Kinda itchy

Went "button up the front" lingerie shopping today. The stitches from the first surgery are beginning to really itch. And to think they will have some company after Monday.

I think I shall do a new shirt & button with the saying "MY FRIEND GAVE BOOB!"

What do you think?

I hope to have the "I Gave Boob" shirts by Friday September 6. The buttons the week of the 15th.

My friend Marnie ran in a Breast Cancer Run/ Event in Houston today. She had on the back of her T-Shirt "In Celebration of The Queen of Foley Zana Price!!!

I must be at Springhill Memorial in Mobile at 5:30 AM Monday for my surgery at 7:00 AM. and will spend one night. My girlfriend Mary Virginia will be spending the night with me. I heard that my childhood friend Karen Heilmeier is to come by for a visit as well as Abbie Bowrun.

Thank you to all who have posted and shared my blog.
Power to knowledge.

Ask not what you can do......

-----Original Message-----
From: Sonna B. Brown [mailto:sbbrown@newhcu.org]
Sent: Friday, September 29, 2006 3:16 PM
To: zanadu@gulftel.com

Subject: Hello

Zana,

I was shocked to hear of your health situation. I just want you to know that if you need anything at all, just give me a call or send me an email, I would be more than happy to help you in any way that I can. You have done so much for me over the years, I would like to be able to do something for you.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sonna Brown-Reynolds
New Horizons Credit Union
Foley Branch Manager
(251) 943-8815 Ext. 3350
(251) 943-8847 Fax

Zana's REPLY

From: Zana
To: Sonna
Sent: Saturday, September 30, 2006 1:23 AM
Subject: Re Hello


thank you Sonna,
your thought and prayers are deeply appreciated.
However, since you ask
you may choose one or more from the following....

1. clean my bathrooms, I have 3 1/2
2. work at the concession stand one of the remaining 3 regular season games or a play off game
3. tell fortunes for a 45 minute shift at Halloween Uptown Foley at the Art Center for "Madame Zaazaa"
4. help decorate for Trim a Tree beginning Oct. 28
5. work Trim a Tree grand opening or a Saturday from Nov. 11 through Dec. 23.

Check your calendar girl.

Other than that I am doing great.
This is really not a good time for all of this......
Oh! and get your annual check ups and mammograms starting at 40.

have you checked out my Blog?

http://zanadu-z-world.blogspot.com/

thank you again for being my friend.
feel free to click on comments to respond.
zp >^,,^< size="3">***********************

Friday Game Day Homecoming

Go to http://www.utv44.com/
and vote for the Daphne vs Foley game to be aired on t.v. Fairhope vs UMS-Wrigth received the most votes last week so the game will be televised.
Let's help get the LIONS on the tube for the Oct. 6th game!!! Voting ends tonight at midnight, Friday, Sept. 29
I may not make the game so I so want to watch it from home.
zp >^,,^<
If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning.ÿ -Catherine Aird-

Spoke to Mary Freeman today, they are glad to be home, Kristen is having therapy at SBRMC. Please continue to pray for Kristen, her family and the doctors who are working with her.

We agreed it is a wonderful place to live in Baldwin County amongst so many loving, caring folks.

The Mystery is almost solved.

>

9-27-06 Here is a card that Mary Rush gave me in a Frame. I keep it on the end table in the living room.

The mystery is almost solved, as to the Pissie email.
How sad that she is a member of the sorority but does not know how to let the wind carry her.

Be sure to read the post from Angela my boobie friend.


From: A.C.:
I know that woman also...she couldn't let the wind carry her because she is full of it. I won't tell you how mother refers to her. When she shows up at relay tell her that only those with "I Gave" t-shirts are allowed to go through the line. I want to be there for that one.
Hang in there girl.
ac
We do not own this earth...
we borrow it from our children.
Be good stewards for their future!

From: (I removed)
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2006 4:54 PM
To: zanadu@gulftel.com
Subject: Pissie email post to blog
Re: 9-26-06 zanadu-z-world.blogspot.com #13

Zana,
I recognize "jeanne" by the email address. She is a member or former member of (I removed) Church. She is a breast cancer survivor, but is also a strange, grumpy, negative troublemaker. I advise you immediately forget the email from her.

I love your emails AND your sense of humor. If I ever have breast trouble, I will want a t-shirt!

From Zana 9-27-06
I had to jump my battery off in my car today before I could go to the school.

I haven't drove in 10 days.
I have been to the High School from 11:30 until 3:00 judging the Homecoming decorated hallways for each of the four grades and visiting will all. I received tons of hugs from well wishers. Today was character day for the students to dress up. Sherry Lee

(Cheerleader Sponsor was Cruella Deville & the cheerlearder wear all dalmations.) Too cute!
The parade is this afternoon at 5:00 with the pep rally at the Heritage Park gazrbo to follow.
Yesterday, Melissa, Kim Rockstall and I judged the windows painted by the clubs. All winners will be posted Friday night. They will be annouced at the Pep Rally Friday.

