End of Treatments and Final Blog

Last week was my final radiation treatment and what a journey it has been.  I was scheduled for 30 treatments which took 6 weeks plus one day to complete.  The extra day was due to an equipment problem that caused a day of delay.  The first 25 treatments consisted of radiation from 4 different directions.  The treatments themselves only took about 10 minutes and of course the radiation techs were so professional and accommodating. 

The last 5 treatments were a booster that targeted the surgery area specifically. The process to make the metal plate for the radiation was interesting. The plate blocked the radiation to everywhere except the surgery area which was selected from a detailed mammogram.  The plate was actually made twice because I was concerned that it did not include the area from my second surgery when the surgeon went in to make sure that the margins were clear from cancer cells. 

The radiation plate goes on the end of the extension and is lowered to within an inch or two of the area to be radiated.

I had a big surprise on my final treatment day (Monday, Sept 28). Rick came with me and was taking me out to lunch to celebrate. When I came into the waiting area, Jackie, Errol, and Steph were waiting for me with a finish line banner to break through.  It really brought back lots of treatment memories and of course made me cry.  It really has been a journey from finding the mass, having surgery to remove it, two types of chemo treatments, and finally radiation.  I believe that the biggest miracle has been how well my body handled radiation. I was able to exercise almost every day without ever feeling the exhaustion that so many others have described. I definitely think that exercise has been the key for me.   It was extremely hard to start exercising again about half way through chemo but I hung in there with walking until I could walk my usual 3 to 4 miles and then add some Yoga  and Pilates classes. 

Rick and I went for a wonderful bike ride to Inkom and back this past weekend. It was great to be out on a ride again but I definitely have a ways to go before I have all of my endurance back. I do feel healthy and energized. My final step to beat cancer is to take an anti-estrogen drug for the next 5 years. Rick and I fasted this past week about the drug because we have concerns about possible side effects such as hair loss, bone aches, digestion issues, bone loss, etc, etc, etc. My hair is currently about 1/4 inch long but it is coming quite thick.  I also have my eyelashes back which is amazing because about 6 weeks ago I had zero eyelashes. 

Life really is great and I am looking forward to spending retirement with my husband starting October 2014. 

New Hair?

It has been six weeks since my last chemo treatment and I was in hopes that my hair would be growing by now.  Unfortunately, I have just a tiny bit of fuzz and absolutely no eyelashes.  I am so glad that my hairdresser suggested that I get permanent makeup before I lost my hairs.

  

When I got my permanent makeup my timing could not have been worse because I got an appointment the day before my first chemo treatment.  I had my eyebrows and eyeliner done which caused my eyes to puff up and crust over at the same time as my first and most difficult chemo treatment where I was totally sick to my stomach and unable to get off the couch.  I even had to drive back and forth to American Falls all by myself.  I have been to AF since with my sister and a good friend for their makeup but I always end up going by myself for my own makeup.  Oh well, the price we pay for beauty!

A couple of weeks ago I was getting ready for church and decided to try the artificial eyelashes that my niece Gina gave to me.  I went through three pair of eyelashes with no luck whatsoever.  How are you supposed to glue the eyelashes onto your eyes without gluing your eye lids together? I think that I require eyelashes that are stick on only.  I seemed to have full eyelashes up to about eight weeks ago but then they starting really thinning out.  The last time I used mascara I had no eyelashes on my right eye and four or five on my left eye.  I had trimmed the last couple of eyelashes so that they didn't stand out too much but it did look quite silly.  I have no eyelashes now so I am saving money on mascara and hair products.  I started using Lilash to help my eyelashes grow six weeks ago but no luck so far.  I'm  not giving up yet!!!!!!

Today I went to ISU cosmetology because they have free wigs for cancer patients.  I tried on about 10 wigs and came home with 2 new looks.  Here is a picture of Steph and myself on our way to lunch today.  We are both sporting new looks!

The Last Leg - Radiation

I started the third leg of my cancer triathlon on September 16th.  The treatment is 30 sessions or 6 weeks of treatments that are scheduled for Mondays through Fridays.  I am in the middle of my third week and doing well.  Almost everyone gets quite tired during the round of radiation treatments and needs a few weeks to fully recuperate after they are completed.  My doctor told me that I would be quite the anomaly if I don't get worn out by the treatments.  Rick and I plan to do a lot of my recuperation in Mexico where the weather will be warm and comfortable!

