Today, I thought I'd share the following email I just received from my mom:
Today is my last day of radiation! I told Mel if I knew how to dance I would be doing a happy dance today. Daddy, Mel, and Josh are taking me to Red Lobster tonight to celebrate. Wish y'all could be here.
It's been a day of little blessings. I won a Christmas drawing this morning, Cheryl Long brought a chocolate cake to school today. One of our lunch buddies made lunch for us today. All without knowing that I was celebrating today.
Have a great day - I am!!!!!!
Love you,
Mom
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
I'm very behind - but in a way, that's a good thing!
I'm very behind in updating this blog and hope to catch up soon! Maybe this little note will help me on my way to being caught.
Overall, it's a good thing that I am behind - Mom finished her chemo treatments a while ago! Yay! No more chemo! I think that was in September....
Now she's on to radiation in Midland. So far, she hasn't had any of the typical side effects from radiation. In speaking to my dad this evening, he mentioned that she's starting to feel tired - but having to drive into Midland from Greenwood 5 days a week to go to a doctor's office and then back home again would be exhausting for anyone!
And just a quick note of explanation: I say that it's good that I'm behind because this cancer has not made itself a big part of our life! It has not defined who my mom is, who we are as a family, etc....
The best way to explain it is this: The first weekend of November, Mom and Melanie hopped on a bus with several ladies from Greenwood Baptist for a fun trip to the Canton Trade Days. Along the way, they played "Get to Know You" games. During one game, Mom had to tell the group 10 things about herself.
Of the 10 things that she shared, having cancer was not one of them! The fact that she had had two lumpectomies, gone through several weeks of chemotherapy and was about to start radiation did not make its way into her description about herself in the least bit. And she didn't even realize it until afterwards!
To me - that is absolutely amazing. And something that's really hard to put into words. I'll have to work on that. For now, I'm just celebrating the freedom that my Mom feels in seeing that breast cancer has nothing to do with who she is.
Overall, it's a good thing that I am behind - Mom finished her chemo treatments a while ago! Yay! No more chemo! I think that was in September....
Now she's on to radiation in Midland. So far, she hasn't had any of the typical side effects from radiation. In speaking to my dad this evening, he mentioned that she's starting to feel tired - but having to drive into Midland from Greenwood 5 days a week to go to a doctor's office and then back home again would be exhausting for anyone!
And just a quick note of explanation: I say that it's good that I'm behind because this cancer has not made itself a big part of our life! It has not defined who my mom is, who we are as a family, etc....
The best way to explain it is this: The first weekend of November, Mom and Melanie hopped on a bus with several ladies from Greenwood Baptist for a fun trip to the Canton Trade Days. Along the way, they played "Get to Know You" games. During one game, Mom had to tell the group 10 things about herself.
Of the 10 things that she shared, having cancer was not one of them! The fact that she had had two lumpectomies, gone through several weeks of chemotherapy and was about to start radiation did not make its way into her description about herself in the least bit. And she didn't even realize it until afterwards!
To me - that is absolutely amazing. And something that's really hard to put into words. I'll have to work on that. For now, I'm just celebrating the freedom that my Mom feels in seeing that breast cancer has nothing to do with who she is.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
A Poem by a Dear Friend: Doris Kinney
MY CAR
My Car is Broken –
It Won’t Start Running.
Can I fix it? Yes, I can!
I can fix anything – I’m a Man!
I cannot fix it with a Sack,
But I can fix it with a Jack.
I cannot fix it with a Basket,
But I can fix it with a Gasket.
I cannot fix it with a Bench,
But I can fix it with a Wrench.
I cannot fix it with some Woo,
But I can fix it with a Screw.
I cannot fix it with my Ear,
But I can fix it with my Gear.
I cannot fix it with a Rose,
But I can fix it with a Hose.
I cannot fix it with a Heart,
But I can fix it with my Tool Cart.
I cannot fix it with a Hug,
But I can fix it with a Lug.
Can I fix it? Yes, I can!
I can fix anything – I’m a Man!
I cannot fix it with a Sack,
But I can fix it with a Jack.
I cannot fix it with a Basket,
But I can fix it with a Gasket.
I cannot fix it with a Bench,
But I can fix it with a Wrench.
I cannot fix it with some Woo,
But I can fix it with a Screw.
I cannot fix it with my Ear,
But I can fix it with my Gear.
I cannot fix it with a Rose,
But I can fix it with a Hose.
I cannot fix it with a Heart,
But I can fix it with my Tool Cart.
I cannot fix it with a Hug,
But I can fix it with a Lug.
By Doris J. Kinney
March 24, 2008
Inspired by my Breast Cancer Treatment in 2001, my husband Rich, and God
MY WIFE
My Wife is Broken –
She Won’t Stop Crying!
Can I fix her? I hope I can.
I’ll try to fix her – I’m her Man!
I cannot fix her with a Jack,
But I can fix her with a Gift Sack.
I cannot fix her with a Gasket,
But I can fix her with a Flower Basket.
I cannot fix her with a Wrench,
But I can fix her on a Bench.
I cannot fix her with a Screw,
But I can fix her with some Woo.
I cannot fix her with my Gear,
But I can fix her with my Ear.
I cannot fix her with a Hose,
But I can fix her with a Rose.
I cannot fix her with my Tool Cart,
But I can fix her with My Heart.
I cannot fix her with a Lug,
But I can fix her with a HUG!
Dedicated to
Sherrie & David Harrell,
Sherrie & David Harrell,
our best friends, and are currently going through
Breast Cancer Treatment at
MD Anderson, Houston, Texas
Breast Cancer Treatment at
MD Anderson, Houston, Texas
The Perfect Theme Song
This is a bit of a random post, but something I wanted to share.
Several Sundays ago at Gateway Church, we sang a song that I hadn't heard before. It was an amazing song that spoke to the deepest part of my heart and it caught me off guard to an extent that I'm not sure I can explain. (i.e. That means it made me cry.)
So I'm making you listen to it. :) (The song starts automatically, but check out the music player at the bottom of the blog, if your volume is on mute.)
It speaks perfectly to the experience of Mom's diagnosis and treatment and really, to life for all of us.
The first time I heard this song at church, I got a little choked up as I do with any really great worship song. This past Sunday as we sang it again, I just flat out wept; sobbed even.
Throughout this process of Mom's treatments - I, for one, have been putting on a brave face. We've been blessed by her body's response to the treatments, so its been relatively "easy" to wear a brave face, especially when I look around and see the extent of the pain that other women face as they fight cancer. I guess it's also easier to be brave when you have one tough mama!
I've listened to this song over and over again - and I don't think I've gotten through it once without crying. When I hear it, it removes the brave face that I've been wearing and blatantly reminds and assures me that God is completely in control and He's taking care of us. All we have to do is allow our hearts to hold on.
I hope you'll take a minute to listen to it and I hope that the song will stir your soul just a little...
Here's the lyrics if you'd like to read them:
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You
Several Sundays ago at Gateway Church, we sang a song that I hadn't heard before. It was an amazing song that spoke to the deepest part of my heart and it caught me off guard to an extent that I'm not sure I can explain. (i.e. That means it made me cry.)
So I'm making you listen to it. :) (The song starts automatically, but check out the music player at the bottom of the blog, if your volume is on mute.)
