Taming the Savage Breast

Bald is Beautiful

2007-12-12T22:33:00.000-05:00

During my treatment, I blogged about my experience with being bald (Bald... and Loving It!).Recently, as I was fast forwarding through commercials on my Tivo, my eye caught the image of a beautiful bald woman. Of course, I had to stop and go see what it was about.It was a Bristol-Myers Squibb commercial about ovarian cancer. The woman named all the things that were beautiful to her as she

Surreal Becomes Real... and Nipple Casts

2007-06-23T16:59:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, when I went in for my surgery, I made an interesting observation.Most people are uncomfortable in hospitals... which isn't surprising because they're not really the most comfortable places to be... not even for the patients. Or maybe especially for the patients.Hospitals are generally very sterile-feeling places... for a reason. The first being, of course, that they should be sterile

Nip it in the Bud, Part II

2007-06-20T12:28:00.000-04:00

Due to some problems getting my insurance reinstated through COBRA, this surgery was delayed. Instead, it will take place Friday, June 22.Basically, the company handling my COBRA benefits didn't have my previous medical insurance information on record. My previous employer had to re-fax that information to them, so now everything should be in order.

Nip it in the Bud

2007-05-30T13:33:00.000-04:00

I know it's been a while since I've posted anything to this site since I've made my full recovery, but I'm having some outpatient surgery coming up and thought I would share.When they did my reconstructive surgery back in January, they didn't give me any nipples or pigmentation. That comes after you've recovered fully from the surgery. So, for the last few months, I've somewhat resembled a

Cruise Control

2007-02-23T16:06:00.000-05:00

Wow. It's hard to believe that I'm standing on the other side of my treatment.Almost exactly a year ago, I noticed something strange about my left breast. Shortly after, I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer... a terrifying diagnosis. I remember the fear I felt when the diagnosis was confirmed (somehow I already knew). But, I also remember the peace and confidence I felt after meeting

Post-surgical Update

2007-02-07T13:36:00.000-05:00

I'm home recovering, and I thought I'd take a moment to update everyone on my recovery.My recovery has been going phenomenally well. I haven't been experiencing much pain at all. Although I was on Dilaudid for the first couple of days, I didn't really use it much after the first 24 hours.After they took me off the Dilaudid, they allowed me to take vicodin on an as-needed basis, which wasn't much.

Pre-Surgery Update

2007-01-27T20:08:00.000-05:00

I thought I would post one last update before my surgery.It looks like everything is a go. After my low blood counts last week, I was supposed to have blood drawn today to make sure all my counts were still up. Unfortunately, my doctor's office failed to tell me that the lab closes at noon on Saturday, so when I showed up at 1:00, I was unable to get my blood drawn.How weird is that, by that way?

More Medical Fun Stuff

2007-01-18T14:06:00.000-05:00

Okay, so it's not really fun. In fact, I haven't had a whole lot of fun since my last chemo treatment on January 5. However, I do want to share what I've been going through since I think it may help others who are going through chemo.When I first diagnosed and before I had even begun chemo, I asked my doctor about my activity level. I had a lot going on at the time (for instance, I was preparing

Phase 2 Begins

2007-01-06T12:06:00.000-05:00

With yesterday's chemo, I've completed the initial treatment phase, and now we move into the ongoing, long-term treatment phase. We can probably consider this the maintenance phase.During this phase, I will get reconstructive surgery, which I am scheduled to get on January 29. For those of you who don't know, my reconstructive surgery will consist of a TRAM placement and an implant replacement

MRI Results

2007-01-02T15:44:00.000-05:00

This will be a quick post, but I wanted to update you on the results of my MRI.As you know, I had an MRI done on the Saturday before Christmas. I expected to get the results the following week, but the doctor was out of the office that week, so I didn't get them until today.It was all good news: they didn't find anything at all.The interesting thing is that I was kind of nervous about everything

Post-Holiday Update

2006-12-28T13:53:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a good holiday. I know I did.I spent the holiday with some of my family on the other side of the state. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to make it, at first. I'd had chemo on Thursday, December 21, and I made the 3-hour drive over on Christmas eve. I felt great when I woke up that day, but spent most of the two previous days sleeping.I think I paid the price for all that

