Had the meeting this morning with Nia (our cancer nurse counsellor) and she went through everything that’s going to happen in the coming months. She explained about the procedure tomorrow and what it involves. Sam has to go into hospital and have a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy. This is where they go into the armpit area and take out the first 2 to 3 lymph nodes to just double check there is definitely no cancer in them. Even though the MRI came back as clear, it still wouldn’t show any microscopic particles of cancer that may have found it’s way in there. They’re just playing safe. It will involve her having a general anaesthetic and going into operation mode. The way they find the lymph nodes is by injecting Sam with some blue dye. This will lead the way to their intended targets and make sure the procedure goes swiftly. One of the little side effects from this though will be a blue nipple. She will have a bright blue nipple for the next 6 months!! (What?? Really??). Yes. Really. Other things that she’ll notice is that she’ll have a slight blue tinge in the whites of her eyes, her skin will be grey, her wee will be bright blue and her bowels will be green. (They’ve really got to change the sales pitch on that one).
Nia then explained about the chemotherapy stage. She went through the side effects and what will happen to Sam. She will suffer from hair loss, sore mouth (with ulcers), fatigue and loss of appetite. The chemotherapy sessions will be 2.5 hours once every 3 weeks. There will either be 6 or 8 sessions depending on how the tumour reacts. They’ll be hoping to start the treatment in around 3 to 4 weeks but that depends on whether everything from tomorrow heals properly. They’ll put a permanent tube into Sam’s arm so that all they have to do is connect another tube up each time (easy on, easy off) and Sam’s hair will start to fall out at around the 3rd week after the first session. Apparently it can be quite stressful when it happens. Nia said that some of her ladies wear a beenie hat to bed so when they wake up in the morning there is no hair on the pillow. They will then go to the bathroom, take the hat off, throw the hair in the toilet and then flush. This way they won’t see how much has fallen out during the night and it lessens the impact. The hair usually starts to grow back around the fifth session of chemotherapy and we are told that when it does start to grow back it will be completely different to before you lost it.
Sam said she hopes her hair comes back straight as she doesn’t like her naturally curly hair. Knowing her luck at the moment, I wouldn’t be surprised if it came back as an afro.
funkybald1
Welcome to the Himalayas 
What a very articulate blog Rich – you have explained it so well. Like Stew & Kirsty have already said – we are all here for you and holding Sam’s hand all the way. Thinking of Sam today starting her procedure. This is a great way of informing everyone of what’s going on instead of spending time on the phone. All our love & hugs xxxx
Thanks Kim xxx
I agree Kim & although I’ve not seen Sam in a while & never met you yet Richie, our thoughts & love is with you. I know what a strong supportive family you are & with amazing friends too, you will be helped all the way. With love Fran & Bill xx
Thanks Fran, that’s very kind of you. Xxx
Sam ask about the ice cap. They don’t always offer it so you need to be pushy. It is very uncomfortable to wear (major ice cream headache apparently) but it can slow/reduce hair loss. Also ask about the wigs, you can pay extra to upgrade – my sisters was really quite fabulous. You are in our prayers, wish I was closer so there was more I could do, Lisa xxx
Fantastic Rich. Really articulate (with the obvious lester twist)! You are all in our thoughts constantly and you know our love and support is there whenever you need us. We love you xxx
Our thoughts are with you both at this horrible time. If you need help at any time just let us know. Love to you from all of us. xxx
Thanks Auntie Susan xxx
I love it Daddy. I can now look back once its over and look at what’s happened. I really wish this wasn’t happening. I prayed for mummy at mass today, almost burst into tears but luckily I didn’t, which was good.
Well done Rich, loads of information explained in a normal way! U are all so brave and strong and will get through this. Maddy, you are so brave but do remember that it’s ok to cry too. Mummy is strong, positive and beautiful and will get thru this. Lots of love and cuddles xxx
Richard Lester, you’re fantastic. What an amazing blog, really loving your work man!! The perfect sidekick for the gorgeous Sam, thinking of you all so much, a strong team to beat the big C, kick its ass!! Xx
Thanks Claire. Hope you enjoyed reading it. Xxx
I love you Mummy I am still very upset about it but we will get through all of it
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Love Harry
Wow!!! How fab you all are!!!! Rich and Sam so brave, kids so honest and brave too I wish you all the luck in the world. Hugs to you all x
Thanks Claire. Xxx
I remember her gawjus little high pigtails Sue did every day when we first met Sam at about three.. Sending you guys all the love in the world and masses amounts of prayers..l can help in anyway possible xxxxx
You are one tough cookie 🍪 and we are all routing for you xxx
I send all my love. I know u will get through this Aunty Mamff. You’ll be better soon. I love you so much<3xxxxxxxxx