Timeline

So for some reason lately I have had a lot of people ask about my cancer.  Cancer is like a child, there are certain dates that you don't forget.  So here is my new dates that I don't think I will ever forget (much like birthdays).

Feb 23, 2013 - Found Lump
Feb 25, 2013 - Went to Dr.
March 6, 2013 - Mammogram, Sonogram and Biopsy
March 8, 2013 - Aaron gave me the diagnosis.  Christy had me an appointment in her office and she scheculed me for surgery.
March 11, 2013 - Met with Dr. Cook and Christy
March 15, 2013 - Had a lumpectomy
April 30, 2013 - Had my 1st Chemo session
Aug 13, 2013 - Had my last Chemo session
Sept 9,2013 -Will have my 1st Radiation treatment.

Whew, that is a lot of new dates.  I usually remember them all,, but the Feb dates and April30 and Aug 13, I think will be burned into my brain for life.

Round 5 down

Had round five yesterday!  Only one more to go!  I feel so good today.  My cell count returned to normal without the Neulasta shot.   So thankful for all of the help that my neighborhood and ward members have given us.  We could have never made it this far without all of the love and support from you guys.  I can't way to be healthy again to be able to start doing service to help repay the service that we have been given!

 I should be healthy and ready to return to work at the school when school starts.  I should be able to start radiation abound Sept 3 and finish 6 weeks later.  I have been told that I can do this treatment in about 15 min per day (I go everyday, M-F for 6 1/2 weeks) either on my way to work or on the way home.  I am  being told that radiation is a walk in the park compared to the chemo!  I sure hope so.  

Hope my energy keeps up today, we have a zillion things to do before we leave on our little vacation.   

Round 4 down

Did round 4 yesterday and today NO SHOT!  My white blood cells are returning to normal each round so we elected to try no shot!  I cannot tell you how excited I am.  A few downfalls to it though.. Can't go in public places without a mask, absolutely no swimming pool (maybe at night with no body in it and then shower immediately after).  Have to watch very closely for infection, fevers, dry mouth, etc.

But I feel great today!  I am ready for a nap so that is next on the agenda, but I am praying that my cells return to normal and I can go another round without the shot.  I would love to feel great for our trip to Kansas!

Hope everyone has a great holiday tomorrow!!! 

Round 4, the downhill slide!

Time for round 4!  Now we have counted up from 1 to 3, now we can count down from 3 to 1.  Going to ask the Dr. today about not takiing the Nuelasta shot,  It is what causes me the most pain and puts me out of commission for a week.  The rest of the time, I just get really tired.  I continue to be touched by those that have made food coupon donations to us!  My It Works! team has been amazing in collecting these coupons for days that I am just too tired to do anything.  

My neighborhood also sure knows how to serve!  They continue to step up and help with a couple meals during the week that I have Chemo.  They amaze me and Heather you are a wonder at setting those up!   Helen you are amazing doing dinner for us once a week!  Only nine more weeks! And then on to Radiation! Oh yipee, can't wait for that!  lol.

Hopefully by the time school starts, I will be ready to go back to work with them.  I always thought being home for the summer would be fun......ya....not when you can't do anything.....even hold a part time job would have been nice.  Oh well, I am just enjoying my kids the best that I can!

I think the big thing that I am looking forward to, is having a soda that taste like soda and not like metal!  Milk has been my friend.  As well as Mexican food, ie salsa, chips, barbacoa (thanks for the coupons!), Cafe Rio (thanks for the coupons!)  

Again, thank you to everyone that has provided service to my little family!  I look forward to the day when we can turn around and serve you and others!  

After Shot

This shot that I get the day after kills me!  My teeth are even starting to hurt!  Got all my meds written down and getting them in my body is a full time job.

Made it to JT's game tonight and they won again, so they play tomorrow night.  Hope I can suck it up and make that one.  Time for me to go to bed!

Second Round Down

So far so good.  I even made it to JT's lacrosse game!We will see how tomorrow goes.  I go get my Nulasta shot at 9:30.  This is were the test comes.  This shot makes be hurt deep into my bones.
Got my meds all written down so I can keep them straight and hopefully keep the pain under control.  I will keep you updated.

Second Treatment

So for my second round, I am HEALTHY!  Hopefully this will be a whole different experience than last time.  It took me over two weeks to get to feeling like myself!

Many people have asked how they can help. So I am posting a link, if you like and share it that would be awesome. But please do not feel obligated!  

pledgie.com/campaigns/20040

Are we past the worst?

