Back to Reality

It has been nearly a month since my last blog post. It does not seem possible that January is almost over. My mother always said that the older one gets the faster the years fly by..and once again, she was right. She is almost always right.

January started out with many follow-up appointments and meetings. I went to a support group for breast cancer survivors and patients, called The Pink Magnolias. It is really interesting to meet people for the first time and have this crazy thing in common. There is an unspoken energy, love in every handshake and glance. The stories of survival are truly awe inspiring. One lady was diagnosed in 1956. She never received Chemo or radiation, and she is not shy about telling everyone that God alone cured her. 

I went to a group called "Look Good Feel Better" where I learned how to apply makeup, tie a scarf out of a t-shirt, care for my skin during chemo, ect. I liked the facial part, but it was very difficult to meet ladies that had already been treated for breast cancer, and were being treated again because the cancer had come back. For those that have read this blog and know me, know that this is my greatest fear. The women I met were especially brave and resilient. I, however was not feeling brave and resilient. 

I had my first appointment with the medical oncology team that will be handling all of my medications from this point on. Dr. Pugliese (BC surgeon extraordinaire) picked Dr. Keaton for me, because of my need to know facts, stats and un-sugarcoated news. He was very nice. He and his nurse covered all side effects that I might endure. The list was long and included nausea, vomiting, hair loss, numbness in the arms/legs, BONE PAIN..
The most upsetting news is I cannot eat sushi or enjoy pedicures (salon style) until I am finished. Of course, I can do my own pedi if I can find my numb feet and bend my painful bones to reach them. UGH.

Mind over matter, mind over matter, mind over matter........

Tomorrow, I will have my port-o-cath placed in my chest, just below my collar bone on the right side. This is a small device that can be accessed with a needle, and my infusions will be delivered right into my large vessles near my heart. They can also draw lab work from the port, so I will only have to endure 1 stick. I will keep this in for up to 2 years.

I will receive 6 rounds of chemotherapy, 3 weeks apart. My infusions will be on Thursdays beginning this week. Each Friday following the infusion, I will receive an injection to help my blood counts rebound. I will also receive a medication called Herceptin, which is a targeted medication for my type of cancer. I will get it for a solid year, every 3 weeks. 

Knowing my chemo start date has given me some time to take charge of my own situation a bit. I cut all of my hair off a couple of weeks ago. I have eaten sushi. I am going today for another pedicure. Last week, I was able to accompany my family to Orlando for some fun. Ellyott and I enjoyed a Justin Bieber concert from a VIP catered Box seat. Christian's Aunt Janelle and Uncle Mack showed us a diva Disney,Epcot, MGM experience complete with private tour guide and line jumping privileges. It was AMAZING!

Today, its back to reality. I am getting myself prepared for port placement and my first treatment in the next couple of days. So, all your prayers are coveted. Please pray for financial provision, because I am still not cleared to work. Please pray for both of my grandmothers who are recovering from a car accident. Please remember to also pray for the gals I met in the makeup class, who are facing repeat treatment, and everyone else who has been touched by this horrible disease. 

Although reality is tough sometimes, we are never alone. We are all in this cancer fight together.May we all be reminded to cherish each second and to love one another.