Many Blessings to you all, Thank you for taking part in my journey. Looks like it's going to be an even longer haul than I anticipated.
Here is the continuation of today. Howard made it home safely back to Grand Junction, and wishes I didn't have to face this alone. I told him I need not to stress, if he's working and making money to pay the bills, I will not stress (at least not as much). Even though I'd like him here too, this is better for my stress level. (Especially if we are near pick-pocket Doctors ~ You'll have to get that story out of him.)
I headed to my MRI's of my brain and knee/thigh @ 8 a.m. They gave me the relaxing drug again so that I would not freak out with the MRI machine so close to my face for the brain scan.
After this I grabbed a quick brunch in the dining hall to cover my lunch, so I could come to the hotel and take a nap using the remnants of the drug. I napped some, but received 3 phone calls; maybe I should have turned off my phone.
Then I returned to visit with the Mind/Body Doctor for our consult and he stated that Dr. Accord my intake physician wanted to visit with me. He already had the results of this mornings MRI's! :-)
The good news is we now know the cause of the pain in my knee/leg. The bad news is, it's the cancer, It's gone into my bones.
They also did a scan of my brain; I also have evidence of "multiple tiny punctate areas of enhancement in the brain suspicious for brain metastases."
Also for those medically knowledgeable, this is also a Triple Marker Negative Cancer; this means it's harder to kill.
Since the cancer has spread to other areas of the body it is considered Stage 4.
What I want you all to remember after getting over the initial overwhelming urge to burst into tears, I sure have my moments.
#1 GOD IS IN CONTROL Never lose sight of that. My Sunday School class of three girls ranging from ages 4 - 4th grade just memorized Psalm 23. I think they did it just for me. (Thanks for blessing me by covering class Lori!!)
#2 HE is the Almighty Physician ~ no matter what recommendations the Doctors make God is in control of the results, and what treatment plan is going to work best for me. So please pray for these Doctors who are going to come up with their recommendations in the morning. Pray that their recommendations are the same as God's recommendations.
#3 Please pray for continued peace. I admit this isn't the path I'd planned to take December of 2011. And if I'm not home for my boys' birthdays, luv on 'em for me, would ya?!?!?
#4 My baby is 10. I have intentions of attending her wedding, that better not be at least 15 years from now, so get on your knees boys & girls, it's going to be a l-o-n-g road ahead. With a few speed bumps along the way.
Pray for my emotions. I'm a rather strong person and typically keep my feelings to my self. Doesn't look like I'll be able to contain this one as often as I'd like.
Many Blessings...until tomorrow.... I think I'm having dinner here in the dining room with my cousin.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
November 29, 2011 (and Nov/30 morning info)
I'm writing this on Wednesday 11/30, but it's yesterdays adventure.
It started with little to no sleep, as most of my days do, due to this leg/knee/hip pain. I'm starting to get dark circles under my eyes, it's not very attractive.
I had a couple of morning consults with the Nutritionist, and Naturopathic Doctors. The consult with the Mind/Body Doctor has been posted postponed til Wednesday afternoon due to an emergency.
I came back to the hotel room and rested for approx an hour. Howard said I snored, so I guess I got a few minutes of sleep, but I still remember the pain, so I'm not sure how deep it was.
Then I had a EKG, very fast, quick & painless, and after hanging out in the library for an hour, I went to my PET scan. The Dr did order something to help me relax so I wouldn't move, it must have worked because I slept (and snored) through part of my PET scan. Hey, the nurse told me to take a nap! They should be able to tell me what stage the cancer is after these tests are read.
As SOON as I was done with the PET scan we hit the dining room. Remember I couldn't eat after midnight and it was 4PM!! I did get to eat two hard boiled eggs at 7:30 a.m., yippee, but that was it all day except water. Dinner never tasted so good!
We returned to the hotel and thanks to the relaxant the Dr gave me for the PET scan we made it an early night. I think we were in bed by 8:30... Unfortunately, it still didn't allow me to sleep through the night. I was up several times starting around midnight. I don't recall doing anything for pain other than rubbing the deep relief on my knee/thigh.
We hit the continental breakfast at the hotel as soon as they opened because Howard flies home today. He's currently stuck in Phoenix rush hour traffic, being driven in a limo, to the airport to catch his flight. He did snag a direct fight to Grand Junction and should be home before 2pm. He's got to work tomorrow and with all our upcoming medical bills we can NOT afford to miss any days of work. In fact, we need as many extra days as possible.
Until later...God Bless & Have a GREAT Day!
