Yesterday was the first time I have been to the pool this season. The main reason I wanted to go was to get my boys out the house. All I could wear was a bathing suit bottom because I still have to wear the surgical vest a little longer. So I just wore a top over it.
It felt nice to be outside. I think it was the most time I have been outside since my surgery. I was a little self conscious because I am still a little loop sided due to swelling. But it was nice to be out with the boys. It was Dylan's first time at the pool. He was happy at first until he fell and went face first into the water then he wasn't sure about all this water. He did keep walking to it...lol He kept looking at the other kids like "why are you here". Jay got to see he friends from last summer. So it was very nice. I needed that. I felt somewhat normal. I can't wait until I am cleared to drive. We will be at the pool much more.
I have been instructed by God to share my journey to become a breast cancer and a meningioma (brain tumor) survivor!!!!
Showing posts with label Bradby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bradby. Show all posts
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Reconstruction Day
It is hard to believe that today I will have my reconstruction surgery. There have been moments where I actually forget that I had cancer. Then I am given a reminder either with the tamoxifen or my hard right "breast" The only thing I am not happy with is that I have to wait until 11 to go to the hospital. I couldn't eat or drink anything after 12 midnight. We still have packing to do, so I will be keeping myself busy packing until Matt takes me to the hospital.
We are also moving this week but I won't be moving anything after today. This house is falling apart. Ok we got the sewage back up in the basement and the wall leaking in the basement then the hole in my kitchen ceiling showing the bathtub pipes and now the ceiling in the leaking wall room fell in. this house is literally falling apart around us. I am so happy we are getting out of here this week.
It is weird, I am having very mixed feelings right now. I'm excited, nervous,scared and angry that I even had to go thru this. I never had any surgery except a c-section for my daughter 23 years ago. I turn 40 and I fall apart. 1st my gall bladder didn't want to stay a week after my birthday and then my breast didn't want to stay 2 weeks before my wedding. I thought I was doing pretty good health wise. I eat pretty healthy, I don't smoke, I might have a drink once or twice a year even then I don't drink much. It's crazy how cancer picks it victims. Well I'm pissed. I was very happy with my breast BC (before cancer). Well one good thing about this is that I can go without a bra :) So as soon as the bandages come off Summer dresses here I come...lol
I thank God for keeping my sanity. You go thru so many different feelings once you are told you have cancer, that you feel kinda crazy at time. My faith in God has kept me sane ( now I know others might question the sane part..lol). Thank You Lord for loving me and keeping me. I couldn't have done it without you. This journey isn't over yet.
We are also moving this week but I won't be moving anything after today. This house is falling apart. Ok we got the sewage back up in the basement and the wall leaking in the basement then the hole in my kitchen ceiling showing the bathtub pipes and now the ceiling in the leaking wall room fell in. this house is literally falling apart around us. I am so happy we are getting out of here this week.
It is weird, I am having very mixed feelings right now. I'm excited, nervous,scared and angry that I even had to go thru this. I never had any surgery except a c-section for my daughter 23 years ago. I turn 40 and I fall apart. 1st my gall bladder didn't want to stay a week after my birthday and then my breast didn't want to stay 2 weeks before my wedding. I thought I was doing pretty good health wise. I eat pretty healthy, I don't smoke, I might have a drink once or twice a year even then I don't drink much. It's crazy how cancer picks it victims. Well I'm pissed. I was very happy with my breast BC (before cancer). Well one good thing about this is that I can go without a bra :) So as soon as the bandages come off Summer dresses here I come...lol
I thank God for keeping my sanity. You go thru so many different feelings once you are told you have cancer, that you feel kinda crazy at time. My faith in God has kept me sane ( now I know others might question the sane part..lol). Thank You Lord for loving me and keeping me. I couldn't have done it without you. This journey isn't over yet.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Improving
Ok with help from my husband I have been taking my meds like I am suppose to and my body seems to be adjusting. I have not felt as bad as I did when I first started. I see my Oncologist a couple days after my surgery. The fatigue is still bad but I did some research and I probably need to take some vitamin D. My levels were borderline before the cancer because of the fibromyalgia. So I will picking up some today. If not I will sleep my life away...lol So I am feeling better. I'm not scratching like a crackhead as much, the headaches are gone. Now hot flashes.... still get those. It makes it hard to have a cute haircut when you keep sweating it out every night. I just might get my hair braided for awhile.
It is kinda hard to believe that reconstruction is next week. Jan 4 2012 the day I found out I had cancer seems so far away. It's funny how some dates are burned in your brain. Like the Big C day (Jan 4th 2012) and the Mastectomy day( Feb 15, 2012) and now New Boob Day( Jun 18, 2012). New Boob day is a happy day to remember. I do need to have some other things done not cancer related but if I can do it with out surgery I will. I have been looking into my options.
I'm doing well. Me and tamoxifen are still not friends but we are getting along better. God told me this journey won't kill me but it will be tough. I'm a lot stronger than I thought.
