Hello! I mentioned this blog to someone today....and so I thought it would be appropriate to post that I completed all cancer treatment 2 years ago today! My latest MRI and mammogram were both normal, and my blood work was good, even though the CA27.29 has crept up slightly (still well within normal ranges).
Moving forward with life...trying not to get too deeply entrenched back into the old marathon rut that existed before my diagnosis. Looking to savor each day & try new things & smile more & argue less!
Thank you all again for all your prayers & support!! Proverbs 3:5-6
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Monday, November 10, 2008
Time flies
Wow, I didn't realize it had been that long since I last updated! Okay, the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on my birthday turned out to be a beautiful day! We had 12 walkers on our team, including my boys. You can check out a team picture at http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY09Midwest?JServSessionIdr001=0ipaenq0y1.app311b&team_id=341437&pg=team&fr_id=11701. Our team "ranked" 7th out of all the Twin Cities teams involved. THANKS again so much for the generous donations! Let's hope & pray that the $ raised will help make a difference. I've been invited to be part of the ACS "team" next year (because I'm a team captain & I emailed several questions!) - I'm still considering that offer. I need to make sure I don't take on more than I can handle, and keep the priorities in order as much as possible.
I have met with Dr. Bellairs, the radiation oncologist. All looked good from her view, so I'll see her again after the MRI, which will be scheduled in just under 5 months. I'll see Dr. Hartung again in early December. I still need to schedule a check-up with Dr. Koeplin (surgeon) and just keep moving along.
I had a great follow-up appointment with Heidi Ganzer, the nutritionist @ MOHPA. She said she is one of only 75 oncology-specific registered nutritionists in the nation! That is unbelievable. I feel very fortunate that she is here & available to me. We have "upped" the Vitamin D intake through additional supplementation and talked through many nutritional topics. She is such a wealth of information & tremendously positive. I would highly recommend a nutritionist to anyone wanting to ensure they (their good cells!) are as healthy as possible when undergoing something like this. I certainly "slip" often enough, but in general am trying to maintain the new "habitual" good eating habits.
Work is very busy right now, so there was not much of an easing back in period! Better than having not enough to do, that's for sure. I am fortunate to work for a company with good benefits and flexibility to allow me to be off for as long as I was. I am certain that listening to my body (& chemo-brain mind) and laying low truly helped me to have the results that I did. That, along with mighty & effective prayer from all of you, and excellent medical treatment, of course, carried me through the journey to this "end" point (I don't think it's ever really "over/done" because it's on your mind every single day).
My "little" boys turned 10 and 8 in the last 4 days! That, also, is amazing to me. It seems like they were just little toddlers! I still have a few old voice messages from them on my work voice mail system that cycle through every 14 days. I get to hear those sweet little voices and be really careful to not delete them! :O)
I will sign off for now, but just wanted to put forth a quick update. I cherish your positive thoughts and prayers so much! Have a beautiful upcoming holiday season, starting with Thanksgiving. Every day (minute, second) is a perfect day to give thanks to God our Creator, without Whom nothing is accomplished, but with Whom all things are possible!
I have met with Dr. Bellairs, the radiation oncologist. All looked good from her view, so I'll see her again after the MRI, which will be scheduled in just under 5 months. I'll see Dr. Hartung again in early December. I still need to schedule a check-up with Dr. Koeplin (surgeon) and just keep moving along.
I had a great follow-up appointment with Heidi Ganzer, the nutritionist @ MOHPA. She said she is one of only 75 oncology-specific registered nutritionists in the nation! That is unbelievable. I feel very fortunate that she is here & available to me. We have "upped" the Vitamin D intake through additional supplementation and talked through many nutritional topics. She is such a wealth of information & tremendously positive. I would highly recommend a nutritionist to anyone wanting to ensure they (their good cells!) are as healthy as possible when undergoing something like this. I certainly "slip" often enough, but in general am trying to maintain the new "habitual" good eating habits.
Work is very busy right now, so there was not much of an easing back in period! Better than having not enough to do, that's for sure. I am fortunate to work for a company with good benefits and flexibility to allow me to be off for as long as I was. I am certain that listening to my body (& chemo-brain mind) and laying low truly helped me to have the results that I did. That, along with mighty & effective prayer from all of you, and excellent medical treatment, of course, carried me through the journey to this "end" point (I don't think it's ever really "over/done" because it's on your mind every single day).
