5-3-12
Where did this last month go? Just when I think there is no possible way that life can get busier, it always does. I'm counting down the days until the end of the school year and simply cannot wait to spend the summer with my girls. Ella will be going to a 3-day, 2 hour, summer pre-school that she's very excited about. I, on the other hand, don't really feel like being away form her that much over the summer, but I'll survive. Ava and I will have some special time together.

My next scan is on May 25th, which is convenient since I don't have school that day. My sick days at school have dwindled significantly with all of my doctor's appointment and the occasional sickness. I'm missing my juicing partner and cousin Madelaine a lot lately. She's in Cuba attending medical school and I can't wait for her to return so we can try out some new recipes. I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying this heat wave:)


4-11-12
What a wonderful Easter we all had! We went to brunch with the family and then came back to have our Easter egg hunt at the house. Thankfully, it was sunny even if the wind was a bit chilly. Vacation is coming to an end so the girls and I have been out and about doing as much as we can. We're heading to the Strong Museum in Rochester tomorrow. Hopefully it won't be too crowded. The girls love it there and it's great to see how much more they can do each time as they get older. The countdown to summer has officially begun for us and I cannot wait!!!!! I have a port flush this Friday and they will schedule my next scan for the beginning of June...my first 4-month stretch. It's hard to believe that after this one I won't be having another until October. Overall, things are going really well. I'm still feeling great and wishing there was more time in every day. There is a 5K race in Marcellus this year, Teal There's A Cure, that I'm trying to get a team together for. Once I have everything set, I'll post info here so those of you who would like to join can. I think it would be a lot of fun:) Here's to all of you. Enjoy the sun and hopefully warmer weather will follow.


3-31-12
Went to the zoo today with Bob and the girls. I refuse to let this weather stop us! Last weekend was a ton of fun. I was asked to "model" in the Hope for Heather Breakfast at Tiffany's fashion show. I wore two dresses from Showoffs Boutique in Armory Square. I was definitely nervous but it ended up being a lot of fun for a great cause. Things are going really well for us and life is so good. School is winding down and I'm hoping next year will definitely be a better year for Syracuse City Schools and for teachers. This year has been a test for everyone, I think. My next scan is the beginning of June so I'm eager to get it done and have a wonderful summer with no scans:) Stay warm everyone and all my love to you!


3-20-11
Great news! Everything came back normal...all benign. Another huge sigh of relief. Now, if I could just stop getting sick I'd be great. I made the mistake of going to school yesterday because I was feeling a bit better and am home again today with either another phase of this flu or the nasty stomach bug that;s been going around. Either way, I made an appointment with my internal med doc and we'll see what she says. It's so hard to be in bed when it's so beautiful outside. I did get to be outside most of Sunday with the girls and just took it easy. It's so hard not to smile when the weather is like this, even if I feel terrible. Enjoy this awesome day!!

3-16-12
Had my larger biopsy yesterday. I started feeling under the weather right before we left and was freezing the whole time I was there. Five heated blankets later, they found that I had a temp of 100.1. Not that high, but they asked if I wanted to postpone the surgery until next week. I think Dr. Congelli knew from the look on my face that that wasn't a good idea:) We went ahead with the surgery and she said that there was nothing that jumped out at her as unusual or suspicious. I'm hoping for the results today or by Monday at the latest. I can honestly say that I don't think there is anything to worry about and that she is just playing it safe. The downside, I'm home again today and I think I have the flu:( The girls are off to Sara's and I'm heading up to go back to sleep.


3-9-12
I went to meet with Dr Congelli, a breast surgeon, yesterday and she did a small needle biopsy on the questionable spot and was able to get me in for an MRI a few hours later. She called me this evening and let me know that the MRI highlighted the area on concern a bit, but probably because she had just taken the biopsy a couple of hours prior. She also said that the biopsy showed some "atypical cells of uncertain origin", which she explained could be because I had some inflammation and a possible infection in that area. This was what I originally had thought when this all started. She wants to play it safe, especially with my history, so she scheduled me for another biopsy to get a larger section to send to the pathologist. I'll go in on Thursday under light sedation and be released the same day. I have to admit that the thought of another surgery makes my skin crawl, but I'm all for being aggressive and not letting questionable things go. I've still got a good feeling about this so I'm staying calm. I also really like this doctor and appreciate that she actually has a sense of urgency about things...I've found that to be an uncommon trait in others. Please keep me in your prayers as I know this too shall pass and my continued recovery can get on track with hopefully no more bumps in the road:)


3-7-12
Another beautiful day:) I met with my oncologist yesterday because I felt a lump in my right breast this past week. I have some history with this area and had a mammogram about 10 years ago. I have fibrocystic condition, which basically means that I have very dense breast tissue and sometimes this causes false alarms. I had a mammogram done yesterday evening and they did spot an abnormality so I'm meeting with a breast surgeon tomorrow to discuss a possible biopsy and MRI. Yes, I'm annoyed, and yes I'm frustrated. I'm sure this will be another false alarm, but the emotions and the fear are still there. I'll be honest in saying that I'm mentally exhausted from all of this. I'm still staying positive, but I really just want some time where my body stops sending me into panic every few months. I am grateful for all of my success and I know I need to just focus on that. Knowing that you are all still in my corner keeps me motivated to stay positive. And of course there are my 2 best motivators who continue to amaze me everyday and show me love that I cannot begin to understand:)


2-21-12
My vacation is off to a great start. We had a Strawberry Shortcake birthday to celebrate both of the girls birthdays this month. Ella will turn 4 this Sunday and Ava turned 2 Feb 6th. The last two years have flown by in a blink, as everyone warned me they would. I think often about the fact that Ava is my last baby and so I'm trying to freeze time in my mind so that these moments last longer. Ella is turning into such a little girl right before my eyes. She is loving preschool and this time at home with mommy:) She and Ava both visit Grandma Neenie and Aunt Cass for overnights as often as they can and love it.

Tomorrow I'm off to take my grandmother to chemotherapy so I'm bracing myself for all of those familiar feelings and fears. She was diagnosed with breast cancer this past year and is almost halfway through her treatments. This family has had way too many brushes with cancer and I hope this is the end for a long while.

We enjoyed the sun from inside yesterday because it was still a little too cold. I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weather we've been having. Spring is right around the corner:)


2-9-12
My doctor actually called me last night and told me that everything was fine and the only thing the PET picked up was my head cold! Another huge sigh of relief! I'm looking forward to a calm three months ahead before my next scan. As I've said before, this feels like a very long roller coaster ride and at times it's so exhausting, but....I'm here, healthy and life is good. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and thought always. Enjoy this "winter". I'm loving it!!!


