Another Month

Well - another month has gone by. It's been a busy month. With school starting and all of the girls activities back in swing. We are just spinning. Jess is doing dance and volleyball, catechism and lots of school homework. Kate has dance, soccer, catechism, and lots of school homework and she's VP of Student Council. Jenny has dance, soccer, catechism (just a little homework) and some family projects. Trying to get the 3 of them to all of their activities has been a challenge. There is a lot of overlapping and back to back functions. But we are managing.
I have not stopped wearing my wig altogether. It feels good to not wear it. But, the weather is now cold and my ears are chili!
I'm grateful for each day here with my family and friends. I'm blessed to love and be loved.
I had a check-up this week and a bone density test. They will keep track of my bones for Osteoporosis now due to the lack of estrogen in my body. I start on an Estrogen blocker called Arimedex.
It is getting close to my one year mark. I have surgery scheduled for November 4th for reconstruction.

Treatments Done

Chemo done. Radiation done. Wow!
I have started calling myself a survivor... seems odd. I guess you could say I've been surviving since diagnosis, but I have now gone from surviving to survivor! There is not a day that goes by that this disease does not impact me. From physical to emotional to pyschology. My thoughts are filled with it. But it gets better. I think and talk and dream of other things again.
We went on vacation after radiation. My husband and daughters and I went to Kalahari (Sandusky, OH) - it is the largest indoor water park in the U.S. Well worth the trip and money. We had a blast. My girls loved it and so did Al and I. We went on all the rides and really enjoyed our time together. The idea came from Linda as she was going with her family and we joined in and extended our stay with an extra day. What fun!
The cholorine and being wet so much and so long were not idea for my radiation site. It was very itchy and has really started to peel. But, I enjoyed it and would do it over again. I am starting to heal. My skin was very burned and now is a dark shade and like I said it has started to peel. Nothing that time and cream won't fix.
Looking forward to the weekend and preparing for the first day of school on Tuesday!

One More Radiation Treatment

I have one more treatment of radiation left. That's tomorrow morning; by 9:00 am I will be finished. YEAH!
I'll have 16 rounds of chemo and 28 rounds of radiation completed. The following week I get my braces off and I start physical therapy as well. Then I'll have reconstructive surgery and hopefully my port out at the same time.
I look back now and have a hard time realizing what all I've been through. I miss my Mom. I wish she was still here to celebrate the end of this process... or almost the end.
My skin is quite burned from the radiation. My collarbone area is really burned. Underneath my arm is also very red. The whole area around my right side is burned. Some parts more so than others.

Radiaton Continues

Continuing with radiation. My last day of Radiation is Wednesday, 8/19/09. It's been going ok. Very tiring. Making my way down to the hospital each morning by 8:40AM. It's like a job; Monday thru Friday.
The last couple of weeks have been filled with some anxiety. I was told 2 weeks ago that when they did the Cat Scan while setting me up for Radiation, the scan found a spot on my liver. The doctor wanted me to get an Ultrasound so they could figure out what the spot was. The thought was that it was just a cyst. However, it could mean that the cancer had spread. I scheduled the Ultrasound and waited for the results. The results came in last week and they were inconclusive. That was very frustrating. The Ultrasound only showed what the Cat Scan showed, that there was a lesion on the liver, but not what that cyst/lesion was. So, the doctor scheduled a Cat Scan with Contrast which would show a definitive answer (hopefully). So, the days just continued with that thought in the back of my mind, wondering if the cancer spread. Did it get past those lymph nodes and spread to another area of my body. It was really impacting my way of thinking. I realize that, now. How I was thinking of the future and how I was making decisions. The waiting was really bothering me though I was trying to act like it wasn't. I had the CT with Contract 2 days ago (Thursday). They called me yesterday afternoon and told me that the spot on my liver was not cancer. What a relief. It was a Liver Hemangioma. They say that this is usually formed prior to birth. [[Liver hemangioma (he-man-jee-O-muh) is a noncancerous (benign) mass that occurs in the liver. A liver hemangioma is made up of a tangle of poorly formed blood vessels. Most cases of liver hemangioma are discovered during a test or procedure for some other condition. Most people who have a liver hemangioma never experience signs and symptoms and never need treatment.]]
So, things are back to good. I know I can beat this. Just 8 more radiation treatments.
Thanks to my wonderful husband yet again, who was so helpful in getting stuff scheduled timely and wanting to be with me at my appointments when I get all my news. Love him :-)