My "little" boys turned 10 and 8 in the last 4 days! That, also, is amazing to me. It seems like they were just little toddlers! I still have a few old voice messages from them on my work voice mail system that cycle through every 14 days. I get to hear those sweet little voices and be really careful to not delete them! :O)
I will sign off for now, but just wanted to put forth a quick update. I cherish your positive thoughts and prayers so much! Have a beautiful upcoming holiday season, starting with Thanksgiving. Every day (minute, second) is a perfect day to give thanks to God our Creator, without Whom nothing is accomplished, but with Whom all things are possible!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Down the path
Just stopping in for a brief update. I had my mammogram @ lunch on Friday with "normal" results (except for scar tissue). This is good, but not really too meaningful to me, since nothing showed up any other time on a mammogram. MRI in 6 months. I did get a call back on Wednesday that my blood work was all good. The CA27.29 (breast cancer specific indicator) was 18. It needs to be under 37, so they said that was very good (had been 26+ range in 2 previous tests, March & August, the results of which I not seen before).
The other thing that I've discovered recently (and mentioned in the previous posting) is the significance of "triple-negative," which my results were. I've learned that there is even a specific foundation to support research in finding targeted therapies for this particular sub-category of breast cancers (TNBC). Reading through some of the website http://www.tnbcfoundation.org/index.html caused me to feel pretty "down" last night. It is more aggressive and likely to recur than other subgroups, but it does respond well to chemotherapy.
I guess learning this information now was better than all during treatment (or before), because I think I would have experienced more anxiety than I did. After facing & digesting it more, I've become more determined to continue with all the healthy changes I've made, and perhaps even increase some of them. And there is a point where I have to trust God (pretty much ALL the time!) and not my own efforts or those of the medical profession. He knows what I think and feel before I tell Him. I think I'll be bending His ear quite a bit....
Church was a blessing today! We've had 4 weeks of "Family Quest" which meant more time with the kids & less time in the "big church" hearing the message. I've missed it!
Mike and I also went to the new movie, "Fireproof" starring Kirk Cameron. http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/ It is a Christian movie made by the same church that created "Facing the Giants." The CG Fire Dept gave all the volunteer firefighters 2 free tickets. I thought it was excellent! It was all about saving a marriage and making Christ the center and strength of it. I, of course, was crying throughout, as I do at touching scenes! But that was a good thing! :O) The boys hung out with Grandma and Aunt Colleen & Jessica and made a trip to the apple orchard. We've been eating a lot of apples! Hope they keep the doctor away! Or us away from the doctor, rather!
It's time to shut down for the evening. Just wanted to keep everyone up to date. Less than a week until the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Right now, the forecast is rain, a washout. Hope the weather forecasters are wrong! But that never happens! :O)
Have a fantastic week & I'll report back with results from the walk! I love you all! You are huge blessings in my life & the life of my family! "A sweet friendship refreshes the soul." Proverbs 27:9
The other thing that I've discovered recently (and mentioned in the previous posting) is the significance of "triple-negative," which my results were. I've learned that there is even a specific foundation to support research in finding targeted therapies for this particular sub-category of breast cancers (TNBC). Reading through some of the website http://www.tnbcfoundation.org/index.html caused me to feel pretty "down" last night. It is more aggressive and likely to recur than other subgroups, but it does respond well to chemotherapy.
I guess learning this information now was better than all during treatment (or before), because I think I would have experienced more anxiety than I did. After facing & digesting it more, I've become more determined to continue with all the healthy changes I've made, and perhaps even increase some of them. And there is a point where I have to trust God (pretty much ALL the time!) and not my own efforts or those of the medical profession. He knows what I think and feel before I tell Him. I think I'll be bending His ear quite a bit....
Church was a blessing today! We've had 4 weeks of "Family Quest" which meant more time with the kids & less time in the "big church" hearing the message. I've missed it!
Mike and I also went to the new movie, "Fireproof" starring Kirk Cameron. http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/ It is a Christian movie made by the same church that created "Facing the Giants." The CG Fire Dept gave all the volunteer firefighters 2 free tickets. I thought it was excellent! It was all about saving a marriage and making Christ the center and strength of it. I, of course, was crying throughout, as I do at touching scenes! But that was a good thing! :O) The boys hung out with Grandma and Aunt Colleen & Jessica and made a trip to the apple orchard. We've been eating a lot of apples! Hope they keep the doctor away! Or us away from the doctor, rather!
