I WANT A CURE FOR TREVOR IN 2012~

Please logon to http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/dsp_DonationPage.cfm?walkid=7235&idUser=163181 or go to the CF Foundation's website at http://www.cff.org/ to help Trevor and thousands of others make CF stand for CURE FOUND in 2012!

BEST WISHES FOR 2012~

Slightly transformed, but still amazing~

I used to really dislike my birthday being 5 days after Christmas. It always seemed like part of Christmas and not really my special day. I have since realized that it is really a great day for a birthday. It is the day before NewYear's Eve. The beginning of a new year. A chance to start over, fix things, make things better, make resolutions, be a better person.....a renewel. I like that idea. So I celebrated my special birthday last night with my most special family and I am happy and ready to start the New Year!

I had a friend give me a gift with a card that said..."Slightly transformed, but still amazing" !! What a special message. I am still me, only better....Life is what you make it! I plan to make this one helluva year!

Our AMAZING BOYS! Christmas 2011

Trevor 10, Tristan 12, Trey 8

With their new PS3

Sporting their new hats from Grandpa an Grandma

Handsome boys

Their new snow masks / NINJAS  LOL

Road to recovery~

It is so hard to take it easy....even when you know it is doctor's orders and in your own best interest. There is always so much that needs to be done and I have never been one to sit around and wait for someone to help me....just ask my husband. LOL He of course has been an extremely big help through this whole process, but I still want to get back to speed and I know it will take a lot of time to get there. I am so happy right now that I feel so good and so relieved that the cancer is gone. Now I am just going to have to take it a day at a time and try to slow down so I won't suffer any set backs. All is going better than I could have ever expected and I know it is from all the thoughts and prayers from everyone.



2 weeks after surgery~CHRISTMAS EVE

I ended up losing a total of about 13 pounds which is not a bad thing, but my goal is to turn some of my flab into some muscle and get stronger each day forward. I will go back in for another surgery hopefully in late spring for permanent implants. Mixed emotions about that as I do not look forward to another surgery, but I look forward to getting rid of the expanders. I have been through the worse, so I know I can handle anything from this point forward!




Christmas Day 2011~ Lots to smile about

 
Advice for 2012.... make the most of everything....good and bad.....and have a mammagram... it just may save your life!

♥ Gail, Breast Cancer Survivor 2011

I'm a SURVIVOR~

WOW...it has been a rollercoaster ride since I was diagnosed with breast cancer on October 3, 2011. I have learned a lot about this illness. Learned a lot about myself and what I am capable of. I have had heartache, experienced pain, but I have also faced adversity and conquered breast cancer! That which does not kill us, makes us stronger is so true, but I also think it totally changes your mindset of what is really important in life. We all get caught up in "HAVING THINGS". Most people spend their days working to pay for these "THINGS". Everyone needs to step back and realize what really matters! Mistakes can only be fixed when you admit they have been made. There is nothing wrong with making things right after the fact. We are all human after all. Please take time this Christmas season to evaluate what makes life worth living. For me...it is my family and friends NOT HOUSES,CARS OR THINGS!


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

CANCER FREE!

It is amazing how one small turn of events can wind up turning everything completely and utterly upside down.  Life is like that....never knowing what is going to happen next....good or bad! How we deal with each of these events is the determining factor as to our success or failure. Some of these events, ultimately leave you with little choice, but to succeed. Those events which carry such a serious nature...those in which life and death are at stake. I am not the bravest of individuals....nor the strongest, but when subjected to events of which I have no control over.... I am not faced with a decision about how to act, but only to act in order to face the dilemma straight on. Yes, I think it is normal to go through a period of denial, but that leaves you little time to feel sorry for yourself. I was diagnosed with 3 spots of DCIS in my right breast on October 3, 2011. After 3 biopsies, several mammagrams and an MRI later....I opted for a bilateral mastectomy with expander reconstruction. I wanted to decrease my chances of ever having breast cancer again by the greatest margin possible. It has been 10 days since my surgery and I am very happy with my decision. Other than what we have been through with Trevor..it was definaely the scariest thing I have ever been through. There was no cancer in my lymph nodes. This means that I don't need chemotherapy or radiation treatments. They tried to save my nipples, but were unable to do so. The pathology report said there were cancer cells to close. I am happy to say that  now, I have clear margins and don't have to see my breast surgeon for 6 months. I will get my drains removed by my plastic surgeon on Thursday. They have already filled the expanders with some saline....they did so at the time of the surgery. It was nice to wake up with a feeling of fullness. They will continue filling them until they are my desired size....then I will go in for an out patient surgery for the permanent implants. Probably within a few months. So....still in some pain, but feeling very good about everything at this point.  CANCER FREE!!!

