I crossed the finish line!

Yes...I have officially crossed the finish line and got to ring the bell today! I told Greg after round #5 that I couldn't do it anymore. But with the support of all of you- friends and family- I made it! Thank you for all of the prayers- I couldn't have made it without God being on my side.

I met with Dr. Go today, and we talked for about an hour or so. I had many questions and he is so very thorough. We talked about what's next...7 weeks of radiation/ 5 days a week. (after 2-3 weeks of recovery from the chemo) The radiation should not be so bad- side effects like tiredness and a "sunburn" effect on the radiated sites. Dr. Wilcox will oversee the radiation, but Dr. Go still sees me throughout. We talked about tumor markers- which I really didn't know much about. That is done through a blood test and it measures a protein on the surface of cancer and non-cancer cells. He has been testing this all along, but I wasn't aware of it. All of my tumor markers are in the normal range as of now. If he sees them increasing steadily, then he will immediately scan me again. He is going to scan me again, but it will be after radiation some time. I will also be starting the medication Tamoxifen soon, which is a hormone receptor blocker. A big kudos goes out to my chemo nurse, Cassie! She was awesome- and got the IV in the first time today! I will miss seeing her every few weeks, but certainly will not miss the chemo room! I also have to thank my dear friend Julie for holding my hand through all of this! Take a look at the pictures below- she made me a finish line and was there to cheer me on when I rang the bell. So as I close this chapter in Lori"s breast cancer journey, I never want to talk about getting chemo again. I seriously start feeling "queasy" when I think about getting chemo or seeing things that remind me of it. It's so weird how our minds can cause a physical reaction to a thought- such as a popsicle! I hope to never again lay eyes on those triangular popsicles. When you take the chemo drug called Adriamyacin, you have to freeze your mouth to construct the blood vessels. So in order to not get these terrible mouth sores, I had to chomp away at a nasty popsicle! Anyways, it's over and I vow to never have to return to chemotherapy again! Thanks for the huge support...and please pray for Greg as he does the Mr. Mom thing this week and a prayer for a "not-so-bad" week for me. XOXOXO Lori

Terrible Two's...already?

Well, people have advised me that girls are much more difficult than boys to raise, and I believe that is true! Mallory Kate just turned two before Christmas, and the two's are definitely here! Her vocabulary has grown tremendously in the last month and she wants you to hear it ALL! She makes me tired just listening to her, and most of it is understandable, even to a stranger. We are finding out she has a little "stubborn" side to her. She makes sure to tell us what she wants, and that she certainly doesn't want to "wait patiently" for it! She is sure to tell us that "I don't like that" when we ask her to try her veggies on her plate or that it is "Mallory Kate's turn" to watch a TV show- Dora of course. Last night was the topper of it all...I put her to bed and rubbed her back for about 2 minutes or so. (Like we do each night- sometimes longer than others!) I then went downstairs and started watching TV with Greg and Graham. We heard a thud- not too terribly loud, and at that point I knew...she has gotten out of her bed! I went upstairs to find her smiling so big in the middle of the hall. She proceeds to tell me, "Hey Mommy! I get out!" I couldn't help but laugh. Graham never once tried to get out of his bed at this age...this is all new! I tucked her back in and told her she's not allowed to get out. I figured I better play it safe this time and decided to watch TV upstairs in my room. About 3 minutes later, once again...thud! She came running in my room..."I do it again Mommy. I get out! I want to watch TV." This time I threatened her with timeout and Greg ended up laying down with her to get her settled. Phew...is there a life's instructions book on how to raise a girl? Please advise... One more funny side note, the other night my mom and I were playing with Mallory Kate and her Dora doll. Mallory Kate was talking about Dora's hair, Nana's hair, Daddy's hair, and then she got to Mommy's hair. She said, and I quote, "Mommy's hair in the bathroom!" Which it is- on the mannequin's head! I hope this doesn't scar her for life! :)

5 down, 1 to go!