It's time to shut down for the evening. Just wanted to keep everyone up to date. Less than a week until the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Right now, the forecast is rain, a washout. Hope the weather forecasters are wrong! But that never happens! :O)
Have a fantastic week & I'll report back with results from the walk! I love you all! You are huge blessings in my life & the life of my family! "A sweet friendship refreshes the soul." Proverbs 27:9
Monday, September 29, 2008
A new season
It's me, cancer-free, and checking back in! It's been awhile, and so here's what's been going on:
My "all-clear" check-up was last Thursday, the 25th. I'm still waiting for the final blood work results - they were going to mailed to me on Friday if all was well, or I'd get a call today from Dr. Hartung if anything was amiss. So far, I've seen/heard neither! However, I did ask her if I could say I am "free of cancer." She said YES, I've been free of cancer since the surgery, and all this is to remove any microscopic cells remaining, and help prevent recurrence. I am scheduled for a mammogram this Friday, I'll meet with Dr. Hartung every 3 months, and then I'll have an MRI in 6 months. I'll also have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Koeplin. I'm to notice and report any strange symptoms all throughout.
I have recently read in several articles (one while waiting for my free pedicure at the Aveda Salon 2000 in Woodbury - part of their wonderful Pampering Partnership for women undergoing chemotherapy/cancer treatment) that the triple negative ER/PR/HER2 type of cancer is more likely to recur. I hadn't really heard that before, but then I read it in several places. I asked about this, and the answer is that because it's not Estrogen receptor positive, it would not respond to any of the oral medications that are prescribed for 5 or so years after the other treatments. So, keep the prayers coming on that one, please!
I had a fun evening out with some great friends and fellow cub-scout moms, with a couple of surprise long-time friend guests as well, last Friday. Since life is short & every day is a gift, I'm doing my best to plan some fun things and spend some time with positive, encouraging people!
I've been back at work full-time since the 15th. That has been going pretty well, especially with a few new additional responsibilities to keep me busy (understatement!). I'm very thankful for my job as well, as there have been some painful job eliminations recently. It's always good to continue to grow & learn & develop yourself! Maybe some training or classes would be a good idea. My friend Kim suggested we take the Salsa dance lessons coming up in Community Ed! I'd count that as exercise, right? :O)
My fabulous friend, Jenny, and I have decided to co-captain a 3M team (also non-3M members) for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk around Lake Nokomis on October 11 (which very appropriately, is also my birthday - more reason to celebrate this year & every one after!). We've already sent out emails to many of you asking you to walk with us if that day works! The ACS encourages each walker to raise $100 in donations, but there is no minimum at all. I feel sort of guilty asking for donations after all the help that's already been so generously poured out to me, so please don't feel obligated in any way! It's a great cause that effects many more than the 1 out of 8 women that are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lives - sons, daughters, mothers, spouses, friends, etc. Here's the link to our team page: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY09Midwest?JServSessionIdr001=y6g9uxssc2.app311b&team_id=341437&pg=team&fr_id=11701
You've probably noticed it's breast cancer awareness month - PINK is everywhere!
Mike and I joined many others for the annual 3M Service Awards Banquet @ the Mpls Convention Center on the 20th. It was 20 years for me on June 15th. Wow! The dinner was very good and the entertainment, Super Diamond, was excellent, too! Even the dance floor was packed (not by us, however!). A nice evening. And thanks to Grandma, Aunt Colleen, and Jessica for hanging out with the boys! :O)
Alec and I were out shopping one rainy day & with amazing luck found & purchased a WII FIT. We've since been "working out" so to speak! We've practiced many of the balance games, which are particularly good for me with the continuing neuropathy in my feet. It's much better than sitting on the couch (not that there is much time for that, either!).
Kevin & I ventured to Afton Apple Orchard yesterday & braved the minor drizzle to pick a big bag of tart Haralson apples. Also HAD to get a big bag of Honeycrisp, our favorite. We also managed to find & pick 3 pints of red and golden raspberries. The golden ones always remind me of my grandma, who grew red, black, and golden raspberries in her enormous garden. Talk about the benefits of a basically organic garden! We didn't know how blessed we were with all that fresh produce!
