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.
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| 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.
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.So I'll be seeing the radiation oncologist next week, and my regular oncologist the week following for chemo.
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
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.