It is kinda hard to believe that reconstruction is next week. Jan 4 2012 the day I found out I had cancer seems so far away. It's funny how some dates are burned in your brain. Like the Big C day (Jan 4th 2012) and the Mastectomy day( Feb 15, 2012) and now New Boob Day( Jun 18, 2012). New Boob day is a happy day to remember. I do need to have some other things done not cancer related but if I can do it with out surgery I will. I have been looking into my options.
I'm doing well. Me and tamoxifen are still not friends but we are getting along better. God told me this journey won't kill me but it will be tough. I'm a lot stronger than I thought.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Renewed Inspiriation
It's funny how God works. Yesterday was my baby boy Dylan's 1st birthday. Now lately I have been getting frustrated with having to deal with the side effects of the tamoxifen to the point I just wanted to stop taking it. Well after seeing my kids yesterday, my fab daughter Nay just graduating from college and Jay almost in Highschool and lil Dylan.. his life is just starting and don't forget my husband... the smiles on his face yesterday. I have to be around for a very very long time. God is only going to do so much... I have to do my part also.
One of my husband's oldest friends told me yesterday that this is the happiest they have ever seen my husband in his life. I wanted to cry. I turned around and looked at him laughing with family, Jay running around with the little ones, Nay chatting away with friend and Dylan toddling around...all smiles. This is all I ever wanted, to see my family happy. I was very happy that my little brother Cory stopped by. Family is so very important to me. Family is worth fighting for my life. God is not going to fight alone. I have to do my part.
God knows I am hardheaded. So he will wait until he knows I will listen after I have suffered some. Knowing I will hear what He has to say. This time he didn't have to speak. He just showed me. When your eyes are opened by God it's very.....hmmmmmm.. I can't even think of a word to describe the feeling. I just know what needs to be done to get what I want.
Thank you God for my family as crazy and eclectic as they may be, I love them... thank you for renewing my need to fight this cancer with everything I have.
One of my husband's oldest friends told me yesterday that this is the happiest they have ever seen my husband in his life. I wanted to cry. I turned around and looked at him laughing with family, Jay running around with the little ones, Nay chatting away with friend and Dylan toddling around...all smiles. This is all I ever wanted, to see my family happy. I was very happy that my little brother Cory stopped by. Family is so very important to me. Family is worth fighting for my life. God is not going to fight alone. I have to do my part.
God knows I am hardheaded. So he will wait until he knows I will listen after I have suffered some. Knowing I will hear what He has to say. This time he didn't have to speak. He just showed me. When your eyes are opened by God it's very.....hmmmmmm.. I can't even think of a word to describe the feeling. I just know what needs to be done to get what I want.
Thank you God for my family as crazy and eclectic as they may be, I love them... thank you for renewing my need to fight this cancer with everything I have.
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Monday, May 21, 2012
Hot lemon water benefits cancer
Well I am feeling somewhat better.. I'm still very very fatigued. I am able to deal with the hot flashes for now.. Fans are becoming my best my friends..lol I'm trying something new Hot lemon water. I am suppose to drink it every day. I just started today. It would be nicer if I had started in the winter but if this is going to help keep my cancer away I will drink it anytime. check it out http://www.livestrong.com/article/298141-benefits-of-lemon-juice-cancer/
Not only is it the Vitamin C that is beneficial, but ...
Not only is it the Vitamin C that is beneficial, but ...
Limonoids
Lemons and
limes contain disease-fighting compounds known as limonoids. The human
body is able to readily absorb a specific, long-acting limonoid known as
limonin, according to the US Agricultural Research Service. Both
lemons and limes contain nearly as much limonin as they do vitamin C.
The results of a 2001 culture study summarized in "Nutrition and
Cancer," revealed that this compound, at a concentration of 100 mcg/mL,
was effective at partially inhibiting the growth of human ovarian
cancer cells and inducing the death of breast cancer cells.
I got this info from another blog. It can't hurt to try it. It seems like even if you don't have cancer that this can help you to be healthier.
Friday, April 27, 2012
No Chemo (kinda long)
Ok yesterday I had a consultation with an Infertility doctor. My Oncologist wanted me to meet with her to help make my decision about chemo.
First I don't need chemo. It would be more of an insurance policy for me. Killing off cancer cells just in case some stray active ones are in there. It will take my chances of cancer showing up in 10 years somewhere else from 15% to 12%. I will be on hormone therapy (tamoxifen) for 5 years but since I want to have at least 1 more child she agree to only 2 years then try to get pregnant then after the baby go back on for 3 years. If I don't take the tamoxifen, my chances of getting cancer again is 45%.. so with that said I NEED the tamoxifen!