I am about to go to work finally and write up some jobs.
Tomorrow will be another good day.

9-24-06 A pissy email

I received this response Monday from my

kinda low today

update on 9-24-06.
With the boob drawing with the band aid and stitches.



-----Original Message-----
From: Jeannemailedto:antares@gulftel.com]
Sent: Monday, September 25, 2006 8:42 PM
To: zanadu@gulftel.com
Subject: #11 Kinda low today, 9-24-06 #4 J

I think this idea is in very poor taste.

This Jeanne person is not one that evidently I know at all nor do they know me. It is a mystery as to how she came to be in my address book. I somehow inadvertently added her to my updates and apparently she is not a fan. I am unsure which she finds "in very poor taste" my band aid boob or my T-Shirt idea with the "I GAVE BOOB" on it.
I understand her right to disagree however it is called a DELETE Button..
Which ever she is now & forever off the "Z" list.

My REPLY to Jeanne.
-----Original Message-----
From: Zana Price [mailto:zanadu@gulftel.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2006 12:04 AM
To: Jeanne
Subject: sincerely regret you are offended

Jeanne,
I am unsure how I came to add you to my email addresses to send you my updates.

I sincerely regret you are offended by my crude attempt to express my mood in an existential manner.
If we knew each other then you would know I have a strange sense of humor and at times considered bizarre by some.

Personally, "I am truly offended that I have breast cancer."
I find it the up most offense that women must undergo such a horrid experience as breast cancer.
That modern medicine has yet to find a cure and that otherwise healthy productive women are taken everyday by this disease.

I shall remove your address from my email addresses and no longer distress you with my unseemly attempt at stress relief.

Again, I apologize.

zp >^,,^< href="mailto:zanadu@gulftel.com">zanadu@gulftel.com
Subject: #11 Kinda low today, 9-24-06 #4 J

I think this idea is in very poor taste.

9-24-06 Go to the oncology surgeon Monday, 9-25-06 at 1:30 for pathology reports on the 3 lymph nodes removed and hopefully my options in continued treatment. Denny is taking me. Evidently, I was way too active the first 36 hours and paid dearly for it since. I truly thought I was cutting way back. I so needed to go to the football game Friday night for my psychological health more than my physical recovery. Thank goodness for modern medicine & mild painkillers. Thanks to my dear friends and neighbors I have eaten well, as has my family. I am currently working on the Sweetie Pie's White Chocolate Pecan Pie, Banana Nut Bread and Cousin Laura Marie's Caramel Cake (Joe Bonner's favorite) made by Sue Emmett. I am probably the only breast cancer patient to gain ten pounds in two weeks since being diagnosis. In retrospect, I should have ask all of my friends and supporters to show their solidarity and unity in true SUPPORT by wearing a bra for 72 hours straight except to bath. Forget that 3-day walk or all night Relay, strap on an over the shoulder boulder holder day & night and show you truly empathize with a breast cancer patient. I know if that is the worst that I must endure I am very fortunate. I shall let you know the surgeons prognosis.
I am going ahead with the black I GAVE BOOB T-Shirts & buttons. I hope to have them in time for the "Think Pink Event" in Loxley at the Municipal Park, Saturday October 7. It starts at 9 AM.
Thank you for reading and sharing my mini Reality cyber experience.
No one has ever felt so deeply loved and prayed for.
zp >^,,^<>

9-26-06 Tears, Laughter, Decisions

9-26-06 Tears, Laughter, Decisions
Going to Wk Wed., Homecoming Starts Thurs.
Tears off and on all day.
Had some great visitors stop by, one was my 5th -7th grade best girlfriend Gin McElwee (who has lived in OK City since 8th grade.) Together we were classmates, girl scouts and two of the Azalea Rhodes JR. High "it" girls. It's a good time to be reminded of those fun carefree times. We discussed that combined with my best 8th grade best friend Lana (in TX) we have been married for 100 years. These were 3 girls who never went steady usually more than a few months. We went to all the fun parties and every school dance. It’s good to be reminded that you were once hot & firm.

I am going to be staying the night on Monday, October 2 at Springhill Hospital. There will be a drain in the incision that will stay for me to come home. Yuck! Denny & Jamie are going for the surgery, which is scheduled for 7:00 AM, I have Denny going to Dr. Neumann at 8:00. Gin is going to stay with me that night. (I better have some good drugs) I will come home Tuesday.

I have thought long and hard about should I ask for a second opinion at this stage. I have made extensive inquiries and feel totally confident that Dr. Harris is the right place for me to be. He is through, extremely experienced and highly recommended. The day my GYN told me of the malignant tumor and said she was sending me to an oncologist surgeon I ask her "whom would you send your mother to" she said "Dr. Harris." Another doctor told me that (the fact that one was cancerous) they would actually have questioned if all 4 lymph nodes had been clear. I trust he is being extremely conscientious.

I am merely at the mid way point of my journey.
I hope!