Getting prepared to KICK CANCER'S BUTT~

It is just 4 more days until my breast surgery. I have a lot of emotions running wild. I am scared, but totally ready to get the surgery over with and totally ready to get rid of this cancer once and for all. I am ready to hear the words when I wake up....that the cancer has not spread.....that I don't have to have chemo....and that they were able to save skin and nipples. Putting my total faith in God right now because I know he will see me through this. I pray that someday soon there will be a cure for breast cancer so no other woman will have to go through this. I am one of the lucky ones. I caught it early. If you have never had a mammagram or thought you didn't need to have one....THINK AGAIN! It is the key to early detection of this disease and the key to surviving it. GET A MAMMAGRAM! You owe it to yourself! I just want to thank everyone who has sent cards...gifts.....positive thoughts and PRAYERS! I could not have done all of this without your support!

Love, Gail ♥

Trevor is awesome~

Just received an email from the nurse practioner at the CF Clinic at Children's Mercy. Trevor's culture was clear! NO BACTERIA!  So thankful!

Simplifying~

Well, I went and got my hair cut off yesterday. I think it will be alot easier to take care of while I am recuperating!

ME AND MY AMAZING SONS~

Update on my TREV OF EDGE~

Mostly good news at Trevor's CF appointment. His PFT's started a bit low, but after a few puffs of albuterol, he broke a record! He was negative for CF related diabetes! So now for the not so good news...He was down almost a pound in weight, but gained a cm in height. The sonogram of his belly showed sludge in his gallbladder which could cause complications down the road, so he is adding a new med to his list. They are also adding a Flovent inhaler because Trev's allergen level is too high and they thought it helped improve his PFT's at his last clinic visit,  but overall I am very thankful for the good news and hoping his cultures are clear!

NO BRAC genes~

I received a call from the Breast Cancer Survivorship Center at KU Cancer Center today and they said that they genetically tested me for 65% of the BRAC genes and I was negative! This is good because it means I am at a lot less risk of developing ovarian cancer!

I also had my echo cardio gram at Mid-America Cardiology in Liberty. It is like a sonogram of your heart. No results yet... the cardiologist has to review it and then they will send it to the doctor who ordered it from KU. I am pretty sure my heart is okay though, but then again...I was pretty sure I didn't have cancer either. LOL

I can't wait to get this surgery out of the way on December 9th. I want to start out the new year (2012) CANCER FREE!

Spent another day at KU~

Jason and I drove to KU cancer center again yesterday. We met with the breast surgeon, Dr. Mcginness. She explained the procedure and what will happen during the surgery which is scheduled for December 9th. So....a bilateral mastectomy, but they are going to try to save skin and nipples if possible. If there is no cancer found in my lymph nodes then I will not have to have chemotherapy. I do not have to have radiation because I am having a mastectomy. After our meeting with Dr. Mcginness, the nurse gave me a bunch of information about how to take care of myself after surgery. Then we went for pre-op questions and blood tests at the main hospital. They asked a lot of questions about everything especially anesthesia. They did an EKG which showed some slight irregularity and the doc said she heard a slight heart murmur. Needless to say I have to go back to the doctor today for an echo cardio gram. Did I tell you that I am sick of appointments?!!?!? I don't think it is anything serious. They just want to be safe as I will be under anesthesia for approximately 5-6 hours for the surgery. Still scared and nervous, but moving forward and looking forward to getting rid of this cancer once and for all.

North Platte Invitational 2011 7th Grade Champions~

Tristan is holding the award

The little things in life that make it all worth it~

Two very special cards from two very special boys....my youngest son Trey and his good friend Clay. Thank you boys...you made my day and I love you guys too!

The final biopsy results~

I found out Thursday that my last biopsy results were NOT cancer. So there is no cancer in the left breast. Two spots of cancer were found in the right breast... My next appointment is Tuesday  with the breast surgeon, Dr. McGinness. Then  I will have some anesthesia testing done. I should also get a surgery date at that appointment. I am shooting for the week after Thanksgiving.

