Well, it's been almost a week since I posted, and wow . . . a lot has happened . . .
I will try to post and share pictures from the night of my life this past Saturday as part of our wedding reception and celebration . . . as I shared with our attendees we had much to celebrate: our marriage, family and now my/our pathway to recovery . . . and yes, I use "our: a lot, because it's not just "my" pathway; it is Scott's and Austin's too :)
In the meantime, wanted to update everyone on our pathway . . . but first, it is with my deepest-felt gratitude I say THANK YOU . . . THANK YOU for your continued prayers, messages, cards, phone calls, visits, food, etc. You cannot imagine how much it all means to us . . . we are so blessed to be surrounded with our family and many friends who continue to lift us up . . . it is amazing . . . your prayers are felt whether we are home or at the treatment center, as well as days when I struggle to make it through and other days when I'm ok, I'm lifted even higher . . .
So, to update you, I received a call this past Monday from the Cancer Treatment Center. My plastic surgeon and surgeon, as well as the oncologist, had reviewed my records, biopsy, etc. again after we left last Friday. The plastic surgeon wants to conduct a surgical biopsy this coming week of the sentinel lymph node on my left side where the invasive tumor was found in lieu of the bilateral mastectomy as scheduled. Depending on what he finds, it will determine if other nodes need to be removed, as well as the next steps in regards to my mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.
To that end, we will be going back Monday evening as planned just not for the mastectomy. I have an appointment scheduled with a physical therapist, as well as the labs and my pre-op exam Tuesday prior to my surgery, which is scheduled for 3 p.m. (CST) on Wednesday. Then, I have a surgical consultant on Thursday before heading home late that evening.
I will continue to keep everyone posted, and again, please know how much we appreciate EVERYTHING you're doing for us . . . especially your strength-felt prayers . . . I am excited about the incredible things God is doing in my life, through me . . . every day . . .
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Sunday, August 25, 2013
August 23, 2013
Today is our last day at the Cancer Treatment Center . . . looking forward to returning home this evening, seeing Austin and celebrating our wedding and now our pathway to recovery with our family and friends tomorrow evening . . .
We arrived at the center a little early for breakfast then to touch base with a few people before our appointments began at 11:30 a.m. CST, including a financial consultant. While meeting with her, Scott asked a question which led her to share the story of the founder of the Cancer Treatment Center. Just the day before, Scott met the hospital administrator who stopped him in the hallway. Scott found him to be very accessible and genuinely interested in us. I thought he was the founder! Anyway, the founder was from a family of wealth and his mother had cancer. They literally traveled the world seeking treatment for her. He quickly realized the expense average people acquire when traveling to locations in order to receive not only the best treatment but to ensure a quality of life after cancer for both the patient and their family. To that end, he founded the Cancer Treatment Center of America in memory of this mother, to which we are grateful.
Our first appointment was with a chaplain. She was wonderful, and shortly after meeting her, she looked at Scott and said "she's in it to win it!", and I am :)
We then met with a medical oncologist. She too was impressive . . . very confident and assuring. She talked in terms we could understand and we never felt rushed . . . she was very patient, listened and answered our questions. She had thoroughly reviewed my records and had already consulted with the surgeon we met yesterday. As we continued our discussion, she suggeseted, as our intake doctor did as well during our first day, and we concurred, to conduct a genetics test, which would indicate if I had inherited a chromosome (one of two) from either my mother or father that would make me more suseptible to melanoma, breast or ovarian cancer. She asked her PA to call and have them come down and do it . . . and he did. More on that in a bit. Our decision to have this test was not to influence our decision regarding surgery but for two reasons . . . one, as many of you know, I've not had a big family, and I honestly don't know a lot about the medical/health history on my mother's or my father's side, and secondly, for Austin's sake should I test positive for either choromsome as it could have been passed on to him.
After we met with the oncologist, the gentleman came in to not only conduct the genetics test but to talk to us. His information was very enlightening and He said he would never just make time to come in and do the test and run out :) His information was very interesting. There are two ways to perform the test: 1) blood test or 2) utilizing mouthwash. Both tests are equally accurate. Guess which one I chose? :) You're right! I swished away . . . We will receive the results in a couple of weeks as there are only two labs in the country where this test is performed.
We also met with a case manager, a naturopathic doctor, who prescribed some supplements for me to take prior to and after surgery, then a dietician to discuss foods that feed estrogen, as the cancer in my right breast is estrogen fed, as well as our surgeon's nurse to discuss dates for my operation. The only person we did not get to see was the plastic surgeon but we will meet with him prior to my surgery. At this time, we are looking at Wed., Sept. 4, 2013 as my surgery date. This will be confirmed next Tuesday.