Radiation

Radiation has begun this week. So far not too bad. I know it will get harder as time goes. Today was day 3. They are radiating 4 different spots; around the lymph node area and the chest wall and from the back towards the lymph nodes they removed. I had my trial run about a week and a half ago. They marked me and took some scans so that they knew where to radiate. They gave me 7 little circle tattoos which are permanent. These help them know how to line me up each day and where to radiate. It's pretty interesting how they do it. Al came with me to the first appointment and the nurse explained all the marks and how they do things. Busy week with starting radiation and Katie in soccer camp and Jenny in a summer dance class for the week.
I've been staying busy too; between work and activities. Now that chemo is over, I'm getting my energy back some. I'm playing softball. I've been on my team since I was 16 and only missed the season I had Jenny. So, my team is kind enough to let me play. I wasn't sure how I would do and if I was strong enough. I've surprised myself. My batting has been pretty good (with the exception of the last game). I've only played the field a couple of times; I want to be an asset for my team, not a hindrance. So, I've been taking things slowly. My team is in first place with a 8-1 record. So, we are pretty proud of that!

Over

Well, chemo is over. I don't think my body could have handled anymore. I constantly feel like I've just been swiped by a mac-truck. My body should start feeling better as the days away from chemo continue.
I had my consultation with the radiation doctor. She says I will be on radiation for 5 weeks, with a possible 8 day boost after that. A couple of people from my support group are in radiation right now. They say the worse of radiation is the burning/blistering/peeling of the skin at the sight of the radiation. I will start that on July 13th. We are going to Port Austin the weekend before I start. I'm hoping to be feeling good by then and enjoy the weekend away with my family.
Life just continues on. Tomorrow will be the first Thursday in 3 months that I don't go for chemo. What a strange feeling. My nurses gave me a very nice "You Did It" card and I gave the nurse I had for 15 of the 16 rounds a little gift from me. She was fabulous; very caring and knowledgeable.
Yeah! No more chemo!

One More To Go

Well, I have one more chemo treatment to go.
It's been crazy-busy at our household since the last I wrote. We have been to Ohio for Katie's soccer tournament on Memorial weekend; we did Race for the Cure the next weekend (Katie and I in the picture above); we had dance recital for all 3 girls this last weekend; and this coming weekend Kate has 3v3 soccer tournament on Saturday.
Tomorrow, Thursday, is my last chemo treatment - Round 16. I can't believe it is here. I have felt so tired and exhausted these last couple weeks wondering how I was going to make it to the end. But now it is here. It's been an emotional week. We had Kindergarten graduation today for Jenny and 6th Grade graduation last night for Jessica. Lots of pride and happiness for them. Even for the dance recital this past weekend. The girls dance so beautifully. I have been filled with pride as they all have accomplished a lot this last month. Katie ran and was elected for Vice President of Student Council. Jessica received a lot of awards at her graduation, one of them being the President's Award which is given for a combination of grades and MEAP scores. Jessica was all A honor-roll throughout elementary (4th-6th).
Chemo has taken it's toll on me. My face and hands have received the worse of it. I've got blisters on my hands and feet and now in the last few weeks my face has had a rash and is red and swollen a little. My fingernails are so sensitive and bruised.
I hope tomorrow goes smoothly; right after chemo I have a consultation with the Radiation Oncologist to discuss my Radiation treatment. That will start a few weeks after chemo ends.
Two weeks ago I received info on the clinical trial that I am in for chemo. There were 3 Arms that I could have been placed in. The first received normal chemo drugs with no additional drug (placebo), the second received normal chemo drugs with an additional drug called Avastin, the third received normal chemo drugs with the additional drug Avastin and then a request to go another 10 rounds of chemo with the Avastin only. I fell into Arm 2, I received regular chemo drugs with the Avastin drug. I was very happy that I was able to get the extra drug. It gives me a chance to fight it just a little extra.
Cheers for tomorrow! Last round :-)

