Lung Cancer Awareness

Emily Walsh, Community Outreach Director for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance, asked me to post this on my blog. Mesothelioma Awareness Day just passed last month and their campaign was a huge success. With Lung Cancer Awareness month coming up in a few days, Emily was contacting bloggers, like myself, in the cancer community to ask for help in continuing to spread awareness. Fortunately, because mesothelioma is a completely preventable cancer (caused only by asbestos exposure), knowing more about the disease and its risk factors truly does make a difference.

       

 

 

Also, for more information, please visit their web page: http://www.mesothelioma.com/.

 

October 29, 2013 - Don't Ever Underestimate the Power of Prayer

Last Thursday began the next step along our “Pathway to Recovery” as I began my first chemo treatment.  We did not meet anyone on our flight to Chicago this time, but when we arrived at the airport, we were in the same limo with a lady from Knoxville, who apparently was on our same flight. We had a very interesting conversation with her on our way to the Cancer Treatment Center of America (CTCA) – Chicago. She is a cancer survivor and was there for her checkup. I can’t wait to reconnect with her again.

Prior to my first appointment, we actually saw several members of our team of doctors in the hallways. Among them was our chaplain and the lady from Knoxville who we met on our return flight home the week before. Remember, she was the one who recognized Scott after seeing the WBIR clip of our pink pumpkins? She had completed her radiation, and ironically, we were both her patients. The chapel was just down the hall so our chaplain took us all in to pray, and pray she did. I love to hear her pray . . .

Many of you knew how apprehensive I was about this trip. I was dreading the insertion of the PICC line far more than the actual chemo. After our chaplain prayed, in addition to my many prayer warriors who were praying specifically for this anxiety, I felt the courage and peace I would need to see me through.

Now it was time for my day to begin. I had my blood work completed, our appointment with my oncologist, then it was time . . . it was time for the PICC line. All along I had told Scott he was going with me, and he too wanted to be right by my side. However, once we arrived for the appointment, the nurse told us he could not go in. I explained my fear of needles, IV’s, etc. so she asked me to change and would see what she could do. Upon her return, she politely told Scott there was no way he could be with me, but she would hold my hand. We were both disappointed, but I looked at Scott, right in those gorgeous blue eyes, and told him “I can do this . . . I’ll be ok.” He smiled as I left the room for the procedure.

Surprisingly, I walked into what appeared to be more like an operating room, not the room I had been in for my biopsy and ultrasound. I thought no wonder Scott couldn’t be in here. I quickly noticed we were all donning our hairnets, masks and gowns as I made my way on the table, with my left arm extended by my side. The nurse did exactly what she told Scott she would do. She held my right hand the entire time. I felt the sting of the needle when my arm was numbed and that was it. When they told me it was in, I could not believe it was over! I just wanted to shout praises to God for answering prayer. I fought back the tears as I was wearing my glitter eye shadow, because if I had cried, it would have been all over my face! Remember, I’m not letting cancer steal my sparkle :)

I walked back in the room where Scott was waiting as proud as a child who had just earned straight A’s, or ridden her bike for the first time without training wheels. I smiled and said, “I did it” . . . he was so proud of me.

We made our way up to infusion where I would receive my chemo. We were in a nice room with a chair that was heated and included a massage option. A few people who we knew came by to visit, including my oncologist, to ensure I survived the PICC line as she assured me I would, and Scott Jones, president and CEO. It was a pleasure to finally meet him. Following our enjoyable conversation with Mr. Jones, they brought us menus so we could order dinner. As we were finishing our dinner, which was very good by the way, we realized it was about time for my Skype presentation. This was an opportunity for me to share my personal story with some young ladies at Tennessee Tech University in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It was actually pretty cool I was making this presentation during my first chemo treatment. Who would’ve thought?

Needless to say, those four hours of chemo went by quickly before we headed to the hotel. We were even able to see our favorite waitress Melissa and talk with her prior to calling it a night.

