First One DOWN!

Thursday, 7/23 was my first round of Chemotherapy. Went in, had several medications including the Adri and Cytoxin pushed through the port in my chest, got a bandaid, and off we went. Of course, I wasn't feeling any severe side effects immediately following. In fact we had a bite to eat just down the hill from my apartment and sister and I walked home. (She is great for a personal trainer) The evening was a little tougher; I started to feel extremely exhausted, nauscious, and over-emotional. Friday morning, I reported back to the clinic for my immunity injection and a visit with Dr. Kasubhai. He was pleased with my progress over the first twenty four hours.

My toughest side effect has been exhaustion, but each day, I have felt better. Able to eat a little more at a time and feeling less nauscious. I have a difficult time in the evening around 7:00 where I am restless, exhausted and again, emotional. I take my evening med, take a bath curl up in bed, and usually fall asleep quickly. Once asleep, I am good til morning! Yeah!!!!

Came over to mom's in PO last night and woke up this am feeling pretty good! Was able to eat breakfast and enjoy a beautiful, sunny morning over looking the bay!

Heading to Spokane midweek to take the kids to their "First-step" check in day at Eastern! Wow, I can't believe they are all grown up now! Anyway, will be there through the weekend. Please pray for strength!

Next treatment will be August 6th! Will update you all soon! Thanks for your continued comments, cards, love, and support... You all make it so much easier! Love to all!

APPREHENSION!!!

Well this is the best way I can describe how sister must be feeling on the eve of the first Chemo treatment...she has an idea of what will actually happen in terms of the toxic drugs that will be put into her body tomorrow, and somewhat of an idea of the side effects BUT doesn't know when things will actually happen. And of course the medical personnel have to give you the bad info with the good which only makes you worry some more.

We had a wonderful day today at American Lake on the boat with friend Jo, her daughter Randi, Teri, Britt, and myself. Last big "sun" day before the Chemo begins. It was a good time for Teri just to relax and laugh which we did a lot of! She had a flag and a horn! Thanks, Jo!

On Tuesday, I took Teri to see Carla (my curly hair specialist stylist), and she gave Sister a beautiful short cut...left it curly at first, then we felt the need to see it straightened which we did at 2:00 this AM! (thank God for summer). Still not sure how we will handle the hair-do in a couple of weeks, but for now the do is adorable, don't ya think?

Well, It is getting late, and although I am worried about how Sister is possibly trying to get some rest, I must also try and rest. I along with Mom and Dad will be with Teri tomorrow as she begins her treatment which is supposed to last about 3 hours (starts at 9:30). Thoughts and prayers (as always) are much appreciated and welcomed. Teri depends upon them daily!

The Next Step...

We are home from the lake! What beautiful weather we had and it was nice to get away. Mom and Dad came up for the day on Wednesday and brought a nice spaghetti dinner. College friend, Jo and her girl Randi joined us as well. Thursday, we had my Aunt Judy, cousin Becky and three of my little cousins. They, too brought lots of food, fun, and cheer!

Next week, Thursday, I will begin Chemotherapy! It is divided into two phases. The first phase will have treatments given every other week for eight weeks for a total of four treatments. Two drugs, Adriamycin and Cytocin, are administered as well as hydration and anti-nausea medication. Prior to each of the four treatments, I have a blood test to make sure my white and red cells are at normal levels, and the day following, I receive a shot to boost my immunity levels to prevent infection. Say goodbye to the curly girl! I will lose all of my hair by the second treatment. You know what they say, "Bald is Beautiful!" Sister and I are heading to a couple places tomorrow to discuss some options and inquire about a stick-on ponytail that I can wear with my baseball hats! Phase two of the Chemo will start three weeks after phase one (End of September) and entails one treatment with a single medication given every week for twelve weeks. They tell me this phase is easier on me.

As Thursday approaches, I am scared, worried, and not sleeping well. Too much to stomach (Literally) at once. Phase one is very hard on the body, lots of side effects. In addition, my fourth treatment is scheduled for September 3rd, the first day of school! Won't that be a fun start! Trying hard to keep my head up high!

Please continue to pray for my physical, emotional, and mental strength... "The Lord will not give us more than we can handle..."

