Happy New Year!

While the rest of the world celebrates New Year's Eve, my husband and I will be celebrating our wedding anniversary.  This year is definitely more special, as our gift to each other is my life.  So today represents the end of a difficult year, but a year that has been full of blessings.It represents a deep love of husband and wife.  We are still as mushy, romantic as ever .... he still opens the car door for me. And, the fact that I'm a cancer survivor.  I am still wrapping my brain around that one.  The...

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Celebrating the Holidays Despite a Cancer Diagnosis

It is my pleasure to post this message from a husband and wife who wanted to share their experience with you ~By: Cameron Von St JamesMy wife gave birth to our only child, Lily, in August of 2005. We were already looking forward to the joy that the winter holidays would bring. I have always looked forward to the opportunity to spend the holidays celebrating with the ones I love. I have always been thankful for being blessed with so many amazing people in my life. Heather and I had already started talking about the holiday traditions we wanted to pass on to our little one, and the new ones we would start as a family.Unfortunately,...

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Getting Ready for Chemo

Chemo # 3 is Thursday and I've been reading a lot about what I can do to make things go just a little smoother. I would highly recommend this book, Just Get Me Through This by Deborah A Cohen, a breast cancer survivor. The information clarified many concerns I've had about chemotherapy. For instance, she suggested eating a  Popsicle or ice chips during the 10 minute infusion of Adriamycin, which will minimize mouth sores. It seems that this drug damages all tissues but won't harm the mouth when the blood vessels...

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Christmas Eve

 Christmas Eve ~ a special night Candlelight service at 8pm with special music, sermon and communion. The reason for the seasonSunday service was special as the children and choir presented a Christmas play.  They did a fabulous, fabulous job.  I wish we can do an encore!Here is a picture of the manger (none of the children, not on public web) May this Christmas bring blessings and deep peace to you and your...

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Prayer

I created a form on my blog for folks who would like me to pray for them.   I'm a prayer warrior! If you would like me to pray for you, just click on the image on my side bar, or you can click on the praying hands below.Once you click on the praying hands, it brings up this form:Your message comes directly to my e-mail.  Your request is private and I do not put it on my blog, or facebook etc.  I ask for your e-mail so I can type out my prayer and send it directly to you.  For me, prayer is powerful. Prayer is...

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Letter to Santa

Friday was the last day of school and now it's time to get ready for the Holidays. I got home just in time for the Lazyboy delivery of a replacement cushion. I first met Bill in October when he repaired my recliner. We had discussed how he learned to sew, which lead to my job as a home ec teacher (gasp! I said the word) and then to other job related topics. He was easy to talk to so today I pointed out my new head gear and he shared that his aunt and mother are breast cancer survivors. I should be keeping tally every time I hear...

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Day after Port Removal

Well, guess I will get back on that Coumadin until I see doc Jan 15.Ouc...

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One Year Anniversary

Dec 20, 2011 was my lumpectomy surgery. It almost feels like a lifetime ago. It is hard to wrap my brain around surgery, 6 rounds of chemo, 33 days of radiation and 17 IVdrips of Herceptin.Not to mention 3 MRIs, 3 ultrasounds, 1 bone density screening, 2 blood transfusions, 2 echos, hospitalization due to multiple blood clots, followup appointments and just to throw into the mix, a neurologist specialist.At 8:00am, I was scheduled for my port removal.  The doctor was the same one that had put the port in my arm last January 5. ...

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The Anniversay

This is a special day for my sister, Carol. It's been one year since she had her lumpectomy. I remember that afternoon vividly - visiting her before surgery, amazed by her courage, waiting with our family for the results and thanking God for giving us the news we prayed for: the cancer had not spread to the lymph nodes! Coincidentally, this day is even more special because she is having the port removed from her arm! This signifies the end of her journey through breast cancer and the beginning of her new journey as a breast cancer...

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Germs

image by Griffin Technology I haven't heard the term "nadir" in over five years (read Angels All Over Town) but I'm in it from day 10 - 14, which ends Friday. Nadir, meaning 'low point' is between chemotherapy cycles when I will experience low white blood counts known as Neutropenia. This can put me at risk for infection. So, I asked Doc, "What should I do if a student coughs or sneezes on me?" We both agreed that first I should give the student a detention! LOL Then go wash my face and hands and blow my nose. She said...

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An Insurance Perk

Saturday, Christie & I went to Elegant Essentials.  What a beautiful shop and gracious staff.  Please check with your insurance carrier on what benefits you may receive when facing breast cancer.  My insurance pays for 6 bras per year.  If you happen to chose one that has more frills than what the insurance company deems necessary, then you pay a portion.  So, I received 5 great fitting bras for free (because I met my deductible) and then paid 50% of the cost for the 6th one. Did I mention 6 per year...

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Christmas Flash Mob

In South Bay Galleria (So Cal) – a Christmas flash mob, be sure to watch it to the end the final minute is the best! TAKE THE TIME TO WATCH THIS – IT SAYS IT ALL. THIS IS REALLY WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT. GOD BLESS US ALL! Click he...

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Turning Point

Today is December 17th and I'm at a turning point. This is the first time I have been able to look at all of my lab results and chemo information. It's also the first time I have wanted to write about actually having breast cancer. I have been avoiding this for weeks, not being able to grasp what was happening.  I realize that I've been beating around the bush in all of my blog posts up until now. I don't want to bore you with the specifics but you must remember, this blog is more for me to track the events so I can one day look...

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What Do You Call Yours?

You don't really have to answer that! My kid sister sent a list of euphemisms and I created this image using Wordle. ...

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Herceptin #17 and The Last One!

