June 26, 2005

Well, it is almost time for my trip to Cancer Land.  Steve and I have been working around the house, well maybe I should say we are doing my honey do list.  I won’t be able to do some things for a while, like work in the yard, etc. so we are playing catch up this weekend.  Steve made breakfast for me today, a practice session and he did pretty well.  He didn’t even burn the French toast sticks he put in the toaster oven! It was good and I enjoyed it.  Also today we are going to practice Steve washing and drying my hair.  I won’t be able to lift my arms for a while so this should be interesting.  Thank goodness my niece Delena is coming to help out for 2 weeks because he will probably only do this once.  Hee! 

Hmmm!  What does one pack to take to the hospital?  I guess a bra would be out of the question!  Comfy jammies, some slippers and lipstick, can’t forget my lipstick.

June 27, 2005

Today was kind of hard for me. Getting caught up at work, knowing I won’t be back for a while and then the inevitable surgery tomorrow. I can taste the anesthesia now! Tonight was going to be a relaxing night for us, but of course it didn’t turn out that way. Busy finishing up around the house, playing with Angel, cutting Steve’s hair and then finding out one of our best friends passed away this evening. He sure will be missed. So now it is snuggle time, after I eat up until midnight. I won’t be able to eat anything again until tomorrow evening or Wednesday morning so I am making sure my belly is full. So off to snuggle land tonight and my visit to Cancer Land tomorrow begins. I can’t wait until it is behind me and take each day as a gift. Thanks to everyone for all of your thoughts and prayers. I love you all.

6/29/05: Von's surgery went smoothly and she is expected to come home tomorrow.

6/30/05: Vonnie is home but is having to endure a considerable amount of pain. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day.

July 1, 2005

Hello everyone!  Just wanted to let everyone know I am doing fine.  The surgery went well and no cancer in my lymph nodes.  Yippee!  They still remove the sentinel nodes for precaution.  I was in a lot of pain yesterday but doing much better today.  I am sure each day will get better.  My wonderful husband is the best care I could ask for.  He is taking very good care of me and keeping me comfortable.  Thanks everyone for all of your prayers.  I know they helped.

07/07/05: Von had her first post-op visit with one of her surgeons yesterday and everything is progressing normally, although Von is still dealing with quite a bit of pain &

discomfort.

July 11, 2005

Steve and I had my first follow up visit with the surgeon today.  I
finally had my drain tubes removed and can now wear normal clothes
again.  Well, only for a little while.  He did give us some bad news.
When they removed my sentinel nodes in surgery it showed no cancer at
that time.  After the pathologist did more extensive testing on the
node from my left side, it did show some cancer.  I am scheduled to go
back in and have another surgery to remove the lymph nodes from my
left armpit to make sure there is no cancer left in this area.  Since
the cancer in the sentinel node was so small, he thinks there might
not be any cancer in the lymph nodes but wants to remove them to make
sure they have it all.  The good thing about all of this is, thank God
I am at the Moffitt Cancer Center where they do more extensive follow
up.  If I would have gone to just a regular surgeon they might not
have caught it and this is the area where cancer can travel to other
parts of your body.  This is just a minor set back for me and I will
be up and around again soon.  Please keep sending your positive waves
my way.

07/14/05: Von's follow-up surgery went off without a hitch yesterday. The doctor said all looks well, and she may be coming home later today.

July 17, 2005

Well, I came home on Friday afternoon and starting to feel just a little better.  I feel like I started all over again.  Have one drain tube in again for another two weeks, so I can forget about wearing normal clothes for a while.  My niece Delena has been here taking care of me and even had her own bed in my room at the hospital.  She spent two nights with me at the hospital which was wonderful.  I don’t now what I would have done without her.  She has been my little nurse for the past two weeks.  I can’t forget Steve; he has been wonderful also and has given me lots of support.   I especially like his sponge baths he gives me.  Hee!

July 19, 2005

Well, my little nurse Delena left today; was really sad to see her go. I don't know what I would have done without her. Mentally and physically she was a blessing. My wonderful husband is a blessing to me everyday. I don't know what I would do without him. I am getting better a little bit each day. I just wish the pain would go away. It doesn't seem to get any better. Sure would like to get off of the pain pills but right now it is impossible. This second surgery was worse than the first one. It is taking me longer to bounce back, but I will be back soon. I get my drain out tomorrow and then July 28th is my follow up from the second surgery. I am hoping for a positive report. Also, on the 28th I will be having a full body scan of all of my organs to make sure the cancer cells didn't spread anywhere else. Please keep praying for me.

