As I write this I feel that time has seemed to fly by but I know that this has been a long journey.
Thank you to everyone who has shown their support throughout this journey. Brandon and I are blessed to have friends who continually show their love and support. This weekend marks the end of my full radiation treatment but it also is a difficult weekend for it reminds us of loved ones who are no longer with us. Brandon's father, Branko, passed away on April 15th. Father's Day will be a difficult time for Brandon, his brothers and all of our family. While my treatment has gone fairly smoothly the reality of others' battle with cancer reminds me how truly lucky I have been.
I have one more week of radiation which will only treat my reconstruction scar. My skin has held up exceptionally well for the past 6 weeks and I am lucky to go into my last week with minor skin damage.
Please continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Step 1...complete!
I competed my final week of chemotherapy April 15th! While I have had a few appointments, it has been nice to spend the last couple of weeks getting back to normal. I have been eating a ton of salad and fresh fruit and have enjoyed walking Kona every morning. It is amazing how quickly you get your energy back! Unfortunately, everything doesn't move as quickly. I'm am anxious for my hair, eyelashes and eyebrows to grow back. I am getting a little tired of the scarf thing but I know my hair will grow back soon. It's a small sacrifice in the grand scheme of things. I had a PET scan last week and will get the results this week.
SO step one is complete and I will start radiation therapy this Thursday. I am nervous about the side effects but I'm sure I can handle it. I will need to complete 6.5 weeks (33 sessions) of radiation. I should be completely finished by the end of June!!! Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts!
SO step one is complete and I will start radiation therapy this Thursday. I am nervous about the side effects but I'm sure I can handle it. I will need to complete 6.5 weeks (33 sessions) of radiation. I should be completely finished by the end of June!!! Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Catch Up!
One of the many side effects that chemo has been having on me is an inability to sleep...you would think with all the extra time that I would sit down and type out all my thoughts. However; instead I toss and turn and think of all the things I should be telling everyone. So I am forcing myself to write a "Catch Up" post to let you know some of the high and low lights of the past couple of months.
In November I was thankful for so many things but the major thing that comes to mind was hair clippers! Thanksgiving was a hard day. I awoke to a head of quickly thinning hair. My hair started falling out a couple weeks after my first treatment but on Thanksgiving morning it was unbearable. Shampooing seemed to be my breaking point and as my hair began to fall out my strong exterior also crumbled in the privacy of the shower walls. Luckily I have an amazing support system! I put a wrap around my head for the first time ( no way I was going to have all that shedding hair around our yummy feast) and headed off to Thanksgiving Dinner. My step dad was sweat enough to grab some hair clippers on the way into town. We had an amazing visit that day and with the help my family and Brandon I snapped out of my funk and enjoyed the day. Our evening came to an end with my Brandon, my brothers and step dad taking turns shaving my head as the rest of the family looked on with support. I couldn't have made it another day watching my hair fall out in clumps so my family and I took matters into our own hands. I am very thankful for them and for those hair clippers!
December was full of more treatments and side effects. I quickly got into the routine and learned when my body needed to rest and when it needed to get out of the house. My family and friends have been taking turns attending chemo with me and it makes the time fly. I get to spend quality time with my friends and family and am distracted from the sadness of the chemotherapy room. The over crowded parking lot always takes my breath away and I am always surprised by the abundance of patients in the waiting rooms. I take my mind off of it by playing cards and chatting with my friends/ family or by chatting with other patients. I love to teach the older ladies how to wrap their head scarves and shat with them about their progress.
January, Oh January! I was awoken on January 10th with a beautiful diamond engagement ring! Brandon has been my rock through this entire ordeal. He has been here for me physically, emotionally and financially. He has kissed my bald head everyday before he leaves for work and I am lucky to know that we will get to spend the rest of our lives together. We haven't made any wedding plans as of yet...I would like to have some hair and be finished with treatment but I'm sure 2012 will bring great things!
