When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12
Hopefully I will be energized the next couple days; I usually work better under pressure. Two more days till surgery-I will really be glad to have this over with. Am very thankful to be at this point and I do feel pretty calm. However, my thoughts become little monsters in the middle of the night; thank God for daytime and his light that chases away my darkness.
I did have an appointment with the plastic surgeon last week. He is very upbeat and encouraging-I think most of the followup will be with him. So strange (and funny) to basically pick out your implants and hope they turn out to be the right size. Your own skin is left intact, with the exception of the nipples. I felt like I was at Sherwin Williams paint store picking out just the right shade of nipple. One can always do the Barbie doll look and forget the extras. How can you not laugh!
Gerry and I met with the head of the Nurse Navigation program at the cancer center at St. E'S. He was very kind and informative. I think that these folks can really help people with a multitude of questions at any point in their treatment. They also have programs in place after treatment is finished such as support groups, healing seminars, diet information, and future doctor followup care.
Thanks again for all your prayers-keep em coming! Love, Nancy
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
"I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." John 12:46
Moving on to surgery-we met with my surgeon this past Tuesday (Feb. 15); we have surgery scheduled for March 3rd. I had my list of questions and Ger was with me as my support and 2nd set of ears. This was actually the 2nd time we'd met with him. The first was the day after I found out my biopsy result and we thought I was headed directly for surgery. I was definitely in the ozone the first time, so this visit had much more clarity about it.
Next Tuesday, the 22nd, I visit my plastic surgeon again-he has a very positive attitude and good sense of humor-kind of helps you see the light at the end of the tunnel. Still getting an infusion of herceptin once a week. This will go on for a year, but I'm not sure whether once a week or every three weeks.
We have alot of family in town this weekend-all three daughters, our granddaughter, and my friend Kathy from Norfolk. I'm just so grateful for my family, friends, and that we are moving right along. God is good always!
Love, Nance
Moving on to surgery-we met with my surgeon this past Tuesday (Feb. 15); we have surgery scheduled for March 3rd. I had my list of questions and Ger was with me as my support and 2nd set of ears. This was actually the 2nd time we'd met with him. The first was the day after I found out my biopsy result and we thought I was headed directly for surgery. I was definitely in the ozone the first time, so this visit had much more clarity about it.
Next Tuesday, the 22nd, I visit my plastic surgeon again-he has a very positive attitude and good sense of humor-kind of helps you see the light at the end of the tunnel. Still getting an infusion of herceptin once a week. This will go on for a year, but I'm not sure whether once a week or every three weeks.
We have alot of family in town this weekend-all three daughters, our granddaughter, and my friend Kathy from Norfolk. I'm just so grateful for my family, friends, and that we are moving right along. God is good always!
Love, Nance
Thursday, February 10, 2011
February 10, 2011
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14
Very good news today-my petscan and MRI, along with the physical exam, were much improved. I am so relieved and thankful! I have an appointment with my surgeon on Tuesday next week, and we will go forward and schedule surgery (mastectomy). There is always a chance that if the pathology results after surgery show cancer cells, a couple more rounds of chemo may be needed. If chemo isn't needed, I can begin radiation after the surgery heals. So-there's always a bit of the unknown and some waiting-but thank God that we're seeing some light!
I can't thank you all enough for your prayers-you are awesome! Please pray for my friends Amy and Kristi, who are also on this journey. I am learning so much from them-it's just amazing when God places certain people in our lives-He knows just what we need.
I will let you know more about surgery after next Tuesday. A certain thought has been rattling around in my head all morning. My hope for all of us is this, that no matter the circumstance we may find ourselves in, we can have faith in the fact that "God is good always". Love, Nance
Very good news today-my petscan and MRI, along with the physical exam, were much improved. I am so relieved and thankful! I have an appointment with my surgeon on Tuesday next week, and we will go forward and schedule surgery (mastectomy). There is always a chance that if the pathology results after surgery show cancer cells, a couple more rounds of chemo may be needed. If chemo isn't needed, I can begin radiation after the surgery heals. So-there's always a bit of the unknown and some waiting-but thank God that we're seeing some light!
I can't thank you all enough for your prayers-you are awesome! Please pray for my friends Amy and Kristi, who are also on this journey. I am learning so much from them-it's just amazing when God places certain people in our lives-He knows just what we need.
I will let you know more about surgery after next Tuesday. A certain thought has been rattling around in my head all morning. My hope for all of us is this, that no matter the circumstance we may find ourselves in, we can have faith in the fact that "God is good always". Love, Nance
Thursday, February 3, 2011
February 3, 2011
Joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:12
Thank God for the sunshine! What a crazy couple days of weather. Anyone else have that "penned up" feeling? I did have an infusion of herceptin today, along with a good blood count (yay!). On Super bowl Sunday, I get to go on a water and protein diet-no carbs. Will have a pet scan and MRI on Monday, the 7th. The special one day diet is for the pet scan. On the 10th we see Dr. M. and decide on surgery or more chemo. So I'm in kind of a holding pattern right now, but feeling good.
My daughters got me hooked on a new workout video, "Thirty Day Shred", with Jillian Michaels. It's a combo of cardio, strength, and conditioning. There are 3 levels: I'm on level 1with several modifications-am a total whimp, but think this will help with strength.
More later-stay warm and sane. Love, Nance
Thank God for the sunshine! What a crazy couple days of weather. Anyone else have that "penned up" feeling? I did have an infusion of herceptin today, along with a good blood count (yay!). On Super bowl Sunday, I get to go on a water and protein diet-no carbs. Will have a pet scan and MRI on Monday, the 7th. The special one day diet is for the pet scan. On the 10th we see Dr. M. and decide on surgery or more chemo. So I'm in kind of a holding pattern right now, but feeling good.
