Day 1 of Radiation

I just returned from my 8:00 a.m. first radiation treatment.  It was painless.  I hold still on a table, they line the markings on my skin up with the laser beams for the machine, and then apply radiation from I think 4 different angles.  It was like having about 4 x-rays done.  Two lasted for about 40 seconds, the others were maybe 10 seconds, according to the specialists running the machine.  But, there was no pain.  I applied the green tea spray beforehand, the prescription cream afterwards, and will apply the green tea spray 3 more times today, and the cream one more time before bed.  So far, so good!

I just read the paperwork about fatigue.  It said if you have radiation following chemo therapy, the fatigue that occurs towards the end can last up to a year.  Yikes!  I hope that's wrong, or that it means a year until you're at your full energy levels.  I've loved this past 6 weeks of gradually-building energy.  It's been a really nice reprieve.  

The rest of the treatments will be at 10:45 a.m., lasting only about 20 min. in and out the door.  So, if I'm feeling up to it, I can treat my drivers to lunch afterwards.  So, one down, 30 to go!    

Radiation

These past 2 weeks I’ve had doctors appointments with the oncologist (the cancer doctor that does chemotherapy and meds for long term prevention) and the radiation oncologist (3 visits).  I start radiation on Monday, and will every weekday for the next 6 weeks except Christmas Day and New Years Day.  I will make one of those days up by going twice the day after Christmas or New Years (it has to be 6 hours apart, and I can only double up for one of those missed days—more than that would be exposure to too much radiation).   

Things are going well.  I feel like I’m at 75-80% of my previous energy levels, but it’s hard to tell for sure.  I’m feeling the best I’ve felt since this all started in May!  It’s been a welcome few weeks off!  My surgery has healed well.  I’m amazed at the range of motion for my arm.  After surgery, it was hard to imagine ever being able to raise a straight arm up to the side of my head.  I can now put my arms straight out in front and then raise them up totally over my head, though it still hurts a bit until I’ve stretched it several times.  I can do the same thing starting with my arm out to the side.  My hair is growing back at a rapid rate now, but I have a Cruella Deville stripe that has to go before I toss the wig, plus it’s still pretty thin on top.  My nails are like the rings of a tree trunk.  You can look at them and literally see the passage of time—the chemo part of my nails gradually being pushed out by the new healthier nail.  I’ll post a photo.  I can run for a mile without stopping, then walk for a bit, and run some more.  My walking/running friend Denise has been so helpful, consistent, and patient.  We go at 6:10 a.m., and some days it looks so cold out, and so warm inside, that I choose the lazy warm bed and opt for going with Joey the dog once it’s warmed up a bit.    

Radiation machine, tilted on its side.

CAT scan machine for 3D imaging in radiation prep.

Chemo damage growing out from nails.

I’ve been learning so much about radiation and ways to lessen side effects.  In the past, they would use small tattoo type markings for lining up the machine.  I had been trying to decide what I wanted those tattoos to be—a flower, “Scott,”…. Since it was a medical necessity to have the tattoo.  But, now, they don’t do tattoos.  Instead, I’m all marked up with a paint pen.  They touch up the markings each time I go in, and they used a green pen to stay with the holiday spirit.  If the tattoos were anywhere near the size of the paint pen marks I could have chosen both flowers AND Scott as the designs! 

There are a lot of foods, vitamins, and products I need to avoid, and there are also things I need use on my skin or eat/swallow.  In the Word of Wisdom, which is the health code Mormons live by, we are taught not to drink tobacco, coffee, or tea.  It says tobacco is an herb that can be used to heal bruises.  My doctor, who is not Mormon and probably hasn’t read about this health code, is involved with a group doing a study on green tea, and how using a fresh green tea spray—sprayed on clean skin before radiation (after radiation I apply a prescription cream and let it soak in), after arriving back home, (I again spray the entire quadrant and let it dry before putting clothes over it) and then again 2 more times each day (4 total), reduces reddening and blistering of the skin during radiation.  I purchased a Costco box of 100 packets of green tea, for spraying, not drinking.  Every evening, I will make a fresh batch of concentrated green tea using 2 tea bags to 1/2 cup (4 oz.) of water.    I’ve never made tea before, so hopefully it’s easy to figure out.  Each morning, I’ll refill my spray bottle with the fresh batch, to use for that day.  (I thoroughly clean a Bath & Body Works spray bottle--it makes a very fine mist).  

