Happy Holidays!

Well, it's December 26th and Christmas has come and gone; but, we're enjoying all the aftermath:

• guitar hero



• XBox 360



• new computer



• karoke machine



• much much more...

More Christmas fun later..............only a few more days until round FIVE of chemo......

Normal for Now

After a hellacious round 4 of chemo, I'm enjoying my two weeks of feeling good right now. My next treatment is Monday, Dec. 29th and then my FINAL round will be January 21st. I meet with my surgeon, Dr. Chow on January 7th to plan surgery, etc..........I know that I will continue with Herceptin treatments every three weeks for at least a year; but, THAT is the drug with no side effects, etc....so I can easily endure this regimen of treatment!!!

I am so glad to I got all of my shopping done and wrapped during my Thanksgiving break! When school is out on Friday, I don't have to worry about last minute shopping. It is all done!!!

I'm looking forward to a great holiday........especially seeing all the family............Christmas Eve should be a blast..........I think we're gonna play Bingo............and we're having soups!!!

At our house we'll have our traditional "country fat" breakfast (as Evan calls it) on Christmas morning after we've opened all that Santa has dropped off for us! Ma T, Papa, Nancy, and Jill usually join us for this..........

Speaking of Jill, photo below of her recent meeting/visit with President Clinton after being introduced to him by her boss, Governor Beebe of Arkansas................

And, below is a photo of Dustin with Grand Ole Opry regular, Jack Greene. Photo taken in the alley behind the Ryman auditorium (Dut's favorite hangout!!)

And, below, a photo of my niece, Kristin, who was having a fun day at work while sporting her Halloween costume back in October. Great Getup Sis!!

One last photo: click link to see Sam in action during last weekend's basketball tourney

http://xtremesportsshots.exposuremanager.com/p/mms_vs_imms_dec_13/_mg_830756

That's all the photos for now.........there'll be more later!!!

Happy Holidays!!!!!!

The Family Business

I guess it's appropriate that my daddy has worked in the freight industry for so many years because my mother is quite the DISPATCHER! While helping me deal with the past week of side effects, I have never seen anyone take so many phone calls; and, many of them involve moving people from one place to another or picking someone up, etc............

Over the course of one day Judy might be seen doing any of the following things:

• changing bed sheets
• taking kids to school/picking them up (at numerous campuses)
• taking items to school that were forgotten at home
• running to Walmart for just about EVERYTHING
• running someone to the doctor (lately, it's always me)
• running the vacuum just before the cleaning ladies arrive
• mixing up a quick batch of mac and cheese for the kids
• waiting patiently beside me at the oncologist for yet another treatment
• answering all the concerned phone calls from family and friends as to my health status
• worrying without ceasing about everything and everybody that make up her family.
• and primarily, you can see Judy EVERYDAY standing by in case one of the family needs her for some reason..............and, we always do.

Round four of chemo has been awful. Today is Wednesday and I feel better but not 100%. This chemo is not fun stuff. Two more rounds to go. Thanks for all the care and concern.

2/3 DONE!!

Round four is over.......and fluids have begun to ward off impending side effects. The best news though is that after examination, Dr. Jordan declared the tumor essentially non-existent! Amazing news! I meet with Dr. Chow January 7th to discuss surgery which will probably be the end of February. I will also stay on Herceptin once every three weeks for at least a year.......that's sounds so simple....the drug is quickly administered and has no side effects.

There is a possibility that I'll need a blood transfusion next week, but hopefully not. They'll check my blood on Monday to make this determination.

I arrived at school this morning after getting fluids to find a huge diet cherry sonic drink on my desk and some beautiful James Avery earrings............my friends on my hallway continue to amaze me with their support!!! There is no way I could've gotten through this without all of them..........Thank you is much too much an understatement!!!!

My kids are busy......Sam started school basketball this past Tuesday and has rec league practice and game Friday and Saturday. Polley has back to back parties on Sunday!

I'm crossing my fingers that the upcoming side effects will be minimal.................

Thanks to all for continued prayers and support!!!

As of today I am a survivor of 13 weeks and a day!!!

Time for Round FOUR!

Well, the Thanksgiving holidays have come and gone and it's about time for round four of chemo (coming up on Wednesday). I have to go in today at noon for some bloodwork.

