Hellooo!
Once again, treatment was like always. I have one more of taxol. Nothing else new to report. I had a pretty low key week.
I have decided to put a team together for Relay for Life. If you are not familiar with this you can visit http://www.relayforlife.org/ . It is a fundraiser for all types of cancer. My team will participate in the relay for Fort Bend County. It will be held in Harvest Park in the Needville area. It will begin May 1st at 7pm and ends May 2nd at 7am. Yes, that is all night. You do not have to stay all night and you do not have to walk all night. There will be a shift schedule made so that there will be someone walking from my team during the entire event. I hope that my team will be large enough that you do not have to walk by yourself. Of course there will be other teams there as well. It is $10 to participate in the walk. If you choose not to participate with the team, you can come out there to support us or just make a contribution.
I am also looking for some volunteers to help me coordinate everything for the event. This is totally new for me and I'm not sure what to expect but we can learn together. There will be several tasks such as fundraising, tracking donations, coordinating food and tents for the event, scheduling walkers for the relay. That's just to name a few. I'm sure there will be more. If any of you have done this before I would love for you to share your experience.
Here is the link to my team page. You can register as part of the team or just make a donation.
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY09National?px=8914752&pg=personal&fr_id=17551
Once again, thanks to all my supporters! The food, the rides, the child care...how would I do all this without you guys! I love you all!
God bless,
Terrie
Friday, January 16, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Chemo 10
Two more treatments of Taxol and counting....
Today's treatment went just as well as the others. I guess the area around my port is becoming less sensitive because it doesn't really bother me when they insert the needle. I went without the lidocaine cream.
The week went by rather quickly. Getting everyone back in the routine wasn't so bad. I was really tired by the end of the week. I was sick over the weekend. Fever and chills. Dr. Popatia thinks it was something like the flu. I felt HORRIBLE on Saturday! The good doctor called in some meds and that really helped. I was completely better by Wednesday.
Our oldest, Allyson, has her eighth birthday Sunday! Happy Birthday Allyson. My neighbor's mom who had the heart surgery with all the complications is home. By no means is she 100%, but being able to go home was a big step toward that. Get well soon Vicky! I'm still praying for you.
Thanks again for all the meals, rides, and child care!!!!!!! I love getting all the phone calls and emails. I'm so truly blessed.
Love you all,
Terrie
Today's treatment went just as well as the others. I guess the area around my port is becoming less sensitive because it doesn't really bother me when they insert the needle. I went without the lidocaine cream.
The week went by rather quickly. Getting everyone back in the routine wasn't so bad. I was really tired by the end of the week. I was sick over the weekend. Fever and chills. Dr. Popatia thinks it was something like the flu. I felt HORRIBLE on Saturday! The good doctor called in some meds and that really helped. I was completely better by Wednesday.
Our oldest, Allyson, has her eighth birthday Sunday! Happy Birthday Allyson. My neighbor's mom who had the heart surgery with all the complications is home. By no means is she 100%, but being able to go home was a big step toward that. Get well soon Vicky! I'm still praying for you.
Thanks again for all the meals, rides, and child care!!!!!!! I love getting all the phone calls and emails. I'm so truly blessed.
Love you all,
Terrie
Friday, January 2, 2009
Great News for Treatment 9
HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR! IT'S GOING TO BE A GREAT ONE!!! I have every intention of being cancer free in 2009!
I had treatment 9 of 12 with the Taxol. Almost there!!!
Dr Popatia did a physical exam before treatment today. The tumor continues to shrink!!! In fact he described it as a mass instead of a tumor. Which means it is less distinct. It's not as hard and is more difficult to feel. Can you believe it???? The power of prayer and medicine! Unbelievable!
So we continue on. I'm sure when I see Theriault on 1/29 he will want to continue with the second part of Chemo, the FAC trio. Unless, the unthinkable happens, and the tumor shrinks more. Who knows??? I also meet with the plastic surgeon on the 29th. I have an appointment in February with the radiation oncologist. I meet with the surgical oncologist again in March.