Radiation started with a ct scan so that the doctors could identify where the radiation paths needed to be.  A physicist actually puts the plan together based on the surgery or cancer locations and the location of your vital organs.  This is a pic of the Electa Infinity machine or the radiation room and equipment which cost 3.5 million!  The Infinity does the radiation treatments and takes X-rays as well. The techs take X-rays of my treatment areas each week for the doctors to analyze.

This is a pic of the form that is used for me to lie down on each treatment.  It helps to insure that my body is in the same position for each treatment.  It is not very comfortable even though it was a custom fit!

Skin irritations or burns are another side effect of radiation.  I use aloe vera gel a couple of times a day and so far no irritations.

Chemo - My Eighth and final chemo treatment

Today is my eighth chemo treatment!  The treatments started on May 14th right after Mother's Day through today which is August 20th.  After the first treatment I wondered how I was going to make it.  I learned to take it one day at a time and on treatment at a time.  Thank you all so much for your visits, prayers, phone calls and many, many cards.  Everything has made a difference as I worked through this aggressive chemo schedule!  

I brought some party food for the nurses, doctors and staff to celebrate my last treatment.  Costco chicken salad, rolls, grapes, and potato chips were on the menu. Dessert included Mrs Fields cookies and Decadent Brownie Bites - delicious!!!!

Over the Hump

I made it through treatment #6 and I am looking forward with only 2 remaining.  This week the Taxol was not as bad or at least I have not been experiencing neuropathy.  I definitely have metal mouth, tiredness and nausea but I am able to do light exercise and my appetite has been really good.  I still love the thought of a good old hamburger but salad and vegies are a crucial part of my diet!

On piece of good news from this last treatment - my red blood count was up slightly and I did not need to have an infusion of iron nor a transfusion!

Rick married a young couple from our ward last night (Rachel Fisher and Cody Clinger) and here is a picture of us at the wedding.

Here is a picture of Rick with Cody and Rachel during the ceremony.

My sister Dee and her husband Harold are coming to stay with us this week.  It has been so fun to have sisters, a daughter and friends come to spend time with us and to help out with meals, etc.  I am looking forward to November when my treatments will be complete but I am also enjoying this summer at home with friends and family!

Spinderella and After

My daughter Jacqueline sent me an email saying that I needed to get some postings on my blog.  I am so sorry that I have been so neglectful.  I can't say that I have been super busy because usually there is nothing on my calendar unless it is a bi-weekly treatment or fluid.  

I was able to ride in Spinderella on June 15 and rode 25 miles.  One of the best parts of the ride were the fellow riders who would take the time to ride with me and to encourage me about my progress.  I also had my husband close by in our car so that he could keep an eye on me and he was able to make sure that I did not get over tired.

After the ride.

A photo shot with Lorie Murray when we picked up our packets.

The first four of my chemo treatments were completed on June 25th and I was really happy to be moving on to the next set of treatments.  Nausea had been the most difficult side effect of the treatments and it was present pretty much 24/7.  On July 9, I started a series of four treatment of Taxol.  I was warned by one of the PA's that Taxol would not be easier but it would be different.  I came to realize that difference the very next day.  Any callouses or rough spots on my feet had become super sensitive from the prior chemo.  A possible side effect from the Taxol is neuropathy and my feet and hands were extremely effected with redness, swelling, tingling, etc.  Steph Victor and I were talking on the phone on July 11th and I just broke down in tears.  I knew that there were side effects but for some reason I was not prepared for the pain and inability to walk on my feet.  Fortunately Steph took me for fluid, gave me an awesome foot massage and took me to lunch afterwards.  When I got home, Joan Hansen had sent me a darling teddy bear and a box of delicious chocolates!  I don't know how I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends and family!  You are all fabulous!!!!

I don't remember having a stuffed animal before and I have really been enjoying this cute pink teddy!

Rick and I had signed up to participate in the Joint Jaunt on July 13 - he was doing a 10K run and I was doing a 5K walk.  We really didn't know if I would be able to participate because of the neuropathy .  Fortunately, Steph's massage along with several more and Melagel took the swelling and pain down so that I was able to do the walk.  I took my time but I came in 8th out of 14 in my age group.  The Joint Jaunt was to honor participants with full joint replacements so I fit right in with my two miracle hips. 

