Happy Mother's Day

So, I’ve been a daughter who has loved and honored my mother for 42 years now.  Nineteen years ago, Keith chose me to be a mother to his sweet, beautiful daughter Jourdan, and then nine and twelve years later I was blessed by God to be the mother of Rance and Ryleigh.  I have to say, with all those years under my belt, this day has never hit me in a way that it did today!!!

As I stood in front of the mirror this morning getting ready to go out for breakfast with my husband, I literally started sobbing.  I WANTED my kids with me (they stayed the night with their cousin).  An emotion took over me that I couldn’t control.  They truly have my whole heart and I am so thankful and blessed to be their mom!!

Today was definitely a day of reflection for me and a reminder to never take life or loved ones for granted!!  A year and a half ago, when I was handed the “cancer card” they were my biggest concern!!!  I know all of you other moms out there that have faced a similar battle/challenge KNOW exactly what I’m talking about!!  The thought of leaving your kids at a delicate, early age is so very scary!!

With that said, my heart aches for those of you in my life that have lost your mother’s at an early age (or any age for that matter).  There is NO greater love and no child should have to endure that kind of pain!!  I pray for strength and comfort for you all today!!

I am thankful for every day/ year I get to continue making sweet, precious memories with my kids, grandbaby, husband, and family!!  I enjoyed the day with my mom, sister and our families yesterday.  Today, I had a wonderful breakfast with my husband, some P90X and pool time with my family and a wonderful homemade, seafood dinner – yummy!!!

Love & Belief,

Dana

Thank you!!! Another year...feeling blessed!!!

Wow!!  I can't thank you all enough for all the birthday wishes I received today via email, text, phone calls and timeline posts!!!  I am so blessed to have you all in my life...you sure know how to make a girl feel special.  I am beyond blessed with a wonderful family, great friends, and fabulous neighbors!!

I have to say this year was WAY better than last!!  Of course, last year at this time my life was in such a whirlwind.  I had just been diagnosed with breast cancer, was awaiting surgery and was totally stressing about telling my children!!  Tonight, I got to enjoy a very nice dinner with my husband and kiddos...worry free!!  I wish I could say "tear free", but things kind of hit me!!!  I'm not sure if I've written a blog where I didn't cry.  I'm just a bit emotional.

I have definitely come to realize that there is NO birthday that's worth being 'upset' about!!  I'm 100% sure that from this day forward every birthday I celebrate will get better and better!!  I have a new year ahead of me and I'm looking forward to making great memories!!  I know that many of you will be a part of those memories :-)  As I reflect on this past year, I'd like to share with you some of the wonderful memories that were made!!

Just a month and a half after surgery, I was able to celebrate my sweet granddaughter, Annibelle's first birthday.  So hard to believe that she'll be turning two on November 17th.  She's a very sweet and loving "terrible two"  LOL.







In December, we got to watch Ryleigh compete at the State level forgymnastics.  It was a tough season, but she's a fighter just like her momma :-)  She fought to get there and she placed 10th on the beam!!  We are so proud of her and looking forward to what this season holds for her.







We had a magical Spring Break!!!  Although we didn't go to Disney World, we had a blast at Universal Studios for three days.  We got to watch my niece's cheer team compete at Disney and we even met up with some friends from home.  As we headed back toward Texas, we stopped off in Destin for a few days of Sun and Sand.

In March I started a new job, which allows me to work from the house.  I love what I do, but it's often hard to "get away" from my work.  The position called for some travel in May: California (got to visit my "Angel") and then Las Vegas.  The Vegas trip just happened to be around mine and Keith's 18th anniversary so he made arrangements for the kids (Thanks, mom and neighbors!) and joined me in "Sin City".  Although it was a working trip, we were able to get away one day and experience the Grand Canyon from our very first helicopter ride!!!  It was AMAZING!!!



In late April, I got to watch my baby brother get married!!  It was a beautiful wedding...hot, but beautiful!!  He just informed me a few weeks ago that I'm going to be an aunt...again!!!  YAY!!!  BTW, he's going to have a girl.  They're not going to find out, but me and my sisters already know this :-)





The summer started off great as we took several long weekend trips to San Antonio.  Our wonderful neighbors/friends, the Suarez family as well as Keith's sister and brother-in-law joined us on one of those trips!!  We had a great time!!  Our family went back and spent the 4th of July there.  We've decided to make that our July 4th destination :-)

So schools now back in session, the kids had their well-care checkups and there's no doubt...My 13 year-old-son is now taller than me :-(  Both had big growth spurts over the past year and half.  Rance grew over 6 inches and Ryleigh grew 3.  There's no stopping them now!!  Makes a momma sad!!  Thank goodness for grandbabies :-)



A few weeks ago we traveled to Dallas and visited Keith's brother and his family.  Rance had a fencing tournament there and they were able to join us.  I know Rance really enjoyed having his Uncle Ryan there to watch him.  This was his first "big" fencing tournament and he did great!! I think we all had a bit of a learning experience from the event ;-)




Now to brag on our oldest daughter, Jourdan.  We are so proud of her!!  She has grown up to be such an amazing mother!!  This past weekend, we got to celebrate with her as she completed her dental assisting program!!  She's been working so hard over these past few months and completed her courses with an A+.  She will complete her state exam this weekend!!

As for me, I am looking forward to crossing another item off the bucket list...a half marathon is the goal!!  Currently, I am training for the 10 for Texas that's held here in The Woodlands on October 12th.  The thing I'm not happy about is in order to participate, I'll have to miss Ryleigh's gymnastics meet.  I just found out today that she competes that Saturday morning, of course, out of 5 sessions it would have to be the one that I can't go to.  I had actually told myself that I wouldn't run if she competed at the same time and tonight she tells me, " no mommy, you've worked too hard!!"  Yes, it pretty much made my heart swell.  So grown beyond her years!!  Leading up to that race will be the Susan G. Komen 5K Race and then a 10K Race in Austin.  If any of you would like to support the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, please go here to donate.    http://rfch.convio.net/goto/FIGHTINGtheFight  Your support is greatly appreciated!!

So I have about one more month before I'm one year into treatment...just 9 more years of this medicine.  You guys are going to get to count them all down with me!!  In December I go back for a check up and CT scan.  Please keep me and others fighting this disease in your prayers!!  Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so kind an so thoughtful to send me birthday wishes today!!  I loved  them all :-)

Love & Belief!
Dana

Check...Check...Check!!!

So yesterday I had checkups with all three of my doctors...The girls literally got the triple CHECK!!  And approval so to speak...LOL  I had appointments scheduled with my plastic surgeon and my oncologist since December; however, due to a tender spot that showed up on "righty" I was a bit concerned and decided to go see the breast surgeon as well.  All three doctors felt confident to say it's just scar tissue.  I would be lying if I told you I wasn't a little apprehensive about the spot, even though I know the chances of breast cancer recurring in the breast after a mastectomy is less than 1%.  Also, the fact that it wasn't the side with the original cancer made it less likely.  I just felt better with letting them make that call.

