Facebook

Several years ago, I joined Facebook ... as most people did! For me, it was a place I could connect with old friends and have a little fun, too! Until now ...

As we all know, many of our "Facebook friends" are not people that we talk to every day. In fact, in most cases, they are people we haven't spoken to in years. For me, though, my "Facebook friends" are people that have touched my life in some special way and people I have chosen to continue to share my life with ... at this point, I am more grateful for these connections than I ever have been!

The decision to share this news on Facebook was a very difficult one. Now that I have, though, I feel so amazingly blessed by the outpouring of prayers and support! So, for me, Facebook is no longer just a place to play ... it is a source of strength ... a place where I can be reminded of the amazing friends I have in my life and how very, very blessed I truly am!

So, to all of my "Facebook friends" ... thank you, from the bottom of my heart!

Cheers!

First things first ... I am NOT puking ... I actually feel pretty darn good!  Aside from getting very little sleep last night ... I have not one complaint!  The big question is WHY?  Of course, I am on some SERIOUS anti-nausea medication ... so that could be the main factor ... OR ... I could give the credit to the Corona I drank last night ...

I choose the beer ... and here's the story ...

Yesterday, before I left, my wonderful neighbors gave me a bag FULL of goodies.  As I was digging through it, I noticed a Corona in the pocket ... and, of course, I was intrigued ... I mean we do have LOTS of fun on Redbud Terrace, but BEER after CHEMO ... I just didn't get it! 

Well, one of my neighbor's mom's friends, Raye, was diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago.  She was told to drink a Corona after her first treatment of chemotherapy ... it apparently curbs the side effects ... so she did, and it worked!  Raye shared her experience with her doctor and, a few years later, she, too, was diagnosed.  After her doctor's first treatment ... she also drank a Corona ... and it WORKED!  She made a point to call Raye and share her excitement!

So, last night ... I raised my glass, in honor of taking this first BIG step to becoming CANCER-FREE ... and, of course, in hopes of having a few less side effects ...

Cheers ...

One Down ... Seven To Go

First, I will start by saying ... I feel so, so relieved!  This day is finally behind me and it feels AMAZING!

My day began just like any other ... getting the kids up, ready, and off to school.  Then, Scott and I headed to Emory for my first infusion.  Honestly, every fiber in my body was absolutely dreading it ... and it made for a tearful trip to the hospital.  But, as I have said before, every time I step through those doors ... I feel at peace ... I feel like I fit in ... and, most importantly, as I pass the hundreds of men and women in that building ... fighting cancer ... I know, with everything that I am, that I can fight, too ... and WIN!  Today wasn't any different!

We arrived at 10:00 sharp ... first, I had to have my blood drawn to ensure that my body was fit for treatment.  Next, a visit with my doctor and, finally, off to the infusion center for chemotherapy.  Although the day was very long, I had my amazing husband by my side from start to finish as well as a couple of very special visitors throughout the day ... and, really ... it wasn't that bad ...

The infusion began at about 2:00, with anti-nausea medication for 20 minutes.  Then, fluids to flush my kidneys for an hour ... Cisplatin, the chemotherapy medication, for two hours ... and, finally, more fluids for almost two hours ... for a GRAND TOTAL of around 5 1/2 hours!  Round 1 ... DONE ...

Me & My Chair

The GOOD Stuff

Thank you all, so very much, for the many sweet gifts I have been given over the past couple of days ... for the incredibly thoughtful texts, emails, and cards.  And, more than anything, for your prayers ... they are absolutely working ... I am on my way to CANCER-FREE and was able to find peace in taking that first BIG step today.  Thank you!

I will leave you each with a quote I read this morning, just before my infusion ...

"Cancer may rob you of that blissful ignorance that once lead you to believe that tomorrow stretched forever.  In exchange, you are granted the vision to see each day as precious, a gift to be used wisely and richly.  No one can take that away."

-Anonymous

Today was a gift ... from God ... and I am so grateful for it ...

Here's to many, many, many more ...

Big Girl Panties

This afternoon, Scott practically forced me out of my pity party and onto the pavement for a breath of fresh air and some exercise ... it did me very well!  Although I am still quite anxious about tomorrow and the days that follow, I am ready to put on my BIG GIRL PANTIES and FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!

As always, thank you all for your love and support ... without you, I would be lost ...

Now, let's KICK SOME CANCER ASS ...