While January brought some great news it also started the first of what has seemed like a cascade of bad news. Brandon's dad was hospitalized and diagnosed with a brain tumor after several days in the hospital. Brandon's family is staying strong and working to try as many treatment options as possible. We are staying positive and spending as much time together as possible. We love Branko and it's very hard to see him ill. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Along with Brandon's dad, my grandpa had a stroke. Geoff and my mom spent 2 weeks taking care of him in Michigan. He is home now but still struggling. He will require surgery; his family is planning on moving him out to Arizona or California as soon as he is well enough to travel. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers as well. Before my parents went to Michigan my mom was laid off after 12 years with her company. While this made it possible for her to help with Grandpa Gary it has been a hard adjustment and she is working hard to find a new job (although she would much rather retire). The last of our sad news came in February when my younger brother informed us that he will be deployed to Afghanistan on March 16th. He is strong and smart and will do fine but we will miss him so much! He will be back in February of 2012.
That brings us to March, I had my 12/16 chemotherapy cycle yesterday. I am feeling strong and continuing to stay positive. Sometimes you have to fake it a little but I am so lucky to have so many people pulling for me. This month has been filled with a lot of events; spring training, Brandon turned 30 and lots of destination weddings. Two of my great friends got married and Brandon and I were lucky to spend their special days with them. I am surrounded by LOVE! I was able to visit my classroom this month and it was amazing to see the kids and staff. Unfortunately, I had to inform my school that I won't be able to return back to work this year. I have 4 more chemo cycles followed by 3 weeks off then 6.5 weeks of daily radiation. I am focusing on me and my health. I am anxious to get back to work but want to be 100%. They have been sp supportive and I received my contract for next year today!!!!
Keep my family and me in your thoughts, we can use all the positive energy and love that you can send us.
In November I was thankful for so many things but the major thing that comes to mind was hair clippers! Thanksgiving was a hard day. I awoke to a head of quickly thinning hair. My hair started falling out a couple weeks after my first treatment but on Thanksgiving morning it was unbearable. Shampooing seemed to be my breaking point and as my hair began to fall out my strong exterior also crumbled in the privacy of the shower walls. Luckily I have an amazing support system! I put a wrap around my head for the first time ( no way I was going to have all that shedding hair around our yummy feast) and headed off to Thanksgiving Dinner. My step dad was sweat enough to grab some hair clippers on the way into town. We had an amazing visit that day and with the help my family and Brandon I snapped out of my funk and enjoyed the day. Our evening came to an end with my Brandon, my brothers and step dad taking turns shaving my head as the rest of the family looked on with support. I couldn't have made it another day watching my hair fall out in clumps so my family and I took matters into our own hands. I am very thankful for them and for those hair clippers!
December was full of more treatments and side effects. I quickly got into the routine and learned when my body needed to rest and when it needed to get out of the house. My family and friends have been taking turns attending chemo with me and it makes the time fly. I get to spend quality time with my friends and family and am distracted from the sadness of the chemotherapy room. The over crowded parking lot always takes my breath away and I am always surprised by the abundance of patients in the waiting rooms. I take my mind off of it by playing cards and chatting with my friends/ family or by chatting with other patients. I love to teach the older ladies how to wrap their head scarves and shat with them about their progress.
January, Oh January! I was awoken on January 10th with a beautiful diamond engagement ring! Brandon has been my rock through this entire ordeal. He has been here for me physically, emotionally and financially. He has kissed my bald head everyday before he leaves for work and I am lucky to know that we will get to spend the rest of our lives together. We haven't made any wedding plans as of yet...I would like to have some hair and be finished with treatment but I'm sure 2012 will bring great things!
While January brought some great news it also started the first of what has seemed like a cascade of bad news. Brandon's dad was hospitalized and diagnosed with a brain tumor after several days in the hospital. Brandon's family is staying strong and working to try as many treatment options as possible. We are staying positive and spending as much time together as possible. We love Branko and it's very hard to see him ill. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Along with Brandon's dad, my grandpa had a stroke. Geoff and my mom spent 2 weeks taking care of him in Michigan. He is home now but still struggling. He will require surgery; his family is planning on moving him out to Arizona or California as soon as he is well enough to travel. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers as well. Before my parents went to Michigan my mom was laid off after 12 years with her company. While this made it possible for her to help with Grandpa Gary it has been a hard adjustment and she is working hard to find a new job (although she would much rather retire). The last of our sad news came in February when my younger brother informed us that he will be deployed to Afghanistan on March 16th. He is strong and smart and will do fine but we will miss him so much! He will be back in February of 2012.