So the oncologist informed me that I'm "normal".  Okay, so maybe not me, but my blood work is.  HAHA!!  All cancer markers came back normal and my Vitamin D level is finally in the normal range.  My level was in the upper 20's when I was diagnosed and a normal range should be in the 40's.  A Vitamin D deficiency puts you at a much great risk of developing breast cancer.  Please read:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/05/12/vitamin-d-may-prevent-breast-cancer.aspx

I have to admit that prior to my diagnosis, I hadn't had blood work done since probably 2007.  I was very good about having annual exams with my OB/GYN; however, she stopped ordering blood work for just annual exams and only does that for her OB patients.  Ladies, please make sure you're having blood work done on an annual basis.

So with that said, I received a 6 month green light!!  I'll go back for checkups in December, which will also include a CT scan.

***********************
 

Life since my last post

When I posted back in March, our family was preparing for a spring break vacation to Universal Studios/ Orlando and Destin Beach.  We had a BLAST!!!  The kids totally loved and enjoyed their time at Universal Studios and the few days at the beach was exactly what momma and daddy needed - a vacation from the vacation :-)  It was nice to have my mom with us in Destin as well.  The kids really LOVED having Nana there.

When I returned home from Florida, it was time to hit the ground running with my new job.  It was a very fast paced first few months.  I traveled to beautiful Orange County, CA, in late April for corporate meetings and training.  While I was there, I had the opportunity to see a very dear friend, Angel Coe.  Her name suits her well.  She truly was an "angel" to my family during a very difficult time.  While pregnant with Ryleigh and on bed rest, Angel helped with our grocery shopping, picked up Rance from pre-school and was just a great friend to a complete stranger!!  Granted, her and I are not the type of people to meet a stranger, but you know what I mean.  We both attended the same church, and she had overheard Keith talking to someone else in the church about my condition and she stepped up in a very BIG way!!!  I was so thankful for the time her and I got to share together recently.

So May brought more than just flowers...it brought more traveling!!  All good!!!  My job sent me to Vegas in mid-May for a three day trade show.  Let's just say, we were all BEAT after day one!!  Our feet were KILLING us!!  The trip was intended to be "all" business; however, last minute my husband was able to make arrangements to join me (with the help of my mom and neighbors) and coordinate with my boss a little time for ADVENTURE!!!!  On May, 20th Keith and I celebrated our 18th year of marriage with a great dinner, compliments of Mike Rodgers (Thank you!) and a day to remember!!  We took a helicopter ride from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon.  It was truly AMAZING!!!  We landed in the Canyon for a champagne toast, snack and a totally WOW moment!!!  Thank you, Keith, for an amazing anniversary and a wonderful 22+ years!!!  Sometimes I wonder how you put up with me ;-)

We returned from Vegas for a few days and then headed to San Antonio for the long Memorial Day weekend with the family!!  We always enjoy the Wild Oak Ranch and are actually planning to head back there again this weekend with friends/ family!!!  Can't wait!! Looking forward to being able to take litte Miss Annibelle there soon.  She's growing so fast and we absolutely love spending time with her.

So now it's summertime and I'm faced with the challenge of working from home with kids around, but hey, WE GOT THIS!!!  The kids are actually so busy that they're not around that much.  Ryleigh's in the gym for 16 hours a week and Rance has swim practice and Splashtown!! 

I know I've not been good at posting lately.  I guess for so long it seems that the "C" word consumes so much of you and when you get some normalcy back in your life it's just a relief!!  I started this to share my story in hopes to help someone else with the decisions they faced.  I am going to try and post at least once a month.  That will be your monthly reminder to do your "self check".  No EXCUSES!!!  It seems lately, that way too many people I know are facing their own battle or know someone very close to them that is.  If you are one of those people in my life, please know that you are in my prayers!!  I am so excited for those of you that have had recent PRAISE reports!!!  GOD IS GOOD...ALWAYS!! 

Love & Belief!

Dana

5 Months Post Surgery Update

Wow!!  It's actually hard to believe that my surgery took place just 5 months ago today.  To me it seems much longer - I guess that's a good thing!!  I have started running and working out again and for the most part all is going well with that.  I do sometimes get sore or tender around my ribcage area just depending on the workout.  Some of it I believe is just natural soreness, but also I think some is due to the sutures stretching.  I have realized I have limitations, especially when it comes to weights and I'm okay with that :-)

I am very happy to report that the numbness for the most part on the backside of my left arm/ armpit area is gone.  I no longer need assistance to shave my armpits...LOL  I would say that probably 90+% of the nerve damage has repaired itself.  I am very thankful for that as it was very sensitive and annoying for even my shirt sleeve to rub up against it.  I'm not going to hold out so much hope for other areas to regain their sensitivity ;-)  don't think that's ever gonna happen!!

So I've been on the hormone treatment now for approximately 4 months and I definitely don't think my body has come to a stabalized reaction.  It seems to be all over the place!!  I take my medicine at night and have mostly only experienced side effects (hot flashes, night sweats) during the night.  Other people I have talked to have said they also experience them during the day as well.  I think I've had two hot flashes during the day...I usually stay ice cold - to the bone!!!  I have been doing some reading on others' blogs and several have mentioned that they felt taking Effexor with the Tamoxifen decreased their side effects and I had my dr. prescribe Effexor (antidepressant) to me when I started the Tamoxifen (because I like my children breathing).  Maybe that's why the effects have seemed more on the mild side.  I'm assuming that as it builds up in my system I may experience more aggressive hot flashes, etc.  I've also wondered how it might differ should I take the medicine in the morning???  If you or someone you know is on or has done this hormone treatment, I'd be interested in your feedback.

Currently, I am scheduled for checkups with both the plastic surgeon and the oncologist in June.  Again, I feel very lucky that all has been so successful to this point.  It's crazy how just the right people come into your path after something like this happens (thanks Nancy Brown for the reminder to always pray for those people).  I have a new friend, Kara Ward, who has gone through this same surgery and my heart just goes out to her.  She has experienced many complications and numerous surgeries over the past few years and is currently dealing with an infection.  On that same note, I have a few close friends that have recently been diagnosed with different types of cancer and I pray that their treatments are successful.  Please continue to be in prayer for all those affected by this disease and support the cause for finding a cure!!

Well, other than it being my 5 month anniversary, today has turned out to be another significant day in my life.  Today was my last day at Quick, Cunningham & Associates (Ameriprise Financial).  I started with them just a few months after we moved to the Spring area in 2008 and I am really going to miss them all.  They have all been so very good to me and so supportive through my diagnosis, surgery, and recovery.  I wish them all continued success and don't worry, I won't be a stranger!!!  If you're in the need of a financial planner, give them a call www.brucequick.com

The next few weeks will definitely be fun, exciting, and busy!!  Monday I start a new job with the amazing Colleen Ellison (very good friend for many years).  I'm truly humbled and extremely honored that she placed this amazing opportunity in front of me.  I will be working out of the home, assisting her, and supporting her national sales team for Digital Map Products.  In addition, the family and I head out next weekend for an Orlando/ Destin spring break vacation.  We'll be meeting my mom and my sister's family in Orlando for my niece's cheer competition and then spending three days at Universal Studios.  Mid week, we'll head back and stay in Destin for a few days where my mom will join us.  As much as I'm not looking forward to putting on a bathing suit, I am looking extremely looking forward to some "Toes in the Water, @$$ in the Sand, and an adult beverage in HAND"!!  HAHA!!!  The water is going to be way too cold for this Texas girl!!