Soon, we will get some Pre-bald pictures uploaded!

Love to all!

Break Time!

Came home from Camping at Lake Easton to attend a doctor's appointment with Dr. Gould. He checked to make sure everything is continuing to heal. (He was pleased with the progress). I am pleased that the numbness and lack of feeling is confined to my chest and did not extend to my arms! Didn't get any information regarding future treatment from him but will tomorrow when we meet with Dr. Kasubhai(General Oncologist). Chances are, Chemo will begin last week in July. The best news of today, I was cleared to shower, exercise, and not wear my wraps 24/7. It's the little things that make the big things seem small!

Physically, I am stronger every day. I even won first place at a mini cribbage tournament with mom as my partner!

After tomorrow's appointment, I am heading back up to Easton for three more days of Vitamin D therapy. Come on SUN!

I continue to be amazed at the level of support I recieve on a daily basis. The cards, the flowers, meals, and inspirational text messages you, my friends and family send, keep me going! Dad had minor surgery today and hurried to get out of the recovery room to make it to my appointment. My family rocks!

YIIPPEEEEEE!!!!!!

Wow, today was a great day! After another rough night of restless sleep, I headed to the doctor's office. Aprehensively, I met with my wonderful nurse, Sherrie, who took those dreaded drains right out of me! Yes, it was a little painful as she unraveled 36inches of tubing out of my body (both sides), but in minutes I was hollarin that they were no more and quickly forgot about any pain! I fully understand the necessity to my healing, however, sleeping as been an obstacle course with those drains. I will see my doctor for a review of the pathology results and treatment plan.

In addition to my drain relief, I shopped for my first set of fake boobies! Choices, choices, choices.... To be a C or a double D.... That was the question!~ And.... Janet (The wonderful prosthetic lady) sewed breasts into two swimsuits for me to comfortably sunbathe at Lake Easton this coming week.... Who would've thought!

Heidi came for a visit with Sunshine bear and Jean brought a nice meal for us! She said, It's time I start eating "The Super Foods." (Quinioa, steak, sweet and sour chicken, wonderful salad and a brownie!) My aunt Judy sent batter bread and freezer jam with Mom. Susan sent lots of ginger snap cookies in the shape of breast cancer ribbons to settle my tummy, and lots of other BC stuff. Yum! Thank you girls!

Following a nice lunch out, two of my nurses, Tami and Brittany, chaperoned a field trip to the Mariner's game to visit all of my Safeco Field friends! So refreshing to see you all! (Would've been nice to get the win too.) Again, I was reminded of how blessed I am to have such wonderful, supportive friends cheering me on.

Finished the evening off with the best homemade cinnamon roll(With extra butter) ever! Thank you my Tamara!

TESTED!

Well, my strength and faith were truly tested last night! I was having one of those give up, give in nights. I couldn't settle my mind or my body. All of the "WHY" questions ran rampid through my head. Through my tears, I was reminded of these things: Although I have cancer, have to endure many hospital visits and procedures, have my faith tested continually, feel like crap many days, etc. etc., I also have life, parents who have relentlessly been by my side from the start, a bond with my identical twin that 90% of the world will never comprehend, a beautiful daughter who loves me and is counting on me, co-workers that help and support in everyway possible, friends and family that take time to send me messages daily telling me they are thinking about me and praying for me, and an opportunity to give to others less fortunate than me. In addition, I have our heavenly father who will never leave my side. Can you imagine for one minute someone who has to go through this alone? I was finally able to peacefully close my eyes and get some rest.

My words of encouragement for the day:
"I expect to pass through this life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not deter or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again." William Penn



It is a good day! Many friends are planning to visit today and I am feeling better and better everyday.

What's next?

Looking forward to get rid of my drains on Friday when I see the doctor. Then, we are headed to the mountains of Lake Easton for some fun, sun, and mean games of yahtzee, rummy, and train! Will be home on the 17th. Will try and blog as we get reception.

I cannot express enough my thanks and appreciation for the love, support, friendship and encouragement through the many flowers, cards, gifts, food, and most importantly the chocolate. I am so blessed and overwhelmed! THANK YOU all so much!

Im BACK!!!!!

