Friday, May 22, 2009
Update
My MUGA scan (heart) results were fine so I continue to take treatments of Herceptin once a week. Additionally, my doctor informed me that I am B12 deficient so I'm taking weekly shots of that and taking daily doses.
I also met with my gynecologist this week and scheduled my hysterectomy for Tuesday, June 23rd.
And, as of late last week, I've discontinued the wig............my very short, drastic hair shocks a few people at first, but it feels so much better than wearing the wig!!
For now, a three day weekend and only two more weeks of school left!!!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Radiation..........
I also had a MUGA scan on my heart this morning.........checking to see that the heart is functioning properly given the radiation and the Herceptin that I've been back on the last several weeks...............
I meet with my oncologist next Wednesday and I'm sure we'll discuss the scan results and hopefully discuss the probability of a hysterectomy this summer............
In the meantime, I feel pretty good. My hair is coming in....nice salt and pepper color and a bit of a mohawk look.............anxious for that to go away, but it's HAIR, so I'll take it!!
I have four more weeks of radiation and four more weeks of school so I'm countin' em both down.........radiation really not so bad....I go either on my way to work or I run over there during my long lunch/conference period............can't complain.............
Sam turns 14 this Sunday. I let him drive me to Walgreens yesterday.....this time next year we'll be getting his permit and driving everywhere..........oh my!! Time is flying!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Radiation
I begin my six weeks of radiation this coming Monday, April 27th..........just like previous portions of this journey, I can't say I'm looking forward to it, but sure ready to get on with it!!
I have a MUGA (heart) scan on May 4th to monitor my heart relative to radiation and herceptin.
Meanwhile, I have six more weeks till summer!!!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Polley and Friends
Monday, April 6, 2009
Back at it..........
Monday, March 23, 2009
Post Surgery: An Update
The surgery went good, there were no surprises except for more lingering activity in the lymph nodes than expected. The doctor removed 23 and there was disease in 15. My oncologist said looking at the report that the activity was reduced from my original pathology report, so that was good although we'd hoped it would all be gone. (The original tumor had shrunk from very large to less than pea sized!!) Consequently, I'll start back on Herceptin this week rather than waiting until finished with radiation which I don't start for a few more weeks (I have to be completely healed from surgery)
In the process, this is my week of scans: one on my heart and a PET scan which of course covers the entire body looking for signs of disease. This scan is the best when you get good news, but makes me a nervous wreck until then. My doctor said she would be shocked if it showed anything at all........let's hope and pray that she's correct!
Post surgery I had to deal with drainage tubes longer than anyone on record, I think.....YUCK....now she just pokes me with a needle and drains if necessary....more yuck!
Emotionally this phase is very hard. I've been fortunate to reconnect via Facebook with a high school friend who has been through this and fully understands my fears, worries, etc....her empathy is sooooo helpful!
And, my mom and I enjoyed a few days of shopping for prosthesis(sp?).....Quite a learning experience! But we found them so I'm good to go on that count. And, my hair is slowly growing back............I have two more weeks of leave from work.
As always I am eternally thankful for well wishes from friends and family. And I pray for those people who have to go through this without them..........I can't imagine!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
They've really "smooved" 'em now!
Adam's phrase has been a family joke for 25 years now but early yesterday morning it certainly took on new meaning as I underwent a double mastectomy. I'm sitting in my hospital bed with my dad's laptop typing this post and feel pretty okay. I'm not sure what I expected, but I have considerably more mobiity with my arms than I expected to have at this point.
I went through the unveiling about an hour ago....not the most fun I've ever had but you do what you have to do and you learn that you can get used to anything.....especially when you have no choice. There are many more details, but I'll spare those for now............
As I have been since I was diagnosed with breast cancer last September, I continue to be astounded by the outpouring of love, concern, food, well wishes that have truly gone from coast to coast! Evan and I will never be able to put into words our immense gratitude.
I'll post more later......I'm feeling a little nap coming on.....
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
A Little Lost...