It started with little to no sleep, as most of my days do, due to this leg/knee/hip pain. I'm starting to get dark circles under my eyes, it's not very attractive.
I had a couple of morning consults with the Nutritionist, and Naturopathic Doctors. The consult with the Mind/Body Doctor has been posted postponed til Wednesday afternoon due to an emergency.
I came back to the hotel room and rested for approx an hour. Howard said I snored, so I guess I got a few minutes of sleep, but I still remember the pain, so I'm not sure how deep it was.
Then I had a EKG, very fast, quick & painless, and after hanging out in the library for an hour, I went to my PET scan. The Dr did order something to help me relax so I wouldn't move, it must have worked because I slept (and snored) through part of my PET scan. Hey, the nurse told me to take a nap! They should be able to tell me what stage the cancer is after these tests are read.
As SOON as I was done with the PET scan we hit the dining room. Remember I couldn't eat after midnight and it was 4PM!! I did get to eat two hard boiled eggs at 7:30 a.m., yippee, but that was it all day except water. Dinner never tasted so good!
We returned to the hotel and thanks to the relaxant the Dr gave me for the PET scan we made it an early night. I think we were in bed by 8:30... Unfortunately, it still didn't allow me to sleep through the night. I was up several times starting around midnight. I don't recall doing anything for pain other than rubbing the deep relief on my knee/thigh.
We hit the continental breakfast at the hotel as soon as they opened because Howard flies home today. He's currently stuck in Phoenix rush hour traffic, being driven in a limo, to the airport to catch his flight. He did snag a direct fight to Grand Junction and should be home before 2pm. He's got to work tomorrow and with all our upcoming medical bills we can NOT afford to miss any days of work. In fact, we need as many extra days as possible.
Until later...God Bless & Have a GREAT Day!
Monday, November 28, 2011
November 28, 2011 - Part B
Little change in tomorrows schedule. I do go in the morning for a Naturopathic Medicine Consult, a Nutrition Consult, and a Mind/Body Consult. At 1:00 p.m. I will have an EKG and continue with the PET scans in the afternoon.
It appears my Wednesday afternoon is now free, and I'll have my team of Doctor meetings on Thursday afternoon. Maybe I'll try to get in a massage on Wednesday afternoon!
Until tomorrow; Many Blessings
It appears my Wednesday afternoon is now free, and I'll have my team of Doctor meetings on Thursday afternoon. Maybe I'll try to get in a massage on Wednesday afternoon!
Until tomorrow; Many Blessings
November 28, 2011
Wow! What a long morning of paperwork, meetings and intake information. Feels even longer after getting up at 4:30 a.m. since I didn't sleep. Howard was a good sport and tagged along all day as my pack mule with all my RX's and vitamins.
This facility is amazing and they are very friendly. One of the best things I've seen is that everyone comes to YOU, in YOUR room, you don't have to run all over the facility to meet with this Doctor, and this nurse, and get your blood drawn from that department.
The hotel is across the street from the Cancer Center, it's a short walk or you can call for a shuttle. (a little golf cart). Rather convenient with my knee right now.
The Cancer Center has an organic dining room where we get 60% off our meals. We just had lunch for under $5! BOTH of us!
They also have chiropractic, acupuncture and massage that is part of the treatment plan if you are interested. If it's not cover by your insurance, its complementary! They also have a salon where you can get a hair cut, pedicure or manicure for 50% off for patients and their caretakers. They are all about making you feel comfortable and cared for.
Tomorrow I'm scheduled for an EKG & PET and CT scan. So my day won't start until the afternoon tomorrow. I can't eat anything after midnight tonight either.
Then on Wednesday, Howard flies home first thing while I return to the center for an MRI on both my head and my knee/leg. The head because they want a baseline scan of my brain. Did you know Inflammatory Breast Cancer goes into not only the bones, but into the brain? And the Knee/Leg to determine why I'm in so much pain and not sleeping. I'll also have an appointment with each of my team of doctors to determine the best treatment plan to move forward with.
Thursday I meet for a consult with the surgeon. Regarding any suggestions they may have.
That's all for now. I'd still like some sleep, so I really cherish your prayers.
Until tomorrow....
This facility is amazing and they are very friendly. One of the best things I've seen is that everyone comes to YOU, in YOUR room, you don't have to run all over the facility to meet with this Doctor, and this nurse, and get your blood drawn from that department.
The hotel is across the street from the Cancer Center, it's a short walk or you can call for a shuttle. (a little golf cart). Rather convenient with my knee right now.
The Cancer Center has an organic dining room where we get 60% off our meals. We just had lunch for under $5! BOTH of us!
