May 8, 2013

Greetings Family and Friends!

Springtime has arrived along with the gorgeous weather we have been longing for. Yahoo!

FIFTH-THIRD RIVER BANK RUN

I am excited to share with you upcoming events gathered around my "THINK PINK" motto. This Saturday (May 11) a few of my family members will be walking a 5K event through the Fifth-Third Annual River Bank Run http://www.53riverbankrun.com/event-information.php. We will joyfully be walking in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness. This walk is stroller and pet friendly which means Deacon will be joining us!

 

 

RELAY FOR LIFE

On May 17 and 18 many family and friends have joined my team "THINK PINK" through Relay For Life via the American Cancer Society. We have a booth for our event at http://www.relayforlife.org/getinvolved/findanevent/app/findanevent.aspx?searchQuery=comstock+park+mi&resultsPerPage=25&x=42&y=11 called "Pamper Yourself Pink"! This is going to be a fun and exciting time to celebrate being a cancer survivor. Along with the Relay is a Survivor Dinner and I have been ask to be the Host Speaker. I am extremely happy to have this honor and to share my story with all the other cancer survivors attending. There are five other cancer survivors from my team alone who will join me at this dinner!

Once again, I would like to express my 'thanks' to all who donated to the cause on my behalf. Currently, I am the personal LEAD donator at $1070!! A HUGE THANKS to my out-of-state family. If you feel so inclined to offer a donation, the event is still open and I would gratefully appreciate your participation.

I will post pictures of the event, our team and the festivities. Stay tuned! Here are pictures of the shirts my boss designed for our team "THINK PINK". I love them! And it has my favorite Bible verse on the back. Thank you Ethan!

In honor of my "THINK PINK" motto, my hair has gone PINK! I personally love it and might just have to keep it PINK after the Relay for Life event.

On a personal note, I am feeling GREAT! My energy has been restored and my medication is treating me well. My side effects have subsided and my sleepless nights have significantly dropped. I suppose you wonder, 'doesn't she ever have a bad day? Things can't be so rosy'. I am digging deep to find something that is not so rosy, but I have nothing to contribute.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

April 11, 2013

Time has passed since my surgery on February 20, 2013. I went back to work full time on March 25. I am doing well and feel I have recovered from surgery.

 

The hormone medication that has been prescribed for me (Arimidex) was something I was not sure I wanted to take because of the many side effects. I met with my oncologist again and then got a second opinion on the drug. The outcome was if I don't try it, I won't know if I would receive the side effects. I must at least try. If I do not to take it I would have a 30% chance of cancer recurring. If I take it, I have about 12% chance of recurrence.

 

On Friday, March 29, I took the medication. It seems to be going OK. I have a constant headache, jaw ache and backache along with sleep apnea. I am going to continue to take this until June when I meet with the oncologist again. Stay tuned......

Lymphedema has arrived. I have explained what this is in a prior post. My left arm has more swelling than my right. Currently, I am waiting for my lymphedemia sleeves to arrive. They had to be ordered. Can't wait!

 

On a good note: My dad, Jana and I are going to participate in the 36th Annual Fifth Third River Bank Run http://www.53riverbankrun.com/  on May 11. Don't get too excited, we are doing the 5K walk. But nonetheless we are participating and moving forward with life. On May 17 & 18 my family and many friends are participating in Relay For Life. Please visit my Relay page if you would like to join my team or make a donation to this worthy cause. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY13GL?px=31937572&pg=personal&fr_id=50197&__utma=2443503.643006718.1363405933.1365691051.1365693798.18&__utmb=2443503.3.10.1365693798&__utmc=2443503&__utmx=-&__utmz=2443503.1363788542.4.2.utmcsr=2013thinkpink.blogspot.com|utmccn=(referral)|utmcmd=referral|utmcct=/2013/03/relay-for-life.html&__utmv=2443503.|3=registration%20status=registered=1&__utmk=219842842

 

2 Corinthians 5:7 - for we walk by faith, not by sight.

Relay for Life

My school district hosts a Relay for Life event every year. This is the first year Central Office is hosting a team. Why, because I am a Cancer Survivor and a team has been formed for this reason! Team "Think Pink" has just registered and will be walking and pledging to the American Cancer Society in the Relay for Life Event at Comstock Park High School Stadium on May 17 & 18.

 

I would like any and all people who find this event a worthy cause to come out and support my team. Please visit the link www.relayforlife.org/comstockparkmi to learn more about the relay, join my team or donate to this special event. All registrations and donations can be done online. Let's make this first year for team "Think Pink" the leader in donations to help find a cure!

