Komen Walk for the Cure

Sunday, I walked the Komen Walk for cure. It was awesome! Very inspirational and also emotional too. My Mom, Dad, and dear friend Murray went and walked with me. I saw several friends from Breast Cancer Resource Center and the Pink Ribbon Cowgirls. I also saw Rachel, my infusion nurse at Texas Oncology. It was a good day. Dad stayed home with the boys - this was our first time and we did not know what to expect. We will all be there next year. It was great. Thank you for all your support and donations.

Love and prayers,
Laura

One Year Anniversary and Follow Up Appontments

I have reached my one year anniversary for my diagnosis with breast cancer. Although, I would never wish that "anniversary" on anyone, I am very happy be here to celebrate. In the last year I have been diagnosed with breast cancer, had a mastectomy, 4 cycles of chemotherapy, a hysterectomy, another mastectomy and reconstruction. Not an easy year! I am very blessed to have such a loving and supportive husband, family, and support system. We are also blessed by insurance and the many resources available in the Austin area; Wonders and Worries, Cleaning for a Reason, Breast Cancer Resource Center to name a few.

I would like to say I am a better person because of this "walk". Most days anyway... There has been good that has come from it - I advocate for awareness, my boys can deal with stress in healthy ways, they can talk, talk, talk, about anything on their minds, we are strong and united as a family, I have met some wonderful and loving people in support groups and through support services. I am truly thankful.

Monday, I went to my three month check up with my plastic surgeon. On November 17 I am scheduled for my nipple construction. It is an office visit. He will cut a mushroom shape flap, twist it and stitch it. In six weeks, I'll get them tattooed to have the correct color and I'll be as good as new! I am healing well and he is very pleased with my progress.

Monday, I also had a follow up with my oncologist. Everything looks great and I'll see her again in three months.

My Primary Care Physician did some blood work to check for arthritis. I have severe hand, hip, knee and shoulder pain and stiffness. The worst being my hands. He was sure it was carpal tunnel but the blood work should I had elevated levels for arthritis. 20 is normal, my first test was 35, two weeks later was 42. I am being referred to a rheumatologist.

I am 37. I am a breast cancer survivor, I have osteopenia, and arthritis BUT I and HAPPY and BLESSED to be here. I am also a wife, a mother of two sweet boys, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a cousin, a friend and a teacher. Thank you for your support, love, friendship, cards, emails, donations of any kind. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Love and prayers
Laura

P.S. David and William are doing great in 1st grade and preschool. They are so fun to be with. David has lost his fourth tooth this week. William dropped off a present and card to his "best friend" at preschool today. Life is good!

William is healing....

Much progress has been made in William's healing with the stress of my journey. David was sheltered from a lot because he was in school.

William on the other hand was part of it all. He started a school two days a week- which he refused to go to after my second chemo. He went to most Dr appointments with me because he refused to stay with anyone but his father and my mom. William was also with me after chemo on those days of exhaustion and weakness. He basically refused to leave my side.

William has stopped coming to bed with me at night. He loves to snuggle when he wakes up in the morning but does not insist on sleeping with me.

William also refused hair cuts after chemo caused my hair to fall out. The day I returned home from my reconstructive surgery he asked for a hair cut.
Although I did love his great long hair, his hair cut is very nice too. Certainly easier to wash and comb.

Today was the first day of preschool. He went for the 1 1/2 hour Open House. He screamed, cried and fought me for at least an hour before hand. I carried him in screaming and crying. After sitting and playing with him, reading to him for quite a while I was able to move away, fill out paper work and eventually join the other parents at the meeting. When I returned to the classroom he came over and whispered to me that he changed his mind and did want to come to school here. today was the first day for everyone in the "Frog" classroom, even if they went there last year. Today they built community. Today the became a class, a community- friends. Words can not express my relief and happiness.

My arguments with William were that was what four year olds did. David went to Mrs. Kelli's preschool. So he wanted to go there too - but we can not because it is near the old house. I think that clincher for him was that I told him that I did not want the fact that I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year to keep him from living life like other four year olds. I had also decided that I would fight him until he gave up. I am so glad that I did! I am also very relieved he saw I was serious and tried it.