Round 11

Well, another successful round of chemo. I have 5 more rounds to go. Things are moving right along. I had a really bad sore throat last week and had to see the physician to make sure it wasn't anything serious. Thankfully it was nothing too important. They gave a special rinse for it. Went to the Dentist on Monday this week and she was able to smooth down the brackets that sit on the inside part of my mouth that have been tearing up my tongue. I also got some new bands that are now shifting things around a little more aggressively so my mouth is sore.

The teachers/staff at my daughters' school have been doing dinner for our family on Thursdays. It has been so nice and helpful. Al and I are gone all day at chemo and usually get home around 3 and I'm exhausted, so it's been great to have dinner not to think about. Everybody has been so fantastic at their school. We've had such a variety of foods and treats. Usually 2-3 people collaborate into such a variety of meals. Last night we enjoyed Mexican in honor of Cinco de Mayo. Each week it's something new and different and my family has enjoyed it each time.

They say it takes a village to raise a family and I agree. If we can just all be supportive to those we care about around us. My sister-in-law Linda has been keeping the post office busy. She sends me a card about once a week from Tennessee. Little inspirational cards that tell me to keep being positive, to stay strong and keep moving forward. It's all the little things. Just a cheerful hello when I see people and they ask me how I am doing and I understand that they are asking me an important question; not just the generic pleasantries.
Thanks again to all!

Another Round

Another round down. They are flying by. I can't quite keep up with the months. It seems like the weeks are going by so fast. I'm down to 7 more weeks of chemo.
As the weather gets nicer it gets a little harder. I can't wear the baggy shirts/sweatshirts that cover my surgery. My wig gets hot and it's harder to wear in the heat. Around the house, I usually wear a lite hat or a scarf or nothing. But, when I'm out I wear the wig and it just is so hot, and I haven't really experienced the hot heat. Just some little teasers of warm weather. I'm sure I will adjust.
We had another busy weekend between shopping, church, and soccer. And the girls just enjoying the weather (in-between the storms).
My sisters and I picked out a gravestone for my Mom and Step-Dad. It still seems so odd with both of them gone. My family is still missing Grandma and Grandpa.

4 Weeks

Well - it's been 4 weeks... just couldn't seem to work my thoughts into writing anything. Things have been busy. Up and down. Missing my Mom and step-Dad. Keeping busy with the girls. They, thankfully, go non-stop, so it's nice to be distracted.
I've started my new chemo drug. I've gone 4 rounds already. I am halfway through my treatments; 8 down - 8 to go. The Taxol seems to be going better then the first drug. It makes me more tired but less nauseous. My body is sore and I'm always tired. My hands are pretty sore. My fingers and fingertips have blistered from the new drug. My hands are very sensitive to the hot and cold; along with my mouth. My mouth has been sore, but not as bad as I've heard it can get. I was so nervous to start this drug. Can't remember if I mentioned that my Mom had a bad reaction to this drug Taxol. During her second treatment, she stopped breathing and was rushed to the emergency room from the Cancer center. Thankfully, I have not had any problems. My nurses have been great. I've had the same nurse for all 8 rounds so far. She is wonderful. She was my Mom's nurse for some of her treatments as well and knew her and my step-Dad and knows what I'm going through with their loss.
I've been to a support group for young women with breast cancer. It is called the Young Survivor Coalition (YSC) and meets where I have my chemo treatments, the Van Elslander Cancer Center. I've been to two meetings so far. It is good to meet other young women who have young families who have gone through or are going through the same/similar thing. Half of them are younger than me and the other older. It's amazing that some of these women have been diagnosed so young, early thirties. I joined them (YSC) this past Saturday at a seminar that focused on care and treatment for young women with breast cancer. It was very informative, but also very scary.
We had a good break from school. We were able to enjoy some time together and enjoy the weather. We went to the Zoo and to Greenfield Village. The girls are getting ready to go back to school tomorrow.