This has not been an easy decision. I have been begging God for some help, BEGGING, He kept telling me to wait , hold still, I will know the answer. Well that sucks He knows how I am about waiting...lol I was leaning toward taking the chemo..Why? I was scared. I didn't want to go thru this again. I was afraid I dying, not being here for my husband, my kids and new baby boy. Just plain scared. Even after meeting with the Oncologist twice, I wasn't feeling the chemo 100%. Many family members wanted me to take the chemo, my daughter supports whatever I decide(that didn't help)..lol, my husband didn't, some friends said not to,others said do it. I started reading post on a breast cancer website from women who have the same cancer I do. All of that left me even more confused then ever. Then I stopped begging and turned it over to God. Early one morning while in prayer God told me He never left me, I I let go of his hand, that's why I was so scared. I forgot His promise when all of this first started. "This will not kill me" That does not guarantee that the cancer will never come back... nothing can guarantee that but my major fear of dying has been calmed. When I let go of the fear and grabbed hold of God's hand again, confirmation started coming from everywhere that I don't need chemo. I feel secure in my decision, my heart is at peace now. If the cancer comes back I truly believe it would have came back no matter what I could have done. Nothing is 100% . I will be taking on a healthier lifestyle than what I have been living. I know I need to take better care of myself than I have been. Thank You God for believing in me and trusting me and never leaving my side. Some people might say the devil put fear in me but the devil had nothing to do with this. I had to learn to trust God always and completely. Once I let go of the fear, the answer came to me so fast. That is the lesson I learned, You can't go to God with fear in your heart. Let go of the fear and trust Him. He will answer you.
Ok back to the Infertility doctor. I found out that I am very very fertile YAYYYY ME!!! I do have fibroids. One that is in my uterus that needs to be removed, Other than that everything looks very good. She said we can harvest some eggs and freeze them so when I want to get pregnant I will have strong eggs. If I do have chemo I will become infertile. That was the last nail in the chemo coffin.( plus I didn't want to lose my hair.. I just started to let it grow). There have been plenty of women who become pregnant after taking tamoxifen. Since I am no where near menopause and have young ovaries, I am no longer worried about being pushed into menopause by the tamoxifen. Now this whole invetro thing is very expensive and there is some financial help from the Lance Armstrong organization but there is still $5000 we would have to pay. So what am I going to do........ Put it in prayer and hand it over to God. He hasn't failed me. I need to make a decision within the next week because I have to start some kind of treatment very very very soon. So this is the cancer side of my life. The other side of my life is a bit crazy right now that is a whole separate story tooo long to put here right now. This whole cancer this still gets me down sometimes.. I guess I just tired of dealing with it. Well I got to call my Oncologist and let her know what I have decided.
Holding onto God real tight right now!
First I don't need chemo. It would be more of an insurance policy for me. Killing off cancer cells just in case some stray active ones are in there. It will take my chances of cancer showing up in 10 years somewhere else from 15% to 12%. I will be on hormone therapy (tamoxifen) for 5 years but since I want to have at least 1 more child she agree to only 2 years then try to get pregnant then after the baby go back on for 3 years. If I don't take the tamoxifen, my chances of getting cancer again is 45%.. so with that said I NEED the tamoxifen!
This has not been an easy decision. I have been begging God for some help, BEGGING, He kept telling me to wait , hold still, I will know the answer. Well that sucks He knows how I am about waiting...lol I was leaning toward taking the chemo..Why? I was scared. I didn't want to go thru this again. I was afraid I dying, not being here for my husband, my kids and new baby boy. Just plain scared. Even after meeting with the Oncologist twice, I wasn't feeling the chemo 100%. Many family members wanted me to take the chemo, my daughter supports whatever I decide(that didn't help)..lol, my husband didn't, some friends said not to,others said do it. I started reading post on a breast cancer website from women who have the same cancer I do. All of that left me even more confused then ever. Then I stopped begging and turned it over to God. Early one morning while in prayer God told me He never left me, I I let go of his hand, that's why I was so scared. I forgot His promise when all of this first started. "This will not kill me" That does not guarantee that the cancer will never come back... nothing can guarantee that but my major fear of dying has been calmed. When I let go of the fear and grabbed hold of God's hand again, confirmation started coming from everywhere that I don't need chemo. I feel secure in my decision, my heart is at peace now. If the cancer comes back I truly believe it would have came back no matter what I could have done. Nothing is 100% . I will be taking on a healthier lifestyle than what I have been living. I know I need to take better care of myself than I have been. Thank You God for believing in me and trusting me and never leaving my side. Some people might say the devil put fear in me but the devil had nothing to do with this. I had to learn to trust God always and completely. Once I let go of the fear, the answer came to me so fast. That is the lesson I learned, You can't go to God with fear in your heart. Let go of the fear and trust Him. He will answer you.
Ok back to the Infertility doctor. I found out that I am very very fertile YAYYYY ME!!! I do have fibroids. One that is in my uterus that needs to be removed, Other than that everything looks very good. She said we can harvest some eggs and freeze them so when I want to get pregnant I will have strong eggs. If I do have chemo I will become infertile. That was the last nail in the chemo coffin.( plus I didn't want to lose my hair.. I just started to let it grow). There have been plenty of women who become pregnant after taking tamoxifen. Since I am no where near menopause and have young ovaries, I am no longer worried about being pushed into menopause by the tamoxifen. Now this whole invetro thing is very expensive and there is some financial help from the Lance Armstrong organization but there is still $5000 we would have to pay. So what am I going to do........ Put it in prayer and hand it over to God. He hasn't failed me. I need to make a decision within the next week because I have to start some kind of treatment very very very soon. So this is the cancer side of my life. The other side of my life is a bit crazy right now that is a whole separate story tooo long to put here right now. This whole cancer this still gets me down sometimes.. I guess I just tired of dealing with it. Well I got to call my Oncologist and let her know what I have decided.