They also have chiropractic, acupuncture and massage that is part of the treatment plan if you are interested. If it's not cover by your insurance, its complementary! They also have a salon where you can get a hair cut, pedicure or manicure for 50% off for patients and their caretakers. They are all about making you feel comfortable and cared for.
Tomorrow I'm scheduled for an EKG & PET and CT scan. So my day won't start until the afternoon tomorrow. I can't eat anything after midnight tonight either.
Then on Wednesday, Howard flies home first thing while I return to the center for an MRI on both my head and my knee/leg. The head because they want a baseline scan of my brain. Did you know Inflammatory Breast Cancer goes into not only the bones, but into the brain? And the Knee/Leg to determine why I'm in so much pain and not sleeping. I'll also have an appointment with each of my team of doctors to determine the best treatment plan to move forward with.
Thursday I meet for a consult with the surgeon. Regarding any suggestions they may have.
That's all for now. I'd still like some sleep, so I really cherish your prayers.
Until tomorrow....
Sunday, November 27, 2011
November 27, 2011
We're here in Phoenix, AZ. The weather is delightfully warm!
We left GJ, CO as scheduled with no delays, but after boarding the plane in Denver, the pilot decided some "mechanical issues" were important enough to refuse to fly the plane. We were de-boarded and they had to find us another plane to fly. It was much faster than we anticipated. We were re-boarded and took off only a hour later than originally expected.
Once arriving we were picked up in a shiny, white limo! Talk about driving in style. It was nice to be treated so special. There was another couple on the same flight who is also here for their first visit. The husband has some form of cancer. Never did get their names, but the husbands sister has had a form of breast cancer for 8 years and is now in stage 4. She too could use our prayers.
We were driven to the facility and given a tour so we would know where to go in the morning for our appointments. Then we were driven to the Marriott across the street; they give the patients a very reduced rate to stay here. The first visit even more than the following visits.
After getting settled, my Uncle Hal Dearing picked us up and we went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse. The we got to go to his place, meet Willie, and see Aunt Joan, Uncle Bill & Andy. Hal's Christmas decorations are incredible! You all need to come here at least once during the Christmas season to see them! It's worth the trip!
I'm headed to bed early tonight anticipating a long day tomorrow. As I've said before, we won't know any additional answers regarding my condition and further treatment until then.
Thanks again for all your prayers & encouragement!
Many Blessings to you all!
Until Next time.....CV
We left GJ, CO as scheduled with no delays, but after boarding the plane in Denver, the pilot decided some "mechanical issues" were important enough to refuse to fly the plane. We were de-boarded and they had to find us another plane to fly. It was much faster than we anticipated. We were re-boarded and took off only a hour later than originally expected.
Once arriving we were picked up in a shiny, white limo! Talk about driving in style. It was nice to be treated so special. There was another couple on the same flight who is also here for their first visit. The husband has some form of cancer. Never did get their names, but the husbands sister has had a form of breast cancer for 8 years and is now in stage 4. She too could use our prayers.
We were driven to the facility and given a tour so we would know where to go in the morning for our appointments. Then we were driven to the Marriott across the street; they give the patients a very reduced rate to stay here. The first visit even more than the following visits.
After getting settled, my Uncle Hal Dearing picked us up and we went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse. The we got to go to his place, meet Willie, and see Aunt Joan, Uncle Bill & Andy. Hal's Christmas decorations are incredible! You all need to come here at least once during the Christmas season to see them! It's worth the trip!
I'm headed to bed early tonight anticipating a long day tomorrow. As I've said before, we won't know any additional answers regarding my condition and further treatment until then.
Thanks again for all your prayers & encouragement!
Many Blessings to you all!
Until Next time.....CV
Monday, November 21, 2011
November 21, 2011
I'm tired. I'm not sleeping. Prior to my cancer diagnosis, by a few weeks I started having a pain in my right knee. Then it spread to my right hip/leg. I've seen the Dr and he drained fluid from my knee; said I had a bakers cist and wanted to be sure there wasn't a tear. I've been taking various pain pills and they barely 'take the edge' off the pain and I only sleep two hours at a time.
I'm starting to get cranky, and very short tempered. I have trouble sitting/standing/laying in any position for any length of time. I have been seeing a lady for Ortho-bionomy and it's been a blessing. She can relieve the pain for short periods of time and I get a few hours of rest. The pain is not as severe as it has been but it's very consistant. Like a never ending charlie-horse in the right thigh. I just want several days in a row of 6-8 hours uninterrupted, undrugged sleep.