Chemo - Round 4

Well - Round 4 was a week ago. There was so much going on. My step-Dad had just passed and we were planning his funeral. Round 4 was not as bad as round 3; maybe because I didn't have the cold that knocked me out. Thursday night of chemo I was feeling really blah, but it got better each day. By this Tuesday, I was feeling better. I'm done with my first set of drugs [(Adriamycin /Cyclophosphamide /Avastin (Avastin is the clinical trial drug)]. I start my next round on Thursday, March 26th (unfortunately, that is Katie's 10th birthday). The next set of drugs will be Paclitaxel plus the Avastin. The regimen that I am following is: Adriamycin cyclophosphamide followed by Paclitaxel every two weeks with growth factor support (which is the shot that I get the day after chemo). The next 12 rounds will be weekly. My last scheduled chemo round will be the last day of school for the girls. I am so looking forward to that day.

My Step-Dad

It's so hard to understand how things are going right now. My Step-Father passed away Wednesday morning, March 11. This all seems so unbelievable. My Mom and him were married for almost 22 years and he's been Grandfather (Papa) to all of our children. He cared for my mother so well after her diagnosis. We have all been grieving her, and he seemed to be doing ok. Not great, but ok. He came to my daughters' Music concert 2 weeks ago, he was visiting my sister at bowling, my other sister's for dinner and going out with friends. He was at my house Tuesday dropping off pasta for the girls. We are told it was a heart-attack. He was found at his home. My sisters and I and our families are struggling with all of this. My Mom's birthday is today, she would have been 65.

So, many tears have been shed in my house over these last 4 months; as I was diagnosed, as my Mom got sicker, as my Mom passed, and now as my Step-Dad has passed. The support shown to us by everyone - by cards and kinds words, by visitations at the funeral home, by phone calls and messages. Thank you for that.

Chemo - Round 3

Round 3 - Round 3 was hard. It's amazing how quickly the drugs work to affect your system. There are so many side-effects and I didn't realize I would get so many of them. I'm on 3 different drugs and they all 3 have different side-effects. I was down for about 5 hours Thursday night (last Thursday, 2/26 ). I felt better on Friday, went for my white blood cell count booster shot. I got the shot in the belly again this week. It doesn't seem to hurt as much there. But, then I think I over did it that day. By early evening I was in bed for the rest of the night and in bed most of the day on Saturday. Sunday was church and then on the couch for the day. I stayed home from work on Monday. Really it was one of the first un-scheduled days off of work from not feeling well. I was back to work on Tuesday, but had a busy week with the girls. I felt much better by Wednesday. I have one more round of these 3 drugs. My next treatment is next week, 3/12. Then I have two weeks off and then I start my once a week treatment.

Back

I'm back. Just couldn't seem to post anything these last couple of weeks. I've been emotionally exhausted and physically exhausted, just feeling drained. My Mom's funeral took a lot out of me, out of us. My family is tired. It's been a struggle to continue with life as usual. I miss my Mom. I want to talk to her. I miss her voice, her smell. I miss talking to her at night.
My girls are adjusting. They miss her as well. We had a baptism this past Sunday. Al and I were asked to be Godparents of my cousin Petey's son, Skyler. We were very honored by the request. At the baptism, Jenny was asked about Guardian Angels and if she had one and she responded with yes, hers was her Grandma. That touched all of us.
During last week, my hair starting falling out. By Friday it was very patchy. My girls and Al went with me on Saturday to buzz my hair. I think it was good for them to see it; to understand that this is another step in the process of me getting better. It was strange at first - to have a bald head. I think I'm getting used to it. I may post of picture of it. Jenny seems to mind the most, she doesn't like me with the bald head.
So many thanks to everyone for the cards and support.