Holding onto God real tight right now!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Blessings
I haven't written much lately because I have been pleasantly distracted. We picked up our soon to be adopted son Dylan (10 months) on Good Friday. God has blessed me with this little boy. Giving him to me at the most perfect time. Everything that I'm going thru right now I needed somebody who needs me more than anything. I don't think about what I don't have or even what I want. I have somebody who needs are a little more important than mine. Matt made sure I was healed enough to be able to care for Dylan. He even was a little surprise how well I was doing with him. I knew I was ready for this baby. He is the one person in my life that does not know about the breast cancer. He doesn't treat me gingerly as a matter of fact I get pushed in my chest often. Good thing I'm still numb there..lol. I still can't believe I am doing this all over again. Ohh yeahhh did I tell you that this baby looks like me..lol This little boy has won my heart. I don't dwell on the bad stuff any more. Evey thing is positive now, looking forward to many many many years with my kids. Mommy loves you Chardiney, Jayson and Dylan.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
New family member
Wow Matt and I just brought home our son yesterday... Dylan, he is 10 months old. I still doesn't seem real. We could have had him earlier but Matt wanted to make sure I was healed enough to care for a baby. I am doing very well, of course my right side is still sore and I can't reach but so far and I feel like I have a brick in my chest. I am driving some now.. Just running to the store..I get sore from driving too much. I go for another fill on Tuesday.
I am so happy. This will be the first Easter in a very long time that I will have all my kids together. Nay and Jayson are so taken with Dylan. He seems crazy about them also. He did great all day until bedtime. He fell asleep in my arms and every time I went to lay him down he would wake up right away crying. I felt bad for him, knowing he was in a new place and wondering where are the things he was familiar with. I just kept reassuring him that everything is ok and I am here for him. This family has so much love to give to him. I am so happy we were able to take him and keep him out of the foster care system.
God has truly blessed me, a great husband, wonderful children and cancer free!!!!!
I am so happy. This will be the first Easter in a very long time that I will have all my kids together. Nay and Jayson are so taken with Dylan. He seems crazy about them also. He did great all day until bedtime. He fell asleep in my arms and every time I went to lay him down he would wake up right away crying. I felt bad for him, knowing he was in a new place and wondering where are the things he was familiar with. I just kept reassuring him that everything is ok and I am here for him. This family has so much love to give to him. I am so happy we were able to take him and keep him out of the foster care system.
God has truly blessed me, a great husband, wonderful children and cancer free!!!!!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
My Birthday
March 28, I have turned 42 today. The last year has been a whirlwind for me. I have had 2 surgeries (gall bladder removed & breast cancer) I got married to the most loving man made for me. I feel as tho my relationship with my son and daughter has grown deeper and stronger. My family is growing in leaps and bounds. We got a cat named Jacob and soon my lil baby boy Dylan. He will be with me on Good Friday.
I can't imagine this year past year without my husband. I love him more than word can express. He has given me strength to fight. He is my King, my partner. I had asked God for a man that goes to church. God laughed at me and gave a Bishop...lol. Being a pastor's wife is the last thing in the world I ever thought I will be. I am learning and I am enjoying this road that God has put me on.
I am thankful I am on this earth for another year. As I look back, I notice my obedience has made the last year easier. I didn't make a move unless God told me to. Every decision God was consulted. Everything I have been thru has been a learning experience. My faith and trust in the Lord has gotten me this far and I plan on holding His hand for rest of the journey. I'm starting to believe that sometimes he let go of my hand to allow me to feel the human side so I understand how it feels, so when the time comes I can really help some else in the same situation. But knowing no matter what, all I have to do is reach out and He will be there to take my hand again.
God has a big plan he is preparing me for. This molding process has been tough and i know he is not finished.
I'm excited about this year. So I'm holding on tight to God cause this is going to be one very interesting journey.
I can't imagine this year past year without my husband. I love him more than word can express. He has given me strength to fight. He is my King, my partner. I had asked God for a man that goes to church. God laughed at me and gave a Bishop...lol. Being a pastor's wife is the last thing in the world I ever thought I will be. I am learning and I am enjoying this road that God has put me on.
I am thankful I am on this earth for another year. As I look back, I notice my obedience has made the last year easier. I didn't make a move unless God told me to. Every decision God was consulted. Everything I have been thru has been a learning experience. My faith and trust in the Lord has gotten me this far and I plan on holding His hand for rest of the journey. I'm starting to believe that sometimes he let go of my hand to allow me to feel the human side so I understand how it feels, so when the time comes I can really help some else in the same situation. But knowing no matter what, all I have to do is reach out and He will be there to take my hand again.
