Here’s the decision, with all the technical terms for those who are technically inclined: Mastectomy with Sentinal Node Excision. No reconstruction. None of my docs expect that I will need radiation with this course of action. Chemo is clearly not needed. (Sorry, Tiim, I won’t get that “totally hot bald chick” look).
“It’s a personal decision”, a truism that I zapped past in the first hundred times I encountered it on this path. Wow. It’s really true, at this crossroad especially. Different women make different AND COMPLETELY LEGIT choices at this intersection. I have chosen this road after sorting through data, talking to women who have had mastectomies, consulting with four docs from different disciplines, and of course listening to what is true for me, for my higher power, for James. This direction made the most sense to me initially and continues to after my best attempts to be a skeptic.
Surgery will be 8:45 – 11:45 am June 4 at Swedish Hospital, under the baton of Dr. Claire Buchanan. I’ll spend the night, then take the four block ride home. Robin, my sister will be here that night, from Louisville. Wow. I’ll ask David B, my Blog alter-ego, to make a posting that night. He asks “Have you chosen your bow yet?”
I’ll make a posting later, with requests for those of you who are inclined toward the spiritual stuff.
Shoot straight.
Posts
You are amazing, Beth. And an excellent writer, too. Sending all my positive thoughts your way, especially on Thursday. I hope for the best possible results, in this and in all your adventures.
ReplyDeleteNancy Van Valkenburg
And you are way cute in your photo on this page, too.
ReplyDeleteNancy V.
It was quite a while before I deciphered the twist in your picture. And when I did, I smiled for hours.
ReplyDeleteThis makes me sad, though. So I shall make cabbage to cheer me up. A fellow blogger here called Orangette posted this a few months ago and it's so anti-cole-slaw. I'll be thinking good thoughts for you, Beth. Especially on Thursday, but really kind of always from now on. Here's the recipe (it's hot! I used Sriracha instead of sambal oelek - whatever that is):
Orangette
This is more of a method than a recipe, so the quantities I’ve listed below are only approximate. Just taste as you go, and tweak to your liking. It’s hard to mess this up, as long as you get some color on the cabbage.
When choosing an oil for this, be sure to choose one with a high smoke point, the safest bet for high-heat cooking. We usually use canola oil, because I keep it around for making granola, but we have also used peanut oil and grapeseed oil. (Or, if you’re the type to have lard lying around - ooh la la - you could use that. It has a high smoke point too.)
½ head green cabbage, quartered and sliced into ¼-inch-thick ribbons
½ medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced (optional)
Canola oil, or another oil with a similarly high smoke point
¼ tsp. to 1 tsp. sambal oelek, to taste
Soy sauce, to taste
Salt, to taste (optional)
Place a wok over high heat. Let it heat thoroughly; it should even smell hot. Working quickly, pour in a glug of oil and then immediately add the cabbage and the fennel, if using. Stir briefly to coat with oil, and then leave it alone for a minute or so, to allow the vegetables to begin to take on some color. Then add sambal oelek to taste, and stir again. (If you have a hood over your stove, turn on the fan! The hot sauce gives off spicy fumes.) Continue to cook until the vegetables are browned in spots and wilted. It won’t take long. Then add a glug of soy sauce, and stir well again. Taste, and season with more soy sauce or salt as needed.
Serve hot or warm.
Yield: 2-4 servings, depending on what else you’re having
Well, I'm a fan of that decision. Of course, I don't have the facts in front of me - but anyway.
ReplyDeleteYou asked for funnies? Here's a random one:
http://icanhascheezburger.com/09/06/01/funny-pictures-video-listening-pigs/
(I hope that url came through ok)
Oh, and I've been meaning to send you our Aloo Gobi recipe. It's so yummy:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.safeandyummy.com/2009/06/aloo-gobi/
Cauliflower and Potatoes with Indian spices. For results like Jason's grind up whole spices rather than buying pre-ground.
Beth, I'm not the praying sort, but I like to think, so am sending all my positive thoughts Seattle-wards right now. I think you will be gorgeous single-breasted. And I am glad that this was caught so early, and that your support network is excellent and in place. I remember you'd had the first incling (sp?) when we met up in January 2008, and I've been wondering what happened. I should have asked sooner.
ReplyDeleteMuch love and good luck and happy memories. My parents have a fabulous cabbage recipe, which involves lots of sausage and sour cream, and I can't believe it's Beth food. But if you're up for sausage, I will happily post it.
Will check back tomorrow to see how things are going. Thanks to David for the promised update.
Kitty
Thinking of you, hoping everything goes great. I'm sure it will. I like the image of you as a warrior woman. This battle should be an easy win for you.
ReplyDeleteHoping for smooth surgery and a fast recovery.
Oh, and your toes are way cute, to.
Nancy V.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers today, AmazonBeth.
ReplyDeleteKate
Thinking of you today, imagining the best outcome and the easiest recovery. I know this is a challenge, but I know you are strong.
ReplyDeleteNancy