2-6-12
Today is Ava's 2nd birthday and I can't believe how time has flown by. We had a wonderful weekend and celebrated a bit early with cupcakes on Saturday. We're throwing a larger party for both of the girls in a couple of weeks. February is a busy month so far and we're not even a week in.

My PET scan is scheduled for this Wednesday at 7:45am. I already made reservations for my hotel to "de-radiated" afterward. I know I'll enjoy the time to myself for a few hours, but then I'll miss Bob and the girls:( I have an appointment scheduled to get the results the following Tuesday, but am hoping that my doc will call me before that with good news. Praying for continued remission. Love to you all...:)

2-2-12
I met with my doctor today and got my results. They saw a spot that they said was a "thickening" on the scan. I immediately started freaking out and my doctor said that she felt nothing upon examination and that she feels somewhat confident that it's scar tissue. However, they want to play it safe and have a PET scan as soon as possible. Now I just have to wait for my insurance to approve it. The waiting game is one that you;d think I would be good at by now, but I'm not:) I try so hard not to get nervous because everything seems to going so well, but this has thrown me for a bit of a loop. I was in tears in the waiting room after I had read the report. I will remain strong no matter what and am praying that it's nothing like it has been before. I love you all for the prayers I knew were coming my ways the past few days. You all remain a tremendous inspiration to me just knowing that I have people out there thinking about and praying for me gives me strength I can't explain. I will keep you posted as to when the PET is scheduled for. Now I have to decide which hotel I'm going to check my radioactive self into after the scan. Maybe I'll actually read a book and relax...maybe:)


1-31-12
Getting ready tonight for my scan tomorrow. I made the appointment nice and early, 7:45 so I wasn't starving like last time. I've got this down to a Science! Please keep me in your prayers tomorrow and Thursday. I'm meeting with my gyn onc at 3pm to go over the results. Thank you always for your continued support and prayers:)

1-27-12
TGIF!!! Things are going smoothly and my scan is this coming Wednesday, Feb.1st. This one definitely crept up on me because things have been busy at work and home. I will meet with my gyn onc the next day for the results. I'm starting to get nervous just like I always do, but each time gets a little bit easier. I'm hoping to enjoy this weekend and take some time to relax. The girls have their birthday party coming up in a few weeks and I can't believe they're turning 2 and 4. Everyone told me time would fly by quicker than I imagined and they were so right! I hope you all have a blessed weekend...all my love to you. Keep me in your prayers for good news on Thursday:)


1-16-12
I'm home today enjoying my day off with my two little sweetie-pies! I wanted to let everyone know that I'm trying to rework this site to reflect my journey. I'm working on the center text and trying to add a link to my supplements and treatment regimen. It's taking some time, but I really want to document everything so that others might be able to use the site as more people seem to be getting diagnosed.


1-13-12
Met with the hematologist today and he was very thorough and optimistic. My counts were up a bit and he said that after such aggressive treatment and pelvic radiation, he's not surprised that my immune system isn't back to normal. He stressed that the radiation may have had a negative effect on my bone marrow, but may be repaired over time. He requested that I check back in with him in a few months to re-check...phew! Now I need to get through my scan in a few weeks. Thanks everyone for keeping up with me:)


1-12-12
I hope everyone has enjoyed this great weather because I have a feeling things are going to change. I'm praying for a snowday tomorrow, but I know it's a long shot:) I actually have an appointment with a hematologist tomorrow so hopefully he will have some info as far as possible reasons why my WBCs are still so low. I've been super-tired this past week, but I think it's just the fact that things go 100 miles an hour around here and work is as stressful as ever. I've started a yoga class with my sister Cassi every Wednesday and I think we've talked my mom into joining us. It's so relaxing that at the end I could easily just fall asleep on the mat and find myself there the next morning. The girls are doing wonderfully and Ella is very anxious for some snow. I was dragging her around the yard a couple of weeks ago in the sled and she had a blast.

I'm hoping tomorrow brings some answers. Thank you for your thoughts and continued prayers. I'm excited to celebrate my 1-year remission this March!

1-5-12
Happy New Year! I'm looking forward to a year of health and happiness. Things are starting off interestingly, however. I received a call form my gyn onc last night and she is concerned that my white blood cell count hasn't returned to the normal range this long after treatment. Thankfully, I haven't been sick, but now I'm a little nervous with all of my students and the fact that cold and flu season is upon us. She's trying to set up an appointment with a hematologist so that we can get to the bottom of this. I always get nervous with these tings so I'm trying to remain calm, but it's hard. Sometimes it feels like I can't take a deep breath and relax, ever! Anyhow, I also have my scan scheduled for Jan 27th so that will also be nice to get out of the way. Please keep me in your prayers and I will keep you all informed as soon as I know anything.

12-26-11
I want to apologize to everyone for my lack of posts. There have been some issues with the site and I've been unable to post anything since Thanksgiving. I want to thank Rodney, our webmaster, for fixing things and getting us up and running again.

Thanksgiving was wonderful and my cheesecake recipe turned out to be amazing! I've really found my niche as far as baking with natural sugars goes:) It was great to have my family with me and so memorable when I realize the strides we've all taken in the past year. I met with Dr Stram a few days after Thanksgiving and he was amazed at how well I was doing. He advised me to keep going with my current supplements and prescribed some blood work to check some of my levels.

We hosted the Greacen Christmas party the week before Christmas and loved every minute of it. I can't believe how large our family has grown. It seems like yesterday when my cousins and I were somersaulting down my grandmother's hallway and gorging on Aunt Claudia's peanut butter chocolate balls. Time is flying by and we all have families and children now. Life has been so good to us all.

Christmas this year was amazing! My family was there with me, which is always the best gift. The girls were spoiled by everyone and my house will never be the same. We've entered the small toy phase, where every doll has teeny tiny little accessories and nowhere to keep them all. Being Type A though, I'm going to find some kind of system that won't drive me crazy.

My next scan is at the end of January so I will try to keep busy to keep my mind off of it. This time of year, that shouldn't be a problem. I'm looking forward to having this week off to spend time with Bob and the girls. I love this time of year and am actually hoping for a little snow so I can run around in it this year:) Lots of love to you all and thank you for being patient while we waited to update the site. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!