Christmas was unbelievable! The kids and the rest of the family have really enjoyed the break. I'm kinda of sad to see it end. Jim has been home the last two weeks, and I loved having him here. He did so much around the house, so I got a lot of rest. Thanks babe!
Jim and I are so lucky to have great friends. Some of them got together and treated us to a night out, dinner and tickets to the Trans Siberian Orchestra. We had a great time. They arranged everything including dinner for the kids and the babysitter! Thanks guys!
Thanks to all those who helped out with rides, meals, and child care! I love you all!
God is Good,
Terrie
I had treatment 9 of 12 with the Taxol. Almost there!!!
Dr Popatia did a physical exam before treatment today. The tumor continues to shrink!!! In fact he described it as a mass instead of a tumor. Which means it is less distinct. It's not as hard and is more difficult to feel. Can you believe it???? The power of prayer and medicine! Unbelievable!
So we continue on. I'm sure when I see Theriault on 1/29 he will want to continue with the second part of Chemo, the FAC trio. Unless, the unthinkable happens, and the tumor shrinks more. Who knows??? I also meet with the plastic surgeon on the 29th. I have an appointment in February with the radiation oncologist. I meet with the surgical oncologist again in March.
Christmas was unbelievable! The kids and the rest of the family have really enjoyed the break. I'm kinda of sad to see it end. Jim has been home the last two weeks, and I loved having him here. He did so much around the house, so I got a lot of rest. Thanks babe!
Jim and I are so lucky to have great friends. Some of them got together and treated us to a night out, dinner and tickets to the Trans Siberian Orchestra. We had a great time. They arranged everything including dinner for the kids and the babysitter! Thanks guys!
Thanks to all those who helped out with rides, meals, and child care! I love you all!
God is Good,
Terrie
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Chemo 8
I am so thrilled for Christmas Vacation! No school and hubby is taking the next 2 weeks off! YEA!!!
I had treatment 8 this morning. I had to move my regular day this week because of Christmas. Dosage was the same. Nothing new to report. Everything was good.
I have my next treatment next Friday, so I get a longer break this time. I will have blood work on that Wednesday before. Dr Popatia said he wants to measure the tumor again. I'm praying for more shrinkage.
I'm getting used to wearing the wigs. They are not so foreign now. My kids act like its normal to see my shaved head. That's a plus too.
I'm gearing up for Christmas. Jim took the kids to his mom's house today while I had my treatment. They stayed all day! Thanks to my husband and Maw Maw! I came home and rested for a short bit. Too much to do! Then I started wrapping and wrapping and wrapping! Still not done with wrapping. Then I braved the grocery store! Oh MY!
Thanks to the awesome meals, babysitting, and rides! I couldn't do this without you guys!
I wish each of you a blessed Christmas. May you spend it with family and be thankful for all you have.
Love you guys!
Terrie
I had treatment 8 this morning. I had to move my regular day this week because of Christmas. Dosage was the same. Nothing new to report. Everything was good.
I have my next treatment next Friday, so I get a longer break this time. I will have blood work on that Wednesday before. Dr Popatia said he wants to measure the tumor again. I'm praying for more shrinkage.
I'm getting used to wearing the wigs. They are not so foreign now. My kids act like its normal to see my shaved head. That's a plus too.
I'm gearing up for Christmas. Jim took the kids to his mom's house today while I had my treatment. They stayed all day! Thanks to my husband and Maw Maw! I came home and rested for a short bit. Too much to do! Then I started wrapping and wrapping and wrapping! Still not done with wrapping. Then I braved the grocery store! Oh MY!
Thanks to the awesome meals, babysitting, and rides! I couldn't do this without you guys!
I wish each of you a blessed Christmas. May you spend it with family and be thankful for all you have.
Love you guys!
Terrie
Friday, December 19, 2008
Chemo #7
Treatment 7 was normal. My blood work came back fine. They left the dosage the same because I go back for treatment 8 on Tuesday. They ran the drip a little faster towards the end, it made me a little foggy. I guess too much too quickly. I picked up meds on the way home (yucky mouth sores...one of the side effects). I've also had an achy jaw and achy teeth. I took a nap! And then did my holiday baking. That's why I'm so late with posting this.