We ate Louise's gumbo tonight with one of the bags of Pud's shrimp, which I stir-fried in olive oil & garlic. Finished off Linda Sue's Godiva Dark Chocolate Cherries. (I gave one to Gin.) Also shared Joe Bonners cake w/ her.

I still want to slap someone.... I even have someone in mind.

I feel you prayers, I love your emails, cards and calls.
I have heard from so many of you, your children, and your friends. Thank you.

zp >^,,^<>

9-25-06 Upside Down World

9-25-06
I regret if my attempt to existentially express myself offends anyone.
Personally, I am extremely offended that I have breast cancer!
zp >^,,^<

If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning.ÿ
-Catherine Aird-


9-25-06 Upside Down World

Trip to Dr. William Harris today was not what I had anticipated.
I had my list of questions & my Susan Love Breast Book 4th addition.

I had preped Denny on the questions I wanted answered.

I had hardly asked about the tumor size: it was 1.1cm
It was both Estrogen receptor positive/progesterone receptor positive- yea!
Her-2/neu: Negative – yea!
S phase- low – yea!
Mitosis: low-yea!

He had gotten a clear margin around the tumor and then he tells me that they took “4” lymph nodes and 3 were negative and “1” showed cancer!

Hey! That was not on my list.
It wasn’t even in my realm of possibilities.

On Monday Oct. 2, I am to be back at Springhill Memorial Hospital at 5:30AM for a
“FULL AXILLARY DISSECTION” at 7:00 AM.

This is scheduled as out patient but if I am not doing well they will keep me overnight.
In a nutshell, they will put me to sleep for a 1-3 hour surgery where they will make an incision of about two inches across the armpit and then remove the “wad of fat” in the hollow of the armpit, which contains many of the lymph nodes. The lump of fat contains about 10-15 lymph nodes.

Pathology will then check them and from the results we will determine if I am to only have radiation or also CHEMO!
CRAP!!!

He asked me when was a good time and I told him not anytime, I was the queen and had many demands and responsibilities. (Thinking maybe after Xmas and the After Xmas Blues Dance) However, we do play away next week "Daphne" and early in the week would work best for my schedule if he thought it was necessary.
Evidently he thought it was….. And Denny agreeded!

I was so pissed!!! This is not supposed to happen to me! If I was to have a “WAD of FAT” (as discribed in the Dr. Susan Love book,) removed at this point in my life it was to be as the result of me winning the lottery and all of my friends at “my treat having plastic surgery.” The “WAD of FAT “ would be from somewhere other than my armpit!!!

Not to remove a bunch of lymph nodes.

The good news is he said the retched pain I am having like the flesh is burning for about 4 inches out from my armpit would be taken care of when he removes the inflammation during the surgery.

Oh Yea!!! I am still in pain from Tuesday and he is going to cut me two more inches.

This was suppose to be the happy email I would send telling all chapter closed,

all lived happily ever after.
Evidently the plan is not finished.
The Reality “Z” network season continues. I guess I am going to have to set up a web site to post my updates and blogs. I seem to constantly shut down my outgoing email with too many recipients at one time.

I will let you know if and when I figure out how to do a web page.

I know it could have been so much worse and has been for millions of women and men.

Thank you for your words of encouragement and prayers.

9-24-06 Kinda Low Today

9-24-06 Kinda Low Today
Go to the oncology surgeon Monday, 9-25-06 at 1:30 for pathology reports on the 3 lymph nodes removed and hopefully my options in continued treatment. Denny is taking me.
Evidently, I was way too active the first 36 hours and paid dearly for it since. I truly thought I was cutting way back. I so needed to go to the football game Friday night for my psychological health more than my physical recovery. Thank goodness for modern medicine & mild painkillers.
Thanks to my dear friends and neighbors I have eaten well, as has my family. I am currently working on the Sweetie Pie’s White Chocolate Pecan Pie, Banana Nut Bread and Cousin Laura Marie's Caramel Cake (Joe Bonner’s favorite) made by Sue Emmett. I am probably the only breast cancer patient to gain ten pounds in two weeks since being diagnosis.
In retrospect, I should have ask all of my friends and supporters to show their solidarity and unity in true “SUPPORT” by wearing a bra for 72 hours straight except to bath. Forget that 3-day walk or all night Relay, strap on an “over the shoulder boulder holder” day & night and show you truly empathize with a breast cancer patient. I know if that is the worst that I must endure… I am very fortunate.

I shall let you know the surgeon’s prognosis.
I am going ahead with the black “I GAVE BOOB” T-Shirts & buttons. I hope to have then in time for the “Think’ Pink” Event in Loxley at the Municipal Park, Saturday October 7.
It starts at 9 AM.

Thank you for reading and sharing my mini Reality cyber experience. No one has ever felt so deeply loved and prayed for.