11-20-11
I had a wonderful dinner this past Thursday with some of the people who helped plan my benefit last year. What a wonderful group of people. Reminded me again of everything I have to be thankful for and how heartfelt their donation of time, money, and effort really was. We're getting ready for Thanksgiving and I can't wait. I'll be missing my dad as he is coming again this year for Christmas instead. I'm not sure how I'll survive in the kitchen without his "help":) I've got my new recipes all ready and even found a cheesecake recipe that I'm hoping comes out OK. I wish you all the best day with your friends and family and all of the joy this season brings...love to you all:)


11-13-11
Wanted to check in and tell everyone that things are great! I'm feeling wonderful and excited for the holidays. I actually get to go out in the holiday craziness this year, instead of having to do all of my shopping online, however, I'm not sure that's such a good thing. I still remember walking through Target with my mask on and realizing that everyone got right out of my way. It was a small perk:) I'm meeting with Dr Stramm the week after Thanksgiving to check in and review my current supplement regimen. I'm taking on Thanksgiving dinner again this year, but with many changes. I'm looking into some agave-sweetened desserts and other natural sugar options. So far, I've found a pumpkin pie recipe that I'm going to experiment with. Soooo excited to be happy and healthy this holiday season. Cheers!

10-29-11
Great news! The scan looked great and we couldn't be happier. There is a small nodule in my lung that they're keeping an eye on however. It was 5mm last time and measured at 6mm this time. A millimeter is so small that it could be an error, but we'll just keep watching it as I have another scan scheduled Jan 31st. Life is great and I thank each and every one of you for your continued prayers and support...love to you all!!!


10-26-11
Change of plans. My CT scan has been rescheduled to this morning. I realized that I never updated you all when I switched it. I'll be leaving in a few minutes and wanted to let everyone know. This one has definitely crept up on me. I've been too busy to worry, which is a good thing. I'm meeting with my doc tomorrow afternoon to discuss the results. I'll be holding my breath until then and just staying as busy as possible, which is an easy task.

Halloween is coming and the girls are so excited. Ella is dressing up as a cupcake and Ava will be a ladybug. We're planning on descending upon Zoo Boo this Saturday as my dad will be in town and we thought it would be fun to explore the zoo at night. We didn't get to go because of the crowds last year and my immune system so I'm especially excited to go this year. The months keep rolling by and I still can't believe where I am. Thank you all for you love and support and I look forward to posting tomorrow with good news!


10-15-11
It's 11pm and I should be in bed, but I just got finished writing a letter to a mom of another woman diagnosed with SCCOHT. It always brings everything back going through my old notes and names of docs. I feel badly that I haven't updated you all in so long. Ever since I went back to school, I've been struggling a bit. This is the worst year I can remember as a teacher and I just keep hoping things will turn around, only to find them getting worse. I'm trying so hard to stay positive, but I may be failing most of the time. I know that all I need to think about is my beautiful family and my health, but I get caught in the game and come out more stressed than I ever want to be. I know there's something positive that's coming from this, but I'm just not seeing it yet. I love my students and we all know that I can fight things out:) so I'm going to keep pushing and hope for the best.

My next scan is October 25th. I can't believe it's already here again. I go for blood work this Friday to be sure my kidney function is OK to drink the contrast dye. This week, I'm going to work on keeping everything in perspective. The girls are excited about Halloween and I keep thinking back to last year and where we were...there's perspective:) Ella is going to be a cupcake and Ava will be the cutest ladybug ever. Love to you all and so sorry for the long stretch in between posts.


9-25-11
Had an amazing time with friends and family at the race today. I ended up running my best time...30:15 and was so emotional at the finish line. I saw my husband, family, friends, and my two amazing girls clapping and smiling and I couldn't be happier!


9-24-11
I can't believe 2 weeks has flown by. I'm trying to relax today so I'm rested for tomorrow's Hope for Heather race. My team is growing by the day and I'm so grateful for all of the support to raise awareness for ovarian cancer. I'm hoping that I can run the whole 5k in a time that isn't too embarrassing:) I've been training, but have slacked a bit since school started and my time is no longer my own.

I'm feeling fine these days, just tired with the new schedule change. I'm trying to get back into things, but I find myself just longing for summer to be here again, and we're only 3 weeks into school. My students are great this year and I'm really enjoying them so that definitely helps.

With fall here, so many things remind me of where I was just one year ago that I keep counting my blessings over and over again. I remember digging the pulp out of pumpkins with Ella, feeling nauseous, losing my hair and trying my best to smile because I was so happy to be there. This year I will not be able to contain myself. My happiness is overflowing! Love to you all:)

9-10-11
School definitely started off with a bang. Things are crazier than I ever remember them being. We lost a ton of teachers and have a new principal and vice principal. I am one of three remaining middle school teachers and feel overwhelmed. Everyone is coming to me with questions and problems, and as much as I want to turn them away, I feel like I can't. I'm doing my best to keep my stress level low, but all I can say is that tings had better be getting better soon:) The girls adjusted just fine to being back at Sara's, mostly because she's the best baby-sitter ever! I'm still having random pains in my abdomen, but am ignoring them for now as I think they are the result of just working out a little bit too hard. I hope you are all enjoying this awesome weather...I know I am:)

9-2-11
Summer is officially over for me in 3 days:( I've been at school a few times getting things ready and I am not ready to start again. This has been an awesome summer and I don't want it to ever end.

I realized today as the girls and I were wearing our teal to support Ovarian Cancer Awareness, that this is the same time last year that I started having symptoms and was admitted for surgery. I can't believe that a year has passed and that I am here, full of life, with a smile on my face and a lifetime of hope ahead of me. I hope that my school year starts smoothly and that I continue to have the success I've had...thanks to all of you:)


8-21-11
I apologize that this much time as gone by and I haven't posted. Summer has become a living being for us and has taken over. I want to get as much in before school starts as I possibly can. I'm feeling great and will not have another scan until late October so i can breathe for a while.

School starts for me September 1st and I will admit that I'm nervous. Our principal left for another school and almost all of the middle school staff went with him. It was not good timing for me to move, as I want this ear to resemble something of a normal life, with the only change being my girls growing up too fast:) Needless to say, I have change with a lot of new team members, but I have such a wonderful support system at school and so many great friends that I think everything will be fine. I am going to hold onto these last few days and enjoy every minute...hope you do too!

8-8-11
Summer is flying by and I am trying to make the most of all of this beautiful weather. I am still feeling great and haven't come down from the cloud I've been on since my results. Life is good:) I wanted to post a link to the Hope for Heather Run/Walk that I am going to participate in. This is an organization that creates awareness about ovarian cancer and contributes to research as well. I created Team Parish and would love to get as many runners/walkers as I can for this cause. The link below will allow you to join the team. The race is September 25th from 9-12 at Syracuse's Inner Harbor. You may have to copy and paste the link below to get it to work https://www.getentered.com/register/default.aspx?newgroup=true&event=5596&cat=20620

Of course there is no pressure, but it would be fun to get a group together. As always, thank you and have a wonderful week!



