Surgery Done

Update better late than never? ;)

Mom's surgery was Wednesday.  Planned was a nice simple little same-day procedure.  But....(isn't there always a but?!)....the hospital called my mom Tuesday evening asking her to come in a little earlier for a repeat EKG as her pre-op one looked different from a previous EKG from August.  So Wednesday she had another one.....that one was cause for even more stress to the surgical team than the Tuesday one! (I chalk it up to stress and anxiety on my poor mom's part.  Who wouldn't have EKG changes when they are going through this?)

So after contacting and faxing her EKG tracings to a cardiologist, they got the clear from him to proceed with surgery, being that she was asymptomatic for what her little pitter-patting heart was doing on EKG, and her surgery was sort-of a needed thing.  She does get to meet with the cardiologist this week though for a face-to-face work-up.  Hooray? But, they also decided that she was staying in the hospital overnight to be on a heart monitor to play it safe.  Cut to the chase, her heart did just peachy during and after surgery, with no problems.

So finally, about an hour late, they took her off to radiology and then surgery.  Her BP was pretty high with all the anxiety of the morning, but came right down when they gave her some happy dreamland juice. :) The procedure went great, with her port placed, tumor removed, and lymph nodes checked with the best news of all, no spread to any nodes!  She does still have to do chemo because of the Her2 result, but with negative nodes, that means chemo doesn't have to be increased, and of course, it increases the odds of a positive outcome with catching this cancer before it has spread anywhere else.

We finally saw her later that afternoon in her room, she was looking good and responding well, but tired. I stayed with her for a while, and checked on her again later that night.  The next morning I came down with hopes of checking her out, but she was still quite VERY sleepy and unsteady.  The surgeon came in and saw her and said she'd check on her in the afternoon....I was glad, there was no way she could go home like that!  So I left her to sleep some more, and when I returned that afternoon, she was much more awake and functional.  I think she was just still trying to get the anesthesia and pain meds out of her system.

The surgeon came in, saw she was doing better, and released her to go home. After a little stop at the pharmacy, I got her home.  I was thinking I would stay that night, but she told me she was fine, and I could see that she was getting around just fine so I felt okay about leaving. In the last 2 days since, she is doing well.  A little sore, but she hasn't even taken pain meds since being home.

Again, thank you all for the prayers and well wishes.

As a little post script, my mom has a significant birthday coming up next Sunday....she's turning 80!  Wowzers!  I can't even believe it!  If anyone would like to send her a card wishing her a happy bday, I know she'd love it. If you are needing her address, email me: 3lilsmudgits at comcast dot net and I can send it to you.  Thanks!

Lesson Learned

You'd think at my age I'd have learned to not assume things until I have all the information.  Apparently not.

Like that statement I made in the previous post about if my mom's lymph nodes were found to be clear in her surgery tomorrow she would only need radiation?  Yeah, I'm choking on those words, unfortunately.

My mom, Beth(who was in town for the long weekend), and I met with the oncologist yesterday.  Once again, very good choice of a doctor, and I know I feel quite confident in his abilities.

He took a thorough history, then started talking about my mom's cancer and the proposed care plan.

That's when we found out the result of the last test we were waiting for on the initial biopsy, which was the Her2/neu test.  It was positive.  Not what we expected.  Her2/neu is another type of hormone that stimulates cell growth, and causes the cancer cells to be more aggressive than if it wasn't present.

Good news is there is a drug called Herceptin that blocks the growth receptors on the cancer cells to prevent the aggressive growth.  Not so good news is that if you are Her2 positive, you automatically get chemotherapy along with Herceptin, whether or not your lymph nodes are positive.

We were surprised at the news.  We had, I suppose, unknowingly planned on not hearing about a need for chemo until after surgery.

Surgery is still planned for tomorrow.  Still planned is a lumpectomy w/sentinel node biopsy, along with a port placement now.  The "port" will give IV access for as long as it is in, and will make blood draws and the chemo infusions much easier.

We do not have a start date for chemotherapy as yet, that will come when we meet with the oncologist again, in about 3 weeks.  We do know that she will have 6 chemo treatments, 3 weeks apart.  The Herceptin will then continue every 3 weeks for a year. She will also take an estrogen blocking drug for the next five years, and sometime after the initial 6 chemo treatments, she will begin radiation.

My mom is remaining positive, although is understandably worried about having to go through chemo.  She can certainly think of a thousand other things she'd rather be doing!

We are remaining hopeful, and leaning on the power of prayer at this time.  As our wonderful family friend Rich proclaims, "Faith, Hope, Deliverance!"

**I will update tomorrow as I can, here on my blog, and on facebook, as to her condition following surgery.  Again, especially tomorrow, your faith and prayers are appreciated.  They are felt, and are bringing a calmness to our family.  Thank you!**

Stupid Statistics

You always hear that statistic: 1 in 8 women will have breast cancer in their lifetime.  I personally think that statistic stinks!  And although I hear that stastistic and thought frequently about it, I still felt disconnected from it, in a way.  Even as women in my neighborhood, mothers in the school my kids attend, or just people you hear about through others were diagnosed.  But it became much more of a slap in the face recently.