Friday, December 14 was my 17th Herceptin drip.  8:00am, I arrived at the clinic and all its familiarity.  The white tree that sits elegantly next to the receptionist window was decorated with beautiful Christmas ornaments.  They have ornaments for each holiday or season .... Easter, St Patrick's day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Independence Day, etc... In the past 12 months, I have never seen it removed from the room or undecorated.  I scanned my patient card and settled in my chair.  I decided to...

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Queasy

I've been nauseous for over 24 hours and have tried everything. The kitchen counter looks like a pharmacy. On Friday Richard and Tommy went out for the evening and dinner was on our own. I was craving some good old comfort food, Stouffer's Mac and Cheese. I thought I was just hungry and the queasy feeling would go away. You guessed it...about 30 minutes later I was hugging the porcelain.  Katie came running to the door and in between heaving I answered her questions. Yes, I was fine. No, don't...

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The Children are Precious

In light of those whose lives shattered in an instant today, I am putting my news on hold for now.As the water pushes powerfully thru debrisMay our prayers push their way thru any obstacleand reach directly to Heaven The little children who now sits on the lap of Jesuswill never cry againwill never hurt again and will live in the purest light of loveas they wait patiently to see us again May the parents, families and friends seek God's facefeel His arms around their shoulders and His comfort deep inside their...

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Roller Coaster Ride

A few days have slipped away again. Second chemo last Thursday...out of it Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday. Tuesday I was weak but managed to stay awake most of the day. Made it to work for half a day today. The thing that is different is all the crying. It comes out of nowhere...often and I don't like it one little bit. I don't understand why this is happening. I can't believe this is happening. I don't want this to be happening. I can't stop this from happening. My sister says that these emotions are natural, it's part of the roller coaster ride. I'm afraid this ride will fling me so violently that I will lose my Christie-ness....

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Physical Therapy

After work today, I went for my first physical therapy visit.  Hopefully, gently working and stretching will help get the kinks out and return my range of motion and strength.  I will be going every Tuesday & Thursday for at least 4-6 weeks.  I'm really excited about getting to this next step in my journey.I want my strength back!I don't want to be so fatigued anymor...

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Haven't a clue

Not much to tell this past week.  After Tuesday, my body felt like it had been slammed by a mac truck.  Amazing how stress can mess with the body.  I'm still getting use to taking Arimidex  My blood pressure, headaches and pain got the best of me and I left work early on Thursday and slept through it.  Saturday, I slept a lot too.I'm hoping that physical therapy will help me get my body moving again. My first visit is Dec 11.Lots of anniversaries this time of year.  What date do you use?  The day of the mammogram? Day of the biopsy? Day of the diagnosis? Day of the surgery?  What constitutes...

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My New Theme Song

Received second chemo yesterday. Recuperating today. Will go back for the Neulasta shot in my belly at 4:30 this afternoon. My sister, Heather, sent this video last night. I have been wanting to find a theme song  and Stronger by Kelly Clarston absolutely speaks volumes to me. If you want to subscribe to Megan's Facebook follow this link:  http://www.facebook.com/megan.kowalewsk...

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Getting Organized for Cancer Treatment

Binder with dividers When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer I felt so overwhelmed with all of the information I was receiving. I was gathering so many lab and radiology reports and there were several appointments to keep track of. I decided to take control of my treatment by organizing this binder with dividers. It goes everywhere with me in case I become forgetful with "chemo brain". I feel more empowered by having this vital information at my fingertips.  These are some suggestions for sections in your binder:  Appointments Medical...

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Blog Your Way to Better Health

I have been a blogger for over 3 years and have taught students and teachers about blogging. Read more about my passion for blogging. When my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago she asked me to help her start a blog, Living in The Moment, which has blossomed into an impressive account of her journey. However, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer a month ago I was practically frozen with fear and the last thing I wanted to do was to blog about it. In fact, I shut down most of my other blogs. Then Carol sent me...

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Follow Up with Surgeon

This morning I woke up to a migraine ... haven't had one of those in years. They always affect my vision and I knew that I would have problems driving to my appointment.  Matt was ready to take me, but by the time I was to leave, my vision returned.I arrived at the Breast Center with the feeling of deja vu, I was doing this one year ago.  I wanted to sit with every patient in there and hold their hand. I remembered the anxiety and fear and disbelief.The nurse updated my information and my blood pressure was 151/111. Kinda...

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The Anvil

So, I guess this is what my one doc was talking about when he said that most cancer patients feel as if an anvil is hanging above their head waiting to drop .... this was describing all the little bumps, lumps and pain we feel and wondering if the cancer is back.Guess I will find out tomorrow. In the meantime, I'm giving it to Go...

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Catching Up

http://www.headcovers.com/caps/ On Friday I worked half a day and was glad to get out of there! Not because I hate my job (I love teaching) - because the scarf wouldn't stay on my head! Before my doctor's appointment I stopped by a cancer resource agency, to see if they might have some type of cap that would grip these slippery scarves. They took me to the wig room and showed me several plastic containers with knitted hats and said I could look through those and take whatever I wanted - it was free! Remember, if it sounds too good...

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Our Beloved Sister

Missing you, Cathy May 30, 1968 - December 1, 2007Homesick - Mercy MeMy poem Until We Meet Again  John 14 New King James Version (NKJV)The Way, the Truth, and the Life 1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.  4 And where I go...

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Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes (a david bowie tune)

Thursday was a milestone for Christie.  Plus it was Casey's last night in Ohio.  So what better way to come together than over a delicious meal.  Christie/Katie and me/Casey met at Bob Evans to hear about Christie's adventure and check out her new look.  It was wonderful to just come together in support for one another.Katie, Me, Christie, CaseyAs we were leaving our table, a woman motioned to Christie and pointed to her own pink ribbon lapel.  (Christie's scarf is certainly a way for folks to recognize...

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