God has a big plan he is preparing me for. This molding process has been tough and i know he is not finished.
I'm excited about this year. So I'm holding on tight to God cause this is going to be one very interesting journey.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Chemo or No Chemo???????
Well I met with my oncologist yesterday. She explained my pathology report in more detail to me. She also answered all my questions. I left that appointment feeling very informed and a little more equipped. I found out that I had 4 lymph nodes removed instead of 1. And I had what she considers"good cancer" and my oncotype score was not bad. she gave me the impression that she isn't completely sold on me benefiting from chemo. Since I am only 5 weeks out from surgery, we still have time to decide on treatment.
I know all the pros and cons now. pros for taking the chemo:
1. Reduces the chances of the cancer coming back in 10 years from 15% to 12%
2. I will loose the hair on my legs = no shaving this summer..lol
3. I will only need 4 rounds chemo
4. I will save money on hair care products.
Ok the cons of chemo
1. I finally let my hair grow...bye bye ( this is not fair, can't I just loose my leg hair)
2. my reconstruction will have to be postponed until 6 weeks after chemo (I really don't like this one) Instead of having it done in May or June.
3. good chance it will make me infertile
4. wearing a wig in the summer is HOT
5. no amusement parks for me this summer
6. toxic meds will be going thru my body
7. it's not 100% that the cancer won't come back some place else on my body
8. I will loose my eyebrows and eye lashes ( OH **** NOO) I don't want to be drawing on my face to look normal, it will be bad enough that I have 1 fake boob. the hair everywhere else can go. Leave the hair on my head..lol
9. Other chemo side effects.....yuck
10. fibromyalgia and chemo does not sound like a good combo.
That's all I can think of now. If I look at it from the positive side. without it I have a 85% chance of it not coming back some place else. 85% is not bad. Plus with a healthy diet and lifestyle I should be good to go. I have put this in God's hands. He did tell me to wait to make a decision. So I am waiting right now. I have time. So chemo or no chemo.... I don't know yet.
I know all the pros and cons now. pros for taking the chemo:
1. Reduces the chances of the cancer coming back in 10 years from 15% to 12%
2. I will loose the hair on my legs = no shaving this summer..lol
3. I will only need 4 rounds chemo
4. I will save money on hair care products.
Ok the cons of chemo
1. I finally let my hair grow...bye bye ( this is not fair, can't I just loose my leg hair)
2. my reconstruction will have to be postponed until 6 weeks after chemo (I really don't like this one) Instead of having it done in May or June.
3. good chance it will make me infertile
4. wearing a wig in the summer is HOT
5. no amusement parks for me this summer
6. toxic meds will be going thru my body
7. it's not 100% that the cancer won't come back some place else on my body
8. I will loose my eyebrows and eye lashes ( OH **** NOO) I don't want to be drawing on my face to look normal, it will be bad enough that I have 1 fake boob. the hair everywhere else can go. Leave the hair on my head..lol
9. Other chemo side effects.....yuck
10. fibromyalgia and chemo does not sound like a good combo.
That's all I can think of now. If I look at it from the positive side. without it I have a 85% chance of it not coming back some place else. 85% is not bad. Plus with a healthy diet and lifestyle I should be good to go. I have put this in God's hands. He did tell me to wait to make a decision. So I am waiting right now. I have time. So chemo or no chemo.... I don't know yet.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
The Oncotype test results (chemo or no chemo)
I went to
see my surgeon yesterday to get the results of my Oncotype DX test.(to
see if I need chemo) plus get a better understanding of my pathology
report. Well the pathology report was good. my margins were clear and
nodes negative. I originally had 2 tumors they found a 3rd. and the
Dcis was 4.1 cm and no metastases, so the mastectomy was the best thing for me. so I had
Stage 1A cancer. He said this was the best type to have. Now normally that would be treated with just tamoxifen
for 5 years BUT..... My Oncotype DX test was a 23 which put me in the
middle of the middle of the chart for benefiting from chemo. The test
tells me I have a 15% chance of the cancer coming back in 10 years or
85% of it never coming back. My surgeon is consulting with a team of 3
Oncologist today and will tell me what
was said later this evening and then I will consult with them. This
really suck because it falls in my hands on what to do. I didn't know
where else to turn. Of course my husband doesn't want me to go thru
chemo neither do I but it's one thing to not want it but need it (like
the surgery)and another to not want it and maybe you will or maybe you
wont benefit from it. How do you make such a decision for your life.
This is so unfair Cancer sucks. I'm not looking for someone to make
this decision for me.
