Good News!!!

So, I saw Dr. Landis, my main Oncologist on Tuesday afternoon. He looked over everything, chatted a little, did an exam and at the end told me, "I'll see you in 6 months!" Woo hoo, music to my ears! Don't get me wrong, excellent doctor, excellent staff, just not a place I want to be at every 3 weeks! I was so happy to check out of there! I got my pink Breast Cancer Awareness magnet for the back of my car...kind of like a graduation present! (Although it cost me $5, it's for a good cause!)

Yesterday, I had 2 appointments and believe me, by the end of the day I was exhausted. The first was with the Radiation Oncologist to line me up and mark me for my upcoming Radiation. After that, I drove about 30 minutes away for my Diagnostic Mammogram. Everything was clear!! Yay!! All the torture of chemo worked. I can't believe that 6 months has gone by since my mammogram in February when I was diagnosed. I'd say, "Time flies when you're having fun", but, I gotta be honest and say I wasn't having a whole lot of fun these last 6 months (there were some good moments)...suffice it to say, I was happy to get a clean report and know that I've got 6 more months until my next mammogram!

I also went to the surgeon's office today and got my port removal procedure scheduled for next Tuesday. Both my Oncologist and Radiation Oncologist said that I have no need for the port anymore and that it's fine to come out. Good riddance I say! I was happy to have it in there for the chemo but I am over and done with that now so get that port out of me!!

Well, that's about all for now...we're focusing on our kitchen remodeling which has been a great diversion. It's good to have something to look forward to and I know we'll like having this project completed!

More Appointments

Well, I thought I should do an update here since it's been a while. Today marks 3 weeks from my last chemo round and I'm so happy because I'm NOT getting chemo today!!! Yep, since April 21st, every three weeks I was getting chemo. But, I do go in to see my Oncologist this afternoon. I'll do an update to let you know how the appointment goes. I'm not really sure of what to expect, hopefully he'll tell me I can get my port out soon, we shall see.

Tomorrow, I go to my Radiation Oncologist's office for my CT scan. I believe this is the beginning of my radiation treatment. I know he said they'll mark me (I guess with a Sharpie or something) and then schedule the Simulation, etc. I'll update you more on that too, when I know more. Seems like a lot of doctor's appointments to go to and will know a lot more afterwards. I also have a Diagnostic Mammogram set up for tomorrow afternoon. I can't believe it's already been 6 months since this all started. Actually I can believe it, it seems like time has stood still, at least for my bald head. My hair is just not coming in like I was hoping, but I need to be patient. Now that no more chemo is getting pumped into me, my hair (and nails) will get a chance to grow back in like they should. My eyelashes are still with me, but my eyebrows are quite sparse. Thank goodness for eyebrow pencil!!! I think makeup is KEY to a woman who has no hair and is losing what little she does have on her face (eyebrows to be exact). Anyway, all I know is I look a heck of a lot better with my makeup on than off!

Well, that's all for now. I'm feeling GREAT thank goodness. It definitely took me a lot longer to feel normal after this last round of chemo, but that's o.k., at least it's all done! I'll follow up after my appointments these next two days to let you know what the good doctors have to say!

Met with the Radiation Oncologist

Well, I'm almost 2 weeks out since my last chemo. It's been interesting, mentally I'm great, knowing that the chemo is behind me is such a relief. My body on the other hand, is experiencing the effects of chemo and I just want that behind me too! I have to remind myself that the effects are cumulative and give myself a break. The nausea has lasted a lot longer than the previous rounds and my feet and ankles have been swollen which is another side effect. I still get tired pretty easily so I'm trying to rest up when I can...I'm getting better every day though and know that the yuckiness of chemo will be behind me soon.

I met with Dr. Gargus, my Radiation Oncologist this past Thursday. He's got me coming back on 8/26 for my CT scan at 11:00 AM. They'll do some preliminary markings to get me set up for my Radiation. At 1:00 PM that same day, I have a Diagnostic Mammogram and see how things look. Oh well, good to get it all done and know how things are going! Going to all these doctors appointments isn't always fun, but it comes with the package. I'm thankful that I don't work right now and can do these while the boys are at school. Knowing that I'll be going through 33 rounds of radiation is just something that will be part of my schedule for 6- 1/2 weeks. Just a blip on the radar though and hopefully will fly by without any problems.

We're staying busy with our kitchen remodel and getting the kids back in their school routine. I'm grateful for so many friends that have been supporting me and know that without them, I wouldn't be where I am today. Some friends from church got together last Tuesday for a "No More Chemo" celebration. It was so nice to get together with friends and just celebrate the fact that part of my treatment being done. I certainly hope we'll have many celebrations. Life to too short not to enjoy these special moments and so, I will be looking forward to many more gatherings!!!

Woo Hoo! Let's Celebrate!!!

So, how can I say this and really get my true feelings across? I am soooooooo excited and thankful to be where I am RIGHT NOW in time....I just can't put it into words. I almost broke down in tears this morning while on my walk, just so thankful to know I am officially DONE with chemo. To know that my body is now healing and I am feeling better, to have that yucky phase behind me. I'm overwhelmed with the enormity of what it means to be done with my chemotherapy. What a year! Dave and I had a toast last night (with a Mimosa), and it was just so symbolic. To put this past year behind us and get on with the future. Live is so worth celebrating and we need to enjoy and appreciate each and every single minute we have. We need to laugh, breathe, enjoy our family, friends and loved ones and grasp hold of each special situation we are in. Again, I just don't feel like I'm able to put my thoughts into words, I'm inadequate here, but I hope I'm conveying what is in my heart.

