where did the time go?

I can't believe it has been so long since I posted. The last month has been crazy.
I finished my radiation on Friday the 5th. I got a bit burnt but nothing major. Being fair skinned I have gotten worse sunburns. I did have a spot on my collar bone that got pretty red and blistered and peeled. It burnt straight through(which makes sense) which I was not anticipating. My shoulder blade was red and peeled too.

I had a bit of a break down somewhere at the beginning of November. After talking with my family and doctors decided that it would be best for me to take some time off to recoup. I have plenty of time that has been awarded to me through sick bank(more than I think I will ever use). I am going to try just an intermittent leave. Meaning that I will be at school a few days a week. If this doesn't work out then I will look into taking a month or two off. I have struggled with this but feel that it is in my best interest to take off as many days as I can. I feel like I am letting down my groups at school by being there. I can't focus very well and as far as multi-tasking there is no way. I am hoping that by January/February it will start coming back together for me.

My radiation oncologist gave me this comparison. She said it is like Hurricane Katrina. The storm comes in tears everything down in a short period of time but it takes much longer to rebuild. They are still repairing homes and buildings after Katrina hit. So for me this means that my body is in the rebuilding process. Even though I am done with all my treatments my body is not 100%. I hear people say it could take 6 months to a year before I am even close to being back to the old Lynda and even then it may not be 100%.

I have to go help Hunter now but will update some more. I have a lot to catch up on.

Radiation is going well

Today was number 7 of 30. So far so good but with radiation the symptoms build as you go. I have no redness yet which is good, the Dr. was not sure how I was going to react since I am a bit fair skinned. Other than getting burnt the radiation could cause some fatigue.

I am still real tired and achey. I have heard that the effects of chemo can last 6 months to a year after the last treatment. My joints hurt pretty bad when I do to much. I have also been pretty emotional lately. Yet again another side effect of the chemo, I am extremely irritable. It doesn't help that Hunter has been sick and SUPER cranky the last week.

I had my port out two weeks ago and the incision is healing nicely. The area is still tender but it is now much easier to sleep on my stomach. It was so awkward with the port in to lay on my stomach.

My hair is growing back a little bit. It is very fine and the top of my head is all white. YEAH shows how much gray I really have LOL.

um not sure what else to tell you about, thanks for reading

any questions just ask :)

as always thanks to everyone for helping out and keeping us in your thoughts

waiting for the radiation

So I am still hoping that I can start my radiation this Wednesday. Wednesday is actually just a dry run to program everything so it helps with setting up each time I go in. I need to have my port taken out before to long but in order to do that I need to be well. My counts were lower last Wednesday than the week before. Today I am feeling like a sinus infection is coming. I will call Melissa in the morning and get an antibiotic. If my counts are ok on Tuesday than I can have my port taken out this week. If my counts are low then I will need to postpone everything. Which is actually ok. I would like to have at least one good week were I am not sick.

Other than the cold everything is going alright. I am a bit moody lately but that is all due to the chemo and will only stay the same or get worse with the Tamoxifen. I am going to talk with Melissa and see if there are any meds I can take that may help. I have been on an antidepressant and I am wondering if that may need to be changed.

I have been extremely tired lately and so only doing a few activities. I played Bunco last Saturday here at my house and won. WOOHOO extra money is nice. I played again on Friday and came real close to being the winner for most losses. We were so close.

Anyway as always I appreciate all of you. I have made so many new friendships during the last few months. Many I am sure that will continue to grow for a long time.

thanks to all of you

FINAL TREATMENT

Last Wednesday was my last chemo treatment. It was the longest of them all. I was there from 8:30 to 4:30. I was pretty sore after, it hit me on Thursday instead of Friday. I am having trouble multi-tasking and coming have had a huge problem with finding the correct words to use. It is driving me nuts. I am not use to this and hope it gets better soon.

On Thursday I went to see the radiation oncologist. I really like her, she is very sincere but straight to the point. There is no messing around with her. While I was there they did some preliminary things to get ready for the radiation. I had to get 6(I think) little pin head size tattoos. They put the ink on and then used a needle to push the ink in. It was quick and rather painless. They use these to line me up in the same spot each time. I begin the radiation on the 22nd. I was able to get an 8:15 time for two weeks and then the rest at 8am. I have been told that fatigue and mild burning are the major things to worry about. I have talked to a few people who have nausea along with radiation but nothing compared to what happens during chemo.