New Development

2006-12-20T19:58:00.000-05:00

There's been a slightly new development in my current situation that I want to share.Sometime in the last couple of weeks, I started experiencing a strange speech problem. The best way I know how to describe it is that it's like when you've had a couple of drinks, your tongue starts feeling "fat," and you have problems saying certains words or combinations of words as a result. It comes off

Next Steps

2006-12-18T13:53:00.000-05:00

Okay. I know what (and when) my next steps are, so it's time for an update!First of all, my skin is almost completely recovered from radiation. I have one tiny little spot that has a little bit of dry skin left that will probably peel away within the next couple of days. All of the other affected skin has completely healed. I look like I got a very strange and selective tan, but beyond that, my

Decisions

2006-11-17T11:07:00.000-05:00

I woke up yesterday morning realizing that I am definitely going to have the additional chemo. Even if there's no way to know if I need it or to measure whether it's helping, it will give me the peace of mind that I've done everything I can to ensure that the cancer is completely gone. I never want to have to wonder later if I should have done it now. Frankly, I'd rather do it and not need it

What's Next?

2006-11-14T15:51:00.000-05:00

I met with my oncologist today. For the moment, everything is up in the air.First, the good news. We got both my CT scan and my bone scan back, and neither of them show anything new. That's very, very good. That means that there is no indication of any new cancer. I was a little concerned that, after finding viable cancer in the lymph nodes that they removed during surgery, that during the two

Radiation Complete. Check.

2006-11-09T21:31:00.000-05:00

I'm officially done with radiation! Woo-hoo!!Actually, I was officially done with radiation yesterday. When I finished my appointment they gave me a certificate that all the therapists had signed. I got hugs from all of them, and they all wished me the best in my recovery. What an amazing group of women I had working with me throughout that process. I will miss seeing their smiling faces everyday

VOTE!

2006-11-06T14:50:00.000-05:00

This isn't cancer-related, but it's important. I also posted this on my other blog (My Stream of Consciousness).I know a lot of people tend to only vote in the presidential elections, but tomorrow's election is really, really important so make sure you take the time to go vote. We have a good chance of finally breaking the strangle-hold that the Republicans have held on our government for the

A Short One

2006-10-31T17:00:00.000-05:00

Like my new radiation treatment, this will be short.I started a new phase of radiation today. Up until now, I've been receiving X-ray radiation on all the areas surrounding my surgical area, including the lymph nodes in my left armpit and on the left side of my neck.Today, they started something called an electron boost that is applied only to the incision area. This is good because my skin was

Radiation Week 6

2006-10-26T13:13:00.000-04:00

I thought I would give you all an update on the latest stuff that's been happening with me. As the end of my radiation approaches, there have been a few changes.First of all, I wanted to share something with you that I've been holding back until I got more information. I now have enough information to share. About a week ago, I noticed two little lumps on my chest near the incision. One was a

A Doctor a Day Keeps the Apples Away

2006-10-18T17:40:00.000-04:00

I don't know what that title means; I was just trying to be clever because I had so many doctor's appointments today.In addition to my daily radiation appointment, I also met with my oncologist (not to be confused with my radiation oncologist with whom I meet every Monday) and my plastic surgeon.First of all, I have a radiation update. When I get close to the end of my treatment, they are going

Slow Blog Week

2006-10-17T00:38:00.000-04:00

Sorry, folks, there's really not anything new to report tonight.Actually, it's going to be like that for a while. And, during that time, I'm going to take a break from blogging. It's becoming an obligation in a way that I don't want it to become. Not that I don't enjoy it and that I don't want to keep you informed, but I don't always have something to say.I know you want to keep up with what's

Pink October

2006-10-09T19:03:00.000-04:00

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so I thought I would make today's post about a few ways you can support the cause this month.Shop!Bed, Bath and Beyond is selling a collection of items specifically to support the cause. A portion of the sales on these items will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.Target is donating a portion of their sales of special pink items to the