That brings us to March, I had my 12/16 chemotherapy cycle yesterday. I am feeling strong and continuing to stay positive. Sometimes you have to fake it a little but I am so lucky to have so many people pulling for me. This month has been filled with a lot of events; spring training, Brandon turned 30 and lots of destination weddings. Two of my great friends got married and Brandon and I were lucky to spend their special days with them. I am surrounded by LOVE! I was able to visit my classroom this month and it was amazing to see the kids and staff. Unfortunately, I had to inform my school that I won't be able to return back to work this year. I have 4 more chemo cycles followed by 3 weeks off then 6.5 weeks of daily radiation. I am focusing on me and my health. I am anxious to get back to work but want to be 100%. They have been sp supportive and I received my contract for next year today!!!!
Keep my family and me in your thoughts, we can use all the positive energy and love that you can send us.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Cycle 1
I finished my first cycle of chemotherapy! Everything has been going as well as can be expected. During the first week of therapy I felt run down and a little yucky overall; fortunately, I never got knock down sick. I was nauseous but was still able to eat on a normal schedule. On Monday, I begin cycle 2 and am hopeful that the side effects stay mild and I am still able to eat and function normally.
Many of you have seen that I cut my hair short to make the adjustment of losing my hair easier. It is easy to style and fun to be forced to try something so different from my usual cut. My hair has started releasing and I will more than likely have to shave it off during this chemo cycle. Luckily, Laura gave me a tip on a great wig shop so I have some back ups for days when I don't feel like wearing a head scarf. It is hard adjusting to seeing yourself in a wig but I was amazed at how many people were shopping for wigs...makes me want to know how many people are sporting wigs out there. :) I also went scarf shopping with my aunt and found some cute scarves and she lent me a ton of her own scarves so I'm all set.
Thank you to everyone for your cards, phone calls and support through the care calendar. I am very lucky to have so much support.
Many of you have seen that I cut my hair short to make the adjustment of losing my hair easier. It is easy to style and fun to be forced to try something so different from my usual cut. My hair has started releasing and I will more than likely have to shave it off during this chemo cycle. Luckily, Laura gave me a tip on a great wig shop so I have some back ups for days when I don't feel like wearing a head scarf. It is hard adjusting to seeing yourself in a wig but I was amazed at how many people were shopping for wigs...makes me want to know how many people are sporting wigs out there. :) I also went scarf shopping with my aunt and found some cute scarves and she lent me a ton of her own scarves so I'm all set.
Thank you to everyone for your cards, phone calls and support through the care calendar. I am very lucky to have so much support.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The Latest and Greatest
OK, so the plan is set.
To start this blog off I would like everyone to know that I am officially CANCER FREE! The hard part to handle is that there is still a lot of treatment to do in order to make sure the beast does not return. It's going to be a long road and a slightly longer road then we originally thought.
I met with my oncologist last Friday and I will be receiving 4 cycles (1 day for 2 hours a day every other week) of adriamycin/cytoxan which will last a total of 8 weeks. The adriamycin will be followed by 12 weeks (1 day for 2 hours a day each week) of taxol. Chemotherapy will be completed after a total of 20 weeks if everything goes well. My chemotherapy begins on November 8th, 2010.
I also met with a radiologist as recommended by my oncologist. Due to my family history, age and the location and receptors of my cancer my team has recommended that I also receive 6 weeks of radiation after a 3 week break from chemo. Radiation will take place daily for 10 minutes (longer for set up than actual radiation time) for 33 sessions. Brandon and I have been asking tons of questions and challenging our doctors but we really feel that this plan is necessary to give me the highest likelihood that I will remain cancer free and live a long and healthy life. There is always a chance of recurrence but by taking all of these precautions we bring the percentage of recurrence down to the bare minimum.
Thank you everyone for your support. The battle will get harder but the most important part is over...the cancer is gone!
Thank you everyone who has volunteered to help with the care calender, Lisa has been working hard to keep it updated. I will give her the latest diet information so that it is up to date. Go to www.carecalendar.org
Calendar ID : 52786, Security Code : 1332 if you would like to help out.
To start this blog off I would like everyone to know that I am officially CANCER FREE! The hard part to handle is that there is still a lot of treatment to do in order to make sure the beast does not return. It's going to be a long road and a slightly longer road then we originally thought.