The next morning, we returned to the CTCA where I was scheduled to receive a shot to help produce more white blood cells while I’m on chemo. During lunch, I was able to participate in a live Facebook chat with my plastic surgeon and another patient about post-breast cancer reconstructive surgery. Before we knew it, it was time to head back to the airport.

We were in the limo with another couple. It was obvious the gentleman was tired as he rested most of the way to the airport so we didn’t engage in conversation with them, which is completely understandable. Sometimes you just want to rest on the way to the airport as opposed to conversing. As we were getting out of the limo, I told them to take care. As she replied, Scott asked her where they were from, recognizing her southern accent, and she said, “Tennessee”. He then questioned where in Tennessee, and she surprisingly said, “Greeneville”! Amazing . . . we hope to connect with them the next time we see them either locally or at the CTCA.

When we checked in at United, we learned there was a flight leaving in 30 minutes. The gentleman put us on standby. We made our way as quickly as a breast cancer patient with a husband who had knee surgery in March and a torn Achilles in May possibly could :) We got through security with ease then arrived at the gate as they were beginning to board. On the monitor, we were listed as one and two on standby among 10+ other names. I couldn’t help but think the gentleman at the ticket counter bumped us to the top of the list since we were apparently the last ones to arrive. Scott tried to talk to the lady who was calling the various groups to board, but she practically shunned him away. Once everyone was boarded, there was a checkmark placed by Scott’s name. Another gentleman was standing near us. He overheard Scott say to me, “Well, I’m not going without you” as she called his name to board. Rather disgruntled, she asked him where his bags were. He explained we were together, and that is what he was trying to explain to her minutes prior. The gentleman told me I could have his seat if needed so we could fly home together – an incredibly nice gesture. After she typed around on her keyboard, I was able to join Scott in flight after all. As we boarded the plane, our seat assignments were rows apart, yet there were two seats together in the first row. The flight attendant let us sit there. While we were getting settled, I looked up, and here came the gentleman who had offered to give up his seat for me. No good deed goes unnoticed, right? So . . . we were able to catch an earlier flight home, and it was so nice to arrive in Knoxville while there was still day light.

I could not believe how good I felt after chemo. I was able to keep my commitment and serve as the honorary captain at the Tusculum College football game on Saturday, but then about mid-day Saturday, I began to ache and feel tired. I literally was in bed until Monday morning. They explained this could happen as hard as they try to alleviate most side effects with pre-meds prior to the chemo treatment. Unfortunately, tiredness is not one of them. But thank God, I am feeling better.

We will return in three weeks for my second chemo treatment. At this time, we are scheduled to have an appointment with my plastic surgeon as he will insert more fluids into my expanders, and we will have a consultation with my oncologist prior to my infusion. But before we confirm our travel plans back to CTCA, I will have my blood levels checked locally to ensure everything is at the minimum required levels for the chemo treatment.

In closing, I was messaging with a friend this morning who too has cancer, and we were talking about the power of prayer . . . it gave me pause to think about how incredibly well this visit went, i.e. with the insertion of the PICC line, my chemo, but that’s God . . . no matter how big or how small our needs or burdens are or how they make us feel, we should always remember to take them to the Lord in prayer, surrendering them unto His plan and His timing . . . not ours . . .  

Mark 11:24

Pink Pumpkins for Breast Cancer Awareness Month - News 5 WCYB

In case you missed the news story WCBY TV 5 Bristol did on our "pink" pumpkins and Scott's effort to raise awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here is the link:

http://www.wcyb.com/news/pink-pumpkins-for-breast-cancer-awareness/-/14590844/22548788/-/46bqpwz/-/index.html

Halloween Display Supports Woman's Breast Cancer Battle - WBIR 10 News

In case you missed the segment WBIR 10 News in Knoxville did regarding our "pink" pumpkins and Scott's effort to raise awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here is the link:

http://www.wbir.com/story/news/local/hamblen-jefferson-cocke-greene/2013/10/11/womans-breast-cancer-battle-goes-to-halloween-display/2969739/

October 23, 2013 - Galations 6:2

While writing my last post, I forgot to share a very special moment with you . . .

