Day 336: Surgical "counselling" and physio appointment (finally)

I slept with my left arm on a pillow last night so my hand wasn't too puffy this morning; I could even make a fist.

Jo dropped off her 3 kids at 7.45a so the kids had some company before we walked to school. I met with Remie's teacher who said she is perfectly well-behaved in class. I guess she just saves the bad stuff for home.

During my coffee catch up with Aileen, we came up with a list of positive takes on my cancer-fighting experiences as follows:
1. I would not have cut my hair short and I am loving it.
2. It's winter so any lymphoedema treatment that involves bandaging won't be hot or obvious.
3. I can exercise my left arm by using it to drink copious amounts to ideally dehydrate and get rid of the excess fluid (though this remains to be confirmed by a medical specialist).

I went to the hospital to meet with the breast care nurse regarding my next steps and options for surgery as I've been contemplating having my right breast and ovaries (my cancer is estrogen-fed) removed for peace of mind. As the breast care nurses' office is in chemo cottage, I had the opportunity to appreciate the supportive environment again.

Michiko had a look at my arm to start and suggested I try to get to see one of the physios who work at the hospital in their other clinics since they are only in a few days a week. We then discussed the optional mastectomy (possibility of an immediate reconstruction or the expander process if not, symmetry issues, recovery) and the oopherectomy (possible impacts on how I'm currently going through menopause, surgery scheduling as a different surgeon would be responsible, recovery). I have my questions now for Dr. Andrew and Dr. Fran as well as another doctor to meet regarding my ovaries. The fun never stops.

Michi called in Kerry, another nurse, who had a look at my arm and the little hard lump I found yesterday. They agreed that it would be better for me to see so done sooner rather than later and managed to get me an 8.30a appointment tomorrow with Dr. Theresa, who is the person who I saw before my trip for my compression sleeve and glove. I'm feeling apprehensive and relieved to think I'll have information and a treatment plan tomorrow.