Prayer Request

As it sometimes happens, this is from a friend of a friend of a friend.....

Posted 9-11-2012

Hey all!!!  I have a favor to ask.  I have told y'all about my friend Shea and how she has had colon cancer (about 2 years ago) and is now pregnant.  Well she had surgery early on in her pregnancy to remove a recurrence of her colon cancer that was found in her ovary area....well she went to the OB last week because of some spotting issues and because of history they decided to biopsy a couple of places.  They said baby looked great.  The biopsy results came back on Friday and showed abnormal cells in her cervix.  This could mean cancer has already formed a mass or it could be the cancer starting to form. They are saying it's another recurrence of her colon cancer. Either way the doctors have decided it's best to deliver her baby at earliest 28 weeks (that would be next week Wednesday 9-19) or I think the longest they are willing to wait is 30 weeks.  She most likely will be under sedation because they are talking about performing a hysterectomy while she is under.  She goes in tomorrow for an MRI to give the docs an idea of what they will find on delivery day.  Please be praying for no tumor, protection for her body from this nasty cancer and protection for that sweet baby growing strong inside her.  She will most likely start chemo after her c-section scar heals.  I love her to death and I would greatly appreciate you praying for her.  Please feel free to mention her to your prayer groups if you would like.  Thank you all very much!!!!

Tara

Breast Cancer Progress Gallery

My husband was working on a school project and came across this.

http://www.kendalls3d.com/breast_cancer_progress_gallery

 

And from other searches ....

 

 

 

 

What's Next?

A friend sent me the link to What's Next from the American Cancer Society. 

Gonna join!

Thanks, Sheryl!

MammoVan

A successful day with the MammoVan!  We got excellent feedback from the ladies who appreciated the service on the work site and the friendliness and gentleness of the technicians. 

My thanks to the staff for all they have done today!

Radiologist Follow-up

This morning was my first follow-up with my radiologist. (ended rad July 18) I mentioned the pain in my "good side" and, of course, the pain in my "treated side".  After poking and pushing (too hard), he said that some women do report pain on the good side and they are not quite certain why.

Oh brother!

 

I asked if it could be cancer on the other side now and he said "very unlikely".  That through chemo and radiation they consider me in remission (already reported that) and that I will be monitored on a regular basis. For example, I am to schedule my yearly mammogram.  Which, by the way, was when I found out I had cancer right after Thanksgiving.  He said that I should take pain medicine before I go.....

 

Duh!

 

I'm not looking forward to that at all.  He asked if I had seen my surgeon and I told him not since the surgery.  I wasn't sure what the process was.  Since I still have treatment on a regular basis, I'll let the oncologist direct me.

 

So, besides remission, the good news is my oxygen level said 100% on the monitor.  The first thing that is A-OK at 100 percent!  Love it ~

 

He asked about the fatigue and I tried to give him an example of, say, waiting at the doctor's office, spending time with the doctor and then having to "make up" the time at work.  This makes 40+ hours for the work week and, yep, I get tired.  I then mentioned that he must know what I mean about long work hours (as a doctor), say working 60+ hours.  And he said "never", that it would drive him crazy IF HE WORKED OVER 30 hours.

 

OMGosh!

 

I think I must have stared at him after that.  Didn't know what to say about that except try to add $ signs and hours and medical bills, etc.  He does seem to be on vacation a lot.

 

Don't have to see him for another 6 months.

 

Next on the list.... Echo and bone density screening on Sept 10.

 

On another note, I scheduled the MammoVan for work tomorrow.  First time using this company, so I hope it works out well for our employees.

 

Guess what, after over a year, I finally finished my Shutterfly book at an impressive 85 pages!!  Made it in time for the 50% discount. Placed the order and I am SO EXCITED!

 

Gonna sign off and r-e-l-a-x



Ushering in a New Month

It is already day 2 of a new month!  I have slept most of the past two days away....but, I really needed it!  Tomorrow is a holiday and therefore, no work!  I'm truly excited about this 3-day weekend. 