 

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18          

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.

  

Luminaries lit for those who have passed on, those who are fighting cancer

 and those who have survived.

Great News!

I received a call from the oncologist regarding the Oncotype DX test. My recurrence score results is 18. It is borderline of low to moderate risk range for the cancer to reoccur. With a score of 18, it is suggested that NO CHEMOTHERAPY treatments would have any impact on subsiding the recurrence and that a hormone therapy treatment orally is the best option. 

Interpreting the results

Oncotype DX test results assign a Recurrence Score – a number between 0 and 100 – to the early-stage breast cancer or DCIS. Here are the ranges to interpret the results:

• Recurrence Score lower than 18: The cancer or DCIS has a low risk of recurrence. The benefit of chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer or radiation therapy for DCIS is likely to be small and will not outweigh the risks of side effects.
• Recurrence Score between 18 and 31: The cancer or DCIS has an intermediate risk of recurrence. It’s unclear whether the benefits of chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer or radiation therapy for DCIS outweigh the risks of side effects.
• Recurrence Score greater than 31: The cancer or DCIS has a high risk of recurrence, and the benefits of chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer or radiation therapy for DCIS are likely to be greater than the risks of side effects.

Many breast tumors are "estrogen sensitive," meaning the hormone estrogen helps the tumors to grow. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) which are taken in pill form, can help block the growth of these tumors by lowering the amount of estrogen in the body.

Estrogen is produced by the ovaries and other tissues of the body, using a substance called aromatase. AIs do not block estrogen production by the ovaries, but they can block other tissues from making this hormone. That's why AIs are used mostly in women who have reached menopause, when the ovaries are no longer producing estrogen.

Another drug, tamoxifen (Nolvadex®), also helps to prevent the growth of estrogen-sensitive breast tumors, but it works differently from AIs. Whereas AIs reduce the amount of estrogen in the body, tamoxifen blocks a tumor's ability to use estrogen.

Currently, three AIs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration: anastrazole (Arimidex®),exemestane (Aromasin®), and letrozole (Femara®).

• My doctor has recommended and is putting me on Anastrozole (Arimidex®) which helps prevent recurrence of breast cancer in postmenopausal women with early-stage hormone receptor-positive tumors. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs), which interfere with the body's ability to produce the hormone estrogen, are rapidly changing the standard of treatment for breast cancer. 

I will be on this treatment plan for 5+ years. There are side effects from this drug such as:

• The most common side effects seen with ARIMIDEX include hot flashes, joint symptoms (including arthritis and arthralgia), weakness, mood changes, pain, back pain, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, rash, depression, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, fractures, swelling of arms/legs, insomnia, and headache.
• In advanced breast cancer trials, the most common side effects seen with ARIMIDEX versus tamoxifen include hot flashes, nausea, decreased energy and weakness, pain, back pain, headache, bone pain, increased cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and swelling of arms and legs. Joint pain/stiffness has been reported in association with the use of ARIMIDEX.

Understanding that any form of treatment for cancer is awful, I would rather have the pill versus chemo. Although the pill does not sound pleasant either and will take some toll on my body with the countless side effects. It makes me wonder how my every day life will be affected. In all things I will continue to let my light shine brightly through it all! Remember....it only takes a spark to let your light shine. 

So let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven - Matthew 5:16

Drains Removed!

I went to the surgeons office this morning escorted by Deacon!

It is always a joy to bring him with me. The patients and office staff enjoy getting their Pet Therapy. It is amazing how many people talk to you when you have a dog by your side.

I continue to get stronger every day. I feel good for the most part. Just need a little more energy. Where is that energizer bunny rabbit when you need him?

Today I was able to have my drains removed!! PRAISE!! One does not realize the freedom you have until you are physically attached to something. Just doing normal every day things is a strain. Laying down to rest and having to be strictly on your back wreaks havoc with other parts of your body. Ah, it feels great to be free! I do not need to go back to the surgeon's office until August for a recheck unless anything unforeseen comes up.

From the doctor's office, I went straight to work. I am released to work 2 hours a day for this week, 4 hours a day next week and back to full time the next. It felt good to be in the office but it was exhausting. Came home and took a 2 hour nap!

My journey is not over it has only begun. There will be some sort of treatment in the near future along with supporting breast cancer events until a cure is found. I would like to invite and have anyone who wishes join my team "Think Pink" in walking and supporting Relay for Life on May 17 & 18, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on September 22 and Bee Brave on October 12. Please put these dates on your calendar as I will be posting more information about each event as dates near. It will be a fun and exciting time!