For those who haven't heard yet, I did shave my head last week. Friday to be exact. It was just too much to watch all the hair come out when I washed it and brushed it or even touched it. My sweet husband offered to shave it for me. I opted to go to my hair stylist. It was easier for me handle it there. Plus I didn't how the kids would react to seeing it all shaved off. You may not recognize me. I have many "new looks". Allyson and Madi seem to be okay with my lack of hair. Jake will tell me "no, put hat on". He doesn't like some of the wigs either. Poor guy! He always loved to sit on my lap and twirl my hair. That probably hurts the most. Having my head shaved has been the hardest part because now I "look sick". Before I still looked normal. No one would know I have cancer.
Thanks to all my supporters! All of you are so sweet and generous! I'm so lucky to have so many volunteers to help with babysitting and meals and rides! I am so grateful.
My friends mom, Vicky Buff, is still in ICU. She is showing minor improvements. I believe she is off the ventilator. I guess baby steps are better than nothing. Please keep her in your prayers.
Love,
Terrie
For those who haven't heard yet, I did shave my head last week. Friday to be exact. It was just too much to watch all the hair come out when I washed it and brushed it or even touched it. My sweet husband offered to shave it for me. I opted to go to my hair stylist. It was easier for me handle it there. Plus I didn't how the kids would react to seeing it all shaved off. You may not recognize me. I have many "new looks". Allyson and Madi seem to be okay with my lack of hair. Jake will tell me "no, put hat on". He doesn't like some of the wigs either. Poor guy! He always loved to sit on my lap and twirl my hair. That probably hurts the most. Having my head shaved has been the hardest part because now I "look sick". Before I still looked normal. No one would know I have cancer.
Thanks to all my supporters! All of you are so sweet and generous! I'm so lucky to have so many volunteers to help with babysitting and meals and rides! I am so grateful.
My friends mom, Vicky Buff, is still in ICU. She is showing minor improvements. I believe she is off the ventilator. I guess baby steps are better than nothing. Please keep her in your prayers.
Love,
Terrie
Friday, December 12, 2008
Chemo 6 - HalfWay of Phase I
Again, today went off without a hitch. I didn't have blood work this week. I am feeling good overall. They did up the dosage of Taxol a bit. We will see how that goes. I did come more tired today than usual.
Only one new development this week - my hair is falling out at an alarming rate. So I will be sporting more than one new hair-do this weekend. I plan to wig shop later this afternoon. Also on Monday, I will be attending this "look-good, feel-good" workshop at Oak Bend. They will show me how to deal with all of this and still "look good and feel good. At least I get a wig out of the deal. So like I said you will see more than one new hair-do!
Panic is starting to set in with Christmas only 12 days away! Is everyone else ready? I'M NOT!!!!
Please continue to keep Vicki Buff in your prayers. She is not doing well. She is still in ICU and is now on dialysis. I won't go too much into all the details. My friend is REALLY appreciative of all the thoughts and prayers. My friend needs them too.
Thanks to all the meals, babysitting, rides, thoughts, prayers, emails, and phone calls! All of you are making my life so much easier! All of you are so darn kind and generous!!!
God Bless,
Terrie
Only one new development this week - my hair is falling out at an alarming rate. So I will be sporting more than one new hair-do this weekend. I plan to wig shop later this afternoon. Also on Monday, I will be attending this "look-good, feel-good" workshop at Oak Bend. They will show me how to deal with all of this and still "look good and feel good. At least I get a wig out of the deal. So like I said you will see more than one new hair-do!
Panic is starting to set in with Christmas only 12 days away! Is everyone else ready? I'M NOT!!!!
Please continue to keep Vicki Buff in your prayers. She is not doing well. She is still in ICU and is now on dialysis. I won't go too much into all the details. My friend is REALLY appreciative of all the thoughts and prayers. My friend needs them too.