8-2-11
After an excruciatingly long 6 days, I finally received some great news. My scan is clear and everything looks great!!! I'm not sure why I doubted things, as life has been working itself out in such amazing ways, but the wait is finally over. I'll have another scan in 3 months so I can rest easy until then. Thanks to all of you for your continued concern and support. It really means the world to me:)


7-28-11
My scan went well yesterday, at least without incident:) Now the waiting game has begun so I hope time flies!


7-26-11
My CT scan is tomorrow and I'm staying as busy as I can to keep from thinking about it:) I won't get the results for almost a week so I need as many prayers and good thoughts as I can get. This will be a long 6 days! I'll post as soon as I know anything. Thank you everyone...love you all!


7-21-11
We are all trying to survive this terrible heat today. Thank goodness for AC! I am going for what I think will end up being another cortisone shot this coming Monday. My left wrist is still really painful and the right seems much better since the lat shot. I'm hoping it works this time because picking up either one of the girls makes me want to scream in pain every time.

As my scan approaches, I can't believe 3 months has already passed since the last one. I'm going for blood work tomorrow and my scan is Wed the 27th. The anticipation of the scan and then knowing that I will have to wait about a week for the results is nothing short of torture. It brings up lots of feelings that I work really hard to suppress. I've been thinking a lot about firsts. I remember when I was diagnosed thinking that I might not be here for most of the "firsts" that the girls would have...first day of school, first hair cut, first steps to run. I actually celebrated a "first" with Ella yesterday. We went to her firs-ever movie in the theater together. She loved the movie as much as the popcorn and I was bursting inside because this was another "first" that I was here for. I pray that this scan and all others will be clear and I ask you all to please keep me in your prayers over the next couple of weeks. I will post as soon as I know anything and as always, thank you for all of your support:)


7-12-11
We all just got back from a trip to Ohio to see my dad and stepmom. We had a great time, although a long car ride with Ella and Ava was interesting. It seems like no matter what time of day or night we leave, they refuse to sleep. It was a relaxing trip and it was nice to finally be able to travel to my dad as he's traveled here so many times this year.

There have been several people in my small cell group that have been commenting on a possible connection between pregnancy, hormones and this type of cancer. I have felt that this was a possibility all along, but all of the docs I've talked to said they didn't think that made sense. It's a complicated connection, I'm sure and there are many other factors to be considered, but I would be interested to find out what others think.

I hope you are all enjoying this amazing weather. I'm headed to lunch with my friend Nancy who won the Skaneateles experience with my cousins Billy and Chynna...should be fun:)

7-5-11
I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July! My sister Kim and my 2 nieces are up from Ohio and my girls are in heaven. They follow their cousins around like little puppy dogs and are so excited to have them here. It's nice to have all of the Jones girls together too:) I'm looking at my calendar for July and realizing that this month is going to fly by. Ella is doing a pre-K summer camp and likes it for the most part. I ran a mile or so a few days ago to get myself ready for my Livestrong program and I'm sooo sore. The hills near my house are brutal to try to run up, but a great workout. It feels so good to finally not have any restrictions...I thought this day would never come!

I've been communicating with another woman with a small cell variant and she's a fighter too so I'm hoping she gets through her treatment soon and starts feeling better. She's had a rough time with the chemo and has been hospitalized twice. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as you have for me. Her name is Deb. Enjoy this amazing weather...love to you all!


6-29-11
My first official day of vacation! The girls and I went to story time today and it already feels like I never went back to work. I will admit that Ella, who will be 3.5 at the end of August, is giving me a real run for my money. Forget terrible twos, three has got me mind-boggled most of the time. I can't help but feeling like everything she's seen and probably felt during my treatment has effected her in ways I'll never know. She is such a bright little light and so emotional, like her mother. I'm reminded every day of how my sisters and I would bicker over everything and I have to take a step back and just know that someday they will be best buddies:)

I'm still feeling great and have tried not to count down the days to my next scan. I'm actually proud of myself because I'm not even sure what date it is without looking at my calendar. All I know is that it's at the end of July. I'm only getting the CT scan this time to reduce my exposure so hopefully all will be clear!

I started the Livestrong Cancer Program at my YMCA last night. It sounds like a great program and I'm excited that I was able to get in...only because I'm type A and got all of my paperwork in ASAP. They had no idea who they were dealing with. I'm an expert at paperwork and faxing documents now:) It's a 12-week program where they focus on cardio, strength-training and overall wellness. I'm dying to get into a routine and to get back into shape. I've never been so excited to workout...something is definitely wrong with me:) I'll keep you all posted on how everything is going and thanks again for keeping in touch:) Your words of love and encouragement keep me strong!

6-19-11
So sorry for such a long time in between posts. I feel like things are so crazy with work and school that I can barely keep things straight. I cannot wait for summer vacation!!! I saw my onc on Tuesday and she said that she was confident that the bump on my abdomen was nothing but a popped suture or knot from the surgery so needless to say I was relieved. For now and I still feeling great, juicing, and will be beginning an exercise plan once school is out, as I am barely keeping my head above water with my normal day to day "stuff". I figure if I can get into a routine over the summer then the fall will be easy to step into. I'm doing great with my diet and just bought a book with recipes for baking with agave and I might just be able to eat chocolate chip cookies again, once in a while. I have an amazing recipe for agave cinnamon dark chocolate brownies that I indulge in every now and then and my whole family, including my grandmother, is hooked. I hope everyone had time to squeeze their loved ones this beautiful weekend. Thanks as always for being my support system:)


6-10-11
TGIF!!! What a week. I forgot how much energy you need to keep up with middle schoolers...whew. They kicked my butt this week, but I'll be up and ready for next week, which is our last full week of classes. My wrists are feeling much better, and I'm hoping I'm on the mend. My appointment with my ONC is this Tuesday so I'm interested to see what she thinks of this mysterious bump on my abdomen. I took it easy at yoga this week and felt much better afterward this time. I received a kit for a blood sample from TGenn, which is a research group studying the biology of SCCOH...the first one ever I think. I'm excited to be a part of what will hopefully be the beginning of an ongoing body of work designed to study this specific type of cancer. I'm excited to see what comes of it. I found out the other day that my super curly hair may not be permanent and I was a bit bummed:( I'm growing fond of it and hope it sticks around for a while. I had curly hair before, but this is kicked up a notch! Hope everyone has an awesome weekend and thanks again for keeping up with me:)


6-2-11
So I took a visit to a hand and wrist specialist yesterday after school and he told me that I have pretty severe tendonitis and gave me a shot of cortisone in both wrists...OUCH! He said that it should do the trick and if not it's a super-simple surgery, which I guess I would be game for. He couldn't rule out chemo as a suspect, and I have to admit that I was surprised to hear that someone else has had the same problem (Patricia)...we need to meet and compare notes:) For now I'm still pretty sore so I hope to start feeling some relief soon. As for my abdominal mass, I decided to make an appointment with in about a week so that she could take a look/feel. She's my surgeon so I just feel better having her take a look. She said it may be a pulled suture. I almost laughed when she said this because all I could think of was the hard-core yoga class I went to that killed my abs...maybe that's the culprit.