I can't tell you how happy I was to leave the oncologist's office this past Tuesday. The nurses and staff were wonderful, I even baked them a treat to say, "Thanks for taking care of me and all the patients". They appreciated that and I appreciated being able to show my gratitude. My "Hello Dollies" are a great way to say "Thanks!" They gave me a "Purple Heart Award" certificate when I finished up my chemo and all the other patients clapped and said "Congratulations". I appreciated this, but at the same time felt a tug at my heart knowing that some of these patients will continue on with their treatments or may not have the same prognosis that I have. Going through cancer definitely opens your eyes to the trials other people face and makes you appreciate the hurdles you are able to overcome.

So, my mom and I got into her car after leaving the doctor's office. I just totally broke down in tears. The enormity of what I had just finished hit me and I was so relieved that it was over. I never, ever want to go through something like that again. So many have told me how well I am doing through all this, but sometimes I don't know how I've made it. Going through Dave's cancer was hard enough and then to get diagnosed myself on top of that was just almost too much for me to handle. I know for certain that it has been the prayers of so many and only by God's grace that I have been able to endure this.

My boys only made it 1/2 way through their week at spend-the-night camp. It was a lot to expect them to be there the whole time, but we're proud of them for sticking it out. Our oldest son, Bryce, has Asperger's (a mild form of Autism) and I think that presented a challenge to the staff, especially knowing I was going through my last chemo round. The boys had fun, but throw the ramifications of everything we're going through, they made it as long as they could. Dave was able to pick them up Wednesday and to be honest, we were glad to have them home. This gives us time to get them back on a schedule and ready to start back to school on a good note (this coming Monday). I somehow mustered the strength to take them to school to meet their teachers on Thursday and I know they enjoyed seeing everyone. Part of me is so glad the summer break is over (because my chemo is over!), but at the same time I'm sad it went by so fast!

Well, we're on to remodeling our kitchen now which is a great diversion for me! I'm excited to update and get new "stuff" and it's sad to say, but if it weren't for Aflac paying us during our cancer treatment, I don't know if we could have done this. I certainly look at it as another silver lining of our journey and am looking forward to the finished project!!!

My 6th and FINAL chemo round is tomorrow!!!!

So, I have been doing absolutely great and keeping way too busy since my last blog entry. But like I've said many times before, "No news is good news!" I'm so psyched that tomorrow is almost here to go to my last chemo infusion. At the same time, I'm soooooo tired (really did too many errands today), but that's o.k., at least I have the time and energy.

I think the main reason I'm tired though is that we sent Bryce & Kyle to spend-the-night camp (for the kids whose parents have cancer), but we got a call at 1:35 AM because Bryce was getting bitten by mosquitoes and was too hot to sleep and had been crying for an hour and a half. We talked with him and told him we couldn't come up right then and there to pick him up and that he had to figure out a way to deal with this. I also told him, "It's a once in a lifetime experience and you have to make the most of it." This REALLY stuck with him and the counselors called us today to discuss everything and said after that phone call, he really re-grouped and did o.k. So, we're all on the same page and hoping he can have a REALLY good camp experience and enjoy this week away. We definitely would go get him if we needed to, but we really want him to try to make the most of it. I'm going to be sure to send everyone a huge Thank You note afterwards and how well the staff has handled this situation in dealing with both Bryce and our situation. They all know tomorrow is my last chemo and we all want it to be a celebratory occasion and seeing it as an end to my "fight" and that things are going well and it's a time to be happy! My radiation (33 rounds) should start in about 3 weeks...but I believe that'll be a piece of cake compared to my chemo...

So, I have mixed feelings about tomorrow. I know it's going to be the "same ol', same ol'" where I'll feel cruddy at the end of the week but also, I'm elated to know it's my LAST round of chemo. I have made the 7-layer bars for my nurses who have been awesome during my entire treatment. Heck, I may even give one to Dr. Landis...he deserves a sweet treat too!

I do owe so many thanks to all of you who have been supporting me through encouragement, prayers, meeting physical needs by providing meals for me and my family...it's overwhelming to have experienced the kindness and generosity of so many people for a whole ENTIRE year now. I think I've mentioned this before, but it's worth repeating...tomorrow, Aug. 4th is so significant for us...first of all, it's our nephew's birthday. Happy Birthday Zach! He's serving in the Navy and is in the Persian Gulf right now so, we wish him a very happy day, on board ship! If my chemo'd brain serves me correctly, I believe he's turning 23....wow, that's amazing right there. Next significant thing about tomorrow is that it marks One Year from when Dave was admitted for his first intensive chemo infusion at Crawford Long...and what a year it has been. And now, for me, it marks the END of my chemo treatment. Exactly one year to the day from when Dave started his chemo. I know it's a year we hope we'll never have to repeat, but, again, we could NOT have made it through without your prayers, support, encouragement and friendship. Thank You sooooooo much!!!!

Just Thought I'd Catch Up...

So, this isn't really about Breast Cancer, or chemo, but it's been a while since I've made a post and I figured I'd write to say how things are going. Things for me have definitely been on the upswing since my last post, thank goodness. I know that since my 6th and final chemo is about 5 days away, the psychological effect is knowing it's almost over is just brightening every day. At the same time, I have a bit of anxiety, just knowing the chemo will be pumped in me one last time, but I can get through it and the end is in sight.

Keeping busy through all this is key, and man, we've been busy. This past weekend we went to the Sarcoma Awareness Walk at Piedmont Park which was a very inspirational event. For Dave and myself, it was great seeing his 3 doctors, different nurses and PA's and a slew of cancer survivors and some still in treatment. Last year, about 60 attended the event and this year they had 120. They met their goal of doubling in numbers and hopefully, next year, they can double again. Since I've been going through treatment, I had "kind of" forgotten a lot of what Dave had gone through, but this event really made me realize all that he did go through to fight his Liposarcoma and how incredibly blessed we were that it was as "simple" as it was. No, it was not easy, no, it was not fun AT ALL, but, seeing other patients who have had amputations, or recurrence, or are STILL in treatment, made us realize that God blessed us in getting Dave through his cancer in an amazing way. We're still keeping an eye on him and praying for no recurrence (his next CT scan is Aug. 11th), but we can't worry about the future and we know that through God's grace and provision, we'll be able to get through whatever comes our way.