Bring on tomorrow ...

Punishment

The anticipation of tomorrow is killing me ... I absolutely DO NOT want to go!  I feel like I am being punished ... and I have no idea what I have done wrong ... I just don't deserve this!  It really pisses me off!

Somehow, though, I MUST find the strength to fight ... to believe in my doctors ... to trust in the medicine ... to have the faith to overcome my many fears!  Now, more than ever, I need your prayers ...

Lately, this quote has been lingering in my mind ... just as it did a little over a month ago when I was feeling completely overwhelmed ...

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't - you're right."
-Henry Ford

I CAN and I WILL ... it all starts tomorrow ...

Stable

Yesterday's PET scan results are in ... GOOD NEWS ... everything is stable!

From what I understand, these results were compared to those from my previous scan four weeks ago.  Although measurements of the actual tumor were not reported, there is no indication of the spread of cancer ... nothing in the lymph nodes or elsewhere in my body.

Hopefully, when we see Dr. O'Regan and Kate on Thursday, they can further explain the results and what they mean in terms of the overall outcome, if anything.

Here's to Thursday ...

Unique Wigs

With my first treatment just around the corner, I had to find something to lift my spirits ... at least a little!  So, this morning, my mom and I headed to Unique Wigs in Roswell to do some shopping.  We had a great time ...

As we entered the store, we were greeted by LOTS of strange looking heads full of hair ... and then Tommie, the store owner.  She was very friendly and extremely helpful!  Of course, we both tried on few wigs ... and, honestly, I was amazed at the look and feel of them ... so real!

Initially, I was thinking I would purchase something that looked very much like my current cut, color, and style ... NOT SO!  I didn't go crazy, but I did choose something a little different ... and I LOVE IT ...

Although I am not looking forward to losing my hair, this makes it a little less difficult ... especially when I can replace it with long, thick, beautiful hair!  And, Maddie approves ... which is a HUGE relief ... I think she actually likes it!  

Thank you to my wonderful mom for sharing this day with me ... and to Tommie for all of the help and encouragement ...

Me & Tommie

Here's to embracing bald ... and making the most of this time of my life ...

Scott

As you all probably already know, this journey has brought more sadness into my life than I thought I would ever experience.  In my darkest of moments, one person has been there to lift me up ... and I cannot express, in words, how amazingly thankful I am to have him in my life ...

For those of you that don't know our story, Scott and I met over 20 years ago ... in the 8th grade.  We were introduced by a mutual friend, went to the movies a time or two, and then went our separate ways during our high school years.  Just after our freshman year of college, in August of 1996, we crossed paths again ... and have been together ever since.  Now, a little over 15 years later, we have created a beautiful life together ... and I cannot thank God enough for bringing Scott to me ...

So, this song is a dedication to my husband ... without whom I could never find the strength to fight this fight ...

Josh Groban - You Raise Me Up

Progress

After a week away, a few things have changed regarding the progress of my treatment ...

While we were on vacation, I finished taking the steroids ... which eliminated the rash completely, thank goodness!  On Wednesday evening, I restarted Sorafenib.  At first, I was ordered to take only half of the original dose, but have since been asked to increase to 400 mg PO BID ... orally, twice daily ... which is full dose.  According to Dr. O'Regan, there have been patients in the past that have had a significant rash, have temporarily stopped treatment, and once they restart ... they don't have the same side effect response.  At this point, almost 4 days later, I have absolutely no itching, no rash, no tender scalp, no numb tongue, no sore feet ... KNOCK ON WOOD! 

Tomorrow, I will have my second PET scan.  This will determine the effectiveness of the oral medication before the start of chemotherapy.  Of course, I will continue taking Sorafenib for the duration of my treatment ... and, from what I understand, it is not uncommon to see very little, if any, change in tumor size within the first month.  I have to admit, though, I would be THRILLED if we actually see SHRINKAGE!

On Thursday, I will be chair bound for seven long hours while I receive my first infusion.  Obviously, I am NOT looking forward to it ... or how I will likely feel afterward.  However, I am looking to the future and hoping that this medication will lead me to a life without cancer ... and to many, many, many years of happiness ...

Here's to a GOOD chance of beating this ... and to finding the strength to make it happen ...

Back to Reality

As I reflect on this past week ... I think of the many thoughts that crossed my mind, over and over again ... the fears that I couldn't escape, even sitting with my feet in the sand and the waves crashing in front of me ...