July 21, 2005

Today they removed my drain tube.  Thank goodness!  I hate those things.  We also got the pathology report from my second surgery and I am cancer free.  They removed 9 lymph nodes and none of them had any cancer, only the sentinel node from my first surgery had the small cancer cell in it and it did not spread to any of my other lymph nodes.  My next step is a full body scan on the 28th and meet with an oncologist regarding what type of follow up treatment I will be getting.  Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers.  I truly believe they helped.

08/02/05: Von is feeling better and getting back some of her strength. She went to work for the first time for half a day yesterday.

It was only half a day cuz we spent the morning at the hospital doing more tests; her catscan last week showed a small spot on her liver and lung; had an ultrasound done yesterday; going to see the oncologist for the first time today and will get the results of that test; hopefully it turns out to be nothing. Will also find out what they think the procedures need to be for her chemo.

We will be getting a second opinion regardless.

August 3, 2005

The oncologist we saw yesterday was not concerned about the lung or liver spots that showed on my tests, but is taking more pictures of the liver on Friday August 5th and I will know on the 9th of the results of those tests. We are seeing another oncologist outside of Moffitt on Thursday, August 4th to get a second opinion for my treatment. On a better note, we went to the plastic surgeon today for the first pump up for my reconstruction. Nothing like a boob job on your lunch hour. She put 120 cc's in each side. It took a lot of the pain away finally putting something in the expander to keep it from rubbing my inside tissue. Steve seemed excited, he was yelling GO! GO! GO! He wanted more. Hee! I will have that done every other week. Her goal is 800 cc's in each. Steve wants 1000. Hee!

August 5, 2005:

Yesterday was a good day.  We found an oncologist who is absolutely
wonderful and very compassionate.  She is in the same building as my
plastic surgeon and close to my work, so the week I do not have chemo
I can get my pump up with my plastic surgeon in the same building since that is every other week also.  I will begin chemo on Wednesday, August 10th.  I will get it right there in her office.  They have a nice little room where they give chemo to 3 people at a time, a more intimate quiet setting.  I will have 4 treatments every other week and then when I am done with that one, there is another drug called Taxol that I will get every
other week for 4 treatments, so a total of 8 treatments in 16 weeks.
I will be done in December.  YIPPEE!  This oncologist is giving me
every kind of anti nausea drug there is so I do not get sick.  Also,
we will be given a shot to take home with us that I or Steve (if he
doesn't pass out, he doesn't like needles) will have to give myself
the day after chemo, and that keeps my white blood count up until the
next chemo treatment.  They offer this to those who are doing the
quick treatment plan, every other week instead of every 3 weeks.  She
is not concerned about the spot on my lung or liver because they are
so tiny and are probably nothing to worry about.  She said if it is a
small cancer, the chemo would get rid of it.  So that was good news.
I am still having more pictures taken of my liver today for a better
look.  I will be losing my hair in about 14 days and everyone knows
me, I am ready with the wigs.  We will keep everyone posted as to how
I am doing with chemo.
Love to all of you from both of us. 
PS.  Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, I am wearing new prosthesis I got
last night and I am looking good.  Nice and firm!

August 9, 2005

Went to Moffitt today for another outpatient surgery.  I had a port put in my chest for easy access for chemo hookup instead of putting an IV in my vein every time.  This is easier and less painful for me.  Just what I needed, another surgery.  Just when I start to feel better they want to hurt me again.  Well, tomorrow is my first chemo treatment.  Bring it on!  My boss is letting me borrow her DVD player so I will watch two movies since I will be there for 5 ½ hours.  Yes, 5 ½ hours.  Thank goodness I only have to do this 4 times.  The treatment after that is only 4 treatments for 2 hours.  Will keep you posted as to how chemo goes.

August 10, 2005

I didn't have chemo today.  I went prepared and ready to go wondering
how they were going to stick that needle into my port when it was so
sore from surgery yesterday.  Well, they tried and the nurse couldn't
find the port.  I can't even describe the pain not only from the
surgery yesterday, but the nurse missing the port took me over the
edge.  Steve was holding my feet thank goodness.  Well, after all of
the aggravation and pain, Steve said this is not working and we need
to wait until next Wednesday until I am healed from the surgery
yesterday.  It was just too painful for me and he could see that.  I
am glad he took control of the situation.  I don't know what I would
do without him.  So, I am chemo free for another week.

