Breast Cancer Update: Vicki Totsis
15th June 2008
Hello everyone,
Unfortunately, I have been unwell to update my blog more regularly as chemotherapy has been harsh and unrelenting on my body.
Over the past few weeks I have been hospitalised with severe gastritis due to the steroids I take to curb side effects from the chemo and discovered I have a deep vein thrombosis which requires twice daily injections of Clexane in the stomach, I had another stay in hospital to have my "porta-cath" inserted and my worse nightmare has hit as I have discovered an identical mass in my right breast!!!
Let me take a deep breath!!!
Besides the above, I have managed to keep smiling and I continue to raise funds for breast cancer research. Currently, I hold the number 1 spot in Australia for raising the most money in the "Mother's Day Classic". That definitely keeps me smiling!
Of course other factors that also keep me smiling are -
I can inject the Clexane myself;
My beautiful son Theodore has just celebrated his 9th birthday;
I decided that I will have breast reconstruction once my treatments are over;
If all goes well, we will be getting married in Greece next year;
Tomorrow I will know whether the mass in my right breast is cancerous (no more waiting!!).
Finally, I awoke this morning to the beautiful sounds of birds, a warm hug from Tony and the sounds of Theodore playing with his toys that he received on his birthday.
Today is a good day!!
Comments
You really make the most out of the best of every day. There is a lot to be said for that. Please let us know what your doctor says about the mass. We are thinking about you!
Vicki,
I can't believe that you have another mass in your right breast. Please let us know what the doctor says about it tomorrow. You sound so positive and energetic in your writing, and I'm sure it helps to have such a wonderful support system. I hope you start feeling better very soon!
Dear Vicki,
I'm so sorry to hear about all the side effects you're having from the chemo. Sounds like you have had a lot to contend with. It's not bad enough that you have to have chemo, in order to get well. And now, on top of everything else, you are faced with a mass in your right breast.
You are amazing...the sheer fact that you come to our site to share your story with so many women puts you into "Saint Hood" status with me. Also, your positive attitude is infectious. Raising the most money while you're checking yourself in and out of the hospital. You are one strong woman, Vicki. That's all I can say.
I want you to give yourself a big hug from all of us at EmpowHer or have Tony, or your son, Theodore give you a big hug from us. We wish you well and please let us know what you find out about your right breast. Fingers crossed and lots of prayers that it's not cancer.
Warmest regards,
Michelle
Your attitude is infectious! And, I'm sure your wedding in Greece will be beautiful.
I'm curious about the Mother's Day Classic. Is that an ongoing project that kicked off on Mother's Day? How can I get involved?
Hello Tina,
Thanks for your interest in the Mother's Day Classic. It is held nationally every year in Australia on Mother's Day to help raise money towards breast cancer research. Participants can be involved by walking or running in the event. I completed the 8 kilometre walk this year with the assistance of a wheelchair as I had just started chemo. I hope next year I can join the runners!
You can read more about this at http://www.mothersdayclassic.org/
I hope you have a fantastic week!
Vicki
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