We are having our personal Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov 22 since Howard has to work on Thanksgiving. It will be odd not having to cook the bird around the Dallas game halftime show! It's tradition!
Thanks for your prayers! I feel them already!
I'm starting to get cranky, and very short tempered. I have trouble sitting/standing/laying in any position for any length of time. I have been seeing a lady for Ortho-bionomy and it's been a blessing. She can relieve the pain for short periods of time and I get a few hours of rest. The pain is not as severe as it has been but it's very consistant. Like a never ending charlie-horse in the right thigh. I just want several days in a row of 6-8 hours uninterrupted, undrugged sleep.
We are having our personal Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov 22 since Howard has to work on Thanksgiving. It will be odd not having to cook the bird around the Dallas game halftime show! It's tradition!
Thanks for your prayers! I feel them already!
November 17, 2011
I had a visit with the local oncologist today. I think she was confused as to why I even came to her office since I have travel plans to go to Phoenix to CTCA.
I explained that if the weather prevents me from getting treatment and 'if' the treatment is locally available would she be willing to help out. She agreed. She also agreed from the physical exam, that the IBC is the diagnosis even without any pathology report.
I'm still glad I'm traveling, I think this Dr & I would eventually butt heads due to my beliefs and desire for alternative treatment.
I explained that if the weather prevents me from getting treatment and 'if' the treatment is locally available would she be willing to help out. She agreed. She also agreed from the physical exam, that the IBC is the diagnosis even without any pathology report.
I'm still glad I'm traveling, I think this Dr & I would eventually butt heads due to my beliefs and desire for alternative treatment.
November 15, 2011
I have travel plans. It's amazing how the Lord just works out all the details!
There was a chance that I was going to attempt to travel prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. I was concerned about my children being home alone, as they have the whole week off, and not too thrilled about traveling over the Holiday, traffic and all. Not only did the Lord arrange it for after Thanksgiving, I get to spend the week off with the kids! God is good!
I leave for Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) on 11/27 and my apt is 8:30 a.m. on Monday 11/28; really until then I won't have very many answers. The only answers I do have is: #1 God is in control & #2. I'd prefer alternative treatment before any standard treatment; although I'm not suicidal enough to rule them out completely. God knows what is best for me and my family.
The best part of the whole thing, is that for this inital visit, Howard gets to go with me. It's all part of the program for the 'caretaker' to come for on this trip. He'll have to come home by 11/30 for work on 12/1 and to be with the kids, but we have an amazing church family that are filling in with rides, meals and playdates as needed. Thank you VBC!!
More later....
There was a chance that I was going to attempt to travel prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. I was concerned about my children being home alone, as they have the whole week off, and not too thrilled about traveling over the Holiday, traffic and all. Not only did the Lord arrange it for after Thanksgiving, I get to spend the week off with the kids! God is good!
I leave for Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) on 11/27 and my apt is 8:30 a.m. on Monday 11/28; really until then I won't have very many answers. The only answers I do have is: #1 God is in control & #2. I'd prefer alternative treatment before any standard treatment; although I'm not suicidal enough to rule them out completely. God knows what is best for me and my family.
The best part of the whole thing, is that for this inital visit, Howard gets to go with me. It's all part of the program for the 'caretaker' to come for on this trip. He'll have to come home by 11/30 for work on 12/1 and to be with the kids, but we have an amazing church family that are filling in with rides, meals and playdates as needed. Thank you VBC!!
More later....
November 11, 2011
I'm approved! I found a treatment center that uses the hyperthermia treatment! And my insurance approved my treatment! I do understand I do not even know if this a viable treatment option for me, but it's at least available if I am a candidate! Please check out Cancer Treatment Centers of America. I'll be making flight arrangements soon. I'll keep you updated!
Here is the link to the facility! What a God-given opportunity!!!
http://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-hospitals.cfm
I'll keep you posted!
Here is the link to the facility! What a God-given opportunity!!!
http://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-hospitals.cfm
I'll keep you posted!
November 9, 2011
Wow! It's only been a few days and I've read so much about cancer that I'm overwhelmed.
Let me start out by saying that many years prior to any cancer diagnosis I had made a personal decision that if I ever had a cancer diagnosis that I would be looking for alternative treatment for the cancer instead of the standard three; surgery, chemo & radiation. I still feel after watching Dad Gerdin, my father-in-law the last weeks of his life endure these treatments that they are a 'last case senario' for me.
I have faith that if God desires he can and will heal me with or without the assistance of a Doctor, Surgeon etc. I am researching treatment all over the country and the treatment of 'hyperthermia' sounds very good to me. I found a place in LA, but the housing costs for the time frame of treatment are outrageous! What did I expect, it's LA!?
