Its Amazing....

Its amazing.... how things work out in life.  I know that God is in control and that He is working everything out.  But sometimes it is difficult to see what He will do next and why.  The only thing that I can gather, is so God can show His love and care in extraordinary ways.  So many blessings have happened in the past six weeks since learning about my cancer, which probably wouldn't have happened otherwise.

All in all, life is good and way too busy.  Yesterday I had my first appointment with my radiation oncologist.  She was really terrific.  I am so very pleased and confident about my team of physicians -- each of them are super with bedside manner, training & experience.  Each of them have earned awards nationally and regionally in recent years.  BLESSING #1 God picked out a great group of people to help me along.

My radiation oncologist, of course, examined me, beginning with those words I hear so often now "Everything off from the waist up; gown on, open in front."  I even said it with her and we laughed.  All is well in my healing process from the surgery, just need to wear tighter sport bras for compression on the surgical areas.

We discussed the radiation therapy (will start one month after the 1st Chemo; so in January 2015).  She told me that my left breast (the one that had cancer and the lumpectomy) will probably lift and become firm like in younger years.  I told her that I had asked Chris if he would love when I'm old and my bra size is a 36 long. "So not I'll be half perky and half long?", I asked.

She informed us that insurance will cover breast reconstruction on the right side after radiation therapy. BLESSING #2  I will get to have breast reconstructive surgery to reduce and lift my breasts.  I am so happy as I have been wanting a breast reduction for sometime; but didn't think I'd ever be able to afford it.

There are certain vitamins and nutrients that you have to avoid during chemo and radiation -- surprisingly it is the ones that are antioxidants and/or that natural help with hormonal balance of estrogen.  I have made eating foods and taking supplements of both these components part of my daily regimen for years.  So, for now, no more A, C and E vitamins, and no more of my black cohosh complex (ginseng, etc) to natually manage my menopause hormones and hot flashes -- until after all my treatments are over at the end of 2015.  I learned that the black cohosh and other natural herbal supplements are not always as good as one might think  -- especially since there is not regulatory management on them.  "You can't really know what your getting or the quality of it," she said.  She gave me this website from Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. BLESSING #3 You can look up herbs and find our more about them.  Sloan K has and continues to do extensive research:
http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/about-herbs-botanicals-other-products

The shocking thing is that it is likely that the black cohosh contributed to my cancer especially concerning the HER2+ protein that I have that makes me prone to cancer because of very sensitive estrogen levels.  So I don't think I'll be going back to black cohosh again.

As I reported last time, Steve Jones (Catherine's and Christina's father) has had a bout with cancer too.  He developed prostate and bladder cancer.  He actually has known about it for some time.  He went through chemo before the surgery (which I have learned is common now days).  BLESSING #4 In short he has had some ups and downs; but is doing generally really good and will recover.

BLESSING #5  It has given a reason for his family and me to talk and encourage each other.  This is wonderful because they were my family for almost 25 years and when the divorce happened, losing them was a big loss for me.  So a prayer has been answered.  I know that my daughters are very pleased and no longer have to feel a big separation in their extended family.  Going forward, I hope this will only continue and the girls will know that no matter what family is family.

BLESSING #6  Chris is really having to deal with lots through all of this. Of course, his love for me causes him concern and stress about my well being.  His love for the girls keeps him thinking and doing things that makes life better for them.  His work --- managing his real estate business and seeing to clients needs.  Peggy -- making sure her needs are met and bills are paid in the assisted living.  And even with Steve's situation -- it is not all so great for him with Steve being my ex-husband and all.  Yet, Chris is supportive and loving --- and oh so mindful of us all.

BLESSING #7  All of this has kept me from ruminating on my cancer situation.  It has brought it in to perspective.  There is really nothing more than what I am doing, that I can do.  God is truly in control.

BLESSING #8  All of you with your prayers, kindness and support means so much to me.  Not only does it give me strength --- I know that you are a big reason why so much good as happening through this time.  God does answer prayer and prayer certainly changes things.  It's AMAZING!

All Clear, yet. . .

Hoping everyone had a very good July 4th!  We did! The weather was beautiful and we had delicious dinner outside, then watched the Capitol 4th celebrations on TV.  Didn't want to fight the crowds this year.