Another thing they’ve found that helps reduce side effects is Turmeric.  In studies, they found that women from India had less reactions to their skin.  They first researched Curry, which is made up of multiple spices/herbs, and then narrowed it down to Turmeric.  So, I take a capsule of Turmeric each day, and also a Vitamin B-50 (making sure it does NOT have vitamin C, which I need to avoid).  I can’t take multi-vitamins during radiation.  So, those are some of the new things I’ve learned recently.  

It was so nice having my mom here for 3 weeks.  She worked like crazy and had to have been exhausted when she returned home.  She went through many of my drawers, cabinets, and pantry, organizing things and making everything look better.  She also spoiled by making Scott’s favorite cake—Oatmeal cake (recipe at the end, if anyone’s interested), and healthy meals that tasted great.  The night before she left, we had our church women’s Christmas dinner at our house.    It was really fun having her here for that, and also helpful having her help on it. At first, they had made other plans for the dinner, not wanting to add any stress; but after telling them how much I loved doing it, they gave in.   Eight women came over the day before and helped set the tables, cover the chairs, tie sashes, and make everything look festive.  The next night, we had 12 men and young men serve dinner to 54 women.  The clean up crew was huge, and it was all put away so quickly.  It was a wonderful night! 

We’re preparing for our college kids to arrive next Wednesday.  As of today, all of the college kids are finished with finals!  I’m trying to finish up Christmas preparations before radiation starts and the kids arrive.  I love this time of year!  I’m so thankful for Jesus Christ.  I’ve grown closer to Him this year.  I have felt His embraces so strongly.  He is the Prince of Peace.  He is there for each of us, waiting for us to reach out to Him.  He’s also counting on us to watch out for each other.  I’m so thankful for and appreciative of the love and kindnesses that have been shown to our family.  We have felt peace through our storms, and joy in the journey.  It is exciting to see the finish line!!  This next 6 weeks will go by really quickly.        

P.S. Here's the Oatmeal Cake Recipe:

Combine & let stand:  
1 1/2 cups hot water  
1 cup dry oatmeal

Cream together:

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup shortening
2 eggs

Add the softened oats to creamed mixture, then add:

1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
(if desired, new add in we loved, 1/2 to 1 cup coconut)

Pour into 9x13 greased pan.  Bake 350 for 25-30 min, until toothpick comes out clean.

Frosting (the best part!)

1/2 cup butter
4 Tbsp. canned milk
1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
1 cup pecans
1 cup dry oatmeal
1/2 cup coconut.

Boil butter, milk, and sugar 1 minute.  Remove from heat, stir in pecans, dry oatmeal, and coconut.  Pour and spread over warm cake and brown under broiler until golden (watch closely, this happens quickly).  This results in a sort of crunchy yummy topping.

 

Pathology Results, and other fun….