Monday Update

2006-10-02T14:37:00.000-04:00

I've only been doing radiation for about a week and a half, but I feel like an old pro.It's super easy. I show up a few minutes before my appointment, so I almost always go straight in without having to wait for more than 5 minutes or so. I've gotten there late a couple of times, and I'm trying really hard not to do that because it's rude for the people who are scheduled after me. This morning, I

Tonua Has Sent You a Project Pink eCard

2006-09-29T19:43:00.000-04:00

We all know it's the little things that often make the biggest difference in our lives. That's why Munchkin, maker of award-winning infant products, launched a limited edition pink duck to support the fight against breast cancer. Given that 1 out of every 8 women faces the risk of breast cancer in her lifetime,

Weekly Doctor's Visit

2006-09-27T12:36:00.000-04:00

I didn't post on Monday because it turned out that, this week, I met with my doctor today instead of Monday. Next week, I'll start meeting with him regularly on Mondays.Basically, he just wants to meet with me each week to monitor any side effects I might be experiencing from the radiation. Given that I just completed my first week, I haven't actually experienced any side effects yet. He said

It's 9:00 PM and All is Well

2006-09-24T21:00:00.000-04:00

I started radiation this week, as scheduled. I went in on Wednesday for my first treatment forgetting that the first appointment isn't an actual treatment. During the first appointment, they simulate everything to make sure that the treatment configuration was designed properly. Basically, they line my body up with where the radiation beams will penetrate my skin and make sure that the path of

Tattoo You... er, Me

2006-09-18T17:24:00.000-04:00

I have a lot to catch up on, so this might be a long post.First of all, I met with my radiation doctor last week. I really like my doctor. He was knowledgeable about ibc and explained the treatment in terms of my specific disease. That was extremely helpful.If you don't know what radiation is exactly, you're not alone. I didn't either. It turns out that radiation is X-ray beams. It is extremely

Update

2006-09-10T12:14:00.000-04:00

I'm overdue for a post. I'm sorry to those of you who may have been wondering after my well-being since my last post. I continue to do really, really well. I've returned to work, and we've resumed shooting of my film.In addition, I've decided to paint my bedroom. It's a long story, but basically I've been wanting to paint it for a while. We're using it as a set on the film, so I need to get it

Post-Surgery Gifts that Rock

2006-08-29T16:27:00.000-04:00

In the days that followed my surgery, my friends did a lot of great things for me that really helped me through my recovery. I thought I would include some of these things in my blog to help the loved ones of others recovering from this type of surgery.FoodOne of my friends (Pushpinder) organized meals for me throughout the first week after I was released from the hospital. Each day, someone

Checking in

2006-08-21T15:30:00.000-04:00

The purpose of this post is just to check in and let everyone know I'm still doing well and still working on recovery.I'm still experiencing some discomfort, but I seem to be doing a little better each day. I feel constant pressure in the areas of my surgery. It's weird; sometimes it feels like something outside of myself that, if I could just take it off, would relieve the discomfort. Of course,

No More Cups!

2006-08-16T13:21:00.000-04:00

I got my drainage cups taken out today, and I couldn't be more relieved!I was a little worried about having those cups removed. I mean, I wanted them gone, but I was afraid the removal process would hurt. In fact, I was so concerned about it that I took a Vicodin and two Motrin before I left for my appointment.When I got there, he removed my bandages and stitches first. He didn't remove the

Feeling Better

2006-08-13T12:06:00.000-04:00

I thought I would post a quick update and let everyone know that I'm feeling better today. I did a couple of things yesterday that I think helped.First, I started using my breathing apparatus thingie again. After surgery, they make you breath into this thing 10 times an hour to make sure you use the full capacity of your lungs so that you don't develop an infection or pneumonia. When I got out of

Saturday Update

2006-08-12T19:32:00.000-04:00

I figured it was time for an update on my current health. I'm still recovering from the surgery, and that's proving to be a little more challenging now than it was initially.I'm over a week past surgery and the last couple of days have been pretty rough on me. Perhaps it's because I quit taking Vicodin during the day and am relying on Motrin only. At night, I still take Vicodin to make sure I