Conquered the MRI biopsy~

Well, I must say that I am pretty proud of myself for conquering my fears and getting through the MRI biopsy. I am sure the 10 mg of Valium helped. LOL Nonetheless I still feel good about getting it done. It is the last biopsy I will have to have before surgery. I should know the results in a couple of days....at least by Friday. Jason and I have talked about a possible surgery date. We think at this point it would be wise to try to do it right after Thanksgiving. Hopefully we can get it scheduled for the last week in November or first week in December. That way I should be feeling half way decent for Christmas. We are going to try to get all of our Christmas decorations up on Thanksgiving weekend! I can't believe I worried so much about that last biopsy... my blood pressure was like 175/96, but at least it is over and I am very happy about that. My next appointment is on November 15th with the breast surgeon, Dr. Mcginness and then I will have some anesthesia testing done that day as well. 

Feeling GOOD!

Sleepless Nights~

I haven't slept well this weekend... I know it is probably silly and maybe most normal people would get through all of this without a glitch, but not me.... I feel so strong sometimes....like I can handle just about anything, but this weekend has been especially tough for me for whatever reason. Last week, the nurse from my surgeon's office told me that I am very brave. LOL Not feeling very brave at the moment, but I know some how, some way I have to get through this.  I am worried about the upcoming MRI biopsy on Tuesday. They are going to give me Valium for my nerves, but I am afraid it won't be enough and I will freak out... I wish I was not so claustrophobic and I hate the idea of going back in that machine. I have also had anxiety from thoughts of the ominous and fast approaching surgery....even though as of today.....I still don't have a date for it. It is all there......going through my mind like race cars driving around a track at max speed. It is always there.....even during the day....my mind is racing. So, for the record....I am pretty exhausted mentally and physically and just want to get through these next couple of months. The waiting is excruciating. Please keep all the positive thoughts and prayers coming as I am going to need all the help and support I can get!

Restless

MRI Biopsy rescheduled, consult with the plastic surgeon and testing for the BRCA genes

Well, Jason and I spent a good portion of our day at KU hospital/cancer center again yesterday. We met with the plastic surgeon, Dr. Punnuru. I really liked him. Made me feel very comfortable and did not rush us.. Let us ask lots of questions. Very nice man with 3 girls of his own. We decided on the expander reconstruction because it is a shorter surgery and much less time in the hospital. The draw back is that it is a long process....about a year of followups and a second surgery for the permanent implants.
Meanwhile, we received the results from the biopsy done on Tuesday. This biopsy was on the same breast (right breast) 4 cm away from the first spot they diagnosed with DCIS cancer, but much deaper, closer to the chest wall. Guess that is why it hurt so much! The new biopsy also showed DCIS cancer. This means it would be virtually impossible to do a lumpectomy because of the amount they would have to remove to make sure they get all the cancer. Also, a lumpectomy would require radiation and the mastectomy does not. The doctor also said that the recurrence rate with a lumpectomy is much higher.
The MRI guided biopsy on the left breast which was originally scheduled last Tuesday has been rescheduled for the 8th of November. Hoping it is the last biopsy I have to go through.
After we met with the plastic surgeon, we met with a genetics doctor who took a sample of my DNA via a throat swab and it is being sent to the only lab in the U.S.  that does this type of genetic testing, to see if I carry any of the BRCA genes. This is important to know because if I do have this gene...I would also be at a much higher risk for ovarian cancer and it would also put my sister and my brother's and sister's daughters at a greater risk of getting breast cancer some day. Hopefully the test will be negative.

HANGING IN THERE :)

November 2011

FRUSTRATION~ CANCER SUCKS!

