Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all of you!Happy Anniversary to my husban...

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Meeting my Radiation Oncologist

To make a long story short, we still don't know the exact treatment plan just yet.  They are waiting for the HER2/neu test results.  This will identify which type of treatments will be needed.  HER2/neu protein is found on some types of cancer cells. This test shows whether the tissue either has too much HER2/neu protein or too many copies of its gene. If the breast tumor has too much HER2/neu, then targeted therapy may be a treatment option. This can include chemotherapy with drugs thru a vein or by tablet form.The treatment...

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Getting Ready for the Appointment

I don't mind telling you that I'm scared.  It's probably the "fear of the unknown" ... which is a phrase I've spoken a lot over the past 30 years.  I've been accused of being the biggest worry-wart ever and is something that I've really tried to work on.My sister has graciously accepted my offer to come along with Matt & me and promised to take notes!  So, I'll settle in and write a whole bunch of questions.  First on the list... WHEN can I shave my armpit! Ugh! :)I'll post again this afternoon.  Until then, praying for calmness deep withi...

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Special Family Moments

Today, we (hubby & the kids) drove to southern Ohio to visit extended family.  Cousins from Monroeville, Texas, Kansas and down near the Kentucky/Ohio bridge.  We had a wonderful time sharing news and eating TONS of food.  Aunt Becky out did herself yet again! As I sat there listening to the young adults (my cousins' children) share their lives with us, it just gave me that warm and fuzzy kinda feeling all over.  It was the feeling of connection .... of roots.  I've been having this feeling a lot...

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And The Report Is In!

At the Gorge - Cuy FallsDec 26 - 10:15amDr. Partin called this morning! The results are in! Pathology said that she got all the margins around the tumor .... So all is clear!  She did a great job getting it all.  The tumor was 1.3 cm (about 1/2 inch) in diameter.  Lymph nodes were negative for cancer too.  I'm healing well.  A little tenderness, a little uncomfortable.  My follow-up with her is January 3 and I would expect to be back to work the next day.Next step:  My appointment with the oncologist...

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Christmas Eve

In the scheme of things, this is the time we remember and feel just how much God loves us.  John 1:14   The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.Know to whom you belong ~ You will never really understand your true identity unless you can forever settle in your heart that you are a son or daughter of God. The Bible says of Jesus that "to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the...

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My Own Personal Summer

Dad's BackyardThere sure has been a lot of medical issues this year.  Almost started to feel like a hypochondriac.  The main one that I wanted to tell you about:  In January, my GYN found a mass on my left ovary.  We decided to remove the ovary and while he was in, check the right one.  (it was fine) Three nice little holes mark the spot.  The mass was benign and life started to get back to normal.  About a month later, the hot flashes began.  I had experienced this before. At 40,  I...

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Freakin' Out

Wow, I'm just kinda freaking out just little.  I thought I would do a little bit of searching for other blogs to get a feel for what other women are feeling and writing about. There is so MUCH! There are years of going through this stuff and I just started! How am I going to handle all the doctors appointments, all the trips to the medical center, am I going to lose my job in the process?The amazing amount of resources on the internet just blows my mind.  It is comforting and at the same time, overwhelming.  I warned you.  Welcome to my roller coaster ride ......

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Just Thinking

Springfield LakeI'm not sure if anyone is really interested in this little journey of mine or if they want to read about it.  As my head gets a little clearer and the treatments begin, perhaps I will have something to share.In the meantime, I'm living in the moment.  One day at a time, sweet Jesus.  The colors are a little brighter.  The smells are sweeter.  And the moments we have with one another must be cherished.I saw Casey for the first time today since she moved to Colorado.Jasmine is now back in our lives.My...

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Removing Bandages

Today, Matt removed the bandages.  We weren't sure what we would find underneath .... surprisingly, just a line where the lump was removed and a line where the nodes were removed.  A little bruising, basically intact.  It was a task taking a shower and washing my hair, but very refreshing.  I'm still a little light headed, but not in terrible pain.  I haven't had a pain pill in over 10 hours.  I finally got my leave of absence paperwork off for my short term disability.  My appointment with the radiology oncologist is Dec 29.  My follow up with the surgeon is Jan 3.  I'm anxious...

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Day after Surgery ~ Remembering

At the GorgeThis is my new blog and it's a new day! Sitting here with Sis, chillin' out in my new pink socks.  Christie helped me create this blog and I think it is fantastic.  (have patience with me as I develop it and get it just right).  I wanted to keep my journal separate from my photo albums as it is deserving of having its own space.  Why not?I'm a little doped up from the percocet, but not nauseous from the Anesthesia. That's a blessing.  Let's see if I can recount yesterday ....We arrived at Akron General...

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Surgery Day

White FarmI'm at peace. The house is quiet this morning. Coffee is made (I can't have any) ~ Thought I would check messages before getting ready. Jaz crashed on the couch and Matt is still sleeping. Teri should be here soon. Quiet ~ Just me and the Lord. Dear Father, Thank you for bringing me through to this place now. There have been so many that have come together for the purpose of caring for me. I ask that you watch over each one of them as we take this journey together. I pray that the surgical team has steady hands, no...

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Pre-Surgery Testing

Dad's Tiger LilliesI went for pre-testing this morning before work.  Since I just had the chest x-ray and blood work, this was more of finishing all my medical history.  Too bad that the computer systems don't connect with each office because I was repeating information I had given in the other office.The first nurse, Julie, took my medical history and told me more of what to expect the day of surgery. She was very comforting, friendly and a Christian too. It's pretty neat to meet such kind women.   Julie is...

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Getting the News

White FarmToday was a strange day .... well, the last week has been quite strange. A whirlwind, actually. But, I suppose I should back up a bit before telling you how I came to be laying facedown on the MRI table with both breast neatly tucked into two holes. Seriously REALLY?! I had my annual mammogram on Tues, Nov 28. I usually get them in the spring, but had waited because I knew Reflections was moving into a new facility close to work. As usual, life got busy and when I finally made the appointment, it was Nov. It was worth...

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