The first couple days post-chemo haven't been too bad. I'm a little achy and a WHOLE lot of tired! But that could be mostly because of NO SLEEP! Gotta love those Steroids! My body is tired but my brain just doesn't shut off. It's kinda like I'm embracing the Vampire Life except without the blood drinking. LOL Although I am downing the liquids like they are going out of style so perhaps I'm more vampire than I thought. ;)
A few other things to note:
* I haven't lost my appetite at all which is great but I constantly have a dry cotton-y feeling in my mouth. Gross! Even with all I'm drinking I can't get it wet enough. It's actually causing me to feel like I have a bit of a sore throat. Arggg!
* The most soreness I feel is in my mid-back and in my Gluteus Maximus. LOL! I didn't even know I had that many cells for the Chemo to kill in that area. LOL It's just like a dull achy feeling that's more irritating than anything. I'll take that over vomiting anytime though.
* The steroid should be out my system soon. I am a little worried about the days ahead but we'll just hope for the best. Hopefully I'll finally get to sleep a bit and just take it easy! Oh yah- and be able to ParTay for my birthday! That would be a good thing!
UPDATE:
Day 4- 5: So I am living the Vampire Life WAY more than I intended! I have read/talked to several people that have had chemo before and they say it feels a little like being run over by a truck. Well... for those of us Twilight Fans that have seen Bella tranform into a Vampire in Breaking Dawn: Part One-- you know the part where all her cells start burning from the inside out- well with my first hand experience in mind, that's what I imagine being "run over by a truck" feels like. We always knew I had a "sparkly" personality just not to this extent! LOL
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Wife #2: The Blonde Chick
Introducing Wife #2 all decked out in PINK. This is my cute free BLONDEY wig from the American Cancer Society. So fun!
Friday, April 27, 2012
Date with a Space(wo)man: CHEMO Day #1
Wahoo! We made it through our 1st Chemo Treatment with flying colors!
Brett joined me for this first one. We had to report to the hospital at 9 am. I figured it'd be good for him to see what happens so he can practice his manly sympathetic skills later. We both dressed up for the occasion. Are you at all surprised? Being fashionably festive runs in our veins, I guess! LOL I almost even wore my big pink floppy hat but didn't want to scare the Chemo Nurses too much the first day! But I do look darn cute in it. Thanks Robbie! Besides--- from being a little nervous anyways and the fact that some of the pre-meds turned my cheeks a nice shade of my shirt color- I was pretty much embracing the "pink side" completely today! Go PINK!
Just for information sake here's all the drugs I got pumped up with today-
Pre-meds included
* 15 minute infusion of Dexamenthasone- to prevent allergic reactions, prevent nausea and vomiting, increase appetite, and to reduce swelling.
* IV push of Liquid Benadryl- to prevent allergic reactions, It was funny because it took like 30 seconds for it to hit my brain. I was so drowsy for about 15 minutes but then I could function again.
* 15 minute IV push of Zantac- a H2 Blocker. Dont' know what that is exactly but who cares at this point? LOL
* IV Push of Palonosetron- an anti-nausea medicine. If vomit at all- I'm gonna be really ticked!
Chemo Drugs included-
* 1 hour infusion of Cyclophosphamide- an alkylating agent to help stop cancer cells from growing, causing them to die! This is the one that lowers my white blood cells count, makes me tired and will most likely be to thank for me being follically challenged. LOL
* Between each infusion, they do a 10 minutes saline flush to clean the drug out of the tubes.
* 1 hour infusion of Docetaxel- a drug known as a taxane. It interferes with microtubules that help to kill cancer cells. This one does the same stuff as the other but also can lower your red blood cell count as well and cause some swelling.
* Another saline flush and then onto our last drug for the day!
* 1 hour 30 minute IV push of Herceptin- a man-made monoclonal anti-body that acts as a lock and key to attack the HER2 receptors that are present in my cancer. This the one that I will have to continue every three weeks for 1 year. Bummer!
Your 1st Chemo day is always the longest because they do the "drip" on super turtle slow to make sure you have no allergic reactions. Katie did an amazing job on my IV. You can hardly even see where she put it in. Since I am so predominately a Righty, we decided to do it in my left hand just in case- you know, my arm swelled or fell off or something. LOL! It'd be a bummer to have to learn to do everything left handed AND deal with the Chemo side effects as well.
We got a good chuckle out of Katie's Space(wo)man Attire when she handled the actual chemo drugs. She got all dressed up and even double gloved to hook the bag of chemo up to my IV. We had shared our chemo class experience with her so she caught on fast to our "You'll be fine!" joke. It was hilarious!
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* First, Nurse Katie had told me that the first time I needed to use the restroom to ask so that they could show me how to unplug myself from the wall and wheel the machine down the hall. Well when it came time for my 1st potty break, Katie was busy so the desk nurse came into see what we needed. I asked her if she could show me how to use the bathroom. Oops! LOL I meant help me get to the bathroom. But the damage was done! It turned into our own little personal joke. When we left for the day, I gave her a hug and told her thanks for teaching me how to go potty! We got a good laugh from it. I'm telling you I'm just so funny! LOL
* Next, the scheduling Nurse, Tia stopped by for a visit and to set up my next Space(wo)ma Date. We had a good laugh because she had been the one that called me the day I had my IUD out. She distinctly remembered our "explicit conversation" on the phone. I'm quite the memorable person around here, I guess! LOL
* Finally- After one of my potty breaks and plugging myself back into the wall, I noticed that the machine said- "PUMPING STOPPED". I pushed my call button to have them help me out. Heaven knows I didn't want to spend my day there with no drip happening. She came in and said that everything looked fine. I was confused and asked why it would say it was stopped then. She looked back at me even more confused and said that it was pumping like it should. It was then that I pointed to the screen to make my point. Here's what I showed her:
I felt like the day went by really fast! I had no allergic reactions at all. Wahoo! What a blessing! I'm sure that was a direct answer to tons of prayers and a blessing I got from my dear hubby and Brother Larsen. Thank you!
Brett and I spent the morning, eating snacks, watching part of a movie, joking with the nurses and having lunch. Liberty had a musical today at school so Brett took off after lunch to go support her. You'll have to check out her performance stuff on the other blog. Sorry I missed it, Chicka!
When Brett left, my good friend, Katie Gill came up to hang with me for the afternoon. My Life Coordinator (KBro) was afraid I might get molested if I was left alone. She is always looking out for me! I'm so lucky! LOL We laughed because it turned out to be quite a hostile takeover of the KATIE(or Kate)s today! Friend Katie and I ended up spending the afternoon snacking, trying to watch part of a movie and talking about things that bug us. It was great to have her up. Thanks lady for being with me! You're awesome!
What a busy day! We finally left the hospital around 4 pm. We really couldn't ask for a more perfect 1st Chemo day! We feel so blessed! Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers on our behalf. We can definitely feel them working in our Adventure. Whew! One thing down... two more to go! Now we're off to the kids Piano Recital and the Scout Spaghetti Fundraiser. Oh but that's part of our real life so you'll have to check out Our ParTay Called Life for that stuff.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Chemo Eve
Today is our Chemo Eve. This is not to be confused with Christmas Eve, New Years Eve, or Birthday Eve although it seems that there are some similarities. These includes staying up way too late, running around trying to get all the last minute things done, letting your patience run a little thin, and hoping everything goes well tomorrow.
I kept busy all day. It helped to keep my mind off the scary feelings that creep in when you think too much of the seriousness of tomorrow events.
My day was full of crafting mostly. Due to the inspiration of the funny T-shirts I found (and the fact that I don't have a $1000 to spend on a little comical cotton), I decided that I needed to adorn myself with all sorts of fun breast cancer quotes. Using supplies from Kristen's Krafts, I worked up some amazing pins, pocket mirrors and dog tag necklaces. I;m so excited! Thanks KTuck! You're awesome! KTuck also gave me the best advice. We were talking about not getting worked up and depressed about the unknown and things we can't control. She said something like" I found the best way to avoid depression is to keep busy by crafting and exercise." How true is that?? It definitely was helpful in my current situation. And a good excuse to start crafting again. (And maybe even someday Brett's wish will come true and I will do a little exercise as well. Just tell him to not hold his breathe) LOL
So here's a little preview of my amazing new Breast Cancer line of adornment! Aren't they the cutest things EVER! I love them!:
Oh... and back to the reason for this post...
Wish me Luck on my first Chemo tomorrow. Here's crossing our fingers that every thing's all set and it goes well. I'll let you know!
Also, Let it be known that today I start down the Drug Addict Road. Oh lucky me! The day before and the day after each Chemo Treatment, I will be taking a pill form of Dexamenthasone (a steroid) twice a day. Then they also prescribed Prochlorperazine, an anti-nausea pill for after the steroid wears off. Most likely just in time for my birthday! Happy Birthday to me! LOL
I kept busy all day. It helped to keep my mind off the scary feelings that creep in when you think too much of the seriousness of tomorrow events.
My day was full of crafting mostly. Due to the inspiration of the funny T-shirts I found (and the fact that I don't have a $1000 to spend on a little comical cotton), I decided that I needed to adorn myself with all sorts of fun breast cancer quotes. Using supplies from Kristen's Krafts, I worked up some amazing pins, pocket mirrors and dog tag necklaces. I;m so excited! Thanks KTuck! You're awesome! KTuck also gave me the best advice. We were talking about not getting worked up and depressed about the unknown and things we can't control. She said something like" I found the best way to avoid depression is to keep busy by crafting and exercise." How true is that?? It definitely was helpful in my current situation. And a good excuse to start crafting again. (And maybe even someday Brett's wish will come true and I will do a little exercise as well. Just tell him to not hold his breathe) LOL
So here's a little preview of my amazing new Breast Cancer line of adornment! Aren't they the cutest things EVER! I love them!:
Wish me Luck on my first Chemo tomorrow. Here's crossing our fingers that every thing's all set and it goes well. I'll let you know!