Jason drove me back to KU Cancer Center yesterday for two biopsies. A stereotactic biopsy on the right breast (which they have already done a biopsy on and found cancer) because of some more microcalcifcations that they found when they did the MRI and an MRI guided biopsy on the left breast because of a mass they saw when they did the MRI.  I asked the doctor who was going to perform the biopsy if he thought these microcalcifications on the right breast  were cancer and his reply was yes. He did not think the mass on the left breast was cancer though  :(     Why then, do I have to go through these procedures if you already know it is cancer or not???  Well, they did the first procedure and supposedly gave me 4 times the normal amount of lidocaine . I thought everything seemed to be going as smooth as the first biopsy done several weeks ago....then all of the sudden I felt something that felt similar to what I assume a nail gun would feel like when it penetrates your skin. It hurt so bad I cried. The doctor asked me what I would rate my pain on a scale of 0 to 10.... I am thinking 25!  It scared me ...but I did make it through this biopsy.....They took me then, to wrap it up and on to the MRI guided biopsy. I laid down on the bed to do it and the right breast proceeded to bleed.... The doctor came in and I told him I needed a Valium to get through this procedure. He said that he thought I had already been through enough that day and we should just reschedule. With the right breast hurting terribly I just agreed....but I remain frustrated with the doctors and myself.....because I need to get all of this pre-surgery stuff done.... I worry that the longer we wait....the more time this cancer has to spread. The first biopsy should not have hurt so bad! God I am sick of this ......I HATE CANCER! There are mornings when Jason has gone to work and the kids have gone to school when I just cry it out... I am glad I have this time alone.....that way I can try to be so brave in front of the kids.

Thanks for everyone's continued support and keep the prayers coming... GOD GIVE ME STRENGTH!

More pokes~

Headed to KU Tuesday for 2 separate biopsies. One on my right breast and one on my left breast. The right breast already has been diagnosed with cancer. So...I am having a stereotactic biopsy on my right and an MRI guided biopsy on my left because of what they found when they did the MRI last week. Both involve being numbed with lidocaine and the MRI biopsy requires and IV to administer dye for the images. This is only the beginning. :(

Martina McBride - I'm Gonna Love You Through It

Upcoming Appointments~

November 1st at 2pm - Stereotactic biopsy on right breast - KU Cancer Center
November 3rd at 11am - Dr. Punnuru, plastic surgeon - KU Hospital - Sutherland Building
November 3rd at 1pm - Genetic test for the BRCA genes - KU Cancer Center
November 8th at 3pm - MRI guided biopsy on left breast - KU Cancer Center
November 15th at 10am - Dr. Mcginness, breast surgeon - KU Cancer Center
November 15th at 12:00 pm - Pre-anesthesia testing - KU Main Hospital


Hopefully...surgery in NOVEMBER.

My trip to the dermatologist~

I returned for my 6 week check up with the dermatologist regarding my cancerous mole. They removed it 6 weeks ago from my right shoulder and told me it was basal cell carcinoma. Today he said the final pathology report said it was actually squamous cell. Squamous cell carcinoma is more aggressive, more likely to spread and more likely to reoccur than basal cell. The good news is that I had clear margins! But, now I have to go back to be checked every 6 months for the rest of my life. LOL

MRI Results..... GOOD NEWS AND SOME BAD BUT THANK GOD FOR THE GOOD NEWS~

I received a call from the nurse at my surgeon's office last night about 7pm.  She told me what the MRI showed. SO......the GOOD NEWS IS..... according to the images.....this cancer has NOT spread to my lymph nodes. THANK YOU GOD! Now....the bad news is.....I have to have 2 more biopsies that are scheduled for November 1st. The first biopsy (stereotactic, like the first biopsy) will look at the other spot of microcalcifications ( there is a good chance this is cancer) that they found on the previous images which also showed up on the MRI located on the right side of my right breast. The original biopsy which was cancerous in all 11 sections was on the left side of my right breast.  The second biopsy (MRI guided) will look at a spot the MRI found on my left breast. This spot is NOT a microcalcification and the nurse said it could be anything....they just want to look at it to find out what it is. So....I am taking it one day at a time and very thankful for at least SOME positive news. Keep the prayers and positive thoughts coming! :)

Pathology Report~

Since reviewing my pathology report.... I noticed that my type of DCIS is Comedo Nucelear grade 3+ which is a high grade of DCIS:

Comedo type DCIS. Comedo looks and acts differently from other in situ subtypes. Comedo tends to be slightly more aggressive than other forms of DCIS. These cells are closer to invasive breast cancer cells in how they look and behave than other forms of DCIS. Comedo cells look different under the microscope because the center of the duct is plugged with dead cellular debris, known as necrosis. Necrosis seen under a microscope in DCIS usually means that the cells are fast-growing and are generally more aggressive or high-grade. Also, microcalcifications (small abnormal calcium deposits) are frequently seen in the areas of necrosis.

