Crazy Week

Well, its been a crazy long week.

Sunday we went to church. The service was great. Jadyn catnapped on the way home, which meant she wouldn't take a real nap, which also meant no nap for mommy. Needless to say once Jadyn went to bed for the night, a very tired mommy wasn't far behind her.

We did get good news Monday. The doctor did a physical exam and said the tumor feels as though its responding to treatment and he can tell a significant improvement. My blood work continues to look good, so the doctor is pleased with how I'm responding to treatment. My next cycle is in early November. Only three more of this round to go. I went in again today for more blood work, which also looked good.

Overall, it was a week of a little bit of pain and a whole lot of fatigue. The being tired gets me more than anything does, but so far I've been able to push through it. I've still been able to work every day except the actual day of treatment, even though most days aren't full days due to doctor's appointments and lab visits.

A Better Today

Today was a better day. I wasn't as nauseas and didn't hurt as much. We did just spend it as a nice relaxing day around the house. Getting up energy for church tomorrow. For now, just sitting here, resting, enjoying the Alabama v. Tennessee game. I'm hoping tomorrow is as good as today was. If so, it will be a good day.

Rough Week

Well, the nausea and the pain started to kick in this week as expected. I went in yesterday for a follow up with the oncologist, who decided to keep me and put me on IV anti-nausea meds and some fluids. Fortunately, this meant I was able to work a full day today. The nausea is moderate, so its tolerable and manageable with medication. The pain is manageable as well. I'm just glad I have a doctor who listens to me and treats the whole me and not just the cancer. His whole staff is great, and they really make me feel glad they are the ones with me on this journey. I am exhausted, though, and am looking forward to getting some much needed rest this weekend!! On the bright side, the nurse said the second week after treatment is usually a little easier than the first so hopefully the week to come will be better than the week we're coming out of.

Changes in Hair (Pics)

Me with little hair:

Wig #1:

Wig #2:

After Chemo

Well, we were at the doctor's office for about 5.5 hours. We saw the doctor, who answered some questions, then they began my treatment. We left right at 2pm. The treatment wasn't too bad. I go back tomorrow for an immune booster shot, then again Thursday to follow up with the doctor to see how I reacted to the treatment. Not much else to say right now. Will keep everyone posted.

First Treatment

This morning is my first treatment and I'm quite nervous just because I don't know what to expect. I can also tell my sensitivity to bandage adhesive is getting worse because this dressing is itching like a you know what. I know today will be fine, though. I will post more this afternoon.

Beautiful Sunday

This morning started with a wonderful church service. It was nice to be back. The music and the sermon touched my heart. All three of us went, and Jadyn seemed to really enjoy children's church. After church we had dinner, then naps for all around. After naps we all did a little grocery shopping. I ventured to Walmart without my wig, which felt really weird. I thought about dying the gray spots but decided it was a little pointless. Not sure yet if I'm going to wear my wig to work tomorrow or not. I guess we'll find out in the morning. :)

This evening was a little rough. I felt a little overwhelmed with everything...and I guess its ok for that to happen sometimes. I just have to pull myself back together when its over. Oscar reminded me that the things that were bothering me weren't as bad as I was seeing them (it was a lot of little things) and it made me feel a lot better. I'm so very blessed to have him standing by my side through this.

Anyway, its time to finish watching this Colts game them get some rest. Its going to be a doozy of a week!

Bye Bye Hair

I decided to take a little control today.....so I went to the beauty salon and had my hair cut off. We cut off a ponytail, which I will donate to locks of love. The we trimmed up my wig to look a little more like the style I would normally get. The color is gonna take a little getting used to. One thing about really short hair is I get to see where all my gray spots are....there are more of them than I was expecting...lol. It was a little bit of a shocker to see me with such short hair, but I'm actually ok with it.

I'm still a bit sore from surgery. I suppose that is to be expected for a few days. Other than that I am doing fine.

Surgery

Not too much to say tonight. Surgery today went very well. Everything went in place as expected with no complications. I'm really sore, which is to be expected, but otherwise I feel okay. The whole reality of things have hit a little hard today, but I'm working through it. Now time to go do my devotional and get some rest. Tomorrow may be a long day!

Test Results and Surgery Prep

Today we got back the results of the PET scan. On a PET scan they inject a radioactive material that bonds with the abnormal cells (ie the cancer) and shows on the scan anywhere in the body where the cancer is located. The scan showed that the cancer has not spread anywhere else in the body and is only located in my breast. This is an incredible blessing from God.

Tomorrow is my first surgery. They will be going in and inserting the port for my chemo injections. The surgery is considered minor and will be done under twilight anesthesia so I won't be fully asleep. It takes about 30-45 minutes to complete. Afterwards I'll be sent home with a little bit of pain medicine. I've taken the whole day off from work to recoup. If I feel well enough tomorrow afternoon I'll go get some turbans and scarves for my head and look at a few wigs. I'm a bit excited about that part. Its kind of fun to see the new looks the wigs provide.

I'm not scared about the surgery. I have a great surgeon and know I'm in good hands. We should be home well before noon, and I'll get to take a while and rest.

Lots of Tests

Today was a day of tests. We did a PET scan, CT scan, and an echocardiogram. On the bright side of things, my heart looks and sounds GREAT!!!! :)

Over all today has been a good day, just a bit tired. Tonight Jadyn and I came home and watched a little 'Melmo' (Elmo) and then she played in a bubble bath for about 30 minutes. It was a nice normal evening at home. The 930 bedtimes are a little strange, but I suppose I'll get used to them. I need the rest.

It was nice, though. Today, two friends of mine gave me a book called Your Journey with Cancer and God. Its a one year devotional. I look forward to reading it every evening. I've also ordered a great book to read while I go through treatments. It should last through the first little bit anyway. :) I have a feeling I just may start doing a bit of reading!!

Treatment Plan

Today has been......real. We have a treatment plan in place, which is good. It is aggressive, which is good. I'm glad we have answers and are able to move forward quickly and start taking care of this.

I think the hardest part of this today has been telling family. It has made it so much more real. I know it is hard on everyone with me being so far away. Its still so surreal, but I just keep telling myself I will get through this, I will get through this, I will get through this.

I went ahead today and picked up most of my meds to prepare for chemo treatments. They start Tuesday morning. I'll pick up the rest of them tomorrow. Its a little overwhelming to try to keep up with everything. I think I'm going to have to get a mini planner or something to help keep track...I'll figure it out. Anywho, another day down. Time to relax a little and get ready for the rest of the week. There are a few more tests this week, then Friday a minor surgery to get my chemo port put in.

Officially Diagnosed

Today I was officially diagnosed with breast cancer. Today my journey, and my fight, began. All things considered, I have done well today. Those I have chosen to tell have been incredibly supportive, and I love them all. They are those I hold nearest and dearest to my heart. So, today I lift my head. I am a breast cancer survivor in the making. I didn't chose cancer, it chose me...but I can choose how I deal with it. I choose to fight it, head held high, with a positive spirit and love and support from those around me. I will beat this!