Here they are, in no particular order ...

1.  Treatment and side effects ... feeling sick and being bald, among others ...
2.  Embarrassing Maddie ... and Andrew ...
3.  Dying ...
4.  Dying and Scott loving someone else ...
5.  My children being raised by another woman ...
6.  Missing the opportunity to raise my children and watch them grow ... sports, proms, weddings, grandchildren ... all the things I have wanted to be a part of more than anything in life ...
7.  My children growing up without a mom and my husband without a wife ... and the memory of me fading over time ...
8.  Never growing old with Scott, on the lake ...
9.  My parents being childless ...
10.  Living in fear ...
11.  Never finding true happiness again ...
12.  Being forgotten ...

This list could go on forever ...

I do realize that my chances of beating this are good, but it simply isn't enough to suppress my fears.  I wish it were ... more than anything ... I wish I knew how to focus on the positive, every day!  I am trying ... with everything that I am ...

What I do know, in my heart, is that fear and faith cannot coexist ... I remind myself each and every day.  I am putting my faith in God and praying that He can bring me the strength I need to lock these terrible thoughts away ... forever!

This past week was much needed ... it was a nice escape from the reality of life with cancer, as difficult as it was to try to forget.  Now, though, it's over ... and it's time to really dig in and fight back!  In just a few days, I will be heading to Emory for my first infusion ... and I'm scared, but looking forward to taking that first BIG step toward the end of this nightmare!

I'm praying for peace, for healing, and for happiness ... please, please pray with me!

Rainbows

This quote came in a beautiful card that I received today ...

In a perfect world, 

everything would always go right.

There would be no disappointments or trials,

and life would be filled with only 

sweet, warm, and fuzzy feelings.

But how would we know

if things were good if we had no comparison?

Would we recognize the blessings in our lives 

without having their opposites to compare them to?

Without the darkness,

would we appreciate light?

Seems to me if we want rainbows,

we gotta have rain.

The trick is to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps

and go out and look for puddles to play in;

recognize the tempest for what it is

and train ourselves to look for the good

in every situation.

By overcoming adversity,

we find joy in everything.

So go on, go play in the rain!
-Suzy Toronto

Through this journey, I pray that I can find the strength to play in rain ... and, when I look back years from now, I can proudly say ... I SURVIVED ... and my life is richer because of it!

Thank you Terry, Mel, and Tim for the beautiful card and the box full of PINK goodies!  I am truly blessed! 

Feeling Excitement

Tomorrow, we are headed for Destin, Florida ... a week at the beach is MUCH needed for me and my family!  And, I am actually excited ... what a great feeling!  Now that the rash has subsided quite a bit and I am feeling good about my treatment, I am more relaxed than I have been in a very long time!

It's amazing what a difference a day makes ...

Here's to a wonderful vacation, making memories, and a break from it all ...

Shrinkage

This morning, we saw Dr. O'Regan and Kate for my regularly scheduled appointment.  It was short and sweet ...

Dr. O'Regan took a glance at my wonderful rash and confirmed that a break from treatment is certainly the best decision.  Since we will be on vacation next week, she recommended that I call on Tuesday to report the status of my rash ... and send a photo for their study records.  Assuming it is under control, I will restart Sorafenib at half the dosage ... just one in the morning and one at night.  This, we have been assured, will not affect the outcome of treatment.

Obviously, this rash has been just CRAZY ... but, I think the medication is working.  Although there is no radiological confirmation, it feels smaller now than it did just two weeks ago ... yes, you heard correctly ... I feel SHRINKAGE!  And, I am not alone ... Dr. O'Regan, Kate, and Scott all agree ... it appears to be responding to the treatment!

In a little less than two weeks, I will have a second PET scan to evaluate the tumor and the effectiveness of Sorafenib thus far.  Until then, I will continue to pray for SHRINKAGE ... and the strength and courage to endure these next few months ... please pray with me!

Confession

The moment I have been dreading for many, many weeks is finally behind me ... I have officially confessed to the kids and they now know about my diagnosis.  To be honest, I feel so much better knowing that there are no more secrets in our house ... and we are ready to fight this as a team!

The conversation was interesting and here is how the story goes ...

Scott and I arrived home from my appointment and, of course, Maddie was especially curious about where we had been.  I took the opportunity to tell her ... and Andrew.  The four of us sat down together and I explained it, in these words ....