I need to have my port taken out since it was put in on the side I need radiation. The tube is metal and will scatter the radiation. there will be more burning around that area.
I have to make sure that my counts are good before I can have the port removed. Yesterday they were low again so I will be having my blood checked again on Wednesday. I have been told that I can just have it taken out in the drs office which is a good thing I guess but makes me nervous to think I will be cut open in the office wide AWAKE.

so I think that is it for now

7 of 8 treatments done

Just got home from having my 7th treatment and running some errands. I am feeling pretty good today and hope it continues. I am scheduled for my last treatment in two weeks. After that I get 3 to 4 free weeks and then begin radiation.

My last treatment went really well. I had no aches or nausea which was a blessing because work was way to crazy. I was totally exhausted each night.

I was a little disappointed to find out I have to wait 3 to 4 weeks to begin radiation. I was really hoping to be done with it by thanksgiving. I suppose another week or two wont hurt. It will be nice to have a month free of seeing doctors.

My hair is starting to grow back, slowly. It has gotten past the itchy stage which is nice. I am still wearing the scarves and will maybe start wearing my wig since it is getting colder out.

I have been having hot flashes and have been moody and snappy lately. I am working on holding it in but sometimes I don't bite my tongue fast enough. I appreciate everyone of you for enduring my emotions and ups and downs.

Thank you all so much for your support, thoughts and prayers. It is not only me who appreciates it but also Dave, Sydnie, Chris and Hunter.


:)

Hunters pictures

I hope you enjoy, the months that are posted are not accurate. I need to get them updated.

what next

I was not able to have a treatment on Wednesday. I have a sinus infection and my platelets were really low. I was given iv fluids and sent home with an antibiotic. Hopefully all looks good next Wednesday, I only have 3 treatments left.

It is an extremely emotional time for me, with my emotions going hay wire. It will be nice to have a week off from a treatment but I hope I get feeling better soon from this infection.

I have gotten so moody and ornery lately that I can't stand myself. I hope that this will pass. Every little thing seems so amplified. Noise, sound, smell and light seems to be blaring at me with 150% force. All my senses are on over drive, I hope this subsides soon.

I am thankful for my friends, family and coworkers who are helping with meals. I could not bare to cook any more meals. My family is very thankful that they are not having to do it. Again, I appreciate everything you are all doing for us. It is greatly appreciated.

Thank you all for supporting me, putting up with my moods and most of all just keeping me in your thoughts and prayers.

yuck--horrible aches

Well wishful thinking that the Taxol regimen was going to be better. I am the small percent that got the nausea and the aches. Lucky me. I was down all day yesterday, missed work and had to take tons of medicine.

Today I am not nauseated which is a plus. I was able to eat and get fluids down so I wont have to have any IV fluids. YAY!

I have taken Lortab and it helps take the edge off but I can still feel the pain. All my joints and bones and everything else just aches.
With Hunter running around I try to take a half and it seems to help. At least it doesn't put me to sleep. Dave should be home soon to chase him around.

Well that is the update for now. I will post more later.

Five down three to go--- First treatment of the Taxol

Alright so here I am sitting receiving my first taxol treatment. So far so good. We didn't get started with the Taxol until 11:00. We had to wait for a specific blood test to be ran at the hospital. When they came back all was good so we got started with a Benadryl drip. The Benadryl made me real sleeping. So sorry for any typos. After that I got a Decadron(steroid) drip.

I could have an allergic reaction to the Taxol, it is one of the side affects. The Benadryl and Decadron are preacuationary to avoid the allergic reaction.

I brought my luggage(rollling bag and my laptop) to finish some things that I have been putting off. I have paperwork that had to be done for work. I also had bills to take care of some organizing of bills and medical papers. Once I am not groggy I will start doing lesson plans for math. It is nice to be able to do it all here. It only took me 30 minutes this morning because I had NO interruptions. YAY, if I were home I would have had one of the kids wondering what I was doing or getting into papers.


Ok well all went well. I was out of the doctors by 2:30. The next treatment I get to go in at 11. I am feeling alright tonight but ready for bed.

thanks to all of you are keeping me in your thoughts and prayers

4th and final treatment of round #1

Today was the half way point for my chemo treatment. 4 down 4 to go.

I went today with a running nose, itchy throat and the assumption that I had a cold. I was prepared to be told that my counts where to low for treatment BUT they were perfect. Well not perfect they were a bit low but still with in a good range. Todays visit I was there 2-530.