Also, Let it be known that today I start down the Drug Addict Road. Oh lucky me! The day before and the day after each Chemo Treatment, I will be taking a pill form of Dexamenthasone (a steroid) twice a day. Then they also prescribed Prochlorperazine, an anti-nausea pill for after the steroid wears off. Most likely just in time for my birthday! Happy Birthday to me! LOL
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Holy Funny Breast Cancer T-Shirts!
Liberty & I wasted away our entire afternoon checking out the hilarious Breat Cancer T-shirts from Cafepress.com. So funny! Almost pee-d our pants on a few. Here's some pretty good ones:
Results: Echo Scan
I asked for a copy of my Echo scan. Here's the Report:
Here's a few shots of my heart.
Word World & Jack Hammers
After Chemo Class today, we had an appointment with Dr. Panwalker. He went over the basics of my Chemotherapy plan with us and some side effects to be prepared for. It was like a really bad info-merical! LOL Panwalker was being very professional about it all but Brett and I were in a bit of a silly mood. We would gasp or make some comment about each side effect or the timing of them. (After all, his PLAN calls for my worst day to be my Birthday! How RUDE!;) By the end we had Dr. Panwalker rolling. It was really fun to see him laugh. I love to see people laugh. It makes me happy!
At one point Panwalker thought he may need to sit between me and Brett. I got out my boxing gloves when Brett shot down the idea of putting in a port for my chemo treatments. [It's a little device surgically implanted up by your collar bone that allows them to put in the chemo and draw blood from there rather than poke you every time] Brett brought up the point that since I haven't had surgery yet they could technically use both arms and was it really necessary for me to have the port put in. BUT let me tell you- the reason I don't donate blood is because I hate seeing needles in my arm. The port seemed the easiest route for me. Granted Brett's point was very valid but not very welcomed!! Let's just say if looks could kill... LOL But Panwalker agreed that I have really great veins so we'll just see how the first one goes and go from there. (He said he could see my veins from across the room. Is that supposed to be a compliment?)
Another funny part was when Panwalker explained the effects of Herceptin. He bluntly said that it can cause Heart Failure. We both gasped WHAT???? Then he actually said- "Dang! I shouldn't have said that. What I meant was..." But by then we were quoting infomercial lines at him. "Serious side effects may include nerve damage, nausea, diarrhea, heart failure and possibly death... Call your oncologist to see if this Chemo is right for you!" LOL It it was pretty funny! I am a strong believer in that for the most part God places you in the right place at the right time with the right people. We're really glad we are a patient of Dr. Panwalker.
In all seriousness though- He did tell me to go get an Echo scan of my heart. You know just so they have a baseline to see what the drugs do to it. Sounds so exciting, right? After our appointment, he sent us down to the CV Diagnostics Unit for it. Well, it just happens that the hospital is under construction in that wing so it sounded like they were jack hammering in the next room. We actually had to yell at the receptionist to tell her why were there. And better yet she yelled back. We got a good chuckle out of it. Nothing like getting the blood pumping before you go in to check out your heart. Good thinking Sanford! LOL
Another hilarious thing to us was what was showing in the waiting room. Are you ready for this? Here you go...
LOL! Seriously? There was us, a nice 82 year old man, a mother with a brand new baby and some middle eastern lady. Who actually was their target audience here? Although you couldn't hear a word of it because of the jack hammer so maybe it was just to stimulate our retinas with it's bright colors? Who knows but there's always something to chuckle at in this Adventure of ours.
Deaf and visually stimulated, we finally made it back for the Echo of my heart. The Tech fit right in with us. He was making smart aleck remarks along with Brett the whole time. What a pair (except for when Brett fell asleep cuz the lights were turned down so low. Thanks for being there for me the whole time, Love! I really appreciate it! Wish I could sleep! Oh right.. I forgot- Cancer Insomnia is the gift that just keeps on giving.) At one point, the tech kept asking me to hold my breath while he got a few pics of my beating heart. But then a couple times he'd get sidetrack and leave me holding my breath. One time I finally gasped and he ended up apologizing for his really bad Yoga class! LOL
I think we'll get the results back in a couple days. Maybe they'll find something wrong and we'll just get a whole body overhaul all at once. How lucky would that be? (OK- a little bad attitude creeping in there so let's just pretend- I didn't think that) But in case anyone was wondering- there is documented proof that Shay does have a heart! LOL
Almost forgot: In honor of Katie and my day at CV diagnostics, here's the lovely PURPLE couch from the lobby! (Purple's her favorite color! I tried to stick it in my pocket for you but it wouldn't fit. Luv ya Katie! LOL)
At one point Panwalker thought he may need to sit between me and Brett. I got out my boxing gloves when Brett shot down the idea of putting in a port for my chemo treatments. [It's a little device surgically implanted up by your collar bone that allows them to put in the chemo and draw blood from there rather than poke you every time] Brett brought up the point that since I haven't had surgery yet they could technically use both arms and was it really necessary for me to have the port put in. BUT let me tell you- the reason I don't donate blood is because I hate seeing needles in my arm. The port seemed the easiest route for me. Granted Brett's point was very valid but not very welcomed!! Let's just say if looks could kill... LOL But Panwalker agreed that I have really great veins so we'll just see how the first one goes and go from there. (He said he could see my veins from across the room. Is that supposed to be a compliment?)
Another funny part was when Panwalker explained the effects of Herceptin. He bluntly said that it can cause Heart Failure. We both gasped WHAT???? Then he actually said- "Dang! I shouldn't have said that. What I meant was..." But by then we were quoting infomercial lines at him. "Serious side effects may include nerve damage, nausea, diarrhea, heart failure and possibly death... Call your oncologist to see if this Chemo is right for you!" LOL It it was pretty funny! I am a strong believer in that for the most part God places you in the right place at the right time with the right people. We're really glad we are a patient of Dr. Panwalker.
In all seriousness though- He did tell me to go get an Echo scan of my heart. You know just so they have a baseline to see what the drugs do to it. Sounds so exciting, right? After our appointment, he sent us down to the CV Diagnostics Unit for it. Well, it just happens that the hospital is under construction in that wing so it sounded like they were jack hammering in the next room. We actually had to yell at the receptionist to tell her why were there. And better yet she yelled back. We got a good chuckle out of it. Nothing like getting the blood pumping before you go in to check out your heart. Good thinking Sanford! LOL
Deaf and visually stimulated, we finally made it back for the Echo of my heart. The Tech fit right in with us. He was making smart aleck remarks along with Brett the whole time. What a pair (except for when Brett fell asleep cuz the lights were turned down so low. Thanks for being there for me the whole time, Love! I really appreciate it! Wish I could sleep! Oh right.. I forgot- Cancer Insomnia is the gift that just keeps on giving.) At one point, the tech kept asking me to hold my breath while he got a few pics of my beating heart. But then a couple times he'd get sidetrack and leave me holding my breath. One time I finally gasped and he ended up apologizing for his really bad Yoga class! LOL
I think we'll get the results back in a couple days. Maybe they'll find something wrong and we'll just get a whole body overhaul all at once. How lucky would that be? (OK- a little bad attitude creeping in there so let's just pretend- I didn't think that) But in case anyone was wondering- there is documented proof that Shay does have a heart! LOL
Almost forgot: In honor of Katie and my day at CV diagnostics, here's the lovely PURPLE couch from the lobby! (Purple's her favorite color! I tried to stick it in my pocket for you but it wouldn't fit. Luv ya Katie! LOL)
Chemo Class- "You'll be fine!"
Hey folks. This is Brett this time (or it's still Shay, just not as funny). I wanted to share our experience with our little chemo class.
First and foremost, I think Shay is an amazing, fantastic, wonderful lady. Her attitude through this has been great. Lucky for me, instead of getting upset when, ah...the words don't quite come out right, she is able to laugh and see the humor. SHAY, YOU ARE AWESOME!
Now, if cancer was funny or not so serious, this would be the funny/not-so-serious side.
We got our family up a little early Tuesday to drop them off at friends' houses (a sincere 'thank you' by the way) and drove up to RMCC. After signing in, we were escorted to a little classroom. A nice little lady was there to welcome us. We waited a few minutes for an elderly couple to join our class and then we got started...just the 5 of us. The kind nurse told us chemo patients should keep a healthy diet, get some rest, drink lots of water, and get some exercise. Sounded like a regular health class so far.
Then things got interesting. She started saying things like 'chemo is hazardous waste', 'chemo patients need to flush twice while on chemo because of the potent nature of the chemicals and to avoid others coming in contact with it', 'chemo can cause some side effects or make you sick'. Then she followed that up with a few 'the medical staff wear special gloves to protect themselves', 'they also have to wear a mask and protective clothing', and 'there is a special waste basket for this protective gear that's sealed so the chemo chemicals can't get into the air'.
Wow! Hazardous waste, special protective clothing, AND a special waste basket. By now she had my attention. My eyes were big as I enquired, 'So what do the patients or visitors wear for the chemo sessions?' To which she replied nonchalantly, "Oh, you'll be fine." I thought to myself, "Fine...riiiiiiiiiiiiigght". I believe Shay's comment after class was 'it's all about job security.'
So at night, when you see that faint glow off in the distance...just know the SEAMONS are still with you. Shay now the glow of your body will finally match the glow of your heart. I don't need to worry about being scared of the dark any more because my loving wife just took on an extra duty...the family night-lite. (insert inspirational music here) Thanks for taking one for the team, Hon. You are the light of my life. You are my sunshine. And when you're all alone and troubled, just know that the rest of us are only 50 feet away giving you a hug in our minds. WE LOVE YOU!
Disclaimer - Chemo may cause sleeplessness, sleep, diarrhea, constipation, laughing, crying, heart failure, hair loss, fake hair, fake boobs, and general stares of disbelief and not knowing how to react. Check with your oncologist to see if chemo is right for you.
