Wednesday, July 10, 2019

WWU - In Which Diane Beats the Crap Out of Breast Cancer

I have an update on Diane and her breast cancer treatment:  she's finished!!!  She had 16 days of radiation after she healed from her lumpectomy and she's done and in Michigan as I type this.  There was a blip at the end - the machine went down on the day she was supposed to get her last treatment.  We went out to breakfast to kill some time - Blue Baker, of course:
Last meal together for a month!

They rescheduled her appointment to 3:00 pm.  Then 4:00 pm.  Then they said 8:00 am the next morning, which meant that she'd miss her flight to Michigan.  She was OK with that - she wanted to get that last radiation treatment, so she bought another ticket to fly out a day later.

Then they said a part was needed and it was in Dallas and the repairman was going there to get it.  The time ticked by and she came over, where we each sat on a couch, talking and waiting for an update on the machine, and looking at pictures of her grandson (OK that was fun, he's so cute), and the time ticked by and it was not looking good to get that last treatment and make her flight the next morning.  She left sometime after 5:00 pm, with both of us disappointed at how the day went.

But miracle of miracles, a little while later the machine was finally repaired and the staff called her to come in - this was after hours, but everyone, even her cancer doctor, returned to get this last treatment done for her.  They knew how important it was for her to get to Michigan and they did not want her to miss another flight!  I believe they went the extra mile for Diane because she's a kind person and I know she was a model patient.  Plus it's a very good cancer center and I'm sure they do everything they can to help every patient.  But let's face it, Diane is extra special.

When Diane was finished and texted DONE! I sent my congratulations and wished her a safe trip, knowing she had to drive to Austin that evening to catch her early morning flight, and that I'd see her in August when she returned.

Just a few minutes later, Jeff and I were sitting in the backyard when the doorbell rang.  He went to answer it and brought back Diane, who gave me the biggest hug and said she couldn't leave without doing that because we started and ended this process together.  It was a total accident that we finished like we started, sitting on the couches, but that completed the circle of Diane's breast cancer experience and now she is cancer free, with every last cell that even had the remotest chance of turning bad blasted into oblivion.

The regular WWU will return next week, but I just had to let you guys know about Diane's most excellent health status.  I'm sure you understand.  Oh and also, get your mammogram.  Mine is scheduled for August 7th.  When's yours?

27 comments:

  1. I had no idea Diane was going through cancer treatment? Had you shared this before?
    I am so glad the story ended how it did. This is a story that should be in those "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books!

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    1. I suspect my first post about this was around the time you were dealing with losing Baylee so it's totally understandable if you missed it. It's linked in the last paragraph (get your mammogram) if you want to read it.

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  2. Oh my word! That is such fabulous news!!!!! Thank you for sharing!!!!

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  3. Congrats to Diane! I had my yearly 3D mammogram this past Monday.

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    1. Awesome, Jill - and I know you made Diane happy to read this.

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  4. Congratulations to your friend, Diane! So happy for her to be done. My mom went through similar treatment last summer - lumpectomy and radiation - so this hit home for me. I'm glad you are both doing better.

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    1. Mary Sue, that must have been scary - so good to hear that your mom is doing well.

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  5. I love that you two started and finished it together. Hooray for Diane! Way to kick cancer's ass girl!!

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    1. Yeah that was a really good way to finish it. :)

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  6. Congrats on Diane getting her last treatment! They did stay late and get it all done for her because she is a kind person and people want to help people like that! It's so sweet she stopped by for a hug :) I hope she has a great time in MI!

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  7. That's really awesome that they all came in after-hours to make sure she got her last treatment. I am sure she also very much appreciates you being there for her!

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    1. I was so happy they went the extra mile for her - usually I'm sad to see her leave for the summer but I wanted to see her go this year!

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  8. Great news! Thanks for the update. My mammogram is scheduled for August 16th the day before my sons 31st birthday.

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    1. What a nice birthday gift for your son, knowing his mom is taking care of her health!

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  9. Yay, Diane! Enjoy every minute in Michigan.

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  10. Oh what a great story! So glad they fixed the machine and got her in before she had to cancel another flight!! And, what a great friend she's been for you.

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    1. She has been a really good friend, for real. Although I had to go through my third epidural without her getting my Heath Bar - what's up with that? ;)

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  11. This is so great!! I got a little misty there at the end. :) Congrats to Diane!!

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    1. I choked up writing it. Such a wonderful outcome!

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  12. Such great news for Diane! I hope she enjoys her time away.

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  13. This is wonderful news. Congrats Diane. Now we want to hear about your running adventures.

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  14. This is excellent news! That feeling of knowing a dear friend or family member is done with treatment is indescribable. One of my dear friends was declared "in remission" two days ago, so we are all still riding on that high. Here is continued prayers for your friend, that she is healed and recovered.

    Angie @ Two for the Road
    https://24theroad.com

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  15. Congrats to Diane and may she have all the happy and healthy things! Had my mammy last month - hate them, but they are SO important!

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  16. Congrats to Diane! My mammo was in April and all clear.

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