My next treatment is scheduled for Tuesday (5 of 8).  My biggest health problem is anemia due to a low red blood cell count.  If my count continues to drop then I will probably receive either an iron infusion or a transfusion.  The anemia could also push the treatments back one week.  I will let you know how things go.

To Inkom and Back

Wednesday evening was only the second day after my chemo treatment and I felt like I wanted and needed to take a ride on my road.bike,  I called my good friend Lorie and asked her if she could take a ride with me which we scheduled for this morning.    We parked my car at the Portneuf church and started spinning toward Inkom.  I felt great and it was such a thrill to be out riding on such a beautiful morning.  I did notice that I didn't have quite as much energy on the hills but overall I didn't notice too much difference from other rides that we had taken.  We made it to Inkom and then took Old Highway 91 south and then went a little ways toward Pebble Creek.  At that point we headed back toward home by riding right through downtown Inkom.  

The ride home was definitely slower.  Today was only the second time that I have been able to ride this year so I am definitely not in great shape for riding.  It felt absolutely marvelous to finish the ride and to make it back to the car.  I must say that I took a much needed nap this afternoon.

One thing that I learned from my ride today - I am going to be able to ride in Spinderella on Saturday!!!

The Caregiver - Rick's Perspective

On the day before Easter, Jacqueline's brother-in-law, Bryon, hosted a brunch at his home in Bountiful, UT.  We had a wonderful time there with good food, good conversation, and a house full of happy children.  Sue had been working hard to prepare for a 100 mile bicycle race.  She looked great in a new spring/summer outfit.  We talked of our upcoming trip to Spain and Portugal.  Sue was loving her retirement and I was within a year and a half of retiring.  Life was good.

We were both aware of the upcoming biopsy of the lump Sue had recently found.  But we had gone through that three times before with negative results.  The biopsy was scheduled for the day after Easter and it was supposed to be nothing more than an inconvenience.  I watched closely as the doctor performed the procedure.  It was obvious that this was different than the previous biopsies.  The doctor was non-committal, but did say that the lump "looked suspicious".  We were scheduled to hear the results two days later. 

At the appointed time the doctor began by saying that the lump was cancerous.  She immediately started to explain the surgical procedure to remove it.  Sue began to cry and asked for a moment to process what we had just heard.  We were stunned.  At that point the lump was small and they didn't think that it had spread to the lymph nodes.  Surgery was scheduled for the next week.  We went along with the recommendation of a partial mastectomy.

After the surgery the surgeon came out to tell me that the lump was bigger than they thought and that it had spread to the lymph nodes.  They had planned on taking 2 nodes, but had taken 4 because the first 2 “looked suspicious”. Tissue samples had been sent to ensure that they had removed all the cancer cells.  They also had to test for hormonal reactants (all new vernacular for us).  When the tests came back we were told that the margins were not wide enough and more surgery was required.

The next week brought more surgery and more testing.  Her HER2 test had been borderline (1.85).  If it was above a 2 she would have an extra year’s worth of weekly chemo type drug infusions.  We really didn’t want that.  Retesting brought the reading within acceptable limits (1.43).  Yay!  The ER tests came back positive which means that she will be on medication to suppress all her estrogen for 5 years after all her chemo and radiation are completed.  She turned pale when she read that it causes weight gain.

The surgeries were invasive, but manageable.  The worst was yet to come.  They gave her a few weeks to heal and then the dreaded chemo began.  Her oncologist is a good friend, neighbor, and ward member.  His name is David Ririe and we have complete confidence in him and his abilities.  He explained that he wanted to be aggressive in the treatment.  Sue was in excellent physical shape and he felt that she could handle it.  He decided on a 2 week regimend (instead of 3) with a very strong chemo cocktail.  He also wanted her to have 8 treatments instead of 6.  The one side effect that I focused on was that it could cause headaches.  I knew that if this were the case, Sue’s migraines would soar.  That has certainly been the case.