Nuclear grade refers to the rate at which the cells are dividing to form more cells (called proliferation). Cancer cells that divide more often are faster growing and more aggressive than those that divide less often. The nuclear grade is determined by the percentage of cells that are dividing. Cells have different grades ranging from 1 to 3.

Remember, the lower the grade, the more normal the cell. While high-grade DCIS is more likely to become an invasive cancer, it is also the easiest to contain. It tends to grow in a continuous pattern within the duct and is more localized within the breast. Low grade lesions tend to have more gaps and can be more widespread.
All 11 sections removed during the biopsy were cancerous... Hopefully it is still contained.

The MRI~

The MRI went fantastic! I was really amazed at how easy it was...so I was scared for no reason.... The nurse did give me a valuim about 30 minutes prior to the test. They put an IV in my arm to inject dye for some of the  images. I had to lay face down which put you in the mind of a massage table....I never looked up...so I never realized or could see that I was enclosed! They took over 1500 images! Now just waiting for results. Hoping to get some news today....hoping it is good news!

Bravery~

Today I have to go have an MRI of my breasts. For any ordinary individual this would be as easy as pie, but for me....I happen to be severely claustrophobic.... The nurse assured me that they would give me something to help relax me, so I am hoping I will get it done. If I ever need to have my bravery boosted...all I have to do is look at my amazing 10 year old son Trevor. He is the bravest kid I know. He has been through so much, but continues to live life to the fullest and fights CF all the way. So proud of him. He is my hero and I look up to him for strength.

Relying on TRUST and FAITH~

There comes a point in everyone's life when you have to put all your personal feelings aside....all of your neurotic idiosyncrasies and just rely on trust and faith. Trust and faith in God, trust and faith in the doctors and healthcare professionals, family and friends, but most of all...trust and faith in yourself. I am at that point in my life. It is funny....I used to never think about my boobs. Now....since I found out about the cancer....I can't stop thinking about them. I worry about how I am going to feel about myself after the surgery...and how long it is going to take me to heal up. I worry that the cancer may have spread or may come back after all I am going to have to go through to get rid of it. God must feel I am stronger than I think I am...... strong enough to make it through all this with flying colors and I am not about to let God down or anyone else for that matter. I have 3 amazing sons who are depending on me to be the strongest I can be. Will I make it through all of this without being down, or crying, or screaming and yelling?? Probably not, but I wont give up. Trust and faith is my master plan! I will get through it! I feel the love and support from all my friends and it makes me feel so good. Please continue praying. And to my brother Gary.... I promise I will be as strong as I can be. ♥

Love to all♥

Gail

GOD GIVE ME STRENGTH~

I had my consultation with the breast surgeon yesterday. Upon reviewing all of my pictures again with the radiologist....they discovered another spot of microcalcifications on the other side of my right breast. It would be impossible now to do a lumpectomy with spots on both sides. They took out 11 sections during the biopsy and all 11 were cancerous. They are still telling me it is not invasive, but wont know until they do the surgery. Looks like I will have a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction....I am scared out of my mind.

MY JOURNEY SO FAR~

Well the last month was quite a month.... Nothing like going in for a routine medical test and finding out you have cancer! Last week when I found out the results of my biopsy, I have to admit that I was scared out of my mind. The word CANCER in and of itself is intimidating and could make the strongest person break down.....I am by no means the strongest person. LOL I even had a panic attack in the middle of the night during which I woke my husband up who proceeded to calm me down. Anyway..... since then I have had the pleasure and the privilege of talking with several women who have had breast cancer. Man oh man.....these women are strong! No nonsense....just get it done! GET RID OF THE CANCER! I am so thankful to be able to talk with these women and still have several women that I have not had a chance to communicate with yet, but plan to talk with soon! I also need to mention all the kind words, prayers, and thoughts from my amazing friends! Thank you all so much! Keep the faith! I appreciate each and every one of you!!!  I have always believed that things happen for a reason..... Maybe this is God's way of telling me to wake up and smell the roses! Enjoy each and every moment because tomorrow is not promised.  Am I still scared?? YEP, but I intend to fight this and beat this and I am very blessed that it was found early. The treatment at this point is minimally invasive.  My advice to other women out there......GET A YEARLY MAMMAGRAM and ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE.....even the bad ones! Life can be taken away in a NEW YORK minute.... don't let that happen with a bunch of "I should haves" or " I was going tos" or " I wish I would haves". Life is happening right now and we all need to take advantage of that. We all have our loads to bear... our burdens, but they do not define our lives. Make the most of every situation, do something nice for someone else without expecting anything in return  and SMILE  and LOVE as much as you can!

