We couldn't decide if we should
start with #1 again since it is
actually treatment #13 but we
thought the count down would
be better this way!

Here We Go Again...

So today was the day. I had a my first week with no treatment last week and then today was the big day to start treatment #1 of 4 of AC. Kendall drove me and Joe came to and was able to stay for quite awhile before needing to go to work. We started the day by being late, what the heck with with the traffic on the 56 this morning! The good thing was that after that everything went relatively smoothly. This one is quite different and one of the bad parts is that my steroids go up quite a bit with it. That means less sleep for me, argh! 

Cam's traditional call!
My AC in sign is
backwards because it
was for his phone! ;o)

My support crew today!

I started with some premeds through my port and then the "A" of the AC came. It was in 2 very large syringes and is RED. They do not call this the Red Devil for nothing. I guess it is because it is supposed to be very tough on the cancer...and a little tough on me. Danielle decided that it needed a "nicer" name so she dubbed it Kool-Aid and I love it! The nurse does a push with this med which means she sits there and very slowly empties the syringes into my line, no bag hanging like the others. Then after that she hooked up the bag for the "C" part of the treatment. We didn't start until 11 and were out by 1:45. Not bad!

Afterwards Kendall and I went to Del Mar for our beach rosary time. It was rather over cast and a little cooler so it felt great! Then we grabbed a bite at a place in Del Mar Heights Center. I need to be SUPER careful of what I eat now and about germs. Most of everything I eat needs to be prepared at home and really mostly everything needs to be cooked. Can only do fruits that I can vigorously scrub. Its just for a short time so no biggie! 

Rosary time at Del Mar

No toes in the sand for now but
this was a great substitution!

So what is left of my hair should completely fall out very soon. I am as ready as I can be for it. God was so kind to let me loose it a little at a time and what I have really doesn't do much good at this point anyway. It's officially wig or hat time folks...we need some cold weather for sure!

Blessings and Good News!

So I went to see my surgeon, Dr Wallace, and after examining me she informed me that she and Dr Parker addressed and discussed my MRI results and both agree that what they are feeling (or more like not feeling) does not reflect the findings. She said that the results from a MRI can lag which means that it could be seeing scar tissue and such verses just the tumor/s. After her examination she feels that I have had a very good response from the taxol! What great news before heading into the AC portion. God is so awesome! 

Now, do not go letting that praying slip or slack off! I know you all played a big role in this great news so keep it coming prayer warriors! Please continue to pray for a total response to the treatments for NED at the time of surgery and if y'all could add a new one it would be great. Please pray for continued clarity from God to make clear my path on future decisions. The surgeon is suggesting a lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node test with a possible lymph node dissection if they are suspicious. I am still considering a mastectomy since I have been a walking time bomb with all of this for so many years that I have lost count! My endocrinologist referred me to colleague that I will talk with. I know I want Dr Wallace to do the surgery, I love her and her positive energy and she is one of the best breast surgeons around but I want to gather more info to make my decision. This is a huge decision and I cannot imagine doing it without God's direction!

Another wonderful thing that happened was that the prayer group I was in for the 8 months, leading right up to my diagnosis, decided to gather again for a very special prayer night. Debbie Linn came up with the idea and generously hosted and had a yummy dinner for everyone as well. We sat outside eating wonderful food and enjoyed each other's company. Then inside to pray the rosary. It was so moving hearing everyone's voices being lifted up and blending together as we prayed. It was more beautiful than a song to my ears! I cannot begin to thank Debbie for this and for everyone that was able to come. It was wonderful having Alicia Gelaro join us as well...I hope she knows that means she will have to join us when we start gathering again! ;o)

Thank you all for your continued love, support and prayers. Each and every prayer, short or long mean so much and it's working!

Love,

Beth