I have met some people there who have some serious long term illnesses. Visiting with others who have also had cancer is humbling. My particular diagnosis is pretty minor compared to others. It is sad how someone elses woes can make you feel better about your own.

Alright so on about my treatment. That is why you are reading this right? I had treatment #4 today. the very last of the "AC"(acrocnymin for the two meds). Now on to the Taxol. The side effects for the Taxol are very minimal. I have to have the steroid medicine 12 and 6 hours before my chemo treatment. I also have to have Benadryl before the treatment incase of an allergic reaction. My next treatment I am schedule at 8:30 and I am not sure how long I will be there. The IV it self is about 3 hours or so. Then I have to stay up to 2 hours for monitoring to make sure I don't have any allergic reactions. So with the check in, which consists of vitals, blood work and a visit with the Dr. can take an hour to one and 1/2 hours. I could be there for a maximum of 6 hours.

treatment 3 July 16th

WOW! I can't believe it has been so long since I posted.
The kids and I have been out of school and have been playing. We have been to movies, Classic Skating and this awesome splash pad in Herriman. I have been getting some scrapbooking pages started and look forward to getting pictures added.
I had my 3rd treatment on the 16th. I ended up having to wait an hour for them to run a Bilirubin test. I had thrush the last time I was in an Melissa gave me a medicine for it. Aparenntly that medicine can lower your Billirubin and if it is low I wouldn't be able to have a treatment. It was a long 45 minutes waiting but it came back just fine. In fact all my blood work looked great. My white blood count has been on the high end the last 2 visits.
I started back to work on the 17th. Everything was going well, I went and played Bunco Friday night and had a blast. I was pretty tired but figured that it was because I worked Thursday and Friday. Saturday morning I woke up and could barely move. I was SO nauseated. It was like having the flu and the worst pregnancy symptoms ever. I didn't do anything but lay around Saturday and Sunday. I could barely drink anything and to eat was a chore. Dave was so good to help with Hunter. He tried making dinner for us but I could hardly eat 1/3 of it.
All I kept thinking is that the nausea is suppose to go away 2 or3 days after treatment so I had until Monday morning and I should be feeling much better.
Well Monday morning came and I was suppose to go into work but there was no way. I tried getting ready for the day but it wasn't happening. Every movement I made was awful. I ached everywhere and I was so hungry from not eating but couldn't even stand looking at food without getting more nauseated. I stayed home and laid around again. I finally called the Dr.'s office and asked if there was something else I could be doing. The triage nurse wasn't much help. I was a bit discouraged. I am not sure what I was looking for but at least something new to try. I had taken all my nausea med's the way they were prescribed and not a one would help subside the nausea.
I woke up Tuesday morning feeling a little better and determine to make it to work. I still was nauseated and just wanted to curl up and sleep. I called to Melissa's office and spoke with her nurse Shelley. Shelley immediately said to come and get a fluid IV. I did that at 3 and another one Tuesday at 1. I can't believe how much better I felt. My white blood count was down a little and we are assuming that I had a touch of the flu and was dehydrated.
Melissa assured me that it would not happen again like that unless my WBC is again. I thought for sure it was the chemo. I was so depressed that that is what I had to look forward too. I feel much better now knowing that it was probably a touch of the flu and not the chemo.
I go in Wednesday for treatment #4, the last of the first set of treatments. The first 4 treatments I have are the mix of medications that cause the nausea and the hair loss. So only one more of those. The last 4 treatments will be longer visits, probably 4 to 6 hours. Fatigue will definitely be an issue and I think I got a good look at what I can and can't do with being sick this last week.
Sorry for the novel but that is what I get for not posting for over a week. Hunter is wanting my attention now so I am off.
Thanks for all your thoughts/prayers and support.

6 more to go

Treatment number two has come and gone, 6 more to go. The 2nd treatment was not as bad as the first. I did not have as much body aches as the first. I did however hurt my back on the 4th, I think from carrying Hunter(who mind you is over 20lbs now). Nausea has been minimal but I have been exhausted. I always could sleep 8hours but now I could sleep 12 and still need more. The heat has really gotten to me though. I am very happy to be out of school and have the kids home with me while we make new adjustments. Sydnie and Chris have both been huge helps in their own little ways.

I went in on Wednesday for my blood count and it was much higher than my first. This is a great sign for the future treatments. I do have some sores in the back of my throat that Melissa was concerned about. So now I have 5 medications to take. 3 daily and 2 the week of treatment.