After a thorough three-day evaluation, we realize this team of doctors I have is phenomenal in their respective field of knowledge and their in-depth explanations of what we can expect now, during and after surgery . . . their team approach was impressive as it was evident they collaborated and communicated very often and very efficiently . . . they were very caring and compassionate toward both me as a patient and toward Scott as a care giver. We really like their model of care, which focuses on both the patient and care giver, in one seamless and comprehensive setting to offer more innovative options to manage my care, Scott's care and our quality of life. Scott and I are very confident this is God's pathway for our recovery.
Now, we are anxious to get home as we have much to celebrate tomorrow evening . . .
We arrived at the center a little early for breakfast then to touch base with a few people before our appointments began at 11:30 a.m. CST, including a financial consultant. While meeting with her, Scott asked a question which led her to share the story of the founder of the Cancer Treatment Center. Just the day before, Scott met the hospital administrator who stopped him in the hallway. Scott found him to be very accessible and genuinely interested in us. I thought he was the founder! Anyway, the founder was from a family of wealth and his mother had cancer. They literally traveled the world seeking treatment for her. He quickly realized the expense average people acquire when traveling to locations in order to receive not only the best treatment but to ensure a quality of life after cancer for both the patient and their family. To that end, he founded the Cancer Treatment Center of America in memory of this mother, to which we are grateful.
Our first appointment was with a chaplain. She was wonderful, and shortly after meeting her, she looked at Scott and said "she's in it to win it!", and I am :)
We then met with a medical oncologist. She too was impressive . . . very confident and assuring. She talked in terms we could understand and we never felt rushed . . . she was very patient, listened and answered our questions. She had thoroughly reviewed my records and had already consulted with the surgeon we met yesterday. As we continued our discussion, she suggeseted, as our intake doctor did as well during our first day, and we concurred, to conduct a genetics test, which would indicate if I had inherited a chromosome (one of two) from either my mother or father that would make me more suseptible to melanoma, breast or ovarian cancer. She asked her PA to call and have them come down and do it . . . and he did. More on that in a bit. Our decision to have this test was not to influence our decision regarding surgery but for two reasons . . . one, as many of you know, I've not had a big family, and I honestly don't know a lot about the medical/health history on my mother's or my father's side, and secondly, for Austin's sake should I test positive for either choromsome as it could have been passed on to him.
After we met with the oncologist, the gentleman came in to not only conduct the genetics test but to talk to us. His information was very enlightening and He said he would never just make time to come in and do the test and run out :) His information was very interesting. There are two ways to perform the test: 1) blood test or 2) utilizing mouthwash. Both tests are equally accurate. Guess which one I chose? :) You're right! I swished away . . . We will receive the results in a couple of weeks as there are only two labs in the country where this test is performed.
We also met with a case manager, a naturopathic doctor, who prescribed some supplements for me to take prior to and after surgery, then a dietician to discuss foods that feed estrogen, as the cancer in my right breast is estrogen fed, as well as our surgeon's nurse to discuss dates for my operation. The only person we did not get to see was the plastic surgeon but we will meet with him prior to my surgery. At this time, we are looking at Wed., Sept. 4, 2013 as my surgery date. This will be confirmed next Tuesday.
After a thorough three-day evaluation, we realize this team of doctors I have is phenomenal in their respective field of knowledge and their in-depth explanations of what we can expect now, during and after surgery . . . their team approach was impressive as it was evident they collaborated and communicated very often and very efficiently . . . they were very caring and compassionate toward both me as a patient and toward Scott as a care giver. We really like their model of care, which focuses on both the patient and care giver, in one seamless and comprehensive setting to offer more innovative options to manage my care, Scott's care and our quality of life. Scott and I are very confident this is God's pathway for our recovery.
Now, we are anxious to get home as we have much to celebrate tomorrow evening . . .
Thursday, August 22, 2013
August 22, 2013
Today was another busy day for us . . .