JP Cups

2006-08-08T14:18:00.000-04:00

I had my first post-surgery doctor's appointment today. I thought it would be a good time for an update.I've been doing pretty well this week, and each day gets a little better. My physical limitations are that I can't lift anything, I can't bend, and I can't drive. It really takes the pressure off. I can't really do anything, so I can't feel bad about not doing anything.Emotionally, I'm doing

Alive and Well

2006-08-05T13:07:00.000-04:00

I promised an update as soon as I was able, so here it is. I was released from the hospital about an hour ago, and I'm doing really, really well.First, I want to thank everyone who was there for me. Some of you were there at the hospital for me, and others were just there in spirit. I appreciate all of your prayers, positive energy, and good vibes. Someone was listening because I came through it

Out of Time

2006-08-03T00:58:00.000-04:00

It's the night before my surgery and, I have to admit, I'm a bit freaked.There's no more time left. Tomorrow this becomes real on a whole new level. I've tried to prepare myself mentally for this, but there's no way to really prepare yourself for this.I'm nervous... not so much about the surgery. I'll be out for the surgery, and it will be over before I have any awareness of anything happening at

Hospital Stays for Mastectomies - Bill in Congress

2006-07-31T12:47:00.000-04:00

There's a particular email message that has come across my inbox more than a few times. The first time I saw it was over a year ago, and I immediately signed the petition it was advocating, not knowing that in the not-too-distant future, it would be something that might have an impact on my life.I'm sure you've seen it too:Mastectomy Hospital Bill in CongressIf you know anyone who has had a

They took away my bionic vein

2006-07-27T13:03:00.000-04:00

I had my IV port taken out today.It was amazingly easy. It's ironic that the part of surgery (minor outpatient surgery, anyway) that hurts the most is administering the anesthesia that keeps you from feeling pain.I was a little nervous about having the catheter removed for a couple of reasons. First, it was really uncomfortable when they inserted it, and I was aware of it in my vein for about

More on Mourning

2006-07-24T18:59:00.000-04:00

I feel the need to clarify something, as I may have offended some... particularly those who have had a mastectomy and opted against reconstruction.This weekend, I got an email from a friend of mine who, after reading my last blog entry, encouraged me to find images and artwork that show the beauty of women who have lost their breasts in spite of the loss. That made me realize that when I said, "

The Mourning After... and Before

2006-07-21T11:20:00.000-04:00

Well, the mourning has begun... finally.The first time I cried about any of this was before receiving my diagnosis. I had done enough research to be fairly positive about what I had and what the general prognosis was. And I cried.The funny thing is, I didn't really cry again about it because I immediately saw my oncologist and started chemotherapy. Maybe it confused a lot of people that I wasn't

I've got a date

2006-07-19T16:36:00.000-04:00

Okay, I've got all the dates for all my upcoming stuff.First of all, on July 27, I'll be having my IV port removed. If it's anything like having it put in, it'll be a simple procedure. I'm a little nervous about what will happen to the blood clot, but I spoke with the nurse at my doctor's office about it yesterday. She reassured me that it shouldn't be a problem. I will have to continue on the

Graduation Day!

2006-07-13T19:49:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was my last day in chemo!! I even got a graduation certificate from the nurses. It was very cute.It's so weird to know that I'm done with chemo. Even though it was only 8 sessions of chemo, it's been part of my life for the last four months. It feels fantastic to be done. And, the next thing is surgery. My surgery isn't scheduled yet, but I'm expecting it to be somewhere right around

Counting Down

2006-06-29T17:54:00.000-04:00

I had my 7th chemo this week. It's hard to believe that I'm almost done.This week was a breeze. I actually went by myself because things fell through with the person I was hoping to have join me. I didn't even try to find a replacement person because, in some ways, it was easier to go alone.Now that my toxic cocktail includes Benadryl, I usually sleep through the entire session. When someone is