9-20-06 Surgery Update

Oh NO! I think she has lymphedema in her arm, and stomach।

9-20-2006 OKAY here! My surgery was delayed by about an hour because the “technetium-99” dose for the Sentinel lymph node biopsy was not there for me to be injected with at 8:30 am. I waited in the “Transport” location (known to others as the corner of a hall way across from X-Ray) for over an hour. Dear Amanda was kind to inform me it had been ordered from off site and was requested ASAP. She helped me locate a phone (I knew I should have kept my cell phone taped to my thigh) to get word to Jamie that I would be off schedule. Over the next hour “as they cooked my dose in some bathtub at a Motel 6 in Theodore” I took a nap, and attempted to read my chart. It stated something like “a well nourished, white female,” Just as I got to the good part “my Hormone Receptor Status “some busy body tech took my chart away.
After I got it back I read happily that my Receptors are ER-positive and PR-positive. Also YEA! My HER2 is NOT over expressed.
As result of the Sentinel lymph node biopsy they removed 3 Lymph nodes. My bandage is from my nipple to as far as I can reach toward my back under my arm. Really I have only a dull ache in my left shoulder blade, and occasional burning sensation in breast.
I have Lorcet that Denny and Jamie administer every 4 hours at which time I treat myself with ½ a Nut Bread muffin.
After all, you must take meds w/ food.
I must wear a BRA, yes I said BRA for the next 48 hours. All I have are under wire and Mary Rush is going to purchase me a BIG Girl non-under wire Wednesday morning and I can switch.
I go back to the doctor MONDAY Sept. 25 for follow up consult as to lymph node pathology report, and whatever treatment, radiation/chemo? to follow.
Denny’s visit to Dr. Neumann the ENT at 8:50 AM he has a nasty sinus infection, and is on 4 prescriptions. The result from a 9 or 10th grade football injury his nose was broken and he is unable to breath on his entire left side. He goes back in 3 weeks. Something good has come from this if he can get a handle on these chronic sinus infections. It is a good thing he was taking off today, Wednesday to stay with me. Thursday Melissa is coming over.
The meal on wheels is roll’n along.
Monday -Susan brought Beef Burgundy for my last supper with cancer
Tuesday- Patti, Christie, & Ashley brought LA Bar B Que.
Wednesday Linda – a casserole
Thursday- Melissa is cooking crawfish Monica here.
Pud- shrimp
Mary Rush- I think she is cooking the Salmon from O’Charlies. Mine & Denny’s favorite
Friday, I plan to ride over to the Fairhope game & tailgate before the game. Go Lions!
Week end- left overs and eat the pecan pie Brenda Hollis brought & the chocolate chip cookies from Mary Evans.
LUNCH-the yummy wrap sandwiches from the Underwood Crew.
Like I said, with every pill I eat ½ of a Nut muffin. Hopefully the only lymphedema I develop will be on my butt.
Thanks for your cards, calls & emails, and most of all you thoughts and prayers.

Hormone Receptor Status
Physicians often examine hormone receptors in breast cancer cells at the time of biopsy or breast surgery to determine whether estrogen receptors (ER-positive) or progesterone receptors (PR-positive) are present. Patients whose cancers have ER or PR-positive receptors tend to have a better prognosis than patients whose cancers do not have these receptors. Cancers with ER or PR-positive receptors are also much more likely to respond to chemotherapy or hormone treatment.
Breast cancer cells that express ER-positive receptors in their nuclei also tend to respond better to hormonal manipulation. For example, the drug tamoxifen is used to block the female hormone estrogen from estrogen receptors, thus slowing the growth and reproduction of cancerous cells. Researchers know less about PR-positive receptors but have noticed that cells that contain ER-positive receptors often contain PR-positive receptors too. If a cell contains a PR-positive receptor but no ER-positive receptors, a patient’s prognosis may be worsened.
HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2), a protein receptor found on the surface of cells, is a key component in regulating cell growth. When the HER2 gene (sometimes written HER2/neu) is altered, extra HER2 receptors may be produced. This over-expression of HER2 causes increased cell growth and reproduction, often resulting in more aggressive tumor cells. HER2 protein over-expression affects 25% to 30% of breast cancer patients. A new drug, herceptin, has recently been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat women with metastatic breast cancer who over-express HER2. Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that has spread past the breast and underarm lymph nodes.

What is HER2?
YEA! MINE WAS NOT labeled over-expression
HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) is a protein found on the surface of cells that, when functioning normally, has been found to be a key component in regulating cell growth. However, when the HER2 protein is altered, extra HER2 protein receptors may be produced. This over-expression of HER2 causes increased cell growth and reproduction, often resulting in more aggressive breast cancer cells.
HER2 protein over-expression affects approximately 20% to 30% of breast cancer patients. Women with HER2 over-expression may not be as responsive to standard breast cancer treatments, including certain regimens of chemotherapy.