The Thanksgiving week off was wonderful. As always, the meal on Thursday was delicious and all family members were present for at least part of the day! And, Dustin and I actually came close to winning a game of trivial pursuit........hats off to Adam and Tye for their remarkable come from behind victory!!

Shopping on Friday was quite an adventure. Jill and I walked into Walmart at precisely
3:42 AM!! Jill wasn't terribly happy to be there but was a great sport helping me secure my items in the midst of the mayhem. After stopping at a second Walmart, I was back home well before 8am. I took a brief nap, saw Evan and the kids off on their trip to Midland and I headed back out by myself to continue on my quest to get all the shopping done. I made several stops finishing at Target (where I came close to passing out due to fatigue)........I came home and wrapped all gifts. I AM DONE WITH ALL SHOPPING AND WRAPPING for my immediate household!!!! And, we all pitched in last night with Christmas decor....we're about 2/3 done with that!

On Saturday, I joined my mom and dad, Nancy, Jill, Missy, and Dustin in the motorhome for a jaunt to watch Dustin perform at the Cross Timbers Opry in Stephenville. This performance might have been his best (in my opinion)....click on the link below to see/hear him perform one of my all-time favorite country songs......he brought the house down!!!
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=47490063

And, now I'm back at work................more later

Rounding out Round Three...I hope

It's midnight, Thursday evening. The rest of the house is asleep and I am, once again, wide awake. The good news, though is that I feel much better! I know no reason why I can't sleep. I'll take insomnia over what I dealt with earlier this week though. I could never have survived this school week without my good friends, Tara, Brandy, Abbey, Wendy, Kathy, Tammy, and many others who I am probably overlooking right now. These people (and others) have helped by covering classes, offering tons of moral support, providing sonic drinks, etc.........I am so thankful for my CHS family!

Only one more workday before a nice long week's vacation. As I look back to September 3rd, I can say that the time really has flown. During some of those really dark moments, time seemed to slow, but it really has flown by!

Hoping to have all my Christmas shopping DONE before I return to work!!

These STRANGE Side Effects continued

It's 2:22 am and I am wide awake dealing with chemo side effects. At 10 pm I felt sleepy and off to a good night's sleep. Then, I was wide awake at 1am......go figure. So, I'm grading papers, etc.........Fortunately I am not in much pain, unlike earlier.

I was thoroughly endulged earlier tonight with a lengthy massage at Coldwater Creek courtesy of my sister-in-law, Lynda. What a treat! There really are no words to describe this experience! I basically love everything about this place: the clothes, the music, the furniture, etc....

On a much brighter note (from chemo), I cannot wait for Thanksgiving next week. I've told my mom that this is definitely the year that I want everybody to make everything they know how to cook! I'm looking so forward to seeing my long-lost nieces and nephews (and those nearby too)....The emails and texts that I get from these people so near and dear to me are priceless. Can't wait to see them!

more later...

Me, The daughter

I do know how to spell daughter. I am n0t liking middle school as much as I thought I would. There is rumors, fights, and to many rules. It's like no matter what you do you'll have to "sign the book". I hate it when they say that! One other bad part is one of my friends and I both like the same person. It's not fun!

Gearing up for Side Effects

Today is Friday and I had a big round of chemo Wednesday afternoon, so I'm not feeling great, but I'm at work. I'll go in for more fluids today around noon.....I will NOT let myself get dehydrated like I did with the first round! THAT was horrible. The second round was much better.....not fun, but MUCH better!!! The hot flashes are getting really substantial...no fun there!

Overall, I'm hanging in okay and am now officially halfway through the chemo treatments. Feels good to say that statement!!

I did receive some difficult news this morning: another co-worker/friends just recieved a diagnosis of breast cancer. All of you say please a special prayer for my friend, Tammy. She's in that very difficult place of waiting and not knowing. Truthfully, THAT phase is the worst. Hang on Tammy! You'll feel better soon!

It's Friday!

Reaching the Halfway Mark

I'll be leaving for my third big round of chemo today around noontime. I'm not looking forward to it except that I'll be halfway finished after today!!

On a non-cancer note, I just received word from Dustin that he was able to get tickets to tonight's CMA awards in Nashville. They were making some tickets available at the last minute to Belmont University students. He's on the top row, but who cares.....I told him that he's living my dream! I always want to go to those awards!!

