11/23/2012

I hope everyone had a restful, relaxing, and Happy Thanksgiving. I've been in Peoria for a few days, celebrating my birthday and thanksgiving with my family, it's been great, so thankful for the amazing supportive family I have. Well chemo #3 went really well, no major issues, no trips or calls back to the doctor, the side effects were pretty manageable, grateful for that. I've been able to have some friends come out and visit and that has been really wonderful and uplifting. My cousin Kelly was able to come for a quick visit last weekend, which was so fun, lots of laughs, so thankful for laughter!

A few decisions were made about surgery and radiation. I will not have my implant surgery before radiation. I will hopefully be finishing up chemo in the beginning of Jan and I need to start radiation by Jan 26th. Dr. Jones didn't think that would be enough time to complete the surgery and heal, especially if there were any complications or delays...that would push back rads, which we don't want to do. So I will recover from my last chemo and start 6 weeks of radiation. I'm a little nervous about it just because I'm not totally sure what to expect, but mostly excited to think about moving forward and on to another step. And to just be DONE with chemo. The implant surgery will be done at least 3 months after radiation, possibly longer depending on the effects of radiation, but I'll get there. I also got my first fill of the tissue expander on Tuesday. Which means a couple things...my incisions are finally, finally, finally healing enough to be moving forward with that process, thank God. I can start doing a little more exercise that just walking, which is really good for me physically and mentally. I look a little more filled out and balanced, which is good for my self esteem, yay. The procedure was quick, easy, and pretty painless.

Today hopefully will be chemo # 4. I will be getting it at the clinic here in Peoria. My family will be joining me in shifts because there are so many of them that want to be there, I'm so lucky. My brother Patrick is home from CO, and coming with me this morning. I am hoping the next three weeks go by smoothly and without any issues. I really hope with all the craziness of the holidays that the next three rounds will go by super fast and I'll be done before I know it. Please keep the prayers and positive thoughts coming. I am so thankful for everyone's support and love, I am truly blessed.

11/4/2012

Whoo-hoo! Half way done! Had chemo #3 on Friday. Everything went smoothly, Tony, my dad, and my friend Carrie were with me. Dr. Thomas said blood counts were back up and throat looked good. I was very happy not to have a delay. I will be going back to the clinic on tuesday to get a neulasta shot, to help keep my blood counts up. We also met with Dr. Khater, my radiation oncologist, and we  are going to start formulating a plan for radiation and my implant exchange  surgery. Basically I have two possible scenerios: 1) complete the exchange surgery before the radiation begins or 2) get the radiation and wait at least 6 months to 1 year to get the surgery. Dr. Khater is going to speak to Dr. Thomas and Dr. Jones and the three of them will make a decision together. Although I am very anxious about the surgery because of the delays I had with the masectomy, I feel confident about my doctors and I am really glad we are starting to talk about this now, as opposed to waiting until the last minute. So I'm going to try not to stress about it and just believe it will all work out. Right now, I am feeling ok, tired, little nasaua, some side effects, but they are manageable and I am just resting and taking it easy. Thank you for all of the prayers, support, positive thoughts, and love sent our way. I am so thankful.