My Mom

My Mom -
My sisters and I were always so possessive of her. Even in conversations that we had with each other we referred to her as My Mom. Because she belonged to us. At least for a little while, God gave her to us. So that she could raise us into the unique individuals we are today.
My Mother passed away last night at St. John's hospital just after 10:00pm. My sister Kim was with her as she took her final breath. Kim called us just after and we met down at the hospital to say goodbye to her. A very emotional evening. I was grateful to have Al with me to comfort me and calm me as I cried. God took her home, home where she would no longer suffer the pain her body was enduring this last year. We will join here once again. We are so grateful to have had her for the 64 years here. She was the must caring person I have ever known.
God Bless

My Mom

It's so hard for me to know what more to write right now. It looks like my Mom will not make it out of the hospital this time. We are so hopeful that that statement is wrong, but it's realistic. We want her to wake up and yell at us for making such a fuss over her at the hospital or just tell us that she loves us one more time. My sisters and I and my step-Dad have been at the hospital with my Mom - with someone there around the clock. Since Saturday afternoon, she has been verbally non-responsive. She sleeps mostly, but at times she will wake up, but doesn't seem to focus on anyone or anything. Her brother was with her as well over the weekend, however, he was hospitalized today at a different hospital. We are all just having such a hard time with this.

I have an appointment with my Medical Oncologist tomorrow. A follow-up post and pre chemo appointment. I have treatment Thursday this week. It's so hard for me to concentrate on myself when all I can think about is my Mom. Thanks for the prayers.

Update

My Mom went back into the hospital again yesterday. I went this morning to sit with her and so that someone would be there when they brought breakfast. Unfortunately, she didn't eat much. She seems much worse this time. She had started radiation this past week, but it has not helped like it did last time. She's been in a lot of pain and has been having a really hard time this week. When she went to the doctor's yesterday, they decided to admit her again. They think she might have pneumonia.
I've been feeling better since last week's chemo. Besides being a little tired, there is no more feeling of nauseousness, which I'm grateful. Thanks again for all the well-wishes.

February

February - I can't believe we are in February already. It seems like it was just October. On Monday, I had gone to the doctor's for a shot of Neulasta. It's a shot that I will get after each chemo treatment. It helps boost my White Blood Count so that the count is high enough for the next round. The side affects from the shot are joint pain, body aches, and flu-like symptoms. I kinda had all those side affects on Monday. I had the chills most of the day. I'm feeling much better today.
My girls have been so wonderful. My older two made the All A honor roll. I am so proud of them. When I was in elementary school I struggled with my grades . But as I got older, I got better in school and graduated with honors both from high school and college. However, when I was their age I did struggle. To see them come home with such great report cards, makes me so proud of them. To know that all of these things going on in our home front right now, hasn't set them back academically, is amazing. I have the best 3 little daughters I could ask for.

Tired

The feeling of tiredness doesn't seem to fade. I seem to be constantly tired. I haven't gotten sick since Friday, but I feel nauseous during most of the day. It's a matter of constantly battling that sick feeling. I'm hoping the feeling will fade as the week goes.
My Mom started radiation today.
A special prayer to my friend Elise (who graciously hosted the 'Hat' Party for me) who lost her mother yesterday. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

Chemo - Round 1

Chemo - wow! The early part of the day went well. The chemo infusion was OK. No pain. Got home just before the girls got home from school, I felt OK, until about 4:00pm when I started feeling sick. I stayed in my room from 4:00 pm until about 12:30am. It took about 8 1/2 hours to feel better. I got sick about 4 times. But just felt lousy the whole time. They gave me enough anti-nauseous medicine. I took a pill before treatment, they gave me a shot during treatment and I had two different kinds of anti-nauseous medicine to take at home. But somehow, the sickness won through the meds.
I'm feeling much better today. I went this morning to the dentist; for new wires to tighten my braces. Just to add a little pain to the pain :-) . I'm feeling better. I took a nap this afternoon. And I've been just relaxing. Al's been great with the girls. He took them swimming for family swim through the school last night. They had such a good time swimming. My in-laws have been great with the girls too. My Mother-In-Law took the girls to the movie today.
My Mom was discharged yesterday. She was tattooed for more radiation and will start that soon.