"As you know, I had an appointment with the doctor today.  They have found a small lump inside my body that shouldn't be there ... it's called breast cancer.  In order to get it out, I will have to take some medicine that might make me feel badly or make me tired.  There might be times when I won't be able to help with your homework or cook dinner.  And, at some point, my hair will probably fall out."

At this point, Andrew had already lost interest and was driving his firetruck around while it made loud siren-like noises.  Maddie, on the other hand, broke into tears and said ... "That's going to be so embarrassing!"  My thoughts ... ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!  But the tears continued and I realized it was a genuine concern ... she is only seven years old and is fearful of what her friends will think of her if I'm bald.  In her words ... "Only boys can be bald!"

So, while I was thrilled that she wasn't completely freaked out about the actual diagnosis, I was really caught off-guard.  As she continued to cry, I picked her up and tried to help her understand that it is only for a little while ... then my hair will grow back, I will feel better, and the lump will be all gone!  For the moment, my words were not of much help.  We finally sent her up to take a shower and calm herself down... and she did just that!

Afterwards, Scott spent some time talking with her.  He explained that this is not something Mommy is choosing to do ... and, of course, I would never want to embarrass her.  At that point, Maddie asked a great question ... what will happen if Mommy doesn't take the medicine?  Scott explained that I will get very sick ... and that is why it is so important to follow the doctor's orders.  She agreed ... with a smile. 

A few minutes later, while Maddie was brushing her teeth, I shared a story about another "mommy" that was bald and how she had her son write the grocery list on her hairless head ... and read it at the store!  She laughed .... and then she dropped a BOMB ... "Mommy, you have to write I 'heart' JB (I love Justin Bieber) on your head and walk around with it" ... and she laughed loudly!  I agreed ... and so we have a deal! 

Overall, I think it went quite well.  I can imagine that this kind of information is difficult for a seven-year-old to understand and I am proud of her for doing the best she could with it ...

Many years from now, I hope that my children will understand that they are THE reason I am fighting this fight ... they mean more to me than anything in the world and I want them to be proud of the way I handle this amazingly difficult time in my life.  Maybe, my strength will serve as an example ... that alone would make it all worth it in the end!

Steroids

Well, this morning the rash was worse ... quite a bit worse ... so bad, in fact, that the deep red color within the red patches was turning purple ... and painful.  So, I was ordered to head to Emory for an appointment with Kate, my oncology nurse.

It only took Kate a moment to recognize the severity of it.  Since my doctor is not in the office on Wednesdays, she asked the head of oncology to come in for a peek.  And, the recommendation ... stop Sorafenib, take oral steroids, and give the rash time to heal.

Once the rash subsides, I will continue taking Sorafenib ... just a lower dose.  Apparently, these side effects are very common and adjustments to the dosage are necessary in most cases.  They are confident that I will be able to tolerate a lower dose ... and, more importantly, I have been assured that this break will not affect the outcome of treatment. 

Tomorrow, we are headed back to the hospital to see Dr. O'Regan.  Hopefully, we will have our questions answered and will be back on the path to CANCER-FREE before we know it!

Thank you all for your prayers ... they are working ... relief is coming soon!

Patches Not Spots

There are just no words ... and this isn't the worst of it ...

This is ALL OVER MY BODY and itching like crazy!  If this is any indication of my tolerance for side effects ... it is not only going to be a long road, but an amazingly difficult one, too!

For whatever reason, this day has been the most difficult one since the start of my medication.  I suppose the realization of this experience is really setting in ... cancer SUCKS!  Hopefully, my body will begin to adjust and this irritating rash will subside ... at least a little.  On Thursday, I will see my oncologist for a "side effect check" ... boy, do I have some words for her ...

Until then, I need my prayer warriors on high alert ... please pray that this journey will bring with it the greatest reward ... a long, happy, CANCER-FREE life!

Silence

As I have said so many times over the past few weeks ... I cannot thank each of you enough for the love and support you have given me and my family.  I have received so many amazingly thoughtful cards, emails, and gifts. 

Typically, I return phone calls ... I love to talk ... and I always take the time to write thank you cards.  For some reason, I just haven't ... I find, often times, that silence is just what I need ... and all I can bear.  So, please know that all of the wonderful things you all have said and done have certainly not gone unnoticed.  Actually, they are what keep me going each day.  I am so very blessed to have each of you in my life ...

