From bad news to good news

In 2002 when my family needed a new primary care physician, I went to the Provider Directory and simply looked for a doctor who was close by and accepting new patients.  I found a name wrote it down on my enrollment paperwork and turned it in.  I really knew nothing about this doctor or his practice. However, it didn't take long for me to realize I had made a good decision.  Through  routine checkups and sick kids visits, Dr. M and I started to build our relationship both professionally and personally.  We discovered we had children of similar ages and even attended the same church.   I trusted Dr. M to oversee the care of my family and he never disappointed.

Now fast forward to the early part of July 2014 when I found a lump in my breast.  I knew something wasn't right and needed to see a doctor.  Two days later I was in Dr. M's office and the journey began.  Starting that moment, Dr. M was the one who navigated the early part of my diagnosis.

He made the referral for my diagnostic mammogram.
He told me the radiologist was concerned after my mammogram.
He scheduled my biopsy and on July 15, 2014 called me and my husband into his office to tell me that I had cancer.

Just thinking about that moment, takes my breathe away...it was so surreal.   I really don't remember much about my time in his office that day.   I do recall hearing the word CANCER but also remember the amount of concern Dr. M showed to Christopher and me.   He had done some research prior to meeting with us, talked to a few colleagues and even referred me to an amazing oncologist. 

Throughout my cancer journey, Dr. M has been a constant presence.  I saw his name copied on test results and often heard my specialists mention his name during visits.  Even though he was not my primary doctor over the past year, I knew he was still heavily involved in my care and always had my back.

As you know, I had my final scans on June 11 and was seeing my oncologist on the 12th for the results...I was somewhat at peace but was getting extremely anxious for the news.    Early in our professional relationship, Dr. M learned one thing about me...if a diagnostic test has been performed and the results are available, I want to know what they are ASAP!  Much to my surprise early on the morning of June 12, I received a text from Dr. M.  It simply stated, "It's going to be a good day for you my friend."  His message revealed what I longed to hear...the scans look good...no more cancer! 

It couldn't have been more perfect, the individual who had to give me the bad news, also was able to give me the good news.

Time and time again over the past twelve months, I have seen that God is continuously at work in my life.  This relationship is no exception.  God puts people in your life to support you on the journey He has planned for you...we just have to trust and see His work unfold. 

Thanks, Dr. M!

 

Christina

 

Braver. Smarter. Stronger.

My Anniversary



Wow!  Believe it or not, I am approaching the 1 year anniversary of my cancer diagnosis.  I thought now would be a good time to catch up on my blog, as there is so much I want to still share. Stay tuned for reflections of my journey to becoming caner free.

 

Thanks for being part of my story!

 

Christina 

Spring Has Come!

“What day is it?", asked Winnie the Pooh"It's today," squeaked Piglet"My favorite day," said Pooh”

Today is our favorite day too!  It is Spring!  Christina has been looking forward to Spring all along throughout her diagnosis and treatment.  Spring means new life and new beginnings!  "Bring on Spring!" has been one of her battle cries during these last 9 months.

Today Christina receives her FINAL radiation treatment and her last scheduled treatment of any kind.  We won't have a scan to know her status until this summer, but we believe that as of today she will be "Cancer Free" and that they will confirm that with her scan in the summer.   We will surely have a party then, but now, we will celebrate because it's Spring!

Make no mistake, that is the biggest thing to happen to our family this week, but it's not the only major thing.  Spring has sprung and that means new life all around us.  This week, our family adopted a puppy.  He is another living reminder that spring has come.  How could we name him anything but Winnie?  Winnie the CockaPooh!

We just brought him home and we are still learning about each other, but we love him and he brings a new joy to our household.

I am sure Christina will have some thoughts to share soon and I will encourage her to blog about them.  It has been too long since her last post.

We thank you for your support during these last months and thank God for you!  While the battle is nearly won for Christina, we plan to continue to fight.  There are others who are still in this battle against these Evil Lumps and we will continue to post and pray and ask for your support and prayers for all those ladies still battling and waiting for their spring.  God bless you all!

Survivor Project Update: Susan G. Komen Photo shoot

As you probably already know, I was eager to welcome in 2015! This is the year I plan to celebrate finishing my treatments and proclaiming I am cancer free! While I still have a way to go, I look forward to every celebration that comes my way. 

I learned a lot in 2014. First of all I never expected to be diagnosed with cancer. It was hard to come to terms with but quickly I became aware of the amazing support systems all around me, including many who had previously journeyed down this same path. My eyes were opened and while I knew I needed to focus on my own health and healing, in the back of my mind I knew I would one day pay it forward...sharing my story and being there for others who are faced with the same situation. I would not be where I am today without the kindness, love, support and prayers of each of you! 

So needless to say, I was excited about an opportunity that presented itself to me in late 2014. I was given the opportunity to participate in an upcoming Susan G Komen Survivor calendar. At first I thought I wasn't "worthy" but then I embraced the fact that I am a SURVIVOR TO BE and jumped at the chance.

As part of this process, I will represent the month of July, which couldn't been more appropriate. July is the month of my cancer diagnosis and the month in 2015 I hope to officially be declared free of cancer. 

