What a day!!

Today has been so exceptional, I don't even know where to start. First of all, the cancer has not spread. There are some lymph nodes that are suspicious, but we knew that was the case and they should be zapped with chemo. The tumor has shrunk "dramatically" (to use the oncologist's words) and the results from the first treatment are "outstanding."

A friend of ours also put up a fence to trap our boys in the backyard. We had put this project on hold for now, but a friend showed up and wanted to help.

I also received 2 incredible baskets of goodies from my friends at church. I was overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness put into the baskets. People really knew what I needed to lift my spirits.

Last week, I was about to do my devotions and thought to my self that I could really use a book geared towards women like me. Guess what arrived in the mail the next day from a friend I hadn't even shared this with? A devotional for breast cancer. This is happened with numerous other things - a new tote bag, a blanket for chemo, and even an ipod. I just thought "That would be nice to have" and it shows up! Dave wants me to wish for a boat . . .

On the way up!

I had my last (scheduled) test today. Also, as of today, I have nothing scheduled for next week! We meet with the oncologist tomorrow and I am sure he will schedule something for me to do but for now I am enjoying the empty calendar.

I spoke with a Care Coordinator from the Cancer Center today and one of the programs they offer is to connect me with another woman about the same age with children who is at least 6 months out of treatement. I am looking forward to talking to another mom with young children and see how she did it.

Who knew we were so loved?

Before this happened, we knew there were a lot of people who cared for us and loved us. But, we have been overwhelmed by the cards, emails, gifts, and dinners we have received from those we know and some we don't! Thank you again for the kindness and thoughtfulness shown to our family.

I am feeling better - physically and emotionally. Still having some bouts with nausea and of course, fatigue, but it is manageable.

I had to take the boys to childcare yesterday and today, but feel like I actually have something left to give when they get home. I can spend the evening with my family, eating dinner, baths, etc. instead of collapsing at 6 p.m.

When will this be over?

I can't stand feeling like this. 5 seconds longer is too long. I realized today that I am not able to take care of my children by myself (when I am feeling like this). I am their mother and that is my job. I know I have to go through this to care for them ultimately, but it was a very difficult thing for me to admit. Please continue to pray for strength.

Sunday rest

Who knew that getting ready to go to church could be so exhausting? We went and I came home to collapse afterwards. I have been having some stomach issues and feel tired most of the time. My prayer is for strength and energy. By the way, who added more stairs to our house because it feels like we have about a 100 right now!

I did it!

The first treatment was yesterday afternoon and was very uneventful - which is a good thing. No reactions (which was common with one of my drugs) so they didn't have to put me on Benadryl, which would have meant Dave would have had to carry me out of the place. They did give me a steroid and anti-nausea med to couteract the effects of the chemo. Both are still working, and as Dave put it, "I don't think you need coffee this morning!"

Dave and I took a walk around the block last night (to burn off some of this energy). The boys went to the beach for the night with their Aunt Robin. The walk was slow but some fresh air was just what I needed after staring out the window at the blue skies yesterday for 5 1/2 hours Yes, that is how long it took, from the time I sat in the chair until I left.

More tests today and 2 more next week (and I will not be attending alone). I have to go back Monday for a shot to boost the growth of new white blood cells to help me fight infection.

Thank you so much for all of your cards, e-mails and comments. I may not be able to respond to all of them, but have so enjoyed reading them. Please keep them coming.

Talk about "information overload"!

I met with the nurse today for what they call "chemo talk" where they explain everything that may happen to me in great detail. The nurse was wonderful and listened to me ramble on about various things. She even confessed that this talk was difficult for her because she was the same age as me. All of the staff at the Cancer Center have made this unpleasant circumstance more comfortable for me.

I had a difficult time today. I went by myself (which I now know is not the wisest thing for me to do). By the time everything was done ( I agreed to be part of a clinical study also which required more time), I was exhausted. I wanted to just stop in Happy Harrys' for some meds and 4 things before I came home to rest. 4 things with no children should not be difficult to remember, right? I had to stop several times in the store to recall what those 4 things were. My brain was just on overload and my body was pooped. It was just a hard day. And the real fun hasn't even begun.

Treatment will begin this Friday

Just wanted to let everyone know the latest. Chemo will begin this Friday. There are a lot more tests to run to ensure that the cancer has not spread, but we are going to begin the chemo right away. Lots have asked who my doctors are. Breast Surgeon is now to be determined, but my oncologist is Dr. Steve Grubbs. He has really made me feel much more at ease with this process and hope for the outcome.



Our household, as you can imagine, is a lot crazy right now with doctors' offices calling, concerned family and friends calling, not to mention the 2 boys running around. We are doing okay and firmly believe that we will remain that way. We also know to expect ups and downs, but are "excited" that chemo is beginning soon. Who would have ever thought that anyone would be excited about chemo? Well, I am. I can not wait for this thing to stop invading my body so much.



We have found verses in the Bible that we have known all of our lives, but take on a new meaning now. God's grace has been demonstrated to us in even the little details these days. Today was a good day and full of good things and we thank Him for everyone of them.