First and foremost, I think Shay is an amazing, fantastic, wonderful lady. Her attitude through this has been great. Lucky for me, instead of getting upset when, ah...the words don't quite come out right, she is able to laugh and see the humor. SHAY, YOU ARE AWESOME!
Now, if cancer was funny or not so serious, this would be the funny/not-so-serious side.
We got our family up a little early Tuesday to drop them off at friends' houses (a sincere 'thank you' by the way) and drove up to RMCC. After signing in, we were escorted to a little classroom. A nice little lady was there to welcome us. We waited a few minutes for an elderly couple to join our class and then we got started...just the 5 of us. The kind nurse told us chemo patients should keep a healthy diet, get some rest, drink lots of water, and get some exercise. Sounded like a regular health class so far.
Then things got interesting. She started saying things like 'chemo is hazardous waste', 'chemo patients need to flush twice while on chemo because of the potent nature of the chemicals and to avoid others coming in contact with it', 'chemo can cause some side effects or make you sick'. Then she followed that up with a few 'the medical staff wear special gloves to protect themselves', 'they also have to wear a mask and protective clothing', and 'there is a special waste basket for this protective gear that's sealed so the chemo chemicals can't get into the air'.
Wow! Hazardous waste, special protective clothing, AND a special waste basket. By now she had my attention. My eyes were big as I enquired, 'So what do the patients or visitors wear for the chemo sessions?' To which she replied nonchalantly, "Oh, you'll be fine." I thought to myself, "Fine...riiiiiiiiiiiiigght". I believe Shay's comment after class was 'it's all about job security.'
So at night, when you see that faint glow off in the distance...just know the SEAMONS are still with you. Shay now the glow of your body will finally match the glow of your heart. I don't need to worry about being scared of the dark any more because my loving wife just took on an extra duty...the family night-lite. (insert inspirational music here) Thanks for taking one for the team, Hon. You are the light of my life. You are my sunshine. And when you're all alone and troubled, just know that the rest of us are only 50 feet away giving you a hug in our minds. WE LOVE YOU!
Disclaimer - Chemo may cause sleeplessness, sleep, diarrhea, constipation, laughing, crying, heart failure, hair loss, fake hair, fake boobs, and general stares of disbelief and not knowing how to react. Check with your oncologist to see if chemo is right for you.
Insomnia & Chemo Brain
A couple things that you get privileged to experience as a cancer patient are Insomnia and Chemo Brain. Oh the joys you never knew about cancer!
First, during chemo they pump you full of Steroids the day before, the day of and the day after (and possibly an extra day if your birthday is coming up. What can I say?- my doctor loves me! LOL) to help your body fight against the effects of the chemo. You know prolong the achy, no energy, possible vomiting, diarrhea, etc, etc. Basically all the real fun stuff! LOL As a result though, your brain doesn't shut off. Middle of the night, completely exhausted but there's no OFF switch. Kind of a bummer but makes lots of time for blogging. Bonus for me! and lucky you- there's more for you to read! Wahoo!
Next, onto Chemo Brain (or Chemonesia as I like to call it). Supposedly during chemo the drugs mess with your memory and Chemo patients tend to forget things. It can be mid-sentence and the thought stops flowing. Or you simply can't remember information that you know should be there. Dang! As if 4 kids didn't suck enough brain cells from me. LOL Good thing I got a Life Coordinator on hand! So if I forget something we have planned or who you are- Call KBro, I'm sure she'll coordinate a way to fix the problem! LOL Luv ya lady!
Now for the funny part of these two things. First I asked Dr. Panwalker about Chemonesia and he said, "I'm not sure there's such a thing." I laughed and smartalec-ed back to him- "Yah- cuz you've never gone through Chemo!" He totally laughed. I'm telling you- I'm just SO funny!
Next, I also told him that I truly believe these two gifts are actually in effect the moment you find out you have cancer. Believe me- the moment they say, "You have cancer!" you automatically get a case of insomnia and chemo brain. Seriously, who can sleep or possibly keep straight all the information that is thrown at them in the next few weeks? Don't let them fool you that these are side effects of Chemo. Poor Chemo gets blamed for it but it's really just the Nasty C word that is to thank for these wonderful gifts. Thanks a lot CANCER!
Well off to bed I go cuz it's either really late (or way early in the morning) But who knows-- Maybe I already started chemo and I just don't remember? LOL
First, during chemo they pump you full of Steroids the day before, the day of and the day after (and possibly an extra day if your birthday is coming up. What can I say?- my doctor loves me! LOL) to help your body fight against the effects of the chemo. You know prolong the achy, no energy, possible vomiting, diarrhea, etc, etc. Basically all the real fun stuff! LOL As a result though, your brain doesn't shut off. Middle of the night, completely exhausted but there's no OFF switch. Kind of a bummer but makes lots of time for blogging. Bonus for me! and lucky you- there's more for you to read! Wahoo!
Next, onto Chemo Brain (or Chemonesia as I like to call it). Supposedly during chemo the drugs mess with your memory and Chemo patients tend to forget things. It can be mid-sentence and the thought stops flowing. Or you simply can't remember information that you know should be there. Dang! As if 4 kids didn't suck enough brain cells from me. LOL Good thing I got a Life Coordinator on hand! So if I forget something we have planned or who you are- Call KBro, I'm sure she'll coordinate a way to fix the problem! LOL Luv ya lady!
Now for the funny part of these two things. First I asked Dr. Panwalker about Chemonesia and he said, "I'm not sure there's such a thing." I laughed and smartalec-ed back to him- "Yah- cuz you've never gone through Chemo!" He totally laughed. I'm telling you- I'm just SO funny!
Next, I also told him that I truly believe these two gifts are actually in effect the moment you find out you have cancer. Believe me- the moment they say, "You have cancer!" you automatically get a case of insomnia and chemo brain. Seriously, who can sleep or possibly keep straight all the information that is thrown at them in the next few weeks? Don't let them fool you that these are side effects of Chemo. Poor Chemo gets blamed for it but it's really just the Nasty C word that is to thank for these wonderful gifts. Thanks a lot CANCER!
Well off to bed I go cuz it's either really late (or way early in the morning) But who knows-- Maybe I already started chemo and I just don't remember? LOL
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Eenie Meenie Miny Moe...
After this Cancer Adventure is over, we will go back to pretending that I am the Boss but for now... Being the Boss is over-rated! Can't somebody else make all the decisions here?
I have been very lucky to find some great resources here for information and a chance to have the "if I had to do it again- I would have done this" advice. Invaluable!
First, Brett & I had the chance to meet with Dr. Ari Taheri. She is a lady who works out at the Y. She had a bilateral mastectomy last year for DCIS. Since she is in the medical field (not in oncology but still a doctor) it was great to see her perspective. After finding a lump and doing a biopsy she was diagnosed with non-invasive Stage 0 breast cancer. But she wanted to take care of it before it turned into anything. She started by having two lumpectomy surgeries done. Each a month apart because they couldn't get clear margins. Then she made a million phone calls to some prestigious doctors all over the country. That's when she decided to go with the bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. She told me a little about recovery from a mastectomy. It is not the easy road for sure. It sounds like it something that you need more help with than chemo. It's at least 2 weeks without lifting your arms above your shoulders, emptying 4 fluid bags 3 times a day, and needed a lot of extra help for a bit. Eeek! But good to be prepared though.
Next, Justice's teacher Shawn Roehrich has been a fabulous resource for me. She had a very similar case of breast cancer. She finished up her treatments last June. She choose chemo, a lumpectomy and radiation. She shared with me some of the things that she went through during chemo. She ended up having the Nulsta shot to boost her blood count with her chemo treatments.She said that was the hardest part. Luckily, Dr. Panwalker is not suggesting it for me. But it was so great to hear about all of it first hand from someone that just went through it. She also said if she had to do it again she would have done a double mastectomy. She said that they pushed her a bit to get a lumpectomy and she just wanted it gone as quickly as possible. But now she is always worried about the other one. She's actually had a couple scares during some of her followup visits. Something good to consider. She also offered to go with me to the Breast Cancer Support group held at the beginning of each month. It's so nice of her!
Also, Michelle Honek from Brett's work has been a fabulous support. She just finished up all her treatments this last year as well. She has been so kind and her experience has made Brett's entire office very aware of our situation. We've talked a lot about wigs and she even let me borrow hers. She always sends a thoughtful email or text just at the right time. What great people we've been blessed to have in our life at this time.
I did a little of my own research on the web about reconstruction as well. Can you say...Kucky! Most say that the expanders are immensely painful. To the point where a few almost went into the emergency room and asked them to just cut them out. Is it really worth it?
Anywho- I just feel like there is so much information and so many decisions to make. Sometimes I feel like I should just play Eenie Meenie Miny Moe. Is that legal? What if it's the wrong decision? Can someone else be the Boss?
I have been very lucky to find some great resources here for information and a chance to have the "if I had to do it again- I would have done this" advice. Invaluable!
First, Brett & I had the chance to meet with Dr. Ari Taheri. She is a lady who works out at the Y. She had a bilateral mastectomy last year for DCIS. Since she is in the medical field (not in oncology but still a doctor) it was great to see her perspective. After finding a lump and doing a biopsy she was diagnosed with non-invasive Stage 0 breast cancer. But she wanted to take care of it before it turned into anything. She started by having two lumpectomy surgeries done. Each a month apart because they couldn't get clear margins. Then she made a million phone calls to some prestigious doctors all over the country. That's when she decided to go with the bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. She told me a little about recovery from a mastectomy. It is not the easy road for sure. It sounds like it something that you need more help with than chemo. It's at least 2 weeks without lifting your arms above your shoulders, emptying 4 fluid bags 3 times a day, and needed a lot of extra help for a bit. Eeek! But good to be prepared though.
