Flashback

It is hard to imagine that a year ago my journey began.  Nov 28, I had my annual mammogram. Dec 1, went in for the diagnostic, ultrasound, and biopsy.  The diagnosis was confirmed Dec 7.

 

Where did 2012 go?

Better yet, where was I in 2012?

Chemo Brain

Evidence of 'chemo brain' verified by researchers

By Loren Grush

Published November 27, 2012

FoxNews.com
 

• 

For many cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, memory problems and a general mental haziness often plague them during and after treatment. The condition – known as‘chemo brain’ – has only been a reported phenomenon, without ever having been fully verified through scientific measures – until now.

Herceptin #16

Guess what I forgot to do? Put numbing cream on my port! Geez, I did that one other time and swore that I would never forget to do that again!  Oh well .... chemo brain.  Nurse Karen is an expert and I dealt with it easily.  After the numerous tests and pokes this past year, what's a little pinch in the arm?

The parking lot was bare as the only ones in the building were the chemo nurses.  I felt bad that they didn't have the day after Thanksgiving off like most folks.  Bless them!

Today was my next-to-the-last-one Herceptin drip.  Yay!!

December 19 is my "annual" mammogram (NOT looking forward to this)
December 21 is my follow-up with the surgeon

Nurse wants me to follow up the Doc about the pain behind my knee and the pea-size bump I feel.  Plus, the intense pain in the lymph node sections in both my underarms/breast.  I will take care of that Monday.

Christie had a hard time Thanksgiving day.  When I spoke to her today, she said that she is feeling better.  Her nausea meds might need to be changed if it has taken this long to feel better. 

Isn't she pretty?!

Thanksgiving Day



Me & Casey



Thanksgiving is a special day to thank our Lord for the blessings we have and for the relationships that are deep within our hearts.















Casey & Christie

I am so grateful for family.
















Katie & Casey

 My niece is the youngest in our family unit.  She is a wonderful young lady and my only niece.





 

 

May our Lord Jesus Christ comfort you, guide you and bring you peace every day ~





T'was The Day Before Thanksgiving ....

I'm getting excited about Wednesday night!  We are having a pj and movie nite at Christie's.  We've picked out movies and bought junk food and Casey & I plan to invade their space tomorrow afternoon.  Once we get up the next day, we will help prepare the Thanksgiving meal :)

It seems our clan has decreased in size.  Two nephews live out of state and my youngest is MIA.  Life never stays the same.

I came across this photo from Christmas 2010.  Christie had made us matching aprons.  It is nostalgia from our family roots.

For awhile, we did have some family traditions....like baking Christmas cookies.  Even though most of our traditions have changed, we do enjoy time together.

We had a lot of meals in this room!

 



This was 1993 or 1994 ~ I'm in my early 30's

I'm just happy to be spending time with Christie as she is getting through the "bad" days of her 1st chemo session.  She hasn't felt like writing in her blog, so please be patient.

I will be having my treatment the day after Thanksgiving.

Who would have thought all those years ago, what we would be facing now?

Since no one knows what tomorrow will bring, be sure you get those hugz in while you can ~

Automated Breast Ultrasound System

My annual mammogram is scheduled for mid-December.  I cannot for the life of me think about how painful this is going to be.  Came across this video and article.  (There has to be a better way!)

Does anyone know about Automated Breast Ultrasound System?

 

 

 

Newsletter #239 Lee Euler, Editor

Web Version | Subscribe | Back Issues | Resource Center | Feedback About Cancer Defeated!

The Beginning of the End for Mammography and Other Invasive Treatments By Mindy Tyson McHorse, Contributing Editor Recent progress on the breast cancer front tells me we're moving closer to more effective, gentler cancer tests and treatments. It may even be the beginning of a movement away from radiation-heavy screening tests and invasive techniques like biopsies. Here's the first round of good news: In September, the FDA officially approved use of ABUS — the Automated Breast Ultrasound System. What's that? If you're a woman you need to know, because it can DOUBLE your chance of finding breast cancer early. So keep reading. . . Continued below. . .

