Last of the A/C chemo to start herceptin/taxol

I received my last of the first chemo...gone (forever) once in a lifetime of this hard A/C chemo yesterday and it went as well as it could. I will be resting and I am anemic energy wise for a couple more weeks. Next step: I go into another type of chemo Taxol/Herceptin which goes right to the HER2 positive and Estrogen + (only about 20% have both of these things +) herceptin was designed to attack the cells of my particular strain of cancer. So far the tumor itself seems to have shrank some, the determination was at this point a single mastectomy, surgery with ovaries removed and then radiation, then reconstructive surgery later on. Nancy my oncologist feels this is the best course of action to focus on getting that cancer all out. My BRAC test still hasn't been confirmed, however MRI showed no sign on left breast.

My business has been sustaining, everyone supportive and I couldn't be happier on that front. New clients have enlisted me and so far have been very happy.

Lily turned 5 on Sat. and had a great group of friends, memorable experience.
Thank you to all who contributed to this day, special thanks to Megan Beron as she has been escorting me along with my brother-in-law Bob, Megan helped do the party favors, the baloons, and everyone pitched in to help.
Those in attendance; Linae, John, James, Michael, Uncle Bob, Megan & Emily, Molly and Bella, Jasiynha & Nichole, Nichole & Hera, Grandpa Bert, Grandma Susan, Cousin from afar (Jenny & Jason, engaged to marry in June), Teachers: Ms. Guddie, Ms. Elena & her daughter Cheryl, Daddio, me, (In spirit Aunt Kathy, Auntie Gayle, Kathy, Mariella, Katrina, Pam, Kelsey and Kaitlyn), my parents, My Aunt Sue, Uncle Jon, Aunt Becky,)Thank you everyone!

Chemo #3 and updates.

Hi everyone,

I still continue to have generous people surrounding me. I get my MRI today of the left side to make sure no cancer and direct whether I will have a single or double mastectomy, I anticipate good news.

Lily turns 5 this Sat. and is ready to roll. She has full of energy and has a great heart and kind spirit and is a joy every single day to us.

My treatments so far to date have been showing positive signs of shrinking the tumor and lymph nodes. I get the 4th treatment of A/C next Thursday and find it a pretty tough experience initially, I am of strong mind and spirit myself though to make my way through this last of the hardest treatment out the gate. I am almost there with that and then hopeful that my next chemo series of 12 weeks will be more tolerable and I can somewhat function, a little more myself.

I have been able to get out and enjoy some days with our weather being nicer so that is good and again the support of everyone has been so helpful to my physche.

Next post will be pictures from Lily's big day.

Morale Support incredible.

So today I am feeling better apart from hemroids still and mouth sores, but got medications for them yesterday. I have good news on that my lymph nodes spot there has almost disappeared, she says remarkable progress, my tumor has shrunk also but at slower pace.

I get chemo #4, Jan. 27th, so that will be my last of the yucky version, then the milder chemo may allow me to work more. I look forward to feeling better or almost anyways.

Thank you again, so many have dropped by: Linae, Lauren Siring sent me a lovely prayer shawl handmade by her in laws, Lee neighbor gave me beautiful hats, my mom sent me nice wigs that will do the trick, Susan Pearson brought me dinner, did my hair, and Lily, what fun, wow, I look like Shinaed O'conner the bald headed military type. Funny stuff.

I was blessed with a friend in SD Barb Greenhalg who is doing a cancer walk in my name, way cool.

Lily turns 5, birthday invites going out next week--please earmark Sat. Jan. 22nd her big day, she is looking forward to it at Chuck-E-Cheese's, Salinas (12-2pm), yeah Lily!

Loving thoughts to you all. Dawn