I plan to finalize my 100 page shutterfly book to take advantage of the 50% discount that expires Sept 5.  Can I do it?! 

You bet'cha!

After all, only been working on it since June 2011.  Not every day, mind you, that would be something to shake your head about, wouldn't it?

Lot's of things just sort of got put-on-hold for awhile..... and I'm trying to get back into the swing of things.

Jefferson, Georgia

I love working on projects.  The problem is, I have too many of them running at the same time.  I'm planning this next one .... I've been receiving beautiful embroidered angels and want to display them in a unique way.  Plus, I want to show them on-line in my shutterfly site (and on here too)

So far, I have 25 and they are still coming in from all over.  Kansas, Texas, Virginia, Washington DC, Illinois, Ohio, Missouri, Colorado, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Indiana, N. Carolina, Georgia, New Hampshire, even New Zealand and Australia!

Besides the elegant angel, each sender offers prayers and encouragement in their card.  So, I'm planning some way to display them.... anyone got a suggestion?  Shadow box?

Ladies, if you visit my blog, I truly wish to say a heartfelt "Thank you" for taking the time to send these out to all of us who appreciate the hugs, the comfort, the prayers and the love!

 http://www.smilingstitches.com/secretangelstitchers.html

 

 

Herception #12

Cuddled up with my soft blanket Jane made .... It's perfect for chemo treatment as the room is SO cold, even the waiting room is cold.  Today, I had Nurse Regina tend to me.  I feel "calm" in the familiar setting of the treatment clinic.  They take their duties seriously, yet they can tease one another. (I'm sure in their intense day, it relieves the stress). Watching them collect all the syringes, platex gloves, IV bags, etc ... the usual devices for taking vitals ... the laptops on their rolling table to go from patient to patient .... not to mention the chatter from nurse to nurse as they verify numbers and patient information for one another.  The chemo drug is based on patient's weight and other factors, and they whip out their calculators to figure out the cocktail.  The pharmacist makes the batch specially made for the individual.   That process gives me peace.

Herceptin ~ the estrogen blocker

I asked to talk to the pharmacist, Nicole and she popped over to answer the questions that I had regarding Anastrozole, the pill I have to take for 5 years.  By the way, she mentioned how some patients stop taking the pill after 3 years or even a few weeks.

Don't stop

She said that science shows that it should be taken for "at least" 5 years, if not longer.  I'll take her word for it.  I really, really, don't want to go through this again and if it helps, I'm doing it.

I shared with her the article I found and the side effect page.  She said that the news media can hype things to the extreme, so to not get overly stressed about the information.  It is a good idea to exercise and to make healthy food choices, but hormones that might be in meat products are not enough to cause the cancer to reoccur .... hmmmm.  The side effect page lists ALL possible side effects, but not all of them may come into play.  The most prevalent will be the sore joints and muscles and loss of hand grip.  If I do have problems with Anastrozole, I should call the doctor as there are other "sister" drugs that can be tried.  She told me to get supplemental calcium and Vitamin D.  And I am currently doing that ~

Just bringing my brain and emotions full circle.  You might not like to hear it but, 'none of us are getting out of here alive.' So, deal with it (at least that is what I'm telling myself) by ways that are important to you.

• Change the things that I can change
• Live your life to the fullest (wish I would have done that a long time ago)
• Prioritize ~ what is important?
• Oh my gosh, I really do need to declutter.  It is out of control, which makes me feel out of control
• Make that bucket list and actually check things off that list

There is HOPE for each day.

I was recently reminded of Paul, when he was in prison.  And even though his surroundings were unbearable, he had JOY deep in his heart.  I sense that as the ultimate calm. There are many times that I feel this as well.  Sorry you see the other side of me at times ~ you get to be on my roller coaster ride of emotions .... well, I'm an imperfect human.... But one that is full of HOPE. 