It speaks perfectly to the experience of Mom's diagnosis and treatment and really, to life for all of us.
The first time I heard this song at church, I got a little choked up as I do with any really great worship song. This past Sunday as we sang it again, I just flat out wept; sobbed even.
Throughout this process of Mom's treatments - I, for one, have been putting on a brave face. We've been blessed by her body's response to the treatments, so its been relatively "easy" to wear a brave face, especially when I look around and see the extent of the pain that other women face as they fight cancer. I guess it's also easier to be brave when you have one tough mama!
I've listened to this song over and over again - and I don't think I've gotten through it once without crying. When I hear it, it removes the brave face that I've been wearing and blatantly reminds and assures me that God is completely in control and He's taking care of us. All we have to do is allow our hearts to hold on.
I hope you'll take a minute to listen to it and I hope that the song will stir your soul just a little...
Here's the lyrics if you'd like to read them:
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Six Down - Two to Go!
Yesterday started out really nice! Usually Mom has to be at MD Anderson around 7:45 a.m. to get her day of doctor visits and chemo started, but we didn't have to be there until 10:30 a.m.!
After enjoying dinner with the newlyweds, Crystal and Lee Fiochhi, on Monday night, Mom and I spent our evening enjoying the pool at our hotel. The weather was especially nice; and surprising for Houston!
Once we arrived at MD Anderson on Tuesday morning, our day went pretty quickly. Her first appointment (as always) was to have blood work done. We arrived around 10 a.m. and she was done there shortly before 11 a.m.
After blood work, there was a consultation with the doctor, followed by a visit with the nutrionist, then a meeting with a Genetic Counselor.
The counselor looked at extensive history of our family and determined that in our case, cancer is not hereditary. We have had a few instances of different cancers (i.e., breast cancer, lung cancer, etc.) but there is no evidence to link them to one another.
Simply because Mom has cancer, my sister and I have a slightly increased risk of having breast cancer ourselves. According to the counselor, the average woman has a 12% chance of having breast cancer. Melanie and I will have a 12-20% chance.
Apparently, there were some issues getting the orders for her chemo. When they got the results from her blood work, it was determined that her white blood count was a little low. I think normal is 1.7 and she was 1.4. We weren't even sure if they would administer chemo today or not. When white blood counts are too low, they sometimes give a shot of something to boost white blood cells and have the patient come back the next day or they may just decrease the amount of chemo given.
As always, the doctor has to sign off on chemo orders before it can be given. Today, the doctor was in a meeting, so we had to wait for that meeting to be over before her orders were signed.
After enjoying dinner with the newlyweds, Crystal and Lee Fiochhi, on Monday night, Mom and I spent our evening enjoying the pool at our hotel. The weather was especially nice; and surprising for Houston!
Once we arrived at MD Anderson on Tuesday morning, our day went pretty quickly. Her first appointment (as always) was to have blood work done. We arrived around 10 a.m. and she was done there shortly before 11 a.m.
After blood work, there was a consultation with the doctor, followed by a visit with the nutrionist, then a meeting with a Genetic Counselor.
The counselor looked at extensive history of our family and determined that in our case, cancer is not hereditary. We have had a few instances of different cancers (i.e., breast cancer, lung cancer, etc.) but there is no evidence to link them to one another.
Simply because Mom has cancer, my sister and I have a slightly increased risk of having breast cancer ourselves. According to the counselor, the average woman has a 12% chance of having breast cancer. Melanie and I will have a 12-20% chance.
The Counselor told Mom to tell my sister and I to "eat right & exercise."
We do believe that the environment has played a big part in some of our family members developing cancer. The majority of family that had cancer were on my grandfather's side of the family, which had a lot of smokers. (In the 1930s, my grandfather's doctor told him that he should smoke in order to calm his nerves!) Additionally, my Mom grew up in a house that had farms/pastures on three sides of the property. When the city would spray DDT on the fields, my mom and her siblings would simply hold their breath as it passed!
Apparently, there were some issues getting the orders for her chemo. When they got the results from her blood work, it was determined that her white blood count was a little low. I think normal is 1.7 and she was 1.4. We weren't even sure if they would administer chemo today or not. When white blood counts are too low, they sometimes give a shot of something to boost white blood cells and have the patient come back the next day or they may just decrease the amount of chemo given.
As always, the doctor has to sign off on chemo orders before it can be given. Today, the doctor was in a meeting, so we had to wait for that meeting to be over before her orders were signed.
By the time we got started at 5, we were ready to be on the road back to Austin! The treatment took about 3 1/2 hours.
We hit the road shortly before 9 p.m. and were home a little before midnight. What a day! Next time we may consider driving to Houston the day of the appointment and staying the night instead...
Only two more treatments to go!
Side Note: It amazes me now, when we all know how harmful smoking is, that young people continue to pick up the awful habit. We stopped at Starbucks in Brenham around 10 p.m. last night for a little caffiene fortification. Outside was a group of teenagers sitting around smoking. If only I was a little more outspoken! I would have given them a lecture and (facetiously) offered them the chance to try on Mom's wig so they'd know the future of chemo that they have to look forward to!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Wow - I'm behind!
Well, now that two months have passed since I last posted...I'm attempting to get back on the blog bandwagon!! My, how time flies!
This morning, I picked up my Mom from the Austin airport. We are headed to Houston this evening. She'll have a day full of appointments and treatment tomorrow.
The last three chemo treatments went well. Dad and Taylor joined Mom on one trip, then Melanie, then Mom and Dad went again. This last time, Mom started her new regimen which only includes chemo by IV, not in pill-form (the chemo pill was the Xeloda, which was some heavy hitting stuff). It's been a relief for her not to have to take the pills anymore.
However, the chemo by IV has more potential for making Mom sick in the first 24 hours after the treatment. So, we'll come back to Austin tomorrow evening and she'll stay with us until Thursday morning to make sure she isn't miserable on the flight home.
After this trip, Mom only has two more chemo infusions to go! And she'll probably never want to go back to Houston again!
Once the chemo treatments are done, she'll finish up with six weeks of radiation in Midland. The doctor said they usually wait a few weeks between the last chemo treatment and starting radiation, but since Mom is doing so well, she may be able to go straight into it.
We're thinking she'll be done by Thanksgiving!
I'll post some more tomorrow, once we are in the middle of things.
As always, we covet your prayers for safe travel and a painless/side effect-less day at MD Anderson.
This morning, I picked up my Mom from the Austin airport. We are headed to Houston this evening. She'll have a day full of appointments and treatment tomorrow.
The last three chemo treatments went well. Dad and Taylor joined Mom on one trip, then Melanie, then Mom and Dad went again. This last time, Mom started her new regimen which only includes chemo by IV, not in pill-form (the chemo pill was the Xeloda, which was some heavy hitting stuff). It's been a relief for her not to have to take the pills anymore.
However, the chemo by IV has more potential for making Mom sick in the first 24 hours after the treatment. So, we'll come back to Austin tomorrow evening and she'll stay with us until Thursday morning to make sure she isn't miserable on the flight home.
After this trip, Mom only has two more chemo infusions to go! And she'll probably never want to go back to Houston again!
Once the chemo treatments are done, she'll finish up with six weeks of radiation in Midland. The doctor said they usually wait a few weeks between the last chemo treatment and starting radiation, but since Mom is doing so well, she may be able to go straight into it.