God told me this morning that my fight is just beginning. I know that I have way too much to live for. I feel like I should flip a coin because this whole this is really up to chance. God tells me things change. It has just really hit me that this is a fight I will be fighting for the rest of my life. My husband and children need me. My daughter and I are planning a trip to Paris next year to celebrate me beating this mess. I'm Mad now. I know some women are having a harder time then I am and I know my cancer is easier to deal with but this whole cancer this is just wrong. I still don't know what me decision will be i still need to meet with the Oncologist after my surgeon does. I'm praying God will have an answer for me by then. I guess I'm still waiting( the patience test..lol)
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Monday, March 12, 2012
Feeling some kind of way
I'm feeling some kind of way today. Today is the day I get the results of the OncotypeDX Test (tells me the chances of the cancer coming back). I find out if I need chemo or not. I know God told me "just surgery" He also told me I will be ok. Me and my family have been given so many blessings sine we found out about the cancer. God has told me this road will be tough and hard but it will be worth it in the end. I was also told that there are more blessings to come.
While looking over the paperwork and my pathology report I notice that my cancer had changed. When it was first found they were a stage 0 and stage 1. By the time of surgery they were a stage 1 and stage 2. The tumors had grown larger. So I know several of my other numbers that they use as markers must have increased. That is why I am concerned. I wonder if the original treatment plan has changed. God has me on this road where I don't know where I going and all I know is I will be ok at the end. This is not easy to surrender all to God (especially when I like to control everything...lol) I know this is a test of my faith and each time I hold on He blesses me for my obedience. I'm not sure if being scared is what I'm feeling or worry.. I don't know what it is I just feel some kind of way.
I still don't like taking a shower. I haven't gotten use to my new body. The good thing is that when I went to church this past Sunday, you couldn't tell anything was gone cause I have so much padding compressing me I look almost even.lol I know I will have new boobs by summer..... There goes that test of patience again I guess..lol.. This blog has been great therapy. I have been reading other survivors stories too. They seem to help a lot. So tonight I find out how I will be spending my spring and summer. All I keep hearing is God saying" I got you"
While looking over the paperwork and my pathology report I notice that my cancer had changed. When it was first found they were a stage 0 and stage 1. By the time of surgery they were a stage 1 and stage 2. The tumors had grown larger. So I know several of my other numbers that they use as markers must have increased. That is why I am concerned. I wonder if the original treatment plan has changed. God has me on this road where I don't know where I going and all I know is I will be ok at the end. This is not easy to surrender all to God (especially when I like to control everything...lol) I know this is a test of my faith and each time I hold on He blesses me for my obedience. I'm not sure if being scared is what I'm feeling or worry.. I don't know what it is I just feel some kind of way.
I still don't like taking a shower. I haven't gotten use to my new body. The good thing is that when I went to church this past Sunday, you couldn't tell anything was gone cause I have so much padding compressing me I look almost even.lol I know I will have new boobs by summer..... There goes that test of patience again I guess..lol.. This blog has been great therapy. I have been reading other survivors stories too. They seem to help a lot. So tonight I find out how I will be spending my spring and summer. All I keep hearing is God saying" I got you"
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
My 1st Shower
I took my first shower today...... It was a very surreal moment. Bandages gone, drain tube gone, breast gone. All I could do is look at myself in the mirror. The last shower I took was the morning of my surgery. I had to wash with that special stuff the Dr. gave me so it would reduce infection. I had smelled like medicine ..lol Today I was able to wash with my own shower gel. As I stepped into the shower I was kinda scared to get the right side wet. I am still numb in that area and under my arm. I was happy with my body. I was very proud of the body I had at the age of 41, especially my breast.. I really really liked them. Now I have to get use to this new body. I know I will have a new breast soon but its not the same. The shower felt good. I didn't do much with the "right"side because it is still healing so I just washed around it. I'm praying my test comes back that I don't need chemo or radiation. This going too take some time getting use to.
3 weeks today
It has been 3 weeks since my surgery. Things have been very interesting the past couple of days. I went to church Sunday. I had quite a bit of anxiety about going. Me being loopsided started to get to me for the first time. And with me being the "First Lady" I knew people would be looking at me. The only person who saw my tears was my husband. He did his best to talk me down and convinced me not to wear this huge sweater I wanted to wear(I probably would have lost 10lb in sweat if I wore it lol). When we got to the church I went straight to my office. I had to sit in there a bit before joining everyone else for service. Everybody was so nice and loving. They did everything they could to make sure I was comfortable as possible. I'm glad I went. I love Faith Church Baltimore. I did discover that you use some of your chest muscles when you clap.. so clapping during praise and worship was a little tough. After service, my hubby fed me some fried fish (another one of my cravings) and I slept the rest of the day.
I guess this is where the fibromyalgia really kicks in. I slept most of Monday. Good news is I was able to get my drainage tube removed on Tuesday. The Dr. said I am healing well and they will start filling my expander in 2 weeks. I had another anxiety moment right before my appointment. I just started getting frustrated with not being able to be independent like I was before cancer. I know in time I will be, it still gets to me. I finally got use to dealing with the fibromyalgia and now cancer. I still don't know what my treatment will be for sure. I guess God is having me repeat the lesson on patience. Waiting for my body to heal, waiting for the test results, waiting for my new breast.... yeah. I'm repeating this lesson. So now I'm sore from where the tube was removed and I have to have my right "breast" compressed at all times so fluid doesn't build up before they start to fill the expander(this is uncomfortable). I still have to take it easy. Honestly... I'm tired of taking it easy...lol I have been resting and sleeping for 3 weeks now. Guess I have to be patient.