Thank you all for your many acts of kindness, the tumultuous cards I received along with wellwishes, meals and gifts. Mostly your prayers. God is Good!

Psalm 28:7 - The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices and with my song I will sing praise to him.

Pine Island Elementary Pics

Here is Pine Island Elementary pictures from "Pink Day" on February 20.

!

Surgeon (of Oncology) Appointment

Meet Dr. Marianne Melnik with Spectrum Health Medical Group. She is a surgical oncologist who specializes in breast cancer and leads the Spectrum Health Breast Care Program.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Oy_jlrDX_A

Today, Janelle took me to my pre-op appointment to see my surgeon Dr. Melnik, in hopes of getting my two drains out. Well, NO GO! I am a little disappointed as they are a pain (literally and figuratively). I have to have an output of less than .25 cc's in a 48 hour period in both sides. I am at .35 cc's. I drain my drains every 12 hours and pour the output into a small measuring cup and record what the amount is. She told me to call the office when I am recording less than .25 cc's and then hopefully they will remove them. Looks like it will be a few more days at least or early next week. Therefore, I may not go to work or drive. Seriously?! I am driving and she said she didn't hear me (so that means I will). As for work, the HR Director requires a doctors statement releasing me back to work. She is pretty strict about that. Do you think I can get away with it since it is me? 

 

There is still a lot of swelling. She said it will take a year to look like it should. I can see why! Patience for me is a virtue.

Me and Janelle

I received a beautiful card in the mail from my niece Danae in Florida. She wrote a quote from Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in it (with her pink ink ink pen) that says "The most beautiful people we know are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss and have found their way back out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen". Thanks Danae, that is a wonderful quote!

 

Danae

Romans 5:3-5 - We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Oncologist Appointment

Meet Dr. Amy Vander Woude, a medical oncologist with Cancer & Hematology Centers of West Michigan, PC. She specializes in breast cancer and works in the Spectrum Health Breast Care Program.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKBds9vfc0s



Today, my parents and I met with my Oncologist, Dr. VanderWoude to discuss the Surgical Pathology Final Report of the lymph node dissections in which I reported to you last week. Upon review of this report, it is still agreed that I received a "node-negative= no cancer found" diagnosis.

We learned today that there was an additional spot of cancer found in the left breast. First we knew there was one. The MRI report showed two and the surgery claimed there were three as reported in the Pathology Report.
1) Invasive ductal carcinoma, largest lesion, 1.3 cm.
2) Mucinous invasive ductal carcinoma, intermediate-sized lesion, 0.6 cm.
3) Invasive ductal carcinoma, smallest lesion, 0.4 cm.
These have all been identified with no evidence of metastasis.

The Pathology Reports are microscopic and give detail of the dissection biopsy as clearly as can be measured with the naked eye. NOW, the specimen is going to be sent to California to an advanced multigene expression test at the molecular level, with the ability to predict the likelihood of chemotherapy benefit as well as recurrence in early-stage breast cancer called the Oncotype DX Breast Cancer Assay test.

About the Oncotype DX Breast Cancer Test and Early Stage Breast Cancer

The Oncotype DX breast cancer assay, is a test that examines a breast cancer patient's tumor tissue at a molecular level, and gives information about a patient's individual disease. This information can help individualize breast cancer treatment planning and identify options. The Oncotype DX breast cancer test is the only multigene expression test commercially available that has clinical evidence validating its ability to predict the likelihood of chemotherapy benefit as well as recurrence in early-stage breast cancer. The Oncotype DX gene expression assay is intended to be used by women with early-stage (stage I or II), node-negative, estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) invasive breast cancer who will be treated with hormone therapy.

The Oncotype DX breast cancer multigene expression test has been extensively evaluated in 14 clinical studies involving more than 4,000 breast cancer patients worldwide, including a large validation study published in The New England Journal of Medicine and a chemotherapy benefit study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Oncotype DX is the only test incorporated in breast cancer treatment guidelines for patients (which is me) with node-negative breast cancer that is estrogen-receptor positive and/or progesterone-receptor positive.

About the Oncotype DX Breast Cancer Test for DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) and Pre-Invasive Breast Cancer

The Oncotype DX Breast Cancer test for DCIS patients is the first clinically validated genomic assay to provide an individualized prediction of the 10-year risk of local recurrence (DCIS or invasive carcinoma) to help guide treatment decision-making in women with ductal carcinoma in situ treated by local excision, with or without tamoxifen (tamoxifen is a drug I might be taking for the hormone therapy piece).

