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.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
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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