Sunday I was able to go to sacrament meeting and then I came home and slept. I had a headache that had been persistant since Friday night.  I was able to relieve it with different meds but it kept coming back.  On Monday I made an appointment with my fabulous family practitioner, Aaron Elswood.  I received an injection of Toradol and phenagran.  This should have knocked my headache out.  When I woke up, it was actually worse than earlier.  Finally enough was enough  and I called my home teachers for a blessing and a ride to the ER.  At the ER they did a CAT Scan and everything was normal. They gave me another shot of Toradol and phenegran as well as a few other meds.  About midnight I was able to come home and get some sleep.  Also monday they put me on a Z-Pak for my sinuses and chest infections.  From monday thru Wednesday, I think I slept the most I have ever slept.  Thursday I went to work for about an hour and then a sub showed up for me.  Came home and slept for the rest of the day.  Friday another day of sleeping.  Did a few things in between naps to help build energy back up. Finally starting to feel like I'm on the mend!  A special thank you to all of you who pitched in and helped me with everything this week.  I greatly appreciate it!

The Last 72 hours......

have probably been the most trying that I have ever had.  At least I know what expect next time.  I just wanted to crawl in a hole and never come out.  I am so extremely grateful for good friends that stepped in and helped out with my kids.  We have truely been blessed with meeting some very good, new friends.  

Things to remember next time..... and Write down all medication and when I take it!  I think that if I had done this I would have faired a little bit better.  I couldn't remember when or what I took and so I didn't manage it very well.  

Get new pillows!  Something a lot softer!  My body feels like it has no fat on it (which we know is not true!).  Every surface that I touch feels hard.   

This post is a little scattered, but that is they way my mind is functioning right now.  I just want everyone that has helped us to know how much a appreciate it.  Your love and compassion is above and beyond .. and I hope that I can do the same for others when I get through with this battle.   I could not live in a better neighborhood with better friends than I do at this time.  

 

1st Chemo Treatment

So we got there about 11:30 and had to have my blood drawn to check my counts.  Then we met with the doctor and then headed over for treatment.

Got me all hooked up and nothing eventful.  Just sat and visited.  Got home at about 4:45.  Made for a very long day.  Get to go back in three weeks for the same rountine although it shouldn't take as long this time!

Taxotere/Cytoxan

Drum roll.......The drugs of  choice are  Taxotere and Cytoxan. First session is Tuesday April 30 and the next cycle will be 3 weeks later.  I will have 6 sessions (so 18 weeks).  So by mid August I should be done with Chemo and ready to start Radiation. 

The radiation schedule will be M - F for 6 1/2 weeks.

The day after my chemo treatments I will return for a shot of Neulasta. 

  

Fatigue

So I have been extremely tired so I asked dr. Wallentine about it.  So I guess even though I haven't started treatment, the stress of worrying about it will cause symptoms I will also experience during treatment. I guess you could liken it to braxton hicks contractions.  Hoping to get a full week of work in before next week!

Crazy Busy Day

So started the day off with an IEP. That went well.  Then I had to go to three different appointments before I can start treatment.  Started at 11:00 with an Echocardiogram, then saw Dr.Wallentine at noon. 

Had blood drawn thru my port for the first time. All I can say about that is it hurt like he##. It better get a little better for next time.  I don't know if I can get poked like that.  It was a huge needle, and then they had to practically tip me upside down to get the blood to flow. 

After Dr.Wallentine, I had to have chest x-rays.  Because of the port, my left arm does not raise above my head and so standing for the xray hurt almost as  bad as the  blood draw!  

Finally got home about 3:00. Wow, busy day.

Oh, yea....lets not forget the pregnancy test that I had to have done. In case anyone was wondering...it was negative. lol!:-)
   

Home and Resting

The summary of my day:

4:15 - wake up
4:35 - leave for surgical center
5:15 - get checked in
6:00 surgery 
9:00 - home

A little sore where they put the port in at.  Arm is a little restricted in movement, but other than that, I'm feeling pretty good.  Just tired.  Going to kick back and watch a few movies and take several naps.  

All in all everything went good today.

It's 4:30 am

Off to the surgical center to have the portacath put in.  Hopefully will be home by 10ish. 

Dr. Clark

Went to meet with Dr. Clark today.  He is the Radiation Oncologist.  He had the addendum to my other test and it looks like my cancer is not estrogen driving.  This is good, I guess.  It really doesn't change the treatment.  

So radiation will start about 3 weeks after chemo is done and it will be M-F for 6 1/2 weeks.  He said it will be a walk in the park compared to chemo, but I will be more tired.  

This is about all that I learned today.  I basically have 4 weeks of waiting and then all the treatments will start. 