The rest of the weekend was spent with family which was fun. We went to dinner with my oldest brother, Ed, who was coming through town to pick up Mom for a trip to Ft. Lauderdale. One of our dear family friends of over 48 years had passed away, so they went down for his funeral. I really wished I could have gone, but with everything going on here, we decided it was best I stay put. Even though I feel great and my levels are o.k., it would just be a hard trip and I'd be around lots of people (and foreign germs) which I don't need to expose myself to these days. It stinks, but I know everyone understands.

Sunday, we took the boys up to see Camp Toccoa where they'll be going this coming Sunday for their spend-the-night camp. They are both so excited which is so encouraging to us. I hope it'll be a great way to end their Summer break. The camp is called Camp Kesem and it's for children whose parents have had (or have) cancer. I know I've mentioned it before so I won't expound on this. Anyway, we visited a Museum, have a great lunch of Southern cooking and enjoyed our time as a family.

So, with this I'll close for now. I'll be spending the next few days getting the kids ready for their camp and for my last chemo round. On Tuesday, I'll be the patient whooping it up and dancing around the infusion room celebrating my last day there (I'll try to contain myself for the sake of the other patients), but I think you know what I mean. God has been so good to me to get me through all this with little or no complications and I know that only by His Grace, I am able to endure what's been placed in my path.

The Worst is Behind Me!

First of all, I want to say "Thank You " for all your prayers, encouragement and support. I'm doing the proverbial knocking on wood as I type this to say that Round 5 definitely went as smoothly as Round 4 and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! I really only had one day (Thursday) where I felt lousy, but it was mainly from the bone pain brought on by the Neulasta shot. So many people have told me how "good I look" and "I have a sparkle in my eye"...I tell them that I think I'm the healthiest chemo patient in Gwinnett Co. But that is so awesome! I know it's because I have hundreds of people praying and God has been faithful and amazing in letting me get through chemo with little to no complications.

Knowing that my last Round is just a few weeks away is so freeing. I can envision dancing around saying, "Whoo hoo, it's over!!!" I'd say that this has been the hardest thing I've been through, but to be honest, it was so much harder for me to see my husband, Dave, go through the intensive chemo he went through and the toll it took on him physically and mentally. Ugh, that was by far the worst thing we've ever had to endure in our 21+ years of marriage. With this week being Sarcoma Awareness Week, my hats (or should I say scarves) go off to all the Sarcoma patients out there that have had to endure countless rounds of chemotherapy, numerous surgeries, too many to count CT/PET scans and the like. Sarcomas are so rare and aggressive and yet are so unheard of. When I mention to people about Dave's Liposarcoma, they honestly say that they've never heard of such a thing. Well, I hope that many people become aware of Sarcomas and the funding is appropriated for research to conquer that nasty beast of cancer. The treatment has to be so aggressive because the cancer is and the chances of recurrences are so great, especially in the lungs and the liver. So, my scarves off to all you Sarcoma patients! I hope that somehow, the Liddy Shriver Initiative will be to Sarcomas as the Susan G. Komen Fund is to Breast Cancer!

Well, I think this will be about it for now. I am feeling fine, not great yet, but definitely fine! :-) I'm back to walking at our Park, taking the boys to their swim lessons and getting back into a normal schedule. Again, my thanks to all of you for your amazing, continued support! It's been one long journey and I couldn't make it without you!

So Far, So Good? Jury is still out...

Well, I must say that I am just relieved to have Round 5 infused and I can officially say that I have one Round left. What a huge milestone! I know I keep saying this, but I truly can't wait to get through this chemo and just be done with it!

I am hanging in there. I'm taking the Claritin and hoping that the bone pain will subside in the next day or two. It's just weird. I got the Neulasta shot at 2:00 PM yesterday and by 8:00 PM, my cheekbones, ribs, jaw bones, and many other bones hurt. We know the shot is working, that is the main thing.

The boys have been enjoying their day camp this week and I'm thankful they are doing it! Bryce is racing his Soap Box Derby car tomorrow and Kyle will be launching his rocket. I don't know if I will make it or not, all depends on how I do tonight, but I know they've had a great time at the camp and for that I am thankful.

Well, here's to hoping that this round goes as smoothly as Round 4 did, we shall see. I can only hope that it does and in a few days I'll be writing that I've "turned the corner" and everything is good!

Been Quite Busy, Gearing up for Round 5

As I have said before with doing the blog, no news is good news. It's been 10 days since my last post and that is good. I've been staying busy with the kids, enjoying the "good days" and not thinking too much about the upcoming chemo. You know what? I am so pumped to get the next 2 rounds over and done with, I can't wait for it to get here. I can see that proverbial light at the end of the tunnel and know that my chemo is going to be over with before I know it. Round 4 went pretty smoothly and I can only hope that the next 2 Rounds will be as uneventful. I did try Claritin again and I actually think it helped since I only needed to take Lortab for one day to ease the bone pain! That was awesome. I can handle anti-nausea meds for about a week and one day of Lortab...easy, peasey, pumpkin squeezy!

I do think so much of this whole cancer journey is mental. I know that although Round 3 was my 1/2-way point, it still seemed like forever until the end. I was just absolutely miserable and I'm hoping and praying that will be remembered as my worst Round. Right now I can envision saying (after Round 5) that I only have 1 more Round...it seems so close and around the corner...I know I can make it and I will!