On another non-cancer note, the pictures posted on my previous post were taken with my cell phone....which was recently selected as one of the BEST electronic gadgets/devices by Consumer Reports.........I was so proud as I typically lag behind in this modern age of technology!

Treatment at 12:30...........and I'll be grading essays during the process........how fun does this all sound!! ha

An Awesome Birthday

Monday was a great day. I opened my classroom door and my small fifth block class had many surprises waiting for me......b'fast snacks, balloons, flowers, gifts, cards, etc.....what a sweet, sweet group of kids! (photos below:













Shortly after our party, the front office called and I had a birthday delivery. An absolutely breathtaking bouquet of pink roses from my long time friend and co-worker, Debbie. I am still blown away at how beautiful these flowers were and continue to be. (photo below)

















Additionally, I received many cards, emails and gifts including a great lunch of goodies provided by the English Department, primarily Tara! Thanks guys. You make this cancer thing SOOOOOOOOO much easier on a daily basis!!

At home, I got gifts from my family including adorable salt/pepper shakers that Polley got for me in Arkansas last weekend. Evan had several things for me including a new Kenny Chesney CD that I'd been wanting. Sam said he didn't get anything for me. He said, "I just give you my love." I even got a hug from him!!!!

I spoke on the phone (two different lines at the same time) with JIll and Dustin....that was an experience....always great to talk with them!

We then went to my mom and dad's for a family gathering of Lyn's cake and blue bell ice cream! More gifts followed including special chemo patient moisturizing lotion, etc....Merle Norman cosmetics and a necklace that Missy had made for me.


And, today, I got a card in the mail from Dustin (Nashville) ...a singing card playing "Sweet Home Alabama".....one of my ALL time favorite songs... (don't ask me why because I do not know why it's a fav)


Sadly, the birthday is over and another big round of Chemo tomorrow. Even though I fared much better during and after round two I'm still very skeptical about this............even if I don't feel really sick, I sure don't feel normal.........oh, well, after another week, normal starts to return, so not too bad!!


Happy Veteran's Day.

Herceptin

I've been reading this website (click the title to go to website) gathering information about Herceptin. This is the drug that we credit with the amazing shrinkage of the tumor. The chart below is from this website. There's a tad too much science for me, but it is interesting to see how it works.

HONEY, We've Shrunk the Tumor!!

I went in for my weekly Herceptin treatment yesterday. During the visit, I also saw the doctor. She was absolutely amazed at the fact that the tumor is difficult to find and has softened considerably! She said that if she hadn't known anything prior to the exam, she probably would've just assumed that what she was feeling was typical tissue!

She told me on day one that "we're gonna annihilate this thing!!" I guess we've just about done that!

We discussed some calendar issues also. My last chemo treatment is scheduled for January 14th, so we're probably looking at surgery being sometime AFTER February 9th. I have to meet with Dr. Chow to discuss surgery, etc....

I will probably continue with Herceptin for a while...perhaps a year. WORKS for me!! This treatment is quick, painless, and has no side effects!!

We enjoyed great chicken spaghetti from our friends, The Jeffcoats! Thanks so much!

NINE WEEKS and a day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Patriotism, Politics, and Pajamas

I cast my vote in the 2008 Election yesterday. Nothing unusual there. BUT, how many of you wore your pajamas to vote? I really didn't intend to either, but I went to pay my water bill and as it was next door to the polling and today was the last day for early voting, I figured, "why not?"

I actually was wearing a new pajama/loungewear thing that I'd purchased earlier in the day. It was fine for driving to drop something off (which didn't require getting out of the car), but not so sure about getting out to go IN someplace. But, it was too convenient and I did not want to miss exercising my constitutional right to vote, so I went for it. I even had on a cute little coordinating hat as I had already tossed the wig for the day! Fortunately, I didn't see anyone that I knew!!!!

This reminded me of this previous 4th of July which I spent in Little Rock with Nancy and Jill. We'd returned home from shopping and I had already put on my comfy clothes when Nancy insisted that we HAD to see fireworks SOMEWHERE! So, Jill assured me that I wouldn't have to get out, she'd just drive us to where we could see them............So, off we went, AGAIN, I was in my pajamas..........and WHERE did Jill take us? Being the Governor's Staffer that she is, she knew that the Gov was out of town, so she drove us straight to the Arkansas Capitol......straight to the Gov's parking spot and there we watched the fireworks! Me in my pajamas in the Governor's parking spot, watching fireworks! At least I had hair then, so there was no funky little hat!