We're thinking she'll be done by Thanksgiving!
I'll post some more tomorrow, once we are in the middle of things.
As always, we covet your prayers for safe travel and a painless/side effect-less day at MD Anderson.
Monday, May 19, 2008
News Flash: Xeloda Escapes Capillaries
Here's a small update with much more to come over the holiday weekend!
After her 2nd chemo infusion, Mom had a physically painful reaction to the chemo pill (Xeloda is what it's called). Her hands and feet became really tender and inflamed. She discovered that this reaction was due to the Xeloda overloading her body and actually leaking out of her capillaries and into her system.
I think she described the feeling to be something like the feeling you have when you get a blister from touching something extremely hot - only all over her palms, fingers, and soles of her feet.
Thankfully, the research nurse had said to stop the medication should something like that happen and give them a call. Mom had the reaction over Mother's Day weekend, so she stopped the meds that Saturday and called MD Anderson on Monday. They told her to continue to not take the Xeloda and call them once the inflammation had subsided.
She called them again after it had mostly gone away and they told her to remain off the Xeloda until they speak with her at her next appointment. That's a very nice blessing since that's what causes the side effects!!
We are very thankful that the doctor and nurse are so keen on keeping side effects like this to a very acute minimum. We expect them to lower the Xeloda dosage on this next trip in an effort to prevent the hand and foot pain from happening again.
And that brings us up to the next trip which is this week!! It will be a little different this time.
Dad, Mom, and Taylor are all driving to Austin this Thursday, the 22nd. They'll stay the night at our house and head to Houston early Friday morning. Friday's appointment is an assessment for Mom to have a port "installed." <~~That's my Realtor term....
But Friday is only an assessment and nothing more. Due to the holiday weekend, Mom will not have the port actually "installed" until the following Tuesday. So, after the assessment appointment on Friday they'll drive *back* to Austin and hang out with us for the weekend.
Then, on Monday (or early Tuesday), they'll drive back to Houston *again* to have the port installed, receive a 3rd infusion of chemo (wow - three already!?), and then head back home again (possibly with another night with us in Austin).
In the beginning of this whole process, when Mom was diagnosed...it seemed like everything moved so slowly. Now, that we are in the chemo treatment time, it seems to fly by. But, I guess time can't really stand still when you travel 1000 miles in 3 days once every 3 weeks!
(Midland to Houston via Austin one way = 503.54 miles)
After her 2nd chemo infusion, Mom had a physically painful reaction to the chemo pill (Xeloda is what it's called). Her hands and feet became really tender and inflamed. She discovered that this reaction was due to the Xeloda overloading her body and actually leaking out of her capillaries and into her system.
I think she described the feeling to be something like the feeling you have when you get a blister from touching something extremely hot - only all over her palms, fingers, and soles of her feet.
Thankfully, the research nurse had said to stop the medication should something like that happen and give them a call. Mom had the reaction over Mother's Day weekend, so she stopped the meds that Saturday and called MD Anderson on Monday. They told her to continue to not take the Xeloda and call them once the inflammation had subsided.
She called them again after it had mostly gone away and they told her to remain off the Xeloda until they speak with her at her next appointment. That's a very nice blessing since that's what causes the side effects!!
We are very thankful that the doctor and nurse are so keen on keeping side effects like this to a very acute minimum. We expect them to lower the Xeloda dosage on this next trip in an effort to prevent the hand and foot pain from happening again.
And that brings us up to the next trip which is this week!! It will be a little different this time.
Dad, Mom, and Taylor are all driving to Austin this Thursday, the 22nd. They'll stay the night at our house and head to Houston early Friday morning. Friday's appointment is an assessment for Mom to have a port "installed." <~~That's my Realtor term....
But Friday is only an assessment and nothing more. Due to the holiday weekend, Mom will not have the port actually "installed" until the following Tuesday. So, after the assessment appointment on Friday they'll drive *back* to Austin and hang out with us for the weekend.
Then, on Monday (or early Tuesday), they'll drive back to Houston *again* to have the port installed, receive a 3rd infusion of chemo (wow - three already!?), and then head back home again (possibly with another night with us in Austin).
In the beginning of this whole process, when Mom was diagnosed...it seemed like everything moved so slowly. Now, that we are in the chemo treatment time, it seems to fly by. But, I guess time can't really stand still when you travel 1000 miles in 3 days once every 3 weeks!
(Midland to Houston via Austin one way = 503.54 miles)
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Ding! Ding! ...Round 2!
Today, Sherrie starts Round 2 of her chemotherapy treatment. It's about 5:00 p.m. and we are in the Ambulatory Treatment Center, getting hooked up to the IV.
We drove into Houston around 1 p.m. and met with the nutritionist, the research nurse, and the doctor; then blood was drawn, prescriptions were dropped off, and forms picked up.
So far, she has been doing great. She needs one of those silk boxer robes that says "Champ" on the back. The main side effect she's had has resulted in a short 'do with rockin' highlights! The other side effect has been a little trouble on the digestive side of things - but other than that, there's been almost no nausea, pain, or anything else!
She'll fly back home tomorrow evening, and continue her regimen of poppin' pills.
Please continue to keep her in your prayers. The research nurse did say that the side effects are "cumulative" so they may get worse as the treatment progresses. Hopefully, they'll continue to stay at a minimum!
Also, say a quick prayer for my grandmother, Memaw. She was hospitalized late last week for an irregular heartbeat. Right now, as we are sitting in Houston, she's in Abilene having a pacemaker "installed" to help mitigate that and keep her going like she always goes.
We drove into Houston around 1 p.m. and met with the nutritionist, the research nurse, and the doctor; then blood was drawn, prescriptions were dropped off, and forms picked up.
So far, she has been doing great. She needs one of those silk boxer robes that says "Champ" on the back. The main side effect she's had has resulted in a short 'do with rockin' highlights! The other side effect has been a little trouble on the digestive side of things - but other than that, there's been almost no nausea, pain, or anything else!
She'll fly back home tomorrow evening, and continue her regimen of poppin' pills.
Please continue to keep her in your prayers. The research nurse did say that the side effects are "cumulative" so they may get worse as the treatment progresses. Hopefully, they'll continue to stay at a minimum!
Also, say a quick prayer for my grandmother, Memaw. She was hospitalized late last week for an irregular heartbeat. Right now, as we are sitting in Houston, she's in Abilene having a pacemaker "installed" to help mitigate that and keep her going like she always goes.
Monday, April 28, 2008
So far, so good!
I think it's been past time to update!
Mom has been doing great! I'm hoping to get her to write up her own update for me to post, but this is my version. :)
So far, Mom has had one infusion of chemo via IV, and has been on 12 days (of 14) of the chemo pill. After the two weeks of pills are up, she'll have a week of nothing! Then, back to MD Anderson for Round 2, which is the same thing all over again: a few hours of a chemo IV, then 14 days of pills.
So far, there have been almost NO SIDE EFFECTS!! Hallelujah. Every once in a while she'll feel a little queasy (who wouldn't?). The way she describes it best is that she just doesn't feel "quite right".
Her next appointment will be May 6th. Please say special prayers for her that day.
The nurse said that some people may not experience any major side effects until after the 2nd treatment. I'm hoping Mom will experience none at all!!