NOT SO GREAT NEWS....Cancer at age 46~

My biopsy results are in... The nurse called from KU Cancer Center yesterday and said the results showed DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in situ). Cancer of the breast ducts. That is the bad news....now for the good news.... this was found very, very early so they say it is not life threatening at this point and is contained, it has not spread anywhere. I have another consultation with the breast surgeon on the 13th and we will discuss the treatment. I know the spot will have to be removed which involves a surgery. Anesthesia makes me violently ill. They also want to do an MRI and I am severely claustrophobic. So I am scared of the process it is going to take to get rid of this little spot of cancer, but willing to do what is necessary to get healthy again. They also don't know until they remove the spot...whether it is invasive or not. Lots to think about right now...alot to process all at once. Thankful that it was caught early...

For more information on DCIS....

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/dcis/

The biopsy~

So yesterday was quite an experience at the KU Cancer Center. We arrived at around 9:10 am. Checked in and waited a few minutes for my appointment. The breast surgeon examined me. Explained a few things about the biopsy and then I was taken across the hall for the procedure. Jason was told to wait in the waiting area and I had to put my personal things in a locker and wait for my name to be called. They came to get me and asked me some more questions. Put a hospital band on my arm and then I was taken to the room where they do the biopsies. There was a metal table that looked like it was suspended in air. LOL The nurse asked me to lay with my stomach down and then she intended to compress my right breast. I immediately freaked a bit because I am very claustrophobic. So.... I was then taken back to the nurses room and the Dr. prescribed some Ativan to calm me down so I could make it through the procedure. They waited about 20 minutes and I was taken back to the biopsy room. I was relaxed enough at that point that everything went fine! Even the Dr. said I did a good job! LOL They also inserted a chip to mark the spot of the biopsy. They did a followup mammagram to make sure the chip was in place... OUCH!!  Now just waiting for the results, but we probably won't know anything until Monday or Tuesday. I am thankful the procedure is done....and I am hoping for great results! I forgot to mention that all of the people I dealt with at KU were the nicest and most caring people. I really felt like I was in good hands!

HOMECOMING 2011

Tristan~ 7th and 8th Grade Football Float

Trey~ Lathrop Soccer Club Float

Trevor~ Titans Youth Football Float

Making a trip to KU Cancer Center~

On September 29th I am going for a consultation and biopsy with a breast surgeon at KU Cancer Center. They called yesterday and asked me a lot of questions about my current health and my family history. Since my mother is gone....I really don't have much information on my family history, other than the fact that all of her side of the family died from cancer. I am having a stereotactic biopsy. My diagnostic mammagram showed microcalcifications in my right breast only,  which put me at a Birad 4 (suspicious). The only way to know for sure whether or not it is cancer is to have this biopsy. I am ready to get the test over with and get the results.

Trevor's culture~

I just received an email from the nurse practioner at Children's Mercy Hospital's CF Clinic. She said that Trevor's last culture came back with normal flora! NO BACTERIA! I am so happy and blessed that he has done so well. Hoping and praying that he continues to. Also hoping he is eligible for the vertex studies soon. Counting our blessings!!!

FOOTBALL~ Tristan #33

FOOTBALL~ Trevor #55

Hurry up and wait~

Well....KU Cancer Center called yesterday and my consultation for the breast biopsy is scheduled for September 29th. It is always nice to get immediate answers, but it is not realistic, so I will try to wait patiently and hope for the best results. I keep telling myself that most microcalcifications come back benign (80%). Most are not cancer. I have to think positively.  :)

Waiting not so patiently.....

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not the most patient person. Oh I have my moments. I always seem to have patience with my kiddos, but now I am sitting hear waiting for an appointment day and time to consult a cancer doctor about a breast biopsy. I have read so much information on the internet about the microcalcifications that the original mammagram showed last week as well as the diagnostic mammagram. I found out that more than half of the breast cancer cases are diagnosed with microcalcifications and having them only in one breast increases your chances of it being cancerous. It is definately hard to wait to know one way or another. Still very optimistic as most biopsies come back benign. It is the not knowing that is getting to me. The nurse from my doctor's office said that the KU cancer docs want to look at the results and decide how urgent my case is. So if I judge the waiting by that....maybe my case is not so urgent and hopefully everything will turn out fine.