Over the weekend my hair started falling out. This was the strangest emotional, physical and mental feeling I have ever had. It was almost a joyous feeling knowing that the chemo is doing its job and that it is time to throw out the old Lynda and bring in the new. Don't get me wrong, there was fear. I mean losing your hair, hello, yeah not everyone can pull off being bald like Brittney.

Hunter is getting restless so I will have to update more later.

Monday 7th I went and got my wig(pic on the home page)
Thursday 10th I went and had my head shaved(pictures to come)

Today is treatment #2

I go in for my second treatment today. I am a bit more nervous to go for this one. If I am going to lose my hair it will happen with the next week. Also, I have heard that the second treatment could be a bit worse than the first. I hope that I don't get nauseated and if so that the medication will help. I can deal with the pain because I know that the medicine will help. I have stocked up on ibuprofen and Claritin.

I have gotten a menu together for the family so they can do dinners. I think it is just going to take being organized and having the kids step up.

We got temporary plates for Chris car this morning. I am glad that he can start driving it while we continue to fix the items that did not pass the safety inspection.

Sydnie is out of school and she should be a good help with Hunter.

I will update later depending on how I am feeling. thank you all again for your awesome support, I appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

the first week after treatment

I made it through the first week of treatment and I am feeling great. I had this awful achey pain from head to toe. The pain was from the shot that was given the day after my chemo treatment. It is used to boost the white blood count. It was the strangest feeling. I was able to get the pain to subside with some Advil and Claritin. Yes Claritin, Melissa told me about it. Apparently there is some research being done on it.

I go back for my next treatment on Wednesday. I am planning on getting organized so that there isn't anything I need to worry about the week following.

Feeling Good

It has been 36 hours since I began my first treatment and so far so good. I did work yesterday, although I was feeling VERY speedy. I don't know what to even compare it too. With all the coffee I have drank I have never felt so full of energy. One lady I met last night at the Look Good Feel Better class described it has being "electric". Just so much energy running through me. My body was speeding it was an exhausting feeling. I started to burn out around 2.

I had my shot at 4(I can't remember what the med was called but it is to boost the white blood count) but I have to have it the day after each chemo treatment. I felt alright from it until I was driving to the Look Good... class. My chest felt real heavy, I couldn't take in a full deep breath. This hit around 5:30 and lasted about an hour. Around 7 I started getting achey(which is also from the shot). I took a pain med around 9:30/10 and went to bed and now I am just feeling a bit sleepy.

I really enjoyed the Look Good... class. We received a ton of make-up. As most of you know I don't normally where make-up but I figured if I am not going to be spending time on straightening the hair then I can put make-up.

I am going to try and find a wig and a bunch of scarves this weekend.

It is time for me to head to work...Have a great day everyone!

One down...

Today was the day. I arrived at the oncologist around 3:45. Crazy construction traffic and school zones. Not the best time to be traveling west to east.
I was so nervous that I was going to get there and she was going to tell me that the port still wasn't ok but she was excited on how well it looked. I visited with Melissa(dr.) for about 15 minutes and then got ready to get my blood drawn. I was SO excited to use the port to have the blood drawn. So she hooked it all up, thank goodness for the lidocaine because I didn't feel a thing except for a little pressure. As Shelley(nurse) was trying to get the blood(3 viles) I got a little woozy like I do when my blood is drawn. There was nothing coming out so they had to get some heprin going to see if they could get the port clear enough for the blood to come out. It didn't work right away so I just had them draw it from my arm. It should be ok to draw from next time.
They were able to use the port just fine for the chemo. While I was waiting I had Shelley go over my 700,000 prescriptions. OK well maybe not that many but there are 7. She went through and numbered them and explained nicely when to use them.
I made a couple phone calls while waiting and before I knew it I was done. It was just about 6 when I left the doctor.

I felt a little light headed and had the feeling that I was just kind of floating. I ate a nice dinner with the in laws and now I am home and ready for bed. I did take one of the nausea medications around 9:30 but all is well. I am just drinking tons of water.