Fun with Needles

2006-06-23T12:37:00.000-04:00

The last 12 hours have been fairly interesting.A couple of days ago, I noticed a slight discomfort in my left arm. My left arm is where my IV port is located. It was temporary and quite mild, so I didn't think much about it and, in fact, soon forgot it. Yesterday, I noticed again. Ever since I got the IV port put in, I've been acutely aware of that part of my body. (It took a couple of weeks for

IBC in the News

2006-06-21T14:14:00.000-04:00

IBC is finally getting some attention. A friend forwarded this video to me that appeared on a Seattle news show about inflammatory breast cancer.Watch VideoI have to admit that it was a little difficult for me to watch this. One of the things that I've purposely avoided since being diagnosed is listening to or reading about people's experiences with ibc that didn't lead to recovery. You see, part

Taxol, Part II

2006-06-15T18:34:00.000-04:00

Today was my second Taxol treatment... and the most eventful one so far.Like before, it started with the triple whammy of decadron, benadryl, and zantak. It's so weird when the benadryl hits my system, because I feel it instantly. This was pretty much the same treatment as last time... after the triple whammy, they wait an hour for the cocktail to mix in my system, then they start the Taxol drip.

Walking for the Cure

2006-06-13T10:32:00.000-04:00

Saturday, I went walking for the cure. I was joined by my friends Cathy, Chris, Shannon and Jenny. Jenny's friend Anya also joined us. (I hope I'm spelling her name correctly.) Oh, yeah... there were also about 25,000 other people there too.It was amazing to see all those people lined up to walk at Comerica Park. I've got some video footage that I'll post soon. By the way, the reason I haven't

Too Skinny

2006-06-07T20:03:00.000-04:00

I met with my surgeon today, and it turns out that I'm too skinny... which is ironic since I was actually planning on losing more weight.Okay, I'm not too skinny when it comes to average height/weight/fat ratio recommendations. However, I am too skinny if I actually want to naturally replace my two existing breasts with two C-cup breasts. For those of you who may be keeping track, that's actually

Taxol

2006-06-02T11:30:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I had my first Taxol session. I wasn't sure what to expect going in, but the entire experience was different.With the AC treatments, I was given an injection of anti-nausea medication and a steroid called decadron prior to receiving my chemo treatments. An hour before I got any of it, I also took another anti-nausea med called Emend.With Taxol, I get to skip the anti-nausea meds as

Surgery

2006-05-31T16:00:00.000-04:00

The time has come to start thinking about surgery. It's still a couple of months away, but I'll be having a consultation with the plastic surgeon who will be doing the reconstruction next week.I have to admit that I'm feeling a little anxious about surgery. I've never undergone any kind of major surgery before. I have no idea what it's like to be anesthetized. The surgery is supposed to be long..

Firsts and Last

2006-05-22T08:47:00.000-04:00

This week's chemo was made up of some firsts and one last. First, the firsts.This was the first time I used my newly installed port to receive chemo. It was kind of weird at first because they inserted the IV needle like a thumbtack into my arm. That was strange and a little disconcerting. They kindly numbed the area before inserting the needle, so that was good. But it was weird to watch them

Weight Loss

2006-05-10T22:21:00.000-04:00

Last summer, I had a check-up with my doctor. At the time, my cholesterol was higher than it had been in the past. I've always had high cholesterol, but it finally reached the point that my doctor wanted me to lower it. One of the reasons I like my doctor is because his first option wasn't to put me on medication to lower it. He wanted me to do it with diet instead. He suggested I lose 20 pounds

Port in the Storm

2006-05-09T08:28:00.000-04:00

Okay, so the storm is over. I feel great today. However, I am still getting a port put in today. What is the port of which I speak, you ask?When they give me chemo directly as an IV, it travels through some smaller veins to get to the larger veins that will carry it through my system. Because chemotheraphy is toxic, it can do damage to these smaller veins. A port bypasses these smaller veins in

