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
Thursday, November 8, 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.
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.
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
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
It's All About Christie
Ok, now to collect all my thoughts and my notes. (I'm a horrible note-taker)
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.
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! |
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
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
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
Monday, November 5, 2012
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.
Remember, you are never alone. Jesus is sitting right next to you.
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.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
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!
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!
Friday, November 2, 2012
Herceptin #15
Update #15 not #9 (chemo brain)
Today was my 15th Herceptin drip. Targetting those HER2 proteins! Zap ~
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".
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.
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
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
To My Daughters
May You Be Blessed Movie: "Sometimes our light goes out but is blown again into flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this inner light." This is a quote from Albert Schweitzer, but it captures the essence of what "May You Be Blessed" is all about.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Some Side Effects and Gilda Radner
Just a bit of an update ~
This morning, I counted 2 eye lashes on one side and 3 on the other side. My hair seems to be thinning and I give my eyebrows a little help with a brow pencil. Thanks to the 5 year pill.
And still .... so very tired. I'm suppose to be exercising, but by the time I get home from work, I can barely do anything.
Right now, I have the heating pad on my back. The steroids are gone and the pain is noticeable again.
Although I could continuing sharing my aches & pains, I will stop for now ~
Well, at least I'm not as bad as this guy......
This morning, I counted 2 eye lashes on one side and 3 on the other side. My hair seems to be thinning and I give my eyebrows a little help with a brow pencil. Thanks to the 5 year pill.
And still .... so very tired. I'm suppose to be exercising, but by the time I get home from work, I can barely do anything.
Right now, I have the heating pad on my back. The steroids are gone and the pain is noticeable again.
Although I could continuing sharing my aches & pains, I will stop for now ~
Well, at least I'm not as bad as this guy......
So smile, someone else probably has it a lot worse!
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