Surgery is scheduled!

Met with my oncologist and surgeon today.  According to the MRI report, the tumor has shrunk to less than half it's original size.  That is really good news!

It will be interesting to see what they find in the pathology report on the tumor after surgery.  The mass on the MRI might turn out to be 'dead' cancer cells.  That's what I am hoping for.

So, I am scheduled for my surgery - March 28th.  Next Wednesday!

The surgery will be a modified radical mastectomy (that includes axillary lymph node dissection).  Otherwise, it would be considered a simple mastectomy if the lymph nodes were not involved.  Alas, I had two that showed up positive.  But, they showed up quite a bit smaller on the follow-up MRI.

Many thanks go out to everyone that has helped in any way.  Me and my family really appreciate it.  We wouldn't be able to get through all of this without you!!!
Hugs!

So many choices

I met with my third plastic surgeon yesterday. 
There is so much to learn and so many variables in considering reconstruction when it comes to breast cancer treatment.
The surgeon put it in an interesting way. He said, "I can be talking to a cancer patient and tell him that he needs reconstructive surgery on his esophagus and he'll say, "Ok". When I talk with breast cancer patients it is an entirely different thing. You don't see your esophagus and it doesn't make you 'feel' like a woman. Breast reconstruction is a very personal and complicated decision."
It can be a very confusing decision too!
Here's a very simplified breakdown...
Do I want something foreign in me with only a 2-3 hour surgery with a relatively easy recovery?
or
Do I want my own tissue (less likely to have problems) but, with a 10 hour surgery and a very long recovery and multiple surgeries?
or
Do I try a new system that may or may not work, using my own tissue, with less invasive surgery but most likely multiple surgeries?
or 
I can always do nothing and wear a prosthetic.
Throw radiation into the mix and it can change everything.
I am grateful I have a choice!!!  I just want to make the right one and need to make it by Monday.  No pressure.

In my wig that I can't stand to wear!

What I'm thinking in this picture...

"My head is so hot and itchy!"

A Quick UPdate!!!

As I type this I am having my last Taxol treatment!  A weight is lifting.  I might float right up to the ceiling when all the steps have been completed for my cancer treatment!

I am looking forward, now, to the next step, SURGERY.

I will have another MRI the end of next week to see how effective the chemotherapy has been.  Also another blood test to see how my blood cell counts are doing and my bone marrow and all that fun stuff.  So far my body has held up amazingly!!!  It's especially amazing because I have been having the dose dense regime (every 2 weeks instead of every 3).  Truly the result of blessings, prayers, and all of you out there putting my name in the Temple!  Thank You!!!  Words don't even express.

If all goes well with the MRI and blood test I am hoping to schedule my surgery for March 28th.
I will be having a mastectomy with sentinel lymph node dissection (but may have to have the axillary lymph node dissection - where they take all the lymph nodes on that side, well not all, but most).

So, on to recovery from this last round.  I'm hoping the neuropathy doesn't get too bad.  But, I am just so happy it's the last!!!

More to come!
Hugs to everyone...we all need them!

The Top 15 Things To Say to Cancer Survivors...

Sometimes you just don't know what to say!


This list came about after posting a list of the top 10 things NOT to say to cancer survivors on FB (thanks Steph)! She suggested I create a list of things that "we" would LIKE to hear.  I would add that some of these suggestions would be great to say to those that are caring for a loved one going through cancer as well.  With the help of many other Survivors here it is...


1.  "I'm sorry."
2.  "It stinks/sucks that you have to go through this."
3.  "How can I help?"
4.  "You will beat this!"
5.  "When you need someone to talk to, I am here."
6.  "Can I pick your kids up for a play date?"
7.  "I will be checking on you frequently to see how you are doing and how I can help."
8.  "When is a good time for me to come clean your house?"
9.  "Can I come to any appointments with you?"
10. "I will be keeping you in my prayers."
11. "Are you under any dietary restrictions?  I will be bringing you dinner on (insert day)."
12. It's ok to not say anything...just give a hug.  The worst thing you can do is avoid the      person!
13. "How are you feeling today?"
14. "Can I get you anything?"
15. "Are you getting the help you need?"


**Remember that going through cancer is an emotional roller coaster and she/he may need a shoulder to cry on and then some help to be lifted up, most likely on a daily basis.  Depression can be a very real challenge for many cancer survivors.  Positive thoughts, notes/cards, and prayers are always a help.  It is a tremendous help to just know people care!

