Echocardiogram and Pelvic Ultrasound done, April 29th

Hello everybody.........it's about 1pm. I had my echocardiogram done about 9:30 this morning. Of course, they're not supposed to tell you anything, but I always try to get chummy with them, and I play the "RN card" if I can. The tech said that I have a very strong heart. That's all he gave me. My pelvic ultrasound was done about 10:30, and the girl that did it was from Bear Grass. She actually showed me the screen. She said that one of the cysts was very small and was definitely showing all the characteristics of a simple cyst. She said the other one was bigger, but appeared to have just some "debris" floating in the fluid inside of it. Of course, the doctor reading it will have the final word, but I'm not too worried at this point. I know a hysterectomy is definitely to my advantage, but I was hoping not to have to turn around and have another surgery just yet.

So,.......tomorrow is chemo treatment #1. We have to be there at 9:00. It will probably take 3 to 4 hours for the infusion this time. Each drug is going to infuse separately and slowly. The purpose of that is to monitor me for allergic reactions due to never having these drugs in my system before. I'm taking plenty of reading material with me. Don't be surprised if you get a text from me during that time either!

That's all for now. Oh, I almost forgot. My Aunt Janie (breast cancer survivor of 13 years!) has asked me to walk with her during the "survivors' lap" at the Relay For Life event Friday night at the Williamston High School track. It was kind of funny. I asked her what you had to do to be considered a survivor. My mama laughed at me. I didn't know if you had to have completed your treatments or anything like that. She said I qualified, so my family and all my homeys are going out there to support me. If you're reading this and living closeby, come on out and check it out. I'd love to see you. The survivors' lap starts at six. With tomorrow being the first treatment, I've been told that I'll probably feel fine afterwards, so I'm really hoping to make it. I was told that I might be feeling bad by Saturday afternoon.

Depending on how late the chemo finishes up, I might not have time to come to my house and update my blog before leaving town. If I don't, I'll have Cindy Brinson update it for me, or I'll go to my sister's house in Jamesville on Saturday and update it then. Thanks for keeping up with me!

Cindy

First oncologist appointment, Monday the 26th

We arrived at Physician's East somewhere between 10:15 and 10:30 this morning, and we walked out the door just after 2:30. Talk about information overload! My oncologist's name is Heather White, and Mama and I really, really liked her. She was about my age, very relaxed and laid back, and very reassuring that she's going to take care of me. She explained to me in great detail what the plans are and what to expect. The first step is to have an echocardiogram on Thursday. I will be receiving a drug called Herceptin which, in very few cases, can weaken the heart muscle. As a precaution, she wants to check out my heart function to see if I have any problems before starting, as well as have a baseline to compare it to. My first chemo treatment will be on Friday morning at 9:00. I will be given three different drugs once every three weeks for a total of six treatments. As I said before, the length of time this takes will depend on how well I tolerate the treatments and what my blood counts are. After these six treatments, I will no longer take the other two drugs, but will continue the Herceptin for a year. She expects my hair to fall out in the beginning, but once I am taking the Herceptin only, she expects it to start growing back. After the six treatments, I not only will go down to receiving just the one drug, but that is when I will start radiation treatments. I asked her the reasoning behind this, and she said taking the radiation along with the three drugs would make me too sick.

Also on Thursday, I will be having a pelvic ultrasound. My CT scan of my abdomen revealed two ovarian cysts, and this is to make sure that they are not cancerous. She did not seem to be very worried about them, and reassured me of that. However, we did discuss the possibility of having my ovaries removed versus a complete hysterectomy at a later time. She also said that she will be repeating all of my scans in three months.

So.........that's an echocardiogram and a pelvic ultrasound on Thursday. Then my first chemo treatment on Friday morning. Next Monday (I think), I go back to my surgeon, Dr. Habal. I wasn't supposed to see him again for five months, but he is who Dr. White recommended for my infusaport placement. We elected not to postpone the initiation of chemo because it could be a few weeks before he could do the placement. On Friday morning, I will have just a regular iv for that day, and then, hopefully, before the next one, I will have my infusaport placed. An infusaport is super duper, high tech IV access that is inserted under my skin. This will allow me to shower without having to worry about getting anything wet, plus, with it being under the skin, I'll have less risk of infection as I would with a Hickman, PICC line, or another external access.

