Tag: breast cancer

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Tests – Thursday July 5th


Back at Tergooi Blaricum at 9.15 for the MRI scan. Again an injection, but this time, the needle was taped down so that the contrast fluid could be injected while I was in the machine. Face down, I went in with headphones on and eyes closed. The machine made funny and loud noises, each was different, when the scans were made. It lasted about 25 minutes. Afterwards, I could get the CT scan made, but it turned out they needed the Creatine bloodlevels first. So Victor and I went back to Poli 5, Chirurgie (surgery) where it was very crowded. After 20 minutes I could finally pick up the form to then go to the lab. It was 10.45.  The CT scan was scheduled for 11.40, and the lab needed 1 hour to process the blood. Just in time! For the CT scan, I could keep on my shirt and legging. Again, a needle and contrast fluid was injected. I had to breathe in deeply (was never very good at that). The contrast fluid tasted funny, strange to feel it go through your body. Twenty minutes later I was done. Outside I ran into Annemieke, a Zonta member.

Victor and I picked up some lunch at the Organic store in Laren and had a nice lunch with Nancy and Ellen. Nancy and Ellen took the dogs for a nice long walk and Victor made a wonderful dinner (again).

On Tuesday, July 10th, I have an appointment to hear the results. I’m a bit anxious about it. But also relaxed: nothing to do but wait.

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Tests – Wednesday July 4th


Today I have to go through some tests to check if there are metastases in other parts of the body. This time in Hilversum.

  • First came the thorax (lungs) photo. I stood in front of a plastic plate and the pictures were taken. Very quick and painless.
  • Next the echo. We had to wait a long time, I was worried I’d be late for the bone scan. The same radiologist helped me. He was very kind.
  • Then to the nuclear department where I got a quick shot with Techneutium, a radioactive fluid.

We could go back home to have some lunch with my mom and Nancy. 

  • At 1 pm, Nancy and my mom took me back to the hospital. Ofcourse I got a bit lost. The nuclear department is tucked all the way in the back.
  • I recognized the patient before me because he also had his echo just before I did. He was very cheerful and told me to think of good things so the time would pass quickly.
  • The bone scan was painless – it took less than 20 minutes. You’re raised up to the plate so that its millimeters from your face, but the whole thing was relaxed, with music in the background.

At home, I was too tired to work so I went to lie down for a bit. The hospital called me to schedule a CT scan for the next day. The sun was shining but I felt a bit down. Could there be bad news? Sometimes waiting can be hard.

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my blog


Dear friends and family,

I’ve started this blog to keep you all informed about my health. About two weeks ago, I noticed blood trickling from my right breast. My GP sent me to the hospital for tests. Last Thursday, June 28th 2012, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Since I had no idea that anything was wrong this was quite a shock.

I am keeping this blog as a way to keep track of all the events and my progress through the various phases of treatment.  Please share this with anyone you wish. I am writing the blog in English so that my friends in the US and my family can stay in touch.

I want to thank each and everyone of you for your support and kind thoughts.

Love,

Sheila

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