Update

 its been a while since I posted here. 

My kids and husband are well. The boy is not enjoying lockdown, but there’s not much to be done. 

I was diagnosed in June with cancer of the esophagus, stage IV. I’m determined to be terminal since it has spread to lymph nodes. However, the tumors are shrinking and the doctor cannot find the tumors behind my stomach or in my lymph nodes. I am not a candidate for surgery due to the lymph node spread  

I’m currently receiving chemo, but I haven’t lost all my hair!!

I’m on palliative care as long as I’m able, then will move on to hospice in my own home. 

I’m cancer free still from the breast cancer. 

This really sucks. It’s a blessing and a curse to know that death is near. 

It's official!!

Today my oncologist told me that after surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, that I am considered cancer free. AMEN!

It's been a very long 11 months. I am so happy to be done.

I am a cancer survivor!!!!

WOOHOO!!!

Chemo cancelled this week too...........

I had my chemo cancelled this week too. My numbers were too low. I didn't even feel bad, and the nurses said I didn't look bad at all, because they said last time, I looked ill.

Oh well. Life goes on. It just extends chemo into March now. I have plans for my month off, but now that may change.

I hope I do not have to cancel chemo again. I only have FOUR treatments left!

Chemo cancelled this week....

My chemo infusion was cancelled Tuesday due to a low White Blood count. To say I was disappointed is an understatement.

I spent Monday and Tuesday having a pity party for myself. I was miserable. Then I turned things around by Wednesday morning and the week has been good. I also went in for fluids Wednesday morning and that helped me feel better. I wasn't able to eat or drink much due to mouth and tongue sores, but that is under control now too.

I have plans in the spring. I need to get through chemo and radiation without too many more delays.

Cancer update...........

Each week on Monday, I go to the cancer clinic to have labs drawn for chemo on Tuesday. I also see the doctor. This Monday, he told me I was strong and that I was an outlier. Mostly because I feel pretty good going through this round of chemo and because I'm doing well.

I am glad I am doing well, and it's been a pleasant surprise that I am not flat on my back unable to function. I'm somewhere in between that and doing great.
I have off days, but I am mostly able to do my daily activities, chores, cooking, laundry. I am thankful for that every day.

Yesterdays infusion was my mid way point in this leg of my treatment. I am HALFWAY done with this round of chemo. Yes, I count down each week. It's just something that helps me.

I will have a month off in March. I have lots of plans, but I also still have doctor appointments. Many of them. But I've got my eyes on March!

That's my update for today.

Breast Cancer

I'm the one in eight women that are diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Lucky me.
I have DCIS Grade 2. The technical term is DCIS T2 N1 MO, Grade ll, Stage IB. The cancer was found in two of my four sentinel nodes. I will have to take a hormone pill for 5-10 years after I am done with radiation.

I went for my routine mammogram in July. The radiologist saw something and called me back for more views. This same scenario happened three years ago except the biopsy was benign. This time the biopsy was positive for breast cancer. So, I had surgery scheduled for August 23.  I went out to California for eleven days and it was wonderful. I made absolutely no decisions about anything at all. No responsibilities for 11 days!

I had surgery on August 23. I had a lumpectomy. The surgeon removed the cancer, but it was also in my lymph nodes. I also found out that I am allergic to the material they use in the stitches, so the surgeon cut all the stitches out and I had an open wound that needs to heal from the inside out. Four months later and it is still opened about an inch.

I started Chemotherapy in October. I had four cycles, two weeks apart of AC. AC (Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide). Also known as Red Devil. I've lost all the hair on my body. My doctor tried to tell me I could find a wig, but I told him I am not wearing a wig, and I haven't. I do wear a hat out because my head gets cold.

I am currently doing my second round of chemo. Paclitaxel. It hasn't been as hard on me as the AC was and it's every week for 12 weeks. I am on week four.

After I am finished with chemo, I will do 4-6 weeks of radiation daily. But I will have one month off and I will be traveling to California again during that month off.

My cancer was found early, no one could even feel the lump. I feel fortunate that it was caught early. I love all of my doctors, and especially the nurses at the cancer center. They are all wonderful.

It's been a while since I posted.

It's been a while, can't believe it's been a whole year. A lot has happened in this year.
I've been visiting California a couple times a year. My daughter lives there. It's nice to go out there and visit.

I still go to see my cousins in Maryland too, but missed a year recently.

My boy is in high school!! He was diagnosed with High functioning Autism. Now that we know that, I find it easier to understand him.

My girl is still in college, finishing up her RN.

My husband is doing well too.

My nephew and his wife had a baby in August!

I was diagnosed in July with Breast cancer and am dealing with that. I'll make a new post about that though.

Other than that, not much is new.

October reflections.........

This is such a beautiful time of year. It's my favorite time of year, cool crisp mornings, the beautiful colors of the leaves.

This weekend is MEA weekend. The kids are off from school Thursday and Friday. When I was young, that meant that my mom and I traveled to Illinois to see my Grandma. She lived in a tiny, tiny home, but it was her home and I loved it. I loved traveling down there because the trees were so pretty. My mom and I would stop halfway and eat lunch, then make it to grandma's by mid afternoon.

When I had my daughter I stopped going for a while, then the three of us started going to Grandma's. It was still as special as always.  Unfortunately my son never got the chance to visit Great Grandma's house.

While we were down there, my moms cousin would bring us boxes of chocolates for Sweetest Day. I had never heard of it until he started bringing chocolates when we were there!

Grandma's house was always such a special place to be. There were a couple family reunions there.

Sometimes it's fun to have the memories, and to think about the visits.