http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/sentinelnode.asp
What is Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy?
When breast cancer is diagnosed, women (and men) must often undergo axillary lymph node dissection (i.e., removal of underarm nodes) to check for the spread of cancer. This process is part of “staging” the cancer. Unfortunately, the removal of these lymph nodes can lead to lymphedema (chronic swelling) of the arm in a certain percentage-- about 10-20%--of cases. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a new diagnostic procedure used to determine whether breast cancer has spread (metastasized) to axillary lymph nodes (i.e., lymph glands under the arm). A sentinel lymph node biopsy requires the removal of only one to three lymph nodes for close review by a pathologist. If the sentinel nodes do not contain tumor (cancer) cells, this may eliminate the need to remove additional lymph nodes in the axillary area. Early research on this technique indicates that sentinel lymph node biopsy may be associated with less pain and fewer complications than standard axillary dissection. However, because the procedure is so new, long term data are not yet available.
How is Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Performed?
Before going to the operating room, the surgeon injects a small dose of a low-level radioactive tracer called technetium-99 into the breast in the region of the patient’s tumor. Technetium-99 contains less radiation than a standard x-ray, CT scan or bone scan and is a relatively safe substance. A blue dye is also injected to help visually track the location of the sentinel node during surgery. The surgeon then uses a hand held counter to detect the radioactive tracer and locate the sentinel node.
Sometimes, nuclear medicine images (also known as lymphoscintigraphy) of the lymphatic system will be obtained after injecting the technetium-99 before surgery. Since the uptake of the technetium-99 by cancerous lymph nodes is sometimes different than the uptake by normal lymph nodes, these nuclear medicine images may also help show which lymph nodes are cancerous.
Next, the surgeon will wait for the technetium-99 and dye to travel from the tumor region to the sentinel lymph node(s), just as cancer cells might spread. Depending on the protocol followed, the surgeon usually waits between 45 minutes to 8 hours after injection before bringing a patient to the operating room for the biopsy. At some point during the procedure, a small amount of blue dye will also be injected into the breast tissue near the area of the tumor. Once the technetium-99 tracer and dye have reached the nodes, the surgeon will scan the area with an electric, hand-held gamma ray counter (called a Geiger counter) to detect the radioactive technetium-99.
The gamma ray counter is attached to a small probe which the surgeon traces over the axilla to locate the sentinel node(s). When the radioactive agent is found, the gamma ray counter will emit an audible tone, revealing the exact location of the sentinel node(s). Once the area has been pinpointed, the surgeon will make a small incision (usually one-half inch) and remove the sentinel node(s) for a pathologist to examine under a microscope. The blue dye provides additional visual confirmation of the sentinel node’s location during surgical removal. Several clinical trials have revealed that in the vast majority of cases, if the sentinel node does not contain cancer, then the cancer has not spread past the breast. Sentinel node biopsy does not usually require the placement of a fluid drainage tube (common in axillary node dissection).

Why is Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Performed?
Courtesy NIH/NCI
Sentinel lymph node biopsy may help in determining which patients can avoid axillary node dissection and the removal of 10 to 30 lymph nodes. Most patients have only one to three sentinel lymph nodes under the arm. Thus, an average of only two lymph nodes are removed in each patient with a sentinel node biopsy. This, in turn, may reduce post-operative complications. A standard axillary node dissection, removal of the underarm lymph nodes, usually requires a larger four to six inch incision and a longer recovery period than a sentinel node biopsy. Researchers are currently investigating whether sentinel node biopsy should routinely be performed in place of axillary node dissection. However, surgeons caution that more studies on the benefits and risks of sentinel node biopsy should be conducted before the procedure becomes widespread. Typically, patients who undergo a modified radical mastectomy or a lumpectomy may require lymph node removal. Sentinel node biopsy or axillary node dissection helps surgeons determine if breast cancer has spread to the lymphatics and the extent of the spread.

9-18-06 The Night Before Surgery

9-18-06 The Night Before
To ALL “Z” T.N.P.
Even if I haven’t run into you in town, at a game, spoke on the phoned, received a card or had an email, I have felt your prayers and positive energy in my direction. Yes! I am just that narcissistic to think like this.
I hope all of you have been taking notes on the past informative emails. Your final will be soon.
Jamie or I will send out a mass Spam Tuesday night as to how much I stressed the staff at Springhill. Denny & I must be at the Springhill Out Patient Surgery in Mobile at 7 AM and I am scheduled for 9:30 AM surgery. The surgery should take about 1-1 ½ hours. Jamie and Mary Page are coming, Mary said she wasn’t the correct religion but I told her she was a “soul sister.” Denny has had a nasty sinus infection for about 10 days. I made him an appointment at Doctor J. Neuman the ENT that Jamie & Trey use at 8:50 am. His office is located practically in the hospital parking lot. Hey, if he is taking the day off from work he can go to the doctor while I am lying on some table waiting for the radioactive dye to spread. Anyway, I can’t control my day so I will control him from a hospital bed (under anesthesia.) He has to get better and take care of “ME!”
The following is my response to one of the many wonderful, sincere messages I have received.
Pat, You are the best! My only regret is it took cancer for me to have the pleasure of the exchange of clever repartee' with one of my favorite people in my life. And I do mean my life, like the past 30 years.
If only those poor other patient's SSO Club members knew what they were missing by your absence, they would be so jealous..
Actually, the truth be known, I could not stand missing out on the party. So there, if I can't be there, NO one can have fun! And as I told Matt Maurin today, it’s not like anyone could visit me at my house in the past 6 months…I’m never at home. My close friends are at the ball games, concession stand, Draw Down, Trim A Tree, Relay, some fun bus trip, a civic fundraiser, a restaurant, Art in the Park…..
Yikes.. home! That means I would have to clean the bathroom.
Stay tuned.
News to follow by Wednesday.
love ya, (.)z(.)
zp >^,,^<