So......that is the latest. My arm remains extremely sore and I have limited range of motion, but I see it improving in very small increments. Even though I'm not looking forward to any of this, I am anxious to get started. The sooner I start, the sooner I finish! I think Mama is very encouraged after meeting with the oncologist today as well. She was very worried about how I will tolerate the chemo, but Dr. White reassured her that she is going to take care of me. I left with three different nausea prescriptions!

I know that this isn't going to be any walk in the park, but I also know that my attitude will have a lot to do with it. God is a good God, and I know that He is going to walk thru this with me. I do plan on milking it though, so any spoiling that ya'll want to do is greatly encouraged and appreciated! For those of you who want to know if there's anything you can do, please continue to pray. For those of you who live closeby, come see us. I am really enjoying seeing those of you who I haven't seen in a while. Also, I have a friend who has just had a lumpectomy for breast cancer as well. Her name is Karen, and she is a missionary stationed in Fiji. Please lift her up in prayer as well. She will be coming to the States soon to start her radiation.

Thank you,
Cindy

First radiologist visit this morning, 4/23/10

Good morning. It is Friday morning, April 23rd, and I met with the radiologist for the first time this morning. Her name is Dr. Ballenger, and Mama and I liked her a lot. She told us what her plan was, and what she thought Dr. White's (the oncologist) plan will be. (I meet with Dr. White for the first time next Monday, the 26th):

Dr. Ballenger said that she is expecting Dr. White to treat me with three different drugs every three weeks for approximately four months. At that time, the plan is for me to go down to one drug and start radiation. The radiation will be Monday thru Friday, but I forgot how long she said it would last as far as weeks. I'll have to ask Mama about that. Of course, the time frames might vary some depending on how well I tolerate the treatments, and how my blood counts are. There was a lot more discussed this morning, but most of it is speculative until I meet with Dr. White and get the facts. What I know right now for sure is that radiation will not start for approximately four months. Even though I am anxious to get started with everything, I was also scared of starting too soon before my incision could completely heal.

I will post another update on Monday after seeing the oncologist. I also have an appointment after that to see my personal physician. Hopefully, by Monday, I'll have more solid facts and timeframes. Today was more of a meet & greet, question & answer session more than anything.

My arm is doing a little better. It's improving in tiny increments, but I have noticed that I have more incentive to move around now. I finally got the initiative to sit down, balance my checkbook, and pay my bills. I'm taking advantage of this time and getting some continuing education done as well. I'm able to help earn my keep a little more now at Mama's and Daddy's. My sister has asked me how long I'm going to milk this before I'm able to help with the dishes again..........

After my appointments on Monday, I plan to go by the office and meet with my supervisor and bosslady. The two patients that I am working with right now are extremely easy cases, and my patients' parents and coworkers have told me to come back when I was ready, and they will help me with what I am not able to do yet. I work with a great group of people, and I am very appreciative of how they are working with me on this.

I am at my townhouse in Greenville (Winterville) at the moment. Mama had to run to Sam's for a few minutes. I don't know when I'll be coming back to stay here. I'm in no hurry, and Mama and Daddy are enjoying having me around. I guess it will depend on when I go back to work, which is hopefully soon. I need to get a little normalcy back into my life. Please continue to pray for us. We still have a long road ahead of us, and, I have to admit, that came as a huge reality check to us this morning. The surgery is really only the beginning. Thank you so much to each and every one of you who is praying, calling, sending cards, cooking.........it is helping so very much. Please continue to do so. As you can imagine, whatever makes this a little easier on my family makes it a lot easier on me. They are being strong and faithful, but we are only human. They say God doesn't give you more than you can handle. He must really trust me is all I have to say! But He is a good God, and I still say that He is faithful. I don't know why this has happened, but I know there's a reason.

Some of you have commented about how often you are coming to this site and checking for updates. If you scroll down to the bottom of the page, you will see a block that says "subscribe". If you click on that box, you will automatically be notified when I post an update. My next one should be Monday afternoon.

Thank you again,
Cindy

Last Drain Is OUT!!

It is Tuesday, April the 20th, and I am at my townhouse. I saw my surgeon this morning, and he said everything looks good. His nurse pulled the remaining drain, and I am happy to report that I didn't feel that either! I had plenty of people praying for me, plus I took two Vicodin before I left Mama's. My eyes were a little glassy, but I didn't feel a thing! Dr. Habal gave me the okay to go back to work, and I don't have to see him again for five months! Now, my objective is to start some exercises to regain the strength and range of motion I had prior to surgery. I believe the pain in my arm is a little better, and the doctor said that everything I am feeling is completely normal.