Mom has been doing great! I'm hoping to get her to write up her own update for me to post, but this is my version. :)
So far, Mom has had one infusion of chemo via IV, and has been on 12 days (of 14) of the chemo pill. After the two weeks of pills are up, she'll have a week of nothing! Then, back to MD Anderson for Round 2, which is the same thing all over again: a few hours of a chemo IV, then 14 days of pills.
So far, there have been almost NO SIDE EFFECTS!! Hallelujah. Every once in a while she'll feel a little queasy (who wouldn't?). The way she describes it best is that she just doesn't feel "quite right".
Her next appointment will be May 6th. Please say special prayers for her that day.
The nurse said that some people may not experience any major side effects until after the 2nd treatment. I'm hoping Mom will experience none at all!!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
What a day, what a day...
It's almost 11 p.m. and we are getting ready to crawl into bed at my house in Austin.
Mom's chemo went really well today - we don't think she's really experienced any side effects yet. She did have a little bit of nausea, but it's more likely that it was from the whole emotional ride the last 30 hours have been.
Mom should have flown out of Austin today at 5:30, but we weren't quite sure we could make it to the airport on time (if we did, it would have been WITHOUT her luggage) so we booked her on a 7 a.m. flight tomorrow morning.
Mom spent the evening with me planting my flower bed! (Pictures to follow). I thought that was a great way end the first day of a chemo infusion and kick some cancer butt!
Thank you all for your love and prayers - we needed it so much today. Whenever I received a comment on the blog or an email, I had to hand the computer over to Mom to read it because I couldn't read it out loud without bursting into tears, nor could Mom. We love you all!
And, more than anything, praises to God for a smooth first day of chemo. The side effects on the labels are miles long - but God, and only God, can hold 'em all back.
Mom's chemo went really well today - we don't think she's really experienced any side effects yet. She did have a little bit of nausea, but it's more likely that it was from the whole emotional ride the last 30 hours have been.
Mom should have flown out of Austin today at 5:30, but we weren't quite sure we could make it to the airport on time (if we did, it would have been WITHOUT her luggage) so we booked her on a 7 a.m. flight tomorrow morning.
Mom spent the evening with me planting my flower bed! (Pictures to follow). I thought that was a great way end the first day of a chemo infusion and kick some cancer butt!
Thank you all for your love and prayers - we needed it so much today. Whenever I received a comment on the blog or an email, I had to hand the computer over to Mom to read it because I couldn't read it out loud without bursting into tears, nor could Mom. We love you all!
And, more than anything, praises to God for a smooth first day of chemo. The side effects on the labels are miles long - but God, and only God, can hold 'em all back.
Getting hooked up...
Mom is getting hooked up to saline solution, via I.V., right now. They run it through her body, followed by a antihistamine to prevent any side affects, then the chemo...
The process will take about two hours....
The process will take about two hours....
We thought it was just a check-up!
Mom starts chemo today. What?! Yes! Today.
She flew into Austin on Monday evening and we drove to Houston on Tuesday morning. We were expecting just a quick check up, a discussion on what her treatment options were, and a drive back to Austin.
Right now, I'm sitting in the diagnostic clinic while Mom has blood drawn, prior to her first chemo treatment.
Please say a prayer for her - she's definitely nervous. This has started much faster than we ever expected.
She flew into Austin on Monday evening and we drove to Houston on Tuesday morning. We were expecting just a quick check up, a discussion on what her treatment options were, and a drive back to Austin.
Right now, I'm sitting in the diagnostic clinic while Mom has blood drawn, prior to her first chemo treatment.
Please say a prayer for her - she's definitely nervous. This has started much faster than we ever expected.
****
Well, I WAS sitting in the Diagnostic Center. Now we are in the Ambulatory Treatment Center waiting to be called back. Mom has a bright orange bracelet on showing her name, and a few codes (to make sure they have her connected to the right file, right treatment, etc).
Here's what happened yesterday:
We met with the doctor to learn what treatment options were. Apparently, there aren't a lot of options because one option is the best and he said anything less, is just that: less. So, Option 1 is a Standard Treatment Plan which would include a 12 week cycle of chemo infusion via I.V., followed by 12 week cycle of "FEC", also by I.V., followed by 6 weeks of radiation, followed by five years of an anti-estrogen medication (pill).
The doctor also said Mom was a great candidate for a research study that they have been conducting over the last 2 years. As of yesterday, there are 587 patients in this study. They hope to enroll over 900. The research study is randomly divided into two groups of patients. Group One is given the Standard Treatment Plan. Group Two has a slightly different treatment plan.
Mom and I made up our own medical names for the plans: "Basic Care" (for Group One) and "Basic Care Plus" (for Group Two). Group Two will be given a 12 week cycle of chemo infusions AND a pill. Then, the rest of the cycles are the same as Group One.
Mom is now patient number 588 of the research group AND is in Group Two!
More details from the doctor include:
1. If Mom were to pursue no other treatment after her lumpectomies, she would have a 40% chance of the cancer recurring.
2. If she were to have only radiation and anti-estrogen medication, her chances of recurrence drop to 28%.
3. If she were to go through the "Basic Care" treatment plan, her chances of recurrence are 20%.
4. If she were to be part of the research study, be selected for Group Two (Basic Care Plus) her chances of recurrence are 20% or less. The purpose of the research study is to see if the additional medication during the first 12 week cycle of chemo decreases the chances of the cancer returning to the body.
So, as Mom goes through "Basic Care Plus" her chances of never having breast cancer are 80% or better.
************************
We were presented with the decision of joining the research study yesterday, and were given some time to think about it. We made the decision pretty fast. In my mind I thought, "If Mom signs up for the research study, God will place her in the treatment plan that he has planned for her." When I told Mom that was what I was thinking, I didn't even finish my sentence before she said, "That's what I was thinking!" So, God has placed Mom in the "Basic Care Plus." And that's where we are starting today.
This is turning into a really long post, so I'm going to end it and start a new one with what the "Basic Care Plus" Adventure will entail!
We are still sitting in the waiting room of the Ambulatory Treatment Center, so please pray for us as we wait to be called and for Mom to receive a first round of chemo.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Post-Lumpectomy #2 News
I need to update!
So, Mom's 2nd lumpectomy went well. The procedure was pretty easy, as was the first one. Mom recovered quickly and went back home and back to work.
So far, all I know at this point is that she has her follow-up appointment at MD Anderson on April 15th. At that appointment, she'll meet with the oncologist to discuss her radiation and chemo treatment.
One small praise about all of this is timing. Provided that everything goes smoothly, she can probably have all the radiation and chemo done during the summer (while she's on summer break from teaching) and have it over with.
So, Mom's 2nd lumpectomy went well. The procedure was pretty easy, as was the first one. Mom recovered quickly and went back home and back to work.
So far, all I know at this point is that she has her follow-up appointment at MD Anderson on April 15th. At that appointment, she'll meet with the oncologist to discuss her radiation and chemo treatment.
One small praise about all of this is timing. Provided that everything goes smoothly, she can probably have all the radiation and chemo done during the summer (while she's on summer break from teaching) and have it over with.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Feeling frustrated...
In a few short hours, my Mom will be back in surgery for the 2nd lumpectomy. The tumor was a little bit larger than was originally thought. It's still small, but just big enough to really change what will happen in the next few weeks and months.
