How do I begin to thank each and everyone of you how helped to make the benefit for my family such a fun, enjoyable and absolutely memorable evening? I have to admit, I was nervous going into the night, but my nerves were calmed when I realized that the flood of people were there to support US. The only thing I could do was smile, laugh, and immerse myself in the love that was surrounding me. The amount of financial stress that has been relieved for our family has been tremendously relieved. I just hope that someday I can pay it forward and relieve the stress for another family.
I would also like to make sure that everyone is praying for a full recovery for Clyde. He has been seriously injured and needs our thoughts and prayers. We love you so much Clyde and are so sorry for what happened.
P.S. We will be framing the ten dollars the nurse found in your pants. Hahaha.
Yesterday was my third treatment and I did not have a reaction this time. We made sure to load up on steroids and benadryll before the chemo and it worked this time. We also tried acupuncture in conjunction with the treatment. So I don't know what actually helped the most, but will be sure to have the same combination next time. Now if I can just get through this weekend, we will be on track to the last treatment.
Most of all, thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything everyone has done!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Halfway there!
Well, yesterday we completed the second of the four treatments. Halfway there!!! I did end up having another allergic reaction to the second bag of chemo, but at least this time I knew what to expect. Needless to say, it was a long day, but a very necessary and appreciated one. Now I am just pumping myself up for the next couple of days here. Trying to keep on top of the medications. Hopefully, we can get through this week with a little bit more ease and grace than last time.
I just keep thinking of all the people that have been helping in so many ways. I have to get through this to be able to show my appreciation for each and every one of you. Especially the Bryant family and the Victor family. Also, I am constantly blown away by what I continue to hear about the upcoming benefit and all those who are involved in the intense planning and organization. For what??? For us??? Wow, I just hope that I can pass on my gratitude to all those that are giving up so much of their time to plan, organize and even attend. It means so much, and in fact is helping to realize what life is about. FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND LOVE! I wish I could come up with a stronger more unique way to say the words THANK YOU! I am working on it...
I just keep thinking of all the people that have been helping in so many ways. I have to get through this to be able to show my appreciation for each and every one of you. Especially the Bryant family and the Victor family. Also, I am constantly blown away by what I continue to hear about the upcoming benefit and all those who are involved in the intense planning and organization. For what??? For us??? Wow, I just hope that I can pass on my gratitude to all those that are giving up so much of their time to plan, organize and even attend. It means so much, and in fact is helping to realize what life is about. FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND LOVE! I wish I could come up with a stronger more unique way to say the words THANK YOU! I am working on it...
Sunday, March 27, 2011
To the Supportive Bureau Valley faculty, students, parents, and community members,
As a family we would like sincerely thank the supporters of our situation. In reality there are two situations going on that the people of BV have been incredibly supportive of. First of all, with regards to the cancer, everyone needs to know how ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE both the students and the faculty have been. Both monetarily and emotionally, they could not do anything else to be any more supportive. Seeing the pink bracelets among the hands students and faculty on a daily basis within the school has been a visual reminder of the true amount of love and support. Eric came home on Friday wishing I could see the amount of support that was shown.
With regards to the job, students have refused to go into school, have posted positive comments, and have stood with respect in support of Eric's career. Even though Eric will not be at Bureau Valley High School next year, he would like everyone to know that he will not forget the students and faculty who have helped him to become a better teacher and person over the last couple of years. No matter what people say, the students and faculty are what make the school great!
P.S. Thank you for the dodgeball t-shirts.
With regards to the job, students have refused to go into school, have posted positive comments, and have stood with respect in support of Eric's career. Even though Eric will not be at Bureau Valley High School next year, he would like everyone to know that he will not forget the students and faculty who have helped him to become a better teacher and person over the last couple of years. No matter what people say, the students and faculty are what make the school great!
P.S. Thank you for the dodgeball t-shirts.