It began with a much-anticipated consultation with a surgeon. Ironically, before he came in the room to talk to us, his nurse told us he was going down to read the pathology report from my two biopsies yesterday . . . we were not expecting to hear from them until tomorrow, but he wanted to know the results as they would guide his recommendation for us . . . that is just one example of the advantages of having everything under one roof at the Cancer Treatment Center :)
Within a few minutes, he came in the room and told us the tumor in my left breast was malignant. The lymph node, which was also biopsied yesterday, was benign; however, given the location and size of the tumor he explained other lymph nodes could test positive. Since I am looking at a double mastectomy, he told me should I continue my "pathway to recovery" (Scott coined that term while we've been here :) with them, if any lymph nodes are malignant he would take them out during the surgery. We really liked him and appreciated his direct, yet reassuring bedside manners, as well as the time he took for us and his patience as we had a "few" questions :)
Yesterday, following my two biopsies and multiple mammogram images to ensure the clips were visible, it was apparent the clip in my left breast did not deploy. The one in my lymph node did. While we were still at the center waiting on a potential appointment with the plastic surgeon, I received a call, asking me if I was still at the center as they would like to deploy the clip again. Since we were just waiting, I had that procedure performed successfully this afternoon. Another great example of having everything here at the treatment center. And the good news? My bandages from those biopsies will come off just in time for our wedding celebration on Saturday - yay!!
This evening, after returning to the hotel, we went for an enjoyable walk and fresh air after the rain had passed. Just so happens there is an outlet mall across the street from our hotel :) Scott quickly reminded me we had to shed seven pounds out of our suitcase before leaving Knoxville . . . just FYI, did you know Izod ships your purchase home for only $6? Well, at least that's what we've been told :)
Following our shopping, oh, I mean our evening stroll :) we enjoyed a very nice dinner again at the hotel restaurant. We befriended a young lady named Melissa who was our server. She was our server last night too, and after an incredible job, we requested her this evening. Before ordering a scrumptious piece of key lime pie for dessert, we formally introduced ourselves to each other and explained why we were here . . . she told us she noticed my armband last night (we wear them the whole time we're here), and I shared our story with her. We even shared a few wedding photos, too. What a delight she is . . .
Tomorrow will be our last day, and it too will be a full day, including an appointment with a medical oncologist, nutrition consultant, and a pastoral care session. By the end of the day, we will have a treatment plan in place should we decide to continue our "pathway to recovery" here.
We hope to be on a plane by 8 or 9 p.m. tomorrow evening, headed home to East Tennessee. We canNOT wait to get home and see, hug, and hold Austin!! God, we've missed him . . .
Scott and I, as well as Austin, look forward to celebrating both our wedding and "pathway to recovery" on Saturday evening with many of you.
Again, we greatly appreciate everyone for the many prayers, phone calls, texts, posts, messages, etc. Please know I listen and read them all. We are truly blessed to have such a network of support, and we are deeply touched that circle continues to grow . . . thank you . . .
I close with one of my favorite quotes:
"You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only option you have left."
It began with a much-anticipated consultation with a surgeon. Ironically, before he came in the room to talk to us, his nurse told us he was going down to read the pathology report from my two biopsies yesterday . . . we were not expecting to hear from them until tomorrow, but he wanted to know the results as they would guide his recommendation for us . . . that is just one example of the advantages of having everything under one roof at the Cancer Treatment Center :)
Within a few minutes, he came in the room and told us the tumor in my left breast was malignant. The lymph node, which was also biopsied yesterday, was benign; however, given the location and size of the tumor he explained other lymph nodes could test positive. Since I am looking at a double mastectomy, he told me should I continue my "pathway to recovery" (Scott coined that term while we've been here :) with them, if any lymph nodes are malignant he would take them out during the surgery. We really liked him and appreciated his direct, yet reassuring bedside manners, as well as the time he took for us and his patience as we had a "few" questions :)
Yesterday, following my two biopsies and multiple mammogram images to ensure the clips were visible, it was apparent the clip in my left breast did not deploy. The one in my lymph node did. While we were still at the center waiting on a potential appointment with the plastic surgeon, I received a call, asking me if I was still at the center as they would like to deploy the clip again. Since we were just waiting, I had that procedure performed successfully this afternoon. Another great example of having everything here at the treatment center. And the good news? My bandages from those biopsies will come off just in time for our wedding celebration on Saturday - yay!!
This evening, after returning to the hotel, we went for an enjoyable walk and fresh air after the rain had passed. Just so happens there is an outlet mall across the street from our hotel :) Scott quickly reminded me we had to shed seven pounds out of our suitcase before leaving Knoxville . . . just FYI, did you know Izod ships your purchase home for only $6? Well, at least that's what we've been told :)
Following our shopping, oh, I mean our evening stroll :) we enjoyed a very nice dinner again at the hotel restaurant. We befriended a young lady named Melissa who was our server. She was our server last night too, and after an incredible job, we requested her this evening. Before ordering a scrumptious piece of key lime pie for dessert, we formally introduced ourselves to each other and explained why we were here . . . she told us she noticed my armband last night (we wear them the whole time we're here), and I shared our story with her. We even shared a few wedding photos, too. What a delight she is . . .