I did get in to see a few doctors these last two weeks and I'm so glad I did. I saw my Dermatologist to help me with the itchy skin and bumps I was dealing with. That was such a good move, they put me on a prescribed lotion to ease the itching and it worked! The red spots are gone and I'm not digging, clawing, tearing up my skin anymore! There was a definite correlation between the areas of skin I was itching at and what was exposed to the sun...so, I've been using sunscreen, wearing shirts that cover more up and staying out of the direct sunlight when I can. I'm so glad to have that under control, it was a real nuisance.

The other doctor I saw last week was my Podiatrist. Here's what happened...after Round 4, I noticed my fingernails feeling quite numb. Neuropathy is a definite side effect and some chemo patients lose their fingernails and toenails. Gross, huh? I started using a lot of lotion before bed, hoping to moisturize the heck out of my nails and to prevent losing them. Well, I also noticed my big toenail on my left foot throbbing. Not good, nor was the fact that it was red all around the nail. Hmm, well, I took off my cute nail polish and noticed that my big toenail was 1/2 purple. So, I made the appointment with the Podiatrist and she said I probably jammed it somehow (I couldn't remember what I did to it), and she said the nail would probably come off on its own, but she recommended taking it off to avoid the risk of infection (especially with my immune system being compromised from the chemo)...so, yes, I had the nail removed last Monday. Thank God she numbed it up good, I couldn't look at her removing it, but it's gone. I've faithfully been doing my "Hibiclens" soak, twice a day, 20 minutes each time. So, all that to say I'll be growing out my hair and my big toe nail at the same time!

Yes, I'll be going in for Round 5 on Tuesday, July 14th. Your prayers and words of encouragement are so appreciated still! We're so blessed with such a great support network and I know that is continuing to see us through this incredible journey.

Happy 4th of July Wishes!

Wow, it's hard to believe that this year is half-way over and here we are, about to celebrate the 4th of July. I'd ask the rhetorical, "where does the time go?" question, but we know...at least I do. We are coming up on the year anniversary (July 15th) of when Dave was diagnosed. What a year! I NEVER would have imagined this for our lives, but, we're making it through...sometimes plodding through, but we're getting through, slowly but surely.

I've been feeling somewhat "normal" since Monday or so (it's Thursday)...as always, it's good to feel good again. And two more rounds...now how about that? I'm so tickled I can hardly stand it! There was something psychological of getting through the 4th round that was empowering. I know the end is in sight and I can get there! It helped that I felt so much better this time and the chemo wasn't as hard on me as the last round. I did take the time to go to a dermatologist today to have my itchy, red, irritated skin looked at. It's definitely a combination of the chemo, my very sensitive, dry skin and the sun...not surprised. They've prescribed a lotion that should really help my skin and I'll do my darnedest to stay out of the sun or cover up and use sunscreen faithfully like the doctor suggested. Oh the joys!

We've been staying busy this week which is good. It's finally fun to have the boys home and enjoy the summer like it's meant to be. We've been at the park and pool almost every day and running lots of errands getting ready for the holiday weekend. We, for the first time in 6 or 7 years are NOT hosting a 4th of July gathering. Instead, we are going to 2 of them! That's the way I like it! Actually, we've had a lot of fun in the past cooking out, having our own fireworks show in the cul-de-sac and like being home, but, it'll be nice to bring some side dishes enjoy being with family and friends.

So, with this being said, I wish you all and Happy and Safe 4th of July!

Still hanging in there...

So, for whatever reason, I feel much better this time around than my last round. This is excellent news...but I don't want to jinx myself, so I'm not going to go on too much about it. I do think that the Claritin helped with my bone pain this time so I will continue to take it during my last 2 rounds. This round I took about 3 Lortab (total) which is great. I don't like how knocked out I get on Lortab so I really don't want to take them if I don't need to.

Yesterday, Dave & I went over to the new park near our house and walked. I did one lap (about 1.4 miles), but I was very happy with that. Dave did a second lap (which I usually do 2 - 3 laps), but I didn't want to push myself and it was starting to get hot. There's nothing worse than having hot flashes when you're walking and it's pushing 80 - 90 degrees outside. I know the walking is doing me good though and I will continue to do so, especially when I can get up and out when it's cooler (like at 6:30 in the morning). Crazy, crazy weather. I'm getting to be a softy this summer because I'm inside so much, but then I look around and so is everyone else! It's almost too hot to go to the pool! I'm not going into anything about global warming and whatnot, it's just plain hot here in Atlanta, that's all there is to it!

Well, I guess that is about it for now. Thank you for your continued support, I'm so glad that I'm on the downhill side of my chemo. I can handle one in July and my last in August! I'll be so happy to be done with this, you don't know! I guess it is helping me deal with this round knowing I'm more than 1/2 done! Yippee...whoo hoo and all that stuff! :-)

Round 4 Chemo is done....

Now to get through the next 6 days or so....it's always the hardest part of the chemo round. Each day is different so you never know what to expect and it is certainly a roller coaster ride. Hopefully this round will be kinder to me and my body. I know I'm fortunate to only have to go through 6 rounds as I met a gal today, that had to go through 12 rounds. Wow, I can't imagine that and to make it worse, it was her 2nd time having to go through chemo. We each certainly have our own stories, she's a real neat lady and I hope she will be cancer-free from here on out.

Not too much else is news around here...the boys are in day camp again this week which helps me out a bunch. Bryce's group went tree climbing in downtown Atlanta (with harnesses and all), which he really enjoyed. Kyle's group is going to an Animal Safari in Pine Mountain on Friday, I'm sure he'll have a good time. It's been good for them to be busy and it allows me to have some rest time which is much appreciated during my "rough" weeks.
I'll write later when I have more to say....that's all for now!