Evenings are often filled with helping Alec & Kevin with homework. Kevin thinks it's quite unfair that he as a 2nd grader virtually always has more homework than his 4th grade brother! We are currently working on a diorama of a Magic Tree House book due next Monday. They are both doing well and enjoying seeing old friends and making new ones. They are also busy with scouting activities.
I'm still fighting fatigue, so I'll conclude (it's really 9:53 p.m. right now, not whatever time it says I posted). Again, thanks to you all for following along on this journey & encouraging me every step of the way. I'm so thankful for all the support shown to my boys, also, which has made this easier for me, allowed them to feel more "normal" than they would have otherwise. Please keep in touch! God bless and remember this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice & be glad in it! We are not promised tomorrow, so let's spread His light today!
My "all-clear" check-up was last Thursday, the 25th. I'm still waiting for the final blood work results - they were going to mailed to me on Friday if all was well, or I'd get a call today from Dr. Hartung if anything was amiss. So far, I've seen/heard neither! However, I did ask her if I could say I am "free of cancer." She said YES, I've been free of cancer since the surgery, and all this is to remove any microscopic cells remaining, and help prevent recurrence. I am scheduled for a mammogram this Friday, I'll meet with Dr. Hartung every 3 months, and then I'll have an MRI in 6 months. I'll also have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Koeplin. I'm to notice and report any strange symptoms all throughout.
I have recently read in several articles (one while waiting for my free pedicure at the Aveda Salon 2000 in Woodbury - part of their wonderful Pampering Partnership for women undergoing chemotherapy/cancer treatment) that the triple negative ER/PR/HER2 type of cancer is more likely to recur. I hadn't really heard that before, but then I read it in several places. I asked about this, and the answer is that because it's not Estrogen receptor positive, it would not respond to any of the oral medications that are prescribed for 5 or so years after the other treatments. So, keep the prayers coming on that one, please!
I had a fun evening out with some great friends and fellow cub-scout moms, with a couple of surprise long-time friend guests as well, last Friday. Since life is short & every day is a gift, I'm doing my best to plan some fun things and spend some time with positive, encouraging people!
I've been back at work full-time since the 15th. That has been going pretty well, especially with a few new additional responsibilities to keep me busy (understatement!). I'm very thankful for my job as well, as there have been some painful job eliminations recently. It's always good to continue to grow & learn & develop yourself! Maybe some training or classes would be a good idea. My friend Kim suggested we take the Salsa dance lessons coming up in Community Ed! I'd count that as exercise, right? :O)
My fabulous friend, Jenny, and I have decided to co-captain a 3M team (also non-3M members) for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk around Lake Nokomis on October 11 (which very appropriately, is also my birthday - more reason to celebrate this year & every one after!). We've already sent out emails to many of you asking you to walk with us if that day works! The ACS encourages each walker to raise $100 in donations, but there is no minimum at all. I feel sort of guilty asking for donations after all the help that's already been so generously poured out to me, so please don't feel obligated in any way! It's a great cause that effects many more than the 1 out of 8 women that are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lives - sons, daughters, mothers, spouses, friends, etc. Here's the link to our team page: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY09Midwest?JServSessionIdr001=y6g9uxssc2.app311b&team_id=341437&pg=team&fr_id=11701
You've probably noticed it's breast cancer awareness month - PINK is everywhere!
Mike and I joined many others for the annual 3M Service Awards Banquet @ the Mpls Convention Center on the 20th. It was 20 years for me on June 15th. Wow! The dinner was very good and the entertainment, Super Diamond, was excellent, too! Even the dance floor was packed (not by us, however!). A nice evening. And thanks to Grandma, Aunt Colleen, and Jessica for hanging out with the boys! :O)
Alec and I were out shopping one rainy day & with amazing luck found & purchased a WII FIT. We've since been "working out" so to speak! We've practiced many of the balance games, which are particularly good for me with the continuing neuropathy in my feet. It's much better than sitting on the couch (not that there is much time for that, either!).
Kevin & I ventured to Afton Apple Orchard yesterday & braved the minor drizzle to pick a big bag of tart Haralson apples. Also HAD to get a big bag of Honeycrisp, our favorite. We also managed to find & pick 3 pints of red and golden raspberries. The golden ones always remind me of my grandma, who grew red, black, and golden raspberries in her enormous garden. Talk about the benefits of a basically organic garden! We didn't know how blessed we were with all that fresh produce!