Our family is finding a new kind of normal. It has not been a year yet - we are so blessed to be here so quickly. We are far from perfect but doing well. All things considered we are doing great!

Thank you for your continued support and love.
Laura

Post Op Appointment # 3

Friday August 29th , I had another check up. Everything looks great! All restrictions have been lifted except for swimming. I still have some healing to do, do germy bodies of water. I have purchased some bras. I am starting feel and definately look "normal" again. I am so blessed to be here on this side of my journey healing nicely. Thank you so much for your friendship, love and support.

love and prayers,
Laura

Post Op Check Up #2

Friday August 15th I went in for an appointment with my surgeon. I had gotten myself stressed that my breast were not healing right, so they worked me in for an appointment. Having never done this before sometimes you just need someone to say "Hey, things are going great. No worries." So that is what I got. He is very pleased with my healing and progress. I still have the same physical limitations set by the Dr, but feel better and stronger every day.

Thank you for all your help, support and continued prayers.
Laura

Post Op Check Up # 1

I had my post op appointment today. The physician's assistant said that everything looked wonderful and was healing well. She removed my three drains. I can drive, walk or ride a stationary bike but to be mindful that my body is working hard to recover. I can continue on no lifting and nothing strenuous.

I feel great! I get tired easier than normal and am stretching out my tummy. All things considered I feel very blessed. Thank you for your continued love and support and prayers.

love and prayers,
Laura

Post Surgery Update # 2

Hello All

Today is Thursday July 31st. I was discharged from the hospital on Monday the 28th.I do have to say that I am not very good at asking for help and not helping out- you know just sitting still. This last year has been a great lesson in asking for help and sitting for me.

David, David Alexander, and William have been staying with David's parents since the 23rd. I came home from the hospital to Memaw and Popo's too. They have been wonderful! We are so blessed. The boys have had so much fun with their grandparents and cousins down the street.

We are going home on Saturday. My sister is coming to help out at the house. We need to get back to our beds and routine. It will be fun to have the sisters and the cousins back together again.

The surgery was very hard. I was surprised. Sounds crazy- but that I would be surprised. All of my other surgeries have been at the longest 2 hours and it took a day or two to feel close to 100%. I knew it would take longer amount of time to heal but I didn't realize how much more intense the pain would be. Today has been one week(at 11pm). Each day is better. I feel little stronger . The pain is less and less, too. All things considered I don't think that I could be doing any better. Every new day is a blessing, a gift, and I do cherish them.

Thank you for you continued prayers, kind words, and well wishes. They are greatly appreciated. I am so grateful to have so many wonderful and loving people caring about me.

love and prayers
Laura

Post-surgery Update #1

Laura has been sleeping a little more during the last 24 hours and despite some pretty intense pain, she is doing very well. She got positive reports from her entire medical team this morning. She'll probably be in the ICU a few more days. She still can't take phone calls, but she is checking her email. Keep those encouraging notes coming.

Laura is Recovering

Laura successfully underwent 15 hours in the operating room yesterday. We arrived at the hospital at 6am and they wheeled her into surgery at 8:00am. We finally talked to the plastic surgeon at 11pm. Laura awoke from the anesthesia at around midnight. Her voice was weak, but she said she was feeling good and in little pain. She is in the ICU right now. Visiting hours are limited to 10a-2p, 4p-6p and 8p-10p. Cell phones are not allowed in the unit and other restrictions do apply. Keep up the prayers and well wishes and I'll send a more detailed report this afternoon.

Upcoming Surgery

I will be at Seton Main for my DIEP flap reconstruction. I will be there for several days. Please feel free to call me on my cell phone. The boys are happily with Memaw and Popo. Sugar is at the dog hotel. All things are going well. Thank you for your continued support and prayers

July 24th, 2008

Thursday, July 24th, 2008 I am having my reconstruction. I am excited to have two breasts again. I am overwhelmed by the packing and planning - trying to care for and prepare for the unknown. But I really am very excited. In my mind this will bring so much closure to my journey with breast cancer. Thank you all for your continued love, support, and prayers. I am so happy and blessed to be here to receive them.