We have had a lot of excitement since my last post.  First off, for those that don’t have time for the fun and fluff--the pathology results.  The good, the bad, and thankfully, there’s no ugly.  Dr. Goulet called me Sunday morning as soon as he received the results, which we really appreciated.  The good--the tumor had clear margins, so all of it was removed.  The tumor still had some remaining cancer cells as was expected, but since the margins were clear, it is now gone.  The good, bad, and not ugly— good, 14 lymph nodes were removed; bad, five of the 14 still had cancer in them but the cancer was contained within each lymph node and had not burst out into other tissue.  They had hoped to find no cancer in the lymph nodes following chemo, but it is less concerning now than it would have been a few years ago.  Five lymph nodes with cancer classifies it as N2, which means that 5-9 lymph nodes are involved.  Dr. Goulet did a beautiful job in surgery.  My tumor incision does not hurt at all (or is outweighed by the underarm soreness), and it was done strategically so when healed it will not be noticeable.  Radiation will now target a bit more lymph node area and it should kill any cancer that might still remain.  They will also watch me very closely from here on out, with check-ups about every 2-3 months and mammograms/ultrasounds/whatever every 6 months.  My arm pit looks ugly and is tender.  The surgeon removed the drain on Monday so I am now clear to do what ever I feel up to doing, which includes driving since I’ve now stopped the prescription pain pills.  I decided I’d rather hurt a little and drive over being pain free and not able to drive.  So far, over the counter pain meds are working fine.  I'm running out of time and excuses to be lazy!  

Oh, I forgot to mention a wonderful silver lining to all of this excitement.  I have a temporary handicapped parking tag, good until March!  It took me a long time to think about asking for one, and then it took a month before I had the energy to go and get it, but it has been WONDERFUL!  I feel special every time we drive somewhere, like queen for the day!  So this year for Christmas shopping, I will be the envy of everyone around.  I just try to walk slowly and show that I'm tired, or look like I hurt so people won't get mad at me.  If anyone says anything, I can always pull my wig off and then they will understand.  I'm mainly shopping online and don't go to a lot of places besides medical visits--and those special parking spots are always full, of course.

Now, on to more fun!  On Saturday, we were visited by a group of angels called Savior’s Serenade.  It’s an outreach ministry group through my neighbor’s church.  Tracy coordinated the event and they surprised me Saturday afternoon.  It was sort of like Christmas caroling, but instead they prayed for me and performed uplifting religious songs, while holding inspirational signs and radiating love with their smiles.  They made a slide show and posted additional photos in a facebook album under their facebook page.   They go around and sing to people who are facing medical challenges.  It was a really fun surprise and made our entire family feel so loved.  I borrowed these photos off of their facebook page, so thank you and credits to the wonderful woman that was taking photos of the event.  I can post your name once I have it!  

My mom has been here with us for almost two weeks.  She’s here for another week.  It has been so fun having her here and she’s been so helpful with accomplishing lots of projects in areas that have been neglected for some time (sadly, more than the 7 months of cancer—but I’ll use that as my excuse for accumulating disorganization my entire life).   

And finally, I saved the best for last……drum roll……Heath has been called to serve a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Buenos Aires Argentina North Mission!!  He reports to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah on Wednesday, February 27^th.  We are sooo excited for him.  He will be a great missionary.  He has been diligently preparing for this mission his entire life.  He is full of goodness and spends time daily on the things that matter most--serving others and learning about Christ.  This past October, in our church’s semi-annual General Conference, they announced a change in mission age that young men could now choose to serve at age 18 if they were graduated from high school and felt that they were ready (and women can now serve at age 19 if they would like to).  Heath graduated a year early and had been diligently preparing, so it worked out beautifully for him.  He turns 18 on December 6^th!  What an exciting early birthday present for him!  Here’s a video of the big event a friend put on facebook, there's also a video with a different angle at the bottom of the photos below.  We were all together as a family through Google chat, so it was great sharing in the joy with him.   

 Heath's friends took these photos I swiped from FB.

Surgery Complete

Surgery was Monday, November 19th.  It went well.  Thankfully, I don’t remember much about it.  They used something that blocks short term memory in addition to general anesthetic.   I kept asking the same questions over and over again, and was told the same stories over and over again, like Dori in Finding Nemo.  The surgeon removed the area of tissue where the tumor once existed and around 12 to 15 lymph nodes.  The tumor was gone, but the titanium clip and a series of mammograms helped the doctors mark where it had been.  We are still awaiting the pathology report.  Since it wasn’t back on Wednesday, we won’t hear results until Monday.   