All Kinds of Celebration!

 

Sunday Celebration! 

Our church celebrated 13 years today.  It was wonderful seeing how much each of the "original" congregation meant to the pastor and his family.  We could tell how happy they all were today.  Matt and I have only been going there since the summer.  They have been very loving to us. Casey had the opportunity to join us for fellowship and a celebration luncheon afterwards.  Glad she got to meet folks and see where we are now.

We got home about 2:00 and I laid down for a "quick" nap.  While napping, Matt and Casey began clean up in the basement.  They worked hard for 3 hours and now there is just a small amount for me to decide what to do with.  I've been in this house for almost 20 years and, boy, can stuff pile up.  We've had a disgusting mold problem on the corner of the basement walls, but needed to weed out all the stuff downstairs to treat the walls.  Mold isn't good for anyone, let alone someone going thru treatment and having weakened immune system.  I really appreciate all the help since she has arrived!  All the piles of papers in my office have been wittled down as well. My file cabinets have been archived. 

Do you remember my new's years resolution ?!!!

We are treating ourselves to a little bit of shopping and Panera's tomorrow :)

May your days be filled with overflowing JOY ~

Bitter-Sweet

How can so many different emotions exist in me at one time?  Well, it feels like all at once, but it is more like one right after the other and around again full circle.

I've been putting some overtime in order to take off early today.  Two reasons: Christie's 1st chemo and Casey's arrival at the airport. 

 

Sort of like "bitter-sweet"

Sis's appointment was 1:00 and I was able to take off work at that time and arrived at the clinic as the party was getting started.  I wasn't going to miss it come hell or high water.  I will let her tell you the names of her chemo and such.  We got some great news from the scans ... no cancer in the liver! no cancer in her spine! If there is any cancer anywhere else, this cocktail is going to get it.  Actually, Doc said that the tumor should shrink considerably by her follow up appointment in 10 days!

Doc is throwing the book at her and that is the best statement anyone can say.  To be there right with you, not giving up, being knowledgeable in oncology and making the best treatment decisions available.

I sure do hate the fact that she has to go through this at all.  I also know that Jesus is holding her hand right now. 

and so am I

The plan was to stop in at the clinic and then run home to pick up hubby and make it to the airport by Casey's 3:34 arrival time.  Well, Matt took care of doing that while I stayed a little longer to be able to hear the doctor and ask questions. SO glad I did!  Casey is very understanding (thank you!) 

I've been jumping up and down all week in anticipation of her coming home for Thanksgiving. Been missing her to pieces!  This is the "sweet" part :)

What a day! I have 10 days off before returning to work and I plan to use them as wisely as possible!

May you have a joyful weekend!!

Isn't she sweet?!

A Little Inspiration

 

 

 

Sisterhood

There seems to be some backlash against "pink".  I understand fully about awareness versus a cure.  I get it.  I want a cure!

A few days ago, I was in a crowded room and saw a pink hat bedazzled and worn by a kindred spirit. When I finally reached her, she looked at me and I just pointed to my pink ribbon lapel pin. "Blessings to you my sister. I know what you are going through." She smiled with sadness in her eyes.

We are part of a sisterhood.  Not a community that any of us elected, but a community nonetheless.  For me, it is a way to feel not-so-alone in battling this awful disease. I wonder if that is what others may feel in the rainbow of colors ~

Now, this sisterhood hits right in my own family.  Christie's first chemo is scheduled for Nov 16. Please pray for comfort and peace as she begins her own journey into the pink abyss.

Visitors are Welcome

Visitors are ALWAYS welcome!  Saturday, we had a nice surprise when our cousin, Debbie, came into town to visit.  I was to wake up early to make it to the high school craft show to hang out with Christie.  I made it from the bed to the couch. My darling husband whispered .... wake up, you don't want to regret not going, you can sleep afterwards .... and about 12:30, I finally sat up.  I sent a text to Christie to see if she was still roaming the halls and she said "I'm walking around with Debbie"

Well, I got ready as fast as my ravaged body could move and we had a delightful day! 