Here We Go

Everything is in place for me to start chemo. They got the drug today. When they called and told me I got a odd feeling in my stomach. I am nervous for tomorrow. I wasn't really nervous for the surgeries, but maybe I've been waiting what seems too long for this that the anticipation has me anxious. My prayers are with me and I'm hoping for things to go smoothly, I have no idea what this will be like for me. But I will find out soon.
My Mom is still in the hospital. She will be released tomorrow. They hydrated her and gave her a blood transfusion. She's feeling a little better tonight.

The Waiting Game

So, Chemo this week will be Friday. They mixed the drug today, will ship tomorrow, be received on Thursday and administered to me on Friday. I feel so impatient. It's been hard waiting. I knew it would be 28 days from the last surgery, I just didn't realize how slow that time would go by - so slow.
I'm on my way to the hospital. My Mom was taken there a couple of hours ago. She's dehydrated and in a lot of pain. It's strange these days the conversations I have with my family. I talked to Kelly and the conversation was about her MRI results (which were good), my Chemo day, and my Mom's scan results and her going to the hospital. Such a strange time in our lives right now.

Party

I'm excited to write this post and thank a special group of friends that were at a party for me last night. My friend Elise was having a few of us from softball over for a party. Kind of a pre-chemo get together to see friends I haven't seen since I was diagnosed, specifically my softball team. So, I showed up there and was very surprised. Not only was my softball team there, but so was my bowling team, my old bowling team, and several friends from school. I was shocked. Elise sent out e-mails and asked others to forward on and tried to get as many friends there that they could on short notice. Both of my sisters were there. It was great. She called it a "Decorating Kristy's Head" party. Everyone brought a scarf or a hat in all different colors and styles for me to wear as chemo does it job. What a great gesture! I was so surprised when I came in. I came home with lots of no-hair options :-). I now have head-coverings for all occasions. I also came home with a chicken-casserole dinner for tonight from another friend. I'm humble by every one's support. I hope everyone can sense my thank yous are sincere and I appreciate everything. My girls thought it was the coolest party when I told them about it. And again, they understand that support comes all different ways.

Oh, and several people have mentioned that posting comments were hard to do, so I have tried to change the way one posts and the ease in doing it. Hopefully, it has gotten easier to do. So, if you have wanted to comment and tried before and it didn't work, please try again. Thanks, thoughts and prays to all. K.

Make that 7 days

Well as strange as this sounds, my chemotherapy is being held up by paperwork. They went back and forth about his 28 day rule to wait from major surgery to chemo. So, Friday is 28 days. The clinical trial people won't sign my paperwork until the 28 days is up. Then they will run me through the computer, place me in one of the clinical arms and then ship my drugs. So, as it stands, I won't be scheduled until next Wednesday. I'm frustrated, but ok with it.
I was pretty upset when they told me on Monday. I had just had my Mom's appointment and it was not good. She was nauseous during her appointment and just so weak. They are scheduling her for an MRI of the brain to make sure the cancer has not spread there. It's pretty hard watch her go through this.
We are praying for good news from that and maybe she can get past this bad part and recover a little from her current condition.

3 Days to Go

I have 3 days to go before my first chemo treatment. I'm anxious to start. To go through these next 5 months and then move on to radiation. I'm nervous to start. They say it is different for everyone. The unknown is the hardest. The surgeries all happened so quickly, I didn't have time to worry or wonder. The surgeries all went well. I'm hoping the chemo will go good as well.
Our 2nd opinion from Karmanos was a long day there. They scheduled me with the wrong doctor, then we waited to see the right doctor. She confirmed that the treatment plan with St. John's was the right course of action.
My Mom has an oncology appointment today. We will see what they recommend for her. She has been getting worse over the last couple of weeks. It breaks my heart to talk to her and hear how weak she is, and seeing her is also difficult, because she is so sick and weak and it hurts seeing her that way.