My daughters got me hooked on a new workout video, "Thirty Day Shred", with Jillian Michaels. It's a combo of cardio, strength, and conditioning. There are 3 levels: I'm on level 1with several modifications-am a total whimp, but think this will help with strength.
More later-stay warm and sane. Love, Nance
Sunday, January 23, 2011
January 23, 2011
Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. Micah 7: 8
I'm reading a great book that a friend lent to me called "Facing Your Giants", by Max Lucado. The premise of the book is this: Focus on Giants-you Stumble. Focus on God-your Giants Tumble. All of us face giants in our lives; it's just a matter of timing. God gives us amazing promises in his Word-this little book has some great reminders!
Chemo #4 was this past Thursday, the 20th. The drugs seem to be doing their thing, according to the physical exam. Dr. M. wants me to have another petscan and MRI on Febr. 7th. Hopefully the scans will be even more specific about any tumor shrinkage. We will meet with her on the 10th, and either go forward with surgery or a couple more chemo treatments. Soooo-I'm thankful to be this far already.
Stay warm and dry on this beautiful, sunny, cold, cold, cold day! Love, Nance
I'm reading a great book that a friend lent to me called "Facing Your Giants", by Max Lucado. The premise of the book is this: Focus on Giants-you Stumble. Focus on God-your Giants Tumble. All of us face giants in our lives; it's just a matter of timing. God gives us amazing promises in his Word-this little book has some great reminders!
Chemo #4 was this past Thursday, the 20th. The drugs seem to be doing their thing, according to the physical exam. Dr. M. wants me to have another petscan and MRI on Febr. 7th. Hopefully the scans will be even more specific about any tumor shrinkage. We will meet with her on the 10th, and either go forward with surgery or a couple more chemo treatments. Soooo-I'm thankful to be this far already.
Stay warm and dry on this beautiful, sunny, cold, cold, cold day! Love, Nance
Monday, January 10, 2011
The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Isaiah 60: 19
Wow-it's really snowing hard. Good day to work on some special projects. It's day eleven from the last chemo; I feel much better-still have a very funny taste in my mouth-it's hard to describe. Sometimes water doesn't even taste like water. Lemonade is pretty good-kind of wakes up your taste buds. I've been able to eat-that is a blessing.
I've met a couple wonderful ladies who are also in the midst of this breast cancer fight. One friend, Amy, just had surgery following chemo, and is now healing and waiting to see what her next step will be. Another friend, Kristi, is undergoing chemo and is my hero. Both have been a great source of courage, inspiration, and humor (so good to be able to laugh at ourselves). I look forward to lunch, coffee, and silliness with both of them! I thank God for bringing them into my life.
Jan. 20th will be my next appt with the oncologist, and the 4th chemo treatment. I'll keep you updated.
Stay warm and dry-may be time to pull out the cross country skis! Love, Nancy
Wow-it's really snowing hard. Good day to work on some special projects. It's day eleven from the last chemo; I feel much better-still have a very funny taste in my mouth-it's hard to describe. Sometimes water doesn't even taste like water. Lemonade is pretty good-kind of wakes up your taste buds. I've been able to eat-that is a blessing.
I've met a couple wonderful ladies who are also in the midst of this breast cancer fight. One friend, Amy, just had surgery following chemo, and is now healing and waiting to see what her next step will be. Another friend, Kristi, is undergoing chemo and is my hero. Both have been a great source of courage, inspiration, and humor (so good to be able to laugh at ourselves). I look forward to lunch, coffee, and silliness with both of them! I thank God for bringing them into my life.
Jan. 20th will be my next appt with the oncologist, and the 4th chemo treatment. I'll keep you updated.
Stay warm and dry-may be time to pull out the cross country skis! Love, Nancy
Saturday, January 1, 2011
January 1st, 2011
You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. Psalm 18:28
Happy New Year! Here's to a very cold, windy, but beautifully sunny day! Last Thursday was my #3 chemo treatment. Gerry and I saw my oncologist; she is encouraged and at this point thinks that probably #4 will be the last chemo before surgery. So-I hope and pray that this is so-but she's not hesitant about changing her mind if she thinks a couple more treatments would be good.
Gerry, I, my brother Doug, daughter Angie, and a friend I've met who's having treatments, all hunkered down on Thursday and played Kings in the Corner during chemo. It sure made the time go fast, and was fun for all. Am still feeling pretty good today; usually days 4-6 are kind of dicey. I've read at least twice that short rests are good, but it's best to be up and moving and drinking lots of water. Exercise is encouraged-have found that the experience is certainly unique to each person, but the guidelines from the doctor's office are helpful.
Gerry and our three daughters, plus many friends, have been my angels on earth. Thank you so much for all your care and prayers. You are all a light to me! Love, Nancy
Happy New Year! Here's to a very cold, windy, but beautifully sunny day! Last Thursday was my #3 chemo treatment. Gerry and I saw my oncologist; she is encouraged and at this point thinks that probably #4 will be the last chemo before surgery. So-I hope and pray that this is so-but she's not hesitant about changing her mind if she thinks a couple more treatments would be good.
Gerry, I, my brother Doug, daughter Angie, and a friend I've met who's having treatments, all hunkered down on Thursday and played Kings in the Corner during chemo. It sure made the time go fast, and was fun for all. Am still feeling pretty good today; usually days 4-6 are kind of dicey. I've read at least twice that short rests are good, but it's best to be up and moving and drinking lots of water. Exercise is encouraged-have found that the experience is certainly unique to each person, but the guidelines from the doctor's office are helpful.
Gerry and our three daughters, plus many friends, have been my angels on earth. Thank you so much for all your care and prayers. You are all a light to me! Love, Nancy
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