I guess this is where the fibromyalgia really kicks in. I slept most of Monday. Good news is I was able to get my drainage tube removed on Tuesday. The Dr. said I am healing well and they will start filling my expander in 2 weeks. I had another anxiety moment right before my appointment. I just started getting frustrated with not being able to be independent like I was before cancer. I know in time I will be, it still gets to me. I finally got use to dealing with the fibromyalgia and now cancer. I still don't know what my treatment will be for sure. I guess God is having me repeat the lesson on patience. Waiting for my body to heal, waiting for the test results, waiting for my new breast.... yeah. I'm repeating this lesson. So now I'm sore from where the tube was removed and I have to have my right "breast" compressed at all times so fluid doesn't build up before they start to fill the expander(this is uncomfortable). I still have to take it easy. Honestly... I'm tired of taking it easy...lol I have been resting and sleeping for 3 weeks now. Guess I have to be patient.
Friday, March 2, 2012
3/2/2012
Today I am feel good. I washed my hair by myself. I had to do it in the kitchen sink because of the drain tube still in me but It is done and I feel so much better. I would love to flat iron it but I know that will have to wait so it's just wrapped up. I was able to put a shirt over my head yesterday. It was a big tshirt so I didn't have to raise my arm much. I'm gonna start working on getting my stamina up. This being tired all the time is for the birds. As soon as I can I'm going to take up yoga... I know it will be a few weeks before I can Zumba. I know I have to take better care of myself to help keep the cancer from coming back.
We did get good news last night. My hubby found a house for us. He want me to go see it before he sign anything, so tomorrow will be the first time out the house and not seeing a Dr. I am a little nervous cause of how I look. If I wear a big shirt you won't see the difference. as soon as I get the ok from my plastic surgeon, the American Cancer Society will help me even things out...lol So with all that said, I will probably be moving at the end of March.
Thanks to Facebook I have been able to still chat with my daughter while she is in Italy. It's funny she had been over there for only 2 days and she already have over 200 pic posted on her page. I love it because I feel like I am visiting Italy without leaving my living room. I can't wait to go visit someday. I'm looking forward to my life being normal again. Well as close to normal as my life can be...lol. I'm looking at life a little different and the people in it...but that's another whole blog entry. I feel a change coming.......
We did get good news last night. My hubby found a house for us. He want me to go see it before he sign anything, so tomorrow will be the first time out the house and not seeing a Dr. I am a little nervous cause of how I look. If I wear a big shirt you won't see the difference. as soon as I get the ok from my plastic surgeon, the American Cancer Society will help me even things out...lol So with all that said, I will probably be moving at the end of March.
Thanks to Facebook I have been able to still chat with my daughter while she is in Italy. It's funny she had been over there for only 2 days and she already have over 200 pic posted on her page. I love it because I feel like I am visiting Italy without leaving my living room. I can't wait to go visit someday. I'm looking forward to my life being normal again. Well as close to normal as my life can be...lol. I'm looking at life a little different and the people in it...but that's another whole blog entry. I feel a change coming.......
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
PATHOLOGY REPORT
The Dr. called me last night with the pathology report. I had 2 tumors, the 1st was a stage 0 DCIS tumor. Pretty much meaning it was 1cm or smaller in found in my milk ducts. The 2nd was a stage 1(the mammogram found this one) invasive tumor, this one was a little over 2cm in size. Both are fed by estrogen. So with all that said there is another test I have to have done. Its called OncotypeDX. Because my cancer was found so early and it did not spread to lymph nodes and its estrogen fed, I qualify for the test. This test determines the probability of the cancer coming back.. There is a score from 0 to 100 the lower the score, the less chance of recurrence. A score of 0 to 8 no need for chem. 9 -30 need to consider possibility of needing chemo, 31 and above I really need to consider chemo. So I have to wait another 2 weeks for those results. God is truly teaching me patience...lol So I won't know how I am going to be treated for another 2 weeks. I guess that's good with everything not hitting me all at once. I just kinda feel its just dragging out longer. Oh well like I have said before this is God's plan and I can't rush Him, so I will just sit back and enjoy the ride because God is in control and He keeps telling me "I GOT YOU"
LOVE
I saw this video and it made me cry cause my husband has been reminding me everyday since we found out I have cancer that he loves me and he is not going anywhere. He loves the person I am and tells me everyday that I'm beautiful no matter how crazy I look...and I know I have had some rough days. I can't imagine going thru this without him. We have been holding each other up as a team should. I love him so much there are no words to express the depth of my love for him. I just want you and the world to know I love and appreciate and adore you. God has blessed me with a wonderful husband!!!!
http://youtu.be/bM9fzser6RY
http://youtu.be/bM9fzser6RY
Monday, February 27, 2012
I will survive!
