Wednesday February 29, 2012 at my post op appointments I learned from the pathology report that I had more cancer removed. It was a very small cell but Lobular Cancer spreads & I guess my Lobular cancer was trying to spread, that little bugger just didn't want to leave! I knew with certainty having this surgery was what I needed to do, and that pathology report just confirmed it for me. I feel very blessed to have the doctors I have. I have been able to catch up on some shows and movies I have missed over the last few months. Recovering from a double mastectomy is easier than recovering from chemo...for sure! I still have my complete hysterectomy coming up soon. Walking around the streets of LA going from one appointment to another today was a bit scary. All I could think of is, I hope no one bumps into me. Having stitches across your chest has that protective/scariness to it. Just taking it easy is not one of my strong points, I can't wait to drive, get back being busy and wondering where the day went with so much to do. I am allowed to go on my long walks again, my hair is growing and that since of independence is coming back again. Can you tell, I'm excited!!! Having Cancer isn't always easy but my cancer is beatable! Having such a great support system has made this fight so much easier. Get the tissues out and see this through to the end....just like you are doing for me. Thank You All, this one is for you!!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
That Little Bugger
Tuesday February 21, 2012, after over 4 hours of a Bi-Lateral Mastectomy surgery, I woke up a new person. I had spent 2 nights in the hospital & was then able to go home....note to self: after major surgery, don't go home during rush hour traffic in LA!!! I will say being prepared for what I would wake up to really helped, but still hard to look down and see what Cancer can do to you. I did have a nice talk with my body that morning "Well, I have known you all my life but recently you have made me sick. I think my husband has enjoyed you more than I have, now it's time for you to go". You have to find humor in all this, otherwise its not worth the anguish. The pain hasn't been too bad and by Saturday I was only taking Advil for pain. I wouldn't have been able to get through this without my the support and love of my husband, family, faith and friends. I have so loved all the flowers, plants, magazines, baked goods, dinners and company during this last week.
Wednesday February 29, 2012 at my post op appointments I learned from the pathology report that I had more cancer removed. It was a very small cell but Lobular Cancer spreads & I guess my Lobular cancer was trying to spread, that little bugger just didn't want to leave! I knew with certainty having this surgery was what I needed to do, and that pathology report just confirmed it for me. I feel very blessed to have the doctors I have. I have been able to catch up on some shows and movies I have missed over the last few months. Recovering from a double mastectomy is easier than recovering from chemo...for sure! I still have my complete hysterectomy coming up soon. Walking around the streets of LA going from one appointment to another today was a bit scary. All I could think of is, I hope no one bumps into me. Having stitches across your chest has that protective/scariness to it. Just taking it easy is not one of my strong points, I can't wait to drive, get back being busy and wondering where the day went with so much to do. I am allowed to go on my long walks again, my hair is growing and that since of independence is coming back again. Can you tell, I'm excited!!! Having Cancer isn't always easy but my cancer is beatable! Having such a great support system has made this fight so much easier. Get the tissues out and see this through to the end....just like you are doing for me. Thank You All, this one is for you!!
Wednesday February 29, 2012 at my post op appointments I learned from the pathology report that I had more cancer removed. It was a very small cell but Lobular Cancer spreads & I guess my Lobular cancer was trying to spread, that little bugger just didn't want to leave! I knew with certainty having this surgery was what I needed to do, and that pathology report just confirmed it for me. I feel very blessed to have the doctors I have. I have been able to catch up on some shows and movies I have missed over the last few months. Recovering from a double mastectomy is easier than recovering from chemo...for sure! I still have my complete hysterectomy coming up soon. Walking around the streets of LA going from one appointment to another today was a bit scary. All I could think of is, I hope no one bumps into me. Having stitches across your chest has that protective/scariness to it. Just taking it easy is not one of my strong points, I can't wait to drive, get back being busy and wondering where the day went with so much to do. I am allowed to go on my long walks again, my hair is growing and that since of independence is coming back again. Can you tell, I'm excited!!! Having Cancer isn't always easy but my cancer is beatable! Having such a great support system has made this fight so much easier. Get the tissues out and see this through to the end....just like you are doing for me. Thank You All, this one is for you!!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
A Week In Review.......
Dillon passed all his math tests early this year and was able to attend an Ice Cream Party to celebrate!!! This 3rd Grader is now working on division!!! WOW
Makayla came home so very excited to be one of a few soloists performing in her Jr High School Dance Show Recital. Yeah!!!!!
JT was accepted into BYU-Idaho and will be on the Spring/Fall Track. He will be going with some friends, lets just hope he doesn't have too much fun. We are very proud of him but wondering how much dirty laundry he will be bringing home at Christmas??? ha ha
Cassandra was interviewed for weekly show on BYU TV. That was so fun to see "Foot Poetry" highlighted for their voluntary efforts in performing at events such as fundraisers. Gotta love tap dancers!!