Before I go, I must wish my Mallards Cove Peeps a successful and safe 1/2 marathon run tomorrow.  I wish I was joining you!!  Looks like my time will be this coming fall after the Ten for Texas unless Shelleen wants to do the 1/2 in Puerto Rico ;-) 

Also sending out a BIG Happy Birthday shout out to Miss Emma Dunnam...RIP sweet girl :o)

Love & Belief!!

Dana

Starting over stinks...

Starting over stinks, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to do so.

So prior to my diagnosis, I had started training to run the Ten for Texas with some of my neighborhood friends.  Ten miles…me??  Am I crazy??  I say that because I was NEVER a runner.  Yes, I played basketball and I tell you it took all season for Louie Johnson to run my butt into shape!!  LOL  My favorite sport was softball and I was good to go for four bases J  My friends tried to get me to run track with them in junior high – NO WAY!!!

Well, I actually started running a few years ago in preparation for the Warrior Dash 5K run/ obstacle “race”.  I never intended to “race” it, just finish!!  Since this was kind of my suggestion to the neighborhood ladies at a ladies’ night out, I definitely needed to make sure I could complete it with them.  So I started running because at the time there was no way I could run 3 miles without passing out.  I have now participated in that run two years, but this last year, after wading through chest-high swamp water I’ve decided NO MORE!!  It was definitely disgusting!!!

 

Warrior Dash 2011

Warrior Dash 2012

 

5K down, so now what??  I’m the type of person that needs a goal to stay committed to it.  So the next goal I set was actually to complete a half marathon.  It is STILL my goal!!  The goal hasn’t changed, only the timeframe!!  The Ten for Texas was going to be a part of that training and now I’m starting from scratch.  It’s frustrating, but I will not let it discourage me from completing the goal.  I do wish I was running it in March with my neighborhood friends!!  I miss running with them, but I’m just not there yet. 

Ten for Texas - Proud of these girls!!

After surgery, I told myself that regardless of how I felt I would give myself until January before I started running or working out again.  So my first run was on January 2^nd and I had a cold or something coming on.  I was hoping that a good run might kick it out of me, but instead it just progressed.  I ended up with bronchitis, which just delayed getting going again.  These past two weeks I’ve been able to get back in the gym some and started running again…slooooowly, but surely!!  It is a little frustrating knowing where I was and where I am now, but I am very thankful that I have the opportunity and the energy to start over.

The first few workouts were rough, of course!!!  Not only was I sore from not working those muscles, but I was also experiencing some muscle spasms that I hadn’t felt in months.  Another friend/ survivor just reminded me that I needed to take it slower than usual…yes, that’s a bit hard for me!!  I don’t really do SLOW!!  So those first few workouts were followed by a hot soak bath and a valium at bed time J  I’m glad to have those behind me and I’m looking forward to getting back into a regular workout routine!!

Love & Belief!

Dana

 

Goodbye 2012...Hello 2013

Well, it's been quite a while since I updated so I thought today might be a good time.  I guess after a month of doctor appointments, testing and surgery and then a month of recovery I just kind of got caught up in living "normal" again.  Life got back to busy very fast and I wouldn't trade it for the world!! 

My work schedule got back to more regular hours right around Thanksgiving time.  I was able to stop the pain meds and was only taking a valium at night to help sleep.  Unfortunately, it didn't seem to be helping that sleep part very much, but did help with the muscle relaxation.  The sleeping part has been somewhat of a struggle, but definitely seems to be getting better.  I've been taking the Tamoxifen (hormone blocker) for almost two moths now.  My sister had mentioned that it took almost 8 months before she started with any side effects...I was not so lucky!!  In the third week I started with hot flashes in the middle of the night.  I'm usually always cold, so very rare for me to get hot, but it would alternate through the night...hot, cold, hot, cold.  That has now changed some and I typically wake between 3:30 - 4:00 in the morning just hot or almost sweating...yuck!!  Not looking forward to the full fledged side effects that will come.  Another friend has said she experiences hot/ sweat flashes during the night as well as a few late in the afternoon.  I'm sure it effects everyone differently, but I'm sure I haven't seen the worst of that.

This is a medication that originally I was told I would be on for 5 years; however, the oncologist had informed me that a new study was in progress and the results of that have recently been published.  The results indicate that she'll more than likely have me take it for 10 years instead of just the 5 years.  I've included the link for anyone interested http://www.chron.com/communityblogs/atmosphere/article/Longer-tamoxifen-use-cuts-breast-cancer-deaths-4097374.php

The first week in December I had follow appointments with both my oncologist and the plastic surgeon.  All went well and I'm free of dr. appointments (unless there's a concern) until June...YAY!!!  I tried getting the oncologist to do a brain scan as they didn't do that originally.  She continues to tell me that my type of BC doesn't typically spread to the brain.  I think I was just concerned because I was talking somewhat crazy for a while.  My head definitely seems to be much clearer now, so I'm some of it was still for anesthesia and of course pain meds.  Actually, as I'm writing this blog, I've realized I haven't had to "backspace" nearly as much as I used to...LOL  My typing and spelling is much better these days!!!  I'm not quite sure when I'll do another CT scan, but at least not until this summer.

As far as the reconstruction part, things are still healing a bit internally.  My left side (BC) side has been a little slow at EVERYTHING!!!  It was the more troubling side after surgery and it still causing me pain off and on.  At times, it feels as if someone has a hold of my skin and is pinching and twisting...NOT A GOOD FEELING!!!  Doc says the tightness on that side will loosen up with time and "help".  I've realized that stretching my arms behind my back, which sends a constant burning sensation on the backside of my arm/ shoulder area helps relieve the pain.  I just noticed last night, that the left side is finally starting to drop into place (it's been a slow process as I mentioned before). 

The feeling on the backside of my left arm and in my armpit is finally starting to recover from the nerve damage from the lymph node removal.  It's so super sensitive though.  At times, even the my clothes rubbing against my skin irritates me.  Keith keeps asking me how it feels and the best description I could come up with is when your foot is asleep and you try and stand/ walk on it and it tingles and sends the shooting pains through the foot...that's sort of what it feels like.  It doesn't bother me as much if I touch it, but if other touch it...NO BUENO!!!  I noticed in December that most everyone seemed to touch me on that side and behind that arm and I "gritted my teeth" through many hugs this month.  I am glad to be getting the feeling back though, as mnay have told me they haven't.  I've actually come to realize how fortunate I am that I've come as far as I've come with just one surgical procedure.  Many friends, acquaintances and people I have met have went through so much worse...my heart feels for them.  I know what it was like just going through what I went through and many of these women have went through so much more and then chemo on top of that...HATE THIS CANCER!!!

So with all that said, I am more than ready to say Goodbye to 2012 and all it dealt.  I pray that cancer got the best of me it's EVER gonna get in 2012.  I'm ready for a New Year and I know God has great things in store for me and my family!!  I'm looking forward to bringing in the New Year with my beautiful family and some wonderful friends tonight.  Hello 2013!!!

Happy New Year from our family to yours!!