Happy Father's Day (and some other stuff)

Yes, it's Father's Day...I miss my Dad, he's been gone almost 5 years now (Aug. 11th), that's just hard to believe. We know we'll be reunited with him one day, but it's still a bummer knowing that he's not here with us anymore. The one thing we can be thankful for is that he's not suffering anymore...he really got the bum rap after his stroke, you never want to see anyone who was so full of life go through what he did. Oh well, I don't want to be sad today, because on the other hand, we're thankful that Dave is celebrating Father's Day. We're blessed with 2 healthy boys, sometimes a bit difficult, but after trying for 6 years to have kids, we know that they really are a blessing from God. Also, Dave's dad is 79 and in relatively good health, for which we are thankful too! He's a very neat man and I'm blessed he's been in my life for 22 years!

My week with the boys being gone was definitely refreshing. The boys loved their time with Grandma and at VBS, they really did enjoy themselves. I picked them up on Friday and I think they truly realized how much they missed us. Bryce was crying because he was so happy to see me and Kyle practically knocked me over when running up to hug me. Absence does make the heart grow fonder! Mom kept the boys busy and I think the break was good for the whole family. At first, it was so quiet around here, Dave and I didn't know what to do. Then we got used to it and now that the boys are home, it's never quiet! Also, I know where my time goes when they are here...in the kitchen, picking up their stuff and doing laundry! Oh well, I can handle that, for sure! We're glad they had a good time and really did appreciate the time apart!

Yesterday (Saturday) the skin on my forearms (up to my elbows) and knees starting itching like crazy. Also, the skin on my neck got really itchy. Red little bumps popped up all over the place. I was going nuts and started taking Benadryl, using hydrocortisone cream and tried to get the itching to go away. I took an Aveno bath last night which helped a lot and then today put some ice packs on my arms which helped also. I thought it was some kind of heat rash or dry skin problem, but after Dave talked with Barbara, we found out it's actually a side effect of one of my chemo's, Taxotere. I can't wait to get this stuff out of my system and get back to "normal" if I ever truly will. Anyway, I will call the doctor's office tomorrow morning if it's still bothering me...what an annoyance! My skin is so fair I shouldn't be surprised, I just wasn't expecting this to pop up out of nowhere!

I am scheduled for Round #4 this coming Tuesday. I hope it isn't as hard as Round #3 was, that really was the pits. I'll just really be happy to be on the downhill side and it's reassuring to know I'm over halfway through!

No news is great news...

Yes, it's been a few days since I've done an update, but that's a good thing right now. Thank goodness I have 2 weeks where I feel good again before I go back for my next chemo. I'm scheduled to go in every 3 weeks so, next Tuesday is Round #4...whoo hoo, at least I'm on the downhill side of chemo! I have never wanted anything to be done and over with in my whole life as I want to get through my chemo. It's just the pits and I hate feeling lousy...actually, I've never met anyone who likes feeling like they have the flu. Did I mention the salty, metalic taste that I've had this time...eww...it's just nasty. I feel like I have a constant salty taste in my mouth, and right now it's not as bad as it was right after the chemo. Oh well, I know it'll go away, eventually when I'm all done with this. Like I said, I just want to be done with it!

We've been staying busy around here with the boys and enjoying summer. I am trying to do things that are fun with the kids when I'm feeling good. Actually, my mom has given us a reprieve this week by having the boys spend the week with her and they are going to Vacation Bible School (VBS) at her church. They spent a few nights with her last summer, but this time they are gone for 5 nights. Wow, what a break! They were looking forward to spending the week with "Grammy" as Bryce has nick-named her, so it's good all the way around. The house is sooooo quiet! Oh well, I will try to get some things done this week as well as rest a little. I do feel good though, so I want to get some things done as well as getting out and exercising.

We're so excited about a new County Park that has opened less than 1 1/2 miles from our house! We took the boys there this weekend and I went this morning also to go walk/jogging. The park is beautiful and I know we will make such good use of it. The boys loved taking their scooters there while Dave and I walked. Dave is going to get set of Frisbee golf discs (Happy Father's Day!) and put them to good use. Our county is known nationally for their awesome parks, so we are very fortunate to have one so close by.

Speaking of Father's Day, wow, that just hit home. We went to Knoxville last year on Father's Day to see Dave's dad and his sister, Barbara. It was at that time that she and his mom encouraged Dave to get his leg (big muscle) checked out when we got home. I can't believe everything we've been through this past year. Well, we're just going to keep on, keeping on, one day at a time! So much has happened in this past year that we ever could have imagined. OK, sorry for the rabbit trail! I'm going to close for now...gotta get some stuff done while I've got the opportunity!

Feeling Better All the Time

Thank goodness for counts coming back up and my body feeling better again! Round 3 so far has definitely been my hardest, but it's done and I'm on the mend. It's amazing what 24 hours can even be like when going through treatment for cancer. I do think that the cumulative effect of chemo will make it harder each time, but there could so many other variables in how one's body responds. So, with that being said, I'm back on the upswing and so thankful to be feeling good again!

I must say, for me, cancer has taught me to be introspective. Before, I never would have taken the time to do a journal, let alone think of blogging. I know for a fact that God has a plan for me and I'm just waiting to see how it all unfolds. Each day though, someone new is introduced to me which is awesome. I think because I'm a "cancer patient" right now, I draw attention to myself that otherwise, I'd just go around and never be noticed. I always smile and try to be friendly, but it's sweet how people just take the time to do the "extra" stuff for me...there are a lot of nice people out there, really. People are just more sensitive than I ever could have imagined, so maybe it is just giving me a chance to see the world through a different pair of glasses. Yesterday, I was at Wal-mart (seems like I go there too much), but anyway, I was making a return and the Greeter lady just starts talking to me like I was having a cup of coffee with her. First she asked me how I was doing, where I was in my treatment, then she starts to tell me about her husband and how he faired through his battle with cancer. Cancer is life changing, but again, it's for a good reason.