I have to admit that I'm counting the days to summer vacation and I can't wait to be home with my girls again. I hope everyone is enjoying all of this crazy-beautiful weather!!

5-28-11
Hi everyone! I hope you're all enjoying this awesome weather. We went and got lots of veggies for the garden and are planting tomorrow. I had a little scare Friday and left school early. When I woke up, I felt a lump in my belly and it freaked me out so I went in to see my Onc. Her nurse practitioner examined me and sent me for an ultrasound. The unltrasound confirmed a pea-size mass, but could not say what it was. We didn't want to do a CT so soon after the last one so we're going to watch it for now and probably get another ultrasound it a couple of weeks to be sure it's not growing. There are lots of things that it could be, including scar tissue from my incision, but to be safe we're keeping a close eye on it. I try not to get too nervous, but it's difficult. For now, I'm just praying that it's nothing:)


5-24-11
I'm home with Ella today who has had a fever for the past two days. Ava is spending the day with Grammy and Gramps and I'm sure will love the one-on-one time. I made an appointment with an orthopedic hand specialist because the pain in my wrists has gotten pretty bad. I may not have posted about this before. About 5 weeks ago I started getting severe pain on the underside of both wrists that would travel up my thumb. It almost felt like I'd sprained them, but I hadn't done anything that would have injured them. After about 3 weeks I started researching whether or not this may be connected to any of my treatments and I did come across a few people who complained of wrist and joint pain after chemo. I called my onc yesterday and she said that she'd never heard of that and referred me to this specialist. I have an appointment next week so we'll see what happens. They'd better not even say the word "surgery" or I'm outta there:)

I've thought a lot after my last entry and talked to a lot of different people about how I've been feeling. It's been so hard to put parts of my experience into words. I have so much gratitude and have been given such a gift that I just want to make it all count at the end of the day. I used to get all anxious if my house wasn't clean enough or if the laundry piled up, but now I could care less. If I have time, I do it. I would much rather spend that time with my family, creating memories and just having fun! It's hard to switch perspectives at 33, but I'm determined to make the best out of what I've been given.



5-17-11
Week three has begun and life is getting crazier by the minute. I miss my relaxing days at home with the girls...well most of the time they were relaxing:) I took my first yoga class last night and I'm so sore today. I was wondering why the ab workout was so difficult and painful and then I thought about my surgery and where the incision was and it made perfect sense. I may have pushed a bit too hard the first time because I'm definitely paying for it today. I will admit that going back to work has been a bit of a struggle mentally. My life has changed so much that sometimes I feel like I was a piece of a puzzle before this all happened and I fit right into a niche at school and now the shape of my piece has changed and I'm not sure how to make it fit again. It's hard to explain...I'm so happy to be alive that the things that used to bother me don't matter and all I want to do is be around people that are positive and that can be hard. I don't want to get all gushy, but I just hope that I can find a way to wrap my head around everything. I can never find the right words to thank all of you for keeping me in your prayers and staying positive with me throughout this journey...it means so much:)

5-12-11
This week is going very well and I'm excited for the weekend. I'm feeling much less tired and am enjoying being back in the classroom with my crazy 7th graders. They are a spirited bunch, but very sweet. It still feels like September to me so hopefully they are enjoying my class as much as I am enjoying getting to know all of them. I've finally settled into a good routine with my supplements, juicing, smoothies, etc. and I don't even need my little chart anymore to remember what to take:)

I wanted to post some information on a fundraiser for a friend of mine who lost his battle with cancer a few years ago. His family has set up a memorial scholarship in his name through Fabius- Pompey schools. If you like to golf, or just want to stop for dinner, it's going to be a great event!

Visit on Facebook under: Fore K.L.B.

Email: foreklb@gmail.com

Date May 29, 2011

Location: Orchard Vali Golf Course, 4693 Cherry Valley Turnpike, LaFayette , NY 13084

Entry Fee: $50 per person. Includes 18 holes of golf, cart, hotdog at the turn and dinner.

Dinner Only: $20 for adults, $10 for kids 12 & under. Kids 5 & under are free. BBQ Pork & Chicken, baked Beans, Salt Potatoes, Mac Salad

Registration at noon. Shotgun Start at 12:30 p.m. Dinner at approximately 5 p.m.

If you do not have a foursome, no problem. They are happy to pair you up with other golfers. Remember it ' s Captain & Crew so you don ' t need to be a pro... just come out and have a good time!

ALL proceeds will benefit the Kermit L. Breed Scholarship Fund.

The ALTER EGO Band will be playing during dinner!

Sponsor ' s needed! No donation is too small! We need event sponsors and raffle prizes. If you would like to be a sponsor please send an email to foreklb@gmail.com.

STORY about Kermit:

Kermit was born and raised in the close-knit community of Fabius, NY. The youngest of eight, Kermit was an avid athlete and loyal friend, dedicating himself to baseball, golf, Volleyball, soccer and people around him. After high school, Kermit attended Clarkson University, earning himself a Master's in Business Administration. He then landed a job at Johnson Controls and relocated to Boston.

Kermit was diagnosed with Stage IV colorectal cancer in June of 2004 at the age of 26. With the help of his friends and family he underwent major surgery, moved back to Fabius and received chemotherapy and radiation to treat his cancer. Fighting hard until his last minute, Kermit died on January 26, 2009.


5-6-11
This was a tough week for sure and I'm actually home sick with strep today. I think it was a combination of being exposed at work and the fact that I was pretty rundown by Thursday. I'm hoping to feel better this weekend and maybe enjoy some nice weather. I've been hearing such great stories from a small cell group that I belong to from people who have been treated and are still clear years later. It makes me feel so hopeful for the future. Happy Mother's Day everyone!