The first time that we met with Dr. Ririe it was at the Cancer Center.  Sue was on her way to work at the Temple that day and was dressed very nicely.  Her hair was also at its best.  She looked healthy in every way.  As Sue was filling out paperwork I watched as a nurse helped a patient walk by.  Her bald head was covered by a scarf and she could barely shuffle along.  She looked like death was at her doorstep.  I felt my stomach turn over.

The first infusion was given on May 14.  We got there early for her blood work.  During her second surgery they had surgically inserted a port above her right breast (her left breast had the lump).  The port is used instead of having to find veins for the IV’s.  It has truly been a blessing for Sue.  Her veins are very small and hard to find.  This way they have direct access to an artery.  The first 3 IV’s were for nausea.  They then started the first chemical.  They are using 2 different kinds for the first 4 treatments.  The second chemical is red and very toxic.  Jacqueline is familiar with it and its effects and calls it Red Devil.

During the infusion the patient has a very comfortable recliner.  They also have a very pleasant view of the valley below.  The caregiver, however, gets the not-so-comfortable chair with their back to the window.  It reminds me of waiting for a flight in an airport.  The chair is not quite comfortable enough to be restful, you have hours to kill, but the WiFi is good.  We were at the Cancer Center for 5 ½ hours the first day.  We found that that was to be an average time for the first 4 visits. 

After the first visit they sent me home with a tremendous amount of material and a handful of prescriptions.  We hadn’t made it home before the nausea and migraine began.  Nothing helped.  Usually one Imitrex will end Sue’s migraines.  The 1^st pill did nothing.  The second pill two hours later did nothing.  Two more hours went by and I finally gave her a shot.  That seemed to help the migraine, but the nausea was unbearable.  I finally called the Cancer Center at about 9:30.  Our Dr. was not on call.  I spoke with another Dr. and was given a list of more items to try.  I took off on my 3^rd trip to the pharmacy that day.  The week dragged by.  Sue had at least one migraine every day and was continuously nauseous.  She was supposed to be drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of fluid each day.  Each sip made her nauseous.  I couldn’t find any food items that sounded good to her.  I would give her one piece of toast cut in quarters and she would eat one quarter and be done.  Everything tasted too sweet to her.

I had taken the week of her first treatment off work.  By the second week I was very concerned about her condition, but went to work on Monday.  Tuesday morning I was nearly ready for work and was talking to Sue as she sat in a chair in our bedroom.  She stopped responding to my questions and I went to see if she was alright.  She looked up at me and her eyes rolled into the back of her head.  Her pupils filled her entire iris.  I called her name and shook her.  She didn’t appear to be breathing and I couldn’t find a pulse.  I was frantic.  I called 911 to have an ambulance sent.  About the time that I was talking to the dispatcher, Sue came to and began to vomit.  At least she was alive!  They took her to the emergency room and started her on fluids.  Her blood work came back with a white blood count of 300.  The normal range is from 5,000 to 10,000.  She had bottomed out and was dehydrated.  I refused to leave her alone.  If I had left for work what would have happened to her?  I called Jacqueline and she made arrangements to come up to help me.

I was so thankful to have Jacqueline here to assist.  We poured over the material that we had received as well as the Internet to try to come up with food items that Sue could eat without getting nauseous.  We took her back for more fluids and each time she responded better.  She still had the migraines, but she was actually eating small amounts.  Sue lost 5 lbs. that first week and I was very concerned about what the next 15 weeks of chemo would do to her body.  She didn’t have the weight to lose.

The day after the fainting incident we went to see Dr. Ririe.  He changed some of her nausea medications and made sure that she had plenty of fluids via IV’s.  He then told us that he had scheduled an MRI the next day.  He wanted to make sure that the cancer hadn’t metastasized to her brain.  Yikes!  That hadn’t crossed our minds.  Sue had the MRI and it came back clear.

By the end of the first 2 week cycle Sue was feeling pretty well.  She had even had 2 days without a migraine!  She had developed what she calls her chemo cough.  It is a dry cough that never goes away.  It has been constant.  As we readied for the 2^nd infusion we both had some anxiety.  Dr. Ririe had told us after the emergency room visit that he would make the next infusion less strong.