-----Original Message-----
From: Andersen [mailto:andersen@gulftel।com]
Sent: Monday, September 18, 2006 8:32 पम
To: ZanaSubject: Re: 9-14-06 Only Four Days left #1

Well, I was planning to come to the hospital for your surgery but I guess you told me!!! I had my books, boom box, picnic basket, ice chest, photo album, and notebook of Zana stories to share with everyone while we waited... BUT... I guess that I will just stay here and wait for news via the web.
Seriously, we love you and have been praying and will continue to pray everyday. Just to assure you that prayer works, I have a little Aunt who is 85 and has been in ICU in Michigan for some mysterious disease (they even tried to call in Dr. House!). She has been on a ventilator and completely comatose for 3+ weeks. On Saturday she "came back" and remembers all the important stuff but none of the hospital stuff. She had breakfast for the first time in 3+ weeks on Sunday morning. We will keep praying!
Peace, Love, Health, Happiness! -- P –
Pat’s response to Dr. Harris feeling sorry for Denny
PS: News flash -- Dr. Harris is not the only one who feels sorry for Denny!

9-11-06 LOOKING UP

To All “Z” T.N.P.
the nipple pullers.
Well I guess my brain was in my boob today. I went off with out my cell phone,(Denny left his at home too) my wallet, driver’s license, Blue Cross Card, I left my purse in the Lab after having an EKG, chest x ray and blood work. Left my umbrella in the restaurant and the girl came running out after me. Had to go back to Springhill for my purse. Poor, Denny isn’t use to having to be my keeper. As Fred always said there aren’t enough chains to keep up with all of Zana’s stuff.
Everyone in the Lab though my sticker said “I gave blood today” I said “Read it again.”
They got it!
Today I decided Dr. Harris slightly resembles Dick Cheney. He seemed to be a bit sorry for Denny, having been married to me for 35 years.
My appointment was for 1:30. I arrived at 1:10; there were all ready about 4 people ahead of me & Tada I got to go back “FIRST” YEA! I was so nervous I felt like throwing up on the ride from Foley, that & the cramps from hell. I had been popping 800 mg Motrin every 4 hours and Dr. Harris said I needed to be off of the Motrin for 5 days before the surgery. I reminded him I was allergic to PAIN!
The Surgery is scheduled for Sept. 19, Tuesday morning at Spring Hill Hospital at 9:00 AM. All of the pathology is not back yet as to the receptors.
I am to have a Segmental mastectomy, with Sentinel node biopsy. Followed by radiation here in Foley as it stands now. He also said part of my recovery was that all of my friends had to work in the concession stand and commit to coming to the Relay for Life event in Foley next Spring. (Oh! And help me with Trim A Tree)
Thank you for your prayers, emails and calls. Keep those candles burning…..
GET YOUR CHECK UPS! PAP SMEARS, PSA’s
Two new terms for today!
Segmental mastectomy
Sentinel node biopsy
The following will be on your final!
Segmental mastectomy, Lumpectomy or wide excision
http://susanlovemd.com/decision/c_4_1_2.htm
Lumpectomy is a catch-all term for several procedures -- partial mastectomy, wide excision, segmental mastectomy, and quadrantectomy. None of these terms is precise. Just as quadrantectomy does not mean that a fourth of the breast is removed, the part of the breast removed in partial mastectomy can vary from 1% to 50% and a segment that is taken out can be any size. The extent of lumpectomy depends on the size of the lump. Wide excision means cutting away a margin of tissue around the lump.
With breast-conserving operations as with most surgical procedures, different surgeons have different approaches. The operation is pretty standard. The surgeon starts by taking out the breast tissue in a wedge, like a piece of pie, all the way down to the level of the muscle. That piece is given intact to the pathologist. Then the tissue and skin are sutured together.