Thanks to the generosity of family and friends I quickly met the fundraising goal for this Survivor Project and had my photo shoot in February.  I have never done anything like this before and had no idea what to expect.  I was quite surprised at how much fun it was!  I had my make-up done and even had eyelashes applied, which I thought was a treat because most of mine were gone.  I decided not to wear my turban or wig...they say bald is beautiful so I hope they are right!  The photographer was amazing and throughout this experience I felt so confident and beautiful.  It was quite a boost.  

I also learned that the ladies participating in the calendar will be part of a Survivor fashion show in April.  Walking the runway...another first for me!  I will share more details once available in case anyone would like to attend this event.  

In closing I will leave you with some images from the photo shoot and a quote from A.A. Milne:

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a GIFT.  That's why we call it THE PRESENT.      

          

That makes 8!

That makes 8!  It's time to celebrate!  That's right, chemo officially ended yesterday.  I can't believe we have closed this chapter of my journey.   

I am so thankful for all the support I have received over the last 5 months during my treatments:

• My family has been amazing...there to help with whatever I needed!  I don't think I could ever thank them enough!  I love you.
• Many of you took time out of your busy days to cook for us.  We truly enjoyed each of these home cooked meals.  You are the best!
• The cards and emails of encouragement have been wonderful.  Always seeming to come just at the time I need them most.

Now for the next step...6 weeks of radiation therapy. But for now we plan to celebrate this milestone; offering praise and thanksgiving for making it this far.

Looking for Honey

Our story begins as Pooh awakens with a rumbly in his tummy.  "I need Honey," says Pooh.  Pooh gets out of bed and heads to the kitchen but there is no honey to be found.  He heads to his hiding spots...none under the bed or in the closets.  Desperate to find a smakeral of something tasty, Pooh headed to the Evil Lumps and Woozles Blog hoping to find a clue only to find there have been no updates since November!

OK, Pooh...looks like it's time for the Narrator to take over this story:

I'M BACK!!!!  And I apologize for the long lapse in updates.  So let me take a moment ot give you a quick summary of the past few months.

November was an eventful month...it was the month I lost my hair and finally came to terms with my new appearance with helpful words of encouragement from friends and family.  It was easy to look at me and see that I was "sick".  I just didn't feel like myself and had to accept that was me and hair didn't really matter. I have a fabulous assortment of hats and turbans and even have a sassy wig with reddish highlights to complete my look on a daily basis.  What do you think?

In December I finished the Red Devil portion of my chemo.  I was so excited because this was supposed to be the worst part.  I had manged it well other than feeling tired.  Then came the first dose of the second form of Chemo...Taxol.  Taxol is supposed to be more mild and tolerated much better than the red devil.  Well, that's not exactly been the case for me.  Taxol has caused extreme bone pain in my legs for 5-7 days post treatment making me walk like an old lady and feel very uncomfortable. In addition, the taxol has started some neuropathy in my hands and feet.  Neuropathy is a numbness and tingling in your hands and feet due to some nerve damage.  Even though I was uncomfortable, I kept pushing through knowing chemo would be over soon.

Then came January 2015.  I won't lie...I was glad to say good bye to 2014.  2015 is a new year and it's going to be a good one.  This is the year I plan to celebrate...I will say good bye to chemo and be deemed cancer free! And I plan to have lots of parties for any reason I can think of!

Also in January Amanda came home from Italy!  Words can't describe how amazing it is to have my whole family under one roof!!  Since I was scheduled to have my last chemo on January 27, I put her in charge of my Good Bye Chemo Party.  Oh how I have waited for this celebration....then we hit a small bump in the road.

I went for treatment yesterday and was put on hold for a week due to the neuropathy caused by the taxol.  My medical team is taking some measures to improve these symptoms before my next treatment.  I have 2 treatments left and am now slightly uncertain as to how these next few weeks will play out.  I feel like Pooh but instead of looking for honey, I am looking for a treatment timeline.  But I have to remind myself that I am in not control here and the bigger picture of my long term health is much more important that finishing chemo on January 27.

So, that's where we are...staying positive, celebrating the simple joys in life and looking forward to good health and much happiness in 2015.  

It's been a blustery few days

What a blustery few days it has been.  For Pooh, blustery days brought about lots of change in the Hundred Acre Wood...there was rain, the need to rescue a good buddy, blown down houses, and being introduced to those pesky Huffalumps and Woozles.

The blustery days here in Nashville have been just as exciting.  However, the sermon at church yesterday seemed to really put things into perspective...this chill and new weather pattern is a preparing us for a new season; a season of dying leading us to the new life of spring.  For months I have been saying, "Bring on Spring!"  The phrase for me just meant that chemo would be over but it now has more meaning. These blustery days of change are a time for the dying of my cancer leading to a spring of renewed health and healing.  I don't like the cooler weather but appreciate that it is all part of the cycle of life and more than ever I look forward to Spring and being cancer free!

I will also share a couple updates from the last few days.  I had my second chemo treatment on Thursday.  I handled it pretty well with fatigue remaining the major side effect.  However, this treatment also brought the inevitable hair loss.  My hair started coming out sparingly on Wednesday but by Sunday I decided it was time for it to go. I was losing clumps of hair so I went and got a short buzz cut.  Just another sign of change...it was an emotional decision but one I felt so strongly about it. Cancer was taking my hair but I made the decision on how it went out and felt confident when it was cut.  What do you think?

Before...look closely and you can see my receding hairline

After

This remaining stubble will fall out gradually over the next few days but it's all good because it's still leading to the new life.  Bring on SPRING!!