I'm so happy that I'm doing better, it's scary to feel so down and out, but once my counts are back up, it's nice to feel almost "normal" again. I went out for my walk/jog this morning, even that is so nice, to feel strong enough to jog a little. Exercise is so key for me and I'm thankful I was in a good place in my life when my cancer hit. Because of Dave's cancer, I made it a point to walk (and eventually walk/jog) 5 times a week. It helped me so much, just getting outside for at least 30 minutes a day. I'd put on my headset and just go...the sun, the serotonin, fresh air was so therapeutic for me. I have had a history and family background of having a problem with turning to food for solace and being overweight. I didn't want to undo the good I had been doing with Weight Watchers last year when Dave was diagnosed. So, I kept up my exercising and it was just such a healthy way to deal with the stress. When I got diagnosed with Breast Cancer, I eased up on myself a bit and "unjoined" Weight Watchers as I didn't want to worry about my weight, the actual number on the scale and not knowing how I'd respond to chemo and all. But, I also told myself that I'd deal with my treatment the best I could and exercise when I felt my body would tolerate it. I usually don't go out the day after my infusion or the few days following. Hmm, let's see...I went out last Tuesday morning, the day of my infusion. Then I went out for a short walk on Thursday and Friday. The weekend was out of the question. I was feeling better on Monday and went out for a good walk and took yesterday off. This morning, I was out early, feeling strong and had a great time. I know that studies have been done that show exercise is beneficial for people going through chemo. How could it not be? Just the fact that you're exercising is good! For me, I'm so glad I had started this before either of us were diagnosed and I'm thankful to be able to continue my regime even while undergoing chemo. I hope to be in better shape after chemo than before I was diagnosed. How's that for a goal? :-) I've got a busy day planned with the boys so that's all for now!

Update on Round 3

Well, it's been a while since I've done a post so I figured I'd catch everyone up on how things are going. Suffice it to say, it gets harder with each round. I'm six days out right now and still feel kind of crummy. I had a really rough time early Saturday morning, almost to where I wanted Dave to take me to the E/R. I think my white counts were at their lowest then and I could just feel every ache and pain inside me times 100. It was just horrible, I don't want to go into details, but trust me, I could feel everything happening inside me and it felt like my insides were on fire...now it's Monday night and I'm still not back to feeling "normal"...I can't wait to feel normal again.

Although I'm half-way through with my chemo, I feel like everything is hitting me at once. Maybe I've suppressed some of my feelings, but I just had a pity party this time around. I want my hair back, I'm tired of cancer, of being the "family with cancer", of just not being normal. My sister put it this way, "Get used to your new normal". Well, I want the old normal back. I guess we'll never have the old normal. After getting diagnosed with cancer and dealing with it, going through the treatments and living with the scars of it, life will never be like it used to be. I know that we'll get through this, I'm just so ready for it to be over.

It's ok for me to feel like this, it's got to be...dealing with all the emotions is just exhausting and I wish I didn't have to process all of this. I need to though, to work through it and understand how I can be a better person because of it. I do know for a fact that so many people care for us, are praying for us and that we've got great friends, family and neighbors. Also, it could be a lot worse. Dave and I often remind ourselves, although our situation is not "normal", we're fortunate in that either of our cancers could have been so much worse. There are so many people that aren't as lucky as we are, to have insurance, a company that supports and believes in us and cares about us, to have doctors that are awesome available to us, that we're going to be SURVIVORS and that we're making it through our treatments rather unscathed.

I still don't know how Dave made it through the chemo that he went through. I get a fraction of the amount he'd receive and I feel like crap. I know he had some rough times, but really, I don't know how he made it through. I just truly hope and pray that a cure for cancer can be found during our lifetime that won't require chemo. Chemo just plain stinks...I wouldn't wish it on anybody...ever.

So, I guess getting this stuff "out on the table" is good for the soul. I know I'm on the upswing and look forward to the days that I don't have "tummy troubles". I look forward to feeling good again and have my wits about me. Chemo-brain and chemical-induced menopause aren't a good match...aye yae yae, good thing I have 3 guys in my house that love me a lot! Well, that's all for now...take care.

Short and sweet

Just wanted to let you know that the Claritin doesn't work on me. Last night, about an hour after I finished my other post, my jaw, sinuses, back, ribs, arms, just about any bone I have, started to hurt. Like Dave said this morning though, at least we know the Neulasta is working! I will keep trying the Claritin, but I'm also using the Lortab...whatever it takes. That's it for now!

Half-way Through, So Far, So Good

Well, yesterday's infusion went smoothly and so far, I'm feeling alright. It's hard to say if I'm good or bad, because, I'm pumped full of chemo, I'm a little "off", but right now, I'm doing fine. I've tried the ginger that everyone is suggesting nowadays, but, to be honest, I don't know how much of a difference that makes. Dave has helped me get a "cocktail" of anti-nausea meds so I'm not overdoing anything, but it seems to be just enough to help me get by. Suffice it to say, my regime is a lot less than what he went through, but he is certainly more sympathetic than most husbands ever could be.

Something else that is different this time, is that I received a call from the Breast Consultant at the hospital who recommended I take Claritin, to help with the bone pain associated with the Neulasta injection. It's really early right now to tell if it's helping or not, since I just had the Neulasta injection today at 1:00 pm, but, so far, so good. So, we'll see if there is some merit in taking Claritin. It helps with my seasonal allergies too! Two-fer one!

We're all hanging in there though, and I'll be glad to get to feeling normal again (by next week). We have the boys going to a Summer Day Camp this week which is so helpful. They are really enjoying it and it's giving me time to recuperate and have some peace and quiet. So, I think I will wrap up this entry about now. Sorry I don't have more to say, but, sometimes it's just good to get by and not say too much, you know?