She has to be at MD Anderson at 6:30 a.m. and her surgery is scheduled for 8:30 a.m.
Because of the size of the tumor, her cancer is "technically" Stage 2, instead of Stage 1. The major meaning behind this is that she will have to undergo chemo in addition to radiation. We originally thought she was only going to have to undergo a few weeks of radiation.
As usual, we won't know much for a little while longer, but those are the basic details for now. She still has to figure out whether she'll do the chemo and radiation in Houston or in Midland... a very big decision.
Please continue to pray for her. I know I'm frustrated with the news and I could hear a little frustration in her voice over the phone this evening too.
She has to be at MD Anderson at 6:30 a.m. and her surgery is scheduled for 8:30 a.m.
Because of the size of the tumor, her cancer is "technically" Stage 2, instead of Stage 1. The major meaning behind this is that she will have to undergo chemo in addition to radiation. We originally thought she was only going to have to undergo a few weeks of radiation.
As usual, we won't know much for a little while longer, but those are the basic details for now. She still has to figure out whether she'll do the chemo and radiation in Houston or in Midland... a very big decision.
Please continue to pray for her. I know I'm frustrated with the news and I could hear a little frustration in her voice over the phone this evening too.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Not so clear after all...
I'm just diving right into this update:
While the doctors at MD Anderson thought they had a "clear margin" on the tumor they removed from Mom, they were incorrect. Mom received her check-up call which included the news that they did not get all the cancer out. So, here comes a 2nd lumpectomy.
Mom's next appointment in Houston will be the Tuesday after Easter. She and Dad will drive to Austin on Easter Sunday, after we spend it in Abilene with the family. They'll head to Houston on Monday. Her 2nd lumpectomy will be that week (I can't remember if its that Wednesday or Friday...).
They did say that the lymph node they removed was clear, which was and still is wonderful news. Hopefully this first lumpectomy will go as painlessly as the last one - and be 100% successful!!
In other news, my Aunt Veta's funeral was on Saturday afternoon. It was a beautiful service. I had always been so "self-centered" when I thought about her and how she touched MY life. It was amazing to see how she touched so many others...
While the doctors at MD Anderson thought they had a "clear margin" on the tumor they removed from Mom, they were incorrect. Mom received her check-up call which included the news that they did not get all the cancer out. So, here comes a 2nd lumpectomy.
Mom's next appointment in Houston will be the Tuesday after Easter. She and Dad will drive to Austin on Easter Sunday, after we spend it in Abilene with the family. They'll head to Houston on Monday. Her 2nd lumpectomy will be that week (I can't remember if its that Wednesday or Friday...).
They did say that the lymph node they removed was clear, which was and still is wonderful news. Hopefully this first lumpectomy will go as painlessly as the last one - and be 100% successful!!
In other news, my Aunt Veta's funeral was on Saturday afternoon. It was a beautiful service. I had always been so "self-centered" when I thought about her and how she touched MY life. It was amazing to see how she touched so many others...
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
I love you....and eat your vegetables!
I have some very sad news to share.
My Aunt Veta passed away this afternoon. While my heart is saddened that's she's gone, I also feel calm about it. I'm glad that she doesn't have to fight anymore. She's been sick and in pain for so long... but now she's in Heaven with God and Jesus, and getting to see her daughter Carla, as well as her dad (my grandfather, who passed away when I was in the 5th grade). It's a nice image to picture in my head!
I'll certainly miss her though. She always called me her "Monday Baby," even as I grew up to be old enough to have kids of my own. When I was a baby and my family lived in Abilene, Aunt Veta would take care of me on Mondays, thus I was her Monday Baby.
I have a lot of fun memories of being at her house as a kid: playing in a big pile of soft sand at the end of the driveway, easter egg hunts (it was at her house the year my basket got so full and heavy that it broke!), being around the horses, and eating Honey Smacks cereal!
Then there was the time she picked me up from our house in Greenwood with my grandmother Memaw, to go stay with her for a week or so. I got in the car, but my luggage stayed in the driveway! Of course, we didn't realize it until we were already in Anson. I had absolutely no clothes - but I remember the trip to the local, tiny department store in Anson (Heidenhamer's? or something like that) for some "essentials" and PJs! I also ended up with some of my cousin Melissa's clothes (including a black bathing suit with rainbow stripes and polka dots on the ruffle!).
I'm very happy that I do have a good recent memory of her as well. When she first went into the hospital, Rick and I drove to Abilene for the night, so we could see her. That evening, she was pretty much out of it due to the pain medications, but the next morning when we saw her, she was very happy to see us, and we talked a bit. She knew exactly who we were then (but didn't remember us being there the night before). She hadn't been eating much so...
...As we said goodbye, my last words to her went something like this, "I love you, take care, and eat your vegetables!"
My Aunt Veta passed away this afternoon. While my heart is saddened that's she's gone, I also feel calm about it. I'm glad that she doesn't have to fight anymore. She's been sick and in pain for so long... but now she's in Heaven with God and Jesus, and getting to see her daughter Carla, as well as her dad (my grandfather, who passed away when I was in the 5th grade). It's a nice image to picture in my head!
I'll certainly miss her though. She always called me her "Monday Baby," even as I grew up to be old enough to have kids of my own. When I was a baby and my family lived in Abilene, Aunt Veta would take care of me on Mondays, thus I was her Monday Baby.
I have a lot of fun memories of being at her house as a kid: playing in a big pile of soft sand at the end of the driveway, easter egg hunts (it was at her house the year my basket got so full and heavy that it broke!), being around the horses, and eating Honey Smacks cereal!
Then there was the time she picked me up from our house in Greenwood with my grandmother Memaw, to go stay with her for a week or so. I got in the car, but my luggage stayed in the driveway! Of course, we didn't realize it until we were already in Anson. I had absolutely no clothes - but I remember the trip to the local, tiny department store in Anson (Heidenhamer's? or something like that) for some "essentials" and PJs! I also ended up with some of my cousin Melissa's clothes (including a black bathing suit with rainbow stripes and polka dots on the ruffle!).
I'm very happy that I do have a good recent memory of her as well. When she first went into the hospital, Rick and I drove to Abilene for the night, so we could see her. That evening, she was pretty much out of it due to the pain medications, but the next morning when we saw her, she was very happy to see us, and we talked a bit. She knew exactly who we were then (but didn't remember us being there the night before). She hadn't been eating much so...
...As we said goodbye, my last words to her went something like this, "I love you, take care, and eat your vegetables!"
Friday, March 7, 2008
Lumpectomy: Check!
The doctor just came and spoke with Dad (while I was away getting a hamburger for Dad!), so I missed it. But the basics are: the surgery is complete and was a success! They removed the tumor, and checked the surrounding area. It was all clear! Praise God!
They also removed a lymph node for testing (I think they only removed one...but again, Dad's hamburger.) but we won't know those test results for a few days.
Mom is wide awake and eating right now. She feels fine for the moment, but they are prescribing some pain medication. Once the nurse is ready, she'll be moved to another area until the anesthesiologist says she's good to leave the hospital.
We'll chill out at Crystal's place for the afternoon/evening and head back to Austin on Saturday. My parents will stay with me at my house tomorrow night, and then they plan to go back to Midland on Sunday.
