Surgery scheduled

I met with the surgeon today and will have my operation on April 13th. This will be to remove the area that contains some potentially cancerous cells in my other breast. The week before I will have pre-op blood and EKG done.

Turkeys galore...

  

The turkeys have come back...Gobble Gobble

  

My truck sits in my garage with the exact mileage of 100,000 miles....

  

100,000 miles!!

It's the little things in life that can get you excited. My truck rolled over 100,000 miles tonight. In fact, Tim and I took the long way home from soccer just to have that happen. And as I pulled into the driveway it happened! We were joking that it would be so cool if that were to happen. I had to run into the house and get the camera. As Barry recently said to me, I tell it all in my blog....

Happy Birthday, truck... May I get 100,000 more miles out of you.

A restful weekend

This weekend has been very restful for me. Yesterday I volunteered for about an hour at the school sorting out a fundraiser product. Tim and I did some raking of the flower beds before noon. And then the snow flurries came for the majority of the day. Temps only in the 30s. Not the typical spring day. I took advantage of this cold weather and napped for about 2 hours. Mmmm, I love my naps. In the evening we ate shopping and out to dinner.

After mass today I attended a eucharstic minister meeting. It was a gathering of 4 new ministers (I was one of them) and the existing ministers. Only took a short while. While on Long Island I had done this at the church and just recently I had thought of doing it once again. I'm looking forward to this opportunity. Have to admit that I was not able to take a nap today. No time to.

Hard to believe that Monday is upon us again. This weekend certainly did go by fast.

Minor complication

I was awaken early this morning but the feel of something wet on my pajama top. Went to the bathroom and saw that it was blood coming from the breast that had the biopsies about 3 weeks ago. Cleaned up and put bandaid on it. Then went back for my last hour of sleep.

I went to work and made a couple of phone calls to have it checked out. I knew I needed it to be looked at when I took a peek under the bandaid and it continued to bleed.

End result: Did see the radiologist who did the biopsies and she told me that it was a hematoma, collection of blood. I had noticed the bump there but had nothing to compare it to. She did drain the blood by pressing on it. Am glad I took care of that. She taped me back up. Said it could happen again but now I know what to expect.

Am so thankful for Dr. G (my oncologist) who I called. He contacted the radiologist as I did not know how to contact her. I was able to go directly to the hospital where she met me immediately. Upon leaving she gave me her direct telephone number.

Not sure how this will play out on Tuesday. This is my next appt. with surgeon. He originally wanted the area healed a bit before surgery. Oh well.....at least I'm in no rush.

PS. Yes, I will be doing my first Relay for Life walk next month. Am hoping that Barry will join me in the survivors' walk. It's a powerful and moving event.

Go away you raccons...

We enjoyed seeing and feeding the turkeys in our back yard, but have stopped for awhile. It seems that as soon as it got dark we were being visited by two raccoons. And we don't need those nasty critters hanging around the house and under the deck. Right after it got dark, they would be in the back yard and even climbing into the bird feeder. So for awhile, the birds and turkeys are not being fed by us. So far it is working. Have not seen the 'coons last night or tonight. I sure do miss seeing the turkeys.

Congrats to Mel Jr

I'm still here, just have nothing much to report these past couple of days. Just wanted you to know where I have been. Guess no news is good news.

Just got good news at 10:30 p.m. Our friend Mel Jr. has been signed to play with Buffalo Bills! Congratulations!!

Check out buffalobills.com

Fowler Signs

The Bills continue to be active players in free agency. On Tuesday, Buffalo officially signed quarterback Craig Nall and offensive lineman Melvin Fowler. In addition, running back Maurice Morris and defensive tackle Monsanto Pope were in town to meet with GM Marv Levy and Head Coach Dick Jauron. Morris has been the back-up to Shaun Alexander in Seattle while Pope started 21 games in four years for the Broncos.

Sundays are a day of rest

And this proved to be the case for both Tim and I.

As soon as Barry went back to work today, Tim and I took what turned out to be a 2 1/2 hr. nap (Dad would disagree and say that was NO nap!) Tim is becoming like me... I've always said, "I love my weekend naps."

Barry's gone back to work today. Am sure he'll feel the effects of this after the shift is over. But I do think being with others and having other things to think about will be good for him.

Friends..

Do you know what the definition of a friend or friendship is? Let me quickly explain it to you.

