During my doctor's visit on October 9th, my Oncologist mentioned that Chemotherapy, in his professional opinion, would be the first treatment option to consider. We mapped out a treatment plan which involved seventeen chemo infusions in total. The game plan was to start with chemotherapy, then surgery (single or double mastectomy, depending), radiation, and finally chemo … [Read more...] about The First of Many
Going Under
Have you ever heard that phrase, going under? It's a pretty interesting phrase because it has just two words in it but a whole lot of interpretations, most of them negative. Going under could be a business facing financial ruin, or a person losing their life's savings. It could even be about a swimmer, trying to stay afloat but virtually drowning. All these things … [Read more...] about Going Under
Full Circle
Most people know Anderson Cooper. He is a famous CNN anchor and he is well known for his show, AC360ΒΊ. What a lot of people don't know is, he is also the host of an American web television news program called Full Circle which broadcasts on weekdays at 5:00 pm Eastern Time. On this show, he talks about stories from people around the world on topics that they care … [Read more...] about Full Circle
Issa Party!
For the next four days, my cousin tries to cheer me up. Even though I had received some good news regarding my lymph nodes, considering, I knew what was ahead of me. I had cared for my aunt for a brief period of time some years back. She was sick herself, with breast cancer. Even though she fought, she later passed, and I saw how much she suffered when she was alive. My … [Read more...] about Issa Party!
October 9th
Today Is October 8th and I'm excited; a friend of mine is coming into town to see me. Well, here she is: So those in my family who need to know, know. October 9th finally rolls around. Today I'm meeting with my medical team, and I have my squad with me. Featured are my cousin Christian, my mom's sister Aunty Maggie Fonge and my friend Victoria who was visiting me … [Read more...] about October 9th
What?!
"What?!" That's all I could think to say. How was that even possible? I looked at him in denial, but the doctor pulled me closer and showed me some of the images he was reviewing. "You see, this is the lump that you felt, in your upper left breast. But these other two, you didn't feel them because they were not superficial, and you have dense breast tissue. But they are … [Read more...] about What?!
All Jokes Aside
If you read my previous post, you probably have a little grin on your face right now. You might have even laughed. Some of my friends say I have the quality of being witty, amusing or comic. That's because sometimes I usually resort to humor when I find a situation too intense to handle. It's not that the event is humorous in itself; It's just that this approach helps keep me … [Read more...] about All Jokes Aside
You Have To Come In Again
"You have to come in again." "Really? I mean is there a particular reason why?" "We just want to make sure our preliminary tests were properly done. In addition, we see some abnormal activity in your lymph nodes that we would also like to biopsy and send to the pathologist. So yes, I know you've already been through this before, and we apologize for the inconvenience, but you … [Read more...] about You Have To Come In Again
After Mass
Remember I had told you I would tell you why I was taking this trip? In case you don't remember, here is a link to the post where I mentioned it. Now I am finally about to spill my guts. It was a cold Wednesday morning. I remember so well how cold it was because I had just come out of the warmth of the church from attending morning mass (I'm Catholic). I hadn't slept a wink … [Read more...] about After Mass
A Villa Like No Other
Off to our final accommodation. Are you still with me? I hope so. Do you need a bathroom break? Well then go for it. Get some popcorn, some water, a snack... whatever you need. Just get it and come back quick so I can continue with my story. Are you comfortable now? Well, here we go... Ayama Villa is a beautiful home on the island with a private beach and a wood-themed … [Read more...] about A Villa Like No Other