5-2-11
Well, I survived the first two days back to school and am still standing! It was great to get back to teaching and everyone at Frazer has been so amazing, from the hugs to wearing their Carrie's Journey t-shirts, they have been a huge source of support for me. I'm definitely tired, but I can deal with that:) I'm excited to celebrate another Mother's Day this weekend and am praying for great weather this weekend.


4-25-11
Just received the BEST news! My scan was completely clear and there weren't even any questionable spots or scar tissue. This is better news than I was even prepared for and I owe so much of my success to all of your thoughts and prayers. Thank you SOOOOO much...now I'm off to celebrate:)


4-24-11
Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! The girls had a great time and we held our first-ever egg hunt at the new house. We had hoped to be outside, but since it was raining we hunted indoors. Ava was surprisingly adept at finding the eggs and putting them in her bucket.

I'm heading off tomorrow for my scan and my 1 day radioactive vacation:) I'll be staying at a hotel again so as to keep my
"radioactiveness" from the girls. Maybe I'll finally get a good nights sleep. Thanks again for your prayers and I'll let you know how everything goes:)

4-23-11
Today was a beautiful day, after the rain stopped, and we were finally able to get outside. I've been reflecting a lot on this journey, and as this next scan gets closer and Easter arrives, I can't help but think once again how very beautiful life really is. I have the most amazing people around me and I'm ready to start the next chapter of my life. I would be lying if I said that I'm not scared to death about this scan...I am. I've been praying and doing everything under the sun to calm myself down, but I'm still scared. Please pray for me and send all of your amazing thoughts my way. My scan is at 10:30 Monday morning and I receive the results the next day at 2pm.

I wish you all the very best Easter and hope you find time to give each person you love a huge squeeze!


4-19-11
Hi everyone! Wanted to let you all know that there's some sort of problem with the photo album so if it's not working for you, you're not alone. Hopefully we'll be able to fix it quickly. I thought I'd treat you all to some of my G.I. Jane look. I must say though that my hair is growing in really quickly and is as curly as ever. Well, I guess you would just call it wavy right now as it's not quite long enough to actually "curl".


4-18-11
Sorry for such a delay in posting. Ella has been sick the past few days and in need of lots of "mommy time". My dad has been here visiting us and it's been great to see him. He and Ava are quite a pair and I know she will miss him so much when he leaves. They've been inseparable pretty much since she was born, at least whenever he visits. I've moved onto the second phase of my post-radiation supplements, which is easier to deal with than the first. I actually had to create a chart for the first round to be sure I didn't miss anything. My scan is a week from today and I'd be lying if I didn't say that I'm terrified but I know all of your thoughts and prayers will help me through. I've added some new photos to the album on the right so check them out!


4-9-11
Such a beautiful day here in CNY! We were able to get out a do a bit of yard work today and then attended a benefit for a friend with ALS. It was a wonderful day and I am always so happy when the sun is out! I stopped by Frazer and saw so many of my wonderful friends. I am getting excited to return and actually got a bunch of work done while I was there. My substitute has done a great job and I know the kids will be sad to see him go.

I'm having a bit of trouble obtaining the scenar machine for my feet and now hands. Hopefully I will be getting it this week. I'm so eager to see if it works, especially on my hands. Everyone seems very puzzled as to why all of this is happening so late in the game. I went to my oncologist to have blood drawn again to check my levels and thought maybe I could talk with her quickly about it to see if she had any other ideas (other than loosening my shoes!) but she told the nurse that I could just move my appointment up if I wanted to talk to her. Unfortunately, my appointment isn't until the last Thursday in April and since I am getting my scan results, which won't be ready until then, that would be pretty impossible..uugggghhh! I bit my tongue, to the best of my ability for those of you who know me, and left with a smile. She wasn't going to get me down that day...thank you anyway:) Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as this scan grows closer. Love to you all:)

4-4-11
What a beautiful weekend! Even though it was a little windy, we were able to enjoy the sunshine and play outside both days. Poor Ava looked like a marshmallow, but I know she was warm:) I'm feeling great and heading towards what another survivor called my "new normal". I had my port flushed last week and they told me that my potassium and calcium levels were low. They prescribed potassium, but after talking to Dr Stram, he advised some additions to my diet to get me back to normal. I'll have labs drawn again Wednesday so we'll see how I did. I made some avocado and raw cacao mousse last night and thought it was great at first, but then the texture started to bother me so Bob is now in charge of finishing it:) Even though I used my immersion blender, it still reminded me of the horrible fruited jello from elementary school and I just couldn't do it.

I'm planning on visiting Frazer Wednesday to see where things might be in May when I plan to return. I will be getting my scan results 3 days before I start again so it's going to be a little bit stressful for me, but I know things will be clear:) Thank you all again and again for everything. Your prayers, words, and thoughts mean so much to me.


3-28-11
Wanted to check in to let everyone know how things are going. I've been feeling pretty good lately and have started walking 20-25 minutes a day as energy allows. I didn't realize how out-of-shape I was as I hobble around and feel lots of muscle weakness. I'm hoping this all fades and I can start even jogging soon, as long as the weather cooperates! I hate the treadmill and only use it when I'm desperate. I've been keeping busy with little projects around the house and of course my girls, who keep me running ALL DAY! I wish I had their energy:) I'm trying not to think about the scan coming up in a month, but easier said than done. Every pain and uncomfortable feeling makes me wonder and I keep thinking...will I always be this worried. In my head, I've beaten this, but there are always those nagging thoughts and pieces of possibility that sneak their way in and give me doubts. I stay as positive as I can and keep on loving life as each day is given to me.


3-24-11
Feeling great today despite this terrible snow!!! Spring needs to get here, stat! The probiotics that I'm on are working so well. I even ate broccoli last night for the first time in ages. I'm going to try to start juicing again this weekend. I'm so glad that I decided to see Dr Stram to get things back in order. I'm going to get my port flushed tomorrow to make sure it's still working if we ever need it again, especially since I will have it in for 5 years!! That seems like a lifetime away right now, and I don't even care. I can hide it most of the time:) I'm starting to think about going back to school and can't even imagine it, but am excited to get back to my "new normal". I'm hoping that my scenar device comes in soon so that I can start working on getting some feeling back in my toes and feet. I've been a bit nervous lately b/c I wake up with my hands tingling a lot at night, regardless of the position I sleep in. Hopefully this is not a sign of things to come. Having numb hands would be difficult. Looking forward to a great weekend:)


3-20-11
We have all been enjoying this sun as much as possible. I am slowly starting to feel more rested; thank goodness for the naps I've been able to take. My digestive system is on the mend and I've begun taking the supplements to help it along. There was a chance that they wouldn't agree with me so at this point so far so good:) I may even put them to the test and try a salad sometime this week. It seems strange to me that my radiation oncologist never recommended any type of probiotic after I was finished. I even asked him if that would help and he said not really. I still maintain that I've been doing so well because of many things, but using both integrative therapies and western medicine together has seemed successful so far. I ordered my scenar device to help with the heuropathy in my toes, which seems to be traveling to the bottom of my feet. I really hope it helps. The catch is that I have to drive all of the way back to Albany to be trained on it s use before I can bring it home:( I hope everyone is having a great weekend and that the sun stays out...we are headed to the zoo!