Evenings are often filled with helping Alec & Kevin with homework. Kevin thinks it's quite unfair that he as a 2nd grader virtually always has more homework than his 4th grade brother! We are currently working on a diorama of a Magic Tree House book due next Monday. They are both doing well and enjoying seeing old friends and making new ones. They are also busy with scouting activities.
I'm still fighting fatigue, so I'll conclude (it's really 9:53 p.m. right now, not whatever time it says I posted). Again, thanks to you all for following along on this journey & encouraging me every step of the way. I'm so thankful for all the support shown to my boys, also, which has made this easier for me, allowed them to feel more "normal" than they would have otherwise. Please keep in touch! God bless and remember this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice & be glad in it! We are not promised tomorrow, so let's spread His light today!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Onward and Upward...
Onward...yes, treatment is complete - the final radiation went smoothly on August 26th - and so now is the time to recover & regrow! What a milestone!! It was somewhat anticlimactic that day. I got the same few minutes of radiation and then got up and left. I was awarded an Angel Foundation mug and a "graduation" print-out, which was very thoughtful. The radiation team was great and always upbeat - I'm thankful for them.
I would say, however, that the effects of the treatments have not fully disappeared. I do have a minor, but persistent rash now, from the radiation (my really good cream with calendula ran out right after the last treatment). I also am dealing with continuing neuropathy in my feet and hands (from the chemo). This is causing me to lose sleep more than I'd like, lately. Waking up with numb fingers also makes it a challenge to turn off the alarm clock! The hot flashes are still a daily occurrence as well, which also contributes to the lack of sleep. So, on top of the fatigue brought on by the radiation, I'm just plain tired!
I will be working in the office part time again this week, with the intent of returning to full time next week. Because of the exhaustion, I'm falling behind on my exercise and other healing practices, so I'm still needing to figure out how to make those a permanent part of the daily schedule (without getting back on the 4:30 a.m. bandwagon immediately, or ever, hopefully!).
Upward...the hair on my head is now maybe 1/2 an inch long! I'm thinking there are a few more grays sneaking in there than previously. Well, hair is hair...I'll still take it! I'm using Nioxin shampoo which was recommended by the American Cancer Society and also a stylist friend. I'm encouraging it to GROW!
Alec and Kevin have completed their first week back at school - major family adjustment! They both have great teachers which are going to provide them with lots of fun and academic challenges this year. The first Scholastic book order form has even arrived (LOVE those!) and school pictures are this coming week already. Now if we can keep them from bonking their heads on something prior to the pictures and getting a black eye or bruised goose egg, we'll be in good shape.
I am continuing my yoga classes on Wednesday evenings, and have a goal of getting back to the fitness center at work for at least 30 minutes as "daily" as possible. Also, a friend just gifted me with a massage, so I have that to look forward to, as well! Haven't had much reading time or crocheting time or even sunning on the deck for 15 minutes time (starting to get a little chilly for that - my "winter wimpy" status is returning). I try to squeeze some of those things in while riding in the car.
My next appointment with my oncologist, Dr. Hartung, is September 25th. I won't meet with Dr. Bellairs, my radiation oncologist, again until November 4th. Following these "all clear" appointments, I'll start a 3-month routine of check-ups, then eventually 6 months, a year, etc. They will alternate mammograms with MRIs every 6 months. I believe I'll be meeting with the surgeon, Dr. Koeplin, again at some point as well. I'm feeling pretty confident that all the cancer is gone. There really won't be any scans or additional tests (beyond blood work) unless I have a symptom of some sort.
I must say I'm very thankful I didn't wait until my next scheduled mammogram to get this lump checked out! I'd be starting all this about now, and who knows how far things would have spread (recall it was typed as Stage 1 - Grade 3 - fastest growing) by this time. I've read lately in the paper how now the idea is to discourage self-exams, with reasoning that it causes unnecessary biopsies. I would have to disagree! Even if the results of a biopsy are negative, I think it is a necessary test, to restore a woman's peace of mind.