Next, Justice's teacher Shawn Roehrich has been a fabulous resource for me. She had a very similar case of breast cancer. She finished up her treatments last June. She choose chemo, a lumpectomy and radiation. She shared with me some of the things that she went through during chemo. She ended up having the Nulsta shot to boost her blood count with her chemo treatments.She said that was the hardest part. Luckily, Dr. Panwalker is not suggesting it for me. But it was so great to hear about all of it first hand from someone that just went through it. She also said if she had to do it again she would have done a double mastectomy. She said that they pushed her a bit to get a lumpectomy and she just wanted it gone as quickly as possible. But now she is always worried about the other one. She's actually had a couple scares during some of her followup visits. Something good to consider. She also offered to go with me to the Breast Cancer Support group held at the beginning of each month. It's so nice of her!
Also, Michelle Honek from Brett's work has been a fabulous support. She just finished up all her treatments this last year as well. She has been so kind and her experience has made Brett's entire office very aware of our situation. We've talked a lot about wigs and she even let me borrow hers. She always sends a thoughtful email or text just at the right time. What great people we've been blessed to have in our life at this time.
I did a little of my own research on the web about reconstruction as well. Can you say...Kucky! Most say that the expanders are immensely painful. To the point where a few almost went into the emergency room and asked them to just cut them out. Is it really worth it?
Anywho- I just feel like there is so much information and so many decisions to make. Sometimes I feel like I should just play Eenie Meenie Miny Moe. Is that legal? What if it's the wrong decision? Can someone else be the Boss?
Glory's Prayer
Sweet little Glory offered up a heart felt prayer for me tonight. It went somthing like this:
Dear Heavenly Father...
....Thank you that the ouchie on Mom's boob can go away. And thank you Mom's boob can be cut off and she can feel better. And thank you we can have a baldy mommy and she can have her hair grow back. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thanks sweet baby. Just what I needed. LOL!
Dear Heavenly Father...
....Thank you that the ouchie on Mom's boob can go away. And thank you Mom's boob can be cut off and she can feel better. And thank you we can have a baldy mommy and she can have her hair grow back. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thanks sweet baby. Just what I needed. LOL!
Crying "Cancer" (Wolf)
My friends and I are having a blast using this Cancer thing to our advantage. LOL
Pssstt... don't tell the men about this! LOL
We have decided that we need new clothes (Pink Rocks!), hats, maybe scarfs and we definitely need new jewelry (TEAM SHAY is gonna be a hit!)! Then there are the extra GNOs in the works. You know cuz "Shay has cancer!" LOL Then we might as well get a little extra sympathy and some free stuff along the way. There's gotta be perks about this stinky thing, right?
We are however trying to remember the classic Aesop Fable The Boy who called Wolf. We definitely know that the real Wolf is yet to come in this Adventure of ours. So we better be careful how often we cry CANCER! We may need that line for real here soon. ;)
Pssstt... don't tell the men about this! LOL
We are however trying to remember the classic Aesop Fable The Boy who called Wolf. We definitely know that the real Wolf is yet to come in this Adventure of ours. So we better be careful how often we cry CANCER! We may need that line for real here soon. ;)
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Wife #1: The Brunette
Today I went to pick up my wig from Violet at the Centre of Hair and Wellness in Moorhead. When I first went out to her, I had decided to buy one of the least expensive ones right on the spot just so I would for sure have one. But I decided to buy it in a blonde color so they had to order it. It was kinda an impulse buy- the cheapest and it was fine, I thought. Well then I did my research! I was a little bummed that she hadn't tried to talk me into waiting or at least made me go with a nicer cap. Betcha didn't even know there were standard caps, monofilament, lace fronts, full lace, and hand-tied wigs. Did ya? Neither did I. But now I do and the one I had bought was just a standard cap. Bummer! Anywho- when I got there she said she wasn't able to get the exact wig in but she had found one she thought I'd like. Fortunately for me, I didn't. It totally looked like I was wearing a wig. Shoot! I told her that I knew I'd already bought the other one (not the one she actually had for me though, remember?) but was wondering if she'd let me use what I paid for that one towards a more expensive one. She agreed. I went in a totally different direction. And I LOVE it! She's gonna bill my insurance so with what I already paid, I actually will be getting money back. (Let's pretend we didn't even already pay some towards it that way I feel like I got a really good deal! LOL)
I still have to decide if I'm gonna swallow the big lump in my throat (they start at $1000) and buy a "human hair" wig but for now... the benefits of a synthetic wig I've read about are pretty appealing. 1-I can get several of them for a fraction of the price. Options, baby! I love it! 2-I never have to do my hair again. Just put it on, smooth it down and go. Wahoo! Simplify is my new favorite word so yeah for me! And look how cute I am: Bonus!
Like I said I may get a fancy human hair wig after my hair falls out. or maybe I just wanna be a redhead, a brunette, sport a little black and perhaps some curls? We'll see! LOL
I still have to decide if I'm gonna swallow the big lump in my throat (they start at $1000) and buy a "human hair" wig but for now... the benefits of a synthetic wig I've read about are pretty appealing. 1-I can get several of them for a fraction of the price. Options, baby! I love it! 2-I never have to do my hair again. Just put it on, smooth it down and go. Wahoo! Simplify is my new favorite word so yeah for me! And look how cute I am: Bonus!
I also made a stop at the American Cancer Society. They offer one free wig to cancer patients. I decided to go blonde for this one. ;) They had to order it for me so I didn't get to try it on. I hope I look OK in it but the picture is pretty so we'll just hope for the best. They also let me pick out a hat and a wig cap. They were very kind. I'm glad I stopped by. I'll take a picture of me in that one when it comes. So stay tuned for the Wife #2: The Blondie LOL
Fertile Myrtle & a Wad of Mula
I had an appointment with my Family/OB doc today. Because my BC tested Grade 3 Progesterone positive, TEAM SHAY feels that I need to get rid of my IUD before the treatment. I have put this off a bit well... for obvious reasons (at least to me & Brett LOL) but today was the day. I got a babysitter for little Glory and headed up.
Let me make a **DISCLAIMER** first and tell you that some strange things just come flying out of my mouth sometimes without me even thinking. (those who know me well can testify to that fact. LOL Oops! Sorry. I'm surprised anyone talks to me at all actually. I should carry an extra shoe around most of the time. LOL) ** if you are easily offended by correct terms for women's body parts you may want to stop reading now.
Anywho... after my weight and temp and all that junk the nurse asked me if I had any other concerns today. I laughed and told her that I had none for Dr. Card (cuz believe me I have a zillion TEAM SHAY concerns I'm dealing with LOL). Then here comes the non-filtered mouth part. I told the nurse and I quote, "Nope- I'm just here to get $700 yanked from my vagina this afternoon." LOL She busted up laughing! She said she never really thought about it that way. But heck! I paid A LOT of money for that thing to just pull it out and throw it in the garbage. ARRRRGGGG! We SO didn't get our money's worth out of that thing!! Can you tell that I'm a little peeved about that? The nurse and I had a good chat about a sense of humor in cancer patients. She told me that she thinks I already have it beat by half by my attitude. See!!! Who knew that being so funny would have medical benefit? (OK, most people know that but it totally takes on a different meaning when you have cancer!) Then I thought it was really funny when Dr. Card came in and her first words were, "I think it is more like $300!" Oh no! Believe me... I made her look it up on the computer just so we could calculate by the correct date of insertion. LOL So for the record... it was $560 yanked from my vagina this morning! See... still painful!
Next, as soon as Dr. Card pulled it out and tossed it in the garbage. (you know my $560), she said, "OK, Fertile Myrtle.. be really careful!" I laughed but then she got really serious. She told me that with my baby making history, I will be completely fertile in 2 days. She told me that she knows for me abortion is not an option and it would really, really suck if I got pregnant right now. So I got the quick version of the High School Sex Education class from her. Nothing like bringing back the good ol' days. Oh all these unknown Cancer perks! LOL
Note to Self- (There is no scientific research [that I know of- maybe I should get my "Cancer Researcher" to do some searching for me. LOL] on this part so you can't freak out and quote me on this. In fact if you have a Mirena IUD- you may just want to skip this section all together. ;)
So... here's the facts. Three years ago, I found a lump in my right breast. Dr. Card ordered an ultrasound to be done on it. It came back as benign cysts. OK, so... Three years ago I had no cancer! Then, the next year at my next Molestation (I mean Pap Smear), she felt it again but after looking at my chart said I was fine. Still no cancer? Shortly after that (June 16, 2010 to be exact) I had the progesterone-emitting Mirena IUD placed into my body. Unfortunately, I skipped the next years exam because well... frankly I don't actually care for doctors at all! (Ironic at this point to say the least LOL) Then this year, I felt the lump enlarging and go in on my own. Surprise- I now have CANCER and the kind that has a progesterone positive receptor. Which means that the more progesterone I have in my body- the more the cancer will grow. Ummmmm.... Did the Mirena cause my Cancer? We won't ever know but it is something interesting for me to think about.
Let me make a **DISCLAIMER** first and tell you that some strange things just come flying out of my mouth sometimes without me even thinking. (those who know me well can testify to that fact. LOL Oops! Sorry. I'm surprised anyone talks to me at all actually. I should carry an extra shoe around most of the time. LOL) ** if you are easily offended by correct terms for women's body parts you may want to stop reading now.
Anywho... after my weight and temp and all that junk the nurse asked me if I had any other concerns today. I laughed and told her that I had none for Dr. Card (cuz believe me I have a zillion TEAM SHAY concerns I'm dealing with LOL). Then here comes the non-filtered mouth part. I told the nurse and I quote, "Nope- I'm just here to get $700 yanked from my vagina this afternoon." LOL She busted up laughing! She said she never really thought about it that way. But heck! I paid A LOT of money for that thing to just pull it out and throw it in the garbage. ARRRRGGGG! We SO didn't get our money's worth out of that thing!! Can you tell that I'm a little peeved about that? The nurse and I had a good chat about a sense of humor in cancer patients. She told me that she thinks I already have it beat by half by my attitude. See!!! Who knew that being so funny would have medical benefit? (OK, most people know that but it totally takes on a different meaning when you have cancer!) Then I thought it was really funny when Dr. Card came in and her first words were, "I think it is more like $300!" Oh no! Believe me... I made her look it up on the computer just so we could calculate by the correct date of insertion. LOL So for the record... it was $560 yanked from my vagina this morning! See... still painful!