Comment Issue
It was brought to my attention that several people were trying to post comments and were unable to if they did not have a gmail account. I think I have fixed the problem. Just make sure that you sign in as a follower (sounds weird) and then choose the name option when trying to post. Hopefully this fixes the problem. Let me know if not at bryanta2005@gmail.com
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
I'm back...
The week after chemo was a very rough one for me. I had an allergic to the chemo and that followed by a couple of handfuls of side effects, BUT, I made it through and I am feeling great today. I will have my next treatment on March 31st, so I am just appreciating each day that I am feeling good.
So yesterday my hair started falling out and today I continued to obsess about it. So we shaved it off. Max started by cutting some pretty big chunks of hair with the help of my mom. Then Eric took over with the clippers and shaved the rest off. It was SO FREEING!!! I am so glad that it is over. Thank you so much to Mickey and the rest of my family and friends for helping me to prepare for this day. I just don't think the wig is for me, but we will see. I think I will be sticking to scarves for now. I am a little worried about how the students will react tomorrow, but so far they have been nothing but supportive in every way. I am so proud to be a part of Somonauk Middle School.
My boys keep coming up and "petting" my head. Max thinks it's hilarious and then wonders why I look like a "Dad." Luke just kept asking, " what is your hair doing?" They both are handling it so well.
So yesterday my hair started falling out and today I continued to obsess about it. So we shaved it off. Max started by cutting some pretty big chunks of hair with the help of my mom. Then Eric took over with the clippers and shaved the rest off. It was SO FREEING!!! I am so glad that it is over. Thank you so much to Mickey and the rest of my family and friends for helping me to prepare for this day. I just don't think the wig is for me, but we will see. I think I will be sticking to scarves for now. I am a little worried about how the students will react tomorrow, but so far they have been nothing but supportive in every way. I am so proud to be a part of Somonauk Middle School.
My boys keep coming up and "petting" my head. Max thinks it's hilarious and then wonders why I look like a "Dad." Luke just kept asking, " what is your hair doing?" They both are handling it so well.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Sincerely Thank You
Last night was the 2nd Annual Alumni Men's Basketball Game. I must say, I was rather impressed with my husband's three point shots. Who knew??? Anyway, the point of me writing tonight is to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. From the moment I walked into the gym to the moment we walked out of Dick's (gathering after the game), I noticed as sea of pink bracelets. I was not able to see or talk to each one of you last night, but I want you to know that I definitely noticed and so greatly appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and support. My only hope is that someday I can show my gratitude toward all of you in some way or another. I would also like to thank all of my family including both the Bryant and Victor side and close friends for being absolutely incredible in terms of all kinds of support.
Thursday is the big day. I have to admit, I am a little nervous, but like my mom says, "you have to get in to get out." We have a multitude of appointments that day, once again, beginning at 7:45 we will meet with the plastic surgeon, then 8:30 for blood work, and chemo @ 9. Then at 1:00 I will see the surgeon as a follow up. Finally, hopefully, we can take a look at some wigs. Eric will be joining me throughout this first leg of the journey.
Day by day, the entire situation is becoming more of MY reality. It hasn't fully hit me yet, but I can see it in the near future.
Thursday is the big day. I have to admit, I am a little nervous, but like my mom says, "you have to get in to get out." We have a multitude of appointments that day, once again, beginning at 7:45 we will meet with the plastic surgeon, then 8:30 for blood work, and chemo @ 9. Then at 1:00 I will see the surgeon as a follow up. Finally, hopefully, we can take a look at some wigs. Eric will be joining me throughout this first leg of the journey.
Day by day, the entire situation is becoming more of MY reality. It hasn't fully hit me yet, but I can see it in the near future.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Ready or not...
Well, I am going in today to get rid of some of the dead tissue to hurry along the healing process and then we will start chemo next Thursday, March 10th. It really seems like more of a reality now. So I guess, bring it on. Let's just get this process going. The doctors described it to be a fine line between waiting to be completely healed and starting the chemo, which is going to ultimately save my life. They said that once chemo starts basically all healing stops, or is extremely slowed down. So we are going for the happy medium.