So there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it is within viewing distance! Yesterday I went for my 5th chemo treatment. My fantastic Chemo Nurse, Cassie, got the IV in the first time....yippee! Yesterday was pretty good, but I think each time is getting harder and harder on my body. I feel the side effects much quicker each time. I took some pills to help me sleep last night and that seemed to help out. I do feel a little nauseated, but not too bad. I took my myriad of pills this morning~ my anti-nausea pill Emend, steroid pill, Ibuprofen, Claritin, and I think one more. Hopefully those will get going in my system. I went to get my Neulasta injection this morning, and let me tell you, another nurse at the Cancer Center I adore, Andrea. She gives it to me in my stomach and I don't really even feel it, like I did the first time in my arm. (I always request her now because she is just so good!) The Neulasta injection is to boost up my white blood count since the chemo pretty much wipes it out. By the way- the cost on the one shot is $7,000! Thank goodness for insurance- they do pay for that! My sweet friend Julie who also works at the Cancer Center was so sweet when I went in today. She had baked me some potatoes for this week. My appetite is very strange the week of chemo- all I crave is a plain baked potato and Cranberry-Grape juice. (Neither to which I have a lot of any other time!) I guess they help with the "dirty copper penny" taste in my mouth! Well, since it's so dismal and rainy today, I think I will retreat to the couch armed with the remote. Maybe Lifetime has a good movie on today! Thanks for checking in and I really appreciate all of the prayers and help with food and my children, too! Love to all...

Happy New Year!

Christmas has come and gone...it seems to pass so quickly! This year was the best one I can remember! Graham and Mallory Kate had a blast and we enjoyed them so much! We spent the Saturday before Christmas at my mom and dad's with all 4 of us children- Daryl, Rebekah, Adam, and myself and all of our children- 9 in all! Chaos...yes, especially when Uncle Daryl took all the kids downstairs for a game of Nerf tag. Boy did they have fun! Then on Christmas Eve we went to Greg's aunt's house for brunch- which was delicious! Then that night we went over to my in-laws for dinner and presents. So, Christmas Eve night...many of you with children the age of Graham will appreciate this one...I hear footsteps in my bedroom at 4:30 am! "Has Santa come yet?" Good gracious- I replied with, "I'm not sure, but I know you better get back in the bed just in case he hasn't yet!" Graham runs back to bed and wakes up at 6:30- still earlier than I wanted, but I thought that was a much more reasonable time. The kids came downstairs to find that Santa did come (despite several threats and the Elf on the Shelf watching for good behavior) and brought Graham a Wii and Mallory Kate a dollhouse. Both were ecstatic! Mallory Kate played with her dollhouse for a hour straight while I made pancakes. We had a ball! We also went to Greg's dad's house for lunch. So needless to say, we have been busy and we're glad to have this week to just chill out and play with all of our new toys!

I have felt so good these last 2 weeks, praise God for that! I have my 5th chemo on Monday. I am ready to be done! Just one more after #5...yeah! I have been going to physical therapy for my lymphodema in my hand, about twice a week. The PT is awesome, and my hand looks really good now. I still have to wear my "diva" compression sleeve and hand glove for about 3-4 months, 24 hrs a day. But if I am really good about it, then maybe I won't have to forever. I have gotten many strange looks and comments. The checkout girl at Publix asked me if I had a hand tattoo! Haha! Another good bit of news, my insurance finally paid on one of those "denied" claims! Yeah! So 2 more still pending and both in appeals, but hopefully good will come out of those too! I know I say this quite often, but honestly, thanks for the prayers! I know first hand the power of prayer. God is good...all the time, even when we don't understand his plan! :)

Here are a few pics of the kids at Christmas and a precious video of Mallory Kate! (She was in a wild mood, singing her little heart out to "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star!" I hope she doesn't have a multiple personality! Haha! I just had to share this one!)

Happy New Year to all!

Video of Mallory Kate singing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"

...Rock Style, then Little Miss Innocent Style...

Christmas Morning...

Graham at Mema & Papa's

Mallory Kate is obsessed with Dora the Explorer!

4 down, 2 to go!