Going Well

Things are on schedule. I saw the Medical Oncologist yesterday and if all goes as planned I will start chemo next Thursday. I'm nervous. I know this will be hard. Harder than the surgeries. Mentally and physically hard on my mind and body. But I know this is a means to an end. I will get through it and come out winning this battle.
Being back to work is good. I'm glad to be thinking of something else.
I've recently spoke with several women who are going through or who have just finished their treatment for breast cancer and they are such an inspiration. So many strong women out there who have to deal with this difficult disease. I want to thank them for their words of encouragement and for being so strong and willing to share their insight. I also have a couple of friends who are struggling with sick parents as well. I have all of them in my prayers. All of us have something that we are dealing with, whether it is ourselves or a loved one. Many thoughts are with you during this time.

Long Week

Well, I went back to work this week. I went in for some hours on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Not long days but enough. It felt good to be back and out in the real world that didn't involve doctors, nurses, appointments, surgery, or tests. Everybody was great at work.
I'm looking forward to the weekend and catching up on some stuff here. I'm feeling up to doing stuff around the house.
Next week I have several appointments and I should find out my chemo schedule. I'm looking forward to starting on that phase of this. The sooner I start, the sooner I finish!
My sister Kelly got her results back and unfortunately the genetic testing came back positive for her. We are sad to hear this news. She has already scheduled appointments and will have some tests as she weighs her options. We will support her as she makes her decisions. So, please say an extra prayer for her as you read this.

Healing Again

Well - healing again. I had my medi-port put in yesterday. They put it in below my left shoulder above my chest. I haven't removed the bandage to see it. My neck is sore and I'm tired, but all and all I'm doing ok. This will be my last surgery for a while (I hope). I should start chemo by the end of the month. I have 4 doctor appointments next week. My abdomen is feeling much better from the last surgery. Girls are back to school and all of their activities so we'll be busy.

Surgery Tomorrow

Tomorrow will be my last surgery for a while (hopefully). I get the medi-port put in tomorrow AM. Surgery is at 7:30AM; I'm to arrive at 5:30AM (pretty early :-)).
I'm healing good now from the last surgery and I am not that sore anymore.
I had a Muga Scan Friday that checked my heart to make sure it is strong enough for chemo. That was not fun since, they had a hard time starting the I.V. (he decided to put it in my wrist which hurt and by the 4th injection, my wrist swelled up with fluid). So, he had injected the radio-isotope in and it didn't make it into my blood stream. So, another person, stuck me a couple more times and shot me with another radio-isotope injection so they could do the scan. They were able to do the scan after the second try. However, I was filled with twice the amount of stuff that would make the scans at the border or the airport go off. They actually give you a slip of paper to give to the border or the airport in case you need to cross or fly letting them know that you were injected with this which is why you are 'lighting up' their equipment. Pretty amazing stuff.
Things around the house are going well. The girls have been great with helping out and Al has been putting away Christmas decorations and cleaning up.

New Year's Day

New Year's Eve was nice. We had a great dinner together. My Mom was able to make it out so it made it extra nice. It was my Mom, Kelly, Kim and Me and our families. It was a great way to ring in the new year.
I kissed my husband at midnight, which made it 17 years in a row for that. It has been 19 years of New Year's Eves that we have celebrated together. We missed the one the year we got married, because he was activated for the Gulf War and left Dec. 22, 1990. That was the only year we missed together. We just celebrated our 18 year wedding anniversary in December. We have had many ups and downs just like most couples, but thankfully we have had many more ups and we have made it through the down times.
My New Year's resolution is to make sure I appreciate all that I have and realize how blessed I have been in my life. I have always lived life to the tune of live hard, love hard, play hard, and work hard. I will continue that mantra in 2009.
Oh, and we had good news this week to celebrate, my sister Kim's test came back negative for the genetic mutation that I have. Kelly's results are still a week or two away, since her test was delayed by paperwork.
Happy New Year to all!!!