Note to Self- (There is no scientific research [that I know of- maybe I should get my "Cancer Researcher" to do some searching for me. LOL] on this part so you can't freak out and quote me on this. In fact if you have a Mirena IUD- you may just want to skip this section all together. ;)
So... here's the facts. Three years ago, I found a lump in my right breast. Dr. Card ordered an ultrasound to be done on it. It came back as benign cysts. OK, so... Three years ago I had no cancer! Then, the next year at my next Molestation (I mean Pap Smear), she felt it again but after looking at my chart said I was fine. Still no cancer? Shortly after that (June 16, 2010 to be exact) I had the progesterone-emitting Mirena IUD placed into my body. Unfortunately, I skipped the next years exam because well... frankly I don't actually care for doctors at all! (Ironic at this point to say the least LOL) Then this year, I felt the lump enlarging and go in on my own. Surprise- I now have CANCER and the kind that has a progesterone positive receptor. Which means that the more progesterone I have in my body- the more the cancer will grow. Ummmmm.... Did the Mirena cause my Cancer? We won't ever know but it is something interesting for me to think about.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Genetic Counseling
TEAM SHAY suggested that we get some Genetic Counseling. Basically test my blood for certain genes that could contribute to cancer growth. They suggested this because of several reasons.
1. I am way young. (I'm really not but in the "breast cancer" world I am and so I'll take it!)
2. I have no family history of breast cancer or blood disorders.
3. I tested positive for all the cancer respecters- estrogen, progesterone and Her2.
4. They want more of my money.
5. They don't see me enough already. ;)
So like a lot of 1st time cancer patients, we thought it was something we had to do. We called our Nurse Navigator to set something up. She even had the Genetics Department call us to set up an appointment. After talking with a friend that recently just went through all of this herself & seeing her bill for it AND discussing & praying about it a bit, we've decided to NOT do it. If there's anything I would tell people about being a cancer patient is that YOU are in charge. It's your body, your life, your cancer. Getting a bit of information, thinking about it, praying about it and making your own decision is the RIGHT decision.
Our reasoning behind this decision for us is this-
*There has been no history of cancer in my family but NOW (unfortunately) there is. So if the kids got the gene they're looking for- they already got it. Sorry 'bout that kiddos! That just means that now we are aware of it. We'll teach the kids to be more aware of lumps and get checked out at a younger age. I think that's basically all they would do anyways if I had the WINNER gene. And I save myself a big chunk of change! As a cancer patient- that's important! LOL
1. I am way young. (I'm really not but in the "breast cancer" world I am and so I'll take it!)
2. I have no family history of breast cancer or blood disorders.
3. I tested positive for all the cancer respecters- estrogen, progesterone and Her2.
4. They want more of my money.
5. They don't see me enough already. ;)
So like a lot of 1st time cancer patients, we thought it was something we had to do. We called our Nurse Navigator to set something up. She even had the Genetics Department call us to set up an appointment. After talking with a friend that recently just went through all of this herself & seeing her bill for it AND discussing & praying about it a bit, we've decided to NOT do it. If there's anything I would tell people about being a cancer patient is that YOU are in charge. It's your body, your life, your cancer. Getting a bit of information, thinking about it, praying about it and making your own decision is the RIGHT decision.
Our reasoning behind this decision for us is this-
*There has been no history of cancer in my family but NOW (unfortunately) there is. So if the kids got the gene they're looking for- they already got it. Sorry 'bout that kiddos! That just means that now we are aware of it. We'll teach the kids to be more aware of lumps and get checked out at a younger age. I think that's basically all they would do anyways if I had the WINNER gene. And I save myself a big chunk of change! As a cancer patient- that's important! LOL
Wahoo! The MRI Results
Brett and I questioned whether this was an appropriate WAHOO! moment. But for us it is so... WAHOO!
Dr. Panwalker called this morning. They have the results of the MRI.
First the bad news- I have BREAST CANCER! Surprise! Surprise!LOL
But the good news is...
* besides the original tumor there is no other suspicious areas anywhere including my lymph nodes.
* the tumor size is actually only 1.2 cm (about 1/2 inch) rather than the 2.9 cm that they originally calculated. [They may have included the entire area of the cysts and the tumor when they did the ultrasound]
* they downgraded me from a Stage II to a Stage I. Yeah!
* they are going to cut my Chemo treatments down from 6 doses to 4 doses. Fantastic!
* it will be a less aggressive chemo medication as well. Double fantastic!
See?? Totally WAHOO moment!
Thanks you for all your prayers and faith on our behalf. We sure love and appreciate you. We are experiencing miracles here, people! ;)
Now the icky news-
They are setting up my 1st Chemotherapy Drip for next Tuesday, the 24th. At first, Dr. Bouton suggested to do Chemo first to shrink the tumor. Now that that's not as big of a deal, they said we could do surgery first. (BUT because of my age and they want all my mula- they said they will be doing Chemo at some point) We feel that we'd like to get it "out of the way" so-to-speak. You know- swallow the icky stuff first and then go from there. It also gives us a little extra time to process and figure out what to do with my chest area. We have not quite come to a unanimous vote on that topic yet. LOL Decisions, decisions!!
Finally, just so I don't have to actually say them outloud to anyone- these are the Chemo treatments he is putting me on- Cyclophosphamide and Docetaxel.
Here's where I go into my infomercial (Disclaimer**I am not affiliated or being paid in any way by the makers of Taxotere ® Generic Name: Docetaxel or Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide) LOL)
Side effects may include the following. Call your doctor to see if this Chemotherapy is right for you. HaHa! I AM So funny!
Neutropenia (low white blood cell count, greater risk of infection)
Low platelet count
Hair loss
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Mucositis (irritated mucous membrane in your mouth)
Amenhorrea (monthly menstrual cycle stops)
Changes in nails (brittle or yellowed)
Vomiting
Muscle/bone/joint pain (myalgias and arthralgias)
Low platelet count (This can increase your risk of bleeding)
Increases in blood tests measuring liver function. These return to normal once treatment is discontinued. (see liver problems)
Whew! Ickiness! But I am trying to remember that the anxiety is way worse than the reality! Just keep telling me that! ;)
One more WAHOO just for fun!
Dr. Panwalker called this morning. They have the results of the MRI.
First the bad news- I have BREAST CANCER! Surprise! Surprise!LOL
But the good news is...
* besides the original tumor there is no other suspicious areas anywhere including my lymph nodes.
* the tumor size is actually only 1.2 cm (about 1/2 inch) rather than the 2.9 cm that they originally calculated. [They may have included the entire area of the cysts and the tumor when they did the ultrasound]
* they downgraded me from a Stage II to a Stage I. Yeah!
* they are going to cut my Chemo treatments down from 6 doses to 4 doses. Fantastic!
* it will be a less aggressive chemo medication as well. Double fantastic!
See?? Totally WAHOO moment!
Thanks you for all your prayers and faith on our behalf. We sure love and appreciate you. We are experiencing miracles here, people! ;)
Now the icky news-
They are setting up my 1st Chemotherapy Drip for next Tuesday, the 24th. At first, Dr. Bouton suggested to do Chemo first to shrink the tumor. Now that that's not as big of a deal, they said we could do surgery first. (BUT because of my age and they want all my mula- they said they will be doing Chemo at some point) We feel that we'd like to get it "out of the way" so-to-speak. You know- swallow the icky stuff first and then go from there. It also gives us a little extra time to process and figure out what to do with my chest area. We have not quite come to a unanimous vote on that topic yet. LOL Decisions, decisions!!
Finally, just so I don't have to actually say them outloud to anyone- these are the Chemo treatments he is putting me on- Cyclophosphamide and Docetaxel.
Here's where I go into my infomercial (Disclaimer**I am not affiliated or being paid in any way by the makers of Taxotere ® Generic Name: Docetaxel or Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide) LOL)
Side effects may include the following. Call your doctor to see if this Chemotherapy is right for you. HaHa! I AM So funny!
Whew! Ickiness! But I am trying to remember that the anxiety is way worse than the reality! Just keep telling me that! ;)
One more WAHOO just for fun!
Monday, April 16, 2012
ClickClickBeepBeepHonkHonk
I have been trying to think of a witty way of sharing my MRI experience this afternoon. First, I have to say that the anxiety/anticipation of everything so far is way worse than the reality of it. So that means just be in denial until it happens and then everything isn't that bad. right? LOL
With the fact that I didn't think it was that awful in mind- let me see if I can walk you through what happens with a breast cancer MRI with a little sense of humor. I know that's just what you always wanted. And that just happens to be the kind of service I can provide. ;)
First, a simple questionnaire. You know standard stuff like your name, birth date, do you have any metal objects of any kind in your body? Something we should all ask ourselves once in a while.
Then back into a tiny changing room you go. Down to your undies, you put on 2 gowns (like one of the puppies isn't sexy enough?) and the most amazing blue clown pants you've ever seen. {I am so taking these home to wear for Brett} You are looking and feeling good, my friend! LOL
They take you through several huge, locked, password-protected doors. It's pretty much like what I would imagine being led to maximum security would feel like. By now you feel all safe and protected OR freaked and trapped? Guess it's your choice.
Then comes my favorite... needles! Aren't IVs so great!? Not to mention it being held on by some major sticky tape. Oh Lucky day! They pump your arm full of an ice cold glass of water (oh, I mean Gadolinium, a contrast agent [isn't that supposed to be a flower or something?]). At least that's what it feels like rushing up your arm and into your chest. Whew- brrrrrr!