Let's see, Veteran's Day is coming up.......I do have another new set of lounge wear........so watch for me on the 11th.........in my pajamas!!!

Today is Saturday and I feel pretty good!!!! Hoping to have smooth sailing all week!!

Enjoy the day!

It's Not ALL Bad!!

As I'm winding my way out of the last of the big chemo side effects, I've discovered another one of the "upsides" to having breast cancer and going through chemo treatments.....and losing my hair.

When shopping, I always get so hot when trying on clothes........well, today it occurred to me that I didn't have to keep my hair on while doing so...............SO, OFF came the wig for the duration of the time in the dressing room! AWESOME!!! And, I've also found that when I need to adjust the thing, it's better to take it off and start all over anyway...........not sure why................

Tomorrow is my favorite day of the year: NOVEMBER 1st!! As I loathe Halloween, I'm always thrilled that it's over for another year. Polley plans to go in costume tonight as an advocate for Breast Cancer Research..........she'll be decked out in pink and pink ribbons head to toe!!! Can't wait to see her! She made her percussion debut last night in concert at Medlin..........very impressive!~!! (photos later)

It's Friday! Enjoy!

Still Feelin' Pretty Good.

I can't believe how much better this post chemo round has been than the first! Thank Heavens!! Thanks to fluids and shots, I'm feeling pretty good. I do not like wearing this wig every day but I suppose it's worth it!!!

On a completely non-cancerous note: Sam made several tackles last night including his first quarterback SACK which caused a fumble! He was very excited! I hated missing the game but figured I'd better rest up so I could make work today!

We enjoyed a great meal from our friends, The Van Houten's last night!! Thanks so much!

I have another round of Herceptin on Thursday and am hoping for feeling pretty good throughout the next two weeks until round three of Chemo.

I couldn't do this without the love and support and prayers of EVERYONE!

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Monday Morning!

Well, it's Monday morning and I'm about to leave for work. I feel better after the weekend. I can't say that I feel great, but definitely better and since today doesn't demand a lot of me in the classroom, I think I'll be okay. I have to visit the doctor's office at noon to check blood, etc...

Yesterday brought the home health nurse for fluids, etc.........And, we were treated to an awesome dinner by our friends, The Grays! Thanks guys!

My mom helped Polley clean and sort items in her room...an ALL DAY job!!

The weather is cool and fall-like today. If THAT doesn't perk me up, nothing can. This has always been my favorite time of year........

Hope this is a great week for all!

The 4th Day..Post Chemo

Well, it's Sunday and I wake up again feeling so strange and not good. But, I am not sick (at my stomach) nor do I have a massive headache, so that's pretty good. However, most every bone and muscle in my body either aches or just feels strange. I suspect that only those who've been through chemo can relate to the strangeness of this journey!

I'm expecting home health to come today to give me a white cell boosting shot and more fluids...not sure what else............

I got my wig trimmed yesterday....Thanks Elaine! I need to grade some papers today...hoping for the energy to surface as the day progresses!

more later.........

So Far....So Good

I've just returned from the Doctor's office where I spent my noon conference period. They gave me a white cell boosting shot, some anti-nausea medicine and some fluids. Hopefully we'll combat those horrible side-effects that would otherwise be lurking in the near future!

And, today is DAY ONE of wearing my wig....it really isn't too bad except that the bangs need to be trimmed. I didn't want to get that done until all my hair was gone and we could have an accurate conception of exactly how it would fit.

And, as of last night, I have no hair. After fighting the losing battle of hair coming out and making a mess all over my bathroom, pillow, shower, etc.............I succumbed to Evan's clippers.........I look like a small boy who wouldn't sit still for the barber...consequently he has some digs/holes in his hair........and so do I!!!

So, thank goodness for the wig.............looks WAY better than my hair....what's left of it!!!

Round Two Update

Well, I've made it through round two treatment without incident. Based on several different things that we're going to do over the next five days, hopefully the side effects will be uneventful as well.

The BEST news of the day..........Dr. Jordan examined me and estimates that the tumor is approximately HALF the size that it was originally. So, thanks to the new drug, Herceptin, it is rapidly reducing. If you didn't see Lifetime Network's film, "Living Proof".......watch for it as it is most informative relative to the production and creation of Herceptin. My life would be very different right now if not for this drug.