Christie removed her bandages from the port and has some bruising.  She has been battling a nasty metallic taste in her mouth, so food has been yucky.  Debbie is a nurse and it was good to just talk to her. Even though she is not in the field of oncology, she is knowledgeable about so many things. 

We ended the day at Marie's restaurant for a great meal and then hugs afterwards as she made the hour trip back home.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Our hearts were certainly lifted and look forward to getting together again :)

Debbie

Euphuisms for Breasts

So, our baby sister in the Carolina's sent this message, lol:

Angel Cakes, Bazookas, Bazooms, Beacons, Beanbags, Bebops, Betty Boops,
Big Boppers, Bikini Stuffers, Billibongs, Blinkers, Bombers, Bombshells,
Bon Bons, Bongos, Bonkers, Boobers, Boobies, Boobs, Boops, Bops, Bosom,
Boulders, Bouncers, Bra Buddies, Bra Stuffers, Breasts, Bronskis, Bubbas,
Bubbies, Buds, Bulbs, Bulges, Bullets, Bumpers, Bumps, Bust, Busters,
Busties, Butterballs, Buttons, Caboodles, Cams, Cannon Balls, Cantaloupes,
Carumbas, Cha-chas, Charlies, Chihuahuas, Chimichongas, Chiquitas,
Coconuts, Congas, Corkers, Cream Pies, Creamers, Cuhuangas, Cupcakes,
Curves, Dingers, Dinghies, Dingos, Dirigibles, Doorknobs, Doozers,
Doozies, Double-Whammies, Dueling Banjos, Dumplings, Dunes, Ear Muffs,
Eclairs, Eggplants, Enchiladas, Flapjacks, Flappers, Flesh Bulbs, Flesh
Mellons Floaters, Fog Lights, Fried Eggs, Fun Bags, Gagas, Garbos,
Gazingas, Gazongas, Glands, Globes, Globlets, Gob Stoppers, Gongas,
Goombas, Grapefruits, Grillwork, Guavas, Gum Drops, Hand Warmers,
Handsets, Head Lamps, Headers, Headlights, Headphones, Headsets,
Hefties, Heifers, Hemispheres, Hills, Hindenburgs, Honeydews, Honkers,
Hood-Ornaments, Hoohas, Hooters, Hot Cakes, Hottentots, Howitzers,
Hubcaps, Huffies, Humdingers, Hush Puppies, ICBMS, Jawbreakers,
Jemimas, Jibs, Jobbers, Jugs, Jukes, Jumbos, Kabukis, Kalamazoos,
Kazongas, Kazoos, Knobbers, Knockers, Kongas, Kumquats, Lactoids, Lip
Fodder, LLamas, Loaves, LobLollies, Love Mellons, Love Muffins, LuLus,
Macaroons, Mammaries, Mammies, Mams, Mangos, Marangos, Maraschinos,
Marimbas, Marshmallows, Mau Maus, Mausers, Meat Loaves, Meatballs,
Melons, Milk Cans, Milk Fountains, Milk Shakes, Mmbos, Molehills,
Mommas, Mondos, Montain Peaks, Montezumas, Moo Moos, Mother Lodes,
Mounds, Muchachas, Muffins, Mulligans, Mushmellons, Nancies, Nectarines,
Niblets, Nibs, Nippers, Nippies, Nippleoons, Nippleos, Nips, Nodes,
Nodules, Noogies, Nose Cones, Oboes, Oompas, Orbs Apples, Ottomans
Balboas, Padding Balloons, Pagodas Bangers, Pair Bangles, Palookas
Bassoons, Papayas Baubles, Parabolas Bazongas, Paw Patties, Peaches,
Peakers, Peaks, Pears, Pects, Peepers, Pillows, Pips, Plums,
Pointer-Sisters, Points, Pokers, Polygons, Pompoms, Pontoons, Potatoes,
PT Boats, Pumpkins, Rangoons, Rib Cushions, Rib Balloons, Rivets,
Roundies, Sandbags, Satellites, Scones, Scoops, Set, Shakers, Shebas,
Shermans, Shimmies, Silos, Skin Sacks, Skooners, Smoothies, Snuggle
Pups, Spark Plugs, Specials, Spheres, Spongecakes, Spuds, Stacks,
Stuffing Casabas, Sugar Plums, Sweater Meat, Sweater Puffs, Sweet Rolls,
Tahitis, Tamales, Tartugas, Tatas, Tattlers, Teats, Tetons, Thangs,
Thingumajigs, Tidbits, Titbits, Tits, Titskis, Titters Domes, Titties
Doodads, Tom-Toms, Tomatoes, Tooters, Torpedoes, Tortillas, Totos Dugs,
Twangers, Tweakers, Tweeters, Twin Peaks, Twofers, Tympanies, U-Boats,
Umlauts, Wahwahs, Waldos, Warheads, Watermelons, Floats, Whoppers,
Windjammers, Wobblers, Wongas, Woofers, Yabbos, Yams, Yayas, Zeppelins,
Zingers