Now for the relaxing part? After dead bolting us all into the room (cuz someone may try to get in?) you lay face down on the massage table. Oh Oops! wrong place- I mean the Morg bed? A home-made ponytail out of medical tape, little smashing and positioning, some more tape on the IV, then hold absolutely still. "You comfy there, Mrs. Seamons?" "Ummm.... perfect, thank you!" Now we're just gonna push you back into this itty bitty tube and leave you here all alone. Okie Dokie? And remember- don't move at all! OK? Ubetcha!
At first,the monotonous swoosh swoosh swooosh swooosh swooosh in the background lends you to believe this may actually be a relaxing 20 minutes. HaHaHaHa! Just as you begin to settle into the rhythm....
beepbeepbeepbeep beepbeepbeepbeep beepbeepbeepbeep beepbeepbeepbeep beepbeepbeepbeep beepbeepbeepbeep beepbeepbeepbeep beepbeepbeepbeep
clickclick clickclick clickclick clickclick clickclick clickclick clickclick clickclick dadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadada SILENCE swooshswooshswooshswoosh HONKHONKHONK beepbeepbeepbeep beepbeepbeepbeep beepbeepbeepbeep dadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadada SILENCE swooshswooshswooshswoosh clickclick clickclick clickclick clickclick clickclick clickclick clickclick clickclick HONKHONKHONK .......
And that's just the first 30 seconds! LOL So much for catching up on my beauty sleep? LOL
They did unlock the door and come in at the 13 minute mark to pour a gallon of ice cold water up my arm . They are so thoughtful!
My question is... how does becoming deaf help you get a better picture of your breasts? I'm just saying...
They finally pulled me out of the tube and helped me sit up. My face ended up looking like I just stepped out of a tanning bed. A beautiful shade of dark pink to go with my new color phase. They gave me a free waxing of my arm hair and a nice purple tourniquet LOL! before they let me off the table. Can't imagine what I would have gotten had I been a paying costumer. (What do you mean they're charging me for all of this?)
They led me back to my little holding cell (I mean dressing room) and told me to have a nice day. Don't know if any of you have ever tried to get dressed by yourself with one arm completely straight and in a purple tourniquet but let's just say I AM amazing!
Of course, the front desk lady was so understanding and sympathetic-NOT! LOL But I'm gonna let that one go with the fact that she was very young and it was the end of the day. She told me I should know the results by Thursday. If not, I should call. The results? Oh no! Maybe they're gonna tell me I have cancer? LOL
With the fact that I didn't think it was that awful in mind- let me see if I can walk you through what happens with a breast cancer MRI with a little sense of humor. I know that's just what you always wanted. And that just happens to be the kind of service I can provide. ;)
First, a simple questionnaire. You know standard stuff like your name, birth date, do you have any metal objects of any kind in your body? Something we should all ask ourselves once in a while.
Then back into a tiny changing room you go. Down to your undies, you put on 2 gowns (like one of the puppies isn't sexy enough?) and the most amazing blue clown pants you've ever seen. {I am so taking these home to wear for Brett} You are looking and feeling good, my friend! LOL
They take you through several huge, locked, password-protected doors. It's pretty much like what I would imagine being led to maximum security would feel like. By now you feel all safe and protected OR freaked and trapped? Guess it's your choice.
Then comes my favorite... needles! Aren't IVs so great!? Not to mention it being held on by some major sticky tape. Oh Lucky day! They pump your arm full of an ice cold glass of water (oh, I mean Gadolinium, a contrast agent [isn't that supposed to be a flower or something?]). At least that's what it feels like rushing up your arm and into your chest. Whew- brrrrrr!
Now for the relaxing part? After dead bolting us all into the room (cuz someone may try to get in?) you lay face down on the massage table. Oh Oops! wrong place- I mean the Morg bed? A home-made ponytail out of medical tape, little smashing and positioning, some more tape on the IV, then hold absolutely still. "You comfy there, Mrs. Seamons?" "Ummm.... perfect, thank you!" Now we're just gonna push you back into this itty bitty tube and leave you here all alone. Okie Dokie? And remember- don't move at all! OK? Ubetcha!
At first,the monotonous swoosh swoosh swooosh swooosh swooosh in the background lends you to believe this may actually be a relaxing 20 minutes. HaHaHaHa! Just as you begin to settle into the rhythm....
beepbeepbeepbeep beepbeepbeepbeep beepbeepbeepbeep beepbeepbeepbeep beepbeepbeepbeep beepbeepbeepbeep beepbeepbeepbeep beepbeepbeepbeep
clickclick clickclick clickclick clickclick clickclick clickclick clickclick clickclick dadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadada SILENCE swooshswooshswooshswoosh HONKHONKHONK beepbeepbeepbeep beepbeepbeepbeep beepbeepbeepbeep dadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadada SILENCE swooshswooshswooshswoosh clickclick clickclick clickclick clickclick clickclick clickclick clickclick clickclick HONKHONKHONK .......
And that's just the first 30 seconds! LOL So much for catching up on my beauty sleep? LOL
They did unlock the door and come in at the 13 minute mark to pour a gallon of ice cold water up my arm . They are so thoughtful!
My question is... how does becoming deaf help you get a better picture of your breasts? I'm just saying...
They finally pulled me out of the tube and helped me sit up. My face ended up looking like I just stepped out of a tanning bed. A beautiful shade of dark pink to go with my new color phase. They gave me a free waxing of my arm hair and a nice purple tourniquet LOL! before they let me off the table. Can't imagine what I would have gotten had I been a paying costumer. (What do you mean they're charging me for all of this?)
They led me back to my little holding cell (I mean dressing room) and told me to have a nice day. Don't know if any of you have ever tried to get dressed by yourself with one arm completely straight and in a purple tourniquet but let's just say I AM amazing!
Of course, the front desk lady was so understanding and sympathetic-NOT! LOL But I'm gonna let that one go with the fact that she was very young and it was the end of the day. She told me I should know the results by Thursday. If not, I should call. The results? Oh no! Maybe they're gonna tell me I have cancer? LOL
 |
| Cuz I know you're dying to see the sexy blue clown pants- Victoria graciously came to your rescue. Enjoy! |
Prayers, Fasting, Blessings, and Answers
PRAYER
I have totally stepped up my prayers these past couple weeks. (That's sad to have to admit) And it has helped tremendously. We also know we have felt the power of the prayers offered in our behalf. So...Thank you!
A couple thoughts keep coming to me as I pray. Mostly it is a couple of Scriptures that are constantly in my thoughts. I thought I'd share them.
First, from Matthew 11: 28-30 ¶Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
AND
paraphrasing Mosiah 24: 13- 16 (From Elder Bednar's talk)
FASTING
My little Fam decided to do a Family Fast this Sunday for our new Adventure and for some of our family members that are facing other challenges. (And from what I understand many others joined us. Thank you for that as well! We are really lucky to have you all) I wanted to share a few cute things about my sweet son. I mentioned before how I had discussed with the kids that you can fast anytime that you need a little extra help and how Justice said he was gonna fast this Sunday. Well it turns out that later that day, he was chatting with Brett and said that he is going to fast the next 3 Sundays just because we need a little extra help. How sweet is that? He is such a great kid! Luv ya Buddy! XOXO!
From our fast, we feel that we continue to receive the peace and hope of the Lord in our lives. Also an assurance that He is leading us. Perhaps only a baby step at a time- but we'll take it!
BLESSING
I mentioned before but I am so at peace to know that Brett is an honorable Priesthood Holder. But it's always worth repeating. ;) He gave me a blessing this morning. I know that if it had been God's Will he could have pronounced a blessing upon my head for me to be healed completely on the spot. But not sure that's God's plan for us. He did bless me with peace and comfort, health and strength and the wisdom to meet this challenge. So that's what we're gonna do!
ANSWERS
I was looking back at my notes from Sister Wrigley's Integrative Wellness Training that I attended back in March. (Was that really only last month? holy cow! It seems forever ago) One thing I love about keeping a journal (aka Blog) is that down the road, things you felt, learned or experienced (and wrote down- my little journal plug for the day! LOL) can take on new meaning as you feel, learn and experience new things. Does that make sense?
Can I just say that EVERYTHING from her Training was said directly to me for this time. Is that not little freaky? or AMAZING?
A few thoughts before I'm done blabbing for the day (you can read the Training yourself by clicking on the link for all the good info)...
1. God knew times would be tough but he made a plan for me that "that ye may bear it" (1 Cor 10:13).
2. God created amazing bodies and a Word of Wisdom to help take care of them. Good foods, physical activity and rest I think will be essential in this journey of mine.
3. Positive thinking, being creative and keeping the right perspective will only be beneficial in this fight!
4. It will be SO important to surround myself with loving people, simplify my life and not compare my "lotto ticket" to anyone else.
5- First and foremost- the One with ALL the answers is God! Not the doctors, not helpful stories, not alternative medicines, and especially not me! He is gonna have to be in the drivers seat here! Next, there is a reason this is happening at this time and to me! Just gotta figure that out! And finally, FAITH- Above all I have to trust that God knows what He's doing and He is in charge! And pray "more earnestly" for His guidance.
OK...
Is that not amazing? Do you believe me now that she gave that Training for me?? Holy cow! And to think I was a little less than optimistic about having her back again. I really need to learn to keep my mouth shut!! LOL Thank you Heavenly Father and to our sweet Relief Society leaders for following the Spirit on that one. It was perfect!
I have totally stepped up my prayers these past couple weeks. (That's sad to have to admit) And it has helped tremendously. We also know we have felt the power of the prayers offered in our behalf. So...Thank you!
A couple thoughts keep coming to me as I pray. Mostly it is a couple of Scriptures that are constantly in my thoughts. I thought I'd share them.
First, from Matthew 11: 28-30 ¶Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
AND
paraphrasing Mosiah 24: 13- 16 (From Elder Bednar's talk)
“I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs. … “And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon them were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord” (Mosiah 24:14–15; emphasis added).