Dana

44 Days and counting

Sorry, I haven't blogged in a while, but we're now about 44 days post surgery and things are starting to get somewhat back to normal (whatever that is; right?).  After 43 days of sleeping in the recliner in Keith's man cave, I finally tried my bed out last night.  It was very nice to stretch out and the bed itself was very comfy (especially since we've added like a 2 1/2 memory foam pad to it), but I just couldn't get real comfortable.  I tossed and turned quite a bit, which made two night of not sleeping so well.  So I can honestly say, that I came home from work today around 3:00, changed into some comfy lounge wear and crawled into my bed and didn't get up until around 7:00.  The pain is gone and so is the energy!!!

This is my first week back to work on a daily basis.  I'm still only working 4 - 4.5 hours, but I just get fatigued so easily.  I'm just trying to work my way back up to regular hours and am just blessed that my employers are so understanding and supportive!!  We are actually participating in a volunteer opportunity tomorrow at the Houston Food Bank (3 hours shifts).  I'm excited about having my chilidren participate as well, but I could end up being the professional photographer for the day...LOL  Me and Ryleigh together might be considered one person...HAHA!!

So as I mentioned, we're just trying to get life back to normal.  The great thing is that the kids have really not seemed to have been bothered by the entire process or at least they haven't really showed it.  I know they never let up on me much!!!  But I'm truly blessed that they stayed so strong and didn't let it get them down or affect their regular routine.  And, of couse, I was thrilled to find out about not needing to do chemo treatment as I know that is the hardest part for the kids as that makes it seem so "real" to them.  It's often hard for them to understand that things are going to 'look' worse before they look better.  As much as I may say they give me a "hard" time (the little ones), I am so very proud of them!!

Rance is keeping busy with his fencing and doing well in school (could do much better if he actually studied - our big challenge with him).  He's ok with "getting by" and I'm like, "think what you could do if you really applied yourself!!"  I think he'll end up in sales like his dad, he's a go-getter when it comes to that kind of stuff.  His school just recently had their fundraiser and he was one of the top two in sales - it was a tie!!  He got several different prizes, but there was a $100 cash award for the top sales person and he received half of that yesterday - he was pretty stoked!!!  He brought home a nice crisp $50 bill.  Below is a picture of him this past Saturday arriving at his fencing tournament...not quite awake as it was early in the morning ;-)  This is only his third Houston Cup to attend and he's getting better and better every time!!!

Ryleigh, of course, is staying busy with gymnastics, school work and trying to maintain a social life.  She's in the gym for 12 hours a week and often does her homework in the car and has a homework day on Thursday with her best friend as it's both of their "off" days from gymnastics/ cheer.  They really enjoy their Thursdays together :-)  She has had a tough year with a broken hand and then moving gyms just four weeks before her first competition this season, but she fought her way into the top 10 competitors in the South State Texas meet and will compete at the State meet in December amongst the top 20 Level 5 gymnasts in her age group.  We are very proud of her!!

Our oldest daughter Jourdan is doing well, working and just moved into a rental house.  She is preparing for our granddaughter, Annibelle's, first birthday this Saturday, November 17th.  Can't believe it's been a year already!!  She's definitely keeping mom and dad on their toes now that she's mastered the art of walking :-)  She had her first visit to the zoo and it looks like her and mom had fun monkeying around...LOL

Thank you all for your continued support, encouraging words, thoughts and prayers.  They do not go unnoticed!  It means a lot to me to have so many of my friends from many walks of my life come by and visit, send a sweet card in the mail or even a little trinket that I can cherish.  You guys are the BEST!!! 

And BTW, thank you notes are a "work in progress" and will go out soon!!

Love and Belief!!

Dana

GOOD NEWS!!!! Praise the Lord!!

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices; and with my song will I praise Him. -Psalm 28:7

So basically, two months after I found the masses in my breast and just over one month after surgery, we found out today:  NO CHEMOTHERAPY NEEDED!!!  Praise the Lord!!!  Thank you all for your prayers...God listened and He answered!!  He gets all the GLORY!!!

We are, of course, thrilled by this news and we greatly appreciate all the prayer warriors out there that have been praying for me, my family and for God's will to be that I will be pure and whole again!!  I am so thankful for how far cancer/ breast cancer research has come throughout the years.  I  hated watching my sister go through her chemo treatment, but I was prepared to do the same if need be.  I was prepared to fight this fight with or without hair, but I am truly happy that my sister does not have to watch me go through what I watched her go through.  We both still have a battle ahead of us and we're attacking it "head on" and attacking it "together"!!!

My oncotype DX test showed a very low risk score (13) of breast cancer recurrence within 10 years and chemotherapy treatment only changed that number from 9% to 6% (not enough benefit to undergo the treatment).  There will be 5 years of hormone therapy involved (my poor family) and there are studies going on right now that may increase that timeframe due to so many younger women being diagnosed.  She did say that the percentage will actually go down as I age (to perfection, of course)...that sounds like a pretty good deal to me ;-)  I was thinking the opposite.

It's been a long two months and it's been a long, but exciting day!!  I'm wore out and need a nap, but I wanted to get this out to everyone as I know so many of you have been praying and been messaging me and I can't thank you enough!!  I am truly blessed to have you in my life!! 

Go Pink!!!!

Love and Belief!

Dana

Busy weekend

Just a very quick update and prayer request as Tuesday approaches!!  I ask that you all be in prayer over the next few days as we await the results of my oncotype test.  This test will determine whether or not my cancer will benefit from undergoing chemo treatment or not.  Apparently, the biological makeup of my breast cancer is the "best" you can ask for...so to speak.  Out of this type of cancer 90% do not benefit from chemo treatment, therefore leaving only about 10% of cases that need it.  We pray I am among that 90%...pretty good odds, but you just never know.  Regardless, I am in this fight to win and if chemo is what it takes, then that's what we'll do!!

It's been a pretty crazy, busy weekend!!!  I would have to say that this past Friday was one of my longest days yet since surgery.  I worked for about 4 hours...I tell you, after taking a shower and driving to work, I was ready for a nap!!!  It just takes so much out of you.  I already take an hour to get ready and now an additional 15-20 minutes at that.  I left work at 2:00 to pick up Rance from school as we had a long evening/ weekend ahead of volunteer hours at Ryleigh's gym (they hosted 3 gymnastics meets this season and it takes a lot of work to put that together and run it - kind of like a swim meet).  YAY, us!!!!  We really picked great sports, didn't we???  LOL  Left Rance's school just before 3:00 and then headed down the road to pick up Ryleigh's gym buddy as we were taking them to gym.  Literally, got home and within 10 minutes the whole family, including Mandy (Ry's bud) was back in the car headed to the gym, which is located in the Champions area.  Yes, a 40 minute drive from my house.  We dropped the girls off for gym at 4:30 and Keith, Rance and I enjoyed dinner at Gringo's.  Then, back to the gym by 6:30 to start set up.  I, obviously, didn't do a much.  I did a lot of tearing off tape for other as they were taping down plastic as to not ruin the floors.  Keith and Rance were both a great big help.  We were out by 8:30 and back to the house.  I will say that I no longer got home, got changed, got my faced washed and teeth brushed and I was out!!!