A friend spends hours organizing and getting together other couples to go out to dinner with us. And it is these other friends who join us in going out to dinner. Hard to explain in words what has happened this past couple of days. Becky suggested we needed to go out to dinner, and she spent many phone calls (back and forth) with our other frinds organizing this evening. We are now headed out to dinner with what started as 2 families and has nicely grown to 4 families. Now this is friendship! Thanks to everyone and of course the Beckster....

9:30 p.m.
Home from a great gathering of friends. The service lacked speed, but the food and friendship was so nice. I think we were a group of 16. That speaks a lot of how many friends we have here. Once again, thank you.

Happy St. Patricks Day

At work today there was a dessert sale for Relay for Life events. And boy, there was so much good stuff to buy. Brought home some cupcakes for the boys (wink, I'll probably eat them all!)

We went out to dinner to Red Lobster. Today was just a day of good food. And we're also going out to dinner tomorrow with our friends. Looking forward to that. Will be first time in a long time that Barry's been out with our friends. Think it was back in the fall.

That's it for now.

PS. Special thanks to a new friend, Brittany on posting a comment. If you ever want me to sum up my past year I would be happy to. Every day is a blessing and I'm quite thankful for the support we have. This blog is good therapy for me.

St. Patty's day dinner.

When I walked in the house tonight from work, Barry had dinner all cooked for us. What a treat. He had cooked corned beef in the pressure cooker. And served it with the following recipe: mashed potato, mixed in 1/2 head of cooked cabbage, stick of butter and sour cream, (oh yes, the leftover pulp of carrots from his healthy carrot drink he made was also mixed in). Hard to describe this Irish recipe, but boy was it delicious.
It was our early St. Patty's day dinner. Made better because I didn't have to cook it.

A special thank you for my family and friends who have sent me money towards next month's American Cancer Society Relay for Life walk that Tim will be walking in. I do appreciate your kindness.

Happy Anniversary to Me.

One year survivor and still counting.

Attitude has so much to do with living. Being strong from and for others also are key elemenets of this thing called living. Getting strength from people who've been where I'm going, and being strong so you can also be an example for others. Jody put it just fine.

THANKS.

Both of us saw doctors today. I met with surgeon and will go back in 2 weeks to see him again. The breast is too bruised from the recent biopsies, and needs to be healed before he does surgery. Told me that I will be having a mammogram the day of the surgery, radioligist will insert some kind of wire into area and then off to operating room for me. Won't be seeing my buddy Chris as this will be done at hospital.

Barry will be returning to work next week. The discomfort is still there but he never complains. Only tells me how it is when I ask him how he's feeling. Perhaps being back to the work environment will benefit him. Before you know it, it will be time for another round of chemo..

Tomorrow is my one year anniversary since being diagnosed with cancer. My how time flies..

Lightning in area so not bloggin' much tonight. 60 degrees outside. Cold temps coming.

Barry had checkup in a.m. and I have surgeon appt. p.m.

Adios as my sister would say..

Barry's feeling a bit better today.

After I took a nice 2 hr. nap today (yes, Dad- 2 hrs.) I did a little raking and picked up sticks in the yard. Temps were low 70.s and I couldn't resist. Actually worked up a sweat. Didn't even need a jacket.

Just took roaster out of oven. That'll be our dinner. Wish it was fried shrimp from Golden Boy on the Cape, but that can't be...

Email from a Survivor

This is an email I got today from a survivor I met at a Relay for Life walk last year. And we've communicated via email through the past months. This is what surviving is all about:

***************
I've been reading your blog all along since we met last June.
I just wanted to let you know in Dec. '05 I was once again diagnosed with cancer. I went back to Pittsburg for my treatments. I have stage 4 cancer. I'm taking one day at a time. I still go to work everyday. I understand why Barry does it. We do what we have to.
I will be in a Relay for Life somewhere this year. Just depends when and were they are and how I'm feeling. Once again I say to everyone...Life is good!


*****************

I know she wouldn't mind me posting this. It's all about taking one day at a time, and being thankful for that day! Again, you need a good support system to help you with the bumpy ride.

I have an appt. on Tuesday p.m. with my surgeon. Have already picked up medical records from hospital.

Doing my taxes tonight so not much blog....

Flowers delivered

A highlight of my day was when I was told that I had something to pick up at the main desk. And that usually means flowers. When I saw the beautful flowers I couldn't imagine who they were from. They were in a very nice glass vase, a mixture of nice spring colors. They were from a "bosom buddy" of mine, a fellow breast cancer survivor Aileen. Let me repeat myself, I've met so many wonderful people this past year! Thanks, Aileen.

