The doctor called with the results of my tumor markers test. My level is 43, and normal is between 0-38. So that is really good. They will do this test periodically to test and see if the cancer is growing again, but it is a relief that it is down right now. Hopefully it will stay low for a LONG, LONG time.
I am really tired out today. What with spending about 6 hours at the hospital yesterday, 3 hours there today, and then a busy weekend, I am about out of energy. I can't wait to just hang out with my two little boys tomorrow.
I had my simulation today at the Radiation Oncology office. The hardest part was stretching my arm up in the breast board while they did all of the calculating angles and such. Plus it hurt my back and hip to lay on that hard board for so long. I couldn't believe how much those tattoos hurt. (I got 5 little dots) I don't know how people can stand to get those tattoos all over their bodies. OUCH!!!!
My first treatment will be next week on December 5th. I will go in at 6:45 am. It is early, but at least I'll be able to go and be back before Dan has to go to work so I won't have to find someone to watch the kids.
Luckily a sweet neighbor is bringing in dinner tonight. I am going to go crash for the night.
Look, my hair is really growing!! You can't see my scalp anymore, and I can spike it. Only problem is it is mostly a grayish-brown color. I'll probably dye it once it gets a couple inches long. Grow baby, grow!
Sorry I haven't posted an update. I have been feeling great and been busy doing life as normal, and I haven't taken time to post.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Ours was great!!!! Everything tasted so yummy and I was so glad that I was able to eat without getting sick. Dan and I went out shopping the day after Thanksgiving. We didn't go out until 8 am, and it was fun to shop and get some good deals.
Over the weekend we got the house all decked out for the holidays. Lights everywhere inside and out. Abby (our 7 year old) said that she thinks we have the best looking house anywhere. The magic is so fun with little kids. At first I thought I didn't want to bother with all of the work of getting all of the decorations out, but I am so glad that we did. It really puts you in the Christmas spirit so see all of the twinkling lights and the nativity, and the tree, and garlands. So beautiful!
We went with my family down to Salt Lake City to see the lights at Temple Square. It was so pretty. My favorite part is when you go in the visitors center and walk up the ramp and see the statue of Christ. It was hard not thinking about the possibility that I will be making that journey after this life sooner rather than later. It was wonderful to think about being in His presence again. I love this time of year when we celebrate Jesus' birth and life and mission.
Well I went to visit the radiation Oncologist today. He said I will need about 25 treatments. So once a day for 5 weeks. It is better than 6 weeks! He won't be doing radiation to my hip and pelvis at this time, but he will try to extend the treatment field to radiate my sternum (which had cancer) I go in for my simulation and tattoos tomorrow morning.
I am really tired today after being so busy for so many days. My brain thinks I want to and can do everything, but my body says "Slow down!!! I'm exhausted." It is hard to find a balance. I can't wait until I am done with treatment, and life can go back to normal.
Wow, I can't believe the difference a week makes. I am feeling GOOD for the first time in months. I thought I felt pretty good on my good days during chemo, but whoa, after a month of no chemo, I feel GOOD! I still am a little sore from surgery and have a hard time using my arm, but I feel good!!!
Yesterday I went grocery shopping with Dan and out to dinner. I was able to eat and it tasted yummy!! (We went to Texas Roadhouse). I haven't had to take a nap in days! I still have a ways to go in getting my energy back, but it is wonderful to be feeling better.
And I am sure it will just keep getting better!!! (Until I start radiation...... I have my consult on Nov 26th, and then my simulation on the 27th.) I will just keep enjoying life until then.
6 months ago today I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Wow. I can't believe it has been that long. The days have drug on, but the weeks have flown by. I have grown so much during this time, and learned so much. It has been such a humbling and terrifying experience battling breast cancer. I heard a quote the other day. It was, Sometimes when a person is diagnosed with a terminal illness, they begin to die. Sometimes, they begin to live. I can tell you that is SO true. I try to live each day to the fullest, and be grateful for each day.
It has been a really long week. My kids have been sick with the stomach flu. I have cleaned up so much throw up, I just can't wait for everyone to be healthy. Luckily I haven't got it.
I am continuing to recover from surgery. Every day is better and better. I am still really tired and worn out (but that is also in part because I have been up with sick kids every night). I can't wait until I feel "normal" again. Whatever that ends up being!
Imagine the title being said by frankenstein once he completed making his stitched together, haphazard monster. I feel like I have been cut apart and then put back together. I was cut from my sternum clear to under my arm for the mastectomy, and then 3 incisions on my tummy for the hysterectomy. Just in time for Halloween!
Yes, I am still alive, and recovering from surgery. I survived!!!! I feel a little like a spoiled child with all the presents I have received. Thank you everyone for all of your flowers and balloons and gifts and treats. I have been just giddy getting presents and flowers almost every single day since surgery. Thank you!!! Once I get feeling a little bit better, I will load some pictures of all the pretty flowers.
So anyway, here is a breakdown of all the fun I have been having the last 12 days. I had a laprascopic hysterectomy and modified radical mastectomy. I was swollen like a balloon, and black and blue from collar bone to pelvic bone. The first couple of days I couldn't even feed myself! I spent 2 nights in the hospital (on the same floor as all of the new moms and babies...boy I was sure glad I wasn't going to have to take care of a baby when I got home...every other time I have spent the night at the hospital it was when I had had a baby) It hurt so bad to get up and I was pretty miserable for a while there.
For the first couple days while I was home the kids stayed at various family members homes so I could just rest and sleep. That was heavenly! Our house was so quiet. I lived in my recliner. I am now up and moving around more, and I didn't even have to take any pain medicine today. Ask me a week ago, and I probably would have told you that I would never be off the pain meds. I even went and voted today!!!!
On another note, I have declared independence from my hats and scarves and wigs. If you see me out and about, you will probably encounter me with just my lovely peach fuzz. My hair is really growing in nice now... Caleb told me the other day, "Mom I think you should wear your wig because people who don't know you will think you are a boy." Out of the mouths of babes! They tell it how it is.
I received my pathology report from surgery. They found a couple of spots of cancer left in my breast, tiny really, compared to how much cancer there was before surgery. The two spots they found were .7cm and .9cm. The down side of this, is it looks like I will have to have radiation. I was really hoping to get out of it, but it doesn't look like I will.
I had my first of weekly Herceptin only today. It was so much easier to just have herceptin and Zometa, and no more taxol. Dr. Hanson recommended that I do weekly Herceptin instead of the triple dose every three weeks until we know whether the Herceptin can keep the cancer at bay well enough by itself. I also am supposed to start a drug called Aromasin today, which is a daily pill that will make it so my adrenal glands no longer convert fat to estrogen. All of these matienence treatments are to keep the cancer from growing and keep me alive forever. That is the goal anyway.
One more thought before I end this rambling, just in case anyone was wondering, I lost 2.19 pounds from having my breast removed. Hardest weight loss you could ever imagine...... I don't recommend it.
Here are the pictures........
This picture is pre surgery in my cute new pink jammies with monkeys on them. I am holding the most adorable beanie baby bear with cute pink ribbons.
This is me in the hospital the day after surgery. See, I told you I was swollen like a balloon. I think this is one of the worst pictures of me ever taken, but then again, I think this is the worst I have ever looked in my life!
These are some pictures of the wonderful gifts I received at the hospital and once I was home. They have just brought me so much enjoyment!!!!!!
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