On a side note, I had a friend who used to always say, "How does he know when you need it?" I wondered that very thing this morning during my early morning apprehension about today's big treatment. I sat down to check email and my nephew, Dustin had sent me this informal video of him singing "Where No One Stands Alone".....he and friends had just recorded it last night.........and I thought, "Man, how DOES the Good Lord know exactly WHAT you need and WHEN you need it? Thanks Dut and Praise God!
I hope this clip will open so you can hear this.
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=45061680

Round Two

After enjoying over a week of feeling really good, it's time for round two of the chemo tomorrow. Although I thoroughly believe that we can make it less dreadful this time, I still DREAD it like the plague!

In an effort to think positively, I've decided to create today's top ten list of nice things that have happened to me recently thanks to the kind efforts of others:

(These are listed in NO particular order)

1. My co-workers, Wendy and Abbey, surprised me one Monday morning by having decorated one wall in my classroom with student work. I'd planned to do this prior to being diagnosed, so they just took my idea and finished it.....A wonderful surprise!!

2. My friend and co-worker, Kathy has sent me a card a week since this all began. Even though they've all had animals on them, they've been perfect and helped the tough days pass!
3. My brother and sister-in-law basically redecorated my bedroom....new bedding, curtains, curtain rods.........WOW!

4. Wonderfully delicious meals have been provided by: The Camps, The Durons, Sandi N., Kindall D., The Jeffcoats, The Prados, I feel like I'm forgetting some....please forgive me.
5. My sister, Nancy, has provided me with a cleaning lady twice now............what a gift!
6. My children have proudly worn their breast cancer awareness lanyards and pins to school daily. (new school pics below)

7. I have had many, many thoughtful and encouraging emails and cards from friends, old and new.............
8. I've had prayers sent my way from many.........including many out of state..........What a prayer chain!
9. My mom has worked ceaselessly to help in more ways than I could possibly list. My Dad has agreed to go on a major trip to the eastern U.S. once I'm all well...........what a trip that will be.
10. My husband continues to amaze me with his love and support. There are no words.

So, as I approach tomorrow, I'll try and focus on the above blessings. And, I'll say a special prayer for those who are going through this business without the love and support that surrounds me. I can't imagine.

"This is the day the Lord hath made; Rejoice and be glad in it."

Watch for Falling Hair!

And, so it begins............though the hair loss is minimal so far, it IS slowly but surely making its way out of my head. I have a strange urge to get some clear packing tape and put it down the part on top of my head.............don't suppose that would work though!!

My wig is ready to wear after having been modeled by most of the female population in my family. (including my very brunette sister-in-law, Lynda. I have numerous hats, etc.............BUT, I still can't fathom losing my hair. As vain as it sounds, this may be the toughest part of this ordeal since my initial diagnosis on Sept. 3rd.

I had my 3rd round of Herceptin yesterday and the treatment/side effects have been completely uneventful!!! Thank goodness! My next BIG treatment with all three drugs will be next Wednesday. Although I think we know how to combat much of the side effects from round one, I still dread it!

We continue to be blessed with wonderful meals, etc.........from friends and family. I can't imagine getting through this without all of you!

On a more serious note, I've been gleaning my medical records/reports since this ordeal began. I won't bore you all with details, but the bottom line is this: If YOU suspect something is wrong, DO NOT rely on simple mammograms or even simple sonograms.............INSIST on the latest technology and/or biopsies...........

It's Friday!



Photo below of my niece, Jill's sign during her recent participation in Little Rock's "Race for the Cure"............Thanks Jill...(and thanks Callie for the photo).......I've printed and copied and posted this in my classroom!!!

Almost Normal

After starting the day doing labs at the doctor's, I went to work today and generally felt normal! What a change!!! That's three days in a row feeling pretty dang good! My white cells were way back up........I have herceptin treatment later this week and another big round next week..........hopefully the feeling good will last a while!

Tonight Evan and Polley made me a pink cake with the BC ribbon on it in coconut! It looked beautiful and tasted even better!

So, cross your fingers and say a prayer that this normalcy will last...many days!!!!!

It's a Real Saturday!!

