sorry i have not been keeping up with the posts lately, so let me summarize where we started and where we are today:
- in early november (like the 10th or so), anita had her 3rd surgery to help clear up the infection.
- by about the 13th or so, the infection finally turned the corner and every day since then, each day got better
- she has been on daily IV antibiotics until last Wed, Dec 2.
- she has been progressing excellently since then, we have been to 5 or so ducks games, and she can climb the very steep stairs there with relative ease now!!
- she uses her walking cane very infrequently
- she has started to drive a bit now (hold the jokes about an asian woman on pain meds just coming off surgery, please!!!)
- she is sleeping in a real bed now
the only problem she has now is she thinks she is 100% and is trying to act as such. she has been to a few get togethers with friends and has tired herself out with making food and such to take. i keep telling her i think people will understand is she shows up empty handed!! anyway, its a good sign she is well enough to think of these things.
we saw dr. D in early december and he is very happy with the recent progress. we dont have to see him for another 3 weeks or so (too bad, his receptionist is hot). dr. thompson, the infectious guy, has released her from his care now too (receptionist not hot).
we just saw her oncologist, Dr. barth today, and he is starting his analysis of her current health state. he is going to a massive breast cancer symposium in san antonio, where he is going to find out about several clinical trials related to aftercare of patients like anita (stage 0 cancer, but a large (10 cm) cancer). this type of cancer is going to be specifically discussed, and he is going to use these findings in determining what treatment anita is going to get going forward (i.e., tamoxifen or its related cousins). again, for a short recap, tamoxifen and its cousins either inhibit or reduce estrogen in the bloodstream, and most breast cancers grow better in the presence of estrogen.
as bad as it has been for anita, going to dr. barth's office is sobering. she is about the healthiest patient he has. he has a little clinic there where people go to get their chemotherapy. it's really sad and helps to keep things in perspective.
she is truly on the mend now, and once again, we cant thank everyone enough for the support, the meals, the visits, flowers, and such
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