Yesterday was round #4, and I wish I was done! I have 2 more to go, both in January. All went well yesterday, with the exception of my veins not cooperating for the IV. After 1 needle stick for labs, and 3 from the nurses, they were finally able to get the IV going! Yeah...by the way, it wasn't them, it was me and my little veins- rolling nd tumbling around in there. I just pray my veins will cooperate 2 more times and I won't have to get a port. It was a long day yesterday...we got there at 8:15 and left at 2:30ish. I was exhausted! I was thinking I would be able to take Graham to his Cub Scouts Christmas Party, but I was not able to. A big Kudos goes out to my friend Shella who helps out with Graham tremendously during my chemo weeks. I love ya girl! It seems the more rounds I have, the quicker they hit me and the longer they last! Not so fun, but I can make it through! (Of course with the prayer and support from all of you! I'm counting on you all! :)

Good news...the genetic counselor called me yesterday with my BRCA1 and BRCA 2 results. My BRCA 1 gene was normal, but my BRCA 2 gene showed a "variant". This was explained by this- this same thing has been found in 78 other cases and can't yet be classified as "normal", although they suspect that it is not disease bearing and there is no mutation there. Down the road, I could get a letter from the testing center that gives me more detail saying that it is "normal" or that they have found other evidence of something. But for now, I feel peace about it! They also ran a 2nd test looking for additions and deletions of pieces in the DNA of those genes. They came out normal as well. So, the geneticist said she felt like this was "good news". Yeah- we needed that! That helps me with other decisions such as this- for right now we have decided to post-pone the bi-lateral mastectomy. I met with the plastic surgeon and our time lines weren't working out with summer and all and I left with an uneasy feeling about it all. This confirms my decision hold off for right now, and maybe revisit that option down the road if needed.

As for my lymphodema, it has it's good and bad days. My hands gets puffy like a marshmallow and then goes back down- not quite back tot normal yet. I am wearing a compression sleeve and hand glove- both highly unattractive garments! I can't tell you how many times shopping last week I have had to answer the question, "What is wrong with your hand?" By the end of the day, I just said it's hurt. (Which it is- from the lack of lymph nodes in that arm!) Anyways, I am going to Physical Therapy 2-3 times a week and that has worked very well. I ordered my "lymphediva" sleeve and glove that should be here on Friday- very stylish I might add! I'll take a picture and show you how trendy it is!

For fun things...Mallory Kate turned 2 this weekend and we had a great family birthday party here at the house. Most of you who know her, know her obsession with "fancy shoes"- so that was the theme! Her cake was adorable and she thoroughly enjoyed eating it! Enjoy the pictures! It is hard to believe that she is 2 and is a big girl! She is potty training and doing so well with it! She stays dry most days, but we're still working at it. She now sleeps in a "big girl" bed, too! Where has the last 2 years gone? We had her well check this morning- and NO SHOTS...yeah! She is in the 30%-ile in both height and weight. Her height to weight comparison was in the 55%-ile. She is doing very well developmentally- above average the doctor said. She is talking in sentences and can identify colors, shapes, and all of the body parts- even the hard ones like ankles and elbows! What a precious gift from God- both of our children!

The next few days will probably be a little rough, but please lift me and my family up in prayer. It is hard for Greg to get the kids up and out of here in the mornings and fed, bathed, and in the bed at night. I try to help out as much as I can, but some days are worse than others. I pray for an "easier round" like my 2nd cycle! Thanks for everything and I love you all!!!!!- Lori

Such a busy time of the year...

Well, we have been so busy that I admit I have slacked off with the blog. Not too much new news on me as of right now, with the exception of a diagnosis of lymphodema. I noticed my hand swelling last Thursday and called the doctor about it. The nurse said it was probably lymphodema, which turns out to be right. Since I had 9 lymph nodes removed during surgery, that affects my lymph system. (The lymph nodes do not grow back- once they're gone, they're gone.) The lymph system is responsible for taking fluid throughout your body. The lymph system takes the fluid and either dumps it back into your bloodstream or into your kidneys to later come out in your urine. So, since some of my lymph nodes are gone, the nodes under my arm can't handle that process of taking away the fluid in my arm. That has led to some swelling in my hand- which can be common. Sometimes people with lymphodema can have swelling in their arm as well. I don't have that yet, and we hope that we can get this under control before that happens. I have started physical therapy which the PT will massage the fluid upward and I also have a real tacky compression sleeve on my arm with my hand wrapped. I look like a Halloween experiment gone bad! The wrapping on my hand is temporary and I will get it off on Wednesday. Tomorrow I will get fitted for a compression sleeve (which I might add do come in designer fashions) and will wear this for 3 months for 24 hours a day. The PT said if I was really good about wearing it, then I might can back off and see how my hand/ arm react. I guess this is just another little thing I have to deal with. Once you have lymphodema, you always have it. I guess it could be worse! For some good news...on my last post I mentioned some heart issues. Well, Dr. Go had me get another echo done. One of the chemos I'm on, Adrimyican, can cause heart damage and he wanted to check me for that. But, I had a great report and my heart was fine! Praise God for that, because the Dr. said if I had any damage, they would have to stop that chemo- which I really need. Those results were an answer to prayer! My heart now feels back to normal- I guess it was feeling funky from the chemos! And, I'm still awaiting my genetic test results. They should be in any day now.