I am so happy with the team at Northwestern though. When they say you will have a team of people working with you, it is so true, from surgeons to social workers. They have been extremely patient, kind and informative. I think a prerequisite to working in the cancer center at Northwestern is that you have to be genuinely nice and kind-hearted.
I am so happy with the team at Northwestern though. When they say you will have a team of people working with you, it is so true, from surgeons to social workers. They have been extremely patient, kind and informative. I think a prerequisite to working in the cancer center at Northwestern is that you have to be genuinely nice and kind-hearted.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
First hair cut...
Well, I have made or should I say Anne Frances made my daily routine a little easier and brighter today. She gave me the first hair cut. It is now to about my lips or so. Wasn't ready to go completely short yet. This is the shortest my hair has ever been. I think I really am going to like it. For however long it lasts...
Also, found out that my cancer is not genetically linked to BRCA1/2. This is very good news for my family! I am so relieved for them. They are going to do a little more testing to see if it is linked to one more possible syndrome, just to help to screen for the possibility of future cancers. So Monday I will start that test, but will not get the results back for 4 weeks.
Overall, pretty good day. Although Max had another fever last night and is staying home from school with this horrific cough. Please can we get rid of all of these sicknesses???
Also, found out that my cancer is not genetically linked to BRCA1/2. This is very good news for my family! I am so relieved for them. They are going to do a little more testing to see if it is linked to one more possible syndrome, just to help to screen for the possibility of future cancers. So Monday I will start that test, but will not get the results back for 4 weeks.
Overall, pretty good day. Although Max had another fever last night and is staying home from school with this horrific cough. Please can we get rid of all of these sicknesses???
Monday, February 21, 2011
Next lag...
Today Max and I both had appointments at Northwestern. It was a true bonding experience...
Anyway, we did schedule the first chemo treatment to be Thursday, March 3rd, which is a little earlier than we had expected, but I guess let's just get it going! I do have another appointment with the plastic surgeon next week to make sure that the tissue is healed enough to begin chemo. I have a gut feeling that we will have to delay the chemo for a week or two, but who knows.
Oh, I did get the other two drains out today. Such a relieving feeling. Maybe I can somewhat sleep on my side tonight, well, maybe with the help of a tylenol PM.
I better get my wig shopping on. I thought I would have a little more time. I am interested in anyone's personal experience as to exactly when their or someone they knew lost their hair during treatments. Doctors have said that typically it happens after the 2nd treatment. Does that seem accurate? Not that I am questioning doctors, I just want to be as prepared as possible.
On another note, we found out that Max needs another eye surgery. So we had to schedule that for March 17th. We were very surprised when the doctor told us this was his next step. We really thought he would not need to have any more surgery. So...its going to be a rocky, bumpy, and LOVING March.
As I am writing, I am thinking, poor Eric, his birthday is right in the thick of all of this, March 15th. I am going to have to think of something special for him to make sure he is not forgotten through all of this. He has been amazing through all of this.
With love to all of you!
Anyway, we did schedule the first chemo treatment to be Thursday, March 3rd, which is a little earlier than we had expected, but I guess let's just get it going! I do have another appointment with the plastic surgeon next week to make sure that the tissue is healed enough to begin chemo. I have a gut feeling that we will have to delay the chemo for a week or two, but who knows.
Oh, I did get the other two drains out today. Such a relieving feeling. Maybe I can somewhat sleep on my side tonight, well, maybe with the help of a tylenol PM.
I better get my wig shopping on. I thought I would have a little more time. I am interested in anyone's personal experience as to exactly when their or someone they knew lost their hair during treatments. Doctors have said that typically it happens after the 2nd treatment. Does that seem accurate? Not that I am questioning doctors, I just want to be as prepared as possible.
On another note, we found out that Max needs another eye surgery. So we had to schedule that for March 17th. We were very surprised when the doctor told us this was his next step. We really thought he would not need to have any more surgery. So...its going to be a rocky, bumpy, and LOVING March.