I met with my oncologist last Friday and I will be receiving 4 cycles (1 day for 2 hours a day every other week) of adriamycin/cytoxan which will last a total of 8 weeks. The adriamycin will be followed by 12 weeks (1 day for 2 hours a day each week) of taxol. Chemotherapy will be completed after a total of 20 weeks if everything goes well. My chemotherapy begins on November 8th, 2010.
I also met with a radiologist as recommended by my oncologist. Due to my family history, age and the location and receptors of my cancer my team has recommended that I also receive 6 weeks of radiation after a 3 week break from chemo. Radiation will take place daily for 10 minutes (longer for set up than actual radiation time) for 33 sessions. Brandon and I have been asking tons of questions and challenging our doctors but we really feel that this plan is necessary to give me the highest likelihood that I will remain cancer free and live a long and healthy life. There is always a chance of recurrence but by taking all of these precautions we bring the percentage of recurrence down to the bare minimum.
Thank you everyone for your support. The battle will get harder but the most important part is over...the cancer is gone!
Thank you everyone who has volunteered to help with the care calender, Lisa has been working hard to keep it updated. I will give her the latest diet information so that it is up to date. Go to www.carecalendar.org
Calendar ID : 52786, Security Code : 1332 if you would like to help out.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Update with a TWIST
Many of you have heard through the grape vine or phone tree or facebook that my surgery was a success! Thank you so much for everyone who visited, prayed, sent flowers or cards, walked the walk or just sent good vibes my way! It WORKED!
My surgery was scheduled outside normal hours for both of my surgeons so there were lots of extra perks that helped keep me comfortable and relaxed before the mastectomy and reconstruction. I was one of the lucky few who got to have all of my family and friends in with me for pre-op and post-op. Dr. Hernandez did excellent work with the double mastectomy and there was no cancer found in my lymph nodes. Dr. Finkel was able to complete reconstruction to both breasts. Both surgeries were completed quickly and efficiently. Good-bye cancer!
I was hospitalized overnight for observation and all of the staff were amazing! Everyone was impressed with how well I was recuperating (to pat myself on the back one last time) and were excited to see me up and moving the first day. I was released early Sunday morning and have been recuperating with the help of friends, family and a little pain medication. My mom has been amazing. She has been cleaning, making sure that I follow doctors orders and giving me lots of LOVE. Luckily Mike, Millie and Lynne have dropped off food because sadly, cooking is not a skill she excels at. Brandon has been a rock and has been putting up with my mom and me and all of our repeat stories. I think he misses watching football with Geoff but Geoff will be back this weekend.
I have been having a slight allergic reaction to one of my medications which is causing a rash. As we know, everything happens for a reason so when I went to see Dr. Finkel on Monday to check on the rash she removed my drainage bags...early! She also changed my medication and we are waiting to see if there are any changes to the rash.
I have been waiting to update the blog because I had an appointment scheduled today with my oncologist. Unfortunately, he hasn't received my full pathology work up from my surgery so we can't talk turkey. I will see him next Friday to find out what chemotherapy drugs I will be receiving and when we will begin treatment. But don't worry there is still a ton to be done before then. I will have a heart test done to see if I'm strong enough for chemo (which we all know I am), a petscan to make sure that the cancer didn't spread outside of the breast, a follow up with Dr. Finkel and an appointment with a fertility doctor to see if I can hide away some eggs/embryos for a rainy day (chemotherapy can cause infertility and I know I want and WILL have a family someday).
So keep me in your thoughts and prayers because it's working so far! I appreciate everything and wish that I could get back to every email, post, text, card or call because I LOVE you all SO much! Thank You!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Surgery
Thank you everyone for all of your well wishes, prayers and support. I am so lucky to have amazing friends and family at this difficult time. Thankfully, everyone is moving quickly and I have my surgery scheduled for this Saturday, October 9th. The surgery will take place at Chandler Regional at 7:00 a.m.
This week will be my last week of work for a while so that I can recover from surgery and get ready for chemotherapy. I am very grateful to have become part of a staff that is so understanding and supportive. My principal has been very helpful and sincere. I am so lucky to have expanded my support system with my new friends at Walker Butte!
Please continue to send positive thoughts and prayers my way...
This week will be my last week of work for a while so that I can recover from surgery and get ready for chemotherapy. I am very grateful to have become part of a staff that is so understanding and supportive. My principal has been very helpful and sincere. I am so lucky to have expanded my support system with my new friends at Walker Butte!
Please continue to send positive thoughts and prayers my way...
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