When we arrived for the 2^nd treatment they took Sue’s blood work and were pleased to find that her white blood count was back up to 8,500!  Therefore they would stay with the original plan and give her the full dose.  I didn’t think that we could handle another 2 weeks like we had just been through.  As we came home from the Cancer Center we both braced ourselves for what was to come.  It wasn’t all that bad.  Was she nauseous?  Yes, but not enough to take her meds.  Did she have a migraine?  Yes, but the 1^st pill got it under control.  She was still tired and didn’t have much of an appetite, but it was controllable.

Soon after the 2^nd treatment Sue began to lose her hair.  It got to where it fell out as she walked.  She made an appointment with her hairdresser to have her head shaved.  I took her and was surprised at how emotional we both were.  It wasn’t so much the loss of her hair, it seemed to make all this so real.  She then looked like a cancer patient.

We now know when she hits bottom.  It’s on the 8^th day after her infusion.  We can prepare for it by making sure that she is isolated from other people, especially sick people, and by making sure that we take her in several times per week for fluid IV’s.  Sue’s sister, Connie, came to stay with her on her down week this cycle and it freed me up to work 5 days in a row.  That’s a first since Easter!

Throughout this process the support that we have received from friends, family, co-workers, and especially our wonderful ward family has been incredible and overwhelming.  We have wonderful meals delivered 4 days per week.  The cards, flowers, gifts, letters, emails, text, calls, and prayers in our behalf never end.  We are so blessed.  This is just a bump in the road and we will be stronger and more empathetic in the future.  Life is good. 

Lets talk about Hair

Hair is such an interesting and necessary part of women.  I have been a blonde all of my life and really liked being one (even when all of those dumb blonde jokes were popular).  I never really thought about how it might feel to not have any!  When you are diagnosed with breast cancer you tend to take one step at a time. I don't believe that I really even thought or worried about losing my hair until we were preparing for the treatments.  I did order some hats and a couple of scarfs and looked at a few wigs.

I had my hair cut shorter and my hairdresser, Mindy, mentioned that she would shave my head for me when it was time.  I didn't know what or when time would be but at least I knew that Mindy would take care of me.

Dr. Ririe told us that I would definitely lose my hair and that I would probably be one to three weeks after my first treatment.  My hair really started falling out ( all over the bathroom floor and the drain in the shower) two weeks after my first treatment.  I called Mindy and scheduled a time for her to shave my head the next Thursday.  Within two days I called her back and scheduled it for Friday after she closed her shop.  It was 17 days after my first treatment that my head was shaved. When Mindy was finished shaving my head I opened my eyes and looked at Rick.  He looked back at me and I just started crying which made him cry too.

I ordered a wig which arrived just in time to have Mindy trim it a little so that I could wear it to church.  I figured that I would probably wear hats or scarfs anywhere else that I would go.

I have received tons of compliments on my wig and some people think that I had my hair cut this way.  The only problem with a wig is that I can only stand to wear it for a couple of hours.  After that my head and ears are all ready for some relief!  Rick remembers his Mom tearing her wig off as soon as they drove into the garage.  Last week after church I wanted to take my wig off as soon as I left the building but I made myself wait until I pulled into our driveway.

Here is how I look in my church outfit without the wig.

I don't know if I will ever get used to seeing myself in the mirror without hair!  I have gotten used to not covering my head when I am at home so people that drop by for a visit are always going to see me without any hair. I wonder if they will get used to it?

Treatment #2 (two of eight)

My second treatment was so much more uneventful than the first one.  Dr. Ririe did tell us that the first treatment showed how my body reacts to chemo and to not expect the treatments to be much different.  Monday night before the treatment, I was quite worried and emotional because I felt that the first treatment had been really difficult.  But my experience with the second treatment ended up being totally different from the first one.  Yes I had days of fighting nausea and several migraines, but nothing as severe as the first treatment.  We also learned that I need to get fluid two or three times every week so that I can stay hydrated.  I truly feel that The Lord blessed me during the second treatment and lightened my burden through all of the prayers that have been offered in my behalf by so many wonderful people.  I feel so blessed to have wonderful healthcare and doctors, loving and caring friends, neighbors and family.  I am also blessed with wonderful insurance and a loving, supportive husband.

I am also blessed to have two treatments down and only six more to go!