We have renamed the dog Sugar. Snow rhymed with 'no' and it seemed to be confusing to her! Hopefully, this one will stick!

Laura

What's New?

We got a dog today. She is a two year old American Eskimo. Her name is Snowball. We got her from the shelter, she had been turned in by owner as unwanted. She is very mellow. The boys are very excited. It has been almost three years since we had a dog. We were ready.

My reconstruction is on the 24th of this month! Yippppeeee! I am having the DIEP Flap procedure. Here are some links; one is from the surgeon I am using(Dr. Snyder), the other I found very helpful.

www.breastflap.com/diep_flap.htm

www.snyderma.com/Breast.htm

We are having a great summer! Thank you for all your kind words, love and prayers!
Laura

Hysterectomy

So I had my hysterectomy on the 19th. I stayed at the hospital until Saturday A.M. and then came home. Everything went very well. I was sore for several days in my abdomen area but feeling fine now. I started the arimedex on Sunday but I cannot tolerate the headaches. I see Dr. Patt on Thursday and we will see what she says.



I have my reconstruction on the 24th of July. I am ready to get that done as well. I will be at Seton Main on 38th.

The guys have been taking swim lessons- today is the beginning of their second week. They are dong really awesome. Prepare to be amazed at the pool. I am so proud of them.

I sewed them Link costumes. Link is a character on a video game called Zelda. One green and one blue costume. I am very thankful that I do not have to sew Barbie clothes - they would probably go naked! Boys are easier in the sewing department.

Thanks for checking on me through my blog. Sorry it took so long to update it. Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Laura

Capitol Field Trip

We went to the Capitol today. The boys and I had a blast! Daddy took us all around and told us about the different areas. We enjoyed all the different statues and trees in the lawn surrounding.
We were naming the people in the different paintings around the rotunda and William asked how did they all have the first name Governor. Very funny boy! We got some coloring books so we can learn more and post cards to practice our writing with at the gift shop.

I signed the boys up for swim lessons and played phone tag with the gymnastics place. They are very excited.

Tomorrow we are going on a MOMS Club field trip to Krispy Kreme! We will get to make our own doughnuts! Yummy! I may be more excited than the boys are.

We are having a great summer so far! We look forward to learning a lot, relaxing, spending time with friends and family. And of course my hysterectomy and reconstructive surgery. Please continue to pray for my guys - they are doing good but when we talk about my surgery to prepare them for it they have lots of questions and concerns. I have faith that we will make it through this period in my treatment but it breaks my heart when they ask about will it hurt me, will I bleed to death, will I come home. I am also grateful that they do not hesitate to ask because it gives me an opportunity to explain things more thoroughly or differently so that they will understand.

Thank you for your love support and prayers.
Laura

Long overdue update

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. I can not tell you how much I appreciate it - we all do. I apologize for the long delay between my blog updates.

June 19th I have a hysterectomy scheduled with Dr. Breen. It is laserscopic - I should be as good as new in 3 - 5 days.

I have decided on the reconstructive surgery that I want. I need to schedule it. As soon as I do I'll post it. I am going to have the DIEP flap and have both breast done. This is similar to the TRAM flap but no muscle is used- only skin and fat. I will still have ample size breast-hahaha! I'll be in ICU for 5 days and then it will take 3 or so weeks to feel up to par again - but I'll be done. (Except for the nipples and tattoos).

David Alexander's school year is wrapping up. He has graduation tomorrow and his last day is the 5th. William and I have been helping up there a lot. William loves to be in David's class. This summer we are going to home school with two units focusing on zoo animals and the Capital. We will take swim lessons and gymnastics.

Our garden is doing well. We got our first tomato today. We have had several squash, green beans and peas. The corn is starting to flower. We had a great crop of spinach. The hardest thing has been trying to keep everything wet.