Well, my doctor has left two more messages for my surgeon. No return call though. Think perhaps I'll have him look into a surgeon at the hospital he is affiliated with. I don't like waiting around.

That's it for today. As they say, a good day.

26 years of marriage /test results are in!

Last year we went to Phoenix and saw the St. Laurents. What a nice way to celebrate 25 years. This year is a bit different but both of us are still here. So as they say, "it's a good day."

I'm heading to work after a good night's sleep. Am sure Dr. G. will be calling me with test results. I sure do hope I passed with flying colors.. As always, I carry my hope charm with me since Linda gave it to me a year ago.

I finally got the call from Dr. G. in the afternoon. He had been doing rounds at the hospital all day. Here's the scoop:

BENIGN-liquid that was drained from cyst
BENIGN-tissue samples from 2 suspicious areas

but the 2 above areas show "atypical ductal hyperplasia", short name is ADH. Benign but could be pre-cancerous stage. About the size of pinheads. He has recommended surgery to remove the areas in question. This is due to my previous bout with cancer. He has already left message for my surgeon to call me. And if you guys remember from last year, the anesthesiologist Chris was really a cutie! Hope he still works for Dr. H. I was ready to accept any diagnosis so am quite pleased with this good news. No need to wait around, remove what could be bad.

Definition I found online:

****Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia (ADH)
It is important to understand that Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia (ADH) is not cancer. ADH means that the cells lining the milk ducts of the breast are growing abnormally.

ADH can only be diagnosed by examining a sample of breast tissue under a microscope. This small sample of tissue is removed with a hollow needle (called core needle biopsy) or by a small operation.

The area in the breast is usually seen on breast x-rays (mammograms) as a cluster of small deposits or spots of calcium salts, known as calcifications.

In most women ADH is harmless and will not cause any further problems. However, for some women ADH can mean there is a higher than average risk of developing breast cancer in the same breast in future.

*****************************

After taking Tim to his weekly flute lesson, we went out to dinner to a local brewery to celebrate our anniversary. We had never been there and it was very good.

Barry's doing pretty good. Taking it easy. Does try to sleep but has trouble when in the laying down position. His next appt. is on Tuesday, about when his hair will be falling out. I've already once again volunteered to shave it for him.

No results

Last night I didn't sleep very well. Kept waking up. At about 1 a.m. I did take another percocet for the pain. Since I did not work today, I let Tim take shower first. Then I got in shower and took the dressing off of my breast. I noticed fresh blood in the dressing. I didn't even get the conditioner out of my hair and I felt as if I was going to faint. I think the combination of going into a steamed room and seeing the blood did it to me. I immediately went and crashed on my bed. I had planned on going to see Dr. G. with Barry for his blood work and check up. Told Barry I was going to stay home. But he encouraged me to go with him, a chance to show Dr. G. the results of yesterday's biopsy. I did get up and dressed. Barry had his weekly blood work and all the tests were perfect! Another appointment has been made for next week. Barry continues to stay out of work, the first time since being diagnosed.

My breast is pretty much bruised today. But that was to be expected from all the probing done yesterday. You'll just have to imagine the colors, I'm not going to post on my blog!

Took a couple of catnaps during the day which felt good.

Had expected to hear the biopsy results from Dr. G. today but he never called. Have to think that no news is good news.

Will be returning back to work tomorrow. I want to thank Cara, my nurse from the hospital for showing interest in reading about our lives. You see, that is why I do this: to share with others what we are going through. It's my form of therapy. And to think it all began when Becky and Marian gave me a diary last year after one of my surgeries. But writing down my thoughts with pen and paper was tiring, typing online is a breeze. So I guess I have to thank my 2 friends for this blog idea.

UPDATE: At about 8 p.m. tonight, while I was at soccer game with Tim, Dr. G. called Barry and said that he had not heard any news on my biopsy. He was actually still at his office. Said he would check in with hospital in morning. Just wanted to make sure that I knew no results were given to him.

Jane's two biopsies

First biopsy: 10:30 a.m.
Second one is at 1 p.m.


I went to work a 1/2 hr. early and left at 10 a.m. for my first biopsy. The first biopsy was done using sonogram for guiding the needle, and the radiologist Dr. M. was able to aspirate the cyst. It appears to be just cystic tissue but will be analyzed and results done within 4 or 5 days. I have had this test in the past so knew what to expect. And like the last one I had, the tissue was hard to go through for the needle to drain it. Had to be jammed a bit. Just a little uncomfortable.

