I’m back again

So much has happened since I’ve written last!

The visit to the cancer center was very overwhelming. They want to give me the "standard of care" which is a combination of 3 chemo drugs. One of which has potentially terrible long term side affects. Then I decided to sign up for a clinical trial for another drug that has had some very promising outcomes.

It’s so hard to make all of these decisions without having time on my side.

Since my surgery was much more invasive (they removed 29 lymph nodes under my arm) I have to wait 28 days post-op to start chemo. I was bummed because I want to start chemo this week. The sooner the better. Bring it on.

It looks like I will start chemo on January 29th and it will go until June 11th. I will get two weeks off and then start 6 weeks of radiation. If all goes well and as planned I will be done and in remission by the end of summer. It’s going to be a long road but I can handle it.

I had minor outpatient surgery to put a port in for chemo infusions yesterday. I’m still pretty sore and tender there. Now I have two bad arms! Both sides of me are pretty sore and it was hard to sleep lastnight even with 2 Vicodins!!

When we were at the cancer center I asked for my recurrance rate. I figured they would tell me the percent change of my cancer recurring. (wouldn’t you) they basically gave me a pretty grim survival rate. My cancer is the "bad" type of breast cancer (it’s invasive which means it spread that is why cancer was in my lymph nodes) If they do everything "humanly" possible (which means the strongest doses for the longest time allowed) with the radiation, chemo and clinical trial I will have a 66% chance of surviving 10 years….until I’m 50.

I know that sounds kind of grim (if you were give a 1 of 3 chance of winning the lotto you would think that you were lucky, right?) but think back on the technology and drug research in 1998. If they can get me ten years down the road it’ll be 2018. I can’t even imagine what will be available then.

They are working on a vaccination to prevent the recurrance of breast cancer this spring it will be in clinical trial.

Well, that’s all I have to offer up today. I am going to try to get on here more often. I didn’t end up following up with those of you who responded to my facebook requests. I will try to look you all up on facebook and do a friend request this week.

Thanks for all the love and prayers. I really want to go back to work but they won’t let me until after a couple rounds of chemo.

Love,

Susan

Bless your heart – you have my heartfelt admiration. I only hope that if this happened to me, I could have such a wonderful outlook as you do. I am convinced that this outlook will get you over the top. Very big and VERY gentle hugs,

I’m so glad to get an update from you! I told you about my mom’s breast cancer that had spread to 13 lymph nodes. She survived for 17 years after her surgery. One thing that is a side effect of the lymph node removal is fluid build up in the arm on that side. Be sure and ask how you can prevent that. You are such a sweet wonderful person and you are very much needed in this world for a long time!

Susan waiting on God

January 14, 2009

I have been praying and thinking of you constantly. You are going to beat this! Absolutely! Thank you for updating us. You sound strong. You’re a wonderful lady. Hang on tight to God. He’s not letting you go, so don’t you let go either. Amen. Love, Sue

I admire your courage and strength. I know it has to be very difficult to keep your chin up, but, you are proving to be intelligent***because you ARE a very intelligent lady*** about your options and you’re anxious to “get on with it.” You haven’t said too much about hubby & the kids. But, I am thinking, with your postitive attitude and strength, they MUST be feeling strong, too. I am praying foryou daily and will continue to pray. God is good, and He really will keep helping you. Lots of love and bighugz, Lois

Pearl

Oh my goodness! I hadn’t read your couple of latest entries and I’m pretty sure I won’t be in facebook, but where ever you are, you WILL be and HAVE been in my prayers. Big hugs and lots of love and support to you my friend.

buttersub

My thoughts and prayers have been with you and your family. You are so strong… just hand in there. I admire your courage and strength during this difficult time.

.Tavia.

January 15, 2009

Wow I can’t believe I missed all of this!!! I think you have a wonderful attitude about this. My prayers are with you dear *HUGS* RYN: Welcome back!

ddfroger

It’s great to hear you sound so up beat and posative. That’s a big part of it. Good luck!

Bookworm K

Happy New year

Thanks so much for the update. I’ve been thinking about you often. You have such an upbeat outlook and a lot of fight. I’m confident you can beat it.

please please see me on facebook–Denise Truman and I am Praying for you everyday!! (((hugs))) + + + Jesus can heal!!

Wow, I’ve missed so much while I’ve been gone. I’m going back to read up on you — and just know that I’m praying for you and your family. Like you said, 2018!? Geez. We’ll probably have a cure for that old cancer. 🙂

prayin4you

January 18, 2009

hey girl. I haven’t been around much lately. This is the first I’ve heard of your cancer. I’m really really sorry. My heart feels very sad for you and your family. Thanks for the note in my diary. I’ve appreciated the feedback.

AnJuli914

January 26, 2009

You have a great outlook. You’ve been in my thoughts a lot lately.

My sister had the same kind og cancer and she beat it so I am praying that you get the same news after all the chemo and radiation

Gosh, it was so great to see your note. I keep you in my prayers, daily. Yes, I am on Facebook. Can you request me? Or, I can look for you? I hope you’re not getting too sick from your Chemo. I love and miss you, too. BigHugz.