20 weeks of chemo, check!
Surgery to remove the entire right breast (2nd mastectomy), check!
My medical team at Virginia Mason was fantastic from the 5:45am check-in on the September 3rd until my checkout at noon on the 4th. Mathis stayed overnight on a cot and we’re both glad to be home for a good night’s sleep …and the beginning of my two-week-plus recovery.
Oh, and here is what Mathis packed for his overnight stay. Obviously I’m driving him to drink!
Look what Mathis snuck into the hospital!
Unfortunately – and fortunately – I’ve been through this operation and the recovery process before. I need to take it very easy so I heal faster, which will allow me to head into radiation sooner.
Post-surgery 9/6, sharing a photo with my friend, Karin Allen. She and Paul brought yummy food, flowers and laughter.
Karin Allen Visit_090715
Next treatment: aggressive radiation. The area will be broad, blanketing all mammary lymph nodes up to the bottom of my neck. I’ll be done by Thanksgiving! Scans again by the end of the year. Then pills to keep the cancer at bay for the rest of my life.
Some wonderful words of wisdom from my friend, and Tracy’s closest friend, Jennie Grimes:
What Cancer Cannot Do
Cancer is so limited…
It cannot cripple Love
It cannot shatter Hope
It cannot corrode Faith
It cannot destroy Peace
It cannot kill Friendship
It cannot suppress Memories
It cannot silence Courage
It cannot invade the Soul
It cannot steal Eternal Life
It cannot conquer the Spirit
Friday, in the hospital, I had a tough moment when they removed the bandages. Then, this picture arrived and I laughed:
This week, Wednesday, I’ll be interviewed on a local TV show, “New Day Northwest”, along with the American Cancer Society in preparation for the October 10 “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” 5K family walk. You can sign up now as a participant and help “Dana’s Gladiator’s” reach 50 people walking together. And/or donate any amount.
I love having these milestones to look forward to. More importantly, I love my family and friends love and support.
Love and hugs,
Dana
Dana's Cancer Conquest 
Dana, I LOVE to hear these updates! We have been thinking of you so frequently, holding you in our thoughts and prayers. I wish I could join you in the walk….we’ll be cheering you on with so much love.
xoxo Susan and Kerin
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Dana- Mathis deserves that and much more! Wishing you the speediest and healthiest of recoveries. You are in my thoughts. I started taking Anastrozole. Will continue for 5 years. Tell Mathis to give you a big hug!
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I am always grateful to get updates. Thanks for keep us in the loop. Mathis knows how to visit the infirmed and make them happy. I especially loved the part that “cancer is so limited…” You are a true gladiator.
Much love, Kathleen and Bill
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so glad to hear you are slowing down and resting. we are your gladiators, fighting in prayer and sending encouragement your way. Hugs!
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F……. Sorry. It’s just how I feel. Hate cancer. Love Dana.
Sent from my Windows Phone ________________________________
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I love Jennie’s words of wisdom. Wishing you the best through your next phase of treatment!
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You don’t drive him that hard or it would be a bigger bottle.
All I know is I sure want you two on my side when something poopy happens to me.
Much love my brave friend.
Marie
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HUGS STAY STRONG
Sent from my iPhone
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Hi Dana!! I’m so happy to hear how well you’re doing. I know these few weeks won’t be easy but hang in there…it sounds like you have the world’s greatest caretaker! Sending you lots of love!!! Xoxoxoxo Francine
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Thank you for the update – your spirit and your newsletters are amazing! If anyone can kick cancer to the curb, it’s YOU!! Sending you sunny So. Cal hugs, Love, Elya
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