Getting Ready for Round 3

Well, we're back from our vacation to Hilton Head and I'm going in tomorrow morning for Round 3 of my chemo. It was sooooo nice to get out of town, relax, enjoy the beach, the waves, decent weather and just have fun. Dave's whole family was there (minus Zach who is in the Navy), but it was just so nice to be with the family, have a good time and forget about all the cancer "stuff" that we've been going through for almost a year now. Our family and one of Dave's sisters and her family stayed at the Hilton Head Disney Resort...we love it there, lots to do, fun pool, neat activities and just plain ol' Disney fun. His parents and other 2 sisters and their families stayed across the highway in Palmetto Dunes (on the beach) so we were able to enjoy the best of both worlds. We cooked out, went out, played at the beach, played at the pool, played ping pong, went crabbing and just had a great time. OK, so now the vacation is over and back to reality...

I'm ready for tomorrow and to be able to officially say, "I'm 1/2 way through"...it'll be like I'll be on the downhill side of chemo. It just stinks that you get to feeling good, almost normal, and then you go in and they make you feel crappy all over again. One thing for sure, I'm having A LOT more hot flashes. I guess that means the chemo is working in that it is slowing down or stopping my estrogen and progesterone production since that is what the cancer feeds off of. So, yes, I'm going into early menopause...oh well, it could be a lot worse, you know? Another plus, I don't have to shave my legs this summer! I didn't even take a razor on vacation! It was a snap getting ready too, no hair products, no blow dryer or curling iron, just throw a scarf on and I am good to go...got to keep looking for the silver lining in all this, you know.

So, I know this is short, but really, this is all I have for now. I'm sure I'll be doing another post to keep everyone up to date on how things are going. Thank you for your continued prayers and support!

Feeling Great and Ready for A Much Needed Vacation!

So, I finally feel like myself again after my 2nd round of chemo. My tongue isn't swollen! It was for about 4 days...weird side effect, I know. I think of this 2nd round, my worst day by far was last Friday, when I slept, ALOT. Too much because then I had a hard time sleeping through the night. Live and learn, next time I won't take soooo many naps in one day!

Today is the last day of school for my boys. Kyle woke up being very, very excited. I would expect that out of him. Bryce, on the other hand, was a bit teary. He said he's going to miss his teacher so much and that she's the nicest teacher he's ever had. He has had wonderful teacher and I think we were extra blessed for him to have her this year, especially. She super enthusiastic, fun, does a great job with the whole class and she's just a real sweetie. I think the fact that she has an effervescent personality helps and she's one of those teachers that "all the kids hope they get". So, I understand him being a bit sad this morning. Hopefully he'll enjoy his last day and not cry it away! (I think too that this teacher will be the one that Bryce will remember having a crush on! Sweet, huh?)

So, I'm off to start packing and getting things ready for our trip. We're heading to Hilton Head Island's Disney Resort and can't wait to get there. The whole family is so very excited! We love everything Disney and decided to join the Disney Vacation Club back in 2003. They have their resorts on Disney property that we can use our "points" for, and then they have 2 Disney Resorts off property, Vero Beach and Hilton Head. We've stayed there a few times in the past and really enjoyed it. There's activities for the kids, adults, seems like you are at Disney even though you aren't. They have a Disney Beach house with a pool and cabanas and little snack type restaurant, so you don't have a care in the world. Just relax, listen to the waves, read a good book, enjoy the ocean....sounds like we're ready, huh? Being that we had to cancel our Disney Cruise last October (when Dave was getting chemo), we're more ready than ever for this trip!

You probably won't be getting an update while we're away, so, thanks again for the prayers, encouragement and continued support. My 3rd chemo round will be the Tuesday after we get back, but I'm NOT going to think about that while I'm on vacation, nope, I'm not going to let my mind go there! Take care and Happy Summer to Everyone!

Hanging in there...one day at a time

So, it's been 4 days since chemo and all I can say is "UGH". You just never know what to expect, each day is different, different feelings, different sensations, different tastes...you just can't plan ahead during this time. At least I have one cycle behind me, so I have a glimpse of what to expect, which means tomorrow is when I'll feel like I've been hit by a bus.

I'm trying to lay off the pain meds and anti-nausea meds right now. I'm experiencing more neuropathy sensations than bone pain and the pain meds just make you constipated. Sorry, but that's the truth. Chemo just isn't any fun and I hope I can grin and bear it and get through the next 4 rounds without incident. So far, I am managing alright, except yesterday threw me for a loop. I was sooooo tired from the meds that I napped on and off all day long. I even went up to my bedroom at 7:30 last night. Not good if you're planning on getting a good night's sleep. So, today I may allow myself one nap after lunch, and not for very long. I like to sleep at night and not be tossing and turning. Now tomorrow, if my white counts do tank like they did last time, I'll take the pain meds and get a good nap, that seems to have helped me tremendously last time.

I can't believe the kids only have 3 more days of school. This year has flown (too fast) with everything Dave and I have had going on. It's almost not fair in that I wasn't able to participate with the kids' classes like I'm used to and I was just glad to have them be at school so Dave and I could deal with our doctor's appointments, surgeries, treatments, etc. You know, it's like a bad dream and it's just not ending. I think right now I'm just exhausted of dealing with cancer. I was ready to be done with Dave's ordeal when we got the "surprise, you have breast cancer" diagnosis. It's just not right. I know I'm blessed in the support and friends we have, but it does seem like we got the bum rap with both of us being diagnosed 7 months apart. What are the odds?

One more thing worth mentioning...I've heard about the ginger and relief it provides for patients going through chemo! I keep receiving emails or things on Facebook about it...I will discuss this with my oncologist before my next chemo round, although he's already told me he's not one for alternative treatments. So, we'll see what the good doc says. My nausea hasn't been too intolerable (shhh, don't tell Dave), but if the ginger helps, I'll try it!

2 Down, 4 to Go

I'm happy to post that I made it through Round #2 without incident. My mom came with me and I think she enjoyed chatting with some of the other chemo patients in the "spa" as my cousin, Ali, describes the infusion room. Anyway, it took about 3 hours and because last time, my tongue swelled some and my lips swelled and were numb, they also gave me Benadryl via infusion. Hopefully this will ward off this odd side effect.