Tomorrow will be our last day, and it too will be a full day, including an appointment with a medical oncologist, nutrition consultant, and a pastoral care session. By the end of the day, we will have a treatment plan in place should we decide to continue our "pathway to recovery" here.
We hope to be on a plane by 8 or 9 p.m. tomorrow evening, headed home to East Tennessee. We canNOT wait to get home and see, hug, and hold Austin!! God, we've missed him . . .
Scott and I, as well as Austin, look forward to celebrating both our wedding and "pathway to recovery" on Saturday evening with many of you.
Again, we greatly appreciate everyone for the many prayers, phone calls, texts, posts, messages, etc. Please know I listen and read them all. We are truly blessed to have such a network of support, and we are deeply touched that circle continues to grow . . . thank you . . .
I close with one of my favorite quotes:
"You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only option you have left."
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
August 21, 2013 (1-3)
Good morning from Pleasant Prairie, WI ... yes, that's right! Right across the border of IL. Could not prove it by me as we napped on the way from the airport last night but apparently we're only 20 minutes from the treatment center...
Today .... today I am so blessed to have a husband, Scott, who could be here, by myside. He loves me and supports me unconditionally and more importantly he is a praying husband :)
I will update my blog at www.onlytosusan.blogspot.com later today/this evening.
Our deepest appreciation for the continued support and prayers ... We continue to be touched and inspired by your overwhelming support ....
Wishing everyone a wonderful day ... Surround yourself with people and things that make you happy!
Today .... today I am so blessed to have a husband, Scott, who could be here, by myside. He loves me and supports me unconditionally and more importantly he is a praying husband :)
I will update my blog at www.onlytosusan.blogspot.com later today/this evening.
Our deepest appreciation for the continued support and prayers ... We continue to be touched and inspired by your overwhelming support ....
Wishing everyone a wonderful day ... Surround yourself with people and things that make you happy!
August 21, 2013 (2-3)
Here is a picture of our "dining hall" while enjoying our lunch.
Well . . . ok . . . may have to post that one later :)
We've had a busy, yet productive day as we expected. We woke up at 5 a.m., caught the shuttle to the treatment center around 6:30 a.m., which took us about 20 minutes. By the way, I'm so excited. We're actually staying in Pleasant Prairie, WI, which is right across the IL/WI border, so I surprisingly get to check WI off my bucket list of 50 states to visit!
Upon arrival at the center, we were greeted and given our name tags, then enjoyed breakfast in the bistro before my first appointment at 7:30 a.m. We were waiting in the lobby with yet another cup of coffee before a nice lady, our financial counselor, came to introduce herself and escort us to her office. I took my cup of coffee with me :)
Following our meeting with her, a concierge escorted us to the main waiting room where we found, other patients, friendly staff, fruit, muffins, water, and yes, more coffee, with computers and phones available to us, as well as material on all types of cancers, in addition to the offices of the folks who will assist us with our travel arrangements.
Having waited only a short time, just time enough to get that last cup of coffee, a friendly, energetic nurse cane up to me and said you must be Susan. The tears flowed . . . that'a all it took . . . she sat with me, held my hand, with Scott's arm wrapped around me, assuring us both they are here to take care of me, as well as Scott. She quickly told me that she too is a breast cancer survivor - God wink! If you haven't, read my blog about God Winks on my web site, you should (www.onlytosusan.com).
She took her time, was patient with us while talking and collecting information as to what all I had undergone since my diagnosis. Her personality was warm yet funny and calming to both Scott and me.
We were then introduced to the intake doctor. He too had a very calming, assuring demeanor. He had questions for, us and we had questions for him . . . He like his nurse assured us we would be taken care of and I will be alight. He had already reviewed most of my records before entering the room. following an overall evaluation, He even commended my surgeon, Dr. Flohr, for the nice surgical procedure he did to remove my melanoma in 2011 :)
Our day from about this time forward was not scheduled, but we quickly learned that was so the intake doctor could decide what needed to be done this afternoon and when. So, I've been told to wrap it up by my husband, my rock, (God, I love him) as the doctor scheduled the biopsy on my left breast/lymph nodes at 1 p.m. (CST). P.S. It's going to be closer to 2 p.m., but that's ok :)
If you didn't see my Facebook post this morning, I will get it on my log later today, but remember. I said surround yourself with people and things that make you happy :)
Please know your prayers are uplifting us and being felt hundreds of miles away from home . . . God's blessings to all . . .