My hope is not for myself, say like in a cure for my body. A hope that is so much more than that.   Sadly, many get their happiness only from those things around them in their circle of circumstances.  But once those circumstances changes to illness, or loss or (fill in the blank), our happiness disappears. 

We yearn for peace ... and such is the peace Jesus promises to all who trust in Him.

I am with you always,

even to the end of the age.

Matthew 28:20

 

 

This is the hope,

This is the joy,

This is the peace that passes all understanding

 

It is only through God's grace and His mercy

that we can behold these blessings!



Extra pounds tied to breast cancer recurrence, death

Published August 27, 2012
 http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/08/27/extra-pounds-tied-to-breast-cancer-recurrence-death/?cmpid=cmty_%7BlinkBack%7D_Extra_pounds_tied_to_breast_cancer_recurrence%2C_death
Reuters

Among women who have been treated for breast cancer, heavier women are more likely to have their disease come back and more likely to die of cancer, according to a new study.

It's common sense that sitting in front of computer and TV screens is making people fatter. A study out this week puts some precise numbers on it, though — and finds a surprisingly steady pattern across rich and poor countries.

That could be because certain hormones that are linked to body weight may also fuel tumor growth in the most common form of the disease, known as estrogen receptor-positive cancer.

The 5 Year Pill

I'm scared. Simple truth.

Today was my follow-up appointment with Doc Esther.  During my exam, I pointed to the areas where I'm having pain .... and not all the pain is located in my affected breast, there is pain in my "good" side. 

1) Time for my echo (due to the Herceptin)
2) Prescribed Anastrozole which has horrible side effects and patient reviews
3) Ordered a bone density screening to get that base line

The 5 year pill is suppose to start after radiation is done.  My last radiation blast was July18 .... it is now Aug 27, hmmmmm

Once I got home and searched on webmd, I'm starting to come up with questions .... like:

"This medication is used to treat breast cancer in women who have gone through "the change of life" (menopause). Anastrozole works by lowering estrogen hormone levels to help shrink tumors and slow their growth"

• I thought my surgeon removed the tumor ....

"Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., depression), numbness/tingling/ swelling of the hands or feet, persistent cough, unusual vaginal discharge/burning/ itching/odor, unusually stiff muscles, pain/redness/swelling of the arms or legs, vision changes, bone pain, bone fracture, signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat)."

• I'm already on depression medicine
• I still have neuropathy
• My bones (back) HURT so bad already

"Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, jaw/left arm pain, trouble breathing, confusion, fainting, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing."

• The heart is already taking a beating on Herceptin (no pun intended)

"Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite, body aches and pains, breast swelling/tenderness/pain, headache, dry mouth, scratchy throat, increased cough, dizziness, trouble sleeping, tiredness/weakness, flushing and sweating (hot flashes/hot flushes), vaginal bleeding, hair thinning, and weight change can occur. Changes in diet such as eating several small meals may help lessen the chance of nausea and vomiting. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly."

• Oh, the fun never stops!

Can anybody tell me their experience on the drug?  I read the Reviews and I must say, frightening.

Plus, like Jennifer said, getting serious about food intake and exercise has got to be top priority.  (sis, help me!)

Schedule:

This Thursday, my Herceptin chemo.
Sept 10 - Echo and Bone Density screening

Ok, I need to go re-direct my brain for awhile.

Peace Out ~

Get a Jump Start to the Day!

Sunday morning, our alarm was set for church .... except it didn't go off!  My husband was the first to sit up straight and yell "oh no! what time is it?"

Talk about getting a jump start to my day!

The whole block was out.  We weren't running late, so the panic mode decreased as we began our morning routine.  Good thing I don't need a hair dryer!

This was a great Sunday because our friend, Nancy, came to visit our church.  It was great seeing her again after such a long time and it was a blessing to have her fellowship with us.

Saturday - Panera's with Teri / Sunday - Panera's with Tina

Yes, I love Panera's!