I'm home tonight and Dave is able to go over to Buddy's for the 2nd David Wilcox concert. I really enjoyed this event last night and he needs some time off. Good coffee, good music, makes for a good evening.

So, here's to being a 1/3 of the way through with my chemo. Dave has said it's not fair that mine is so easy, and compared to his, it is a lot easier. I wouldn't wish his treatment on anyone. But at the same time it just stinks that I have to go through this too. I know I'll get through it and it certainly isn't anything we ever could have anticipated, but I know that God has a plan for us and will use it to His glory...so, I hope He uses me in ways I never would have anticipated.

Getting Ready for Chemo Round #2

So, I think all my ducks are in a row for this Round. I made sure I did something fun last night, that always makes it easier to deal with something not so pleasant the next day! I went to a Coffeehouse type concert at our pastor's (Buddy & Jody Hoffman) house last night and really enjoyed the whole evening. David Wilcox performed on guitar, they served awesome coffee and I was able to meet up with some old friends and make some new ones. It was just a neat evening all in all and I'm happy I went!

I'm about to head over and surprise Kyle at his field day (I was able to go to Bryce's yesterday) so he should be excited to see me. I'll just stay for a little while, then head back home. My appointment with the doctor is set for 11:00 AM and my infusion should start somewhere before 12:00 noon.

Thank you for all your prayers, friendship, meals and support. You all are my rock and I know without the friends and family around us helping, this journey would be that much harder.

What an Amazing Experience - Relay for Life

Dave and I went to Relay for Life yesterday and all I can say is "Wow!" What an amazing experience. First of all, had you mentioned this to me a year ago, I would have probably said, "Nah, we're busy, Bryce has a party to go to, we've got some things to do around the house, we're tired..." With Dave getting diagnosed in July and then me getting diagnosed in February, we both had more than enough reasons to participate!

Well, since we've both been diagnosed and are fighting our own battles against cancer, this Relay for Life is something that I see us being part of every year. It was absolutely amazing. The one we have in Gwinnett Co., GA is one of the 2 largest events in the COUNTRY and we live about 2 miles from where the venue is! I believe they raised $1.8 million dollars at this event alone which is incredible.

Speaking of raising money, I want to take this chance to personally say "Thank You" to our friends and family that contributed in our fundraising efforts. Dave and I raised $1300 in about 2 weeks. Next year, I hope to be on top of things and really be prepared to do this thing right! There were hundreds of tents set up with different groups from around our area. Lots of churches, schools, people supporting friends, whoever wants to form a TEAM can sign up, raise funds and participate.

It was just great to see so many SURVIVORS do the first lap, so many people around us that are affected by cancer. It's sad...you would think with the all that is available to scientists and doctors these days, there'd be a cure for cancer. I hope that before I die, maybe someone in my generation or my children's generation can find a cure. Wouldn't that be amazing? Dave even made a sign and put it on his shirt...the sign said, "My chemo sucked, how about yours?" with a smiley face at the bottom. He just wanted to get the message across that it's horrible that the treatment is worse than the disease.

At 10:00 pm they had a moving experience where they lit luminaries all around the "track" and then everyone carried candles. They started the procession with bagpipes being played and it was just such a solemn, moving experience. To think of loved ones that have died from cancer, or those whose lives have been touched by cancer in some way is just overwhelming. To think that both Dave and I have been diagnosed within 7 months of each other and are going through the battle against cancer on our own is mind boggling. Again, we couldn't make it without those around us, our support team and the prayers of so many that are lifting us up daily.

I'll be going in for my next chemo round this coming Tuesday, but I'm really trying to not get worked up about that right now. We're going to enjoy this weekend, especially with tomorrow being Mother's Day. I hope my boys will bring me breakfast in bed! :-)

It Was a Really Hairy Day

OK, so, not good to start this off with a bad pun, but I have to find the lighter side in this journey. Yes, I took the big step today and had my head shaved. Yesterday was when I started noticing my hair coming out a little too quickly...at least 4 or 5 strands every time I touched my hair. Dave was great, very supportive, got me out of the house to get some fresh air and sunshine (or at least some fresh air, it's been rainy and cloudy here in Georgia lately)....Anyway, it was a good diversion and got my mind off of the inevitable.

So today my hairdresser, Rhonda, was bringing dinner over. I called her originally to see if she could "do the buzz job" sometime this week...then I realized I just had to get it done and over with. She graciously came over with dinner, had a glass of wine with me and then we went out on the porch with Dave's "Just a Trim". OK, so maybe it would have been better for this to have been done at her salon, but after I had a big clump of hair come out this afternoon, I just couldn't wait.

I've posted a photo on my Facebook page (since I only know how to take pictures with my iPhone and put them on Facebook), so you'll have to wait until Dave gets home and can take some pictures with the camera to post here on the blog. I do like my wigs, but to be completely honest, the caps and hats are much more comfortable.

So, all in all I'm glad this step is over. It was very hard emotionally yesterday, just knowing that the time was near to get the hair buzzing over with. I do think it's so much harder for women because we really do identify ourselves with our looks and our hair is a major part of that. I think this whole experience is good for me to really get to know myself and take time to be reflective. I don't stop long enough to do this and now I'm being forced to. I know that what really matters is what's in the inside and that is what makes us who we really are, so, I hope that through this journey, I'll be a stronger person, more sure of who I am and more focused on what really does matter in life.

I'm going to close for now, I go in tomorrow to get labs drawn and then I'll just be enjoying the rest of my "good week". Kyle turns 8 officially on Thursday (he had a great time at his party this past Saturday) and then we're going to Relay for Life on Friday night. Dave and I will be participating in the Survivor's Lap and just enjoy the event...still taking it one day at a time!