Aren't those such perfect TEAM SHAY mottos? I love answers to prayers!FASTING
My little Fam decided to do a Family Fast this Sunday for our new Adventure and for some of our family members that are facing other challenges. (And from what I understand many others joined us. Thank you for that as well! We are really lucky to have you all) I wanted to share a few cute things about my sweet son. I mentioned before how I had discussed with the kids that you can fast anytime that you need a little extra help and how Justice said he was gonna fast this Sunday. Well it turns out that later that day, he was chatting with Brett and said that he is going to fast the next 3 Sundays just because we need a little extra help. How sweet is that? He is such a great kid! Luv ya Buddy! XOXO!
From our fast, we feel that we continue to receive the peace and hope of the Lord in our lives. Also an assurance that He is leading us. Perhaps only a baby step at a time- but we'll take it!
BLESSING
I mentioned before but I am so at peace to know that Brett is an honorable Priesthood Holder. But it's always worth repeating. ;) He gave me a blessing this morning. I know that if it had been God's Will he could have pronounced a blessing upon my head for me to be healed completely on the spot. But not sure that's God's plan for us. He did bless me with peace and comfort, health and strength and the wisdom to meet this challenge. So that's what we're gonna do!
ANSWERS
I was looking back at my notes from Sister Wrigley's Integrative Wellness Training that I attended back in March. (Was that really only last month? holy cow! It seems forever ago) One thing I love about keeping a journal (aka Blog) is that down the road, things you felt, learned or experienced (and wrote down- my little journal plug for the day! LOL) can take on new meaning as you feel, learn and experience new things. Does that make sense?
Can I just say that EVERYTHING from her Training was said directly to me for this time. Is that not little freaky? or AMAZING?
A few thoughts before I'm done blabbing for the day (you can read the Training yourself by clicking on the link for all the good info)...
1. God knew times would be tough but he made a plan for me that "that ye may bear it" (1 Cor 10:13).
2. God created amazing bodies and a Word of Wisdom to help take care of them. Good foods, physical activity and rest I think will be essential in this journey of mine.
3. Positive thinking, being creative and keeping the right perspective will only be beneficial in this fight!
4. It will be SO important to surround myself with loving people, simplify my life and not compare my "lotto ticket" to anyone else.
5- First and foremost- the One with ALL the answers is God! Not the doctors, not helpful stories, not alternative medicines, and especially not me! He is gonna have to be in the drivers seat here! Next, there is a reason this is happening at this time and to me! Just gotta figure that out! And finally, FAITH- Above all I have to trust that God knows what He's doing and He is in charge! And pray "more earnestly" for His guidance.
OK...
Is that not amazing? Do you believe me now that she gave that Training for me?? Holy cow! And to think I was a little less than optimistic about having her back again. I really need to learn to keep my mouth shut!! LOL Thank you Heavenly Father and to our sweet Relief Society leaders for following the Spirit on that one. It was perfect!
Friday, April 13, 2012
Why???
You may be wondering why this post is titled "Why???" Well... let me tell you.
That was my original thought as I started digesting this new Adventure. Funny thing is that then God took over. I can honestly tell you it's hard for me to think of any Why questions to ask. Is that crazy?? I was telling KBro the other day- "Really, if there was ever a time for me to get Breast Cancer- this would be it!" Seriously! (For the record- she thinks I may need a psych eval as well as an MRI!)
1- I have the knowledge of the Restored Gospel here on the earth with it's Priesthood Power. And I know that I am sealed to my family forever! How comforting is that?? [Not that they are getting rid of me yet! I'm not making it that easy on them!] AND I know I have a loving Heavenly Father who has a plan designed just for me!
2- I have an amazingly supportive hubby. Dude! He is the best comic relief you could ever ask for. They say that a sense of humor helps a lot in beating cancer. Well if that's the case, we may just find the cure! LOL He is also a great multi-tasker because he knows when it's time to just give me a hug or a shoulder to cry on if I need it! Love you Honey! XOXO! AND as if he wasn't doing enough already- Brett is a worthy Priesthood Holder who can call down the power of Heaven to help us. How lucky am I?
3- My kids are so great! Most of them are old enough to talk to about it and they all are very cute about it! (Even little Glory is always asking me if my boob is feeling better today? So cute!) And it helps that all of them are pretty self-sufficient. Can u imagine if I had a tiny baby or crazy teenagers? Perfect timing! BEST. KIDS. EVER!
4- Here in Fargo, I have the strongest supportive system anyone could ever ask for. (I am not exaggerating that in any way. Did you know I already have a "Life Coordinator" set up? Thanks for taking on that self-designated position, KBro. Luv ya!) Can you imagine if we had already left Fargo when this happened?? (Let's just not imagine that)
5- I live less than 15 minutes away from the Roger Maris Cancer Center and the Sanford Breast Clinic. Easy peasy! I have heard people travel up to 2 1/2 hours everyday ONE way just to get treatment! I HATE car rides & traffic!
6- As we have been preparing to move, we have been clearing out cupboards, emptying our freezer and using up any food that we can't take with us. As we look back at that & have had so many offers to bring in freezer meals, we laugh. Who knew God had a different plan for my empty freezer? Glad we could help out with His plan.
7- We have been following the Prophet's counsel to get out of debt and have accumulated a really great savings. I am so proud of us. We just reached our goal. Yeah for us! (Feel free to pat us on the back LOL) I'm a little peeved though but I guess this is the "rainy day" we've been saving for. Although THIS is not at all what I had planned for my savings! Who's in charge of this plan anyways? LOL
Anywho-- SEE?? If there was ever a time to get Cancer- this is it!!!!
I also have many people I'd like to publicly thank for this opportunity. LOL! Just a word of advise though- Could you all be a little more careful what you pray for from now on? Thanks! I'd sure appreciate that! Not sure that Ican want to be the answer to so many prayers! LOL
First, I'd like to thank Jen M. My dear nurse friend has been wishing to become an Oncology Nurse for a very long time. She just hasn't quite been able to get into that department. Well, see? That's just what kind of friend I am. I told her I'm the answer to her prayers. She's totally welcome to quit her surgery job and be my Oncology Nurse, I love her that much! Oh... did I mention I don't pay well?? LOL Anyways, glad I could help out Jen! Thanks a lot!
Next to Katie. Oh girlfriend! I know you've been praying that you need me HERE in Fargo but really? Breast Cancer? That's a little overboard, my dear! But nonetheless, I'm here alittle LOT longer. Glad I could help you out with that! Hope you're happy, Woman! LOL JK Luv ya!
Also, Larsens were getting pretty bummed that they were gonna be the only Mormons at Westside with boundary changes and us leaving. I know they have magical praying powers so I should have figured something would happen. Well, check that off your list of things to worry about. We're here for ya!
Of course this list wouldn't be complete without thanking my dear Hubby. Ever since we finished nursing our last baby, he has been more than supportive to let me know- it'd be ok if I wanted to do something to get back my pre-baby chest. Little did he know that a free boob job was included in Breast cancer. Thanks for that, Love! LOL
Then there's Jen N. I know she is perfectly happy being known as the "Hat Lady" at Church. But I realize that it's also important to her that she feels like she belongs to a group. Even if it's a group of two. LOL! So lady- do you wanna start a club or something???
Another little shout out to Robbie. OK- I know that it's hard for you to accept the fact that my favorite color is RED. I realize that pink is your favorite color but really? Couldn't you have found another way to persuade me to the "Pink Side"??? LOL
Finally, I'd like to thank myself! Can't tell you how long I have been praying to "be something". You know- do something amazing, travel awesome places, meet exotic people, be brave, touch lives, change the world, have an ADVENTURE! OK- I know it's sounds a little outrageous but we all have dreams, right? Yeah, well- be careful what you wish for. There may be an Adventure out there you never imagined! LOL
So WHY? is this happening?
That's a good question, my friend! Good question but not one that needs an answer. (Yet anyways! LOL)
That was my original thought as I started digesting this new Adventure. Funny thing is that then God took over. I can honestly tell you it's hard for me to think of any Why questions to ask. Is that crazy?? I was telling KBro the other day- "Really, if there was ever a time for me to get Breast Cancer- this would be it!" Seriously! (For the record- she thinks I may need a psych eval as well as an MRI!)
1- I have the knowledge of the Restored Gospel here on the earth with it's Priesthood Power. And I know that I am sealed to my family forever! How comforting is that?? [Not that they are getting rid of me yet! I'm not making it that easy on them!] AND I know I have a loving Heavenly Father who has a plan designed just for me!
2- I have an amazingly supportive hubby. Dude! He is the best comic relief you could ever ask for. They say that a sense of humor helps a lot in beating cancer. Well if that's the case, we may just find the cure! LOL He is also a great multi-tasker because he knows when it's time to just give me a hug or a shoulder to cry on if I need it! Love you Honey! XOXO! AND as if he wasn't doing enough already- Brett is a worthy Priesthood Holder who can call down the power of Heaven to help us. How lucky am I?
3- My kids are so great! Most of them are old enough to talk to about it and they all are very cute about it! (Even little Glory is always asking me if my boob is feeling better today? So cute!) And it helps that all of them are pretty self-sufficient. Can u imagine if I had a tiny baby or crazy teenagers? Perfect timing! BEST. KIDS. EVER!
4- Here in Fargo, I have the strongest supportive system anyone could ever ask for. (I am not exaggerating that in any way. Did you know I already have a "Life Coordinator" set up? Thanks for taking on that self-designated position, KBro. Luv ya!) Can you imagine if we had already left Fargo when this happened?? (Let's just not imagine that)
5- I live less than 15 minutes away from the Roger Maris Cancer Center and the Sanford Breast Clinic. Easy peasy! I have heard people travel up to 2 1/2 hours everyday ONE way just to get treatment! I HATE car rides & traffic!
6- As we have been preparing to move, we have been clearing out cupboards, emptying our freezer and using up any food that we can't take with us. As we look back at that & have had so many offers to bring in freezer meals, we laugh. Who knew God had a different plan for my empty freezer? Glad we could help out with His plan.