Janessa got a new job and was selected to be the Project Director for a BYU Non Profit group that travels to Haiti and helps with what ever sustaining is needed. She will be there all summer.
Austin (son in law) will be attending lots of training for his military position this summer in and out of the country. Not easy to do but not surprised he was selected!! Hoo-Ra!
While having my pre-op in LA I had lots of messages on my iPhone that "Breaking News" was going on just a block away. There were Firefighters, Cops, News Crews and Helicopters all around. Well, just another day in Los Angeles.
I was tricked into attending an event and then surprised as I was given an award from Newhall Elementary PTA for volunteering. I was shocked and humbled, my good friend of 18 years tricked me and brought me to this event, then stood up and spoke such wonderful words of how she thought of me (all good) and yes we shed a few tears. They even got 3 of my kids and Kenny there. I volunteer in PTA because of the kids, the schools, teachers and so many great programs, grants and scholarships that PTA offers to our schools nationwide. I cannot express my gratitude enough for the recognition of volunteering in the community, it's something I have loved doing.
Dillon's 2nd Grade teacher texted me at about 6:45am to tell me she had her baby boy just 12 hours before! Oh my gosh is Kyle so very cute! I was so excited to see this beautiful new little baby that was so sweet in his moms arms. I can't wait to see and hold him again!!
I had the opportunity to meet with three wonderful women who have something in common with me, I guess you can figure out what that is (wink wink). We found it alarming how many have recently been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. The statistics read that 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with Breast Cancer, I wonder if those numbers will change soon to read 1 in 6? These women are so wonderful and fun to talk to. All of us have had Chemo and these women have had either a Single or Bi-Lateral Mastectomy as well. I was so excited to see that these women have hair!! They are walking around with surgeries and treatments done and just recovery ahead. The funny thing about hair growing back in after Chemo, the last thing on your mind is to have it cut, trimmed or colored...Your Just Happy To Have Your Hair Again! I am so happy to say my hair is growing in, slowly at this point but it's growing in. I am not sure what color it is yet, but I am hoping its not one I would have to color. I have never in my life had to color my hair, I loved my hair color and wishes it comes back the same. No matter the color or texture I just pray daily my hair grows in fast.
No matter what is on my plate....life keeps going.
Makayla came home so very excited to be one of a few soloists performing in her Jr High School Dance Show Recital. Yeah!!!!!
JT was accepted into BYU-Idaho and will be on the Spring/Fall Track. He will be going with some friends, lets just hope he doesn't have too much fun. We are very proud of him but wondering how much dirty laundry he will be bringing home at Christmas??? ha ha
Cassandra was interviewed for weekly show on BYU TV. That was so fun to see "Foot Poetry" highlighted for their voluntary efforts in performing at events such as fundraisers. Gotta love tap dancers!!
Janessa got a new job and was selected to be the Project Director for a BYU Non Profit group that travels to Haiti and helps with what ever sustaining is needed. She will be there all summer.
Austin (son in law) will be attending lots of training for his military position this summer in and out of the country. Not easy to do but not surprised he was selected!! Hoo-Ra!
While having my pre-op in LA I had lots of messages on my iPhone that "Breaking News" was going on just a block away. There were Firefighters, Cops, News Crews and Helicopters all around. Well, just another day in Los Angeles.
I was tricked into attending an event and then surprised as I was given an award from Newhall Elementary PTA for volunteering. I was shocked and humbled, my good friend of 18 years tricked me and brought me to this event, then stood up and spoke such wonderful words of how she thought of me (all good) and yes we shed a few tears. They even got 3 of my kids and Kenny there. I volunteer in PTA because of the kids, the schools, teachers and so many great programs, grants and scholarships that PTA offers to our schools nationwide. I cannot express my gratitude enough for the recognition of volunteering in the community, it's something I have loved doing.
Dillon's 2nd Grade teacher texted me at about 6:45am to tell me she had her baby boy just 12 hours before! Oh my gosh is Kyle so very cute! I was so excited to see this beautiful new little baby that was so sweet in his moms arms. I can't wait to see and hold him again!!
I had the opportunity to meet with three wonderful women who have something in common with me, I guess you can figure out what that is (wink wink). We found it alarming how many have recently been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. The statistics read that 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with Breast Cancer, I wonder if those numbers will change soon to read 1 in 6? These women are so wonderful and fun to talk to. All of us have had Chemo and these women have had either a Single or Bi-Lateral Mastectomy as well. I was so excited to see that these women have hair!! They are walking around with surgeries and treatments done and just recovery ahead. The funny thing about hair growing back in after Chemo, the last thing on your mind is to have it cut, trimmed or colored...Your Just Happy To Have Your Hair Again! I am so happy to say my hair is growing in, slowly at this point but it's growing in. I am not sure what color it is yet, but I am hoping its not one I would have to color. I have never in my life had to color my hair, I loved my hair color and wishes it comes back the same. No matter the color or texture I just pray daily my hair grows in fast.