My First Treatment ( one of eight)

My first treatment was at our beautiful new cancer center at the Portneuf Medical Center.  First I went in to have my blood drawn and then I reported to Dr. Ririe and Nurse Robin.  We were impressed with all of the items that have been donated by the American Cancer Society ( now 100 years old). And other local groups.  Items include hats, warming bags, new wigs, etc.   And of course they have all kinds of events scheduled for the patients such as therapy groups and scarf tying lunch meetings. 

The infusion area for the cancer center has space for 12 patients that can be treated at one time.  I really felt the spirit when I first stepped into that area.  I could feel the love and care that the nurses provide to all of us patients.  Sara Lee is one of the main nurses that works in this area and she does an amazing job!  We were able to catch a picture of her as she dashed around!

During the day some volunteers brought two therapy dogs for us to pet.  They were both beautiful,sweet dogs.

Rick got quite cozy in the two guest chairs.  He would really like his own lounge chair!

We left the cancer center around 2:30 pm after arriving there at 9:30 am.  Unfortunately, as soon as we got home the nightmare started.  Nausea and migraines started immediately and were still not under control until after bedtime.  It was a really scary first night but somehow we made it through!  The week proceeded pretty much the same with lots of nausea and migraines.  I am supposed to drink 64 ounces of fluid per day just to stay hydrated but was not able to take in nearly that much because even water is impossible to get down when you are nauseous.  

The climax hit on Tuesday morning, the eighth day after treatment.  I got up in the morning feeling very nauseous and couldn't do anything but sit in the chair in our bedroom.  Rick was talking to me and realized that I wasn't responding.  I had passed out and me eyes were fully dilated.  He called 911 and got the ambulance here in just a matter of minutes.  They took me to the emergency room and gave me two bags of fluid which was just what I needed.  My white blood cell count was at 300 (mine is normally 8500).  I was able to get additional fluid two more times that week and returned to a normal blood count by the following Tuesday for my next treatment.  Rick was so worried about me that he called our daughter and asked her to come up and stay with me through the weekend.  

My Love For Road Biking and Spinderella

I absolutely love to go road biking.  Right after college, my friend Kathy Harrison and I both purchased bikes and took several long rides along the South Bay beaches and even an overnight ride to Santa Barbara and Solvang.  Family life eventually changed with children and my sweetie Rick that biking went with many other activities such as downhill skiing and scuba diving.

Four years ago I needed a hip replacement and found that biking was a wonderful activity for recovery after surgery.  I started with a recumbent stationary bicyle and used it almost every day after surgery.  Meanwhile, Rick and I purchased some used mountain bikes from Sally and Dell which we used now and then.  Rick really does not like to ride bikes.  He says that he feels like a runner on a bike and they are not comfortable for his rear.

Two years ago I needed a second hip replacement and I knew exactly what I was in for with limited ways to exercise. I ordered an internet road bike so that I could get started with riding as soon as possible.  Meanwhile, several riders in the Pocatello area started an all women's riding event called Spinderella.  I thought some about signing up but my friend Lorie Murray convinced me that we could do it.  Actually Lorie didn't even have a road bike at the time but had been taking spinning classes.  Lorie and I signed up for the 50 mile ride last June with Spinderella.  I bought a new/used bike from LaChelle Hamilton and Lorie bought my old bike.

We had a wonderful time training for the event my taking several rides down towards Inkom and some to the university.  Spinderella was fantastic and we had some a great time riding with so many, many women that we knew and got to know.

This year we decided to sign up for the 100 mile or Century Ride because I really wanted to do it once in my life.  Lorie and I both started taking spinning classes and were looking forward to getting out on the rode as soon as the weather and the streets permitted. 

These pictures are from our very first bike ride.  We decided to ride to Inkom and back which is around 22 miles from our houses.  The day was beautiful and we had a wonderful ride down to Inkom.  As soon as we turned around to head back there was an unbelievable head and side wind.  You could be at the top of a hill, heading down at full speed and the speedometer might say 15 to 16 mph.  There were several times when we felt like the wind was going to blow us sideways off of the road.  We decided to give Rick a call on the way home and have him pick us up at the Tee Box.  It was a great decision because by then, we had had quite a ride!