Granted, my family has been deeply affected by breast cancer. I am married to a most wonderful man, but would not have that man in my life had his first wife not lost her battle with breast cancer.  I am now raising a daughter whose mother was taken from her by this.

But I didn't witness it, and we don't dwell on it.


Back to that statistic....yes, that number always bothered me.  Think about it.  Eight women in a room, and one of them is going to have breast cancer.  But honestly, I didn't really stress about it, because(even though it is not a guarantee) we have ZERO family history of breast cancer.  Not a grandmother, aunt, great aunt....nada.  Until now.  **Edited to read: Hmmm, found out today I didn't have the zero record I thought I had! A cousin told me our great aunt fought with breast cancer for a few years.  I remember she died when I was a teen, and I am not sure if I didn't know what she died of or if I had forgotten.  So, all you female relatives on my fathers side, we do have a family history.**

My ever vigilant and healthy mother, who has faithfully gotten yearly mammograms for as long as I can remember, got called back for a second look at something that had "changed" since her last.  That 2nd look turned into an ultrasound, and that turned into a needle biopsy.  Four days later she got the call that the biopsy came back showing cancer.

Welcome to the statistic.

She dropped the bomb on me the next day. (Thankfully, I took the news well, until a few hours later when my brain refused to concentrate on anything, but this isn't about me.)

So....since then we've been busy.  We've seen the surgeon (who is quite possibly one of the coolest people I've ever met, and would recommend her to anyone).  We received a copy of the biopsy, and the good news is the tumor is small.  The surgeon was very optimistic that it's been caught early.  It is also the typical type (Invasive ductal) and is hormone positive, which means they can treat that component of it with hormone supression drugs.  My mom has opted on a lumpectomy, which is scheduled for the 19th.  At that point, they will also do a sentinel node biopsy to see if there is any involvement there, and be able to "stage" her cancer.  Also in the plans is radiation. It sounds like chemo will only have to take place if they find positive lymph nodes, but that is just from the conversation with the surgeon.  We haven't met with the oncologist yet, but will this coming Monday.

All manner of prayers for my mom are appreciated. :)  She went back and forth on giving me permission to let people know about this, but finally relented. I'll try and continue to update, depending upon what she gives the okay for, but personally, I'm praying that a lot of updating won't be necessary because we are getting this out of her, and moving on with a smile and grateful hearts. :)



I do know that my mom would like to remind everyone to get their yearly mammograms, since that's how they caught this....she never felt anything.

I'm off to make my appointment.......

Christmas Stocking Miracle -progress day 13 thru 25?

I've lost track. Besides, should I really count days I didn't touch it?

Either way, it is done. Well, the stitching is done. As soon as I post this, I'm on the road delivering it to my saint of a mother who has volunteered to finish it into an actual stocking. She feels it her "duty", since she has finished (or helped me) the other 5 hanging on our mantle. So, with 2 days to spare, we are on the way to Ellie's stocking completion. :)

Christmas Stocking - Day 5 thru 12 progress

Looking better...ish?!  It has been crazy.  Therefore, the stocking progress has slowed. But really, scroll down and look at the picture on the post below, go on, I'll wait for you -------- see how much more is done?!  I'm actually feeling impressed with myself now!  There have been eye surgeries (+ complications), choir skirt to finish, choir concerts, and then the whole reason for the stocking...Christmas to still try and prepare for.

Due to Ron's vitrectomies last year, he has developed cataracts, which we expected would happen.  His right eye worsened first, so last Thursday was his first cataract and lens replacement surgery.  It went as expected, and the follow-up appointment Friday looked good.  But Saturday he started seeing flashes of light in that eye, and a lot of "floaters" in his field of vision.  So he called the doctor, who wanted to see him that evening. (Poor guy and his family!  They were up seeing the lights in SLC and stopped by the office on the way home to see him....9:30 at night....5 kids...baby.... Now that is dedication, although his wife and kids were pretty much at his mercy!) There was a spot on Ron's retina that Dr. Brockbank was a little concerned about, so sent him home and told him to lay low on Sunday.  Thankfully, his eye has had no more issues and is slowly improving each day.

Nicole is in the children's choir at school. I've known since October that she needs a black skirt for her performances.  Remember that personality quirk of mine involving procrastination?!  So I of course waited until Monday to make her skirt.  Her first performance was Tuesday. :)  But hey!  I finished it! (I am such a dork.) The school assembly performance went well.  Today is up in SLC at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, so we are schlepping all of us up to go see the lights at Temple Square after. Should be fun, as it's been probably 6 years since we've been.....I think.  I'm pretty sure we have never taken Ellie.  Our children are highly deprived.

Yesterday also involved getting Nicole set up waiting in the "stand-by" line for the school play audition.  The time slots filled up so fast that we didn't get one!  Luckily a couple kids didn't show right at the beginning though, so she got right in and I didn't have to leave her sitting there for 2 hours hoping she'd get in.  Hopefully we'll know before Christmas break if she gets to be in the play. Fingers crossed....she really wants to do it.