But guess what???  Keith and I were so luck to get to be up at the crack of dawn and back at the gym by 7:30 to work another volunteer session.  The deal is we have to commit to so many volunteer hours (24 hours) within the season to be a part of the booster and benefit from "way" reduced meet and coaches fees.  Well, the very first meet our gym hosted was the weekend after my surgery and we got "ZERO" hours that meet.  Hence, us putting Rance to work on Friday and he was a trooper and did a great job!!!  As a parent, it's actually pretty cool as we worked as the beam tabulator (me) and beam timer (Keith).  You learn a lot about things sitting between two judges.  It really opens your eyes a lot to how just hundredths of a point makes a huge difference in stuff like this....we're talking an unpointed toe...LOL  It's about a 3 1/2 volunteer spot and then we were back home by lunch time.  I ate and I was OUT!!!  Like a light!!!

Once I woke up, we actually did a kid swap and both kids had sleepovers.  Rance spent the night out and Ryleigh had a friend over for the night.  They started watching a movie and were out in about 10 minutes.  All kids were swapped back my lunch today and then it was reality!!!  Chores!!  The kids had a bunch of clothes to put away and rooms to pick up.  I tell you, they haven't let up on me one bit.  They complain and whine about housework, probably more now than they did before.  I was working on some donation items that I had put away in an extra room and had felt fine all day and WHAM, BAM...PAIN!!!  Once again, pain mainly in my left side.  As they said, it's just the next phase of healing.  As I'm not starting to feel better and do a little more, things are just stretching and moving into place...I HOPE!!!  It sure doesn't feel good.  But even with that I had to get out of the house today for a little peace of mind.  Retail therapy always helps!!!  Got a little bit of Christmas shopping out of the way :-)

Once I got home, the kids and I drove up to Montgomery (Conroe Lake area) to visit my sister, niece and my mom was there.  We all had a nice dinner together and the kids had some time to visit.  My sister and brother-in-law just got their pool all put in and they had invited us up to come check it out...looks nice and once they can turn the heater on it will be nice, but tonight it was way too cold for me to even put my toe in it...LOL  I really enjoyed my time with my mom and sister.  We don't seem to get enough time with just us!!!  Wish my mom would move out of Baytown and move closer to us...she could always live with them...HAHAHA!!!  You're welcome, brother-in-law...hehe!!  All joking aside, I actually loved having my mom here with me.  I sure couldn't have done those first few weeks without her and Keith's work has just been so busy with a new job in the last year and a half...just crazy times!!

Well, I'm back home and ready for bed.  It's sure to be a crazy week.  The plan is to work Monday, Wednesday and Friday for about 4 hours.  My doctor appointment is scheduled for Tuesday at 10:15a.m. so I will be sure and update everyone Tuesday evening.  I can't thank you all for your support, prayers and encouragement...it is very moving to have so many consistently checking on me.  Love you guys!!

Love and Belief!!

Dana

Recovery - Slower than expected, but making progress

So the plan for the week was to work from home Monday, Wednesday, Friday and go into the office for a few hours Tuesday and Thursday....well, that office thing has been pretty much a BUST so far!!  I have been able to get some work done at home, which is nice, but the systems couldn't have been moving any slower on Monday with ole Hurricane Sandy on the East coast.  Our systems were running so slow and not to mention that I'm running it through my home computer and have limited access to the stuff I need.  But at least I'm able to get some things done here.  Keith also drove me to vote, I got back home and worked some more while he took Ryleigh to gymnastics. We both went to take Rance to fencing and then enjoyed a quick sushi dinner at Uni and then ended back up at Rance's fencing academy to watch him the last 20 minutes or so of class.

The day actually went pretty well...right up until bedtime.  Remember, I am still sleeping in my bed (the recliner).  But typically, I lay down with the kids for a few minutes right before they go to sleep.  We have some of our best laughs at that time and I won't go in to many details on that, but some great conversations, expressions, learning experiences and belly-aching laughing that I absolutely LOVE!!!  Well, basically, Ryleigh and I were laying in her bed and I told her I had to show her my cousin, Kyle's Halloween costume.  He had dressed up as a bottle of Honey Boo Boo Child's "Special Go Go" Juice - he totally cracks me up!!  So as I showed it to her from my phone in her bed she starts imitating her, "My special juice is gonna make me WIIIIIINNNNNNN!"  LOL  We couldn't stop laughing and of course, I had to make a video of it and send it over to Kyle.  So we kept watching it and we kept laughing and all of a sudden I started HURTING!!!  Like major pain on my left side and I hadn't felt pain in almost a week at that time.  It hurt!!!  I went down and asked Keith to lay with her since I just couldn't do it.  Still just can't lay flat back very comfortably.

So as I go down stairs just to check the area where I was hurting, I'm thinking that maybe I'm beginning to retain fluid as that was the same side that they had to insert the second drain tube in a week or so prior.  The skin seemed a little soft/ mushy in that area to me so I was definitely concerned.  So Tuesday morning I called into the doctor and luckily he was going to be in the office all day...YAY!!!!  What are the chances???  I drove myself all the way to the Med Center!!!  Yeah, it was a different experieence as I really hadn't driven since surgery, but I'd been off my pain meds for right at a week and only taking one valium at bedtime.  I was actually driving the speed limit, so you could say it might have HELPED the situation!!  LOL  I was so very thankful to find out that NO fluid buildup at all.  Just normal healing process!!  They said it was my internal sutures...that, by the way, are attached to my ribcage...sounds LOVELY; huh??  They just told me that as I'm healing and starting to be a little more active I may reach a certain way or do something that pulls until everything settles and heals.  They suggested some Ibuprofen to help with the inflammation, so I've add that to the nighttime medicine routine.  I can't thank you all enough for the prayers that day!!!  I was really nervous about possible infection.  Actually had a great time at Dr. Boutros' office that day sharing with them about how the pain came about and showed them Ryleigh's video...we were all laughing.  He is such a great doctor and never makes me feel like he's rushed to get out to see the next patient.  He commented, "You're a totally different person today than the day we met!"  HA!!!  Ya Think???  I'm sure I looked like a deer in headlights that day...just trying to figure out what my options were, but he even that day was so great at explaining everything, answering all my questions, and never rushing me whatsoever!!!

Well I didn't make it by the office to work that day, but I did stop by after my doctor appointment to pick up a few more things I needed, get some questions answered on some of the things I was working on and to see how they started using my office as a storage area...HAHAHA...just joking!!  Bruce, thought I was too giddy and shouldn't be driving...LOL  I told him it's just because I hadn't been around people for a while, but I was actually driving okay (as long as I was going straight).LOL  Those darn curves were a little tricky, but I got better at it :o)  I was just in a great mood due to the GREAT news from the doctor's office :-)

Wednesday went pretty good and I was able to get a lot more work done as the systems were running a little better today.  It does get pretty boring though...I do miss not having my momma around.  I kind of got used to her being around those first few weeks.  That was really nice!!!  Now it's just me, but I did get a quick break with a friend across the street during lunchtime.  She was babysitting for another neighbor and I went over and we got to chat for a few minutes.  And, of course, I love those babies.  I got to pass down Ryleigh's very first gymnastics hoodie to her oldest (2 year old) daughter.  It was just too dang cute!!!  My little Ryleigh is actually growing...WOO HOO!!!