Love from Friends and Family

The calls, flowers, and cards from friends, family and ward members has been unbelievable!  I was almost embarrassed by all of the flowers that were sent to me by well wishers.  We received many dinners as well and could not fit everything into our fridge.  I actually had to avoid the grocery store until we could get more space in the fridge.  Rick was actually talking about buying an extra fridge for the basement so that we would always have space.

My sisters have been taking turns calling so that I wouldn't be on the phone all of the time.  It has really been an amazing experience to visit with so many concerned friends and family.  Two of my cute nieces actually called and were crying because they felt so badly for me.

Our Relief Society Presidency brought over a huge, huge bag of goodies the night before we went to the hospital for the second time.  The bag included pajamas and a jacket for me and lots of hospital snacks for Rick!

The Primary Presidency gave us a Little Box of Sunshine full of goodies that would spread sunshine throughout our house and it did!  This is a picture of the box.

Faye Bregante came to visit me and brought an afghan that her 96 year old mother in law made for me.  It is absolutely beautiful! Faye also bought me the book - Just Get Me Through This  a Practical Guide to Coping with Breast Cancer by Deborah Cohen.  It has really been helpful because it takes you from beginning to end of the process with what to expect and the decisions that you will need to make.

 I would say that the best part of my cancer experience has been the reaching out from so many people.  It really made me feel badly that I had not been more caring with Rick's mother when she got breast cancer five years ago.  I think that I would be a much better daughter in law today.

Finding and Removing The Mass

Around March 6th I was dressing after a shower and discovered a lump on my left breast.  I was a little bit shocked but tried to control any ideas of panic.  I had just had a mammogram at the end of October 2012 so I new that the mass had developed since that time.

I was talking to my daughter from Utah about something and asked her opinion because she deals with medical stuff all day long (she is a coder for a hospital in Ogden and works from home.)  She suggested that I apply heat and give it a day or two to see if it would go away.  She then suggested that I get a doctors appointment if the lump didn't dissolve.  I have had three prior biopsies on my right breast so I basically knew what to expect.  For some reason I didn't tell Rick right away about the lump and he was at work anyway.  My daughter called him to warn him so that he would ask me about it that evening which he did.

My next step was to make an appointment with a doctor for the following week.  I met with Nicole Manning at Primary Care who referred me right to the hospital for a diagnostic mammogram and an ultrasound which was scheduled for the following week.  My favorite technician, Kim, did the mammogram and then we went right in for the ultrasound.  Everyone in the department was wonderful and supportive. I am truly thankful for the medical facilities and the professionals that work here at Portneuf Medical Center.

A few days later, I was called by Primary Care to say that I needed to visit with a surgeon because my tests showed that the mass was Suspicious.  We met with a surgeon a few days later where we discussed having a biopsy before doing any surgery.  The biopsy was taken a few days later and it showed that the mass was cancer and it was in the early stages. 

My first surgery was on April 11 where my sweetheart and I spent most of our day.  The facilities and the medical workers were once again outstanding.  I really felt well cared for and informed about everything that I was going to experience.  The hardest part of the surgery was being told that I had to take it easy for a week.  That meant no exercise and no classes!  Dr. Greg Marshall (he is a marvelous surgeon by the way) met with us the following week to review the results of the surgery.  Fortunately, Dr. Marshall had warned Rick that two of the four lymph nodes that he removed did not look good and that he was worried that more surgery would be needed because the margins around the mass also looked like they needed to be cleaner.  When we met with Dr. Marshall those were the results exactly.  My official pathology report describes the tumor as an infiltrating ductal carcinoma, Grade I.  The tumor is considered to be Stage 2B because it was 5X4X1.5 cm and two sentinal lymph nodes were also positive for carcinoma.

Our next big decision was whether to remove more lymph nodes.  We made the decision to not remove additional lymph nodes because of the danger of lymphedema in my arm.  We felt comfortable that the majority of the cancer had been removed by the surgery and then chemo and radiation would be able to remove any remaining cells without taking the risks of getting lymphedema.

The second surgery was scheduled for the very next day (April 18th) so that the doctor could get some cleaner margins where the mass had been and to implant a port for chemo and HER2 treatment.  I have to say that the second surgery was the easiest recovery time that I have ever experienced.  By Monday, I was exercising in the basement and attending pilates and yoga classes.