3-15-11
Today was my last day of RT, and hopefully the last cancer treatment I will ever have! This has been a wild ride and I've learned so much about friends, family, and myself through this journey. My next scan is April 25th and until that time I'll try not to think about it, which is always easier said than done. I look forward to the day, 5 or so years from now, that I can breathe easy and feel confident that this terrible disease is behind me forever. I love reading all of your posts and your words of encouragement have helped me more than you could ever imagine. My journey is far from over, but let's hope this chapter is left closed:)

For those of you interested...this is the regimen I follow as closely as I can, in order of importance

- No refined sugars or processed foods (when I want something sweet I find/make things with agave, honey or molasses. Once in a while I use maple syrup, but very sparingly)

- Eat raw and organic foods, especially produce, whenever I can, which has ended up being most of the time.

- Juice each day. I bought a Breville juicer from amazon that I love bc you can put things like apples in whole...huge time-saver! I make a mix of kale, chard, beets, beet greens, apples, pears, carrots, celery, and anything else that is brightly colored or sounds good that day. I've been making a juice that I keep in a large canning jar that I drink over four days to save time.



- I'm taking LOTS of supplements right now to get my gut back in check, but have a regimen I will be starting 3 months from now that I'll be on indefinitely. It was recommended by Dr Stram and will hopefully give me that extra immune boost to kill off any cancer cells that may be lingering.

Not sure if this helps anyone, but I wanted to share. Love and thanks to you all!!

3-12-11
Bob and I went to see my integrative doc yesterday. We asked him tons of questions and had a great visit. My first step after I'm finished with RT is to get my digestive system back in check. I'll be taking a bunch of enzymes and probiotics and then moving onto my anti-cancer regimen created by Dr Dwight McKee. If anyone is interested in it, just let me know and I can post it here. Perhaps the best part of the visit was when we talked about my neuropathy. He had this thing called a scenar, which uses electrical impulses to stimulate nerves. I was extremely skeptical, but after he used it, I could feel my toes and still can today. We only did it on one side so we could compare results, something that hopefully my students reading this will remember from the Scientific Method...control group. Anyhow, we are looking into ordering one, but so far the only one we found was $900.00...yikes! However, feeling in my toes is pretty important so it may be a plunge I'm willing to take.

The last bit of news I have to share is that I have the flu, and as luck would have it, I did get a flu shot so it must be a different strain. My mother took Ella for her first sleepover today and the timing could not have been better because I slept most of the day and took TheraFlu to help with the symptoms. I hope I'm feeling better by Monday because I don't want anything stopping me from finishing treatment:)



3-8-11
I just finished posting on FB that my hot flashes are driving me crazy. I literally had to hold myself back yesterday from throwing myself into one of our huge snowbanks. It started out being not so bad, but sometimes they just have the worst timing and I want to scream. I'm hoping that Dr Stram can give me some suggestions that might work although I really don't want to do hormone replacement therapy if I can help it. Overall, I'm feeling pretty good, just can't wait until my stomach gets back to normal, which Dr Bogart said may take a while. I rescheduled my scan for the day after Easter, April 25th. I'll meet with Dr Cunningham that Thursday, April 28th, for the results, and then hopefully I will be returning to school the first week of May.

I had a great time this past weekend with Carly and ate at the best little cafe, Magnolia, in Rochester. Praying for better weather and the sun looks like it's out today...Happy Tuesday everyone and thank you always for your thoughts and prayers.



3-4-11
So glad today is Friday! I'm feeling pretty good this week and I may have the diet somewhat figured out. I went out to dinner last night with 10 of my cousins and had a great time:) I'm heading out tomorrow morning to spend a couple of days with my friend Carly in Rochester...kind of like a mini vacation. Bob will be home with the girls and I can't wait to hear the things Ella talks him into. I have 7 more days to go, but who's counting? I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend:)


The Winner of the Lunch with Billy Baldwin and Chynna Phillips this summer in Skaneateles is Nancy Dennis. Congrats and thank you for your continued support.


3-1-11
Happy march everyone! Today is truly a great day. I am 3/5 of the way through with my radiation therapy and I found out today that I was awarded 4 more days so that I can recover from RT through the month of April. This means that I will be returning to school the first week of May..yeeaaaahhhhhh! I can't imagine how hard it will be after being gone for almost the whole year. These kids don't know me at all and the last group of students I had will be a tough act to follow since they were so awesome:) I also met with Dr Cunningham and we discussed the neuropathy in my feet. She said that it should fade after a while and to let her know if it gets worse. I'm meeting with Dr Stram March 14th to try to get my body back on track and to get back on supplements and my anti-cancer diet. I'm missing my fruits and veggies! Looking forward to some sunshine this week:)


2-24-11
Met with Dr Bogart and he gave me a list of foods to eat that will help with my bowel issues. There were two sides to the list, foods to avoid and foods to eat. Unfortunately, my whole diet seemed to be on the "do not eat" side. I'm not supposed to be eating salads, whole fruits,vegetables and whole grains. The suggested foods were things like enriched white bread, white rice, baked potatoes, cakes, cookies...basically everything I avoid. So I'm working hard to find a middle ground. I can deal with the potatoes and rice, it's just another shift in thinking that hopefully will only last until my system returns to normal. I've had lots of people willing to help and just come over to watch the girls while I take a quick nap. I haven't been this tired since I had a newborn:) Thank you everyone for your prayers and continued support...I wouldn't be where I am without you!


2-22-11
I can't believe February is almost over:( I'm getting ready for a treatment and thought I would update everyone. As far as effects from radiation...they've arrived. My digestive system is in a bit of turmoil and I'm hoping that when I meet with Dr Bogart (RAD ONC) that he can give me some ideas on how to help it. I may even try to meet with a nutritionalist because my diet and what I'm reading as far as what foods would help me doesn't marry up. I may even have to postpone juicing...yikes! We'll see what they say. As far as my feet go, still numb and tingly at my toes. I'm waiting to meet with her and then see what she has to say. I've read some ideas, and thank you Nicole for your suggestions:) Stay warm everyone!!