Because this whole episode is not quite complete, I will probably continue to write updates to this blog (plus, you've figured out by now that I enjoy writing). I sincerely cannot tell you all how grateful I am for your wonderful ongoing support and care. As I've said before, I've never felt so beat up and so cared for at the same time. From old friends to newer friends to relatives far and near to even strangers, the prayers have continued to flow up to our Heavenly Father with healing results. He is awesome and so adores every single one of us. It is amazing to consider that the Creator of the Universe "is especially fond of" each of us, as if we were the only person alive. I know this experience has caused me to want to walk closer with Him every day. It's not always easy, and I don't always "feel" like it, but I know in my head and my heart that it is the only way to not only survive, but thrive. My goal for the remainder of the year, and the remainder of my life, is to do just that - thrive! And use the talents and gifts that He has given me for His purposes. It's time to get started.....
I would say, however, that the effects of the treatments have not fully disappeared. I do have a minor, but persistent rash now, from the radiation (my really good cream with calendula ran out right after the last treatment). I also am dealing with continuing neuropathy in my feet and hands (from the chemo). This is causing me to lose sleep more than I'd like, lately. Waking up with numb fingers also makes it a challenge to turn off the alarm clock! The hot flashes are still a daily occurrence as well, which also contributes to the lack of sleep. So, on top of the fatigue brought on by the radiation, I'm just plain tired!
I will be working in the office part time again this week, with the intent of returning to full time next week. Because of the exhaustion, I'm falling behind on my exercise and other healing practices, so I'm still needing to figure out how to make those a permanent part of the daily schedule (without getting back on the 4:30 a.m. bandwagon immediately, or ever, hopefully!).
Upward...the hair on my head is now maybe 1/2 an inch long! I'm thinking there are a few more grays sneaking in there than previously. Well, hair is hair...I'll still take it! I'm using Nioxin shampoo which was recommended by the American Cancer Society and also a stylist friend. I'm encouraging it to GROW!
Alec and Kevin have completed their first week back at school - major family adjustment! They both have great teachers which are going to provide them with lots of fun and academic challenges this year. The first Scholastic book order form has even arrived (LOVE those!) and school pictures are this coming week already. Now if we can keep them from bonking their heads on something prior to the pictures and getting a black eye or bruised goose egg, we'll be in good shape.
I am continuing my yoga classes on Wednesday evenings, and have a goal of getting back to the fitness center at work for at least 30 minutes as "daily" as possible. Also, a friend just gifted me with a massage, so I have that to look forward to, as well! Haven't had much reading time or crocheting time or even sunning on the deck for 15 minutes time (starting to get a little chilly for that - my "winter wimpy" status is returning). I try to squeeze some of those things in while riding in the car.
My next appointment with my oncologist, Dr. Hartung, is September 25th. I won't meet with Dr. Bellairs, my radiation oncologist, again until November 4th. Following these "all clear" appointments, I'll start a 3-month routine of check-ups, then eventually 6 months, a year, etc. They will alternate mammograms with MRIs every 6 months. I believe I'll be meeting with the surgeon, Dr. Koeplin, again at some point as well. I'm feeling pretty confident that all the cancer is gone. There really won't be any scans or additional tests (beyond blood work) unless I have a symptom of some sort.
I must say I'm very thankful I didn't wait until my next scheduled mammogram to get this lump checked out! I'd be starting all this about now, and who knows how far things would have spread (recall it was typed as Stage 1 - Grade 3 - fastest growing) by this time. I've read lately in the paper how now the idea is to discourage self-exams, with reasoning that it causes unnecessary biopsies. I would have to disagree! Even if the results of a biopsy are negative, I think it is a necessary test, to restore a woman's peace of mind.
Because this whole episode is not quite complete, I will probably continue to write updates to this blog (plus, you've figured out by now that I enjoy writing). I sincerely cannot tell you all how grateful I am for your wonderful ongoing support and care. As I've said before, I've never felt so beat up and so cared for at the same time. From old friends to newer friends to relatives far and near to even strangers, the prayers have continued to flow up to our Heavenly Father with healing results. He is awesome and so adores every single one of us. It is amazing to consider that the Creator of the Universe "is especially fond of" each of us, as if we were the only person alive. I know this experience has caused me to want to walk closer with Him every day. It's not always easy, and I don't always "feel" like it, but I know in my head and my heart that it is the only way to not only survive, but thrive. My goal for the remainder of the year, and the remainder of my life, is to do just that - thrive! And use the talents and gifts that He has given me for His purposes. It's time to get started.....
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
More than midway
Today I completed #11 out of 16 radiation treatments, plus had a second X-ray to make sure they are on target. So far, so good. This is a much less "invasive" therapy than the chemo. So far the side effects are a little bit tender skin and moderate fatigue. The end is in close range...