Thank you, thank you, thank you ... from the bottom of my heart ...

Spots

Well, today has been a little overwhelming.  As my initial phase of treatment, I have been taking Sorafenib orally for almost two weeks.  And, for some reason, I thought I was in the clear as far as significant side effects are concerned ... boy, was I wrong!  Last night, I noticed the beginning of a rash on the tops of my legs ... and this morning ... it is EVERYWHERE!  

I realize that this should bring with it a bit of relief ... I now know that the medication is in my system and is working.  But, I am actually feeling angry ... and frustrated ...

I am 34 years old and should be enjoying the greatest time of my life.  Instead, I am fighting a disease that I didn't ask for ... don't want ... and don't deserve.  Of course, as I expected, there will be good days and bad along the way ... I will not give up, though ... no matter what!  

Here's to embracing my spots ... my numb tongue, tender scalp, sore feet ... and all of the other side effects in the future!

Remembering 9/11

This day, 10 years ago, was like no other ... a day of enormous loss and a day that changed American history forever.  As I look back on that day, I feel such sadness for the victims and their families.  These brave men, women, and children were never given an opportunity to fight ...

Today, more than ever, I realize how very fortunate I am.  Although I have a long road ahead, at least I have the opportunity to fight ... and to survive ...

Here's to the nearly 3,000 people that lost their lives that day ... and to their families and friends.

Honored - Update

Since I received the email from my neighbor, Rob, earlier this week, I have been told that my name has also been added to the tutus of my neighbor, Amy, and her sister. They, too, will be participating in the 3-Day ... walking with the "Tutus for Ta-Tas" team.

So, that weekend in October, my name will be carried many miles in recognition of my fight against breast cancer. I could not be more honored ...

Thank you, ladies, from the bottom of my heart.

Anything But Routine

Today was nothing like I expected.  This morning, I had a 9:15 appointment for highlights and a haircut at Salon and Spa Vanessa.  Usually, it is very routine ... Brittany, my stylist, and I chat while she does my highlights, then a good washing, and finally the cut and blow dry.  Well, not today ...

With my head almost full of foil, a young, joyful, short-haired woman enters the room and asks to photograph my stylist.  She apologizes for the interruption and announces that the picture is necessary ... she is six months out of treatment and wants to document everyone that was a part of her journey.  Of course, my ears perk up ...

Her name is Dana and she just recently completed treatment for breast cancer. She is 34 years old.

At that point, with a little help from Brittany, I tell her about my recent diagnosis.  We begin talking and sharing information with one another.  As I explain the specifics about my type of breast cancer, triple-negative, the young woman sitting next to Dana raises her hand ...

Her name is Mary Ann and she is a three-year, triple-negative breast cancer survivor.  She was 40 at the time of her diagnosis.

From that point on, the conversation was ... well ... just what I needed!  Perhaps it wasn't the "usual" salon chit-chat, but I loved every minute of it!  We talked about treatment plans, chemotherapy, mastectomies, medication ... we covered almost all things breast cancer related in just a short amount of time ... and I took it all in!

As I sat in that room, talking that talk ... I took a moment to look around.  There were only six women sitting at that table ... and three of our lives have been forever changed by breast cancer ... 50% ... there are just no words ...

So, for me, this morning was far more than a routine hair appointment.  I truly believe I found my way around that table for a reason.  The two women I met are fighters ... and survivors ... and I needed to see, with my own eyes, that it is ABSOLUTELY possible!

Thank you, Dana and Mary Ann, for the conversation ... and for providing me strength and encouragement ...

Dana, Mary Ann, Me

Anniversary

Today marks the one month anniversary of my cancer diagnosis.  As I type it, as I say it, as I experience it ... I still cannot believe it ... I have breast cancer ...

On this day, though, I feel very differently than I did that horrible day ... I am full of faith ... full of hope ... and full of strength.  I have started treatment and, I know in my heart, I am absolutely on the right track.  Without a doubt, I will become a breast cancer SURVIVOR and will look back on this anniversary as a day that changed my life ... in so many ways ... and, most importantly, enabled me to REALLY enjoy each day and cherish every moment!

"Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it."
— Mother Teresa

Honored

This morning, I received an amazingly thoughtful email from my neighbor, Rob. He wanted to let me know that his coworker and friend will be walking this October in the 3-Day for the Cure ... and will be walking on my behalf ... wearing my name, among many others.