Last Thursday, I saw my cancer surgeon.  The great news is that all is clear -- the margins on my surgery and my lymph nodes are clear.  That means they got it all and I am officially cancer free.  More about this later in this post.

We received startling news last week.  Steve Jones, my former husband, and the girls'  father was diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer about the same time I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  He did not want to give the girls too much to bear; so he didn't tell us.  I was in surgery on Thursday the 26th, and he was in surgery Wednesday the 25th.  He is still in the hospital and fighting to get better.

Steve and Catherine for Senior Marching Band Event
September 2013

It is moments like these that punctuate that relationships are the most important thing in life. Fortunately, since the divorce, we have remained in contact frequently.  Steve has the girls with him more than every other weekend.

For now, we are visiting him when he is able, and talking with him each day. I am so thankful for Chris (my husband) as he is so kind, generous, and supportive to me and the girls; even though this is an additional stress for him too. Our family in Oklahoma has been involved with this from the beginning fortunately, and it is a blessing that we are all in contact now and able to support each other.

In addition to Steve's suffering; I am deeply concerned for Catherine and Christina.  How awful it is that both of their parents are diagnosed with cancer at the same time!  Yet, in my spirit I know God has some tremendous purpose for this happening.  We have had one tough year, yet with each trial we have become closer, and stronger.  I am encouraged to know that by faith we can rest all on Him, and He will see us through.  In the end things will be better than we could ever hope, dream or imagine.  I am confident in my ability to get through this all, and do my best to help my daughter's grow their faith to see God in action in their lives.

Even so, I ask for your support with prayer, positive thoughts, etc.  Please pray for Catherine and Christina that the Holy Spirit will be at work in their hearts and souls, that they can grow in their strength and hope. Prayers for Steve, so that he can heal and recover, and in the meantime not suffer with pain.  Prayers for Chris, that he can continue to know that he is loved and his support is so appreciated.  Prayers for our family in Oklahoma, that they too will find peace, and by faith be encouraged and strengthened.

One thing I know for sure --- God answers prayers; prayer changes things.  I am strengthened to know you are praying too.

Now on about my cancer treatment. . .

Right now I am still healing from surgery with three good slices that are taking their time to heal, and big sad bruises all over my chest.  But overall, I am good and better everyday.  Compared to what Steve is going through, mine is a cake walk.

I only have treatment to endure until the end of 2015; and I'm hoping it won't be as bad as some say it is.

But because of being a triple positive, ER, PR and Her-2.  The first two are estrogen related hormones, Her-2 is a protein that increases the risk of recurring cancer.  

About 75% of all breast cancers are “ER positive.” They grow in response to the hormone estrogen. About 65% of these are also “PR positive.” They grow in response to another hormone, progesterone.If your breast cancer’s cells have a significant number of receptors for either estrogen or progesterone, your cancer is considered hormone-receptor positive and likely to respond to endocrine therapies.
Breast cancer tumors that are ER/PR-positive are 60% likely to respond to endocrine therapy. Tumors that are ER/PR negative are only 5% to 10% likely to respond to endocrine therapy.
Endocrine therapies for breast cancer are treatments usually taken after surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation are finished. They are designed to help prevent recurrence of the disease by blocking the effects of estrogen.
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
In about 20% to 25% of breast cancers, the cancer cells make too much of a protein known as HER2/neu. These breast cancers tend to be much more aggressive and fast-growing.
For women with HER2-positive breast cancers, the drug Herceptin has been shown to dramatically reduce the risk of recurrence. It has now become standard treatment to give Herceptin along with adjuvant (after-surgery) chemotherapy in those with metastatic breast cancer. Another drug, Tykerb, is often given for metastatic cancer if Herceptin fails. Kadcyla is another drug that can be given after Herceptin and a class of chemotherapy drugs called taxanes, which are commonly used to treat breast cancer.
Herceptin has far fewer immediate side effects than chemotherapy -- for example, there is usually no nausea or hair loss. However, there is a small but real risk of heart damage and possible lung damage.
http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-types-er-positive-her2-positive  

So I'll be seeing the radiation oncologist next week, and my regular oncologist the week following for chemo.
When I finish with chemo and radiation, around the holidays; I'll begin the Herceptin treatments for the next entire year.

Well, that's about all for now.  Thank you all for your care and support.  I keep you in my prayers too.
Until next time --- Blessings.