Of course, it's Halloween day and I'm thinking the kids are going to be all wound up when they get home, but it actually worked out great!!  Ryleigh still had gymnastics, but they cut it short and they got out at 6:30.  I drove her to gym that day and, of course, she was freaking out!!!  "Mom, you're NOT supposed to be driving!!"  OMG!!!  People, I CAN DRIVE!!  It was pretty funny though.  Well, she actually went home with one of her gym buddies and got to trick or treat with her in the Champions area, while Rance hung out with his buddies in our neighborhood.  We passed out candy until it was all gone, which was right about the time Keith had to leave to pick up Ryleigh, which was at the same time gym usually ends so it worked out great!!  They were all happy and I didn't have to walk any kids around the neighborhood and I didn't have to listen to any arguing...YAY, ME!!!!

Rance and his neighborhood 'boyz' morphed out!!  He's in all black!

Ryleigh and Mandi 'MOO' Campbell, her gymnastics buddy!!  They could pass for sisters, well in that first picture anyway...LOL

So today is Thursday, my wonderful husband's birthday!!! Happy Birthday, Baby!!   I really wish I could have planned something for him this year.  I had the intentions, but as we all know...things don't always work out to OUR PLANNING!!!  He did get a real dinner today as today was the first day I actually cooked anything (well besides scrambled eggs the other morning), but it was a crock pot meal...the best ones!!  His gift...well, he got that a little early.  He'd been asking (well, needing) a new coffee pot as his had pretty much gone kaput!!!!  Monday morning he stood in the kitchen talking about how he had such a hard time making coffee Sunday morning because of his coffee pot.  So as he's talking and preparing  to make a pot of coffee, he hits the on/off switch and "NOTHING" happens.  Ryleigh (she's the only one awake at the time) just looks at me with this 'look'.  He keeps hitting the button and NOTHING happens.  So I go upstairs to wake up Rance and tell him what's going on and that it looks like we've got to break out the gift a little sooner than expected.  So he and Ryleigh presented daddy with his new Keurig Platinum coffee maker....and yes, he LOVES it!!!  And I've enjoyed it too :-)  I have definitely been blessed with the most wonderful and supportive husband!!!  He's been so good through all this, but I can't tell you how much it killed me to see him so "hurt" when we got my original diagnosis.  He was hanging on to so much hope, although, I already knew I had basically been diagnosed even before the biopsy results.  That day will forever be embedded in my mind...he just looked as though he had been totally kicked in the gut!!  The news definitely hit him the hardest out of all of us that was there (me, my mom, my sister and Keith).  But, if the tables were turned, I'm sure I would be the same way!!!!  So on this day, the first day of November it definitely makes me thankful and blessed for so many great memories!!  Not just with my wonderful family, but with friends: old and new.  A video had been made last year for my 40th birthday and I never did share it and I've decided to share it so you guys can share my SMILES with me.  It truly makes me smile all over!!! 

I'm pretty technologically challenged at times so I hope it works!!  You might have to actually just click on the link if you choose to watch it, but I will warn you...it's 40 years wrapped up into about 11 minutes :o)  I especially love the picture that's of me and Rance from about two years ago after I did my first Warrior Dash - it says "WARRIOR"!!!  NO DOUBT!!!

 

Love and Belief!!!

 

Dana

Finally, catching up

I know!!!  I'm falling behind on thig blogging thing.  It's been several days and not alot going on, well, just some ups and downs.  So last time I posted on Tuesday I really felt I was 'on the road to recovery'.  Drain tubes got removed and I was doing the happy dance!!

Wednesday, I decided to make a run of going back into the office for the second time this week.  My co-worker  picked me up around 8:30 and I got all the last minute details that needed to be taken care of for Thursday night's seminar (which they told me went great)!!  I really felt bad about not being able to go, but just knew I wasn't up to the socializing part of it.  I had made arrangements for my friend to pick me up around 12:30 and we stopped and ate lunch at Puffabelly's in Old Town Springs on the way home.  I love that place!!  I really did have a puffa-belly afterwards!!  Got home and got some much needed rest.  I can definitely tell when my body needs the rest and honestly, I listen!!!  I really, really do!!!  When I went to bed, I took all my meds like I have been doing: pain, nausea, valium, anitbiotic and slept great!!

Thursday started off a little rough with a phone call that kept trying to come through - like 5 times -  between my home phone and my cell phone.  And, of course, when they finally answerd to my "hello" it just kind of went bad from there.  Yes, it was a bill collector on an account that always gets paid and it really set me off!!!  Typically it gets paid mid month and is due on the first.  Okay, so the last two months have been rough and apparently, I got "off"...can't imagine how that happened???  Anyway, once I looked back online I realized that it was my mistake so I got that all figured out and set back to the right date.  But I was WIDE AWAKE at this point!!! 

So now that I'm at the computer I started on some real work...the kind I get paid for (Thank you Bruce and Cain)!!!  Ameriprise Financial teams up with food shelters within their local area (Houston Food Bank for us) for a National Day of Service, which is scheduled for Friday, November 16.  We'll be working in the warehouse boxing up food that will go out to shelters for Thanksgiving.  I'm pretty excited to have my kids participate in this event as well (so for any teachers out there reading, my kiddos will be early released that day for a real life educational experience)!! I had a lot of work to do on this event as it had kind of got pushed aside a bit so I spent several hours this day confirming times with the food bank, talking and emailing with our community relations department and trying to get a lot of questions answered.  During this time I was able to take a nice lunch break with a friend, Angela Block.  What a sweetheart!  She's visited me twice for lunch during all this and we've had the best conversations.  She keeps asking me if there's anything (bring dinner, bring lunch, help with the house, etc.) she can do to help...and inside I'm laughing because I know she'd probably LOVE to just get a hold of my house right now...LOL  I know she could do wonders with getting it ALL cleaned up and ALL organized ;-)  Let's just say it has fallen by the wayside for sure.  As long as I keep taking my Valium I think I can deal with it ;-)  Well, as rough as that morning started off, I had a fantastic day and realized later that I had not taken my meds all day.  Had no intentions of just quitting them cold turkey, but had been weaning myself off during the day for the last several days with only taking them maybe twice a day and then at nighttime.  Well, unfortunately, I totally forgot to take my meds Thursday night.  I slept great, no problems, didn't wake up through the night, but OMG!!! 

I woke up Friday morning and felt as if I had been rolled over by a truck...just a few times!!!  My body was completely exhausted!!!  I do remember kind of waking up in a sweat and realized I hadn't taken my meds the night before.  I had things I needed to finish for work from the day before.  I actually got woken up a second morning in  a row by a phone call.  This time a very nice gentleman from  my home office calling to answer my questions from the previous day.  I had scheduled some time with my co-worker for me to walk her through a few things that I couldn't do from home, but then realized I had to get all the information from the home office before I could do that and I had asked him to call me back a little later when I was actually awake.  My mind was in no functioning mood at that time.  I tell you it took every bit of my being to get stuff done that day.  I absolutely had no energy whatsoever!!!  Thank goodness for the recliner I have here in my home office, because between calls that's where I was...laid flat out!!!  I felt so bad because this was the day I had planned on scheduling appointments for one of my advisors.  There was no way I could have called a client the way I felt and sounded...they would have been SCARED!!! 