Comfort Food

2006-05-08T20:40:00.000-04:00

Mmmm. Comfort food. Food that is familiar and nourishing and wraps your tummy in a blanket of comfort.I had that tonight. It was good timing too. Comfort food was a perfect way to put the kibosh on this rough patch I've been having the last few days.I haven't been out and out ill. I never feel completely ill. I just haven't felt 100%. On Saturday, I probably hit a new low at about 40%, but the

Rough Sailing

2006-05-07T11:53:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I had a particularly rough day. I don't have many of them, and even as rough as it was for me, I recognize it could have been a lot worse.The thing is, I feel so good most of the time, even on chemo days, that I forget how much it affects me... particularly when it comes to energy. I got up feeling great yesterday, so I cleaned my bathroom and my kitchen. I had people coming over for

Chemo Brain

2006-05-06T09:45:00.000-04:00

I thought I would share with you the after-effects I feel after having chemo. These usually stick around the 3 days that the chemo is in my system, and then I return to normal afterwards.One thing that doesn't happen: I never feel sick. Though it is one of the side effects of the chemo I'm on, the anti-nausea meds I'm on ensure that I never feel it.Day 1This is the day that I get chemo. After my

Self-discovery

2006-04-30T10:33:00.000-04:00

I realized yesterday that I never gave any background on this blog about how I discovered the cancer. I thought it was time because you can learn from my experience.At the end of January, just before my period started, I noticed in the shower one morning that my left breast felt denser and thicker than my right breast. In fact, it felt like it might have been slightly swollen. I checked myself in

And the Winner Is...

2006-04-28T18:17:00.000-04:00

Thanks, everyone, for your votes on which logo you like best. Unfortunately, for logistical reasons, I have to overrule you.Based on everyone's votes, I made myself some mailing labels with the "D" version of the logo. Unfortunately, the printed version of the logo doesn't look nearly as good as the online version. Plus, the drop shadows don't scale very well. So at smaller sizes, the entire logo

Mail Call

2006-04-27T08:23:00.000-04:00

Before my mom died and my best friend got email, I used to look forward to getting my mail everyday. I could usually count on a card, letter or newspaper clipping (thanks, Mom) at least a couple of times a week. When Cathy and I started exchanging email, it seriously put a damper on our card and letter exchange. Cathy is still better at it than I am (and she always was), but for the past few

Bald... and Loving It!

2006-04-23T21:41:00.000-04:00

I got my head shaved today. Well, more like buzzed than shaved, but it's pretty darned close... as you can see. I do have video of the entire process and will post it in the next few days. Deb was amazing and kept giving me cool little mohawks throughout the process.I have to admit that I had a little concern about how it was going to look when I was done. But now that it's done, I kind of love

Branding my Support

2006-04-23T09:38:00.000-04:00

I need some help from you all.I had decided to create a logo t-shirt for everyone that is walking with/for me in the 5K Race for the Cure Walk in June. Then, I thought that some people might want it even if they're not walking with me. So, I've created a "Tonua's Circle of Support" logo. But, this is where I need your help. I've created four different versions (with minor differences) of this

Thanks from the Bottom of my Watch

2006-04-23T08:29:00.000-04:00

I am getting the super cool pink ribbon watch that I blogged about earlier. While I was still undecided, my aunt and uncle kindly sent me a check to cover the cost of the watch and to donate the remainder to the Race for the Cure walk. :)I ordered it this morning, so I should have it in about a week. I'm pretty excited about it.And, I just want to thank my Aunt Barbara and Uncle Max for this

I "Heart" Boobs

2006-04-22T22:34:00.000-04:00

Last night, while at a jewelry party hosted by a friend, I met another women who had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. During the course of our conversation, she and her daughter gave me this super cool button. They are using these buttons to raise the funds required for her daughter to do the Komen 3-day Race for the Cure Walk.I immediately put on the button and wore it throughout the

Frog Photo Posted

2006-04-21T10:47:00.000-04:00

I finally posted a photo of the adorable frog that arrived on my doorstep a few days ago. Scroll down the page to see it, or click here to view it.