August 17, 2005

Well, I decided to go back to Moffitt for my treatments.  First chemo treatment today and everything went great.  Moffitt’s facility was nice; my nurse was wonderful and found my port the first time with no pain.  I was there for about 2 hours total and then went and got my hair cut really short.  I need to take baby steps.  They said it will start falling out after the next treatment which is in two weeks.  Then I will look like a little alien.  I am scared of that!  Not sick or tired yet and hope it continues this way but from what they say, no such luck.  They have given me three nausea medicines to take so I hope they help.  The leftovers will be used for hangovers!  Hee!  I will keep you informed.  Next treatment is August 31.

August 23, 2005

I sure got fooled! Thursday and Friday after chemo I just felt a little queasy as long as I took my medicine I was fine. Saturday I felt a little better but still took the medicine. Sunday morning I got up and Steve and I washed the Van and my car and then I was down on the couch. I started to feel bad on Sunday but I think that had to do with not taking the medicine. I didn't think I needed it after the 3 days. Well, like I said, I got fooled. Monday was my worst day. I was sick all day at work. I started popping the pills again and then finally when I got home from work I went to bed and woke up much better today. I was still a little nauseous but able to go to work. So, now I believe this is going to hit me around my 4th through 6th day and I will be prepared next time. I don't like being sick, so this is not going to be fun. Thank goodness I only have 3 more visits of the bad stuff. I hope I can make it through it!

August 31, 2005

Well, it's chemo day! Just noticed this morning that my hair is falling out. I figured it would happen pretty soon because the hair on my legs stopped growing several days ago. I can deal with that, but losing my hair is not going to be easy. I have some great wigs but I can't imagine having no hair. If it doesn't look too bad I will share a picture or two with you. Keep your fingers crossed that this treatment is as good as the last. I really only had one bad sick day and I am not going to complain about that. I believe my attitude has really helped also. I am trying to make this a positive thing and not dwell on the negative, except losing the hair part. I will just have to play dress up a little more than I do now. No problem! Talk to you soon!

September 3, 2005

Had chemo on Wednesday and just feeling a little queasy and tired today.  I went and got my head shaved today.  Actually it really isn’t that bad because there is still a little hair on it, but that is also falling out.  Steve seems to like it; he just keeps looking at me and smiling.  Too bad I can’t keep some of it.  Oh well, this too shall pass.  Now, I get to wear all the wigs, hats, and turbans I bought for the next several months.

September 14, 2005

Chemo treatment #3, one more to go, then on to the 4 treatments of Taxol.  I am tolerating this pretty well so far.  Just feels like a bad hangover for a few days.  Well, all of my hair is gone but it sure was enjoyable on our vacation last week to the Keys.  It was great going swimming.  I have never felt anything so good on my head.  It was also nice not having to shave my legs or armpits and not having to mess with my hair.  Put a hat or wig on and you’re done.  I could get used to this.

September 30, 2005

Wednesday was my last treatment of the A/C chemo, the bad stuff.  The last one was a little rough and lasted longer.  This week I asked the doctor to try something different for nausea and she did.  So far it is doing pretty well.  A little queasy and tired, but that I can deal with.    I now have 4 more treatments of Taxol, which isn’t as harsh.  It is still a form of chemo but not such bad side effects like the A/C.  I can’t wait until this is over!  Reconstruction is still going on.  Stretch, stretch, stretch that skin!  Hoping for a February surgery date for the implants.  I can’t wait for this expander to be removed.

October 19, 2005

I know, I haven’t written in a while.  Being a little preoccupied with feeling like crap and keeping a positive attitude and trying to look good takes up a lot of my time.  HEE!

Well, I had the last A/C treatment in September and had my first Taxol treatment last Wednesday.  Didn’t like it at all.  Doesn’t give you nausea but sure does make your fingers and toes numb and your legs ache so bad you can’t stand it.  I am going to talk to the doctor next week before my next treatment to see what she can do about this.  Taxol also makes you very tired but I am getting use to that.  Five down and three more to go.   Wish I could be as lucky as Melissa Ethridge and stay home in bed for 3 months and have everyone else take care of me.    Now we get to look forward to Hurricane Wilma.  Hope she doesn’t blow my wig off!

November 11, 2005

Sorry I haven’t written in a while.  Nothing really has changed.  I did skip a treatment and put it off until the next week.  That sure was nice, feeling good for a few more days.  My second treatment of Taxol was the same as the first, aching legs and numb toes.  I don’t like this feeling at all.  I have my third treatment next week and my last one on November 30th.  My reconstruction is moving along.  I had 60 more cc’s put in on Wednesday, which took me up to 710, only 90 more to go in the next two visits and the stretching of the skin will be done.  She wants my skin to stretch for a few months so I will have my implant surgery the end of February.  YIPPEE!  I forgot to mention that my eyelashes are falling out and it is driving me crazy.  Thank goodness for eyeliner and a few eyelashes that refuse to fall out.  I guess soon I will have to break out the falsies!