Afterwards, I headed to Panera's in town to meet up with a former co-worker who is now living in Germany.  Oh! it was so great seeing her again.  If you want to read a brilliantly written blog read Tina's.

Twinkle Toes

Four hours was just not enough to catch up on everything! Tina, THANK YOU for spending time with me during your stay back home.  Hannah is the most precious little one!

My prayers are now "specific" and will certainly continue to pray....



We spent FOUR hours at lunch!





Teri

Had such a great time with Teri!  Let's see, we've been friends for about 25 years now.  I think we are aging well, lol!

Aren't tri-pods useful?

Me & Teri

I took a zillion pictures of her



 

 

She took a half a zillion of me :)

 

 

 



Lord, thank you for the blessings in my life.  For helping me get a little bit stronger each day and for friendships that last.  Most of all, thank you for opening my eyes and my heart even more each day.  There is SO much to see!

More Family!

Last night, I met Matt's cousin, Mike, and his wife Debbie.  There is A LOT in common with us .... it is a small world.  Love them both!  Hopefully, we didn't bore them to tears as we were chatty just excited to share our life happenings.

This morning I got myself up (which you know is hard on the weekends) and made it to the calling hours of "R" .  It was so very beautiful.  His mom spent time with me and she is a loving woman.  My heart goes out to the family.

Next, I'm meeting Teri at our half way point to catch up on life.  Taking my camera!

Make this day a WONDERFUL day .... Make a DIFFERENCE!

Birthdays are Fun!

Time does fly!  Today was Sally's birthday .... she absolutely hates it when I bring my camera in, it's too funny ~ she can't keep her eyes open when the camera flashes.  We finally did a little "trick"

Either don't look directly at the camera

OR

 

Wear glasses....

 



 

 

 

Update on my physical self

People are telling me I'm looking great!  I do feel somewhat better.  Just incredibly tired all the time and I know I should be exercising and eating healthier.  It's coming .....

 

My headaches have been rare.  I'm thinking the new glasses did the trick.  Didn't I mention that on day one?  Got the bill from the neurologist.  I'm not too happy that my family doctor sent me to a specialist that was out of network.  I thought they knew what they were doing so I didn't question it. That bill is high and I'm not planning to go back. GEEZE!

 

Getting frequent explosions of pain in both breasts, under the arms .... will tell Doc on my appointment this coming Monday. (Dates of stuff are on my page "About Me")

 

My hair is coming in thick, dark but not curly.  So, unless that changes, it dispels that myth.

 

 

Update on my spiritual self

God is showing me so many things.  My eyes are open.  It's not about religion, it's about relationship.  A relationship with God the Father and His son Jesus Christ. AMEN :)





A Hint of Heaven

Today was my first day back since vacation Aug 10.  It was good to be back refreshed and ready to go.  But, let me tell ya, it was a hard one.

My line of work has some sadness to it.  I've been doing it for about 20 years now and I don't question why, I just do what I feel God has called me to do.

In my own quiet way

I received a phone call from an employee's mother who informed me that he had died over the weekend.  "R" has been on my heart for the past few years as he battled cancer.  Throughout the conversation, I quietly cried as she recited the happenings leading up to his death.  For people who believe in God and heaven, it is easier to let go.  What she told me gave me great peace and

a tingling sensation in my whole being

During the past few years as I helped him through his disability benefits, I had the wonderful opportunity of getting to know him.  He should of really had a blog ~ it would have been awe inspiring.  Every time I spoke with him, he was praising Jesus, telling me of how blessed he was, how he had NO pain, how he was going to be a cancer survivor and he was

 a man who had peace that passes all understanding

The hospice doctors kept wanting to give him morphine and he kept telling them that he was not in pain.  God is so merciful.

The day before he passed, he told his momma that he wanted to get his papers in order.  Friday, everything was completed by 9:00 that night.  She told me that he then said to her that

God had spoken to him.