We are doing real well - trying to relax and enjoy every minute. The boys are such great friends and play so well. We feel so blessed.

Five Year Hormone Inhibitor

I can not take either one of the five year hormone inhibitors without being miserable with vertigo, dizziness and headaches. I am scheduled to have my ovaries removed on the 19th of May. I continue to do research and pray about my reconstruction. I do not have enough skin to have the tissue expander placed in, but can do the other two.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers!
Laura

Dr Patt Visit Today

I visited Dr. Patt today. I have been taken off of Tamoxifen (half a dose is not adequate) - and I was still pretty miserable. I was given a Lupreon shot to stop my production of estrogen for three months. I'll do this until I have my ovaries removed. I also will start a new drug called Arimidex. It is for post menopausal women.

I had a follow up CT to make sure everything is as good as it was before chemo. I now have another bone scan. This is to see the bone mineral deposits, because now I have a greater risk for osteoporosis.

Monday the 28th I have a 3rd visit with a reconstructive surgeon. I also have an appointment with my ob to discuss removing my ovaries.

I continue to do research and pray. I have school schedules, insurance deductible time lines, and many other things to consider. It is overwhelming! But I can do it. It will all work out fine.

Thank you for your continued love and support!

Three Types of Reconstruction

Here are the three types of reconstruction as I understand them and related to my situation.

Tissue Expander- the original incision from my mastectomy will be reopened, a tissue expander will be placed under the pectoral muscle. The tissue expander is a very sturdy, empty implant with a rubber access like the Port a Cathe. A month after it is placed under the muscle, expansion begins 50cc a week until the desired breast volume is obtained. Then it must be in place for four months before a second surgery is done replacing the expander with a saline filled implant. Then a month later a nipple is constructed on the breast. Tattoos are the last step- it takes about three trips to complete. All three surgeries are done as out patient surgeries and each last less than two hours.

Lattisimus Dorsi Flap- this surgery uses the muscle, fat, and tissue from the back. It is tunneled under the skin to where the breast will be reconstructed. The skin, muscle and fat would stay intact to the original blood vessels. Mine would require a tissue expander so start that process all over- fill it, replace it, nipple, tattoos. The first surgery requires at least one nights stay in the hospital. The surgery itself would take under three hours.

TRAM Flap- Transverse rectus adbominus musculoctous flap- uses muscle, fat and tissue from the woman's abdomen. The flap may be either remain tethered to the original blood supply and be tunneled up through the chest wall, or it is completely detached and formed into a breast mound using microsurgical techniques. This would require five nights in ICU and be a long surgery.

Reconstructive Surgeon Visit #2

I went to a second reconstructive surgeon today. He as very nice and professional. He said I did not have enough skin to choose the surgery that uses a tissue expander only. He suggested the Latissimus Dorsi Flap procedure.

Reconstructive Surgeon Visit #1

Today I visited my first reconstructive surgeon. He was very nice and informative. There is a lot to wrap my brain around and think about. He felt that I was a good candidate for any of the three types of surgery.

I have cut my Tamoxifen dose in half. I still have vertigo but I can drive and function. I wonder if I'll get adjusted to the "rolling feeling" while loading the dishwasher, switching laundry, bathing a child, or just generally what I do in a day.

Thank you for the continued prayers. I am ready for closure with this journey but need to be patient.

Love and prayers,

Laura

Lif is a Gift from God, Cherish it, Live it!

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is a beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is life, fight for it!
-Mother Teresa

The Last Chemo is Done!

I am ten days out from my last chemo, and very happy to be done. I am doing good - all things considered. This time I had more bone and joint aches, but not as many headaches. Again I slept probably 20 hours each day following chemo for the first three days. Then I did pretty well with being on my own with the boys. It was our Spring Break so we relaxed and took it easy.

Thank you for all the meals, help and support. I know that with out the loving support of friends and family this journey would have been much harder. Now all that needs to be done is reconstructive surgery and grow some hair.

Joshua 1:9 NIV

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you where ever you go."