There was about 1 hr. time in between the two appointments. So I went to the cafeteria to eat some lunch.

The second biopsy, a stereotactic biopsy, began by having a couple more mammogram pictures by Linda. I was then brought to the room where the test is given. You lay on your stomach on a basically flat table, with an opening for your breast. The table is raised and the medical staff/radioligist are beneath it to the side. My breast was compressed as if a mammogram was being performed. Dr. M. did the incision for the larger needle to be used, and then the other radiologist Dr. L. did the procedure. Of course they constantly numb the area as I react with discomfort. But never did I complain. To me it was important to get as much sample tissue of the two areas in question. I had thought there was only one questionable area, but there was another by it's side. This test is done by a computer with the specific readings or location of area programmed into it. It pinpoints where the needle should go, and snips the sample tissues. Unlike the first biopsy, the samples are tissues and not liquid. This is why this test was done. I will know the results within 24 hours. They will call Dr. G. my oncologist with them. I did feel pinching feeling but heck, pain is good.

After the biopsy, Cara came in to once again go over the discharge instructions and to see if I had any questions. She is one of the many nurses who I had contact with these past 2 visits. More nice people entering my life in a stressful time. I got to talking to her about my life and Barry's life. She seemed honestly interested and asked if I would ever be willing to talk to someone else if they had questions about these tests, from a personal level. I explained my online journal and how I do like to touch others with my/our experience. I have since sent her my blog address.

I left the hospital at 3 p.m., a long day for me. I couldn't wait to get home. I treated myself to a Dairy Queen cone even. I immediately called my parents as I left the hospital to tell them the tests were done. I was surely feeling the pain in the breast and took tylenol. Made a couple phone calls to update work and family. I will not be working tomorrow as I am to rest for 24 hrs. As I lay down in bed, the pain was such that percocet came to my mind. I took one of those pills I had from prior surgery and quickly felt relief. I slept for a couple of hours.

As I was driving home, I came upon Tim and his friend Tess. Gave them a ride home. I told Tess that all the nurses and doctors adore her dad at the hospital. She laughed.

When Tim got out of the car, he asked why I had not told him directly about the biopsies today. He had heard me talk on the phone with Becky the night I heard the need for them. I could only say I didn't want to upset him with everything else going on in our lives. But I now that he is old enough and I will not keep things like this from him again. I truly am thankful for such a mature kid.

Well, the percocet is still making me feel pretty good. There was a lot of activity today on my poor little boob!

Thanks to all for your continued thoughts and good vibes. And a special thank you to the medical staff who touched my life today. Angels do walk among us.

At about noon today, the phone rang for Barry. Guess who? It was his oncologist Dr. G. calling to see how he was doing. I thought that was pretty nice of him. Barry goes back to him on Tuesday for additional blood work. All the tests he had on Friday were perfect, which was the day he felt so sick on. So that was good news.

He's been eating well and resting throughout the day. I can tell he's feeling a bit better because he can toss in an insult every so often! That's my Barry. Still not up to do any marathon yet.

Well, since it's Sunday the day of rest, I think it's time for a little siesta for myself. Tim's doing homework, Barry's resting. And for 2 hrs. this evening Tim and I have to attend a confirmation meeting at the church. So until later....zzzzzzzzzz

I did enjoy my nap. Tim and I went to the meeting as planned.

In the morning I will be having the first of two biopsies. I'll go to work for a couple of hours, and depending how I feel after the biopsies I may or may not return to work. And you know, I'm honestly not scared because I know I can handle anything now. I've got more strength now than ever before.

PS. Mary Lou, I got the cross that you gave me blessed by Father Phil today. Again thanks!

Time to heal

Barry has spent today mostly in bed. Am glad that he has started to eat today. Ate all meals with us, including my famous "chicken shit" dish. I was actually pleased to be able to talk to his oncologist this a.m. as I left the driveway. He was coming out of his street and stopped to chat with me. Assured me that the heavy sweating that Barry is doing, along with the many internal aches he is feeling are good signs. Signs that the chemo drug is killing the cancer cells, and then something happening with the good cells. And he said that to his knowledge, there is more success in this treatment when one has these side effects. Barry has not had any fever. Just wakes up in pool of sweat. But as we were told, it will be about a week of sickness. He continues to be a tough guy going through this.