Dr. Wallentine

Went to see Dr. Wallentine today.  I think my brain might be fried.  He had so much information for us (Megan went with).  I knew that I liked him before we met, when I looked him up he had a fellowship with Kansas University.  I even took him some mints that mom and dad gave us for Christmas that were wrapped in KU wrapping.  He got a kick out of them.

So we are waiting for the lab to verify some results.  On one part of the report it said that my cancer was estrogen fed and then down a little bit it said it was negative.  Regardless the treatment will be the same.  

Right now I am scheduled to begin treatment on April 30 at 11:30.   They said to allow 3 hours.  So the Chemo will be either every  two weeks (I can't remember how many, Megan?) or every three weeks.  It depends on which medications that they decide to use.

There was almost too much information to remember so if you have any questions, send them our way and we will try to answer them the best that we can.

Again Thank You all for everything that everyone has done for me and my family.  Thanks Mom and Dad for coming out here the week after my surgery.  Thanks Megan for going with me to the different appointments.  I know I try to do it all by myself and I don't want to admit when I need help, but it is all truly appreciated!

Follow Up Visit

Went to see the surgeon today (well I saw Christy)  everything looks good and is healing the way it should.  That said I walked away with the following appointments.

March 29- Medical Oncologist
April 1 - Radiation Oncologisst
April 10 - Surgeon
April 11 - Surgery to have port put in.  The port is so that they don't have to poke me with needles everytime for Chemo or blood draws.

Chemo could start as early as the 11th of April.  That is all that I know as of know.  I will know more after my appointment on the 29th.  (Happy Birthday to me!)
  

Church

Went to church today and was in a sea of pink.  Feels good to know that you have that much support behind you to help you get thru what no doubt will be a difficult time. 

I go see the surgeon tomorrow, so we will see what that bring!

1st day at work

Boy, I never realized playing takes so much out of you.  I went to work for a half day today and by the time I got home I was worn out.  Then had to do the running around associated with kids.  I think I will sleep good tonight.  I might even try sleeping in a bed vs. sleeping on the couch in a half sitting position.  I am gaining a little more energy each day and hope to be back to work for the full day starting on Monday. 

Pathology Is Back!

So it could have been a lot worse and only a little bit better.  The biopsy of the surrounding tissue and the lymph nodes were negative for cancer, Yea!  The mass itself had 1.8 cm of cancer which could have been a little bit better.  Basically they recommend Chemo for anything over 1.5 cm so I am right on the border.  At my follow up with the surgeon on Monday we will set an appointment with both the chemo and radiation oncologist.  We will see what they recommend and go from there.

In the meantime we are grateful for good news.

Quick update

So I came home on saturday and pretty much slept the day away.  Same for Sunday.  Did move from my couch to my brothers couch for a few hours.  Sat and Sun nights were okay with the incisions ice packed.  Monday slept most of the day and then ran some errands and by the time 8:00 rolled aroound I was ready for bed.

Today, JT sprained his ankle so we went and picked him up and took him to the Dr. and then stopped at WalMart and I have been asleep til now.  Going to try to go and get some things for the kids when mom and dad get back from my Nephew's track meet.

I am going to try and work tomorrow afternoon.  It's only for 2 1/2 hours so I hope I can make it.

I want to thank everybody for all the meals that have been brought to us, it has helped tremendously.  I will try to get dishes back soon. 

I should get the final biopsy results tomorrow and will update as soon as I do.

I'm Home!!  A little tender but not a lot of pain, good sign.  Just going to lay on my couch until my mom and dad get here with my kids.  They should be here between 7-8 tonight.

Dr. Cook has been in and I am all ready to go home!  Just waiting on paperwork but she said she would try to have it by 10:45.  So, if everything goes as planned (which it has all weekend) I should be home by 12:00.  Yea!

Glad I stayed the night!

I am so glad that I stayed the night!  I know I could have gone home, but it would have been rough.  I think I was up every two hours to use the bathroom and because of the air compression on my legs I had to buzz the nurse each time and get unhooked.  I think I about have the dye out of my system.   Now to decide what I want for breakfast!  Then hopefully home by noon.  We do have a home phone number so if you want to call check the Pilgrims Landed page (if you live in the neighborhood) or message me and I will get it to you!

Again thank you for all of the love and support this last week and this up coming week.  I really appreciate it as I know my family does as well!  

We will continue to update this as my upcoming treatment approches.  I will let you all know if I am going to have to do Chemo as soon as I find out. 

More Pink Pictures!