I have a class tomorrow at the Cancer Society. The class is titled Look Good Feel Better. Apparently they go over make up issues, what lotions, soaps, etc will not irritate. And they give you a ton of free stuff. One lady at the support class said it is like 300 dollars in make up.
guess I will need to start wearing make up HUH?

crossing my fingers that today is the day

I go back to the oncologist today at 3:30 to start chemo treatments. I am prepared again and hope that all goes as planned. I think that I have also got myself mentally ready for if it doesn't happen, I do know that everything happens for a reason. I have my bag of goodies to take and some reading material ready to go. I am sure this first visit will go by quickly as the nurse also has some things to go over with me. I have had some offers of friends who will come visit with me and I will take them up on that somewhere over the 16 week course.
**please keep me in your thoughts today that all goes as planned

TGIF

I have had time to think and although I am still disappointed I understand putting off the chemo is for the best.
Dave and I took Hunter to the doctor last night and he has a really red throat, cough and runny nose. It is a good thing I am antibiotics so not to get his cold. That would have been awful if I had had the chemo then got sick.

I am still real sore and the area where the port is is all itchy.

I am glad that Bunco is coming tomorrow and again next week. Nice to have something relaxing planned.

Chris should be finishing his last driving class this weekend and we can go his drivers license next week. That will definitely help me out during treatments.

What a horrible day

Today has been the worst day yet. I got myself all mentally prepared, ready for the chemo, went through all the hassle yesterday just to have the doctor say we need to wait. It looks like I may have an infection where the port a cath was inserted. It is pretty red, and so better safe than sorry We postponed the treatments until next Wednesday. I have to take antiobiotics and hopefully they work well. I am extremely disappointed. I had myself all mentally prepared and ready to begin and then this. I am not only physically drained but mentally exhausted. The area around the port is very sore and it is still difficult to move my head. thank you all for keeping me in your thoughts.

Echocardiogram and Port a cath

It is 8:30 and I am finally home and relaxing. What a long day. We had the echo cardiogram at 11. That took us about 15 minutes and so we waited around until 12:30 for the port a cath. While we waited we walked to the Huntsman's cancer building hoping to look at the wigs. The lady wasn't there who helps with them but I was able to check out a few books about surviving breast cancer. I guess I will have something to read during chemo treatments.

It was close to noon and so we took of to register for the port a cath. We were mis directed and ended up in the wrong building and had to go back to the building where I had the echo cardiogram earlier. It is a good thing the buildings are close together.

We finally got to the right building and got all set up in my room at 12:25. I had the nurse insert the IV(which I hate) around 12:45. Finally at 3:15 they took me to have it inserted. I returned to the room just after 5 and was discharged at 5:30.

We had a chemotherapy training/orientation at 5:30 so they actually let me go early. We made it to the training just before 6 and left shortly after 7. On the freeway there was an accident and traffic was so slow. So anyway that is the schedule of the day. We pulled in the driveway around 8 and I am ready for bed.

I will update more specifics about the procedure and what we learned tomorrow.

Appointment with the oncologist

Dave and I met with Dr. Corcoran and I loved her. She was very thorough and straight forward. Just what I have been looking for. I don't want someone to try and sugar coat things, I just want to hear it how it is. There was a lot of the same things she told us that we were told when we met with the "tumor team" a few weeks ago. The treatment is about the same. The medication that she wants me to use for increasing the white blood cells is different. I dont have all the paper work in front of me so I am not sure of the name but its suppose to work up to two weeks. She also sent me home with 5 prescriptions. 3 for nausea, antibiotic and I can't remember what the other was for. She was very confident in the medications for nausea. She said that it is vary rare that someone who takes the meds every has issues with vomiting. I was thankful to hear that.
She also suggested that I do a EKG and portacath. The nurse is making the phone calls in the morning and will let me know when it is all scheduled. The portacath thing is surgically inserted just under the skin on my chest and left there during the 16 week treatment. This way I don't have to be poked every time I go in. The EKG is just to get a base line and make sure there is nothing wrong with my heart that could be effected with the medication.
I will update more as soon as I can. It is 10 and I am emotionally drained. I have work tomorrow and will need to complete CRT tomorrow just in case I will have to take part of Wednesday off for the EKG and pic line. They are hoping to get it all done so that I can start chemo on Thursday. If it can't be done they will have me begin on Monday.
Dave and I also have a meeting/training on Wednesday night. They will go over everything about what to expect during treatment.

Human Resources

I forgot to add that the person I have been working with in the Human Resources dept. is fabulous. I have been such a wreck and a pest and she has been so patient with me. They did approve me for intermittent sick bank so I am happy about that. She has been awesome to work with.

another day

It has been a long week. At work I have been testing and trying to get my 5th and 6th graders finished without burning them out. It looks like we may have to finish up the science testing on Tuesday but considering all that has happened that is not bad.