FINALLY, after ten days of post-chemo feeling horrible, I woke up today and felt (almost) normal. I had to jump up and run to the doctor's for a quick white cell boosting shot, but I was thrilled that I felt like "jumping up" and running!!! I followed that by picking up a nutritious breakfast for my kids at McDonald's on my way home!! ha!!

Yesterday was a flurry of activity....for my own sanity, I'll try to dissect it:

• overslept due to being awake until 4am
• got to school late into my first period class (well covered by Tara..THANKS)
• Went from school to dr. at 11:30 to check white blood cells, etc....got another shot and more fluids....Nancy and Jill met me there ....
• Came home and enjoyed potato soup that Jill got for me at Baker Bros. Deli
• Took a bath
• Relaxed my aching low back with visits from Nancy, Jill, Mama, Dustin, and Adam...........
• Kids got home at 4
• My friend Kindall brought a beautiful meal and cake at 5
• Nancy brought Blue Bell to accompany cake...yum
• Mike and Lynda came later in the evening and hung beautiful curtain rods in my bedroom
• Daddy came through late evening with his never-ending perils of wisdom.....(he's now spending most of his time planning our trip to the EAST!! He promised that when I'm well, he'll go to NYC with me!!!!!)
• Evan got home from his game and we caught up on news while he enjoyed some King Ranch Chicken.

And, even though I did not sleep well last night, I feel good today.....my first day ever of wearing a cap on my head..............will have to work on getting used to that!!

more later.

FIVE Pounds of Fluid later....

Today is a much better day. I'm still moving slow, but much better after getting re-hydrated yesterday. Based on my bathroom scales, they put five pounds of fluid in me yesterday....guess I was pretty dehydrated.............I'm beginning to get the dry mouth thing that they talked about....don't think that's gonna be much fun! Ihave to go by the doctor's today so they can check my white cells to see if I need another shot.................

The good news: The doctor agreed that the tumor has definitely begun to decrease in size!!!!!

Now I'm awaiting the loss of my hair which should happen within the next five days...........

After waking up from my drug-enduced sleep yesterday, I felt much better and found some wonderful food had been delivered by our friends, The Durons...................lasagna never tasted so good to me!!!

And, I made my noon deadline of getting my first six weeks grades in...............major relief!!

Chemo Side Effects PART TWO...

Since 2 am last Friday morning, I have been dealing with the side effects of my first big treatment of chemo.........It is now late Tuesday evening and I feel like I MIGHT come out of this if I'm lucky! Among the frontrunners of symptoms:

• massive headache
• massive stomach ache
• major aches/pains
• mega fatigue

I scored a big victory tonight when I forced myself to sit upright for at least 30 minutes without having to lie back down........this may have been the turning point............I certainly hope so. I've missed school that I didn't plan to miss and basically feel like I've got a handle on nothing!

But, this could all be worse, because I have the greatest support system in the world: my family, friends and co-workers!! I cannot imagine getting through this without each and every one of you!

One thing that I have learned though is that I do welcome visitors......even in the worst hours, listening to others talk is a nice diversion.......anything to take my mind off of how miserable I feel!!!

So, hopefully I've weathered the worst for treatment #1........I'm a 34 day survivor and I weigh 20lbs less than I did when this all began on Sept. 3rd.....BY FAR the toughest diet I've ever suffered through....I do not recommend it!!!

The Chemo Side-Effects

My first big treatment was on Wednesday...I made it through most of Thursday pretty much okay......but, IN THE NIGHT the side effects hit........Friday and now continuing into Saturday morning....not so good. Flu-like symptoms......and basically the strangest feelings I've ever experienced! But, fortunately no stomach sickness so far and just a mild touch of nausea so it could be much worse.

We enjoyed another wonderful meal from my friend, Sandi yesterday....or as Sam now calls her meals: "the UPSIDE of having breast cancer"......it was delicious! Thanks again, Sandi!

I got a little bit of sleep last night...not as much as I'd liked, but better than nothing..............Polley made me a nice breakfast of toast this morning....These side effects are not fun, but I KNOW that they could be SO much worse.............more later

A Four WEEK Survivor!

Exactly twenty eight days ago today, I heard the words that so many of us fear and dread: My doctor looked squarely at me following examination and said, "I feel certain that this is breast cancer."