Trifecta of Support

2006-04-21T10:23:00.000-04:00

Last night, after resting up from my chemo day, I attended a breast cancer support group. I cannot recommend this highly enough. This group meets once a month and I knew that I didn't want towait a month to attend... even if it meant having to attend on the same day I received chemo.It is important that the women and what they shared remain confidential, so I won't share any details... only my

Good News!!

2006-04-20T15:15:00.000-04:00

I got really good news today that I must share with all of you. I had a consultation with my doctor's office (technically, with his RN Pracitioner) before my chemo today. The results from my bone scan and CAT scans were in and it looks like my cancer is contained and hasn't spread anywhere.As you all know, this is great news. This means that we can concentrate the treatment on the breast cancer

4:30 AM

2006-04-20T06:02:00.000-04:00

That's what time I woke up this morning... at which time I was unable to return to sleep.I tried. Believe me, I tried. After an hour of tossing and turning, I gave it up as a lost cause. During that time, I began noticing a persistent headache and slight queasiness. I tried to ignore it, but it wasn't to be ignored.This was not the effect of chemotherapy finally rearing its ugly head. Nor was

Hair Loss

2006-04-19T10:09:00.000-04:00

And, so, it has begun. I noticed it last night.I was plucking some facial hair... you know the kind. We all have it... that super long, fine hair that appears out of nowhere on a chin or cheek that just shouldn't be there. You pluck it and then you don't see it again for months. But when it does reappear, it seems to grow an inch overnight!When I plucked said hair, I noticed that it slid right

A Fairy Frog Princess

2006-04-18T22:33:00.000-04:00

Actually, it's more like a guardian angel frog, but I liked the way "Fairy Frog Princess" sounded.Today, I received the cutest guardian angel frog from someone in my family. I only know that it's from someone in my family because the post office mail code showed that it was mailed from a city in which the only people I know are family. And I only know of two family households there. There may be

Pink & White M&Ms

2006-04-15T23:03:00.000-04:00

My aunt sent this to me today:Pink & White M&Ms: M&Ms with a PurposePass this on to all of your friends. There are many women out there who have breast cancer. Lets do all we can to support this cause. The maker of M&M candies has teamed up with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to raise funds through the sale of their new "pink & white" M&M candies.For each 8-ounce bag of

5 Hours in the Hospital? Or a Sci-fi Movie?

2006-04-14T18:00:00.000-04:00

Today, I spent 5 hours at the hospital having tests run. But the tests were so cool, that it was like being in a sci-fi film... or the future. The future is now!I know the saying isn't original, and even me saying it about this particular experience isn't original because I said it to Mike at the hospital... but I thought it beared repeating.Here's a rundown of my day...I arrive at the hospital

Contamination

2006-04-13T14:49:00.000-04:00

This isn't about me contaminating you; it's about you contaminating me.I went in and had blood drawn yesterday, and today, I got a phone call from the nurse telling me that my white blood cell count is down. That means if you have the sniffles, a cough, a runny nose, wierd unknown stuff running out of your eyeballs (or other orifices that I shall not mention), the plague, or a raging case of the

Race for the Cure

2006-04-11T16:41:00.000-04:00

I sent this out in email, but wanted to repost it here in case I missed anyone:On June 10, I'm going to be taking part in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure. I'm doing a 5K Walk (there is also a 1K Walk, a 5K Race, and, at a different time, a 3-day walk).If you would like to sponsor me in this walk, you can make donations at the following location:http://www.active.com/

Brain Meltdown

2006-04-11T10:15:00.000-04:00

Days like today are the most frustrating. For whatever reason, my brain won't focus. I sit staring at my computer at work trying to fixate my mind on something. Instead, my brain seems to be floating out on its own, no tether or anchor holding it in place. Even just writing this is a major chore as I try to find the words to explain what I'm experiencing. And, worse, as I try to stay focused on

Thanks to the Kindness of... Everyone

2006-04-08T19:02:00.000-04:00

One of the most amazing things about this experience, so far, has been the true, heartfelt kindness that has been poured onto me. My friends, family, and even mere acquaintances have offered to help me in any way I might need it. Strangers are lighting candles and saying prayers for me. How can I, even for an instant, feel sorry for myself, when I am the recipient of so much love and kindness?I

Chemotheraphy

2006-04-06T19:39:00.000-04:00

I thought I would provide a complete breakdown of my day yesterday, for those of you curious about the procedure.I showed up at 10:00 AM and had bloodwork done. This is to ascertain my blood levels and make sure they are within acceptable levels for receiving the chemo. Since it was my first time, my counts were perfect. :)An hour before my chemo appointment, I'm supposed to take my Emend...