Then to top it off, I had forgotten that we had air conditioning people coming in to change out something in our attic - 3 flippin' hours!!!  So all I could do was lay in the recliner in the office, but not really go to sleep.  And, of course, my ferocious dog (HAHAHA!!!) act like she was going to attack them every time they walked downstairs or back into the house.  No rest, no peace...IT WAS AWFUL!!    Then my mini-me shows up from school.  She pretty much has this same little regimen that she goes through 3 days a week and because today, of all days, her halloween costume came in she wanted to try it on instead of get ready for gym.  And honestly, on this day, I didn't even have the energy to help her get her snacks together...she was on her own, but she was arguing with me about why she couldn't put her costume (morphsuit that looks like a skeleton) on when she barely has enough time to eat a snack, pack a snack for gym (she's only there for 4 hours), get her hair up and get changed.  I finally gave in and decided after she got all her stuff done she could try it on...she actually wore it to gym (can't believe i didn't take a pic) and passed out Halloween candy sticks to all her gym buddies!!!  This girl truly is a MESS!!!  She's one I definitely have to pick my battles with and lately I'm not doing a very good job!!

I called the doc to try and figure out this whole medicine thing.  Really didn't want to take the pain meds as I really wasn't in pain...well, I mean I could self-inflict pain if I wanted, but I wasn't feeling pain by just regular movement or activities.  The nurse informed me not taking the pain meds was fine, but the valium was a must.  That although I'm sleeping good, my body is having muscle spasms and that's probably what's making my body feel so exhausted...AHHH!!!  That makes since.  You'd think I'd learned my lesson about that valium stuff the first go round.  Takes me a while...I'm just a little hard headed...LOL  The problem is the valium didn't help me sleep.  I think that was my worst night of sleep since surgery.  I slept for about three hours and then I was up and just slept off and on.  Finally, in the wee hours of the morning I figured I would take another and it might help...no difference!!  That was discouraging, but still with less sleep I had more energy on Saturday.

Started out Saturday with a very good breakfast (Thanks Babe!!), and then a very lazy day.  I can honestly say I don't remember much about it other than a little neighborhood Halloween get together that we do every year in the late afternooon/ evening.  The back of our neighbohood kind of blocks off the street in front of their houses since they all participate and everyone brings goodies, kids dress up, play games (big kids even did a little spook house for the little kids this year) and the Jennings' family always makes up some YUMMY gumbo!!!  Well, I think they all got started around 5:00 and I text Keith to come get me around 7:30ish.  I ate me some YUMMY gumbo, hung out for maybe 45 minutes, ate a few sweets (I've been eating way too many of those lately) and then called it a night.  If I remember right, we were headed back to the house by 8:45.  Yes, I was a party pooper!!  I'm still a night owl, but I'm not much for partying. 

My husband and I were actually considering a trip to Austin this weekend....what a joke!?!?!?!?!  Well, weeks ago he sent me a text saying, "get well soon, I want to take you to Austin for a relaxing weekend on the 27th overlooking the lake and a concert at a friend's house."  Back then the 27th seemed doable.  I'll be feeling better by the 27th...NOT!!!  The day after my 2nd worst day since surgery.  I hated to inform him that there was just no way I could make that trip and surely would not be up to partaking in the event...and the worst of all....I had to admit that he wasn't married to SUPER WOMAN!!!  Now that was a shocker!!!  For both of us...LOL 

So, finally, today is Sunday...I'm all caught up now...SHWEWW!!!  As much as I would have really loved to have gotten up and made the drive to be with our Baytown church family, it just didn't happen!!!  I do hope we can plan to do that next weekend.  This weekend was, again, just too soon!!!  I pretty much laid in my quiet, dark room most of the morning.  I did clip coupons from about 4 weeks of newspapers (they're almost expired by then) while watching  Snow Buddies with Ryleigh.  What a cute movie???  I guess I had never seen it, but thought I had.  My friend Shelleen sent a text to see what I was doing and I told her I was getting ready to take a nap, but I'd really like to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather.  She mentioned sitting on my front porch as we often do with a glass of tea.  I was sure glad she sent me that text.  I probably needed that nap, but I really needed the fresh air, the breeze, the butterflies flying all around my flowerbeds, the noise of the water feature, great conversation and the kids playing in the front yard.  After she left, Rance and I took the dog around the block for a walk and then I was done for the day.  Back to laziness!!!  I know it's late and you guys are probably wondering, "What the heck?", but I am a night owl and this post has been a "draft" for way too long.  I had to get it out tonight!!  I had a wonderful day and I'm praying that this is a big "HEALING" week.  I am planning NOT to overdo it, but I do plan on trying to work in the office about 4 hours for at least two days.  I'll also get some things done from here during those other days, but plenty of rest as well.  I can't tell you how supportive my bosses have been with all this.  They have treated me so well and have been so encouraging...never pressing me to be back in the office as much as I know they LOVE to have me around ;-)  Now they might have been stressing a little this past week, well, at least one of them anyways (no names), but he never let's me see him sweat...LOL  He should know I'd never let him down!!

Looking forward to a great week, cooler weather and hopefully a trip to Baytown on Sunday for church and a visit with my mom, daughter and grandbaby :-)  Make it great!!

Love and Belief!!

On the road to recovery

First of all I have to say with all these spell checks, grammar checks, auto word corrects and all that jazz, they should have created some kind of program to correct those that are typing under the influence of narcotics.  I can't hit a correct key to save my life...LOL  So for all you grammar freaks out there (I can say that because I'm usually that person), just look past it all.  I will write  a post, read it and re-read it for errors and then realize afer I post it that there are a ton of errors.  LOL

So I braved going back to work yesterday.  Of couse these kind of things always happen...we planned an educational seminar back like 6 months ago for this Thursday.  A phenomenal speaker and hosting it at Brix Wine Cellars, a venue I really wanted to experience.  Well, that's not going to happen!  Don't think I wil be in the socilizing mood, but that is one of the main reasons why I realy needed to get some hours in the office this week.  I've been trying to do a few things here from the house, but that's very limited and honestly, I had no idea I would still be this "down" after surgery.  My co-worker picked me up and we were at the house office by 10:00.  The plan was for Keith to pick me up on his lunch hour and drop be off at the house.  We were thinking maybe 1:00, but it ended more like 2:00 and needless to say I was wiped out and ready for a nap!!!!  The rest of the afternoon was honestly all a blur even though the kids had activities: Ryleigh gymnastics and Rance fencing.  Thanks to my neighbors for stepping in to help!!!

