David

My husband, David, is the best! I could not have a better partner to help me throught this. Dr Fishel told us that for the next 6 months, I can pretty much get whatever I want - just out of sympathy! But, I'm going to try hard to give David some breaks along the way. He is so wonderful, he wouldn't necessarily ask for a break. So, everyone - call David to ride and ski and hike and get out of the house ANY time. Even if I can't go anywhere, get David out!

Down the Hole

On Thursday, I talked to my oncologist about the chemo regime I'll be doing. She needed to get a verbal consent for the treatments. There are three main cancer drugs, Adriamycin, Cytoxan and Taxol, but there are also many drugs I'll be given to combat side effects. Drugs to prevent nausea and vomiting, steroids to prevent swelling and reactions, drugs to help my blood continue to create red and white cells, drugs to lessen the severity of mouth sores and skin rashes, etc, etc. There is not much they can do to prevent hair loss and fatigue, though. These are not things that might happen, these are things that will happen. This conversation made me feel like I was falling down a dark hole! I haven't cried much about getting cancer but I did then. A few minutes later my good friend Jeff called and took me out with him to run some errands. We had some fun and talked about normal things, and, just like magic, I felt SO much better!

Day 1 of Blog

Hi, I just set up my first blog so that I can keep everyone updated on my status. I'm not a writer like my Olivia but I'll do the best I can! It's called The Posse because I need YOU to watch my back and back me up, just like a posse!

Two days before Christmas 2009, we found out that I have breast cancer. Nice Christmas present, huh? Finding out that I have cancer is bad news, but it immediately did two positive things for me: 1 - I have a focus! I had direction and purpose to my life before cancer, but with cancer there is a sharp, pinpoint focus and a very strong mission. Nothin' like it! 2 - I experienced an immediate, overwhelming outpouring of support and LOVE from family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Feels like a tidal wave of concern. It's very lush and full; very sustaining. It may sound odd, but at this point, the elation of being on the receiving end of all that love and support far, far outweighs fear and dread. I sleep well and feel happy. That's got to be good for cancer fightin'. Thanks!