Now to the fun things that have kept us so busy! First off, we went last Friday to the mall to see Santa! I wasn't sure how Mallory Kate was going to react this year. She LOVED him! She kept asking him for "candy" and "more candy". What a smart girl...she saw the basket beside him and could care less about toys or a beautiful dollhouse, she just wanted chocolate! (A girl after my own heart!) And Graham had a great time, too! He asked Santa for a Wii and he made sure to tell Santa that his little sister wanted a dollhouse. How sweet was that? He really loves Mallory Kate and always looks out for her...okay, maybe not always, but most of the time!

Secondly, this past Sunday Graham was in the Greer Parade with his cub scouts troop. Greg and Graham rode in the float while we bared the frigid weather with some friends. That was the kids first parade and they both had a great time. Mallory Kate loved waving at everyone in the floats and especially liked getting the candy thrown at her! I must admit, I totally missed Graham in the parade! We saw their float coming, but Graham and his buddy were on the other side and we couldn't even see him! Oh, well...next year we'll have to coordinate our seating better!
And finally, Graham was recognized as the 2nd place Reflections Contest winner. The theme this year was "Wow" and he drew a picture of a bunny coming out of a magician's hat. I guess that is "wow" to a 6 year old. When we were brainstorming things he could draw for this, I kept trying to get him to think of things like the election year, and things of that sort, but he wanted to do it himself! And I'm glad he did...he got a certificate, a free waffle cone from TCBY, and a gift card to the Open Book. We're proud of him!
I have been very busy trying to tie up loose ends for Christmas! Round #4 is Monday...please pray that this round will be much easier than last! I am really dreading it! I hope everyone has a great week and thanks for checking in. XOXOXO

I'm back and blogging...

So I really can't sugar coat this one- this round of Chemo really stunk! I was really hoping for another round like my second, but unfortunately, it didn't work that way! It's been a week, and I am just now starting to feel better. This time I felt nauseated-which is terrible and I am so thankful for my $106 Emmend pills! (Luckily that feeling only lasted for one day!) And this time I had extreme fatigue and feeling crummy- through Thanksgiving, but we made it. I did have a cold that started last Wednesday- which I'm sure didn't help my situation- and my doctor has now put me on antibiotics since my blood counts are at their lowest. I still am feeling a "racey-heart", which I think I will call about tomorrow. (I'm sure that's all pure side effects from the toxins!) Anyways, I have to give a big Kudos out to Greg for being Mr. Mom, since the kids were home during all of this because of the holidays. Greg did an awesome job of keeping our household running and keeping the kids fed and bathed! Thanks honey! :)

Since I had a lot of thinking time- in the bed and on the couch- I really got to thinking about Thanksgiving and what I am truly thankful for. A friend of mine, who I met down this road of breast cancer, recently sent out an e-mail about what all she is thankful for. Of course she said friends and family, but the 3rd thing she mentioned was being thankful for her breast cancer. Now that's a hard one to chew...but really, God has shown her through this road many things including a great support group of people that love her. When I read her e-mail, I starting thinking, too, of my wonderful support group. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes something bad like cancer, to bring us closer to those who care and love us. God has already used my cancer to reveal relationships that have been neglected, and I am thankful for that. I truly am blessed to have my friends and family praying for me and who are with me on this journey. During my thinking time, I really have thought about how much God has blessed me- with a caring husband and 2 beautiful children, wonderful family, a great Sunday School, awesome friends, and a job that I love (although I'm not currently there). I am amazed in all of His good work and I can truly say that God is good in all things! Thanks for checking in, and I hope all is well with all of you! Happy Late- Thanksgiving!