Sentinel node biopsy
http://susanlovemd.com/decision/c_3_2.htm
A sentinel node is the first lymph node into which a tumor drains, and therefore is the first place to which cancer is likely to spread. The object is to find that node and determine whether it has cancer cells. If it does, the surgeon will want to remove the other nodes to determine how extensive the spread is; if it is negative, they can reasonably assume that the cancer hasn't advanced. The procedure is still relatively new and the technical details are being figured out.
There are those who favor using blue dye, those who favor a radioactive tracer and those who prefer to do both. Most of the doctors who do the procedure do both. Blue dye can be given at the time of the surgery itself, because it spreads to the nodes pretty quickly: the doctor can inject the blue dye as soon as the patient is asleep. By contrast, the radioactive tracer must be given at least three hours ahead of time, since it takes that long to get from the tumor to the lymph node. It's usually injected under local anesthetic, around where the tumor is or was.
If you have had an injection of the radioactive tracer the doctors don't have any trouble finding the node-the gamma counter tells them where to make the incision. Once the incision has been made; they can then see a blue lymph vessel leading to the lymph node, and track it
Infrequently, the sentinel node will be not in the patient's armpit but up in her chest, beneath the sternum, and here the radioactive tracer is a definite advantage. The absence of radioactivity in the armpit will lead the doctor to check for it elsewhere. It is still controversial as to the utility of removing lymph nodes from under the breast bone and surgeons need to weight the pros and cons . It doesn't change a woman's survival rate, but it may affect her decision about whether or not to have chemotherapy.

9-10-06 Feeling

9-10-06 Feeling
September 10, 2006
Well, the ballgame is over for the week, 2-0. We went to the Troy VS FL. State game Sat. It was great. Trey said, “This is BIG Football.” This week we travel to Ladd Stadium to play Leflore, I have chartered a fan bus for the trip and so far it’s only half full. I have been a bit distracted on some things of late… Housework, my job, cooking, getting volunteers for the concession stand, laundry, groceries… poor Jack the cat has had to borrow cat food from Jamie next door the past three days. Hey, but he has a clean litter box!
It’s like if I can fill up my days to over capacity I won’t have time to feel frightened and sorry for myself. I know there is a big plan, and I know that this is the perfect time for this to happen. During the fall, which puts me in contact weekly with so many of my lifelong friends. At the game I sat down for a quarter, next to Pat Roberts Davis and Jeannie Lipscomb, both I have know from childhood. How fortunate to have my wonderful family in addition to the kind of community support and love that is expressed by so many.
It’s funny how I seem to have lost my appetite. I would have imaged I would eat nonstop with nerves. My dear friend Carolyn has kept me supplied in Pollman’s brownies and lemon puffs. There is nothing like a good lemon puff first thing in the morning to get you going and brighten your day. Of course the powered sugar on the keyboard is not a good thing.
By writing down my thoughts and feelings and emailing it out to my friends near and far I feel connected and not so very alone in this journey. There will be a test later… So pay attention!
I shall let you know what we decide with Dr. Harris, and how he likes the stickers. I am thinking of expanding the line to include rubber bracelets and rub on tattoos. Maybe, I can market a card or a small book with a sticker & bracelet attached. I’m not sure if there are many weirdoes like me out there?
Thank you for reading, caring, your prayers, emails and most of all in being my friend.
Another email I received, I am going to name my support group “TNP” the nipple pullers.

From: Ann Crawford
Only you can turn a bad situation into comic relief. Mom said you would do anything to get into the "titless" club. She said to let her know if you need anything. We are all pullin' a nipple for ya!
Keep us posted and let us know if you need ANYTHING! I know that circle of yours is squeezin tight.
Keep the chin up (you don't want it sagging too) but know that their are arms to hold it up when you need them.
Ac

9-08-06 Consult App. Changed

9-08-06 Consult App. Changed
Friday, September 8, 2006 10:30 AM
YEA! Nurse Charlene called from Dr. Harris office this morning.
Instead of me waiting until Thursday, she offered to have me come in today (Friday is game day I told her) so, we settled on this Monday, Sept. 11 at 1:30. YES! I will be the first appointment after lunch! Something made me go and rub her shoulders and neck after she took my weight & blood pressure on Tuesday. I knew that she was a kindred spirit. Little did I realize she would be my “Appointment Angel.”?
She told me that Dr. Harris told her about me asking him if he was piercing my nipple on the fourth hunk of tissue he took of six.

So have a great weekend! We are all going to the FL State vs। Troy game tomorrow, Saturday in Tallahassee. Denny, Jamie, Trey, Warren & I in the truck. Tammy & Jerry in their truck. They will be going on to Orlando for their belated honeymoon for two weeks.

Thank you for your prayers and positive thoughts
Love you
zana

9-07-06 Biopsy Results

9-07-06 Biopsy Results
TADA! The results are in.
Time: 5:40 pm 9-07-2006

I waited all morning for the call concerning my biopsy results.
I even called Charlene a nurse at Dr. Harris’s office & ask her to check. Dr. Harris was in surgery this morning and the lab said it would be this afternoon before they had them.
I called again at 4:30, they were still with patients.
I knew how to get the call to come. “CLEAN THE CAT LITTER BOX.” I took the stink’n litter box outside to clean; it was way past do and poor “Jack the Cat” has been hanging off the side to go for the past week. I have been distracted. I knew the call would come once I had my hands in cat litter. Sure enough!
Tresarae, Dr. Harris’s PA called with the results. My biopsy was bad. I am thinking “not a clear sample?” Am I in denial or what? She said, no it was a good sample it showed carcinoma and the good news is that it was well-differentiated (see chart below.)
I am to see Dr. Harris next Thursday, Sept 14 at 2:00 pm to discuss my surgical options.
All of the path results are not yet back, as to the receptors.
Denny will go with me then.
Good grief what a roller coaster!
Terri at work designed and made some 3-inch stickers for me to give to Dr. Harris the next time I see him.
I think she was ingenious in the coil design with the bull’s eye in the middle.
Somehow, I don’t think he often uses the “boob” word in conversation with his patients. I was pleased to see him loosen up and crack a funny. I have a way of wearing down the staunchest professional.
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/histologic_grades.asp


