Update on My Cancer Battle Plan

It's time for me to give an update. First, I'm still around and doing fairly well. My first round of chemo didn't go well at all. I think it was mostly due to being afraid and newly diagnosed. I was scheduled for 8 cycles of chemo (4 dose densed of AC - adrimyacin / cytoxin and 4 taxotere). I made it through 2 cycles and quit. In fact I ran away, left the state and went to my parents. While there I had high dose vitamin c infusions. But I was sick and weak for months following those treatments.

In mid-January my breast surgeon convinced me to continue with medical treatments of some kind. I was going to any way, I just needed things to slow down just a little so that I could make decisions that were best for me. In May 2011 I had a bilateral mastectomy and so far have chosen no reconstruction. I'm happy with this decision. I'm also continuing chemo (taxotere / cytoxin). Although this round is going better, there are still painful side effects and the neuropathy in my hands and feet have become worse. I plan to finish chemo (half way to the end).

It's the mind control that cancer diagnosis seems to have that I'm fighting daily. It's not stronger than I am. Besides, I'm in remission and I'm using nutrition, supplementation, exercise, meditation, visualization, and prayer to keep recurrence away.

I have plans to live a long, joyous, healthy life. Just thought you should know.
(haven't proofread - I apologize until I get to it.)

Mom and Dad

My parents have been married 45 years and are behaving like high school sweethearts. Well, they were high school sweethearts. They are on the phone with each other all the time and my dad talks warmly about my mom all day. They are missing each other while my dad is with me helping and supporting my husband and me while I go through chemo and my mom is home. Those two make me giggle.

I am so enjoying spending time with my dad. It reminds me of my childhood when my dad would take my siblings and I places and make up silly songs. He made sure his kids had a great time. He's there with me during chemo treatments making sure I don't have too rough of a time. If I'm awake he is telling stories or jokes. I'm so glad he's here with me.

It's getting close to cycle 2 of chemo and my anxiety is going through the roof. My dad prayed for me last night as my fever went to 100.5 and I thought I had to go to ER. He's organized the garage and my office allowing me room to create a sacred space. He's attended Taize prayer with me. He's such a wonderful dad.

Hello...Again

It's me again...

I thought I'd left this blog behind, but I think it's time (with a little prodding from a person I hold near and dear) to revisit it. I'm a little unsure about whether to write about my latest battle. I'm sure it won't hurt and just maybe it will help.

Here goes: For years I've lived with, worked with, loved with, and struggled with the autoimmune disease Lupus. I've had my ups and downs with this illness and believe it or not I've learned so much. But nothing has prepared me physically for the battle I'm going through right now. On Sept 9, 2010 I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (breast cancer). About 2 weeks later, I was diagnosed with the subtype of Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

Time Line: 2010

Aug 25th - felt a lump in right breast (small in size & mobile)
Sept 3rd - Breast Thermogram
Sept 8th - Mammogram, Ultrasound, Core Needle Biopsy
Sept 9th - Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Sept 23rd - Lumpectomy with Sentinel Node Biopsy (clear)
Sept 30th - Breast Cancer is Triple Negative subtype
Oct 11th - PET/CT scan clear
Oct 13th - Tested for BRCA gene mutation
Oct 22nd - Positive for BRCA-2 gene mutation
Oct 23rd - Decided on bilateral mastectomy & oopherectomy (after chemo)
Oct 26th - Port placed in arm for chemo infusion
Oct 27th - Chemo begins / 8 cycles once every 14 days

I'll keep an e-journal of what's going on with me and I plan to relay any information that may be helpful. I must add that my life has been in a whirlwind for over 2 months.

Farewell....

I've enjoyed my blogcation so much that I've decided to say farewell. I think I have social media overload. I barely check my email anymore. It's been fun, but it's time for me to move on. Thank you to everyone who has read this blog and commented. I appreciate your time and your indulgence.

This summer I took time to re-focus and regroup. Most importantly I was able to rest and relax. On to my next adventure.

photo uploaded to flickr by gingerpig2000.