Well . . . ok . . . may have to post that one later :)
We've had a busy, yet productive day as we expected. We woke up at 5 a.m., caught the shuttle to the treatment center around 6:30 a.m., which took us about 20 minutes. By the way, I'm so excited. We're actually staying in Pleasant Prairie, WI, which is right across the IL/WI border, so I surprisingly get to check WI off my bucket list of 50 states to visit!
Upon arrival at the center, we were greeted and given our name tags, then enjoyed breakfast in the bistro before my first appointment at 7:30 a.m. We were waiting in the lobby with yet another cup of coffee before a nice lady, our financial counselor, came to introduce herself and escort us to her office. I took my cup of coffee with me :)
Following our meeting with her, a concierge escorted us to the main waiting room where we found, other patients, friendly staff, fruit, muffins, water, and yes, more coffee, with computers and phones available to us, as well as material on all types of cancers, in addition to the offices of the folks who will assist us with our travel arrangements.
Having waited only a short time, just time enough to get that last cup of coffee, a friendly, energetic nurse cane up to me and said you must be Susan. The tears flowed . . . that'a all it took . . . she sat with me, held my hand, with Scott's arm wrapped around me, assuring us both they are here to take care of me, as well as Scott. She quickly told me that she too is a breast cancer survivor - God wink! If you haven't, read my blog about God Winks on my web site, you should (www.onlytosusan.com).
She took her time, was patient with us while talking and collecting information as to what all I had undergone since my diagnosis. Her personality was warm yet funny and calming to both Scott and me.
We were then introduced to the intake doctor. He too had a very calming, assuring demeanor. He had questions for, us and we had questions for him . . . He like his nurse assured us we would be taken care of and I will be alight. He had already reviewed most of my records before entering the room. following an overall evaluation, He even commended my surgeon, Dr. Flohr, for the nice surgical procedure he did to remove my melanoma in 2011 :)
Our day from about this time forward was not scheduled, but we quickly learned that was so the intake doctor could decide what needed to be done this afternoon and when. So, I've been told to wrap it up by my husband, my rock, (God, I love him) as the doctor scheduled the biopsy on my left breast/lymph nodes at 1 p.m. (CST). P.S. It's going to be closer to 2 p.m., but that's ok :)
If you didn't see my Facebook post this morning, I will get it on my log later today, but remember. I said surround yourself with people and things that make you happy :)
Please know your prayers are uplifting us and being felt hundreds of miles away from home . . . God's blessings to all . . .
Monday, August 19, 2013
August 16, 2013
Because so many of you have been praying and concerned since my recent diagnosis and so supportive of me, Scott and Austin, I wanted to update you, and please feel free to share this post as we need your prayers and the prayers of others . . .
This past Tuesday, I had an MRI with and without dye then we met with my surgeon yesterday . . . . five days after our fairly tale wedding There is more ...cancer in my right breast than we initially thought based on the mammogram and biopsy so a lumpectomy is not an option. Then she told us there is a mass in my left breast that is more invasive than what is in my right breast, which did not show up on the mammogram, only on the MRI with dye, and there is reason to assume it could already be in my lymph node.
So at this time we are working toward/thinking a double mastectomy. I am scheduled to meet with a plastic surgeon next week, as well as have a targeted ultrasound and biopsy of my left breast and the left node.
Please pray for us as 1) this was so devastating, and 2) we have decisions to make as we seek God's guidance and will.
I am beyond grateful to God for His many blessings, and I know this too will be a testimony for me, but right now, I am especially thankful He not only gave me Austin, but He has also blessed me with a man, the love of my life, my rock, Scott Teague, who will travel this road with Austin and me, holding our hands all the way . . .
August 1, 2013
Many of you know I am marrying the love of my life, my soul mate, Scott Teague, next Saturday, August 10 on the beautiful island of Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington, NC.
What you probably don't know is our plans were almost shattered Tuesday afternoon when I received the news of being diagnosed with breast cancer .... 11 days before our big day.
After receiving an encouraging report today from m...y surgeon who specializes in breast cancer, Scott, Austin and I are encouraged and determined to not let this setback disrupt an upcoming family escape and fun-filled week, culminating with our wedding .... a long-awaited and new beginning for all of us.
Please keep us close in your thoughts and prayers for blessings upon our marriage and family, as well as God's healing graces and comfort during the days ahead.
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