Grade 1(lowest)
Well-differentiated breast cells;cells generally appear normaland are not growing rapidly;cancer arranged in small tubules.
Score 3,4,5
5 yr. survival 95%
7 yr. survival 90%



Grade 2
Moderately-differentiated breast cells;have characteristics between Grade 1 and Grade 3 tumors.
Score 6,7
5 yr. survival 75%
7 yr. survival 63%





Grade 3(highest)
Poorly differentiated breast cells;Cells do not appear normal and tend to grow and spread more aggressively.
Score 8,9
5 yr. survival 50%
7 yr. survival 45%

9-05-06 Core Biopsy
As my friend and supporter I am compelled to not merely inform you but educate you through my experience. I realized I know more about my VCR than I do about my breast and Breast Cancer.
Visit to Dr. Bill Harris 9-05-2006, 1:30 pm
Springhill Hospital: Building 2, 7th floor
Sister Tammy went with me; Dr. Harris took a core needle biopsy yesterday in his office. If you wish to enlighten yourself as to the procedure here is a link. http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/biopsy/core.asp

I will have the biopsy result by Thursday, 9-07. Based on results I will have a lumpectomy next week at Springhill as an outpatient. Based on surgical findings I may have to have follow up radiation treatments. There is still an outside change it could simple be a “Fat Necrosis” (see below)
Tammy & I checked out the films from last week (the tumor was clearly visible, size of a raisinet, or small lemon drop) on the big tittie clock it is located at about 2:00 to the left outside।

With Tammy’s help I finally found it. It’s a good thing I had not felt it before. I couldn’t keep my hand from going to it. The Dr. came in and ask “So when did you first feel it?” I said 10 minutes ago.
He said he was going to do the biopsy and ask if I was allergic to anything. I said YES! PAIN!!!
He assured me he would numb it, I ask “would I still be able to suck on a straw?” Implying I wish to be numb from my eyeballs to my waist.
Good news, all I felt was a sense of pressure and the loud clicking noise of some kind of plastic against plastic, which was the most disturbing. He took 6 samples. On the fourth I ask him if he was piercing my nipple. He said he was just at my left lung….
Tammy watched, I closed my eyes or stared at the ceiling. Yuck!
I kept imaging pulling plugs of flesh out of a raw chicken. I ask, “Am I bleeding!?” He said just a little.
Afterwards as they were putting on the BIG band aide I said “Don’t I at least get a smiley face sticker?” The nurse offered to draw one on my band aide, by this time I had finally worn down Dr. Harris, he replied “I guess instead of a sticker that says “I gave Blood “ he should have stickers that say “I gave BOOB” …YES!…. I finally wore him down! He will learn to play the “Z” game or I will play it by myself.
I feel much better now that I have seen it on the film, I could see NOTHING on the last two years films, touched it and know that it has been biopsy. I really trust my surgeon. I talked with Litta Capra (wife of Mobile dermatologist Dr. Thomas Capra) and she said Dr. Harris had done her breast surgery last year. That he is highly respected and valued among he peers.
I had picked my films up at the Daphne Thomas Hospital from Angela the mammogram chick that took the 8 pictures last week. I hugged her and thanked her for being so conscientious and diligent. I apologized for thinking she was having a bad day, it never dawned on me to be suspicious. She told me to tell everyone that recently there has been almost an epidemic of breast cancers that she has seen. Everyone get your scheduled mammogram, do your self-examinations.

I will update after Biopsy report
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and whatever dead livestock you are out.
I love you।

Zana
Fat Necrosis
Fat necrosis, a benign condition where fatty breast tissue swells or becomes tender, can occur spontaneously or as the result of an injury to the breast. When the body attempts to repair damaged breast tissue, the affected area may sometimes be replaced with firm scar tissue. Fat necrosis may be mistaken as cancer on a mammogram; however symptoms of fat necrosis usually subside within a month. Biopsy can confirm fat necrosis.
According to the American Cancer Society, some areas of fat necrosis can have a different response to injury. Instead of forming scar tissue, the fat cells die and release their contents, forming a sac-like collection of greasy fluid called an oil cyst. Oil cysts can be diagnosed by fine needle aspiration, which also serves as a treatment. While fat necrosis itself is a non-cancerous condition, its appearance can sometimes draw attention to another suspicious area of the breast that had not previously been discovered.