My friend Jill sent this shirt.  It seemed perfect for wearing on surgery day.

My #1 Fan and Coach

My E.T. Finger, "Phone Home."

Another great fan & t-shirt.

We stayed over night at the surgery center because I have a drain tube for the lymph node area.   Monday night Garrett, Scott Jr., Courtney, and my mom came for a visit.  I was still affected by the general anesthetic, so they made some memories from my loopiness (which I don’t remember well).  Scott stayed the night with me in a recliner.  It was the best hospital overnight stay I’ve ever had, with minimal interruptions and quiet surroundings.  I was home at 11:00 Tuesday morning.  I came home with a “pain ball,” about the size of a softball that slowly released a numbing nerve blocker for my left shoulder and chest area.  It was really helpful.  By Wednesday night, it had shrunken away to the size of an apple core.  The doctor showed Scott how to remove it, so I now only have the drain tube. 

My underarm area is sore and tender, but pain meds keep it manageable.  I’ll have the drain tube for 7-10 days, until it is draining a minimal amount within a 24 hour period.  I’m feeling way better than I’d expected to feel at this point.  I can’t drive or jog until the drain tube is removed.  I can walk as much as I’m up to now.  

Tuesday night around midnight, we had a knock at our back patio door.  Garrett had invited me out of my room “to see something on the computer.”  When we looked up to see who was knocking, HEATH walks in!  He flew in to surprise us for Thanksgiving!  Garrett helped him in the planning weeks ago, and our neighbors picked him up from the airport.  It was such a fun, total surprise.  A week ago Wednesday, my mom arrived to be with us for three weeks.  Wednesday night, my sister Krista arrived.  We’ve been having a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! 

Scott with his masterpiece.

Smoked with bacon in the Big Green Egg.

Finished Smoked Turkey.

Garrett & Heath preparing the turkey fryer.  

I enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner.  We were treated to two delicious turkeys.  Scott smoked a turkey, wrapped in bacon, and Garrett fried a turkey.  We had all kinds of sides and lots of pies—all for the smallest Thanksgiving crowd we’ve ever hosted--eight.  I think a group went out for midnight shopping, but I opted out for this year.  I think I could have done one store, but there were not any steals that couldn’t wait until morning before the door busters ended.  It’s nice laying low for a change. 

As I reflect on the things I’m thankful for this year, my list is deeper and fuller than previous Thanksgivings.  I’m thankful for my wonderful husband and best friend.  He has been “one” with me through this entire process.  My kids have been amazing in their love and support.  Our extended family has kept in close touch though they all live far away.  Our church family has embraced us with such love and support.  Our extended network of friends and family from all over the country has provided such uplift and encouragement.  Facebook has provided access to so many that we love from living in so many different places.  The prayers, kind words of 

encouragement, inspired moments, and countless ways of reaching out and sharing support have made such a difference.  My family and I are very blessed and very thankful for the important part each individual has had in helping us through this journey.  I am so thankful for prayer and the power and strength we have felt through the continuous prayers offered by so many.  I am thankful for my Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ.  I have grown closer to them through this process.  When you find yourself in a situation where God is in control of the outcome, you do all you can to research and make the best decisions possible, and then rely on Christ who knows how we feel in every trial we go through.  He is there to comfort us and guide us.  He is always there for us, we just need to turn to Him.  He has provided our family with peace throughout this journey.  I am so thankful for God’s love and the strength and power He gives us when we try to put Him at the center of our lives.   

Oh Happy Day!

Last day of chemo!!

My niece & nephews celebrating.