It's amazing what medicine and techology are capable of accomplishing - all because God gave man the ability to gain the knowledge and figure it all out!
They also removed a lymph node for testing (I think they only removed one...but again, Dad's hamburger.) but we won't know those test results for a few days.
Mom is wide awake and eating right now. She feels fine for the moment, but they are prescribing some pain medication. Once the nurse is ready, she'll be moved to another area until the anesthesiologist says she's good to leave the hospital.
We'll chill out at Crystal's place for the afternoon/evening and head back to Austin on Saturday. My parents will stay with me at my house tomorrow night, and then they plan to go back to Midland on Sunday.
It's amazing what medicine and techology are capable of accomplishing - all because God gave man the ability to gain the knowledge and figure it all out!
Fast Forward...To Now!
Today's Agenda: Mom's Lumpectomy!!
I'm sitting in the waiting room at the MD Anderson Outpatient Surgery clinic. They just took Mom and Dad back to get today's procedures started. At 9:30 a.m. they are going to do a "needle localization." From my understanding, they will basically put a "marker" where the tumor is located. Then, the doctors will begin the lumpectomy. They'll remove the cancerous area as well as a few lymph nodes. This will require two separate incisions.
Please pray for the doctors during this time.
We aren't sure how long the whole process will take. It should be all over with by early afternoon. I think Mom's recovery from the anesthesia will take longer than the procedure itself.
She'll be in recovery for a little while this afternoon at MD Anderson, and once she wakes up completely, we'll leave the hospital, pending no complications. We'll stay in the Houston area through tomorrow and then Mom and Dad will start working their way back to Midland.
Please keep Sherrie in your prayers today!
Update: We saw Mom a little while ago. They had placed two needles in her to mark the spot to be removed. Mom said she felt a little like an alien with things sticking out of her!
We walked with her, while she was rolled to the operating room. Once we left, they began administering anesthesia. She'll be given a local anesathetic (like an epidural) as well as general anesthetic. That's all I know for now. :o)
I'm sitting in the waiting room at the MD Anderson Outpatient Surgery clinic. They just took Mom and Dad back to get today's procedures started. At 9:30 a.m. they are going to do a "needle localization." From my understanding, they will basically put a "marker" where the tumor is located. Then, the doctors will begin the lumpectomy. They'll remove the cancerous area as well as a few lymph nodes. This will require two separate incisions.
Please pray for the doctors during this time.
We aren't sure how long the whole process will take. It should be all over with by early afternoon. I think Mom's recovery from the anesthesia will take longer than the procedure itself.
She'll be in recovery for a little while this afternoon at MD Anderson, and once she wakes up completely, we'll leave the hospital, pending no complications. We'll stay in the Houston area through tomorrow and then Mom and Dad will start working their way back to Midland.
Please keep Sherrie in your prayers today!
Update: We saw Mom a little while ago. They had placed two needles in her to mark the spot to be removed. Mom said she felt a little like an alien with things sticking out of her!
We walked with her, while she was rolled to the operating room. Once we left, they began administering anesthesia. She'll be given a local anesathetic (like an epidural) as well as general anesthetic. That's all I know for now. :o)
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
On the road again...and then some more.
My parents drove back to Houston today for Mom to meet with a nutritionist and a doctor who would go over all her tests from last week and set out a plan to move forward. They left Austin around 10:30 a.m. and now, at 5:30 p.m. are headed back to Austin!
Her appointments were at 3:00 and 4:30. I haven't heard what the nutritionist said, but the doctor said her "scans were clear," her "lymph nodes are clear," and her cancer is "Stage I." That is all fantastic news!
The next step is for Mom to wait for a phone call that should come in the next 48 hours. That phone call is expected to be the one that will set up the next steps for Mom's treatment. That's all we really know for now. So far, this whole process has been a lot of "hurry up and wait". But, at least we are moving forward, even if its not as fast as we want to be moving. :o)
The plan for now, is for my parents to stay tonight with us in Austin and then head back to Midland tomorrow. During that time, we'll just be waiting for that phone call to tell us when she has to be back for whatever is next.
In general , everything with my mom is good news (besides the part that we just have to be patient through this whole process). The not-so-good news is with my Aunt Veta. After she was hospitalized a few days ago, it was discovered that the cancer had spread to her brain. They thought that she might have had a stroke, but it appears that the tumor in her brain gave her stroke-like symptoms. Recently, my aunt had said that she didn't want to go through anymore chemo treatments. Now, her doctor says that there isn't anything else they can do for her. Chemo isn't an option even if my aunt was willing to undergo the treatment.
My understanding is that they'll be moving her to hospice care. I'm hoping to make the drive to Abilene tomorrow to see her and spend some with her.
My aunt has lived with cancer for a very long time, and she may continue to do so for a while longer. But, I learned the hard way with my cousin Carla, that you can't take your loved ones' presence for granted. The last time I saw Carla was at my sister's wedding in July. While you could visibly see the effects cancer had had on her, she was doing well. She was happy and smiling and seemed as healthy as could be, given the circumstances. I never imagined that would be the last time I would see her.
My assumption was this: Should the day come that Carla's health deteriorated so tremendously that she wouldn't recover, I would still have time to see her, tell her I loved her, and say goodbye. My assumption was very wrong and its a mistake that I don't want to make again.
So, Abilene...here I come.
This leads me to the most important lesson that "cancer" has taught me:
God has a plan for each and everyone one of us. Some of us will spend less time on Earth than others. Some of us will take on diseases like cancer. Some of us will sit next to our loved ones as they fight the disease. Some of us will watch our loved ones survive, some of us will not.
Whatever our individual route, God is constantly there for us to trust in and lean upon (Proverbs 3:5). As we navigate these routes, God blesses us with our family and friends to love and enjoy. Our lives tend to get so busy with important and unimportant things, but to truly live, we have to set those unimportant things aside and take the time we are given and spend it with one another.
Her appointments were at 3:00 and 4:30. I haven't heard what the nutritionist said, but the doctor said her "scans were clear," her "lymph nodes are clear," and her cancer is "Stage I." That is all fantastic news!
The next step is for Mom to wait for a phone call that should come in the next 48 hours. That phone call is expected to be the one that will set up the next steps for Mom's treatment. That's all we really know for now. So far, this whole process has been a lot of "hurry up and wait". But, at least we are moving forward, even if its not as fast as we want to be moving. :o)
The plan for now, is for my parents to stay tonight with us in Austin and then head back to Midland tomorrow. During that time, we'll just be waiting for that phone call to tell us when she has to be back for whatever is next.
In general , everything with my mom is good news (besides the part that we just have to be patient through this whole process). The not-so-good news is with my Aunt Veta. After she was hospitalized a few days ago, it was discovered that the cancer had spread to her brain. They thought that she might have had a stroke, but it appears that the tumor in her brain gave her stroke-like symptoms. Recently, my aunt had said that she didn't want to go through anymore chemo treatments. Now, her doctor says that there isn't anything else they can do for her. Chemo isn't an option even if my aunt was willing to undergo the treatment.
My understanding is that they'll be moving her to hospice care. I'm hoping to make the drive to Abilene tomorrow to see her and spend some with her.