I have to admit that leaving her office which has been my home away from home for these past four months felt pretty strange, but I'll be back in April to continue Herceptin until October. I am thrilled to be done with chemo and have no treatment for a while but it sure feels strange!!
She also said "you can be assured that any microscopic cancer cells were eradicated by this treatment.??!"
Anyone know when I can expect some hair to grow back on my head??!!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Life LONG Before Breast Cancer



Friday, January 30, 2009
SURGERY...
Chemo is over.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
What A Week!!
Well, it's been a week today since my last big blast of chemo. I'm feeling mostly okay....food still tastes strange, but that'll pass soon I hope. I managed to sleep through most of these side effects so round 6 was definitely the easiest on me. (NOT FUN, but nowhere near as bad as some of the others!)
Round 6 was made considerably easier by the generosity of so many friends who supplied WONDERFUL meals for our family. Among the things we enjoyed this week were:
Teriyaki chicken
Frito Pie Bake
Cococonut cake
Chocolate cake
Cheesecake
Cookies
Shepherds Pie
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
Chicken Enchiladas
Central Market Pork
Beautiful salads
I know I'm forgetting some marvelous dishes, but THANKS to all who helped this week:
Kathy C, Sandi N, Libby D, Kindall D, Elaine V, Toni N, Linda G.
You all have made the chemo experience so much more bearable!
A Million Thanks.
Karen
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
One of my Favorite Days
FINALLY, January 20th has long been a great day for me. It started on what was a cold Saturday in January during my senior year in high school. Late in the day on this dreary weathered day, my life was forever changed: I became an AUNT! I had no way of knowing how altered my life would be. I consider myself so very fortunate and blessed to have seven wonderful nieces and nephews (four more counting those acquired when I married).
One of the coolest parts about these awesome young individuals is that they all possess their own uniqueness! Our family is never boring! And, my children are so fortunate to be the youngest of their cousins – on both sides!
Love,
NaNa, WahNa, Pahna…………………
An EARLY Morning Sonogram.........
Here's a plug for Dr. Schmidt, Soleis Women's Health at Baylor All Saints in Fort Worth. Both times I've seen this lady I have been soooo impressed and always feel much better when I leave. (even when she confirmed that it was cancer back in September)
Papers to grade..............
Thanks for all the prayers and concern!!
k
Sunday, January 11, 2009
An Update
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
SLOWLY Emerging.....
I am finally back at work today. My white cells are low. I can tell because of mouth sores, wierder than normal taste buds, etc....
GROSS ALERT: no, I don't think I'll share those things, but suffice it to say there were many, many incidental ailments that accompanied this round...........YUCKO!
I have another round of Herceptin tomorrow followed by a 2:30 appointment with my surgeon, Dr. Chow. I'm eager and anxious to get this meeting over with. My assumption is that we will set a date for surgery. We'll see............
The first 10 days of my holiday break were awesome. I actually did holiday baking...I made the bon-bons.........then I forgot to take them on Christmas Eve to my mom's, so they stayed in my freezer until several of us came very near O-Ding on them! It was a close, close call.
Evan and the kids and I braved a cold, cold wind to shop on Monday, Dec. 22nd....we had a nice lunch out and then shopped in the COLD!!!!
Sam and Polley spent their annual Christmas Eve EVE at Ma T's again this year. They had so much fun.
We had our annual Country Fat Breakfast on Christmas day and then welcomed several family members casually as the day progressed. (I say CASUAL, because I do not get out of my pajamas all day....it's a rule!)(I really enjoyed my new vintage ski scene pajamas from Eddie Bauer.......Sam made a great shopping choice)
We had a rousing game of USA trivia later that night...........we played in teams of two and Nancy and Dustin surprised us all with a classic "come from behind" win.
Well, unfortunately, thanks to chemo brain, my memory "ain't what it used to be"...............but I had a great holiday until the 29th................pretty sketchy after that!
One more big round of chemo on January19, 20, or 21st....still solidifying the date.............WOW! one more round. I can't believe it.
Happy New Year to all!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Normal for Now

Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The Family Business
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.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
2/3 DONE!!
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!!!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Time for Round FOUR!
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