2-19-11
Yesterday was so beautiful...I can;t believe what I'm looking at out of my window! I'm so done with winter! I'm feeling pretty good right now, just VERY tired. I may be developing some bowel issues, but I'm just going to keep an eye on it. The one strange thing I discovered a few days ago was that the ends of my toes are numb and tingly on and off throughout the day. My oncologist always asked if this was happening during chemo, but I never had any issue. When I called to tell them, the nurse said they never see that happen AFTER chemo, and asked if my shoes were too tight! I had to laugh that one off, especially after Bob did some internet research and found that most people treated with platinum-based chemos found the same problem not during, but 6-8 weeks after their therapy was over so I guess that's my answer. Now I'm just hoping that it doesn't get any worse and am looking for ways to help it naturally. I've completed 8 out of 25 days of radiation and am hoping the rest fly by. My plan is to return to school in May, assuming everything is going well and that I have recovered from RT. Oh, and I had a wonderful birthday. Thanks to all of you for the love and kisses sent my way:)


2-14-11
Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! I can't believe I'm going to my fourth treatment already. We had a wonderful weekend with the girls' birthday party and the visit from my dad and stepmom. Ella and Ava had a great time and it was so nice to see all of our family and friends.

I was a little bit nauseous after the second day of treatment, but wasn't sure if that may have been because I ate really spicy food the night before...duh! They warned me about spicy food, but they also said that I probably wouldn't have many symptoms for the first two weeks so I guess I took that to mean that I was in the clear to eat it:) Hopefully this week will be uneventful as far as that goes.

I joined a research group specifically designed to study blood and tissue samples of people with SCCOHT, which so far there are 6 in the study. It's designed to study the biology of the disease so that in the future there may be ways to detect it earlier. We also found an article published by Dr.Joseph Pressey, which is a review of all treatments and studies done about SCCOHT. I decided to call him, no surprise to any of you I'm sure:) He called me back and we just discussed my case. It sounds like he may be interested in studying more of the treatment or clinical side of this disease, which would be great. He was very nice and sounded truly interested in my case. He agreed with all of the treatment choices we've made so far. He has treated 4 pediatric patients with this disease, which is more than anyone else I've encountered so far.

I hope you all enjoy what seems like it may be a nice warm day here in CNY. Love to you all:)


2-9-11
Day one of radiation done...about 24 more to go:) It was easy and actually somewhat relaxing, even with the bad 80's mix playing in the background. They asked what type of music I wanted and I made the mistake of saying whatever. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of the 80's but this was bad! Maybe I'll ask for a little Pink next time for the kick butt factor:) Anyhow, it feels good to get things rolling.

The girls are celebrating their birthdays this Saturday and I can't wait. Ella told me that I should wear my "long hair...because it looks so pretty" so maybe it'll be a wig day, we'll see:)


2-7-11
We all celebrated Ava's first birthday yesterday! She ate her first cupcake, which Ella helped make and we had a wonderful day! She's walking so much now and it's hysterical because she giggles the whole time and looks like Frankenstein.

I'm hoping to get a call today to find out what time I'll be going to RT on Wednesday as I will be sending the girls to Sara's during therapy. I'm hoping I can keep my energy high during all of this so that I don't lose any "playtime" :) Thank you as always for reading and for all of your support.


2-3-11
Bob and I went to meet with Dr Bogart today and to get everything in order for radiation starting early next week. I spoke with Dr Cunningham yesterday on the phone and she reiterated that she was strongly against abdominal radiation, but was in favor of pelvic. She discussed the possible side effects and that some can be fatal, such as bowel perforation. As is par for the course, no decision has been easy so we have more to think about. At this point, we are 95% sure that we will go ahead with just pelvic radiation with an extension up towards my sigmoid colon, where the tumor was attached. As I've said before, I don't want to have any regrets as far as treatment goes so this is another difficult decision.


1-31-11
What a cold day! We are hibernating today and have almost exhausted our craft bin. I'm still getting things together for the girls birthday party and I can't wait. It seems impossible that Ava is already turning one and that Ella will be three. Time flies by so quickly.

I feel a great sense of relief having finally made a decision about treatment. I have no idea what lies ahead of me, but I'm not looking back:)


1-29-11
Bob and I, with lots of help from my cousin Beth and Aunt Carol, were able to get an appointment with another rad onc at Upstate yesterday. He was willing to look at the research and was familiar with it. He was also very willing to answer the many questions we had and gave us tons of info. We have decided to go ahead with radiation, both abdominal and pelvic. This is a bold move for us, especially when the "experts" don't advise it. In the end, I have to know that I've done absolutely everything to try to ensure that this doesn't come back. I am aware that there may be some complications and risks, but if it allows me to choose life, I'm in! I will be starting the week of Feb.7th and will be going for 5 weeks, 5 days a week. He explained that it really depends on the person as to how it will effect them so we'll just have to wait and see and pray that it's no worse than chemo was. I continue to feel blessed by everyone's support:)

1-27-11
So sorry for the delay in posting! Bob and I returned from our appointment at MSK last night. We met with a Radiation Oncologist there who specializes in gynecological radiation. After reviewing my information, he did not suggest radiation, simply because there are no studies that prove it to be a benefit at this time. I am still under the impression, as is Dr Cunningham, that we should use everything we can to try to ensure that this cancer does not recur, as there is a very high incidence of recurrence as you read the studies that have been done. The MSK doc thought that using chemo as a treatment seemed like a better idea. As always, I am looking for more opinions and will hopefully be seeing another rad onc next week. Bob found a study that was done in 2006 that concluded that radiation did prove beneficial, even though the study was only conducted with 17 people. As I said, there isn't much out there, but my goal is survival so I'll do whatever I can, even if the side effects aren't that desirable. Please pray for clarity for us as we make this decision. Thank you:)

1-22-11
I'm still reeling from my news yesterday and I don't think I've ever smiled this much in my life. Bob and I had already planned to go out to dinner last night and with the news it was a wonderful celebration. I can't stop thinking about how the past 4 months have changed me, forever. I have no idea what battles I may have ahead of me, or whether or not this cancer will resurface down the road, but what I do know is that I have been blessed. I have been blessed to be brought to attention in life and to wake up each day and be thankful for the amazing daughters, husband, family and friends that I have. I