Trying to stay busy

Today I am in the office. I figured a change of scenery would help today pass by quickly. My to-do list is long and my planning document is at the top of my list.  There are a few other things that I have to do but they aren't as fun as doing strategy and planning.


I look forward to this afternoon when I get to go to the trail to run/work out with Andy (pronounced Ahn-Dee). She's great and pushes me to go further. I like it because sometimes I get lazy and a 3 mile day would be fine for me. I feel tremendous afterwards and right now I need it more than ever.

Tomorrow I have 2 appointments. I meet with a plastic surgeon to consult on what his role would be in this journey. If I like him, then he will be part of team "Just fix it!" or he will be thanked and we will move on with another recommendation. Yes, I just made up that team name. It is weird that I have a team of doctors. Their role is to make sure I can get back to my life...I still have a lot of things on my to-do list. My second appointment is the big one - I meet with Dr. Hellerstedt, my oncologist. She will review my lab results and MRI to help stage the cancer and recommend options for treatment. Jeff is going with me to both appointments. 

This is a temporary situation and I know I will make it through. I have a legion of family and friends to support me and angels guiding me, so I am positioned to win this fight. See, even Captain America is on my side. 

I love your guts!

Thank you Nikola Tesla and Siemens

Nikola Telsla developed the unit measuring the magnetic field (SI) and engineers from Siemens developed the MRI machine to see inside the human body. Yes, I know Siemens is not the only company that builds these machines, but this is the one used on me.

Yesterday morning, Friday, Feb 3, I had an MRI procedure to take a closer look at my chest. The process was painless but took a long time. The machine made loud noises and I had to be perfectly still. Before we started, I closed my eyes and prayed. I thought of the lavender fields in Fredericksburg we visited last summer with the kids. 

I think I dozed off for a few minutes. I opened my eyes and heard the voice of the tech telling me we had 5 more minutes.

When the process was over, I asked about results. The tech said I have to contact my doctor. Ok, so this is probably procedure, and makes waiting until Tuesday afternoon a bear.  Luckily there is much to do this weekend at home and Monday at work.

Today has been full: I got my hair cut this morning (thank you, Kelli!) We went to watch Brett play basketball. After the game, we went to lunch with my parents to celebrate my mom's birthday :)

I feel good and in good spirits. I went for a run yesterday afternoon which made me feel great afterwards. Missed training this morning with my team at the trail, but will resume on a one-on-one work out with our coach on Monday.

I love your guts!

I have some results

DISCLAIMER: The new language I am learning is for my treatment. The experience is like learning Dell-speak or any corporation that is full of acronyms. I will try to keep the language used on this blog to plain terminology. 


There are many tests that need to happen after cancer has been confirmed, usually from a biopsy.

From the biopsy, they learn about the cells and what is happening and learn more about your blood and what is going on inside of you.

I got more news today from the biopsy that identifies the type of estrogen and progesterone receptors I carry. These both tested positive.

Another piece of news I got was from the genetic testing. The BRCA test identifies whether I have a genetic mutation that caused the cancer or if my cancer developed spontaneously. My test results were negative.

 I am not quite sure what these results mean yet, but I was told by survivors that this is very encouraging!

Next steps...


My oncologist has these results and will use this information, along with the results from my MRI tomorrow to help develop a plan of action. This appointment with the oncologist is Tuesday afternoon, February 7.

I learned that having a care calendar would be a great way to identify ways you can help. As I get more information about what this would look like or where you can go to sign up, I will post the information.


I love your guts!

Hurry up, Saturday! Get here fast.

Fluffy

This past Christmas, we purchased tickets to go see one of our favorite comedians, Gabriel Iglesias. He always makes me laugh and who knew I would really need laughter right now?

Saturday is special because it is my mom's birthday. The best thing I could give her is good news from my doctors. Let's hope next Tuesday they can deliver. (x Crossing my fingers. x) We will go out to lunch after Brett's basketball game to celebrate.

The kids will stay with mom and dad for the evening while Jeff and I go see "Fluffy" @ the Moody Theater.

We haven't decided where to have dinner, but I have a couple of ideas. Suggestions are welcome. If it is warm enough, I may dress in typical Austin casual - jeans and flip flops.  I love your guts!