On top of testing I had trouble with the secretary and nurse at the office of the oncologist that I was going to see next week. I didn't feel good with them and I felt that they weren't being honest with me in regards to treatment and what happens with the insurance company. The nurse was trying to tell me that with insurance and pre-approval that I probably wouldn't be able to start chemo for another week or so after my appt. on the 11th. (I was not happy with this since I was told from the drs on the Tumor Team that I should "begin" chemo 4 weeks after surgery). When I told the nurse that I have background in the medical field and called her on some of the statements she made she didn't have much to say.
So, I spoke with a few different people (one being Dave of course) and decided to go with a different oncologist. It actually is going to work out better because she is located near Alta View hospital which is much easier to get to than the new hospital in Murray. Dr. Corcoran has already reviewed my reports and is ready to see me on Monday and if approval goes quickly I will definitely begin chemo on Thursday.
I also prepared a letter for the staff at school and handed that out today. I was not sure how else to do it. I was not comfortable on approaching everyone nor was I OK with standing in front of the entire staff and announcing it. I feel relaxed and at ease now knowing that its out in the open and I don't have to hide it anymore. I will begin working on a letter for the parents and plan on sending it home at the beginning of next school year.

I am very thankful for all of you who are taking the time to read this and for your thoughts/prayers.

I am getting more nervous now that the chemo date is drawing near. I just keep telling myself that by doing chemo/radiation/hormone therapy that statistically it is a 95% cure rate.

*sigh* what can ya do...Sydnie says "keep on swimming" from Finding Nemo

Dealing with the oncologist and Human Resources

So I am ready to scream! I am trying to get everything set up so that if I do get sick from the chemo I will have "sick bank" hours so I don't have to go without pay.

The human resources wants a detailed letter stating what my treatment will tentatively look like (how many days, how long is the treatment, and how it will effect me). So based on this I call the oncologists office (who can't see me until the 11th of June) and ask for a letter paraphrasing what the oncologist from the tumor team has suggested. I faxed the nurse the 3 pages of notes that the oncologist at LDS wrote out for me along with her name and number(for reference if needed). The nurse was more than happy to help, I hung up with her assuming she new exactly what I needed.

Well Friday afternoon I get a phone call from Human Resources telling me that the letter states that I have not been seen yet and the doctor will need to do a need breast cancer diagnosis and treatment will be determined at that time. UGH I am so irritated at this point.
It is to late at this point for me to contact anyone and I have to wait until Monday to do anything.

Today is Monday and I call to speak with the nurse and I go the rounds with her trying to get her to understand what I need. I am not asking for a new diagnosis, I have met with the tumor team (which the oncologist who I will be seeing is part of) and I am sure he doesn't have anything new he can tell me or any special little pixie dust that will make it so I don't have to have chemo. I am just irritated by this point. I think she finally got it, I just need something stating that this "xyz" is a tentative plan for my treatment so that the Human Resources at my work can award me time off accordingly.

I am now waiting to hear back from the gal at human resources to see if the nurse submitted a letter that is detailed enough.

PET scan results

I received a call yesterday(Thursday 22nd) from the doctors office saying they had my results available. I was in the middle of giving CRT tests so was not able to take the call. I debated on even calling them in fear that something else was going to be wrong. I thought for a bit about just waiting until Tuesday when we got back in town but decided that it would just drive me more crazy wondering all weekend about the results. So at my lunch time I called and the MA says oh yes Lynda um well ya I have your results. My heart sunk. I was like OMG they found something else...BUT she says well there is nothing abnormal, everything looks wonderful.

I was thrilled, I am so glad that I decided to call. It made my day. Now I can just focus on healing from surgery without fear they missed anything or that the cancer spread anywhere else.

:)

PET scan

Today I had the PET scan. Its a full body scan that searches out sugar accumlation. Apparently there has been research that shows cancer spots can be detected where there is a large of amount of sugar. So we will see, I will probably have results on Tuesday, or rather don't want to get the results until Tuesday. We are going out of town to visit some good friends and I am excited just to have a nice relaxing weekend.