Tim stayed put most of the day until the afternoon. He hooked up with a friend to play raquetball for a couple of hours. Am glad he got out of the house. At one time today, all 3 of us were napping! And now he's been invited to a sleepover at another friend's house. So all in all, he's had a pretty good day.

It's my 50th BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!

My job gave me a great celebration today. Desk decorated, balloons, pizza, candy and cheesecake. They also made signs all around the building with my picture on it telling people how old I was and to say hi to me. Very nice day.

I called the hospital this a.m. and have moved my biopsies up to be this coming Monday. I don't think I could have lasted 2 weeks. So that made my day.

Barry's having the worst day since being diagnosed today. Didn't sleep at all last night due to aches. And today he's in a lot of discomfort. Sweating and just feeling shitty. Did see his dr. this morning. Had not expected to, but was given the neulasta shot which we had been given previously. and of course, that causes body aches. He was in no mood to disagree with them. Said he slept most of the day. Hate seeing him this way. But have to think cancer cells are being killed.

I did go out to dinner with my girlfriends Becky, Marian and Kelly. They bought me flowers and treated me to a great dinner. Friendship: you can't beat it. Didn't know whether I should go or not, but Barry said to. I think he just didn't care what I did. It's hard for me to know what to do to help him out. Guess just being there if he needs me is all I can do.

Again, thanks to everyone for making this day very special.

Mammogram/sonogram/mammogram

As you know, I had a mammogram this morning. First one of both breasts since being diagnosed. I asked when I would have the results and was told that the doctor would immediately review them and discuss them with me, since I was a cancer survivor. I started with the mammogram, which led to a sonogram of the left breast (not the cancer breast), and then was told that the dr. wanted the breast marked for another mammogram. All this was being done without me actually meeting the dr. yet. It was after the second mammogram that the dr. came in to explain what was happening and what she was seeing. She brought me into her office and showed me the slides, previous ones and present ones. In the past I had mammos done elsewhere but with an incorrect diagnosis a year ago I wanted someone I could trust. Dr. G. (my oncologist) recommended the hospital that he is associated with. There is a spot in question that showed up on the picture last year which was never discussed by anyone. She talks about calcification (not sure of spelling, buildup of calcium) in a specific area. Normally it shows up on the film as dots, but on mine they are not consistent shapes. Sort of squiggly and therefore need to be biopsied. There is another area of question that also needs to be looked at. While I was there, Dr. G. called her about me. Perfect timing. She explained her findings to him and it was a go for me to do the biopsies.
Here is a link I found for one of the

biopsies:http://www.radiologyinfo.org/content/interventional/breast_biopsy_xr.htm
-steriotactic

the other biopsy I've had before, sonogram guided needle biopsy. Both these tests will be done on the same day. Scheduled for 3/15/06 but after much thought tonight I am going to call her in a.m. to see if this can be moved up. And that date would be my one year anniversary in hearing the word cancer. Funny, huh.

I am glad that this dr. is noticing these items, but it also churns up more stuff in my already cluttered head. But I will continue to be strong as I watch Barry also be strong. I know I should not worry but it's a human emotion.

Barry's had many different aches today, nothing consistent. To us the aches are meaning cancer cells are being killed by chemo.

Not sure what I'll do for my 50th birthday tomorrow. Depends on how Barry feels. Some friends of mine think it might be good for me to go out with the "girls" for a couple of hours. They are leaving their calendar open for me to call them tomorrow. A good definition of friendship.

Thanks for listening to me tonight, you know who you are. Tomorrow will be a better day.

Barry's home

I was at the hospital this morning before 9 a.m. (stuck in city traffic). Had to wait around for some meds to be given to him. We got home by 11:30 a.m. Barry walked from the hospital (no wheelchair) into the parking garage. He's like the energizer bunny.
No nausea, doing wonderful. Slept a bit on the ride home, plus on the couch in the afternoon. We even got ashes at the hospital for Ash Wednesday. That was a plus as I was trying to figure out when I would do that.

In 7 weeks he will go back for another CT scan. And he will have blood work weekly which can be done at our local cancer center. They will be able to fax results to UPMC.

After filling some prescriptions for him, I took a nap. And as my dad told me, took some tylenol. Sure we'll sleep good tonight.

Thanks to all! again.

PS. I go for my mammogram tomorrow morning. First complete mammo since being diagnosed a year ago!!

PSS. 10:25 p.m. and I'm once again enjoying the sound of Barry snoring....Just don't tell him...

2 more days and I'm 50!