She said he looked like he was glowing and he was so calm.  R said that God told him that he was going to be healed and they would celebrate,  not in this life, but together in heaven.  The next day, he went home to be with the Lord and was surrounded by his loved ones ~ as it should be. I am sure that angels were ready to guide him to eternity.

I wish that I could tell you the whole conversation verbatim.  It would give you a renewed appreciation of our Holy God.  We can barely comprehend His majesty in our human minds.  I'm honored to have heard the remarkable occurrences she relayed to me.  All my life, I have received confirmation after confirmation.

God reveals Himself to open hearts

Proverbs 3:5-6

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct^[a] your paths.

Another "Good-bye"



A beautiful friend of mine had lunch with me today (I'm so lucky).  Over the past years, our friendship has blossomed and my sis even met her! (She was there on my surgery day and also transported me from chemo when I needed her)

She has such a heart for Haiti and God has opened up the door for her to be able to help the lovely people on a more permanent basis.  She is leaving next Friday. 

Talk about being ON FIRE! 

ahhh, if only we could all be like that!

http://calledbacktohaiti.blogspot.com/ (my sis helped her get a blog started)

I ask for prayer that her journey will lead her to the desires of her heart and that God will continue to bless her as her testimony increases each passing day.

Thank goodness for SKYPE!!!

Thank goodness for her faithfulness!!

Thank goodness for the love that surrounds her!!

Thank goodness for the mighty works shared by everyone in this mission!!

and

Thank goodness for you!

Some people, like angels, leave a hint of heaven wherever they go

Home Again

Hi All,

It was an exciting week in Colorado!  We miss our young lady already, but know that she is in good hands.  I met wonderful women that surround her and love her.  Wish I could have spent more time with them.  Wednesday night was small group bible study.  Ladies, thank you for your prayers. Thank you for caring so much for my daughter. And thank you for inviting me to fellowship with you. :)

The adventure continued on Wednesday (the last full day there).  As I mentioned, Chris & Nate took Matt on a mountain bike "ride".  Let me just say that he ..... isn't "geared" for it .... maybe 20 years ago, but not today.



We spent the rest of the day driving around the canyon.  Just awesome!

Our vacation went by fast.  Colorado boasts many healthy, active folks and beautiful rugged mountains.  It was breathtaking experiencing it and wonderful to see Casey again.

We are home again in the small hills of Ohio.  Each place has its own beauty and home is where the heart is.

On Thursday, we left for the airport at 6:00am.  Denver airport is incredibly big.  We tried to get seats next to each other, but the lady at the counter said "she tried".  Matt was sitting directly in front of me.  A nice man next to me agreed to switch seats without hesitation.   I'm so grateful that we were next to each other!  The flight was smooth and uneventful.

Aren't nice people .... nice.

Christie met us at the airport.  I'm so glad she is smart to look up the flight first.  I gave her the wrong pick up time!! She is so sweet to have cared for our pets while we were gone and to transport us.  Mom helped in a big way too by staying with them during the day so they had human contact. 

Today, I woke up around 12:30 in the afternoon.  I consider this the last day of vacation (vacation = other people at work + you are not at work)....the weekend doesn't count!

I have a ton of photos to upload to shutterfly.

May your day be filled with sunshine & flowers!

Tick Tock

Today is the last full day of vacation in Colorado.  Everyone knows ~ vacations go by fast. 

It is the morning hour here and afternoon back home.  No matter what the clock says in your part of the world, we each have 24 hours in a day.  I am still trying to account for the minutes in my day and having trouble living them to the fullest. 

This morning, Casey and Clara left for work. Matt and Chris is mountain biking.  I took my time getting ready and now I'm hanging out until he comes back around noon.  We plan to meet Casey at her work and then do more site seeing. 

Yesterday, I took Matt down by the river.

We met up with Casey for lunch at Quincy's and then took a drive everywhere.

Up Mt Princeton to St Elmos, which is a mining town and now a ghost town. I got a few shots in before it began to downpour. You could tell we are from Ohio ~ we had an umbrella!