Thanks to all the meals, babysitting, rides, thoughts, prayers, emails, and phone calls! All of you are making my life so much easier! All of you are so darn kind and generous!!!
God Bless,
Terrie
Monday, December 8, 2008
Surgical Oncologist Appt - Dr Kelly Hunt
Well, that appointment lasted FOREVER! My appt was at 9. First the nurse came in, then the physician's assistant, then the other physician's assistant, and then finally the doctor. I didn't actually see the doctor till almost 11.
Basically all we did was discuss surgery options. I did like Dr Hunt very much. She is very nice and of course very informative.
We discussed BCS (breast conserving surgery), which is when they try to salvage as much of the breast as possible. They will remove the tumor plus outlying tissue. They have to make sure they get all of the cancerous cells. This might include some reconstruction depending on how much they have to take out, and it will include radiation treatments after surgery. As of this moment, she does not consider me a candidate of BCS because of the size of the tumor. If it shrinks more then I am a better candidate for this surgery.
We also discussed Mastectomy. This is taking the entire breast. Reconstruction will take place during surgery if they determine that I do not need radiation. If radiation is needed then I wait till that is completed before reconstruction.
During both of the surgery options they will perform a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy. See link for information: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/sentinel-node-biopsy
This will help determine if radiation is needed also. Basically they take out 2-3 lymph nodes that have been dyed with a solution and see if there are any cancerous cells. If they find some they take out all of the lymph nodes.
The decision is pretty much up to me. There are still pieces to the puzzle we do not have such as; will the tumor continue to shrink?, are there cancerous cells in the lymph node system?
Dr Hunt is setting up appointments with a radiation oncologist and a plastic surgeon. They are pieces to the puzzle as well. They will help determine what will work best.
So far I am feeling fine. No side effects besides the thinning of my hair. Now I know why others choose to shave their heads. I find my hair all over. Today I also visited the breast cancer boutique at MD Anderson. I purchased a hat, scarf, and beanie cap. I consider this my starting point. I'm slowly getting used to the idea of having no hair.
I do have a prayer request: my friend's mother, Vicky Buff. She just had heart surgery and is having complications. Please keep Vicky and her family in your prayers as begins this long recovery process.
Thanks again for all the prayers, child care, meals, emails, and phone calls.
love,
Terrie
Basically all we did was discuss surgery options. I did like Dr Hunt very much. She is very nice and of course very informative.
We discussed BCS (breast conserving surgery), which is when they try to salvage as much of the breast as possible. They will remove the tumor plus outlying tissue. They have to make sure they get all of the cancerous cells. This might include some reconstruction depending on how much they have to take out, and it will include radiation treatments after surgery. As of this moment, she does not consider me a candidate of BCS because of the size of the tumor. If it shrinks more then I am a better candidate for this surgery.
We also discussed Mastectomy. This is taking the entire breast. Reconstruction will take place during surgery if they determine that I do not need radiation. If radiation is needed then I wait till that is completed before reconstruction.
During both of the surgery options they will perform a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy. See link for information: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/sentinel-node-biopsy
This will help determine if radiation is needed also. Basically they take out 2-3 lymph nodes that have been dyed with a solution and see if there are any cancerous cells. If they find some they take out all of the lymph nodes.
The decision is pretty much up to me. There are still pieces to the puzzle we do not have such as; will the tumor continue to shrink?, are there cancerous cells in the lymph node system?
Dr Hunt is setting up appointments with a radiation oncologist and a plastic surgeon. They are pieces to the puzzle as well. They will help determine what will work best.
So far I am feeling fine. No side effects besides the thinning of my hair. Now I know why others choose to shave their heads. I find my hair all over. Today I also visited the breast cancer boutique at MD Anderson. I purchased a hat, scarf, and beanie cap. I consider this my starting point. I'm slowly getting used to the idea of having no hair.
I do have a prayer request: my friend's mother, Vicky Buff. She just had heart surgery and is having complications. Please keep Vicky and her family in your prayers as begins this long recovery process.
Thanks again for all the prayers, child care, meals, emails, and phone calls.
love,
Terrie
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