Last Tuesday, before we left the Cancer Treatment Center of America (CTCA) -
Chicago, I had an appointment with a physical therapist (PT). They have been taking measurements in order to monitor any swelling. Thank God I have not experienced any swelling as my doctors took a practical approach to reduce it prior to and after my surgeries and it obviously proved to be successful. The PT also wanted to check the mobility of my arms. I told her it was difficult to get my coat on my left arm. I could only get it 3/4 of the way on, then Scott or Austin would have to get it the rest of the way, over my shoulder. Her first question was "Do you own a cane?" I paused a moment, smiled, and said "Yes . . .yes I do". I did not tell her why, i.e. my stroke. I never thought I would need my black and orange cane, again, yet I knew exactly where it was. So, she left the room to get a cane. We she returned, she was showing me exercises I needed to do prior to my next surgery to ensure I regain full mobility. As she is giving me instructions while I'm completing the various exercises with the cane in hand, I stood there thinking . . .this time last year, I was using a cane to walk. A year later, I will use the same cane for exercises following a bilateral mastectomy and the beginning stage of reconstructive surgery. Amazing . . .

By the way, the PT was wearing a fitted cap on her head, but I could tell she was bald. I asked her as politely as I knew how if she also was a cancer patient. With a beautiful smile on her face, she told me no but her husband had cancer. I asked her how he was doing and maintaining her beautiful smile told me he passed away last year. He was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer. She keeps her head shaved in his memory. A lump immediately formed in my throat, and my heart broke for her. She proceeded to tell me he too worked at the CTCA - Chicago  . . . as a chaplain . . . Galations 6:2.

Anyone who has fought the battle of cancer knows how traumatic it can be, especially women who have fought breast cancer. Well, last night was one more hurdle along our "Pathway to Recovery".

Many of you know after we returned from the CTCA last week Scott encouraged me to be proactive and have my head shaved prior to starting chemo tomorrow. He felt this would empower me to be more proactive and stronger if I chose to not let chemo/cancer take my hair away from me . . . and I did . . . sounds like a good title of a book, huh? :)

We were sitting outside last evening, awaiting Jennifer's arrival, and Scott reminded me that I'm in charge of our "Pathway to Recovery", not the cancer. He told me, as he did from the beginning,"You've already defeated this . . . God's got this . . . you're just going through the process, creating a testimony and many blessings to share with others".  He concluded by encouraging me to stay on the offense for the remainder of our pathway, not the defense. After this moment, I didn't think there was anything I couldn't do . . . then, the door bell rang . . .

My dear friend and hair stylist, Jennifer, came over after she finished at her shop. Keep in mind, she is a special friend, but I met her at the front door with mixed emotions.  What I didn't know was she too approached the front door with mixed emotions.

Being the friend she is, she brought me a beautiful hat box, filled with a few hats. She especially surprised me with a black beret-like hat, which matched a hat she too had. She wanted to surprise me once this was over . . .you know, so we could look alike  . . . at least for a moment :) But the surprise was too good to keep :)

We headed upstairs to the bathroom with Scott right by my side. He too was going to get his head shaved as he was not going to let me do this alone . . .  Galations 6:2. So, I sat in the chair, with my back to the mirror. Jennifer told me she had never done this before (to a woman, of course). I hugged her and told her it would be ok. Scott cranked up some music, per our request, and it actually calmed our nerves a bit while Jennifer conjured up the strength she had been searching for to do this. But when the sound of the clippers turned on, it took all I had to fight back the tears until I could not hold them back any longer. They streamed down my face, but Scott was there to catch them, as well as my hair that was falling in my lap, on the floor . . . but I kept praying, knowing this is only temporary and just one more step along our "Pathway to Recovery".