After a very long couple of days, I am back on the blog! Thank you, my sis, for keeping all those who love and support me informed.....

Today, I have been off all medication for about sevventeen hours now. I can honestly say, that I don't miss those drugs! I would rather have pain than nausea, dizziness, hallucinations, and headaches! Tylenol has been enough to help me through the day. I had a great eight hours of sleep last night and ate my first complete meal this afternoon. (Mom has been great about the force feeding!) Love you Mom!

In addition to a bath/shower and a hair washing, I experienced a very healing session of cranial sacral work with my physical therapist! You rock Merianne! My lead team of caretakers is headed out for a break and my BFF is taking over for the next few days. Looking forward to what summer is all about..... Movies, hanging out in your pjs all day, sitting in the sun, laughing until it hurts, and eating all the things that are bad for you! (I will try to eat!)

Happy Birthday, Brother!

Post Surgery News!

Hi everyone! Today has been a great day! Teri visited the doctor today at about 3:15, and she got her staples removed. Doctor also gave us great news in that the tissue biopsys were all negative. The tumor that was removed from the right breast was approximately 8cm. about the size of an apple...all I can say is thank you, God for moving this process along from initial diagnosis to surgery to healing! The tumor was about 6 cm. when we learned of the diagnosis on June 11th! We will head back to the doctor on Friday to remove the drain tubes and check in with Dr. Gould again. Teri is on the agenda for the breast conference either this Thursday or Thursday in 2 weeks. The breast conference is a collaboration of her team of doctors which discuss her case and outline her treatment plan, so at the conclusion of that meeting we will know of the plan for chemo and radiation.

College friend, Jo came by for a short visit today...her sense of humor and charisma was truly inspirational. It is so good to see Teri laughing and smiling! Teri also wanted to thank Sherry Kerr, Angela McDonald, and Kim K for preparing food and bringing it to the house. It has been a lifesaver for her as well as her caretakers.

Teri is moving right along with minimal setbacks! There are definitely times that are tough or painful, but the good parts of the days at this point are out-weighing the bad which is so encouraging. I am so fortunate to share a special bond with her and feel as though sometimes I can shoulder some load...I am not even close to "feeling the same thing", but I can tell you how I feel when she smiles, AND when she winces with pain; and I do everything I can to see the smiles!

Many of you continue to ask about visiting or inquiring about what you can do. Visits are great! Teri loves it. As far as actually doing something...there will be time...there will be need...we as her caretakers and family members appreciate your willingness to help. We will be sure and summon your help as we need it...THANK YOU so much!Thank you also for all of your cards, letters, and flowers. Brittany did a wonderful job of showcasing these in this poster for her mom to look at.

Monday July 6

Hello Family and Friends,

This is another guest blogger on line today. The last 5 days have been a bag of mixed emotions. As I left Teri's late last night, I was feeling sad, mad, tired, hungry,heartbroken, frustrated and the range of all other emotions. To see my friend of 22 years in such a state has really affected me. I returned this morning with my mom, Bev, sister Tina and the 2 girls Reese and Tatum. To my wonderful surprise, there was Teri sitting up. Our friend and co worker, Ingrid, was here visiting with Teri, Tami and mom. Teri looked fabulous! Her eyes were bright and that great smile had returned. What a turn around from last night. Soon after friend Angela and her daughter, Ellie, stopped by to visit as well. An hour later me, Teri, Tami, Reese , Tatum and my mom went to lunch at Burger Express in Federal Way. Yes, she was up and moving and actually ate 3 bites of a a fabulous cheeseburger. Friend and co worker, Jordanne is now here visiting. She continues to amaze me. Keep it up Ter! Fight the good fight! We love you. Taylor

Taylor said it all, except I have to add a funny story...As Teri was visiting with Ingrid this morning, she decided to boil herself some eggs. Now keep in mind, Teri has been on a number of drugs and although we are very encouraged that Teri is increasing her level of activity and independent tasks, one should never CWUI (cook while under the influence). Teri no sooner sat back down on the couch and Ingrid flew across the living room because the kitchen started smoking. Teri had turned the wrong burner on and tried to fry the apple pie and burner cover! Rest assure that Ingrid saved the kitchen, the apple pie, and Teri's eggs. There were absolutely no injuries sustained in this incident!

