June - 1 year anniversary since my diagnosis.

Happy Anniversary, Happy Anniversary, Happy Anniversary

Ahhhhhh! What a feeling to be a SURVIVOR!

Flash back to Father's Day 2008-June 15-Sunday-I was gentle awaken in the early morning hours of about 0500am from some higher powers with a message. "To do a self breast exam" I was still waking up and feeling a little like I was dreaming. I did obey his call. To discover that there was a lump I had never noticed before in my left breast. I was awake now! I didn't want to wake-up Tim or the kids so I went quietly down to my medical books to do a little reading on breast lumps. I discovered 4 out of 5 are benign. After I returned home from church, I explain to Tim what I had found that morning and told him that I was very concerned.

Presently- I'm returning to a new normal life that has been so busy, but so rewarding! Between work, dental appointments, girls wee pee games, weekend camp-outs, birthday parties, summer reading program, attending extra in service days for work and mowing my own grass; I have had to only spend two full days at doctor appointments and testings this month.

• June 11th - My dear friend Nancy, accompanied me to Kansas City for a day of testing. The first appointment was to visit with a therapist in the orthothotics department to get fitted for a Compression Arm Sleeve. This is used to prevent me from getting lymph edema if I ever travel via an airplane. The change in pressure could cause one to develop lymph edema. My second stop was at the cancer center to have lab work and IV site established. Next I was off the have a Bone Density Scan - this was very easy and painless test. After that was completed, I was instructed to drink a milk shake that contained barium. This was no fun and tasted rather Yucky (as my kids would say). I was then brought in for a CT scan of my chest and abdomen. The fourth test was a bone scan. This involved being injected with a isotope and then being told to return 2-3 hours later for the scan. Nancy and I were able to go have a nice lunch together. Upon my return to the cancer center, I had my scan that lasted for about 20 minutes. We left the appointment not knowing any results . I would find them out the next week at my oncologist appointment.
• June 19th - My Dad, Olivia and I went to this appointment together. All of the previous test came back within normal limits. Praise be to GOD! I told Dad that he was my good luck charm. So glad he could accompany me. At noon I was set up to have my first Zometa infusion that I will be taking yearly. This is used to counteract my chemo med (Femara) side effect of bone loss and it also has the bonus benefit of reducing the likelihood of reoccurring breast cancer. I was taken back to a private partitioned room that had a recliner, TV, cabinet with sink and medical supplies. This reminded me of my chemo treatment rooms. A nurse started my IV and gave me the infusion. This whole process took about 1 1/2 hours. My dad and Olivia was allowed to be with me. I did take 800mg of ibuprofen to counter act the side effects of flu like symptoms that the Zometa infusion can cause. I did have a few flu like symptoms only for the rest of that day and felt fine the next day.

Up and coming in July- Nemaha County Relay for Life set for July 17-18th to be held at the Nemaha Valley High School Track in Seneca at 07:00pm. What about Relay for Life? The Relay begins at dusk and ends the next morning. The light and darkness of the day and night parallel the experiences of the cancer patient undergoing treatment. The Relay begins at sunset, which symbolizes the time a person is diagnosed with cancer. As the evening progresses, it gets colder and darker-this represents the patients' struggle as they endure the emotions of being a cancer patient. The time between 1 to 2 a.m. represents when the cancer patient starts treatment. They become exhausted, some sick, not wanting to go on, possibly wanting to give up. As a participant in the Relay, you have been walking and feel much the same way. Like the cancer patient, you cannot stop or give up. The time around 4 to 5 a.m.a symbolizes the completion of treatment for the cancer patient. Once again, they are tired, but they know they will make it. The sun rising represents the end of treatment for the cancer patient. They see the light that life will go on. The morning light brings on a new day, full of life and excitement for new beginnings. As a participant, you will feel the brightness of the morning and know that the end of the end of the Relay is close at hand. When you leave the Relay, think of the cancer patient leaving their last treatment. Just as you are exhausted and weak, so is that person, but there is hope in the new day! The money raised at Relay will support patient services, lifesaving research, education, and advocacy efforts.... and that is why we Relay. You can always visit: http://www.relayforlife.org/ My family, friends and coworkers have entered two teams in my honor. If you can attend come by and say hello. Look for the tent surrounded by DUCKS. Remember: There is no finish line until we find a cure!