When Jennifer finished, she got the black beret-like hats. She put mine on. Put hers on. Then I turned around. We looked cute and had fun posing for the camera, but I still dreaded seeing what was under my hat.

After we had some laughs in our hats, Jennifer told me she was going to step out and give me a few minutes. Although Scott had been taking pictures, he put his phone down and took my hat off, holding me as tightly as he's ever held me . . . Galations 6:2. Then I turned to the mirror and saw myself  . . . bald  . . . for the first time. I took a deep breath, stood there for several seconds, wiped my tears away, then smiled as I looked at Scott, and said "well, it's your turn!" :)

Obviously, Scott got his head shaved, getting his Marine Corp look again, and he looked as handsome as ever.  Austin got his cut some so he too could participate in the family ritual prior to the beginning of my chemo treatments. He wanted to see me hatless, but one time was enough for him. He politely asked me to keep a cap on . . . and I did :) I even wore a toboggan, featuring the Breast Cancer ribbon, Jennifer gave me to bed last night as my head went from being really warm to a bit cool.

I'm not sure I can walk out my door without a scarf or hat on my head just yet, but I am grateful Scott encouraged me to do it on my own will. I'm reminded of our chaplain at the CTCA when she looked at Scott during our first visit and said," Scott, she's in it to win it" and I replied, "yes ma'am, I am"!

October 19, 2013 - “Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.” - Proverb, Maori

Since we returned home from our last trip to the Cancer Treatment Center of America (CTCA) – Chicago Tuesday night, I have to admit I have procrastinated in writing this blog update. Why? Well, it’s been rather emotional to even talk about this week, but it has gotten easier. Plus, I have to be able to see through my glasses without tear drops precluding my ability to see the keyboard :)

As with any battle in life, we have our good days and our bad days. As I’ve said before, as long as the latter is the exception and not the rule, it’s ok . . . however, it seems like my mind and emotions continue to wrestle for control, but I do believe it is important and healthy to release our emotions and not suppress them. It is also vital we focus on the positives. I have told several of you my blessings far out weight my battles associated with breast cancer, and they do :)

Our “Pathway to Recovery” has challenged us in many ways. Accepting the fact I have breast cancer was probably one of the hardest challenges. But from the moment I was diagnosed, Scott and I declared I would be a survivor from the very beginning, and I will!

Ok . . . now that I have reminded myself of a few important things here is my update from our recent visit this week:

First of all, we had a great time in Chicago with Austin on Sunday. We enjoyed a train ride into the city before finding our way to the midpoint of the Chicago Marathon near the Wilson Tower. Then we went to the Millennium Park before we made our way to the Navy Pier where we took in an architectural tour of the city by boat, discovered Garrett’s popcorn - yuuuuuuuuuuumy, and had lunch at Harry Caray’s. Was a great day . . .

On Monday morning, we had breakfast then met with our surgeon. He was very pleased with the surgery, and felt he got it all. My margins looked good, but he reminded us there is always that chance a few cells could be left behind. He also told us my cancer was Stage 1.

We then met with our plastic surgeon. After three weeks to the day since my surgery, he removed my drains – YAY!! He also added about 100 cc’s of saline into my expanders, which gave me a bit more definition but created a bit more discomfort. He too was very pleased with the surgery and how I am healing. The numbness, burning sensation and pain is expected due to the surgery, as well as the expanders, so I just ensured we got another prescription of what I refer to as the yellow pills :) When we left his office, we were scheduled to return in three weeks for my expander fluids.

This appointment was followed by a consultation with a chaplain, as well as mind and body. Then lunch :)

Next came the long-awaited appointment with our oncologist. The short of the long of it is, in addition to hormone therapy for the next five to ten years, I will be having four chemo treatments, one every three weeks beginning next week. How did this come about?