I am planning on more stocking progress. But aren't plans great?!  They make things sound so wonderful!  I will finish this stocking before Christmas, although I may have Santa waiting over my shoulder ready to fill it as I get the last stitches in.....

Christmas Stocking - Day 4 progress

I seem to be slowing down, which isn't all that good of a plan. But today was the last day this week I could knock out some Christmas shopping. (Other than some online fun that I'll take care of later.)

Tomorrow Ron has eye surgery, so I will be schlepping back and forth to the hospital, and then making sure he can lay low...so sitting and concentrating on a cross-stitch project isn't going to happen until tomorrow night. I suppose I could work on it while waiting for my patient during surgery and recovery though. :)

So not too exciting of an update tonight.

Oh! How could I forget to mention this? I got to hold the sweetest little tiny of a baby today. Yum! Six days old and the sweetest little girl with a head full of hair. I love that she was blessed to be placed into the cutest family through adoption. Really, her mommy and daddy are such great and deserving parents. Highlight of my day.

Christmas Stocking - Day 3 Progress

Not too good today....and I have yet to touch it!

Yesterday I spent the afternoon finding coordinating clothing for the family picture. We went with dressy; black, fuchsia, and some purple thrown in as well. We'll see how it turns out. The proofs we looked at weren't thrilling....mainly because I did not like the background. I also hope they crop well since there was a bit of extra space on the sides and over our heads....their printed sample pictures they had there were cropped well, so I'm crossing my fingers. That's what I get for doing a fundraiser from a photographer I don't know, I guess?

I'm hoping the temperature goes up a little so I can take the kids somewhere and get some shots of just them. I'm thinking Sundance, since they decorate for the holidays so well, but I also don't want the kids to turn into ice cubes!  I've also decided to tackle another little project that starts with photos, but it thankfully doesn't require clothes or backgrounds....

Obviously, since I'm posting, I survived Zumba. Although, I can attest that I am sure I looked a fool! It reminded me of aerobics with much more of a dance flair....and I'm not a dancer! But it was fun, free, and I'll for sure take advantage of it and go back.

Okay....time to post this, go watch Glee on DVR, and get some more progress done on those angel wings.

Christmas Stocking - Day 2 progress

 

I would love to know what happened to my original day 2 post.....maybe I shouldn't try to manage stuff from my phone, because I'm pretty sure I deleted it accidentally....

Now I can't remember what I said! I think it had something to do with getting some school stuff done, heading out of the house to get clothes for family pictures, and them add in the responsibilities of kids being back in school and doing homework, piano, yada, yada, yada....

How irritating!

For those who commented on the original post, thank you! I love comments. Sorry they went away along with the post. :(

Christmas Stocking - Day 1 Progress

After a lot of stitching yesterday, I made a pretty good dent in the angel's dress. Kudos to Ron for taking charge and letting me stitch away while he did all the parenting duties. Apparently, he really wants me to finish the stocking.

Watched the BYU/Utah game.....nice punt fest for a while. Then some scoring happened. I honestly don't think I've ever seen a game with so many calls that needed reviewing by the refs....and too bad they still couldn't get one of the calls right after the review. Anyone who cares knows the outcome of the game. I personally was nauseated for a while after.

Not sure what I'll be able to get done on the stocking today. Ron is in bed with a migraine. :(

Other newsworthy and not very rad item of the day was waking up to 8" of snow....and it is snowing again now. Jared is highly upset that I'm not taking them sledding.

Poor Neglected Baby

Yes, the above title could refer to my blog which hasn't been posted on for six months (who does that?!)

Oh yeah. Me.

But actually, it is referring to my own baby, Ellie, who still does not have a lovingly cross-stitched Christmas stocking handmade by her mother. Yes, call CPS, my poor almost 5 year old daughter is still waiting for her matching-with-the-rest-of-the-family stocking. I have had all the supplies to make it since the Fall of 2006. I have had great intentions. Of course, I have all sorts of great intentions, but lack a lot of follow through. I blame genetics. ;)

The sad state of Ellie's stocking:

Yes. This year she noticed that she is the only one with a store-bought stocking....turning away in shame from it's matched brothers and sisters...

Then she looked at me with her sad eyes as daddy (thanks daddy...) told her the sad tale of how mommy hasn't made her stocking, then asked the loaded question: "Mommy, will you make me a new Christmas stocking like those?"

Well, duh, who can resist their baby asking a question like that?! So this morning, I got this out:




I've ironed the linen, taped the edges, rolled it to soften it, and as soon as I publish this miraculous blog post, I will begin. I'm actually happy to have something to do to occupy my attention from the BYU/UofU game today.....it'll help prevent a heart attack if it's a close game, or give me a diversion if it isn't.

I'll be posting my progress on this project as my motivation. I now have less than a month to stitch it and turn it into a stocking. My own fault for putting it off. I do work better under pressure.....but still, wish me luck!