No matter what is on my plate....life keeps going.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
New Normal.....What Is Normal Now?
What is normal after a life changing event. I can tell you that normal isn't what it used to be, I am still waiting. I really thought that 3-4 weeks after my last Chemotherapy treatment I would be back to normal, well that was dumb of me! ha ha. I have learned that I probably won't be 100% what I used to consider to be normal. I am walking 1-2 miles daily now but always feel like I just did a "Last Chance Workout" with Jillian from the Biggest Loser. I walk with a great new friend of mine who happens to be a nurse, so I know if I faint or something goes wrong...I'm in good hands. My body has retained water enough for two people, but the walking is helping....well kinda. My sleepless nights are still with me at 2am!! You know, there are some strange shows on TV between 1:30am-4am. I still have memory loss and eyes water like I'm crying. BUT the upside is, I can eat and taste everything, I can eat all foods and not have side effects. I drank one soda and realized I think soda is a once a month beverage for me, that's a plus! My muscles and joints feel so stiff I sometimes think rigamortis has set in..ha ha. Just walking up stairs, no matter how few, are painful but doable. I am not going to let this keep me from living a life, I just need to find that normal. I hear "New Normal" is only a few months away for me. I will have hair, the weight gain will be gone and hopefully the joint and muscle pain will be gone to.
I do have a couple of major surgeries coming up that will help with the prevention of having cancer return in the future. February 21st I will have a Bi-Lateral Mastectomy with Plastic Surgery and in March I will have my Ovaries removed. I am hoping for 100% remission of cancer but I am not turning my back on it. This is my new normal, another lesson to learn in life. So whats normal now, we really don't know yet but all modesty is thrown out the window when I see an Oncologist or Plastic Surgeon now!! ha ha. You would think I am used to "New Normal" having had two girls in High School Cheer.....nope that's just plain craziness!! Yet we get to be CheerParents yet again soon....Makayla is trying out for the High School Cheerleading Squad in a month or two, her two older sister's advise, "if your going to do it, stay out of the drama"!! ha ha. Now that's an Oxymoron......
I do have a couple of major surgeries coming up that will help with the prevention of having cancer return in the future. February 21st I will have a Bi-Lateral Mastectomy with Plastic Surgery and in March I will have my Ovaries removed. I am hoping for 100% remission of cancer but I am not turning my back on it. This is my new normal, another lesson to learn in life. So whats normal now, we really don't know yet but all modesty is thrown out the window when I see an Oncologist or Plastic Surgeon now!! ha ha. You would think I am used to "New Normal" having had two girls in High School Cheer.....nope that's just plain craziness!! Yet we get to be CheerParents yet again soon....Makayla is trying out for the High School Cheerleading Squad in a month or two, her two older sister's advise, "if your going to do it, stay out of the drama"!! ha ha. Now that's an Oxymoron......
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Strawberry Lemonade......
Now that the chemicals are out of my system I can now have all those foods that I was unable to have during my therapy. All carbonated drinks, berries, citric acid, spicy foods, shell fish and raw vegetables are suggested not to have for a Chemo Patient. There are side effects that the chemicals from chemotherapy can cause, which of course I was having. I know of some chemo patients that had these foods and were just fine, but of course Marri "Murphy's Law" was not able to. I will say since I was unable to eat some of my favorite foods for three months, this has made those foods taste so much better now!! Yesterday I was given the OK to eat all foods again, so I went shopping at the Produce store and bought myself some strawberries & tomatoes!! I am not a big soda fan so I haven't missed that but I have missed having a strawberry lemonade....can't wait to have that again. I will be so excited to have some great Mexican food!!
Now if my hair would just grow in...FAST. I really want to go to Disneyland, but with either a scarf or wig on it will fly right off on a ride. Can you imagine some kid on Space Mountain enjoying his ride in the dark and BAM a hairy wig flies right into his face! Yea that would happen to me, so for now I will wait...ha ha
My energy is getting back to normal now. I am so excited I can do things and not feel so exhausted after, that was so hard for me. Over a few weeks the energy level really went to nothing and over time I didn't notice how much. Yesterday and today my energy level is amazingly working it's way back to what it used to be. Although I have a few more surgeries to go I can now see the light at the end of this tunnel.
Enjoy your food of choice today everyone!
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