For those of you who are familiar with breast cancer, you probably know when they predict the possibility of your cancer returning, they take the pathology report, as well as your age, health, etc. The report then tells you if you are at high, low or intermediate risk. Guess where I was? Yep, intermediate, which meant the decision, was more mine than the doctor’s. So we discussed and deliberated the short term risks with chemo, as well as the long term risks. This discussion was not a short conversation but rather lengthy, yet necessary. After all the information and options were on the table, I looked at Austin who had fallen asleep in Scott’s lap, and I looked at Scott, then held his hand  . . . tightly, as I began to cry. Scott knew exactly why I was shedding tears without me saying a word.

Our oncologist stepped out of the room long enough for me to choke back my tears and try to discuss this with Scott. I told him if I didn’t do chemo and my cancer came back, I’d never forgive myself. But, if I chose to do chemo and my cancer came back, I’d have the satisfaction of knowing we tried. I told Scott I’m 43 and I have too much to live for to not do the chemo, as I rubbed Austin’s head with one hand then took hold of Scott’s hand with the other. He completely agreed and supported me 100%.

After the oncologist returned, I shared with him my decision and the reasons why, as they were seated right beside me. He too was supportive. He said we would only need to do four treatments, one every three weeks. He also felt I would be able to handle it well. I don’t remember the names of the two cocktails I will receive but the initials were TC . . . how ironic is that?

Also, if you remember, after I had an MRI in Johnson City then a biopsy of my left breast in Chicago, a more invasive tumor was found. Well, during surgery, they discovered another invasive cancer in my right breast, where my initial cancer was found in a duct. To that end, LADIES, get your annual mammograms! I am evidence that if you do, breast cancer can be caught early, despite the fact I have the BRCA2 gene, and a one in 10,000 mutation. 

Before we left the room, my plastic surgeon called and wanted to talk to me as this would change our upcoming plans and appointment. He too endorsed my decision, which made us feel even better.

So, we will be returning this Thursday, October 24 for my first treatment. And yes, I am choosing to have my chemo at CTCA. Being a patient there, they know me, and since it is only once every three weeks, I felt it was best to continue my treatment there.

As I just mentioned, this will delay the next part of my reconstructive surgery and hysterectomy (remember, since I have the BRCA2 gene and the mutation, my chance for ovarian cancer increased dramatically so we’re going to be proactive to avoid ovarian cancer), but that’s ok . . . once again, I know we made the right decision.

 After the oncologist left the room and his nurse came in, she, like everyone else there, was so compassionate to both Scott and me. She provided more information as to what I could expect. And the one thing I dreaded to hear was I would loose my hair.

As several of you know, I had my hair cut really short after my first surgery when I was hospitalized for two nights, and Scott did his best to fix my hair. But if you remember, he was fired from that job :) So, my dear friend and hair stylist, Jennifer, cut it really short so I could shower and go since I could not get my arms up to dry it or style it. I also actually had the thought in the back of my mind should I have chemo, there would be less to loose. So, it wasn’t all about Scott. But I have to brag, since it has grown out a bit, he has become quite the hair stylist. Jennifer, you might want to look out! lol

But the other night, we were talking about this subject, and Scott had the best idea . . . ever. He told me I should be proactive. He encouraged me to get my head shaved before we go back and not let the cancer and chemo take it away. And he’s right . . . so before we leave this coming week, Jennifer is going to shave my head and Scott told me he too would shave his . . .

So, it’s been a difficult week . . . I have decided the emotions associated with breast cancer can be one of the greatest challenges in this battle. But like other battles we fight in this life, you get to a point where you become stronger and more courageous. Then you put on your armor ready for the next combat. As a result, I’ve been reminded that I’m in it to win it, and this is just one more challenge I will overcome and one step closer to being a survivor.

Joshua 1:9

Our "Pathway to Recovery": October 17, 2013 - Stories in the Air

Our "Pathway to Recovery": October 17, 2013 - Stories in the Air: I continue to be amazed at the many “Godwinks” along our “Pathway to Recovery”. Last Saturday, after we took off on the plane destined f...