Holding to this promise I will continue on forward knowing the rewards of each day are sometimes a child's loving embrace and smile. All of this will make me stronger and allow me to help others in their time of need. We are not alone even though there is only one pair of footprints in the sand.

Count down to the last chemo is 3 days

Thursday March 6th is my last chemo. I am ready to get it over with but I am also anxious about it too. My last treatment was easier but I got some respiratory junk and thrush. They were both treated quickly with antibiotics and a liquid to swish in my mouth. I feel good- I am weak and fatigued but focusing on being healthy and getting better. Lots of rest, eating well, and enjoying each day. Thank you for the continued prayers and support. We are almost through the chemo phase. Next phase reconstruction, building strength and being healthy.

love you all and prayers,
Laura

The Second Was The Worst

It is Tuesday. I had chemo on Friday. I feel good. I have terrible allergies and respritory junk but I am on antibotics for that. I am tired, very tired but all things considered I am great! Thank you for the yummy meals, prayers, notes, and kind words. We are almost thorugh this passage and preparing for better things. Thank you for all your support.

love and prayers
Laura

After today one more to go....

I have chemo today, then one more to go. I am confident that I will feel better than I did after my second treatment because I know which of the pain medications make me feel worse. I also realize that my anexity was causing me to "feel" worse. So here I go for number three. Thank you for the prayers and love and support. You all are carrying me through this and I can never thank you enough or repay your kindness.

love and prayers,
Laura

February 4th, 2008

I had a harder time with the last chemo. We can compare the two: the first was being hit by a motorcycle, the second was a mini van. The headache lasts a little longer! Thank you for all the love and prayers you sent our families way! It helps keep us going. I am half way done and trying to find all the positives in this journey that I can.

Love and prayers for you all,

Laura

2 Down, 2 To Go

January 24 I had my second chemo treatment. I had some nausea, heartburn, and I was terrible gassy. All three together is just not right. Today is much better - I am tired and have my headache. I do not have another appointment until February 15th which is my next chemo treatment. Unless of course I feel badly or run a fever. Thank you for all your continued support, love and prayers.

Laura

January 23

Tomorrow I have chemo again. This time should be easier or as easy as the first. I am ready to be done with it all so this gets me one step closer. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Laura

Doctor's Appointment

I had a doctor's appointment today. They did blood work to check my levels. Everything looked fantastic! I am so grateful! Very good news! Thank you for all the prayers!

January 7th, 2008

The only side effect I am experiencing today is exhaustion. I have not needed any of my prescriptions. William and I had a great day at home together. I drove to pick up David from school. I am so thankful to be doing so well. Thank you for all of your love, kind words, and prayers. They are so important to us.

Day 3

Day 3 is supposed to be the worst. I have a terrible headache and tire easily but other than that I am doing real well.
Thanks for your continued love and prayers.
Laura

Chemo Treatment Number One Is Done

Well, the honeymoon is over. Laura received her first dose of chemotherapy today and she seems to be tolerating it pretty well. She started the day with a visit with Dr. Patt, then some lab work and then it was off to the infusion room. After being hydrated and given some 'pre-meds' via her port, they finally gave her the adriamycin and cytoxan. At around 2:00 she was finished. So far she is eating well and with the exception of a bad headache, she is in great spirits. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Happy New Year!

Today is January 1st, 2008. We have had a wonderful Christmas season. It has been very busy and full of family visits.

Thursday January 3rd I start chemo. The first of four. I am not excited about it....... but ready to get it done. I am ready to look chemo square in the eye and give it a run for it's money. Then we can find our new and improved normal to continue on with our lives.

They compare the effects of chemo to child delivery for women. They are different for everyone. There is no way to predict. They have common side effects but no one can predict how it will effect you personally. We will just wait and see. The complaints are 1 fatigue, 2 constipation, 3 nausea, 4 hair loss. Then there is tons of others that I have heard of as well.

Thank you for your continued prayers. We need them more now than ever. I will blog more often so you know how we are all doing. We love you. May God bless you and fill your life with love, joy, and good health.

Laura