Hi everyone!
It’s been a while. Life has been very busy and has thrown some curve balls my way. It's taken me a few weeks to decide to write this post or not. Here goes. August update.
Updates on second Apple book
I haven’t heard much from my publisher at this time, just that the book, “Apple & the Search for Brother Bush” is a go. Once I have more information I will share. (I had hoped for a fall release in time for Christmas, but that doesn't look realistic now).
It’s a wonderful story that continues the adventure in the woods with Apple the dog, a couple of fairies, a cat, a talking bush, and a magical treehouse.
You won’t want to miss your copy!
Also, if you have purchased a copy of "Apple in the Woods", please leave a review on Amazon. Thank you!
Publishing Company
My little publishing company is up and running. ENJ Publishing.
I started 3 self-published children’s books, however due to some unforeseen issues, I’ve delayed these books till 2023/2024.
There will also be a first-time chef cookbook. This book will be targeting young adults and older teens that want to learn the basics of cooking.
I have created some low content books which have been doing well. Especially the coloring books. (children & adults).
You can check out my books here. More to be added soon.
Here are a few from Amazon.ca. They are also available on amazon.com and amazon.uk.
My First Book of Shapes, Colors, Numbers
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B3JXVXR7
Adult Coloring Book – All About Flowers
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B2QWMR8D
Family Recipe Keeper
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B2TYK8MP
Animal Alphabet Coloring book
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B28MYSYD
Learn your ABCs
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B1NZYJHL
Adult Flowers Coloring book
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B14D9GBX
My Health
Only shared with family and very close friends at this point.
It all started…. May 2022 - 1st Mammogram
June 14, 2022 – Called in for a second mammogram & ultrasound as the first detected a small mass on my left breast
Lump confirmed, more testing was required.
Referred to the Breast Centre at the General Hospital Cancer Centre for a magnified mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy.
June 22, 2022 – breast centre technologist referred me to a surgeon because of the way the lump looks (size and shape), whether it is cancer or not at this time, everyone feels it should be removed.
June 23, 2022 – Ultrasound guided biopsy, 2 magnified mammograms, & an ultrasound completed at the General Hospital Cancer Centre. Long day, but biopsy wasn't too bad. I bruised a lot and the bruising has just gone away.
Results …. waiting…. waiting….
waiting…waiting…
July 5, 2022 – Met with surgeon who believes from the images that the lump is likely cancer and she wanted to review my options with me and get a head start on our action plan. Lumpectomy or Mastectomy, and then radiation. Still have not received pathology results.
Spent an hour reviewing the risks and advantages of both.
I have chosen a Lumpectomy.
Surgeon also advised that the results of the magnified mammogram also showed a cluster on the other side of my breast. A biopsy of that side was required before surgery.
July 6, 2022 – Mammogram guided biopsy performed on the cluster tissue. Not very comfortable. Thankful for amazing nurses.
July 7, 2022 – Call from surgeon with results of first biopsy.
The ugly word "CANCER" came rolling off her tongue.
100% Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) with micro-papillary features.
Stage will be decided after surgery. Nottingham grade 2. ER & PR positive. HER2 Negative.
Second consult with surgeon appointment is scheduled. To confirm best action plan.
At this time, I have not wrapped my head around the fact that I have cancer. I am having a hard time saying it out loud. Although I have no symptoms, I have been exhausted and for someone who sleeps generally only 5 hours a night, I have been sleeping anywhere from 7-9. I'd say it's just from being completely busy with dr appointments, mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies. Not to mention all the waiting. (maybe a little stress added in there).
July 20, 2022 – second surgeon consult. Still no results from second biopsy. Plan is still the same. Lumpectomy and a second lumpectomy if the 2nd biopsy shows cancer as well.
July 21, 2022 – results from 2nd biopsy – the cluster area – NO CANCER – So relieved to only have the one lump to deal with. They believe this cluster will not turn into cancer in the future so we are leaving it alone.
Waiting on a date for Lumpectomy. They will remove two to three lymph nodes during surgery to test to see if it has metastasized. Fingers crossed for the latter. Radiation after surgery and hormone therapy.
I have been dumped into this involuntary journey; however, it is a chapter in my life I hope to crush. I am not looking forward to the temporary challenges, but these situations will strengthen me. Given that this lump has been detected early, prognosis, and remission is highly anticipated. I am looking at this as a very small bump in my road of life.
My family has been extremely supportive and there for me. I am thankful for all of them.
I’ve joined a few Facebook groups which has turned out to be a godsent as I get to hear about other cancer patients and survivors and what their journeys look/looked like and how they really feel and advice about lumpectomies, chemotherapy, mastectomies, medication, radiation, and everything else! So many women and men with breast cancer. It’s a little overwhelming.
Here are some baffling stats:
- Breast cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in Canada. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
- According to the American Cancer Society, about 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in 2021 and most of these will be IDC.
- Approximately eight out of ten breast cancers are diagnosed as invasive ductal carcinomas.
- Your risk for breast cancer increases as you age. About 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer each year are ages 45 or older, and about 43% are ages 65 or above.
They say I get to choose songs to listen to during radiation. I think my first song will be “Highway to Hell”. Seems appropriate.
When I found out, I decided I needed to document (really just so I wouldn’t forget dates for my medical history) and I needed some way to vent, let out my feelings without worrying my family. The last thing I want is my family stressed, anxious and worrying over me or seeing me when my emotions get the best of me. I want my children especially to know I am strong and I will fight this. That's all I want them to see.
So, to document, I created a couple of journals. These are also available on all amazon sites. The two links below are Canadian links (amazon.ca).
This is the one I have for myself as well. My Cancer Journey
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B6XX6D62
My Cancer Journey – Fight Cancer
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B6Y2YCN6
I will keep everyone posted during this journey as I can.
In the mean time, please do not hesitate to sign up for CIBC Run for the Cure.
I would love to participate, however I expect to have my surgery just before or around that time. I fully expect to be in remission and be able to join in next year.
https://support.cancer.ca/site/SPageServer/?NONCE_TOKEN=124FE46C394B6628711046041E85B655&pagename=RFTC_NW_home
If any good comes of this, my hope is that by documenting and blogging my journey, I may help others that may be heading down this road.
Please everyone including you men, keep up with your mammograms, doctor and self-exams. Early detection is 100% the key.
Vacations
On a much happier note, we took a trip to Myrtle Beach and visited a few other small cities on our way there and on our way back. With a few nights at Dan’s sister’s house in Horseheads.
I already miss my morning coffee on the beach.
It was so nice to get away and not think about things. (well I didn't actually not think about my health but came to terms with it). Although it was extremely hot, we sat on the beach and enjoyed playing in the ocean. It was a great place to decompress. Just what the Dr. ordered.
Next up is a cruise with my mom to Alaska. I’m super excited for this adventure before surgery, radiation, & therapy. Alaska was not a bucket list destination until my parents wanted to go. I did lots of reading and now I just can’t wait. It’s a trip of a lifetime. Much like the China trip we took in 2018. Only this is a cruise and just as exciting.
This is one cruise my dad always wanted to take. I’m happy we can go and will be thinking of him the entire trip.
I can’t believe it is almost a year since he left us.
That’s it for now. Hope everyone has taken a break this summer with family and friends.
Happy reading,
Tina M. Fournier
Leave a comment