Oh Happy Day...Oh happy day...Oh happy day....Oh happy day....I’ve been singing my favorite gospel song since Monday!  It  is sooo exciting to be finished with chemo!  Garrett is working out of  Indy until after the election (reporting in Ohio,  Illinois, and Indiana), so he and Courtney were my chemo partners, since Scott had to leave town Sunday night.  The oncologist met with me for the 3^rd time in this process (my first visit was the consultation, my second was the first day of Taxol, and then Monday, the final dose of Taxol).  He was amazed at my response to the chemo.  He had hoped for some shrinkage, and had mentioned early on that 50% reduction would be a good response.  On Monday, by physical exam, he could not find the tumor.  He said with my type of cancer (progesterone & estrogen positive), it was the best response he’s ever seen.  It was exciting to hear.  The tumor area was marked with a titanium clip in May when they did the biopsy, so the surgeon will know where to remove the tissue. 

Smile!  Chemo complete!!

Monday’s final chemo day included friends delivering a huge “Congratulations” balloon bouquet, several “thinking of you” texts from friends, over 200 Facebook “likes,” and a delicious enchilada dinner ready to eat upon our arrival home!  It was a great day! 

Halloween night was fun.  We dressed up to pass out candy.  Courtney painted a blue arrow on my fuzz head so I could be Avatar the last air bender.  We had hot chocolate by the fire pit after the trick or treating stopped. 

It was amazing watching hurricane Sandy’s far reaching destruction.  No matter what storms come our way, putting our faith and trust in God gives us the peace and power needed to carry us through whatever recovery we have to face.   I feel and appreciate the power of group prayer.  I’m so thankful for all of the prayers offered for my health and for my family.  We have felt the peace and comfort, and we deeply thank you for your support.  Our prayers continue for everyone affected by hurricane Sandy.                  

Football

As the month of October draws to a close, breast cancer awareness month has given us lots of hot pink on football fields, including receiver gloves, socks, and huge pairs of hot pink cleats.  Football season is a favorite time of year at our house, especially for Scott, who has never worn hot pink.....yet.  So, in this blog, I’ll first give an update on our mountain climb (fighting this breast cancer for those just joining in), and then delve into some football moments.  So, you can skip ahead, or sign out when you're ready. 

I am SOOOO excited to say that I only have one more chemo treatment!  Four doses of adriamycin cytoxan given every 3 weeks, CHECK; 12 doses of Taxol given weekly, 11 of 12, CHECK.   This coming Monday, two days before Halloween, will be my final dose of chemo!!!  These past almost 6 months will soon be behind us.  It has been a memorable journey, I’ve learned an incredible amount of things, and I am thankful for the opportunity.  I am also really excited to leave it behind and move on through the rest of this breast cancer adventure! 

So, the last two weeks have been much better than the 4 weeks preceding them.   The reduced dose was just what was needed to get me through this last bit.  My blood counts have been the best I’ve had since starting chemo.  I still need to be careful of germs, but can come out of isolation, which I had sort of put my self into for a few weeks when my counts were so low.  I have this theory, that is probably not medically correct, but I at least justify that outside germs and crowds are much safer than inside germs and crowds, since the germs can dissipate into the atmosphere.  More about that below (I went to a college football game!).  Frequent hand washing, I am told, is one of the most important things necessary to avoid germs and illness.   The fatigue is less debilitating.  I still have rest times (reclining, but not sleeping, just enjoying computer work on a lap top and reading—which I’ve loved!), but I’m up and doing things for equal or more amounts of time.  The neuropathy (tingling and numbness of fingers & toes due to nerves affected by Taxol) is still present, but has only increased slightly.  My fingernails and toenails feel bruised.  They could fall off, but hopefully since I’m so close to the end, they can hold on.   My hair continues growing.  I will post some pictures of the process. 