I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and be thankful for what you have in your life.  I am thankful for everyone’s prayers and support during this difficult time for Steve and I and very thankful for our wonderful families and friends we have in our lives.

December 2, 2005

YIPPEE!  Last chemo treatment was Wednesday the 30.  Feeling kinda yucky today but it is nice knowing I will start feeling better soon.  I can’t wait to start jazzercise again!  But most of all I want my hair, eyelashes and eyebrows back.  Will keep everyone posted on the progress of hair growth.  Hee!  I have follow up testing on December 21 for the small spots they found on my lung and liver at the beginning of chemo.  Hopefully, they are gone or they aren’t anything to worry about.  Will cross that bridge when I get to it.  Now, it is on to the reconstruction stage for my new breasts.  I don’t think I can take anymore pumping up but we will see next week when I visit the plastic surgeon.  She would like to get one more pump in for the extra skin she may need.  Surgery for my implants will be sometime in March.  Thanks again to everyone for your support and prayers; I could not have done it without all of you. 

January 4, 2006

Happy New Year to everyone!  Well, it is starting off as a good one.  I had my tests done after I finished chemo on November 30 on those spots they found on my liver and lung.  Well, they stayed the same, which is good.  If it had been cancer they would have gone away with the chemo or gotten smaller.  Since they stayed the same, the doctors said it is nothing but maybe scar tissue.  They will keep an eye on it with follow up tests down the road.  I started my injection of Herceptin yesterday.  I will do that once every three weeks for 1 year.  It is now being called the miracle drug for breast cancer so I decided to do it to give me a higher percentage of no recurrence.  My hair is growing back which is exciting but still waiting for the eyelashes to appear.  It came back full force on my legs, (bummer, cuz now I have to start shaving again).  I must admit that was the only one thing that was nice about chemo.  My toes are still numb from the Taxol chemo, but I am hoping it will go away with time.  Again, I want to thank everyone for your thoughts, prayers and positive waves you sent our way.  They sure did work!  I will keep you posted as to how I am doing.  Bye-bye for now!

February 2, 2006

Hello to everyone!  I apologize for not writing in a while.  I have no excuses, I just didn’t do it.  Hee!  The latest news on my health is I am still getting my every 3 week infusion at Moffitt of Herceptin for the next year and taking my Arimidex daily for the next 5 years.  Yuck!  Neither one is that bad except when you get up from a chair, etc. you feel like your bones don’t want to work until you are up and moving around.  Also, my toes are still numb.  They aren’t as bad as they were but I am learning to deal with it since I have been told it really doesn’t ever go anyway.  The way I look at it is if that is all I have to deal with then I am very grateful.  My hair is growing slowly but surely.  It was coming in mostly gray but now it is getting dark.  Thank goodness!  I woke up one morning and my eyebrows were there.  I was shocked.  I don’t know why I was so shocked since all of you women out there know we pluck some kind of hairs from our facial area on a daily basis.  Right?  My eyelashes are coming in too, slowly but surely.  On a really good positive note, I get my implants put in on March 16.  YIPPEE!  I can’t wait.  I want to get rid of this expander that is inside of me.  I have had it in there long enough and I want to be able to hug again and of course have boobs again!  Thanks again to everyone for your continued support and prayers but most of all thanks to my wonderful husband for his patience and understanding through all of this.  I love you all!

April 19th, 2006

Hello everyone!  Well, things are definitely starting to look up.  The infectious disease doctor thinks that I might have had a hematoma instead of an infection.  The antibiotics helped it get better so they were not wasted.  Let’s just hope that this was the case.  If it was an infection then there is a chance it could come back.  But, as far as I am concerned, it is not coming back!  The breasts are starting to take shape and look and feel more like normal breasts!  Yippee!  I have been without them for so long I forgot what they felt like.  Hee!  So, now on to the next step which is nipples.  I will probably wait until after January to get them.  I will be finished with my Herceptin treatment then.  But who knows, I might get them earlier.  Maybe I will get them for Steve’s birthday in October.

I want to thank everyone for your good thoughts, your kindness while I was going through this, but most of all, your prayers.  I know they worked.  Love to all of you!