As I am writing, I am thinking, poor Eric, his birthday is right in the thick of all of this, March 15th. I am going to have to think of something special for him to make sure he is not forgotten through all of this. He has been amazing through all of this.
With love to all of you!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Action Plan
On Tuesday and Wednesday of this week my husband once again took off work to bring me to a multitude of appointments. Within these appointments I was able to get one of the three drains out, which is a plus. They are the most annoying part of this process so far. So I guess I shouldn't be complaining. Hopefully on Monday I will be able to get the other two drains out. We'll see. Anyway, I was given too options for chemo. The first being a treatment every three weeks for only four sessions, or a more aggressive treatment every other week for 8 weeks. The latter the doctor thought would be too aggressive given the intense side effects for my type of cancer and the fact that it has not gone into my lymph nodes. The problem with my situation is that there is really NO research out there for younger (under 40) women with breast cancer. The average age of breast cancer is 61. Therefore alot of what they are recommending is based on textbook, if that makes sense. So...I or we, as we have been saying, chose the first option which I will begin in 2 or 3 weeks as soon as all my wounds have healed. So I guess it is time to go wig shopping. Maybe get several different haircuts until I have to wear the wigs. I guess if I was ever going to experiment with my hair, now is the time. I don't know... just a random thought.
I also began the genetic counseling program, where they are testing my blood to see if it is indeed tied to genetics. If so, I can hopefully help to get some info for my family. Interesting point...if you have breast cancer in your family then sibblings should begin getting screenings every 6 months at age 25. In my case they recommend subtracting 10 years from diagnosed age (29) and that is when sibblings should start getting screening. Therefore my peeps should have started at 19!
By the way, I had a great day today with my boys, now that they are healthy. We took a walk, had a picnic (in the garage because of the wind), and just hung out! Thank you Max and Luke. I love you.
I also began the genetic counseling program, where they are testing my blood to see if it is indeed tied to genetics. If so, I can hopefully help to get some info for my family. Interesting point...if you have breast cancer in your family then sibblings should begin getting screenings every 6 months at age 25. In my case they recommend subtracting 10 years from diagnosed age (29) and that is when sibblings should start getting screening. Therefore my peeps should have started at 19!
By the way, I had a great day today with my boys, now that they are healthy. We took a walk, had a picnic (in the garage because of the wind), and just hung out! Thank you Max and Luke. I love you.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
What day is it?
Needless to day this has been a very long week. Although long, incredibly loving and full of devotion. I would like everyone reading this blog to realize how thankful I am to have known you. I am absolutely amazed st the outreach of support. It has definitely kept me going.
From a medical stand point I am just resting and trying to make sure that the tissue is staying healthy and viable.
I go back to Northwestern on Tuesday and Wednesday for a series of four appointments. One being the genetic counselor so that should be interesting. Another to hopefully get all of these drains out. The doctor called yesterday with the pathology report. She said the tumor was 2.2 cm, there was evidence that it did invade the chest wall,but she was confident she got it all. There evidence that it was in the lymph system but not in any of the lymph nodes??? They did take out and test five nodes. They were all negative. I still have to find out more about it being in the lymph system. These results may warrant some form of radiation. We will see next week. I will keep you updated.
From a medical stand point I am just resting and trying to make sure that the tissue is staying healthy and viable.
I go back to Northwestern on Tuesday and Wednesday for a series of four appointments. One being the genetic counselor so that should be interesting. Another to hopefully get all of these drains out. The doctor called yesterday with the pathology report. She said the tumor was 2.2 cm, there was evidence that it did invade the chest wall,but she was confident she got it all. There evidence that it was in the lymph system but not in any of the lymph nodes??? They did take out and test five nodes. They were all negative. I still have to find out more about it being in the lymph system. These results may warrant some form of radiation. We will see next week. I will keep you updated.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Day 1 after Surgery
Day 1 after surgery. Definitely sore,but thankful the first step in treatment process to be checked off the list. Looks like I will be going home today. The first part of the surgery went well but I had to go back I tod surgery because I had an arterial bleed. So the tiredness did not where off until this morning.