Feel Your Best at Working During Chemo

 

These strategies will help you keep up with your job demands during chemo treatment.

By Rita Ross

A cancer diagnosis may upend your life, but working through your treatment can help you maintain a semblance of normalcy. Balancing a career and chemotherapy can be difficult; fortunately, the workplace is more accommodating than ever. In a recent survey, 85% of employers allowed breast cancer patients to reduce their work hours and 79% okayed a flexible schedule, according to the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans in Brookfield, WI. As a result, about 80% of patients work through their treatment, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Try these strategies for battling common problems at work and keeping up with the demands of your job:

Time it right
To minimize the impact of treatment side effects on your job performance, schedule chemo sessions for late in the day or book them for Fridays, right before the weekend.

Fight fatigue with food
Fatigue is one of the most common side effects, so ask your boss about taking short breaks during the day—even 10 minutes can boost your energy—and eat a nutritious snack if your appetite allows. Munch on a protein bar or a tablespoon of peanut butter on a whole-wheat cracker, plus a small glass of skim milk.

Fight fatigue in other ways
A short walk can also give you an energy boost. Another strategy is to take three slow, deep breaths whenever your energy sags.

Cope with nausea
Consider temporarily relocating to a workstation near a rest room in case you need to slip out now and then.

Stay sharp
If chemotherapy or radiation interferes with concentration, schedule your toughest work duties for the morning or whenever you feel especially sharp.
 

Published October 2012

Christie's Prep

This morning, Christie went to her Chemo Class.  Even though we are not quite sure what her cocktail will be, it was a time to receive all kinds of information, including terminology.  She came with me and my husband for my chemo class.  I know that since Richard (her husband) hasn't experienced this part of the process, it will be beneficial for him.


After that, she received her "port".  When I talked to her this afternoon, she was laying on the couch resting.  My power injectable port experience was horrible.  And remember, she also received her flu and pneumonia shot yesterday. 

I would imagine that she is not feeling 100%

She talked about two meetings she was scheduled to go to this evening.  Well, doc said to keep life's schedules at a normal pace as much as possible.  It does help [me] to put both feet on the floor each morning I get up.  Purpose.

The MRI on her liver has to be done at the main hospital and the next available appointment is Dec 5. We are checking into other options.

She has to contact her family doctor to get further testing done on her stomach issues.  Hopefully, there is nothing to deal with, but we need to alleviate any other fears of the "unknown".

Well, Christie is still dealing with the news and I can remember how surreal at this time of my journey.  I am praying that people continue to hug her and encourage her. 

Oh! How important that is!

Introduction to Breast Cancer

Learning that you have breast cancer can, quite literally, stop you in your tracks. You may feel frozen in time, replaying over and over again in your mind the moment your doctor told you the news. It's normal to feel a wide range of emotions—fear, shock, depression, anger and even guilt.