My aunt has lived with cancer for a very long time, and she may continue to do so for a while longer. But, I learned the hard way with my cousin Carla, that you can't take your loved ones' presence for granted. The last time I saw Carla was at my sister's wedding in July. While you could visibly see the effects cancer had had on her, she was doing well. She was happy and smiling and seemed as healthy as could be, given the circumstances. I never imagined that would be the last time I would see her.
My assumption was this: Should the day come that Carla's health deteriorated so tremendously that she wouldn't recover, I would still have time to see her, tell her I loved her, and say goodbye. My assumption was very wrong and its a mistake that I don't want to make again.
So, Abilene...here I come.
This leads me to the most important lesson that "cancer" has taught me:
God has a plan for each and everyone one of us. Some of us will spend less time on Earth than others. Some of us will take on diseases like cancer. Some of us will sit next to our loved ones as they fight the disease. Some of us will watch our loved ones survive, some of us will not.
Whatever our individual route, God is constantly there for us to trust in and lean upon (Proverbs 3:5). As we navigate these routes, God blesses us with our family and friends to love and enjoy. Our lives tend to get so busy with important and unimportant things, but to truly live, we have to set those unimportant things aside and take the time we are given and spend it with one another.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Ooo....I'm gonna drive a BMW!
My beautiful friend Anna mentioned that she wanted to do a breast cancer walk with me. I'm so there!! My friends Traci, Jen, and I participated in the in Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure last year and we plan to do so again this year (Sunday, November 2, 2008).
I was looking to see what other events there might be and found this one: The BMW Ultimate Drive. Here's another link for the campaign.
The BMW Ultimate Drive supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure will once again cross the country to raise funds and awareness of the Komen for the Cure promise to end breast cancer forever. The Ultimate Drive will stop at over 230 BMW Centers nationwide with the goal of donating an additional $1 million to the cause.
The BMW Ultimate Drive is a grassroots program that gives community members the opportunity to get involved in the breast cancer movement. For every mile driven during the BMW Ultimate Drive event, $1.00 is donated to Komen, with a minimum guaranteed donation of $1,000,000. Developed by BMW in partnership with Komen, a fleet of specially badged BMWs crisscross the country visiting participating BMW Retail Centers. The drive will start in February and continue through December 2008, inviting consumers to get behind the wheel and help contribute to the breast cancer movement.
Upon completion of every drive, each participant adds his or her own name to the X6 Signature Vehicle, which becomes a living memorial to those who have lost their battle against breast cancer and a sign of hope and inspiration to others fighting the disease. At each event, there will be an award presentation honoring a “Local Hero” – a community resident who has made an outstanding personal effort in the fight against breast cancer. A photograph of each hero will be affixed to the Signature Vehicles.
Program Name: The Ultimate Drive®Benefit to Komen for the Cure: for every mile driven in a specially marked vehicle during a test-drive or transport drive, BMW of North America, Inc. will contribute $1 to Komen.
Program active: February through December 2008
2007 contribution: more than $1 million
Total contribution since program’s inception: more than $11 million
Total number of years for program and partnership: 12 years
I'll see if I can find a list of all the participating locations, so you can go drive a BMW too!
I was looking to see what other events there might be and found this one: The BMW Ultimate Drive. Here's another link for the campaign.
The BMW Ultimate Drive supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure will once again cross the country to raise funds and awareness of the Komen for the Cure promise to end breast cancer forever. The Ultimate Drive will stop at over 230 BMW Centers nationwide with the goal of donating an additional $1 million to the cause.
The BMW Ultimate Drive is a grassroots program that gives community members the opportunity to get involved in the breast cancer movement. For every mile driven during the BMW Ultimate Drive event, $1.00 is donated to Komen, with a minimum guaranteed donation of $1,000,000. Developed by BMW in partnership with Komen, a fleet of specially badged BMWs crisscross the country visiting participating BMW Retail Centers. The drive will start in February and continue through December 2008, inviting consumers to get behind the wheel and help contribute to the breast cancer movement.
Upon completion of every drive, each participant adds his or her own name to the X6 Signature Vehicle, which becomes a living memorial to those who have lost their battle against breast cancer and a sign of hope and inspiration to others fighting the disease. At each event, there will be an award presentation honoring a “Local Hero” – a community resident who has made an outstanding personal effort in the fight against breast cancer. A photograph of each hero will be affixed to the Signature Vehicles.
Program Name: The Ultimate Drive®Benefit to Komen for the Cure: for every mile driven in a specially marked vehicle during a test-drive or transport drive, BMW of North America, Inc. will contribute $1 to Komen.
Program active: February through December 2008
2007 contribution: more than $1 million
Total contribution since program’s inception: more than $11 million
Total number of years for program and partnership: 12 years
I'll see if I can find a list of all the participating locations, so you can go drive a BMW too!
Backing up a little...
I've been meaning to begin this blog for a while now - but nothing really seemed "real" until the whole process with MD Anderson began today. I even kept wondering if the 2nd opinion doctor was going to tell Mom she didn't even have cancer! But the 2nd opinion came through to verify the first. She does have breast cancer, BUT it is small, treatable, and I think they even used the word "curable"!
All in all, it's still pretty good news. Her lymph nodes seem to be fine and there are no signs that the cancer has spread.
But - I thought I might need to give a little background for anyone who might just now be "tuning in".
On January 14th, 2008, my mom, Sherrie Harrell, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had just gone in for a routine checkup when the doctor noticed an area of concern on her mammogram.
***Ladies, remember...those monthly self-examinations are very important as well as yearly screenings by your doctor once you turn 40. For people with risk factors, especially a mother or sister that has been diagnosed with breast cancer, those yearly screenings should begin earlier than 40.***
The doctor performed a biopsy that came back with the result: Mom had an area, smaller than a peanut, that was cancerous.
In addition to the general feeling of fear, uncertainty, and helplessness that such a diagnosis brings, my family had already been deeply affected by breast cancer. My cousin Carla had passed away from complications from cancer a month earlier, on December 17, at 41 years of age. Her mother, my mom's sister, who is my Aunt Veta, is currently struggling with Stage IV cancer.
Mom's doctor in Midland was ready to do a lumpectomy right away, but after visiting with many people who have been affected by cancer themselves, she decided to contact MD Anderson in Houston for evaluation and treatment.
The wait to hear back from MD Anderson seemed interminable, but we finally got some news! Mom could be a patient there (yay!) but the first available appointment wasn't until March (boo!). So, Mom took the March appointment and asked Loria, her "caseworker", if she might have the chance of an earlier appointment if someone else canceled. Later that same day, Loria called to say there was a cancellation on February 14th! So, that's where we are exactly today. My parents are spending their Valentine's Day at a cancer center, but most importantly they are spending it together!
So far the loving response we've had from our friends and family has been amazing. We continue to receive an outpouring of love and support. There have been awe-inspiring stories happening already but I'll save those for another post.
Here's a quick prayer request list I'd like to share:
1. The pastor from my childhood church, Wayman Swopes. I can't keep all the details straight, but he is currently at MD Anderson for treatment. My mom plans to go visit him today.
2. Elveta McClatchey, my aunt with Stage IV cancer. She'd been able to stay at home, but was admitted to the hospital a few days ago.
3. All the doctors, staff, and patients at MD Anderson and everywhere dealing with cancer.
4. My mom.
All in all, it's still pretty good news. Her lymph nodes seem to be fine and there are no signs that the cancer has spread.