The plan was for my mom to drive me to my dr. appointment today, but Jourdan had also asked if there was anyway we could help with getting little Annibelle's pictures made for her first birthay coming up this November...can you believe she's going to be one on Novemer 17...crazy!!!  So since Jourdan had to work last night, Nana waited so Jourdan and Annibelle could ride over with her.  So around 10:00 p.m. I was wide awake with some wonderful visitors.  I was so excited to see my sweet Annibelle and of course she was excited to see her Nonnie :-)  She's just recently started standing good and taking a step or maybe two, but last night she took about 5-6 steps to me...made my day!!!  She's such a little ham and it kills me not to be able to pick her up, but that doesn't keep me from loving all over her.  She was wide eyed and bushy tailed and ready to wake up the house.  She did wake up her goof-pa, but Ryleigh never budged.  She came home from gym and crashed for the night!!

So thank goodness Nana was back this  morning to help get the kids off to school.  I got up to and helped with lunches, ate some yummy over easy eggs mom made so I could take my meds and then I was back out once Ryleigh was out the door around 7:20 a.m. I must have hit that recliner and passed out because Rance didn't even come tell me goodbye (not  normal).  Once I woke up around 9:00 Jourdan told me he said to tell me to have a good day because he knew I was OUT!!!!  He's my sweet boy!!

I got up and spent a little time with my punkin' before I had to get ready to go.  Mom and I always spend way more time in the car than we do at the dr. appointment, which i can't complain.  They are really great about getting me in and getting me out.  I got the BEST news ever...at least for today!!!  The drain tubes came out...ALL OF THEM!!!  I am tube free and I couldn't be more happy!!!.  I think the original one wanted to stay, like the skin was just starting to grow around it (I know that sounds gross and it is, but that's also what was causing so much pain).  It seemed every time I would move a certain way it would try and pull from the skin and just gave me the weebey jeebeys!!! 

Of couse I rested the best I could on the way home as we were going to take Annibelle just down the road for some pictures.  They turned out good and I was so happy that she even got to take a picture in one of her Aunt Ryleigh's old dresses from when she was little.  The turned out adorable and I was glad the dress got at least one more use out of it ;-)  Just a little snapshot I got of her it in :o)

So now we can take more steps toward weaning myself off the pain meds.  I sure don't like the way they make me feel.  My equalibrium has been off lately and I see at least triple of everything??  I don't go back to the plastic surgeon until early December and hopfeully the new girls will be better in place by then.  The next step is back to Dr. Naqvi, the oncologist on November 6 for the oncotype test results.  That will determine whether we move forward with chemotherapy or just do hormonal medication.  The oncotype test just determines which cases of breast cancer that I have will benefit from chemo or not: 90 % do not benefit and only 10% do.  So we pray that I fall in that 90 percentile.

Thank you all again for your continue support, prayers and encouraging words.  Please be in prayer for my complete healing process as I try and venture back to work...slowly but surely.  Yes, don't worry, I will listen to my body, but it's definitely nice to get out of the house even if just for a few hours...and of ourse I know my co-workers just don't kow what to do without me...HAHAHA!!!!

Well, I'm back off to bed.  It was a long day and my body pretty much shot down once we got home from the photo shoot.  Nana, Jourdan and Annibelle loaded up and headed back to Baytown.  I took my friendly little  meds and crashed hard!!!!  I'm pretty sure I slept for about 4 hours and don't think I made a bit of sense to anyone that walked in to check on me.  I was definitely in my own little world.  I have the most craziest dreams on this medicine and I usually catch myself just before I say somethig really stupid!!!  So, it's back to lala land for me.  I hope you all have a great evening!

Love and Belief!

Dana

Time flies when you're having fun....NOT!!!

I know I haven't posted in quite a few days...I guess because it's been kind of boring.  Seems like my days are pretty much the same: sleep, eat, take meds, sleep, maybe get up for a while and get outside for some fresh air, eat, meds, sleep!!!  I cannot believe that tonight is going to be my 20th night sleeping in my new bed (the recliner).  I have to say it has gotten much easier to get in and out of it that's for sure.  The hardest part is not having my hubby by my side :-(  But he's just a phone call away...LOL  I honestly did have to call the house phone the other day from my cell phone to get him.  For some reason I have this one bottle of medicine that I just can't seem to open...drives me crazy!!!

I have slacked off some on the pain meds, which is good, but I'm still having quite a bit of pain on my left side which is the side that I now have "two" drain tubes on.  It would be so great to get them both out on Tuesday when I go back to the plastic surgeon, but he only gave me hope of getting the original tube out....I'll take what I can get, but I'll keep praying!!!

Believe it or not I made it through my daughter's Distirict Championships gymnastics meet yesterday...like wild horses could have kept me away; right??  I have to admit I was dozing in and out as she had the early morning session and I had to take my pain meds to get through it.  I will tell you this...For the first time in three years I was actually able to breathe while she was doing her beam routine and I owe it all to the valium :-)  I know I joke a lot about that, because for those of you that "know" me know that I am not a medicine taker.  I have a pretty high pain tolerance and so if I'm taking pain meds, I'M IN PAIN!!!  I went the whole first week after surgery only taking the pain meds and not the valium because when I hear that I think "DRUG" and I can honestly say that I've lived 41 years drug-free and plan to keep it that way.   I don't like feeling LOOPY!!!  The valium though has made a huge difference in the tension I was carrying in my shoulders and upper back...it definitely relaxes me.  I might have to save me two of those at least for the next two gymnastics meets ;-)

So tomorrow is a big day!!!  I'm going to try and make it into work for at least a few hours.  I was able to get a few hours of work in this past week here at the house.  It's just hard trying to squeeze stuff into the few good hours that you have in the day.  My bosses couldn't be more supportive and I wish I was able to do so much more, but I am so thankful that they are so undrestanding of my situation and just truly concerned with my well being!! 

I tell you that today I absolutely did nothing!!!!  I woke up in the wee hours of the morning and looked at my phone with one eye open and one eye closed trying to make out the very blurred words until the one open eye got so tired it finally shut.  If I remember right my daughter fell asleep in the TV room with me and I heard her get up around 8:00ish and I went right back to sleep.  I woke up to a text message coming through to my phone from my neighbor around 10:30ish asking if my son could walk down to her house as he was scheduled to attend her son's birthday party today.  I peeled myself out of my recliner and stumbled to the doorway and to my amazement, he wasn't even close to being ready (as if he didn't realize he was the one that made the plans with her the night before).  I have to say that my kids have taken all this rather well...they still yell "MOMMA" from upstairs, from my bathroom and as soon as they walk through the door as if I'm going to come running to their rescue in a matter of seconds.  It just goes to show you that everybody needs their MOMMA!!!  I know I sure do!!!   My momma has made the last three weeks bearable!!!  I don't know what Keith and I would have done without her help!!  We have many people to thank, that's for sure, but she has really picked up the slack and kept our house a home :-)

So it's late and I should be in bed (a hard lesson for a night owl to learn) so I will retire to my recliner now.  I just pray the Good Lord gives me the energy to get up and get ready in the morning (that's the biggest challenge).  Luckily, my ride is not picking me up until 9:00 and I will work until a little after lunch time.  Don't worry...I'M NOT DRIVING!!!!  I'll keep you all posted on how my first day back to work goes.  I'ts going to be a slow process back as I have a dr. appointment on Tuesday so I probably won't make it in at all that day and then I'm at the mercy of some helpers until I can totally get off these meds.  I mean my vision is not at all like it was when I was 21, but boy I surely can't function seeing triple...LOL

Love and Belief!!

Dana