Slow down, take a moment and breathe. The emotions you are feeling are completely understandable. And if you are feeling nothing, that's OK, too. Oftentimes, when a woman hears the diagnosis "breast cancer," she goes temporarily numb.

Take comfort, though, in knowing that, as of 2010, there are more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. Experts report that the death rate from breast cancer has been decreasing since 1991, due to public awareness, earlier detection and advances in treatment.

The truth is, there is nothing fair about breast cancer. But you can find plenty of help and reasons for hope. Turn to your family and friends. Choose a healthcare team you trust. Prepare for a battle and be strong.

Health Monitor

Learn more Introduction to Breast Cancer

Blog Your Way to Better Health | Health Monitor

Blog Your Way to Better Health | Health Monitor

It's All About Christie

Ok, now to collect all my thoughts and my notes.  (I'm a horrible note-taker)

Christie is going to be fine

She has a tough road ahead, but she is also a tough cookie, just like her sister.

They are waiting for the HER2/neu test results (hopefully before the week is out). This will identify which type of treatments will be needed. HER2/neu protein is found on some types of cancer cells. This test shows whether the tissue either has too much HER2/neu protein or too many copies of its gene. If the breast tumor has too much HER2/neu, then targeted therapy may be a treatment option. This can include chemotherapy with drugs thru a vein or by tablet form. (My Herceptin is targeted therapy.)  We know the hormone receptor test is positive.

We will know the full name once all the tests have come in and which cocktails she will be taking.
Clues about the nature of a tumor come from how abnormal its cells look and what percentage of them is dividing. These and other factors are summed up as a grade of 1, 2 or 3. The higher the grade, the more aggressive the tumor. Cancers are also classified by stage -- a measure of how extensive the disease is. The system often used is called TNM, for Tumor (size), Nodes (cancer present or not) and Metastasis (cancer spread to distant organs). A number is assigned to each category. Once the TNM categories are determined, this info is combined with the grade to create an overall stage, from 0 for noninvasive to IV for the most invasive.

T2N1M0=IIB

T = (tumor size) = 2

N = Nodes (cancer present or not) = 1

M = Metastasis (cancer spread to distant organs) = 0

Stage 2 B

 

 

Part of the waiting we had to endure was getting clarification on lesions that were found on her spine and on her liver.  Doc said the spine was clear! The liver was inconclusive and she feels that it will prove clear as well.  First, another scan to be sure. Double-check the stomach area as well.

 

Red blood count was good

Cyst on the spleen

 

Next

Chemo Class

MRI - stomach and liver

Implant port

Echo

 

Plan - chemo first, see how much the tumor shrinks to be able to determine if surgery will be lumpectomy or mastectomy. From this, the type of surgery will determine if radiation will be part of the treatment.

 

Today, they gave her a flu shot and pneumonia shot.  She met the social worker, Denise, who helps coordinate insurance, billing, and find resources such as nutritionists, etc. She received her scripts for the nauseous meds, handicap sign, wig, and work orders (above).

 

When things "settle down" a bit, both of us have to get Oncotype DX test.

 

Doc's recommended homework: Living will

 

Doc's recommended reading:

 

 

 

Yes, siree, she is a FIGHTER!

 

I saw this smile today!

 

 

 







Spiritual Reality Check

Nothing happens in your life that is beyond God's control.

When you go through a hard time, God is never caught off guard. The truth is He wants to use it to take you to a new level in your relationship with Him. That's when your challenge becomes a "test" that can actually strengthen your faith and trust in God. So resist the urge to panic and instead praise God for the good thing He's doing in your life while He's bringing you through the storm.

Remember what the Word says:

He who began a good work in you will continue...developing...and perfecting and bringing it to a full completion in you. Phil 1:6

The fact that God is doing a "work" in you is actually an encouraging thing. It's all about having the right perspective and trusting Him.

Remember, you are not going under, you are going through!

by: Joyce Meyer

Waiting is a pain in the butt!