Today is starting out good. I haven't had pain meds for over 12 hours. So thinga are healing well. I still have the drainage tube..yuck!!! can't get rid of that until next Tues. That sucks big time cause it seems that most of my discomfort is from this tube in me. I'm so ready to get back to a somewhat normal life. Like a shower...no even better a bubble bath. If's funny God and I have more talks now that I have so much free time. That is what keeps me focused.
I was watching a video on Facebook this morning that had me crying. It was a group of breast cancer survivors dancing and singing the Gloria Gaynor song "I will survive" I was surprised by my reaction. I started listening to the words and felt that most of it applied to me. I started crying because it hit me that I did survived, I made it, and I will be just fine... Now this is really funny. I have been searching Facebook and can not find that post. I just saw it this morning. Well, when I find it I will post it. It;s nothing fancy but it just hit home for me that I am one of them now.
My daughter will be going to Italy for Spring Break afterall. She wanted to spend it with me but they couldn't find anybody to take her place and she would loose $3000 she paid for the trip. I told her I will be ok. The scary part(the surgey) is over and I'm doing well. She plans on spending every other weekend with me when she gets back. I didn't realize how much I miss having her around until she left. My children have made me very proud on how they are dealing with everything. Their strength is truly amazing.
Well still waiting for the pathology report. This is all in God's hands.
My cousin found the video http://youtu.be/MHXsU45HTck
I was watching a video on Facebook this morning that had me crying. It was a group of breast cancer survivors dancing and singing the Gloria Gaynor song "I will survive" I was surprised by my reaction. I started listening to the words and felt that most of it applied to me. I started crying because it hit me that I did survived, I made it, and I will be just fine... Now this is really funny. I have been searching Facebook and can not find that post. I just saw it this morning. Well, when I find it I will post it. It;s nothing fancy but it just hit home for me that I am one of them now.
My daughter will be going to Italy for Spring Break afterall. She wanted to spend it with me but they couldn't find anybody to take her place and she would loose $3000 she paid for the trip. I told her I will be ok. The scary part(the surgey) is over and I'm doing well. She plans on spending every other weekend with me when she gets back. I didn't realize how much I miss having her around until she left. My children have made me very proud on how they are dealing with everything. Their strength is truly amazing.
Well still waiting for the pathology report. This is all in God's hands.
My cousin found the video http://youtu.be/MHXsU45HTck
Thursday, February 23, 2012
1 week later
It has been one week since my surgery. How do I feel? Good question. I looked at myself in the mirror this morning. I dunno, I didn't really feel any certain way. I wasn't sad or mad, just felt nothing. Maybe because I know this is a process and before long I will look and feel normal again. I feel better than yesterday. Adjusting to my new body. I'm so ready to workout, zumba or something. I know in time.
I had a dream the other day that I woke up and had both my breast and no cancer in my body. This whole cancer thing was a dream. It is still hard to believe sometimes. I look at myself and wonder "did this really happen". I don't feel like I'm living my life. It gets really weird if you think about it too much.
I had a great talk with Nay(my daughter) this morning. It feels good when you know that your child really appreciates everything you have done for them and they give you credit for who they have become. My NayNay monster has grown up to be a fab young woman. I miss having her around even tho we talk several times a day...lol Hopefully I will hear something back about the pathology report today. I'm ready to get moving on this.
I had a dream the other day that I woke up and had both my breast and no cancer in my body. This whole cancer thing was a dream. It is still hard to believe sometimes. I look at myself and wonder "did this really happen". I don't feel like I'm living my life. It gets really weird if you think about it too much.
I had a great talk with Nay(my daughter) this morning. It feels good when you know that your child really appreciates everything you have done for them and they give you credit for who they have become. My NayNay monster has grown up to be a fab young woman. I miss having her around even tho we talk several times a day...lol Hopefully I will hear something back about the pathology report today. I'm ready to get moving on this.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
UGGGG
Today is the worst I have felt. The numbness of the surgery is wearing off and my right side feel like it was a punching bag for the heavy weight champ...lol Maybe not that bad but close. This is also the most tired I have felt too. This sucks. Good thing my deodorant is working good cause I just don't have the energy to wash up this morning... maybe later after lunch.
I'm gonna post a pic of what is left of my Edible Arrangement. The fruit is soooo good. Miss Sylvia is so sweet. I'm crocheting a shawl to wear. 1 reason is I need something to do and 2 I am somewhat self conscious of being loop sided. I just realized I am really rambling in this post...lol I guess that happens when you blog after taking pain killers...lol oh well. I'm gonna go take a nap
I'm gonna post a pic of what is left of my Edible Arrangement. The fruit is soooo good. Miss Sylvia is so sweet. I'm crocheting a shawl to wear. 1 reason is I need something to do and 2 I am somewhat self conscious of being loop sided. I just realized I am really rambling in this post...lol I guess that happens when you blog after taking pain killers...lol oh well. I'm gonna go take a nap
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