The PET scan was interesting. I had to have another IV(ugh more needles) and had to drink two cups of some awful koolaid like stuff. After that I had to hold still for 45 minutes while it went through my body. After that I had to drink two more drinks and then they took me for the scan. Its was like a really bad amusement park ride. My arms and legs were strapped down so that there was no chance of movement. Then I got sent into the tub which is open on both ends. The tub moves around you and snaps the pics. It took about 30 minutes to do this. Finally I am done and still have to lay there while they double check and make sure they have all that they need. Oh what fun. I am sure my insurance company is loving this.

Follow up with surgeon

Today I went to the surgeon. Everything looks good and is healing well. My surgeon does want me to have a PET scan which apparently checks over your entire body for anything abnormal. That is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

I am heading back to work tomorrow and I am very thankful. I am going stir crazy. I am still a little nervous with facing everyone.

I also made an appt with the oncologist today, it will be June 11th(I wanted to make sure it was after my birthday). When we met with the "tumor team" last week the oncologist there suggested getting in to see someone the first week of June but June 11th was the first available time. The secretary was confident that I could schedule my chemo for Thursdays and could get in around 2 or so since it will last up to two/three hours and they close at 5.


So for now that is it. You are all more than welcome to visit my blog. I would love suggestions since I this is the first time I have ever made one. Its at blogspot.com

Thanks again for all your support and thoughts. Luckily it is just every other week. The ugly part will be the radiation which is 5 days a week for 6 weeks for only 15 minutes(it will take me longer to drive there). ICK! Oh well you do what you gotta do.

Lynda's story

Fri Apr 11, 2008
I am going to have an ultrasound and possibly mammogram today because of a lump I found in my right breast. I told myself I was going to not freak out until after I had the ultrasound but I am all-full of nerves today. I can't focus on anything.

My grandmother had breast cancer about 10 years ago and went through chemo and ended up having a mastectomy. Having breast cancer has always been something in the back of mind. I don't know if it has just been paranoia or intuition that it was going to happen.

I am just terribly nervous, I really am hoping it’s just tissue. I have only talked to my hubby about this. I figured there is no reason to stress anyone else out until I know for sure.


Fri Apr 11, 2008
OK well it was a horribly long wait. I had a mammogram first and they couldn't really tell from that so I had an ultrasound and after having the doctor there look they decided I should have a biopsy. Well I have been taking Ibuprofen and that thins your blood so they wouldn't do it. The soonest I can get in is the 22nd.

It’s going to be a long two weeks. I am now even more nervous because obviously the mammogram and ultrasound couldn't rule out cancer. The chances of it being cancerous are now higher for me.


April 22, 2008
So I went today at 2:30 and was a bottle of nerves. I got feeling very light headed and nauseated when the doctor gave me the lidocain but was OK after that. They normally take 3 samples but he took 5 from various areas. He said just to be on the safe side since my grandmother has had breast cancer.

I also got very light headed and nauseated after the procedure so I was there for quit some time.

I am very sore right now and get this I am not supposed to do any housework for 24 hours. WOOHOO!


Thu Apr 24, 2008
Well my doctor called and I have infiltrating lobular carcinoma. I have an appt with a surgeon tomorrow to find out exactly what route we need to go.

From what research I have read so far its one that can spread and only 10-15% of woman with breast cancer get this type.

I am a little sick to my stomach but I had an idea that it was going to be cancerous. I have not told anyone else yet, not even Dave since he is still at work.

I am sure I will start crying. Sydnie is here with me now and I am having a hard time not crying in front of her.

Fri Apr 25, 2008
I have an appt. with the surgeon on Monday. I did speak with a radiologist and it seems fairly promising. The tumor is 1/2 inch and we found it pretty early. Statistically with the size and how early I found it along with my age we should be able to just remove it surgically without chemo.

I am not sure when we will be telling my family. Sydnie is flying to Texas on Wednesday and I don't want her to worry while she is there. I think it will all depend on what happens Monday but we (Dave and I) may just wait until she comes back on Sunday to say anything.

Mon Apr 28, 2008

OK I am back from the surgeon.

I am scheduled to have the lump removed on the 9th. I could have done it this Friday but Sydnie will be gone until Sunday and I would not feel right doing it with her gone.

We will tell all of our family on Sunday/Monday when Sydnie returns.

Because of the type I have the surgeon suggested having an ultrasound on my right breast to make sure there is no cancer there. If there is no cancer in the right breast than I will have the lump removed and have radiation after surgery for 5-7 weeks and then I can have the option of hormone therapy for 5 years after that. It should only be an hour long surgery depending on how the lymph nodes look. It really just depends on that now and there is no way to know if it has spread until surgery.

