January 29, 2010 - post #2

Hello my blog followers! Thank you for all of your wonderful comments yesterday. I had another battery of tests today, the BSGI/gamma scan. The news was over-all good! You get a shot, which puts dye into your body, and then it's kind of like a mamomgram, but much more detail. They also checked all under my arms. They did not see anything they did not expect to see. Of course, my tumor/lump - but nothing else. We really will not be able to rule out any lymph node problems, until surgery, but at least we know there are no big/visible problems. So, again - this is good news! Dr. Blanchard is the radiologist. She is amazing. They had the trainer for this elaborate imaging machine there as well (Debbie). She took a ton more pictures than they usually do, and she was happy with all of the images. Whew! Still waiting on one test from my biopsy, which we hopefully will get on Tuesday. So, next steps, I will go in for a small surgery next Tuesday evening, where Dr. Johnson will place a very small port in my shoulder area, where the chemo will be inserted. Then a week from Tuesday - my first chemo treatment. So, Wayne and I stopped by Nordstroms, and I was going to buy a pair of Ugg's as a treat. For some reason, all of the hospital testing rooms are VERY CHILLY!! I did not find the exact pair I want, but will probably buy them online. I did buy THREE cute hats! I am not a hat person, but will certainly become one! Ok, I have one more bit of news for all of you. This may not be a scientific fact yet, but there does seem to be some correlation between low levels of vitamin D, and cancer - especially breast cancer. So, for all of us Oregon/Washington sun deprived women - just take some vitamin D! Also, hopping on a plane for Mexico and Hawaii does not hurt either! I am so relieved that Dr. Blanchard talked with me this evening, and I did not have to wait until Monday for her reports. I have such appreciation for all of the medical staff I am meeting. They are experts in their field, always have a HUG for me, and they are nothing short of angels!! Wayne was of course with me all the way today. We are going to the Nielson's tonight for dinner and a movie. It sounds so nice to just hang out and feel normal. LOVE ALL OF YOU! Please let me know what your day was like as well!!

Baby steps - this is my first blog

Yes, I do have breast cancer AND I am blessed with SO many friends and family who love and support me. I have been calling and emailing as I can to share updates with everyone. We started thinking creating a blog that people could check out, at their convenience might be a good idea. First of all, from the bottom of my heart - thank you for the love/support, cards, books, and sharing that has already happened. We are still in the process of discovery. So far, what we know seems optimistic. I will go through chemo first (probably through May), and then surgery. Maybe no radiation. I have another big test/screening tomorrow. I have found out that the cancer is NOT in my bones, and not in any of my other organs. Some little spots on my lungs, so we may need to talk about that. So, that was AWESOME news yesterday! I have a DREAM TEAM of Doctors and specialists. Thanks to girl power / networking (Nancy and Kathy!!), this has been such a blessing to know I am in good hands. I will keep this short for now, but hope to update this blog as time goes on. Please send me information about YOUR life, jokes, travels, etc. Nice to have the distractions! LOVE YOU ALL!!!! Oh, I cannot end this first blog without saying that I truly have THE best husband in the world. Wayne has been with me every second and step along the way. I am usually "the producer" - figuring everything out - and he has taken on all the responsibility (for now!). I LOVE HIM SO MUCH. Zoe and Circe (our cats) are happy to have me around the house more, and follow me everywhere I go. More to follow, xoxo Wendy