But - I thought I might need to give a little background for anyone who might just now be "tuning in".
On January 14th, 2008, my mom, Sherrie Harrell, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had just gone in for a routine checkup when the doctor noticed an area of concern on her mammogram.
***Ladies, remember...those monthly self-examinations are very important as well as yearly screenings by your doctor once you turn 40. For people with risk factors, especially a mother or sister that has been diagnosed with breast cancer, those yearly screenings should begin earlier than 40.***
The doctor performed a biopsy that came back with the result: Mom had an area, smaller than a peanut, that was cancerous.
In addition to the general feeling of fear, uncertainty, and helplessness that such a diagnosis brings, my family had already been deeply affected by breast cancer. My cousin Carla had passed away from complications from cancer a month earlier, on December 17, at 41 years of age. Her mother, my mom's sister, who is my Aunt Veta, is currently struggling with Stage IV cancer.
Mom's doctor in Midland was ready to do a lumpectomy right away, but after visiting with many people who have been affected by cancer themselves, she decided to contact MD Anderson in Houston for evaluation and treatment.
The wait to hear back from MD Anderson seemed interminable, but we finally got some news! Mom could be a patient there (yay!) but the first available appointment wasn't until March (boo!). So, Mom took the March appointment and asked Loria, her "caseworker", if she might have the chance of an earlier appointment if someone else canceled. Later that same day, Loria called to say there was a cancellation on February 14th! So, that's where we are exactly today. My parents are spending their Valentine's Day at a cancer center, but most importantly they are spending it together!
So far the loving response we've had from our friends and family has been amazing. We continue to receive an outpouring of love and support. There have been awe-inspiring stories happening already but I'll save those for another post.
Here's a quick prayer request list I'd like to share:
1. The pastor from my childhood church, Wayman Swopes. I can't keep all the details straight, but he is currently at MD Anderson for treatment. My mom plans to go visit him today.
2. Elveta McClatchey, my aunt with Stage IV cancer. She'd been able to stay at home, but was admitted to the hospital a few days ago.
3. All the doctors, staff, and patients at MD Anderson and everywhere dealing with cancer.
4. My mom.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
And so it begins...
As I write this, my mom and dad are in the car driving from Austin to Houston. Mom's first appointment at MD Anderson is tomorrow morning at 9 am. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers during this time. Tomorrow and Friday's schedule include several tests and evaluations. These two days of appointments are expected to last about nine hours each.
While they are in Houston they'll be staying with my childhood friend Crystal. Crystal and I have known each other our entire lives. She was born only six weeks before I was, and our parents were all friends before they were married. Crystal's family is very dear to my own, and her mom, Doris, is very close to my mom. Doris is actually a breast cancer survivor herself. We are very lucky and blessed to have Doris, Crystal, and her family in our lives. In addition to the loving friends they are, they also "know the ropes" when it comes to being diagnosed with, fighting, and beating breast cancer. I'm so glad to have them by our side!
It's very much a "God-thing" that my parents able to stay with Crystal. Crystal usually has two roommates, but they both are out of town for extended amounts of time, so there is room in the house for my parents (and me every once in a while!). It's an additional blessing that Crystal's house is less than 4 miles from MD Anderson! So, to Crystal - thank you so much for opening your home to us!
After the appointments on Friday, my parents will drive back to Austin and stay with Rick and I through Sunday. Then, they'll turn around and go back to Houston. We won't know what is going to happen next week until we get the results from all the tests and evaluations that will be done tomorrow and Friday. Depending on what happens next week, I'll probably go to Houston for 2 or 3 days to be with my parents and attempt to be the comic relief, food relief, stress relief...whatever they need.
I'm glad that they'll be staying with Rick and I every once in a while throughout this process. I know, when I was younger, it wasn't "cool" to hang out with my parents. But now it's something I look forward to and truly treasure.
My sister and I put together a care package for my parents to take with them. They are stocked up on water bottles, water flavor packets, diet cokes, granola bars, snacks, and some Valentine's candy. We also included some "entertainment" for them both. Hunting and airplane magazines for Dad and puzzle books for Mom. The teachers at Greenwood heard about the care package and create their own for Mom too! She is stocked up on goodies, comfy socks, quarters for vending machines, etc. You name it, I think she's got it!
She's even got SnuggleDog. SnuggleDog is a stuffed animal that my mom bought my sister Melanie several years ago. I'll have to double check the story though to see if there was a reason that she bought SnuggleDog to begin with... But Melanie shared SnuggleDog with me when I was goinig through a really tough time a few years back and he's stayed with me since. Today, SnuggleDog is in the car with Mom going to Houston.
That's plenty for now - but I'll update the blog with results from the upcoming tests and evaluations once we have some.
As always, for the people who read this, I so appreciate your care, thoughts, and prayers for my family and my mom. I hope that someday I'm able to repay each of you!
While they are in Houston they'll be staying with my childhood friend Crystal. Crystal and I have known each other our entire lives. She was born only six weeks before I was, and our parents were all friends before they were married. Crystal's family is very dear to my own, and her mom, Doris, is very close to my mom. Doris is actually a breast cancer survivor herself. We are very lucky and blessed to have Doris, Crystal, and her family in our lives. In addition to the loving friends they are, they also "know the ropes" when it comes to being diagnosed with, fighting, and beating breast cancer. I'm so glad to have them by our side!
It's very much a "God-thing" that my parents able to stay with Crystal. Crystal usually has two roommates, but they both are out of town for extended amounts of time, so there is room in the house for my parents (and me every once in a while!). It's an additional blessing that Crystal's house is less than 4 miles from MD Anderson! So, to Crystal - thank you so much for opening your home to us!
After the appointments on Friday, my parents will drive back to Austin and stay with Rick and I through Sunday. Then, they'll turn around and go back to Houston. We won't know what is going to happen next week until we get the results from all the tests and evaluations that will be done tomorrow and Friday. Depending on what happens next week, I'll probably go to Houston for 2 or 3 days to be with my parents and attempt to be the comic relief, food relief, stress relief...whatever they need.
I'm glad that they'll be staying with Rick and I every once in a while throughout this process. I know, when I was younger, it wasn't "cool" to hang out with my parents. But now it's something I look forward to and truly treasure.
My sister and I put together a care package for my parents to take with them. They are stocked up on water bottles, water flavor packets, diet cokes, granola bars, snacks, and some Valentine's candy. We also included some "entertainment" for them both. Hunting and airplane magazines for Dad and puzzle books for Mom. The teachers at Greenwood heard about the care package and create their own for Mom too! She is stocked up on goodies, comfy socks, quarters for vending machines, etc. You name it, I think she's got it!
She's even got SnuggleDog. SnuggleDog is a stuffed animal that my mom bought my sister Melanie several years ago. I'll have to double check the story though to see if there was a reason that she bought SnuggleDog to begin with... But Melanie shared SnuggleDog with me when I was goinig through a really tough time a few years back and he's stayed with me since. Today, SnuggleDog is in the car with Mom going to Houston.
That's plenty for now - but I'll update the blog with results from the upcoming tests and evaluations once we have some.
As always, for the people who read this, I so appreciate your care, thoughts, and prayers for my family and my mom. I hope that someday I'm able to repay each of you!
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