I have 100's of family and friends all over the country and even in other countries praying for me and God is in control, even when we do not understand His plan.
I have read a wonderful book, "A Cancer Battle Plan" by Anne Frahm with David Frahm. Anne had the 'standard treatment' even to the extent of a bone marrow transplant; it didn't work; They sent her home to die, saying they could no longer help her. She lived I think close to 12 or more years due to the lifestyle changes and eating habits she changed. Another eye opener is "The Breast Cancer Pattern" It starts with your Starving Thyroid. by Dave Frahm, ND, MH, CNC, CNHP.
I've got more updates... I'll keep you posted!
Let me start out by saying that many years prior to any cancer diagnosis I had made a personal decision that if I ever had a cancer diagnosis that I would be looking for alternative treatment for the cancer instead of the standard three; surgery, chemo & radiation. I still feel after watching Dad Gerdin, my father-in-law the last weeks of his life endure these treatments that they are a 'last case senario' for me.
I have faith that if God desires he can and will heal me with or without the assistance of a Doctor, Surgeon etc. I am researching treatment all over the country and the treatment of 'hyperthermia' sounds very good to me. I found a place in LA, but the housing costs for the time frame of treatment are outrageous! What did I expect, it's LA!?
I have 100's of family and friends all over the country and even in other countries praying for me and God is in control, even when we do not understand His plan.
I have read a wonderful book, "A Cancer Battle Plan" by Anne Frahm with David Frahm. Anne had the 'standard treatment' even to the extent of a bone marrow transplant; it didn't work; They sent her home to die, saying they could no longer help her. She lived I think close to 12 or more years due to the lifestyle changes and eating habits she changed. Another eye opener is "The Breast Cancer Pattern" It starts with your Starving Thyroid. by Dave Frahm, ND, MH, CNC, CNHP.
I've got more updates... I'll keep you posted!
November 7, 2011 I have IBC ~ Inflammatory Breast Cancer
November 7, 2011 begins the new journey in my life. Inflammatory Breast Cancer ~ personally, I've never heard of it before this date. But I'm getting ahead of myself, which you all know I can do, and will probably do frequently in my blog.
A few weeks ago I found a lump in my left arm-pit. It was hard, round, and almost painful ~ ironically it was October, commonly known as 'Breast Cancer Awareness Month'. I didn't think too much of it because I had my annual exam scheduled for Nov 1 with my gynecologist.
At the appointment my gynecologist scheduled me for a mammogram and ultrasound for Friday Nov 4th. I showed up for the appointment prepared for a diagnosis; not sure why, but God had already given me my answer; although I don't understand it quite yet. But was still hopeful for a benign pathology report. The radiologist was insistant that they perform a biopsy that day, typically they prefer to wait until Monday since the pathologist might not work on Saturday and the biopsy is only good for 24 hours. I guess OT was approved for my pathology work up.
As the radiologist predicted ~ Monday, Nov 7, 2011, he called me with the results of Inflammatory Breast Carcinoma. Do you know this is not only rare, it's even rarer in women as young as I; The average woman with IBC is 59 years old!! I'm not 43 for another month.....
It's amazing how calm I've remained through this diagnosis and beyond. I have things to do; worry and fret are not going to get those things done. I have kids to raise and a home to maintain. God will see me through and He will be praised.
A few weeks ago I found a lump in my left arm-pit. It was hard, round, and almost painful ~ ironically it was October, commonly known as 'Breast Cancer Awareness Month'. I didn't think too much of it because I had my annual exam scheduled for Nov 1 with my gynecologist.
At the appointment my gynecologist scheduled me for a mammogram and ultrasound for Friday Nov 4th. I showed up for the appointment prepared for a diagnosis; not sure why, but God had already given me my answer; although I don't understand it quite yet. But was still hopeful for a benign pathology report. The radiologist was insistant that they perform a biopsy that day, typically they prefer to wait until Monday since the pathologist might not work on Saturday and the biopsy is only good for 24 hours. I guess OT was approved for my pathology work up.
As the radiologist predicted ~ Monday, Nov 7, 2011, he called me with the results of Inflammatory Breast Carcinoma. Do you know this is not only rare, it's even rarer in women as young as I; The average woman with IBC is 59 years old!! I'm not 43 for another month.....
It's amazing how calm I've remained through this diagnosis and beyond. I have things to do; worry and fret are not going to get those things done. I have kids to raise and a home to maintain. God will see me through and He will be praised.
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