The hair had to come off!

The day after the second chemo treatment, I started to really notice my hair falling out- in handfuls. By the fourth day it was really coming out and I was getting worried my hair was going to be all over the place. After I had a good cry, we decided to take matters into our own hands, literally. All three kids were excited to have a few turns at cutting my hair, and then Rich gave me a nice buzz cut. Even though it was a hard to see the hair go, it feels like it is just another step in this journey. The kids tell me I look great(although Megan cried a bit when Rich buzzed my hair), and Andrew says he still loves me! The girls were excited to play 'hair dresser' with their mom, although Rich was left to clean up the mess!

I'm glad the last several days are behind us, as they do seem to be the worst right after chemo. One of the anti-nausea drugs makes you feel like you've had 10 cups of coffee, so I didn't do so good sleeping those nights! However, I only have to take those meds the first two days after chemo. So I am counting on a good night of sleep tonight!

We are continually strengthened by the love and prayer support that we receive from our family and friends..thank you.

2nd chemo treatment is over!

On the way to the hospital today, Rich and I discussed that today is March 25, exactly one month ago we were given the diagnosis of breast cancer. Since that day, we have had about 13 tests or appointments and I have already had the second chemo treatment. Things have been moving along fairly fast, for which we are grateful. We are also very thankful to our friends and family who have taken our kids for some of these appointments. We feel very blessed to have so many people care for us and show support.

It is incredible how fast the chemo starts to make you feel bad! Even sitting in the chair waiting for it to drip through the IV, I can start to feel nausea, lightheaded and extremely tired. I came home and slept for 2 hours. The nurses are a very caring group of people in the oncology unit that's for sure. They were pleasantly surprised that I still had a full head of hair!

Yesterday I met with the radiation oncologist who will do the radiation in Kitchener, after the surgery. He was very informative, and basically said I need radiation because the cancer is in the lymph system. To what degree, they do not know, but in my case it is like an insurance to make sure the chemo and surgery have gotten all the cancer. It means a longer road, but I am glad for the option. It will also postpone any plastic surgery until 8 months later. But the very good news he told me was that the bone and CT scan came back clear. A huge wave of relief washed over me, I was so happy to hear that. It makes me feel like I can manage this, as it is contained. We rely on our faith, lean on our family and friends, and take one day at a time.

Somehow I have managed to catch a not so nice cold. I am really hoping this does not affect having chemo on Wednesday; they will let me know when they test my blood. I guess I am learning that my immune system is quite comprised, so I have to be really careful. So far I do not have a fever, so that is a very good thing.
We have 3 appointments this week, one of them being chemo. The other is an appointment with a radiation oncologist to get things ready I guess for after surgery, and the other is just to the hospital to get an immune boosting shot. Becoming a cancer patient has given me a new full time job!
We enjoyed a wonderful weekend with our family, spending some time at College Royal and then spending Sunday with Rich's family in Richmond Hill. I am also enjoying today as there is nothing on the calendar and I have time to do some laundry!

Finished the first week of chemo

The first day of spring and we have finished our first week of chemotherapy. I am starting to feel a bit better already, especially if I have a nap! The sun and warm weather has been good for all of our spirits. The best thing that has happened this week is that the oncology nurse called to see how I was doing. I told her I was having great trouble sleeping, and she said that would not be allowed! She faxed a prescription for meds that day, and I am happy to report I have had two good nights sleep. What a huge difference, even for my frame of mind. I have struggled with insomnia for a long time, so it is very nice not to deal with it during my treatment.

We are still waiting to hear about results from the CT scan and bone scan, but we are feeling positive. I head to the oncology department next Wednesday for round 2 of chemo, so we will talk to the doctor then. We hope everyone has a great weekend!

The first chemo treatment...

My first chemo treatment was March 12. I had just finished work on March 11. I have learned alot during this past week, but I must admit I did not know lot about chemo and side effects. I had really thought I was having surgery first, so I was not too prepared! Number 1 lesson I learned was not to wear flannel pajamas this first night after chemo! You get hit with night sweats something awful, I went though every pj's in my drawer! Who is supposed to sleep through all of this?!
The other symptom I guess you could call it is feeling very fluish. And also very, very tired. I am getting really good at taking afternoon naps. My favourite part of the day is climbing into bed at 8:30! I go right along with the kids.
Speaking of the kids, they are fabulous. We have tried to keep things as 'normal' as possible for them, I think it is working. They still fight, bug me for their favourite socks, and generally carry on like normal kids. Jocelyn is by far understanding the most, and is also the most emotionally needy right now. We pray that we can help them all through these next months of chemo, and through it all we can still have fun as a family. Rich has been amazing and taking time of work when he can and is always there for me.
Today is day 8 of my first chemo, and so far I still have my hair! I am ready (I think) to deal with the hair loss, but I don't know for sure! The nurse told me it will be out be treatment #2 because I am on a very strong mixture of meds. I also go for treatments every 2 weeks. And that is only if my white blood count is good, if not it will be delayed. Our prayer request is that I will be able to tolerate the chemo every 2 weeks without missing one or being delayed.
Thank you all so much for your calls. cards and food. It has made this week very bearable!
We love you all!~

The beginning of the story....

Friends of ours encouraged us to start up a blog to help tell our story and stay connected with our friends and families. So here we go!

I'm guessing every blog must start with a story or a beginning. Ours started in January '09 when I discovered a lump in my breast. I definitely could tell it was different. We began a series of doctors appointments, ultrasounds etc and then on Feb.25 we were told it was indeed breast cancer and not one lump but two. I can't say I was completely shocked, I think I started to 'know' in my heart things were not great. Rich was shocked and overwhelmed all at the same time. He quickly became my biggest support and encourager, always thinking positive. We decided it must only be early and probably stage 1, so we adjusted to this new way of living with cancer and kept moving forward. I had an MRI also that week, and the doctor told us the results on March 4. The cancer was indeed in the lymph nodes (2 he thought) and the disease was multi-focal, hence making it a stage 2ish cancer. This we did not take too well. What did it all mean?

After meeting with an oncologist and surgical oncologist, they decided to start chemotherapy first and then surgery, followed by radiation. We now know we have a long year ahead of us. We also know we could not do this without our awesome friends and family who have showered us with love and support and prayers. We feel lifted up daily.