As an English teacher I constantly try to impress upon my students the value of a word and the power behind each and every word that is chosen by an author in his/her work. But, there are ABSOLUTELY NO WORDS to describe how I felt at exactly the moment I learned I had breast cancer. I remember thinking that if I could shake real hard I could erase her words and I felt what seemed to be hot, melted candle wax running through my veins, but that's about all I recall...............what a blur that moment is now................My doctor was on my left side and my mom was on my right. I still ache for my mom that she had to be there with me. As a mom, I can only imagine how she must have felt.

NOW, for the positive news: I am a 28 day survivor and despite many, many difficult days.........I have begun treatment as of today finally feel like I'm moving forward FOR REAL!! My oncologist's office is a most pleasant place and all of the good things I had heard about it are absolutely true. I was blessed today to have a rotation of my mom, my husband, and my sister-in-law during my treatment....and of course a steady round of phone calls from my sister. Except for having to interrupt my medications to go to Baylor Hospital for a heart echo, the day wasn't bad.....that diversion just made it last longer.......8-3 was a long day!

After treatment, Evan and I picked up my wig. I really like it...as much as one can like a wig....wearing it all day will be a different thing I'm sure.....

My family was blessed with Babe's Chicken dinner brought to us from our neighbors, the Camps. We are so fortunate to have such a plethora of family and friends who offer constant support and help!!

I'm saying a special prayer that the following two days won't be too treacherous with chemo side effects so that I can work two full days....If I can make it until Friday, 3:30...I'll have time to crash then!!!

Chemo, Here I come.....

This is where I'll spend the majority of my day tomorrow. I'm ready to get going to get this first time over with! more later............ After helping Sam with a book report project on philosopher Thomas Paine tonight, chemo ALMOST sounds like an okay place!!

And, OMG.......I now know what my Grannie Bubba meant when she used to curse "all those 'blasted' pills" she had to take!!!

And the WINNER is.....

I ordered my wig today. The color will be somewhat darker than the photo here, but.................this is it...........fairly different from what I thought I'd get, but you have to try them on to know for sure.............

Starting chemo, etc... on Wednesday......can't say that I'm looking forward to it but I am ready to "get this show on the road!!"

The "Superman"

So, how did YOU spend your evening last night? See picture below to see the fun I was having just before they backed me in for my MRI. This was a bit creepy, but not as bad as I had feared. I got home and found three very happy and FULL people at my house thanks to the delicious meal provided by my long-time friend and co-worker, Sandi N. Thanks Sandi.....they LOVED it.

My mom is here this a.m. knocking out laundry like nobody else can!!!!

My next appointment is orientation at the oncologist on Friday............

In Be-twixt and Between

I'm writing this with one eye closed. I just returned from the hospital where I arrived at 6am this morning to have my "port" put in. They were running a bit behind, so the procedure started about an hour late....as is typical, I froze to death...but I did have my emergency socks (thanks to Nancy) in my purse, so I saved my feet this time. The nurse tried to put my IV actually in my arm........hurt worse than any of these recent procedures......finally moved on to the hand which was perfect......duh.

Encountered more very nice people this morning. The best thing about this entire ordeal so far has been the medical personnel. Truly they've been some of the sweetest people I've ever met!

And, as is typical when you haven't been able to eat for many hours, the turkey sandwich on a croissant roll following the procedure was heavenly......

So, I'll be here napping for a few then head off to Dallas for my evening procedure: Bi-laterial MRI...........I'm told that I'll be assuming the "Superman" position for this one...........can you get the visual???ha!

Chemo orientation on Friday and wig shopping on Saturday........the fun keeps coming!

Thank heavens for friends and family.........couldn't possibly get through this by myself!

A Brand New Game

This will be my first post focusing on my new mega-challenge in life: getting rid of breast cancer. I was initially diagnosed on September 3rd. So, as of today, I am a 19 day survivor!!! I received wonderful news over the weekend regarding my recent scans:........NO CANCER anywhere other than the breast area!!!! MAJOR good news..............

On Saturday the cleaning commission also invaded my house........I don't know what's harder to adjust to, having cancer or having a clean house....both are foreign to me!! ha

I'm having my "port" put in this week and probably meeting with the oncologist.........just more in the long process of medical tests, procedures, etc........I'm really too tired from cleaning right now to write more but I will update frequently for those who want to hop on the "getting rid of cancer" band wagon with me..............it's bound to be a trip!more later.....