On a serious note, I also am amazed at Teri's effort at recovery. There will be no holdin this girl back! She will attack the journey in front of her as if it were just another appointment in her day...it will be just another thing she needs to do. And she will get it done!!!

It is nice to see that all of you are reading and responding to the blog entries...It is a good way for us to communicate what is going on with Teri, and she absolutely loves to read the comments and responses. It is so motivating and encouraging for her, really keeps her going. Teri also wants you to know that she has had enjoyed her visitors, so if you would like to come by, you can call her 360-535-4308 to make sure she is not resting or at an appointment.

From a medical standpoint, Teri has an appointment with Dr. Gould tomorrow (7/7) where he will check everything out, possibly remove the drains, and hopefully have some tissue biopsy results. We might even discuss the sequence of events following staple, suture removal including the chemotherapy/radiation schedule.

Until tomorrow, continue thoughts, prayers, visits, etc.

Hi Friends and Followers

It is Sunday afternoon, and we are home with Teri. She is doing well. It was a bit of a tough early morning whereas Teri experienced some nausea and vomiting and suffered from a severe headache. After talking to Doctor Gould and changing some medications, Teri improved greatly.

She continued to feel better after being pampered with a bath, pedicure, hair treatment and lunch. Mom has been here and is running to retrieve meds from the pharmacy, Brother-in-law, Joey has made a grocery run, and changed the shower head to make bathing easier. Brittany has been very helpful in the kitchen, cooking for Mom and the rest of the caregivers.

Teri continues to amaze me! She has already started therapy by folding a load of clothes, and spider walking her arms on the wall. WOW!

Saturday...Happy 4th of July

Today Teri got to go home. Even though it's nice to have the security of medical staff so readily available, nothin can replace the comfort of home and your own bed! The night was pretty good, I stayed overnight with Teri and did everything I could to keep from climbing up in her bed next to her. Funny how a twin bed can be plenty big enough when you're little and too small when you're big.

At home, we have been taking turns with tasks like milking her drain tubes, changing her dressings, and keeping track of all of her medications. She sat outside and got a little bit of sunshine and got to visit with neighbor, Max.

Later in the evening, I left to get some more clothes, Mom and Dad went home for the night, so TJ took the overnight duty. Brittney will of course be there to help also. Friend and coworker, Carmen (a breast cancer survivor)came for a visit too.

The next step from here is to heal her wounds and rest to get stronger. Teri will see Dr. Gould on Tuesday, July 7th. At that time he will hopefully take the drains out and then schedule an appointment to remove the staples from the incisions.

Mentally, Teri is TOUGH! Her bravery amazes me! She will still need some time to recognize the major change to her body, but she will remain strong and understand that the changes are necessary for her to fight this cancer.

Thanks for all of your visits, calls, and words of encouragement! Teri is so grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful people!

Friday Evening 7/3/09 7:00pm

Teri has had an okay day considering the circumstances...Erin, Merianne, Stacie, and little supporters have come to visit today and brought lots of encouragement. Stacie gave Teri a foot massage which was lovely!

Doctor Gould came in and changed the dressings and talked to us about when Teri could go home...which looks like tomorrow.

Cindy, TJ, Britt, M&D and I (sister)have been here all day keeping each other company as well as watching over our angel!

Teri was able to get up today and walk to the room doorway...doesn't seem like much, but it was huge for her after the last couple of days! I can tell that Teri is ready and eager to lead this train! What an inspiration!

The Next Step

It's Thurs. morning, one day after surgery. Teri had a pretty good night resting off and on until about 3:30 this morning. As she felt up to trying to get out of bed, but it may of been too much too soon. Her blood pressure dropped, and she got really dizzy and faint. The result was she wasn't able to have her morphine drip for about 4 hours after the episode which of course caused her to have more pain.

Now it is about 10:00 and she seems to be back on track, resting somewhat comfortablly. Not sure when the doctor will be in this morning, but I am not anticipating any different news than we had last night.

We will see how the day goes and begin planning for her to go home.

