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???
Thursday, February 24, 2011
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.
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