Friday, I meet with the radiologist for the first time. I am anxious to get this ball rolling. When I leave my townhouse today, I am going to stop by the office and meet with my boss in regards to going back to work. I meet with the oncologist on Monday, the 26th. So, things are moving along, and I am anxious to start the next phase.

Thank you again for your prayers and support. We appreciate it so much. I will stop by and post another update on Friday after meeting with the radiologist.

Noon, Sunday, April the 18th

Hello everybody. It is noon on Sunday the 18th. A cousin of mine has driven me home so I could pick up my mail, check my email, etc. I had a whole stack of cards waiting for me! Thank you so much! I never get tired of reading them. Since I posted an update last Tuesday, I have not been doing very well. I am having a lot of discomfort in my upper arm. Right around the area of my bicep muscle, I am extremely sore; more than my incision site. The back of my upper arm is numb in some places, but extremely sensitive in others. Even the sleeve of my shirt rubbing against it is almost unbearable. The only thing that makes this discomfort stop is to sit still with a pillow tucked under my arm. Naturally, I can't do that all day every day, so it's been very discouraging. I have less range of motion than I did, a little fluid buildup, and the sensitivity is quite painful. I guess it has something to do with the nerve endings. Right now, I am very concerned that this may be permanent. I am anxious to get the last drain out on Tuesday so that I can talk to the doctor about this and start some arm exercises to regain my strength.

Overall, I am doing well. With my arm giving me so much trouble this week, I've been a little stircrazy and discouraged a bit, but I refuse to dwell on it. It's still been less than two weeks since surgery, and I have to remind myself that these things take time.
Thank you for all the support I'm receiving from you. Please continue to pray for me, as well as my family. Mama and Daddy are working very hard trying to get the garden planted, setting out flowers, and taking care of me. I can do more for myself than I could in the beginning. They are worried though, and I can see it on their faces. Please don't forget to pray for them as well. I am coming back to Greenville on Tuesday to see the surgeon and get the other drain out. I will come by the house and post another update then.

Thank you again for everything.......

Just left the surgeon's office, Tuesday, April 13th

Hello everybody! It is Tuesday, April the 13th. I have just walked through my front door for the first time since surgery. I just left the surgeon's office and have come home for a little while while my mother is out running a few errands. Oh, how good it is to be in my own house using my own computer! My parents do not have internet service at their house, so I have been trying to stay connected by using my cousin's cellphone. I have been trying to put an occasional update on Facebook, and check those messages, but have been unable to receive my regular emails or update my blog. A big thank you to Cindy B for keeping that updated for me! (The collards, lasagna, jelly doughnuts, etc. were heartily welcomed too........thanks!) I just looked and I have 87 emails in my inbox!

Okay, so here's the latest. I went back to see the surgeon this morning for my followup visit. I had two drains in my chest and underarm that were draining fluid from my incisions. Due to the minimal amount of drainage coming from Drain #2, he was able to pull that drain today. Being an RN, I have pulled many drains in my day, so I was very aware of what was going to happen. To my surprise, I hardly even felt it! God is so good! I was dreading that so much. The surgeon was very pleased with how I am recovering, and told me to see him again on Tuesday, April 20th to pull the other one. He also made appointments for me to get started with chemotherapy and radiation. He removed 25 lymph nodes from under my arm, and 6 contained cancer. Because of this, radiation is automatically recommended. The chemo is a precaution for any stray cancer cells that might have gotten past my lymph nodes into my bloodstream. So.............those appointments are scheduled for the 23rd and 26th.

I am doing extremely well, and I believe that is directly a result of the prayers that have been said on my behalf. I required one dose of pain medication, and one dose of nausea medication on the day of surgery and that has been it. Even though I am sleeping in a recliner at my parents' house, I am sleeping all night every night. For the most part, I am able to do whatever I need to do, but I am being careful not to overdo it. I have spent many a day taking care of my mother after surgery, and now she is returning the favor. Even though it is humbling to have your mother wash your hair, cut up your food, and help dress you, there is also something very tender and comforting about it. I am now being tucked in every night with a kiss on the cheek! And who wouldn't be enjoying that!