7- We have been following the Prophet's counsel to get out of debt and have accumulated a really great savings. I am so proud of us. We just reached our goal. Yeah for us! (Feel free to pat us on the back LOL) I'm a little peeved though but I guess this is the "rainy day" we've been saving for. Although THIS is not at all what I had planned for my savings! Who's in charge of this plan anyways? LOL
Anywho-- SEE?? If there was ever a time to get Cancer- this is it!!!!
I also have many people I'd like to publicly thank for this opportunity. LOL! Just a word of advise though- Could you all be a little more careful what you pray for from now on? Thanks! I'd sure appreciate that! Not sure that I
First, I'd like to thank Jen M. My dear nurse friend has been wishing to become an Oncology Nurse for a very long time. She just hasn't quite been able to get into that department. Well, see? That's just what kind of friend I am. I told her I'm the answer to her prayers. She's totally welcome to quit her surgery job and be my Oncology Nurse, I love her that much! Oh... did I mention I don't pay well?? LOL Anyways, glad I could help out Jen! Thanks a lot!
Next to Katie. Oh girlfriend! I know you've been praying that you need me HERE in Fargo but really? Breast Cancer? That's a little overboard, my dear! But nonetheless, I'm here a
Also, Larsens were getting pretty bummed that they were gonna be the only Mormons at Westside with boundary changes and us leaving. I know they have magical praying powers so I should have figured something would happen. Well, check that off your list of things to worry about. We're here for ya!
Of course this list wouldn't be complete without thanking my dear Hubby. Ever since we finished nursing our last baby, he has been more than supportive to let me know- it'd be ok if I wanted to do something to get back my pre-baby chest. Little did he know that a free boob job was included in Breast cancer. Thanks for that, Love! LOL
Then there's Jen N. I know she is perfectly happy being known as the "Hat Lady" at Church. But I realize that it's also important to her that she feels like she belongs to a group. Even if it's a group of two. LOL! So lady- do you wanna start a club or something???
Another little shout out to Robbie. OK- I know that it's hard for you to accept the fact that my favorite color is RED. I realize that pink is your favorite color but really? Couldn't you have found another way to persuade me to the "Pink Side"??? LOL
Finally, I'd like to thank myself! Can't tell you how long I have been praying to "be something". You know- do something amazing, travel awesome places, meet exotic people, be brave, touch lives, change the world, have an ADVENTURE! OK- I know it's sounds a little outrageous but we all have dreams, right? Yeah, well- be careful what you wish for. There may be an Adventure out there you never imagined! LOL
So WHY? is this happening?
That's a good question, my friend! Good question but not one that needs an answer. (Yet anyways! LOL)
TEAM SHAY: My Wig Lady
My Plastic Surgeon suggested that I go see Violet Deilke, the Hair Loss Specialist (or as I lovingly call her- My Wig lady) before the "craziness of chemo" sets in. Since, Katie & I usually go out of Fridays anyways and Violet had an opening, we decided to make it a date. Thanks Katie for going with me!
After dropping Glory off at Preschool (on time I might add), I picked up Katie and we headed to Minnesota. Violet's place is at the Centre for Hair & Wellness at the Moorhead Center Mall. While we waited (We were early. Can u believe that? Maybe that's a side effect of cancer?), we tried on hats. I've never been a hat person. But they had some really cute stuff there. Lucky for me Katie is a master at seeing something and making up a pattern. [She gets that from her mother. ;)] She has big plans to make me some hats and save me the $30 a pop! Yeah for talented friends! The ladies were very kind and offered us water bottles and everything. Pamper City, here we come! LOL
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Magical Gifts
I was really unprepared for the reaction that my little BC would cause. Phone calls, emails, texts, hugs, unexpected visits & gifts. Holy cow! Is this another perk of cancer no one tells you about? LOL
I wanted to share just a couple. Not because I feel they are any more important than the hugs or calls or prayers- cuz believe me we can't even begin to put an order to the importance of all of that. But because I can take pictures of them!! What is a blog without pictures???? The Cancer Blog has been sparse in that respect but I'm stepping it up a bit! Thanks ladies for giving me an excuse to upload a picture! Yeah for the Cancer Blog!
My Pink Magical Basket
My dear friend brought us dinner and a Pink Magical Basket. Bet you didn't know those even existed, did you? Basically it gets delivered full, I return it empty and then it magically comes back full again. How cool is that? Thanks Stephens! You are amazing!
The TEAM SHAY Line
KTuck also made an unexpected visit bearing gifts. She brought us some Sandy's Donuts and my own line of TEAM SHAY Jewelry. She had made a piece of jewelry for all the members of my family! How sweet is that? I love them! Oh yeah, baby- I got my own line of jewelry. Who's awesome now? Now magically all my Family are official TEAM SHAY members! Thanks lady! You are the best!
KTuck also made an unexpected visit bearing gifts. She brought us some Sandy's Donuts and my own line of TEAM SHAY Jewelry. She had made a piece of jewelry for all the members of my family! How sweet is that? I love them! Oh yeah, baby- I got my own line of jewelry. Who's awesome now? Now magically all my Family are official TEAM SHAY members! Thanks lady! You are the best!
HANDiest Pillowcase
A few of my Fargo family that have moved on from here in the last couple years, sent me their love from out West. [And they aren't even in the same cities. How'd they do that? They must be Magic! LOL] I have to admit that I teared up a bit. (Thanks a lot Amber XOXO) So thoughtful! They made me an adorable pillowcase with a cute little fringe on the end. They included my favorite quote on one side- " The only way to get through this life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh, crying gives me a headache." Ain't that the truth?! LOL
On the other side- their whole families all traced their hands and signed it. So cute! "Since I can't be by your side, I thought I would provide a place to lay your head and some hands to hold you up. You are one awesome lady! I am so grateful for you! I love you and I'm praying for you!" I love it! Thank you Laytons, Webers and Hoffmans! You're amazing! Miss you!
Where do these kind of people come from?
Such great, creative, magical people!
Thanks friends! We luv you!
To Boob or not to Boob? That's the question!
We had an appointment with Dr.Pamela Antoniuk, my Plastic Surgeon today. This was probably the most overwhelming [holy cow! does anyone know some synonyms for that word?], maybe intense?, funny appointment so far. I took Brett with me which adds a whole different perspective to breast reconstruction. LOL! He was a little bit out numbered to say the least. We called it the Bermuda Triangle (the 3 of us ladies were sitting in a triangular arrangement). The doctor told him to beware when entering. He may not come out alive. ;)
Dr. Antoniuk & her nurse were very fun and kind. They answered our millions of questions. I mean that literally! When we got done with our appointment even the receptionist was gone for the night. It's like we closed the place down. Too funny!
The bad news is that I found out that I am not only small breasted but also have "mature" breasts as well. What?? Rude! or maybe the better comment is Thanks A LOT! LOL The good news is that they did say I have an amazing abdomen for having 4 kids. So, good job me!
We found out that we have lots of options we can do depending on if I decide to go with a Mastectomy or a bilateral Mastectomy. But if we go with the Lumpectomy her role in the process will be minimal. There IS a law out there however that requires insurance to pay for reconstruction for breast cancer. A free boob job?? Wow! There are so many perks to this Breast Cancer thing. Who knew?
Unfortunately, it looks like the timeline doesn't look promising to help with our Colombia Adventure. We are looking at a minimum of 6-7 months from the initial surgery until I could get to a "youthful, pre-baby boob" size. That's AFTER Chemo and everything. Whew! The process includes having a Expander inserted during my first surgery. Then I'd have to give myself a month to heal. At that point, we would start with the inflating. [Oh I mean- expanding! LOL] We would expand every 2 weeks until we got to the size we want. Possibly 2 months she said. (And NO! we will not be going double D!) Then I would need to give my skin about 2 months at that size before they could go in for the final surgery to replace the Expander with the Silicone Breast Implant. After that she wants at least a month to make sure I heal correctly before she would recommend I leave the country. Dang! That is one LONG process. She also said that with how young I am, it is for sure that my new boobs would have to be replaced at some point in my life. That seems like lot of work for something I'm gonna get back after the resurrection anyways. Besides I think I could make a really beautiful flat chested woman anyways, right?
So the real question is "to boob, two boobs or not to boob"? Oh so many questions.
Dr. Antoniuk & her nurse were very fun and kind. They answered our millions of questions. I mean that literally! When we got done with our appointment even the receptionist was gone for the night. It's like we closed the place down. Too funny!
The bad news is that I found out that I am not only small breasted but also have "mature" breasts as well. What?? Rude! or maybe the better comment is Thanks A LOT! LOL The good news is that they did say I have an amazing abdomen for having 4 kids. So, good job me!
We found out that we have lots of options we can do depending on if I decide to go with a Mastectomy or a bilateral Mastectomy. But if we go with the Lumpectomy her role in the process will be minimal. There IS a law out there however that requires insurance to pay for reconstruction for breast cancer. A free boob job?? Wow! There are so many perks to this Breast Cancer thing. Who knew?
Unfortunately, it looks like the timeline doesn't look promising to help with our Colombia Adventure. We are looking at a minimum of 6-7 months from the initial surgery until I could get to a "youthful, pre-baby boob" size. That's AFTER Chemo and everything. Whew! The process includes having a Expander inserted during my first surgery. Then I'd have to give myself a month to heal. At that point, we would start with the inflating. [Oh I mean- expanding! LOL] We would expand every 2 weeks until we got to the size we want. Possibly 2 months she said. (And NO! we will not be going double D!) Then I would need to give my skin about 2 months at that size before they could go in for the final surgery to replace the Expander with the Silicone Breast Implant. After that she wants at least a month to make sure I heal correctly before she would recommend I leave the country. Dang! That is one LONG process. She also said that with how young I am, it is for sure that my new boobs would have to be replaced at some point in my life. That seems like lot of work for something I'm gonna get back after the resurrection anyways. Besides I think I could make a really beautiful flat chested woman anyways, right?
So the real question is "to boob, two boobs or not to boob"? Oh so many questions.
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