Okay, so hair is growing in. Which makes wearing the wig/liner like putting a nylon on a stubbly hairy leg. Not the most comfortable thing in the world. When I leave my half+ day of work and head out to my car (usually race out, since I'm almost always close to being late for my appt.), I kind of look both ways & whip that thing off my head & quickly replace it with a nice sporty hat. Instead of hat head, I am experiencing wig head, which is a red line all around the edge of where that liner sits. Oh well, it could be worse! Oh, the wig also squeezes my glasses against my head, so my vision is not always right on, either.
We are gearing up for back to school & back to normal life sometime soon! The radiation oncologist and the nurse practitioner both recommend easing back into full time. So, continue with 1/2 days the first week in Sept, then 3/4 the next week, and then full time after that. I'll see Dr. Bellairs again on Thursday and she'll formalize that plan.
The boys are getting kind of "antsy" and I think they are ready to get back into the learning routine. And they'll enjoy seeing more of their friends, too (but probably not that "no talking" part of the classroom!). They are hoping for excellent teachers, but it will be difficult to equal or top last years!
We are also planning on the MN State Fair next week (starts this Thursday already!). We have tickets to the Mark Schultz concert. If you are not familiar with him, he's a great Christian singer/story-teller. Kevin loves his songs and sings along often ("He's My Son" and "Letters from War" are two well-known ones, yes, that tend to make me cry!).
Mike and I went out to dinner at Ristorante' Luci last Saturday evening while my mom watched the boys. This was to celebrate the end of chemo!! I had to wait until my taste buds were back in action. I even enjoyed my first glass of wine - a nice Chianti - since my diagnosis. It was very nice - not at all like turpentine (the dietitian warned me it could taste that way during chemo).
Mike just took a fire call, so I better to find out what those boys are up to outside! Since it was close to 90 degrees today, I think water may be involved!
Thanks again to everyone for the continued positive thoughts & prayers! You all have helped me to keep on moving to the light at the end of the tunnel, which is finally in view! Blessings to you today & every day! :O)
Okay, so hair is growing in. Which makes wearing the wig/liner like putting a nylon on a stubbly hairy leg. Not the most comfortable thing in the world. When I leave my half+ day of work and head out to my car (usually race out, since I'm almost always close to being late for my appt.), I kind of look both ways & whip that thing off my head & quickly replace it with a nice sporty hat. Instead of hat head, I am experiencing wig head, which is a red line all around the edge of where that liner sits. Oh well, it could be worse! Oh, the wig also squeezes my glasses against my head, so my vision is not always right on, either.
We are gearing up for back to school & back to normal life sometime soon! The radiation oncologist and the nurse practitioner both recommend easing back into full time. So, continue with 1/2 days the first week in Sept, then 3/4 the next week, and then full time after that. I'll see Dr. Bellairs again on Thursday and she'll formalize that plan.
The boys are getting kind of "antsy" and I think they are ready to get back into the learning routine. And they'll enjoy seeing more of their friends, too (but probably not that "no talking" part of the classroom!). They are hoping for excellent teachers, but it will be difficult to equal or top last years!
We are also planning on the MN State Fair next week (starts this Thursday already!). We have tickets to the Mark Schultz concert. If you are not familiar with him, he's a great Christian singer/story-teller. Kevin loves his songs and sings along often ("He's My Son" and "Letters from War" are two well-known ones, yes, that tend to make me cry!).
Mike and I went out to dinner at Ristorante' Luci last Saturday evening while my mom watched the boys. This was to celebrate the end of chemo!! I had to wait until my taste buds were back in action. I even enjoyed my first glass of wine - a nice Chianti - since my diagnosis. It was very nice - not at all like turpentine (the dietitian warned me it could taste that way during chemo).
Mike just took a fire call, so I better to find out what those boys are up to outside! Since it was close to 90 degrees today, I think water may be involved!
Thanks again to everyone for the continued positive thoughts & prayers! You all have helped me to keep on moving to the light at the end of the tunnel, which is finally in view! Blessings to you today & every day! :O)
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Final phase....
Just a quick update (do I ever actually do that - keep it quick?)...