Thank you so much for everything. The outpouring of support has just been phenomenal. I have enjoyed every visit, every message, every morsel! Even though I have a long way to go still, it has been so much easier with so many of you praying for me and supporting me, as well as my family. Thank you so very much. If you're in the vicinity of Bear Grass, stop by and say hello. If nobody's there, we're probably just taking a ride on the golf cart...............

God is sooo good!

Wow what a beautiful day! I got to spend some wonderful time with Cindy and family in Bear Grass this afternoon. I was also blessed to see Tonya Coltrain Leggett who is another cancer survivor! God is so good! We had a mini BG reunion because Tammy and Donna Taylor Leggett were there also. What a fantastic visit. Best of all Cindy is doing great! She is up and around aggravating everyone. (Just kidding). Cindy looks fabulous and is recovering nicely. I will update again after her Dr. appt. on Tuesday.
CBB

Getting Spoiled

Cindy continues to have very restful days and nights. As she put it yesterday, "I slept like a rock". She is a bit sore but is very upbeat and has a wonderful, positive attitude. She is up and about and getting fed very well from what I hear. I have 2 jelly doughnuts with her name on them to deliver. She is thrilled to have phone calls, visits, etc. from all of you! She goes back to the doctor on Tues. for a checkup and to make sure things are healing properly. I will try to keep you updated daily. Thanks again for all of the love and support.
Cindy Bullock Brinson

Cindy got a good 8 hours of sleep last night. She has been up and about today with minimal pain. She is ready for visits and phone calls and she sounds fabulous. I plan to visit with her within the next day or so. She is very appreciative of the prayers, phone calls, visits, etc. God is good!

Cindy is at her Mom and Dad's house in Bear Grass. She had a little bit of nausea when getting dressed to come home but quickly recovered from that. I talked to her and she was resting comfortably in the recliner with her Mt. Dew. Please check earlier post from today as well.

Cindy's surgery

I talked to Mrs Judy a little while ago. Cindy is out of surgery and hoping to go to Bear Grass in just a little while. I told Mrs. Judy that I would call them tonight when they get settled. I will update the blog again at that time. They did find cancer in the lymph nodes so she will have to do chemo and radiation. Please continue to keep them uplifted in prayer.
Thanks for your love and concern,
Cindy Bullock Brinson

SCANS ARE CLEAR!!!

It is 8pm, Tuesday, April the 6th. I am happy to report that I met with Dr. Habal today, and he revealed to me that all of my scans (CT of the head, chest, abdomen, and pelvis, plus a bone scan) are all negative! No signs of the cancer spreading anywhere! As you can imagine, that is a tremendous load off of my mind going into surgery tomorrow. I didn't realize how worried I was until I was sitting in an examining room by myself waiting for him to come in and give me the results. I stopped by the office to make my downpayment for the surgery, and they pulled my chart so he could talk to me. Everyone at his office is so kind and sweet. They worked me in, made sure that he knew I had another appointment, and ushered me right out. I have been really pleased with the way I have been treated there, as well as my mother.

I am at home right now packing. This is scheduled to be an outpatient procedure, provided there are no complications. I will be going to Bear Grass afterwards and spending the next several days with my parents. This will prevent me from trying to do too much, and make it easier for family and friends to visit me. I will not have access to a computer while I am there unless I go over to my sister's house; however, I will have my cellphone. Cindy (Bullock) Brinson will be updating my blog for me.

Thank you so very much for all of your prayers. Please lift my family and I in prayer tomorrow as we undergo the next step in this journey. I am doing well, but a little tired from too much work, cleaning, etc. I am ready for this surgery and look forward to visiting with many of you while I recover.

It is Monday, April the 5th. I have the day off, and am at home finishing up my spring cleaning and some other little projects. I have had to push myself to get the cleaning done, and I am tired; but it has helped to occupy my mind. It gives me great satisfaction to know that it is done. I have not gotten the results of my scans yet. I called Dr. Habal's office on Friday, but I had forgotten it was a holiday. I have to go by his office either today or tomorrow to pay my down payment for surgery, so I'll just ask then. I will post the results as soon as I get them. If I don't find out until the day of surgery, I'll have Cindy enter a post for me that night.

Again, thank you for all the messages and cards. I appreciate them so much. I have always said you find out who your friends are when you are sick. I have enjoyed hearing from some old friends who I haven't talked to in years. Please continue to pray for my family and I. The surgery is at 11 o'clock Wednesday morning at the Surgicenter.......