Race for the Cure

2006-04-06T12:17:00.000-04:00

Shannon mentioned this in one of the comments, but I thought I would give it its own post.What is it?It's 5K Race/Walk and One-mile Walk to benefit breast cancer. It raises money for the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation for breast cancer. It is hosted locally by the Barabara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center.When is it?Saturday, June 10, 2006, 6:30 - 10:30 AMOur lovely Athena was already planning to run

Quick Update

2006-04-05T22:53:00.000-04:00

This will be a quick update as I am super tired and heading to bed now.It has been a full day for me on my first day of chemo, but it has also been a good one. The chemo went really well, and I felt as good walking out as I did walking in. Some of that is because it's my first treatment. But, the anti-nausea medicine is a huge tribute to that as well. And, I had my sister and her friend here with

Upcoming Appointments

2006-04-04T22:06:00.000-04:00

This is a list of the upcoming appointments that I know about. Right now, I only have two chemo sessions scheduled. I should know more tomorrow about when the others will be, and how often I'll be following up with my doctor. I'll post more appointments as I get them.Wednesday, April 5, 10:00 AM - 2:00/3:oo PMFirst Chemotherapy SessionRight now, I really don't know what to expect from chemo. I

Picking up speed

2006-04-04T16:36:00.000-04:00

I had my first appointment with my oncologist today, and I'm feeling really good about everything.I like my doctor a lot. He's exactly the kind of doctor I need. He has treated ibc before, but it's a rare disease, so he hasn't had a lot of ibc patients. However, he obviously knows his stuff. He definitely hit on all the key things that I was looking for. Plus, he spent a great deal of time with

Wearing it on my sleeve

2006-04-03T17:02:00.000-04:00

Okay, you all know that I tend to be really open about whatever is going on in my life... not only wearing my heart on my sleeve, but pretty much everything else too... right down to the spaghetti I had for lunch... if I wear white on the same day I eat spaghetti. But, I digress.When I saw this pink ribbon watch, I thought it was pretty cool. It's so me to advertise whatever it is that I'm going

Research Pays

2006-04-03T10:40:00.000-04:00

I've been doing a little research on the subject of inflammatory breast cancer (ibc), and I have some concerns about the information that the doctor gave me when he diagnosed me.He told me that this was confined to my breast and hadn't spread anywhere. How does he know that? I keep reading that it grows in sheets (or nests) and not tumors. And, by definition, it apparently affects the lymph nodes

Documentary

2006-04-02T20:04:00.000-04:00

I forgot to mention that I'm doing a documentary on this experience. As a filmmaker, I have a unique tool to share my experience with others. I've already learned a great deal in the short time since this has begun. I'm going to use my experience and my passion for filmmaking to share what I learn with others in an effort to raise awareness about breast cancer.When I recently told a friend about

Still Standing

2006-04-02T19:29:00.000-04:00

Well, I've had a few days to process and absorb my diagnosis, and I'm still doing great. I won't pretend that the whole thing doesn't worry me a bit, but it's definitely not devastating me. It's not stopping me in my tracks. I think had I gotten this diagnosis 6 months ago (or longer), it would have undone me. But, today, it just is something I need to deal with and move on.Sometimes, I think

Day 1... of the rest of my life

2006-03-31T18:30:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. I'm lucky.I'm lucky because I seem to have discovered this uncommon and aggressive form of cancer in its earliest stages. In other words, there's still time to keep it from being completely devastating.I'm going to post to this blog regularly to give you, my friends and family, a place to keep up-to-date on the latest information about