27 posts tagged “breast cancer”

Home - Army of Women

http://www.armyofwomen.org/

Breast cancer has been around for decades, but it does not have to be our future. We can be the generation that eliminates breast cancer by identifying what causes this disease and stopping it before it starts. Sign up for your sister, mother, daughter, granddaughter, best friend, and the woman you met last week.

This study is also looking for women who have not had breast cancer.

Today is the half-way mark in my quest to go one month without eating out. I had a clean week, but it is difficult. I think about eating out every day. Starbucks is probably been the hardest to give up. Pei Wei would be a distant second. I guess I see Starbucks as a treat. Not something I do every day, but I've probably thought about it every day. For instance, I have a "lab" appointment with my doctor this week. When I saw it on my calendar, I automatically thought of it as a time that I could stop at Starbucks after. Then I remembered.

Obviously I've not been as successful posting every day here. I think about it. I even have a list of potential topics. I sit at my Mac every night. I just don't write.

I love my iPhone. But after last months text charges, I signed up for the $5 for 200 minutes deal. Cause apparently 300+ individually paid texts equals $68. I am such a ding-dong sometimes.

Mom got great news this week. She went to the oncologist for her three month checkup. She's coming up on the "gap" pat of her prescription insurance already. That meant $900+ for 90 days. So I suggested she ask Dr. K if he knows if that drug maker (or other program) helps cover the costs. Instead he got up, brought her 90 days of pills and told her to come back when she ran out. He told her not to "sweat" it, that he'd keep her in meds. He is such a good guy. If I ever get cancer, he is so my guy. Oh, and all is well on the breast cancer front!

I'm going to Africa. In 121 days!

I’ve been involved with the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure almost every year since its inception in San Antonio 12 years ago. I've participated as a volunteer helping with registration, as the volunteer coordinator for the Race, and as a walker.

This year Race has a whole new meaning for me. In 2008, my 84-year-old mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.

From the local Komen chapter, she received a lovely basket of items to help her through the process. She even received phone calls and a hospital visit from a San Antonio board member.

Mom had a mastectomy in October and she takes Femarin daily. Her prognosis is terrific.

Through Race, we can help Susan G. Komen continue their support of women with breast cancer and their funding of local nonprofits providing vital breast cancer screening, treatment and education programs in San Antonio.

I know everyone is tightening their financial belts these days, but that also means more women than ever will need the life-saving services provided with your support. Together, our gifts of $5, $10, $20 or more added together can really make a difference!

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s promise is to save lives and end breast cancer by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures.

For all the wives, mothers, daughters, sisters and friends, please consider making a gift today.

I thank you and my mom thanks you!

Susan

Mom started driving Tuesday and hasn't stopped since!! Thursday she worked a normal shift (10a-4p) at her volunteer job, then ushered at the BB King concert! Tomorrow she goes back to work (7:30a-1p, then 8-5 Mon-Wed).

Man, I'll never be able to "milk" jack shit since my mom is now known as the recovery queen!

Yeah, I almost put the Freedom lyrics in, but figured that would be overkill (see below).

Mom had her second drain removed yesterday. He also poked around to aspirate any fluids that might of collected. I watched with my mouth hanging open with only the tops of my eyes looking over the magazine top. He was crazy moving that needle around. Thankfully, she was numbed, but even after all that he didn't get anything out!

The surgeon showed her some exercises she can do now to help stretch the muscles back out. As she did one, she said, "I can do this from the desk." Both he and the nurse looked a little baffled, so I told them She's ready to go back to work. The kicker was her reply, "It's been 18 days!"

She'd already been given permission to drive, but getting that second drain out was all she needed to hit the road. She went out yesterday and today, happy to be driving again. I think she's a little surprised at how fatigued she gets, but hello! It's only been 19 days!

Mom does not have to do chemo! She is going to take Femara.

When the oncologist told us, "Well, this is complicated," I laughed and said, Hey this is the lady who got lymphoma on the nose, she doesn't do anything just ordinary!

He talked with us about the benefits of Femara, but I had to ask why he wasn't suggesting chemo since the one lump is an aggressive cancer. He said, (and I quote), "It would kill her."

He firmly believes Femara will serve her well at keeping additional cancer at bay. It may not be a perfect solution, but mom did tell me afterwards she'd already decided she wasn't going to do the heavy-duty chemo route.

Talk about a burden lifted. Hugs to you all.

The surgeon didn't remove the second drain, but he did approve her for driving.

Mom has a second appointment with the surgeon tomorrow. I am hoping he takes the second drain out. See, that's been my job since she got out of the hospital. Measuring and recording her discharge, emptying the drain and disposing of it. It's been an interesting process for me. Certainly the dilution of the fluid has been appreciated, those first few days was, well, like concentrated. To me, the level of drainage hasn't changed much, so I'm still not sure tomorrow will be our day. But I'm hoping.

Her appointment with the oncologist is Thursday afternoon. I'll be glad to hear what he thinks/recommends. I told her from that point she needs to take all the time she wants to decide what she wants to do.

Neighbor update: Her daughter is coming tomorrow and taking her to an assisted living facility in the Houston area on Wednesday. I'm sad to have it happen because I know how difficult this has been for Jill, but I am glad to have some of the responsibility lifted off my shoulders.

I was at mom's yesterday when the oncologist called to make mom's appointment. I sat there and watched her just listen to the caller leave a message and not answer. Ah, well. I doubt his schedule will be completely booked between now and when she calls back Monday. And she will be calling back Monday, trust me.