Although I would love to participate this year, I will be in treatment. So, I am amazingly honored to have a perfect stranger walking FOR me ... what a thoughtful and selfless thing to do ...

Thank you Rob ... and Terri ... from the bottom of my heart.

Timing

It is truly AMAZING ... each day, throughout this journey, someone has given me just what I need ... at just the right moment!

Today, this video was sent to me ... and the timing couldn't be more perfect ...

Thank you, Sandra ...

What Faith Can Do - Kutless

Fear and faith cannot coexist ... I choose FAITH ...

Living in Fear

This morning, I have been looking back at pictures of my precious children.  It is amazing how quickly they grow up ... Maddie is almost 8 years old and Andrew is almost 5.  In some ways, I wish time would stand still ... but, in others, I wish I could fast-forward ...

Now that I have been diagnosed with cancer, I live in fear every day.  I am only 34 years old and I want to see my children grow up, get married, and have babies of their own ... I don't want to have cancer and I don't want to live with the fear of dying ... and missing it all!

Somehow, I need to realize that I have a REALLY good shot at this and, more than likely, I am going to live a long and happy life ... 

"Faith is the only known cure for fear."
-Lena K. Sadler

Feeling Cancer-Free

Today was just another Sunday for most people ... for me, it was the first time I have felt cancer-free since my diagnosis ...

Although it was a fairly overcast day, we decided to grab some friends and head to the lake for some fun on the water ... and we certainly had FUN!  We spent much of the day "playing" as I call it ... wakeboarding, surfing, and tubing!  Everyone had a GREAT time ... including me!

Of course, in the pit of my stomach, I still had that sickening feeling.  But, I was able to overlook it and enjoy every moment ... especially on my surfboard ...

Here's to a GREAT day ... and to feeling cancer-free, even if only for a little while ...

A Piece of Joy

Today, I am going to make a change and I need YOUR help!  As most of you know, I have had a VERY difficult time finding joy in things lately and, more than anything, I want to change that … so, I have decided to conduct a survey …

joy  noun  /joi/

1. A feeling of great pleasure and happiness.

2. A thing that causes joy.

Please take a moment to think about your life.  What brings you joy?  Hopefully, as you reflect, you will realize how much you have to be thankful for and how much joy each day brings.  If you would, please choose only ONE thing to share and email it to me at sjmcneal@mac.com.  Feel free to share anything … a moment, a memory, a story … anything that brings a smile to your face.

My goal is to collect “a piece of joy” from at least 150 people. 

Then, each day for the duration of my chemotherapy treatment (140+ days), I will have something to think about ... something to bring a smile to my face ... something to bring me JOY!  

As always, thank you ALL for your love, your support, and your prayers ...

"Joy is increased by spreading it to others."

-Robert Murray McCheyne

Treatment Plan

As you know, I began treatment last night ... and feel great relief in FINALLY beginning the road to becoming cancer-free!  Of course, it will be a LONG road and I thought I would share with you a little about the final treatment plan ...

For the first four weeks, I will take only an oral medication called Sorafenib.  Although I will be taking this medication alone in the beginning, I will continue it for the duration of my treatment. 

On Thursday, September 29th, I will begin chemotherapy.  During the first four infusions, which will take place every three weeks, I will be administered a drug called Cisplatin.  Then, for the remaining four infusions, a very commonly used drug in the treatment of breast cancer, Taxol, will be used.  This portion of the treatment will take place every two weeks. 

If everything goes as planned, I should complete my oral medication and chemotherapy by the end of January ... and, God willing, I will have a 100% response to the treatment!  Then, off to surgery ...

Until then, I will be spending quite a bit of time at the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University Hospital ...

 

Although I never imagined that I would walk through these doors ... it is the direction my life has taken.  And, I thank God each day for providing me such an amazing place ... a place where I can heal and prepare for the wonderful future that lies ahead!

The Beginning of the End

IT'S OFFICIAL ...
At exactly 8:07 this evening, I began my treatment ... this is the beginning of the end of breast cancer in my life ...

Tonight, or whenever you read this, please take a moment to say a prayer for me and my family.  This phase of the journey will be difficult, I have no doubt, but with my family, my friends, and my faith in God ... I have hope ... and will find the strength to do whatever it takes to become a SURVIVOR!

"Hope is that thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without words and never stops ... at all."
-Emily Dickinson