Perometer Machine

This is a Perometer machine that was used today to measure my arms in preparation for surgery. The benefit of this advanced technology is that they can identify the presence of Lymphedema at the earliest stages, even with minimal changes in limb volume. Because the Perometer identifies even the most subtle increases in limb volume, they can initiate the most appropriate Lymphedema treatment interventions in a timely manner, thereby reducing negative effects of prolonged edema in the affected limb. Upon the completion of formal Lymphedema treatment, the Perometer also allows for precise measurement of limb girth and volume to create a custom-fitted compression garment that is required to maintain the reduction in limb size and volume.

A few weeks after surgery I will have my arm measurements taken again to determine if there is swelling that I may not detect on my own. Amazing what technology they have today.

Todays verse is Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

My Friend Kim

 Many of you who read my blog know my friend Kim (Bowman) Griffin. In May 2009 Kim also had Breast Cancer. This is a picture of her during her treatments.

Kim had the opportunity to write an article during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the Rockford (Illinois) Star Register. Here is her article. Thank you Kim for sharing!

Cancer changes everything.  When I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Breast Cancer in May 2009 my life changed.  The changes were somewhat expected, once the initial shock wore off.  After two surgeries I began my treatment.  Chemotherapy changed my appearance…my hair fell out, my eyebrows disappeared, my eye lashes were gone.  It changed the way I felt, often tired and aching from the drugs.  I went from not feeling like eating to eating everything I could get my hands on, thanks to the steroids used in my treatment.  After eight rounds of dose dense chemotherapy (16 weeks), I began radiation treatments.  While my hair started to come back I experienced the side effects of radiation, dry, red skin and increasingly more tired, as the 36 treatments wore on. 

Not all of the changes were bad.  I had a new appreciation for my friends.  They were there to sit with me during my 6 hour treatments.  They brought me lunch in the days following a treatment.  They sent cards, emails, and called often.  They were an amazing support to me.  I had a new appreciation for my family.  Because of the distance we live apart from each other they were not able to be with me, but they did the most important thing.  They prayed without ceasing.  As a very independent individual, I now had to rely on my husband for many things.  I learned to let him help me….he needed it as much as I did. His love and concern kept me going.   

But most importantly, cancer changed the way I think about life.  I have been a Christian since the 7^th grade, but I now know firsthand that God is in charge of my life.  He is the strength that sustains me when I don’t think I can go any further.  He gave me the courage to face this disease and to make the best of it.  It is my hope that people will see that my confidence and positive outlook came from an unfailing God.  I was not afraid because I had put my trust in Him.

I am thankful for Dr. Nora and the incredible staff at the OSF Center for Cancer Care.  They do an amazing job. Thank you to the American Cancer Society for their efforts to find a cure for breast cancer.  My husband and I, and our extended family, Kelley Williamson Co., are glad to be a part in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Kim (Bowman) Griffin

Chief Financial Officer
Kelley Williamson Co.

This is the verse I received from Kim:

Philippians 4 vs. 6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Amen!

                          This picture is of Kim during Chemo with her cute new puppy Sidney!






This is a picture of Kim today at a Breast Cancer Benefit Golf Outing.

Plastic Surgeon Appointment

Today was the Plastic Surgeon's appointment. It was very informative and I learned of possible options for reconstruction. I have not decided if that is the path I will travel. I need to weigh all the pros and cons, sleep on my "pink" pillowcase filled with scriptures, pray alot.

A surgery date has been scheduled for February 20, 2013.




So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Staff at Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion

The wonderful staff at Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion that Deacon and I got to meet today and share my journey with! Thank you ladies for your caring and support!!















The Lord said to me, "You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled". Jeremiah 1:12.

Verses Needed

Dear Family, Friends and Prayer Warriors,
It was placed upon my heart today as I made my pink pillowcase filled with Bible verses to ask you all to share your favorite Bible verse with me. I would like to build a wall of verses to help walk me through this journey. Once the wall is scattered with verses I will post a picture. Please join me in plastering my wall with verses of healing, strength and inspiration!

Words of Healing, Strength and Inspiration! MY PILLOWCASE

MRI

Late Friday I received a call from the Oncology Surgeons office giving me the findings of the MRI I had at my Thursday's meeting with the Multispecialty Team. It is proven that the known tumor is 1.2cm. There was also found another tumor located inferior (below) the known tumor and is 8mm in size.  This additional information and findings makes my decision for a Bilateral Mastectomy more conclusive.

As my journey begins I rest on Exodus 14:14: The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

Team Think Pink!

Multispecialty Team Meeting

My family (Team Think Pink) and I met with the Spectrum Health Multispecialty Team on Thursday, January 24, 2013. We learned a wealth of information. Through the recent Ultrasound Core Needle Biopsy that was previously performed, the findings were that the cancer is not hereditary and is Estrogen and Progesterone related. This is good news for my girls!

The Plan: Options were given to me on a plan to remove the tumor. Final results are I am opting to have a Bilateral Mastectomy with no radiation or chemotherapy needed at this point. Lymph nodes will be taken at time of surgery to see if the cancer has spread. Those results will be given to me later and based on the outcome whether radiation or chemotherapy will need to be discussed further.

Now comes more decisions. Do I have reconstructive surgery? I have an appointment next week to meet with a plastic surgeon to go over my options. Today, I do not know what to do.  In reading the tumultuous materials they have given me, there are many different procedures that are available. Once a decision is made, the plastic surgeon and the specialty surgeon of oncology will need to connect their schedules to come up with a surgery date.

This is where I stand today. Again, I am doing well and have a great outlook for the future.  When meeting with the Oncology Nurse Navigator I was given a form to complete asking my stress level after receiving the news that I have cancer. Zero no stress to 10 seriously stressed. I marked zero. She said I didn't give her anything to work with for her to do her job on my behalf. At the end of the full day appointment she gave me the same form to complete again based on all the information I received that day. I told her to mark negative one. A positive attitude towards this beast is the best medicine!

Psalm 121:1 (the whole Psalm should be read daily) I lift my eyes up to the hills; Where does my help come from? My help comes from The Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth.

OPTOMISM

This was emailed to me from a friend.

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence ~ Helen Keller. 

The Beginning of "C"

On Wednesday, January 16, 2013, I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductile Carcinoma Grade 2 = Breast Cancer. I am doing well and in great spirits! This cancer was found through a routine Mammogram which led to multiple tests and an Ultrasound Core Needle Biopsy that was performed on Monday, January 14, 2013.

Me and my family have an appointment with the Breast Cancer Multispecialty Team of Spectrum Health on Thursday, January 24. At this appointment a surgeon, a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist as well as a genetic counselor, social worker and breast cancer care navigator will meet together. These specialists will be joined by a pathologist, radiologist and research nurse in conference to discuss and determine the most appropriate treatment plan given my situation. This meeting is expected to last 6 or more hours. Upon conclusion of the conference, I will have an idea of my treatment plan and recommendations.

Sorry to be the bearer of this news. As my cousin Merri Lynn stated on her Facebook page “I would love a punching bag with each cancer ribbon (Breast and Melanoma) on it so I can smack the crap out of it". Well said!

Think PINK!

JODI