Oct.15th Hair

September 25th 

On Friday we met with the Surgeon, Dr. Robert Goulet, who is NOT an actor and singer, at least to my knowledge.  I’m scheduled for surgery as planned, Monday, Nov. 19^th.  They will do a lumpectomy (remove the now shrunken tumor, the tissue in the area before it shrunk, plus a bit more to get clear margins), and remove auxiliary lymph nodes in two areas in my left arm pit.  Sounds like the lymph node area is the most involved part of the surgery due to nerves in that area, and that portion of the surgery is also the more difficult part to recover from.  I’ll have some type of drain attached in that area for 7-10 days (which sounds gross, but I guess it’s small and not noticeable).  The actual surgery takes about two hours, but they will do a couple of preparatory procedures earlier that morning (ultrasound to place a guided needle and installing a pain blocker for recovery).  They will keep me over night, and then I’ll be home by noon the following day.  My mom is coming in town the Wednesday before surgery, so we can have some pre-surgery time together.  She will stay for 3 weeks.  My baby Sister Krista will join us from DC for Thanksgiving, as well as Garrett from Mississippi.

Three to Four weeks after surgery, I’ll begin radiation, which is 5 days a week for 6 weeks.  Unlike chemo, which took 4-5 hours every time, radiation is less than 30 minutes.  By early February, I’ll be finished with everything.  From that point, I’ll take a hormone blocker drug (since my cancer feeds off 2 hormones) for 5-10 years and have checkups every 6 months (at least that’s my understanding at this point). 

Snuggled up with the blanket my friend Kami made for chemo days.   I should have sat up--the wig is doing a beehive thing against the pillow.

Sorry that took so long.  I want to thank everyone for their support and kindness through all of this.  My church family has spoiled us with dinners every Monday and Wednesday, which have pretty much fed us for the entire week.  I’ve received so many kind and encouraging texts, FB (facebook) messages, emails, notes, fun hat/wig pictures, fun random things in the mail, wonderful advice, and lots of prayers in my family’s behalf.  Garrett was my chemo partner on Monday.  He posted a picture on his FB page yesterday, and it was soon filled with such loving and encouraging comments and over a hundred "likes."  I have felt such a huge out-pouring of love and support through this entire journey.  It has made a huge difference.  I have never felt alone, and have never been alone.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and support.  It has been amazing and so uplifting!  I know we’re not finished, but it is wonderful to have what I hear is the most difficult part behind us.  Yeah team!!!  Thank you!!!

So, on to football!  Garrett and Scott purchased tickets months ago for the BYU/Notre Dame Game held last weekend.  They only purchased 2 tickets, because we doubted I’d be able to attend at the last of my chemo days.  Days before, Scott was offered 2 more tickets.  With Garrett in town, that provided an opportunity to spend 5 hours in the car with family!  I didn’t want to miss out, plus the game would be outside germs that would “dissipate into the atmosphere,” making it a safer place than a smaller indoor crowd.  So, Courtney and I joined them for the game.   It was so fun being part of that memory.  We met up with the Baers, at the tail end of their tailgating, who were in from Utah, saw a few other surprise friends in the stadium, and met up with Aubrey at the end of the game.  It was a really exciting game.  BYU led 14-7 at half time, but the final score ended with Notre Dame on top, 17-14.  I was sooo tired after the game and curled up in the back seat resting all of the way home.

Manti Te'o, Notre Dame’s only Mormon team member, was fun to watch, and he had a great game.  He has an amazing story.  Click on his name for an article written this week in an Oklahoma Newspaper.  Since BYU lost, I hope Notre Dame can continue the season undefeated.    

Courtney & Garrett in front of the famous "Touch down Jesus" mural.

My Utah neighbor, Lori.

Cosmo and a sold out crowd of dissipating germs.                      

Score board at half time.  Sadly, BYU did not score again, and Notre Dame added 10 more.

Aubrey & Garrett share birthdays, 2 years apart.  We've known
her since birth.  Her Mom and I worked together at BYU
 and we've stayed close friends ever since.

If you can’t get enough of football, here’s another story I enjoyed:  Same Jersey.  I’m thankful to wear the same jersey as all of you.  We are all on God’s team, brothers and sisters in this wonderful world, with a Heavenly Father that loves us and watches over us.  He wants us to look out for each other, so we are all together one day at the REAL Super Bowl in heaven.