In summary, there will be a treatment plan. Either a short bout with Chemotherapy (four treatments) and the hormone therapy drug (which will be for 5+-years) or just the hormone therapy drug. It will take 2-3 weeks to hear the results of the Oncotype DX Breast Cancer test results.....stay tuned!

Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you.

Central Office Staff Visit and Gifts, Gifts, Gifts!!

It was a pleasant day today. Some of the Central Office staff came to my house to visit during their lunch hour. I enjoyed seeing them again as it feels like it has been forever. Amazing how only 10 days can seem like a lifetime. They all looked good, the same as when I left them - LOL!!

Here is a picture of us.

They gave me this adorable metal 'Dancing Angel' from Carol Roeda Studio!

It is one of my favorites!

 

I have to revert back to yesterday and tell you this awesome thing that happened. A group of fellow coworkers who work in various buildings throughout our district, unbeknown to me, gathered a bunch of gifts. Each individual who participated gave me something special. The trick is, I cannot open these gifts all at once. One a day to keep the doctor away! Can you believe it? What torture! Here I have all these gifts staring at me and I can't open them. It is like the days before Christmas when presents are under the tree and you can't do anything about it. Yes, I feel like a kid in a candy shop! Here is a picture of all the gifts.

Thank you Laura Smith! This is the first gift I opened.
 It is beautiful!!

Now we go back today as Lisa, Missi and Brandi all took part in the gift giving game too. I wanted to be sure I was able to thank them personally for the wonderful things they gave me. Pictures of them and the gifts are below.



Lisa

Missi

Brandi

I want to also personally thank all the ladies who participated in the gift giving game. As you know, what you see is all I opened so far, so I have A LOT to go! Please accept my most sincere thanks and gratitude for such a wonderful and thoughtful thing to do. I am overwhelmed and overjoyed at the outpouring of kindness!



THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!!





Indeed we have so many reasons to count our blessings! What can you do today to express your gratefulness? What are some things that you can be grateful for? Take some time to thank God for what He has given you.

 

 

 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NAS) in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

 

 

Grateful; Thankful; Humbled

grate·ful

adj.

1. Appreciative of benefits received; thankful.

2. Expressing gratitude.

3. Affording pleasure or comfort; agreeable.

thank·ful adj. 1. Aware and appreciative of a benefit; grateful. 2. Expressive of gratitude: a thankful smile. hum·ble adj. 1. Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful. 2. Showing deferential or submissive respect: a humble apology. 3. Low in rank, quality, or station; unpretentious or lowly. tr.v. hum·bled, hum·bling, hum·bles 1. To curtail or destroy the pride of; humiliate. 2. To cause to be meek or modest in spirit. 3. To give a lower condition or station to; abase. See Synonyms at degrade. Dear Family and Friends, Today I rejoice in the news that I am Cancer Free! I am geniunely grateful and forever thankful, first to our Lord and secondly to all of you who have diligently prayed on my behalf. Words cannot express this emotion and the joy it brings to my life. So today, I patiently await my post-op appointment with my surgeon on March 5, to hear the words directly from her and see the pathology report with my own eyes. It is amazing how nothing in the world matters if you don't have your health. Health is the root to our everyday lives. So many of us take this for granted. It is not something we think about if we are not faced with an issue. I challenge you to be more conscience of your health. Take necessary steps to combat issues before they arise. Every day is a gift from God. Rejoice and be happy in it! Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day! I am humbled and blessed to have been given a "get out of Chemo" free card. Not everyone is so fortunate. Please continue to pray for those less fortunate and who are on the Chemo path. My journey has hit a fork in the road and my path has been blessed by God. He has plans for me, for my life, to serve Him in every way the best that I can, the only way I know how. Thank you all again. I am grateful, thankful and humbled. Love, JODI I Peter 5:6-7 - Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your cares upon him, for he cares for you.

Pathology Results

Assessing lymph nodes (Has cancer spread to the lymph nodes?)

During surgery for invasive breast cancer, some of the lymph nodes in the armpit (axillary nodes) are removed to check for cancer cells. The presence or absence of cancer in these nodes is one of the most important factors affecting cancer stage and prognosis.

