I’m caught in another waiting game: waiting for pathology results.

Because I chose to have my surgery through a different hospital system, there was some miscommunication and a delay in sending my results. What would typically take about two weeks is now taking four.

As I have mentioned before, my definition of time has changed since my diagnosis. I’m continually reminded that this is a “slow-growing” cancer, but I can’t say that puts my mind completely at ease.

Tick. Tock.

Pathology

My pathology sample will be used for Oncotype testing, which examines the activity of certain genes in the cancer tissue. The resulting score will help my doctors estimate the likelihood of recurrence and whether chemotherapy may be beneficial.

We already know that my cancer is estrogen-receptor-positive and that hormone therapy will be part of my treatment for the next 10 years.

Healing

I’m standing much more upright, and today I walked two miles—my farthest distance so far.

It seems I can walk well every other day. The following day, my back pays the price.

“No pain, no gain.”

My incisions are healing, but my abdomen is still very tight. Imagine filling your stomach with air and stopping in the middle of a breath. Tight!

My DIEP flap surgical sites are healing, and some sensation is beginning to return. For now, there is a great deal of tingling as the tissue and nerves heal. At times, it feels as though my shirt is made of sandpaper.

As uncomfortable as it feels, I’m told this is a positive sign.

Blessings

There are too many to count: family, friends, neighbors and all the mail. I’ve read every card more than once.

My meal train keeps my boys fed and my kitchen clean. My parents are “parenting” the boys, handling grouchy mornings and providing miles of taxi service.

My husband tends to my wounds and remains at my beck and call with icy water, hot coffee and middle-of-the-night pillow adjustments.

He even vacuumed today.

Yep, I can’t say I have much to complain about!