More not so great news~

I went for a diagnostic mammagram this morning and a possible ultrasound. They did the diagnostic mammagram and she took the results to the doc while I sat in the cold room all alone and waited. She finally came back and said that they didn't want to do the ultrasound. I was suddenly relieved. Little did I know, she wasn't finished. The doctor reccomended that I have a biopsy on my right breast. Still very positive though and hoping there is nothing cancerous. I am waiting for a call back from KU Cancer Center, where I will have my biopsy done. Hopefully soon. Did I mention that they squeezed the heck out of my boob today, I was almost in tears....it hurt so bad. Now it is done and now more waiting for results.

Cancer scare~

Ever since I was little I remember my mom telling me about cancer running in her family. Her mom died from stomach cancer and her 4 brothers and her sister also died from cancer. My mom was the youngest of 6 kids. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at 62. She took radiation treatments and removed the bad tissue. (no mastectomy) They said the cancer was gone. Then at 70, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. My mother had been a heavy smoker since she was in her 30's. She started smoking after having kids. The type of lung cancer she had was agressive and was a direct result of smoking. She died a year later.

Because of all of this family history of cancer I am always worried about my health. After all, I have 3 sons to raise. I noticed a mole on the upper right back. (shoulder) It didn't look right so I finally made myself go to the doctor. The doctor said he thought it was basal cell carcinoma. The tests confirm the localized cancer and now I have to go back in 6 weeks for a checkup. Meanwhile I had a mammogram and they said I need to come back and have the right breast looked at again. They think it is just microcalcifications, but they are going to do a diagnositc mammogram and sonogram to make sure. Stupid family history. LOL It is all good though. Hoping for great results and knowing the good Lord wants me to be here to raise my kids. Keeping the faith!

My superstar soccer player Trey~

Combined VX-770 & VX-809 Clinical Trial FAQs - CF Foundation

This is the trial that Trevor may be eligible for soon!

Combined VX-770 & VX-809 Clinical Trial FAQs - CF Foundation

Trevor's Cystic Fibrosis Clinic Visit

Trevor had a decent CF Clinic visit today. We had not been there since March, we normally go every 3 months.  He had only gained 10 ounces and 1/2 inch in height, but I am happy with that! He didn't break any records on his pulmonary function tests, but they were good also and his oxygen level was 99%!!! I am very hopeful that he will be a part of the vertex studies soon! The vertex drugs could cure the genetic defect causing CF. Very positive! He will go back in November for a CF related diabetes test and an ultrasound on his belly. Trevor's belly ultrasound is scheduled for 7:30 on November 23rd and he will also have his glucose test at 8:30 that day.

Trevor ~ Football 2011

Trevor had his first football game over the weekend! The team did great and won the game! Trevor even recovered a fumble! He is going to the Cystic Fibrosis clinic today for a checkup. Hope all goes well. It has been about 4 months since his last checkup, so hoping that he has gained some weight. He is playing soccer and football right now, so there is a lot of running and exercises. Hope he hasn't burned off all of his weight. He has to go in November for the CF related diabetes test. He hasn't had any problems, but since he turned 10 it is a normal test that they perform on CF kids. Today is just a checkup to find out his height and weight and PFT's (pulmonary function tests). They will probably make him spit up some mucus to analyze. He is just happy that he is not getting blood tests today! Good luck Trev!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 2011

Tristan 7th grade, Trevor 5th grade and Trey 2nd grade

Trey's 8th BIRTHDAY~

Trevor turned 10 years old!

Trevor hit his milestone 10th birthday on July 23rd! Now he has to take two giant CF Source vitamins and he has to go in to clinic for a diabetes test in November along with his normal blood tests and x-rays. His normal CF checkup is coming up on September 12th. Hoping his pulmonary function tests (PFT's) will be great. Also hoping his weight and growth is good.  His team won their championship in baseball and he has already started football this year. I think he is a receiver. School starts on August 17th and he is going to be in 5th grade! He is growing up very fast and kicking CF's butt everyday!!!

Trevor and his friends on his 10th birthday.

TRISTAN.....BASEBALL 2011

Tristan's team finished 11-2 in regular season! He pitched and played 3rd, short stop and first base! He also had some great hits this year! Great job team!