Sentinel node biopsy and axillary dissection

To see if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, most people have a procedure called sentinel node biopsy. During or before this procedure, a radioactive substance (called a tracer) and/or a blue dye is injected into the breast. The surgeon locates the sentinel node(s) by looking for the node that has absorbed the tracer (using a special device called a gamma probe) or the dye (which turns the lymph node(s) blue). The radioactive tracer or blue dye usually identifies one to several (usually fewer than five) nodes as the sentinel nodes. The surgeon removes the sentinel node(s). In removing the sentinel node(s), one or two non-sentinel nodes may also be removed. A pathologist checks the removed node(s) for cancer cells.

If cancer is not found in the sentinel node (the sentinel node is “negative”), it is unlikely that other lymph nodes in the armpit have cancer, and thus no further surgery is needed. If the sentinel node does contain cancer cells (the sentinel node is “positive”), more nodes may be removed with a procedure called axillary dissection. The goal of axillary dissection is to check how many lymph nodes have cancer, which may help determine whether you will have chemotherapy after surgery. It also reduces the chances of cancer returning under the arm.

Axillary dissection removes more tissue than a sentinel node biopsy. Because it disrupts more of the normal tissue in the armpit, axillary dissection is more likely to affect arm function and cause lymphedema. For this reason, sentinel node biopsy is the preferred first step to assessing lymph nodes.

Assessing margins (Was the entire tumor removed during surgery?)

A pathologist checks the tissue removed during surgery. By looking at the tissue under the microscope, the pathologist determines whether the entire tumor was removed and whether the margins (the edges of the tissue removed) are clean. Clean (also called uninvolved or negative) margins mean there is only normal tissue (and no cancer cells) at the edges of the tissue removed from the breast. In these cases, no more surgery is needed. If normal tissue does not completely surround the tumor (called involved or positive margins), more surgery (called re-excision) may be done to get clean margins.

Preserving biopsy tissue

It is standard for hospitals in the United States to preserve and store all biopsy samples as formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue. When a sample arrives at the pathology lab, it is treated with a substance called formalin, which keeps it from breaking down over time. The treated sample is embedded in a block of paraffin (wax). Later, if you wish to have your biopsy tissue re-examined for a second opinion, or if a new test becomes available that could affect your treatment, the preserved tissue can be obtained from the hospital where the biopsy was done.

PATHOLOGY REPORT

With all this being said, my pathology report came back negative....YES I SAID NEGATIVE. That means I am CANCER FREE!! The 3 lymph nodes taken on the right side are clear, the 3 lymph nodes (2 tissue and 1 sentinal node) taken on the left side (tumor area) are clear and the margins are clear. PRAISE GOD! Thank you to all my prayer warriors! Our prayers have been answered!

Ephesians 1:19 - You will know that God's

 power is very great for us who believe!

Family

My family has been an intrical part of my cancer journey. Each one has a special gift they have brought in helping me along the path. I praise God for their unfailing love and devotion.

 

My parents winter in Henderson, Nevada and have flown back for two weeks to help care for me in my recouperation. They unselfishly, without hesitation were back in Michigan (to squalls of snow and winter weather) for my surgery. They come over to my house daily helping me with my needs. I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for being here for me!

Mom and Dad

Each of my four children have shared their talent(s) and made me proud of them while I have been ill. It is amazing to see my children (who are now adults) care for me as I once cared for them. It blesses my heart.

 Proverbs 20:7

 The righteous who walks in his integrity—
blessed are his children after him! 

Son Brad and Ashley

 

Proverbs 22:6 

Train up a child in the way he should go:

 and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Daughter Janelle and Family
 

 

Psalm 103:17

But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love

is with those who fear him, and his righteousness

with their children's children.

 

Daughter Jana

Proverbs 1:8

Listen, my son, to your father's instruction

and do not forsake your mother's teaching.

 

Son Bryant and Alissa

I Corinthians 13:4-8

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

I Corinthians 13:13

 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

My Family
Mom & Dad
 Brothers and families

 

 

Another Day in the Life of Recovery

Today is a beautiful sunny day. Deacon is enjoying having me home with him (as much as I do him!).

Yesterday I received a lot of family visitors, which was wonderful, but very tiring. I am trying to get more rest today and sitting like a cat curled up in the stream of sunshine radiating in through my windows. Ah, the warmth!

The medication they have sent me home with is not cutting it. I have a call out to the doctor's office to get something more potent!

I am posting a You Tube video I found on my surgeon Dr. Marianne Melnik. You will get to see who she is and what she is like.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Oy_jlrDX_A

Deacon lying in the sun and absorbing the warm rays!

Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;
save me, and I shall be saved,
for you are MY praise!

Mill Creek Middle School Pics!

Love this picture - Look at all the PINK!