I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for your sincere thoughts and prayers. I will keep you posted as I find out more info. Love you all.
I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for your sincere thoughts and prayers. I will keep you posted as I find out more info. Love you all.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Surgery Update...
We just found out her lymph nodes tested negative during surgery and that she is doing very well.
The outpouring of love from friends and family is truly humbling and I can tell it is helping Ali to remain strong by knowing how many loved ones she has backing her.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued love and support,
Lauren
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Preparation...
Hello Everyone,
I am beginning the countdown to the first step in my treatment. It begins Tuesday when I will be getting a bilateral mastectomy (getting rid of both) as well as begin the reconstruction phase (going for DD's). Just kidding... I was told I will only be in the hospital for 1, maybe 2 nights. Once I complete the healing process, which will be about a month, then they will begin chemo. We will find out if I need radiation after surgery, where they will test the lymph nodes for disease. I am feeling a little anxious but confident in our decision to be proactive.
I truly appreciate each and everyone one of you that has offered prayers, thoughts and advice. The thing I have noticed is that it definitely helps to talk about it and realize that if peope have questions, its only because they care and want to do anything they can.
I especially want to thank everyone of my family members and friends who have given up their personal time and energy to help make this situation the most postive that it can be.
I LOVE YOU ALL.
I am beginning the countdown to the first step in my treatment. It begins Tuesday when I will be getting a bilateral mastectomy (getting rid of both) as well as begin the reconstruction phase (going for DD's). Just kidding... I was told I will only be in the hospital for 1, maybe 2 nights. Once I complete the healing process, which will be about a month, then they will begin chemo. We will find out if I need radiation after surgery, where they will test the lymph nodes for disease. I am feeling a little anxious but confident in our decision to be proactive.
I truly appreciate each and everyone one of you that has offered prayers, thoughts and advice. The thing I have noticed is that it definitely helps to talk about it and realize that if peope have questions, its only because they care and want to do anything they can.
I especially want to thank everyone of my family members and friends who have given up their personal time and energy to help make this situation the most postive that it can be.
I LOVE YOU ALL.
Monday, January 31, 2011
- As lauren said, it is our turn to take care of you.. and for all of this it will mean doing whatever you need us to do to make this bump in the road as easy on you as possible. I ordered these bracelets that say "arms open for ali" on them. I know you do not initially like the idea of me giving you the money from them.. but i really want to help. Also, the people who will be buying them want to help you too. It is a nice way for them to lend you support and show how much they care about you. You are an amazing sister, daughter, mother, wife, and friend. We are all here for you every step of the way. I love you so much al.
Ali.....You've got the love
On Friday, January 21, 2011, Ali was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She has Lobular Invasive Carcinoma, and will have to undergo intense treatment as a result of her age and the type of cancer.
Since that day, our every thought, conversation, and interaction has been how can we help Ali. I thought this may help to keep her loved ones in touch with how she is doing, what she is going through, and to keep her in touch with those who love her more than she knows. And of course to replace fear with hope and to mellow the mind of the endless, sleepless worry.
We love you Ali, and after years of you looking out for each one of us siblings, it is your turn to let us take care of you. We will get through this together... because no matter what this family goes through, one thing has been proven - we are in it together. There are some great perks to being the oldest of this party of five!
Since the initial diagnoses, Ali has undergone several other tests (ultra-sounds, breast MRI, and needle biopsy) to determine where exactly the cancer has spread. The good news is so far the results have been as good as they can be under the circumstances. The cancer has not spread to her lymph nodes and there doesn't seem to be any additional masses.The hard news is that most of the Doctors thus far have agreed to treat this cancer rather aggressively.
She has her initial, consultation with her Dr. at Northwestern this Thursday, February 3rd. She will go over the results of the tests, and give her a prognosis of her treatment plan this day.
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