A mastectomy and chemotherapy are last resorts and only if the lymph nodes are infected and if the lump happens to be larger than what they could see on the ultrasound.

The recovery from surgery is pretty good. It will be a little longer if they need to remove the lymph nodes. The radiation will wipe me out and possibly make me nauseated (so much for planting a garden this year LOL).

I am feeling very optimistic that everything will go well. I am just now nervous about telling the kids and my family.


Mon May 05, 2008
Today I have an MRI to make sure there isn't anything we are missing. Friday is the surgery.

Sydnie is still in Texas, she called me crying that she wanted to stay a couple more days and I just couldn't say no. She will be home on Wednesday. So we will have to tell her almost right when she gets home but with the way she worries I suppose it will be all right.

I have told my mom and she has told my grandma, aunt and uncle. Dave still hasn't talked to his mom. I just can't do it.

May 5, 2008
MRI day
The MRI it self went all right. I had to have the contrast dye stuff and I HATE needles. SOO I got nauseated and had to sit for a bit after they put it in and then again when they took it out. They did like 20 minutes of MRI's without the dye then they pushed the dye through and did some with it going through and then more as it was going out.((if that makes any sense). SO I didn’t get a call today so should hear from them by lunchtime tomorrow.

Wed May 14, 2008
OK so here is the newest update.
I had surgery on Friday. I was scheduled to be there at 10:30 so we got all checked in and apparently they were running ahead of schedule so we got raced to the pre-op room and they decided just to do the IV up near the operating room. So they took me up I spoke with the doc, the nurse and the anesthesiology got the drugs and went to sleep. I woke up again a bit later being told that they didn't do the surgery because they didn't have the radiologist insert the dye that is needed to locate affected lymph nodes. UGH so we had to wait an hour for the dye to be mixed and the radiologist guy to come over. So now its 3 and they are taking me back, I am saying my good byes giving hugs and kisses and all that once again.

Anyway after that little fiasco everything went well. My surgeon did have to take a cluster of lymph nodes out so the healing time will be a little longer than I had anticipated. I have been sore but have been able to use my arm a little bit. Thank GOD for lortab and xanax.

I received the path results yesterday and the margins around the tumor are clear. There were 17 lymph nodes in the cluster, which is a fair amount. There was one out of the 17 lymph nodes that was affected. I am just planning now to have both, chemo and radiation.

We go Thursday to meet with an oncologist and radiation therapist at LDS hospital. These doctors are part of a team of physicians who meet and go over the person’s entire medical and family history and discuss all options that are possible.
We will have about 2 hours to visit with these doctors to have them explain all options.

I then go see my surgeon on Monday and we will set up a time to return back to work as well as radiation and/or chemo.

Fri May 16, 2008
It’s been a week since surgery and I am feeling all right. I started some exercise yesterday and so my arm is pretty sore today.
It seems to be a bit more swollen too.

I go back in to visit with my surgeon on Monday and probably will return back to work on Tuesday.

I will begin chemotherapy in two weeks. The first portion will be one day for 1 1/2 hours every 2 weeks for a period of 8 weeks. The second portion of the chemo. will be one day 3-4 hours every 2wks for a period of 8 weeks. So chemo will be done in 16 weeks but only 8 weeks of actual appts.

With the chemo there is the possibility of nausea 2-4 days after the appt. So I am thinking I will go in on a Thursday work Friday and take Mondays off.
There also is a possibility of having hair loss and fatigue.
The doctors yesterday said worst-case scenario is that I will just burn out a lot faster during the day. So not to plan any activities in the evening.

Then after that I will have radiation for 6 weeks 5 days a week, which will last about 15 minutes.

With the radiation there is also the possibility of being fatigued and skin irritation.

I am not anxious to go back to work. I know that I will have to address this with those that I work with. Its just really awkward, I mean what do you say to someone who has cancer...you want to mean well but not offend and then the conversation gets awkward. I really don't want that, I just want to keep going with life as best as we can.

Please don't ever feel that you need to say something specific about the cancer or treatment to me in person if you don't feel comfortable with doing so. I know you all care and that is what matters. Hope that make sense.

First post

OK so here is my attempt to keep you all updated on what's happening here in our home. I am hoping to get Sydnie and Chris to help by posting about what is going on with them at school and what not.

I am pretty sure Dave will not attempt to post anything.

any suggestions on formatting or items/subjects you would like to hear about just let me know.