Sitting in Infusion getting 6th round!

Well the end of the tunnel is visible.  I can see a glimmer of light!  After today I will have only two more rounds!  Wow!  So four more weeks to go.

I am hoping that the side effects of this round of chemo (Taxol) will not be quite as bad as last time.  My oncologist toned it down just a little bit (the dosage) because I had raised liver enzymes.  Not good, but not quite alarming.  They were elevated only just slightly.  So, I am hoping this time around will be a little more manageable.  I had pretty severe neuropathy and nerve pain throughout my body.  I am pretty used to having muscle pain (having dealt with fibromyalgia for the past 16 years).  But, nerve pain is an entirely different story!  I will be trying the Acetyll L carnitine supplement this time to see if it will help will the pain (thanks Karen Durrant for the suggestion - my cancer buddy!).


I am planning to do some serious celebrating when this part is over.  Anyone know of a spa that uses only non-toxic products?  Would love to get a facial and mani-pedi! 
Then when I am completely done with everything?  Watch out!!!  


Again, thank you to EVERYONE who has gone beyond the call of duty to help us out with food, watching kids, cleaning, and all the Jamba Juice runs (thanks Katie!) and the most important a listening ear!!!


Hugs

5 rounds down...3 to go!!!

I am over the hump and on the downhill slope of chemotherapy!  Last Tuesday, the 24th of January, was my first round of the second half of treatment.  I am doing Taxol treatments now and will be done March 8th, if all my blood counts continue to look good!


So glad that I am done with the extra nasty chemo.  I am hoping that the next 5 1/2 weeks will be a little easier than the last eight weeks have been!  So far it is much more tolerable.


I have learned a lot in the last few months.  Here are just some of my random thoughts...


1.   Cancer has shown me who I really am, which I already knew.  But, it's like being given a microscope and you are given a glimpse as to how Heavenly Father sees you!
2.   The things that you always knew weren't very important REALLY ARE NOT important and you have no choice but to let them go.
3.   The love, help and prayers from family and friends, and faith in God can get you through ANYTHING!
4.   What a gift it is to be able to hold my children.
5.   I appreciate the tiny little increases of energy and the moments I am given not to have to be in bed!  These moments give me hope for complete recovery and helps me look forward to returning to 100% and pay it forward.
6.   There are so many ways that it could be worse.  I actually appreciate my current situation.  I know that sounds strange!
7.   A positive mental attitude (pma) can make the most terrible thing (you think) tolerable and even life evolving and enriching.
8.   Nurses and other healthcare workers that truly love their work are little angels on earth!
9.   Hair is really not that important but sure does keep your head warm!


On the horizon...surgery.  Most likely I will have my mastectomy surgery toward the end of March or beginning of April.


But, I am focusing right now on getting through this first step of treatment and finishing strong.


I have been racking my brain (chemo brain sometimes!) on a great way to celebrate finishing chemotherapy.  If any of you have any ideas I would love to hear about them.


A big, huge THANK YOU to everyone that have brought us dinners, watched our children, and cleaned our house.  Words cannot express how amazing you all are!  


Hugs and blessings,
Becky

2 down, 6 to go!

It's bad, so bad.  But, it could be so much worse!  I realize that.  The fatigue is overwhelming at times.  The muscle pain was worse this time around.  Nausea comes in waves (especially with smells, sounds and bumps to the bed) but, is manageable with the meds.  And...I lost my hair with this last round.


I didn't prepare myself for how painful losing my hair would be.  The first round made my hair follicles tingly, but this time each follicle was on fire!  It was a burning pain.  Sherwood shaved my head for me.  That took the pain down a couple notches which was very helpful!  It was quite a shock to see myself for the first time in the mirror.  I still can't really look at myself with patchy stubble all over my head!  Not the greatest look.


My next round is Dec. 27th.  Hopefully I will have a good couple of days to enjoy with my family before I start it all over again.


Thank you Dr. Lewis for highly recommending the port-a-cath!  It's made the awful a little more manageable.  Not having to get poked makes it better!


I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!  May you hug your loved ones a little tighter, realize you are blessed a little more and have a larger measure of peace this time of year!!!


Hugs,
Becky