We got a movie for the evening and Chris came over for dinner.  End to a perfect day!

Altitude



Forgot to mention how the altitude can affect you .... bloody nose for one ~

And last night, my lips looked bruised.  Sort of a dark purple.  Don't know if it is a mixture of oxygen, coumidin (blood thinner) ... or what.

Very strange ~

Rocky Mountain Oysters?

Today is just a bit chilly!  The sky is cloudy and the mist glides across the peaks. 

We made our way to the gas station to put air in the tires and then to Auto Zone to get a car battery and wiper blades.  Her car has been sitting for about two months since she now has a company SUV that she uses. 

They have a beautiful library.  We picked up some books and movies for those peaceful moments.  (this vacation is more rest & relaxation = R&R than go-go-go)

After that, she went on a call for work and Matt & I went to have lunch.

The Branding Iron

I had an excellent lunch of chicken and salad.  The ever-so-adventurous husband had Rocky Mountain oysters.  (you'll have to google that one)  He said it tasted like veal.  oh, my, my, my ~

Back at Casey's place for a bit ~ waiting to see how long the rain hangs around today or if we will just keep things simple for today. That's okay by me! Spending time with my girl is what matters to me :)

Beautiful Sunday

What a wonderful Sunday service!  It was Communion Sunday.  It is great meeting all the women that have befriended Casey.  It is important to bond with women who have positive influences on one another.  We are going back to the church tomorrow so I can get some amazing photos.  We got a little visitor's gift.

Casey is going to take me to the women's small group on Wednesday.  It will be nice to fellowship with them. 

I finished putting up the pictures I've taken so far on my shutterfly site.  The Rockie's are very extreme compared to the lushness of the Blue Ridge.  God's beautiful hand is seen in all of it.

I'm in the mirror ~

Casey has been our tour guide

What do you see out your back yard?

Looking out the backyard at Casey's place

Saturday morning ~ It's a new day.

Matt and I made it to the airport in plenty of time to get our tickets and go through security.  This was the first time flying in many, many years which means the first time ever of going through security.  A bit confusing, but we managed.  I was taken aside and searched as something in my waistline caused them to question me.  I just had regular jeans on and no belt.  Not sure what they saw, but I was let go to continue through.  I didn't know if my port would set it off (but it is plastic), not sure if the titanium from the biopsy would set it off, but trust me, my sistas aren't down to my waist.  Other than that, was the tats received from radiation.  Oh well, whatever it was, I wonder if it will happen on the trip home.

We flew into Denver by 5:20pm, which was 2 hours earlier than back home.  As we maneuvered through the city and got on the main road to Casey's home, we decided to stop off and get a bite to eat.  It was a wonderful place called DW 285 Diner and our waitress was very friendly and nice.

Bellies full, nice and relaxed, I took the back seat and Matt took the front passenger seat,  while Casey navigated through the mountains.  It was getting dark and the rains began, along with the fog rolling in.  Thankfully, I was laying down or I would have been a nuisance to the driver (and co-pilot).  We pulled in a little before 10pm, which as midnight to us. 

Casey is living in a beautiful home with the homeowner, Clara.  We have been enjoying Clara's little cat, Michipoo, and the hospitality.  Michipoo looks like our Star and Bailey. 

After a nice, quiet night of rest, we got up this morning with enthusiasm to see the sights.  First stop, the local grocery store.  Back home to drop off the food and yes, I took a mini nap.

I didn't want to sleep my vacation away .... once I got up, Casey took us around town and then on the outskirts of town where I got several photos of boulders, mountains and terrain.  After that, we parked in the center of town to enjoy the activities of a festival with vendor booths, and carnival food.  

And that is where we met Chris.  I very nice guy that Casey has been hanging around with.  Funnel cakes and good conversation!

It is 10:45 here (my body is saying 12:40). I'm missing some items of today, but feeling tired. 

Lights out! Church tomorrow ~