Today's oncology appointment with Christie has been post-poned until Wednesday at 3:00.  Doc had a death in the family.  As much as we understand, it is difficult to wait.

Christie has another MRI today and then I guess we will wait.

My opinion is that Doc Esther has 5 other colleagues in her office and if it was "urgent" enough, she would have set Christie up with one of them. 

As with anything, the fear of the unknown is what can mess with your mind.

We can't let it.

Christie / Heather / Carol

Remember, you are never alone. Jesus is sitting right next to you.

Not again!

The last few days have been shocking.  My sister has been such an angel during my illness, taking such good care of me and always lending a hand or a shoulder.  How did the tide suddenly turn?

Her annual mammogram came out fine the beginning of the year.  She started to notice changes and even went to her doctor who had the balls to say that she was having sympathy pains for her sister (me).

I'd like to kick him in the balls and tell him that is just sympathy pains for the jerks in this world.

Ladies, we are here to remind you, when you notice changes in your body, don't take no for an answer!  She didn't.

Christie's biopsy was Thursday, Nov 1.  From there, they sent her to Dr. Partin, the same surgeon I had.  Since the biopsy wasn't back yet, they discussed some of the details. 

They received more news the next day.  They were called to come in to see Dr. Partin at 11:00. After numerous tests that lasted most of the day (test, wait, go to another lab, test, wait and repeat).  At about 5:30, I received a text that they were heading home. Oh! Such a long and exhausting day!

Still not much news to report except that she has told her children, mom, dad, youngest sister and she is notifying those in her life's circle.  That is a very good thing! It is so VERY important to have people support you with love and prayers and a lending hand.

I hope Christie at least writes down her journey.  It is good therapy.  And, if she decides to publicize it, then she will get even more prayers and encouragement.  She did give me permission to share her journey with mine.

We are entwined as sisters and just living in the moment.

Lord, I don't want to live in fear. Help me remember to always bring my concerns to You in prayer so that Your peace that passes all understanding will permanently reside in my heart. I draw my strength from You and I refuse to be afraid of illness. I refuse to be afraid of death itself.

I Corinthians 15:
⁵⁴ Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die,^[j] this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.^[k]
55 O death, where is your victory?     O death, where is your sting?^[l]”
AMEN

It was beautiful to have my new church family pray for my sister today.  My pastor gave me a prayer cloth annointed with oil.  I will take it to her tomorrow when we meet with Dr Esther (my oncologist). I hope to take notes and be a support for her. 

Lord, I come to You today and pray for healing and wholeness for my sister. I ask that sickness and infirmity will have no place or power in her life. I pray for protection against any disease coming into her body and trust that You will place Your hand upon her body and heal her.  I ask that you give her strength and comfort to endure the treatments that will rid the cancer cells from her body.  I pray for a miracle that the tumor shrinks to absolutely nothing remaining and that the doctors will see for themselves just what a miracle can be!  Use this situation to Your glory, God, and let Your light shine upon everyone who watches! Amen and Amen!

Herceptin #15

Update #15 not #9 (chemo brain)

Today was my 15th Herceptin drip.  Targetting those HER2 proteins! Zap ~

 

I have 2 more to go!

Day after Thanksgiving and 2 days after my sister's birthday in December. 

I asked Nurse Karen what happens next?  I don't see the oncologist until January.  She said that I will receive a phone call to set up an "overview" appointment.  They will review everything that has occurred since the beginning of my journey.  I will still need tests here and there. And still need checkups with my oncologist.  Still monitoring the "5 year pill".

So, still not quite over

I couldn't have done it without the encouraging words and prayers received from so many people in my life.  Even people I don't even know.  It's that positive energy that has gotten me through some of the rough times and bad days.

It's natural to think about death while going through something so intense as cancer.  It's crazy even to say those words .... "I have cancer".  You HAVE to go through it to get to the OTHER side.  Hopefully, in one piece.  Much wiser, much more humble, full of grace and compassion for others.

The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1