11:10 PM Thurs. July 2, 2009

I am back at Teri's house and can't seem to fall asleep yet, whereas I am missing her lots! Mom is staying over night at the hospital, so Dad, Brittany and I are holdin down the fort. Sacrifice for the parents to be here not sleeping in their own beds, but it's nothing compared to what Sister is enduring. So because I can't sleep, I am going to blog a little bit and add some more to the updates given earlier.

Teri came out of recovery at about 7:00, and it was tough! She was very pale, shaking like a leaf, and very drugged with pain meds and anti-nausea meds. They got her situated in a room downstairs, and she slowly began improving a little at a time. She had lots of visitors to help her along the way. She even began joking and reminiscing at one point with college friends, Jo and TJ. By the time many of us left, Teri was awake, drinking lots of water and asking for a cheeseburger! Good signs for sure!

I know many of you will be interested in visiting Teri and as you know, she appreciates everyone's efforts to see her and support her. Right now it looks like she will stay at ST. Francis until Friday evening/night, provided that she is managing her pain with meds that can be given at home. Hopefully she will be showing some interest in going home herself, but we certainly don't want to rush things.

As we continue to support her first, also please remember to support each other. The past 3 weeks have been a whirlwind for sure and all of us have needed different levels of support at different times. Most important is Teri, and we need to take care of each other, so we can take care of her. Not sure if I said what I meant to say, but hopefully you get my drift.

Well, I am feeling a little incompetent right now because Teri is always so good at topping off her news with inspirational words or sayings, and I am dumbfounded! Maybe it's because I am overwhelmed at the day's events, but all I can come up with is "faith can move mountains" and the one we are about to move is BIG! Continue your prayers and words of encouragement, and we'll be on the other side in no time.

Surgery Complete!

Surgery is over...Doctor Gould said that Teri did great! But then again that is our Teri...we expected nothing less and of course she gave 110%. At this point, he even said the surgery produced nice, symmetrical results. He also said that Teri has 2 drains on each side, lots of sutures, lots of staples, lots of bandage, and I am sure lots of discomfort and pain...the journey just turned towards a very STEEP hill, so hang on here we go; now we step up and shoulder the load.

Let's Celebrate!

Hurray, Hurray!!! Celebration is in order...Teri is almost out of surgery. The time is 5:00 and it has been one long day...thank God that Teri could spend most of it in the Bahamas or some other tropical place snoozin! The best news is that the Sentinel Node biopsys on both sides yielded negative results....YAH!

It will probably be another hour or so before we can be with Teri again, but we are relieved that this part is coming to a close...

Pray, pray, pray!

Will update later tonight...

Surgery Day!

Well here we are...Mom, Dad, Britt, TJ, and sister (now, author) at St. Francis...Teri went into surgery at about 11:45...about an hour and a half behind schedule...Teri was and is starving. Team of doctors continues to amaze us with their accomodations and willingness to update us on Teri. We expect an update about once every hour or so, and will let all of our friends and loved ones know as we know...

Again, we appreciate ongoing support through your love and prayers!

Farewell my girls!

Had a great time today at the farewell party. I work with the most amazing, supportive, inspirational, and encouraging people! Thank you all for coming and thank you for your proposal, Katie! :)

In all honesty, I am scared as hell! I currently have a rock the size of Mount Rainier in the middle of my gut! Have no idea when I will fall asleep or if I will fall asleep. My sis is right by my side tonight so hopefully that will be soon.

"I Can do this!" From a friend, I got this advice today, "I only have to be brave for the next ten minutes..... I only have to be brave for the next ten minutes..." Before you know you are over the next ten minutes!

From my friend and BC survivor, Carmen, these are the words from my book of Whispered Words of Encouragement: If you can learn to laugh in spite of the circumstances that surround you, you will enrich others, enrich yourself, and more than that, you will last! So... my sis and I laughed and laughed as we used the self-timer on the camera to take photos of Ethel, Lucy, Flopsy, and Mopsy!

Thank you again, all of you; My family, My friends, My co-workers, My VB team and parents, for your continued love, encouragement, friendship, gifts, cards, food, and SUPPORT! I love all of you!

No turning back!

Pre-op is complete! Met with a wonderful lady today that set me all up with the necessary materials for post mast. Never did I have any idea!

One of my good friends always says, "Bring it!" Here we go.