "sick?"
I am also really inundated with superficial offers to help. People tell me "just ask" but I hate asking. When I do, it always seems inconvenient and I don't want to put people out. I know people want to help, but please don't be offended if I don't ask...
Somehow I'm going to get myself through this. One day at a time.