Journal entry by Jenny Barthel —
Post surgery update. I am feeling more myself each day. I am healing well. I currently still have my drains in place, but hope to at least get one removed tomorrow. I have to remind myself to take it easy and not lift or pull too much. All my boys have done awesome and have been great helpers. I have driven some. I got this heart pillow to put under the seatbelt which has been amazing! Who would have thought. I have an appointment with my plastic surgeon tomorrow which I am looking forward to. I hope to get the implant surgery on the schedule. This has to be 12 weeks out from my first surgery and I am hoping to get planning for the summer.
My follow up appointment with my oncologist (Dr. Higgins), who is fabulous by the way, went well. My hemoglobin has gone up to 9.6 so I’m feeling more energized which is awesome. That should continue to improve. I do not have to get radiation :) since I had a complete response. That was so great to hear. I will continue to get a shot in my leg every three weeks until mid September. This shot is a HER2 blocker. Since I was HER2 positive this will help attack any HER2 proteins from further development. After mid September I will be completely done with treatment! I will have follow ups every 6 months for a while, which I’m ok with as it will be reassuring.
I continue to be amazed by all of the support. Thank you to my mother in law for coming down and helping with the boys for a week after my surgery. It definitely helped allow me to relax and start healing. Thank you to those who continue to check in and also my coworkers who have brought meals - they have been delicious.
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