Helen Gardner got a bunch of the girls from the neighborhood together for this picture. #heartshapedhands

 

 

Some of my co-workers, including our CEO (second from right) heard about Cathy's surgery and busted out the pink today:

Yipee!  I got upgraded to real food!

Just waiting for my kids to come see me!  Feel pretty good.  Just really want some real food!  Clear diet pretty much sucks!  Maybe in a little bit.

Good News!

Dr. Cook just came out and let us know Cathy is out of surgery.  He said the mass was not attached to any skin or tissues, which is very good news.  He felt like he was able to get completely around the mass without disturbing it all.   They also took a look at the lymph nodes.  There was only one sentinel node (which is also good.)  They take a look at any lymph nodes which react too the radioactive dye.  During surgery they sent the lymph node off to be examined.  Preliminary reports show that the cancer has not spread.  They also removed another lymph node that was enlarged.  They also sent it off, but it came back clear as well.  Overall, Dr Cook is very happy.  The mass was approximately 2- 2 1/2 cm which he said is not huge, but not small.  If he had to make a guess, he believes that Cathy will need both Chemotherapy and Radiation because of the size of the mass.  This will be determined at a later date by the Oncologist.

Going Pink for Cathy in Alabama!

All Checked In

This is Megan (Cathy's sister).  I am going to be updating the blog today from the hospital.  I picked Cathy up this morning and we headed into Utah Valley Regional Medical Center.  Things have been smooth so far.  Cathy is all checked in.  After check in, we waited for about half an hour and then she was just taken back to nuclear medicine, where she will be injected with dye.  They like the dye to be in the system for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours before surgery.  She is on the schedule for 12:15  p.m. today.  We will know a little bit later in the morning if the surgeon is running on time.  Cathy has a great nurse. 

While Cathy is doing good, the reality of the situation is setting in with her kids.  In particular, JT had a difficult morning.  We are hopeful that once he knows mom is out of surgery and he can visibly see that she is OK, he will settle in for a fun weekend with cousins.  I will update once she is out of surgery.  Thank you for all of the support that is being shown to Cathy and her family.  We know the Lord is mindful of her, her kids and extended family. 

Going Pink For Cathy!

Found out that I don't have to be to the hospital until 9:30.  So we can have somewhat of a normal morning.  I am truly blessed to have such great friends and family.  I appreciate everything that everyone has and is so willing to do for us. 

Update On Surgery

Per Cathy's Facebook page:

Latest news....I have to be at the hospital at 9:30 for a procedure that they will do around 11. They will inject me with dye and then after the dye has had a chance to go to where it needs to go, they will do surgery. It should start between 12:30 and 1:00, but you know how surgeries go, don't put it in ink cuz it probably will change.

This is my friend Lynn Merrell and her MIL Irene.  Lynnie has finished her chemo treatment and today is having more surgery.  She will be in the hospital for 2-3 days.  My son, JT, is named after Irenes' late husband, John Thomas Merrell.  My heart goes out to her family today and I will be praying and thinking about her all day today.  Hang tough Lynnie (and LeRoy also!) 

As for me, I am headed to work today, I actually feel like I have some energy.  And the I will head to the hospital about 10:30 to have some labs done and then back to work.

Tonight we are also having a wrap party at Nikki Hall's houses, if anyone is interested in wrapping before I head to the hospital tomorrow.  I am just a few distributors away from Emerald.  Still shooting for that bonus in March......

Surgery

Cathy registered for surgery earlier today in order to have the mass removed.  She'll check in to the hospital at 6:45 am when most of us will be rolling out of bed.  Be sure to remember her in your morning prayers! I plan on wearing pink on Friday as a reminder to keep her in my thoughts and prayers.  I'd ask you to do the same.  Feel free to send me your pictures so we can put together a collage to put on the blog (email info below).  If you post them on Facebook be sure and tag her so she can see your smiling faces!

We've got her set up as a contributor to this blog so you can all expect to hear from her soon.  She posts little tidbits of information on Facebook, but there are people who don’t use it so a blog is probably the most efficient way of communicating information to everyone.  We’ll post more information when we have it.  Thank you for your prayers and support! Remember to wear pink on Friday!

Send pics to:

Diagnosed

Last Friday Cathy was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.  On Monday she met with a surgeon and it was determined that she will have the mass removed this coming Friday.  She'll be at the hospital overnight after which she'll have 3-4 weeks before any more measures are taken.  We'd like to say THANK YOU to everyone who has reached out and helped her during the past couple of days, both friends and family.  We expect to know more following the surgery and in the coming weeks and we ask for your prayers on Cathy, JT and Macady's behalf.