I have my "dry run" radiation treatment tomorrow around noon. Then I start the real thing on Tuesday. As I mentioned previously, this course of treatment will run for 3 weeks and a day (Canadian protocol) with a 25% higher dose (vs the 6 week protocol). This radiation should seek and destroy any remaining microscopic cancer cells to help prevent recurrence.
The current plan is for me to work a half day, in the office, then go have my treatment and head home. Because the primary side effect is fatigue, I'll probably schedule an afternoon nap! Just writing about this brought on a hot flash! Funny how anything somewhat "stressful" brings on one of those little buggers! If all the components of the office part become too exhausting, I'll work those daily hours from home.
This last week was our annual family vacation. For a variety of reasons, we didn't make it to the Wisconsin Dells this year (sorry boys!). But, we did have a 3 day visit to the Duluth area at the Edgewater Waterpark Resort. We took in many sights including the Split Rock Lighthouse, the William A. Irvin retired cargo ship, the Vista Fleet harbor boat tour, Gooseberry Falls, and watched some HUGE barges come into the harbor. I'm talking 1004 feet long! Enormous! Overall, we had a good time. Ate at many nice restaurants - so nice not to cook and clean up! The boys liked the waterpark and the seagulls the best!
I will say that I was very surprised to find that my legs were not up for the Gooseberry Falls hiking (just walking, really)! Turned out I had far less energy than I thought, so "Mom" kind of slowed things down this time. I'm still dealing with quite a bit of neuropathy in my left foot, which doesn't help. I am hoping/praying that will resolve sooner than later. My hair is definitely starting to grow again, which is great news! :O)
One of my dear friends had a little gathering on Friday evening, and since all of my boys were at Cub Scout Camp this weekend, I was especially free to attend. It's such good medicine to just laugh and chat (and eat!)! I was, however, the BIG loser at Polish Poker! Oh well, someone had to fill that role!
I will close for now, with again, so much thankfulness for all of you! One more quick quote: "It's not how long you live that matters, but how you live." My goal is to live such that I will hear "Well done, good and faithful servant!" when I move onward and upward to my eventual heavenly home. There is so much to learn and experience - I thank so many of you for providing a great example of the kind of caring and compassion Jesus showed us! God bless!
I have my "dry run" radiation treatment tomorrow around noon. Then I start the real thing on Tuesday. As I mentioned previously, this course of treatment will run for 3 weeks and a day (Canadian protocol) with a 25% higher dose (vs the 6 week protocol). This radiation should seek and destroy any remaining microscopic cancer cells to help prevent recurrence.
The current plan is for me to work a half day, in the office, then go have my treatment and head home. Because the primary side effect is fatigue, I'll probably schedule an afternoon nap! Just writing about this brought on a hot flash! Funny how anything somewhat "stressful" brings on one of those little buggers! If all the components of the office part become too exhausting, I'll work those daily hours from home.
This last week was our annual family vacation. For a variety of reasons, we didn't make it to the Wisconsin Dells this year (sorry boys!). But, we did have a 3 day visit to the Duluth area at the Edgewater Waterpark Resort. We took in many sights including the Split Rock Lighthouse, the William A. Irvin retired cargo ship, the Vista Fleet harbor boat tour, Gooseberry Falls, and watched some HUGE barges come into the harbor. I'm talking 1004 feet long! Enormous! Overall, we had a good time. Ate at many nice restaurants - so nice not to cook and clean up! The boys liked the waterpark and the seagulls the best!
I will say that I was very surprised to find that my legs were not up for the Gooseberry Falls hiking (just walking, really)! Turned out I had far less energy than I thought, so "Mom" kind of slowed things down this time. I'm still dealing with quite a bit of neuropathy in my left foot, which doesn't help. I am hoping/praying that will resolve sooner than later. My hair is definitely starting to grow again, which is great news! :O)
One of my dear friends had a little gathering on Friday evening, and since all of my boys were at Cub Scout Camp this weekend, I was especially free to attend. It's such good medicine to just laugh and chat (and eat!)! I was, however, the BIG loser at Polish Poker! Oh well, someone had to fill that role!
I will close for now, with again, so much thankfulness for all of you! One more quick quote: "It's not how long you live that matters, but how you live." My goal is to live such that I will hear "Well done, good and faithful servant!" when I move onward and upward to my eventual heavenly home. There is so much to learn and experience - I thank so many of you for providing a great example of the kind of caring and compassion Jesus showed us! God bless!
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