You've Got Mail!

We need to check the mail more often.  Our mailbox is a community box not unlike a post office box less then a block down the street and around the corner.  We drive by it a dozen times a day but most often zoom by without checking the daily delivery.  When Shermance checked it yesterday (yes, we know mail doesn't come on a holiday - it had been a few days) she was surpsrised to have lots of mail adressed to her!  And even more today! WOW!  What amazing support!  The headgear (Martha) and hat with breast cancer ribbon pin (Wiki) are FABULOUS - see pics! The assortment of cards for handwritten thank-you's is a PERFECT idea (Leona)!  She still has another box to open in the morning...

OK, so I have to rave a bit on the bandanas with bling!  Martha Granger's business, Fringe Me!, LLC (http://www.fringeme.com/), makes bandanas with sparkles that are flashy and fun!  Shermance loves them. She can't wait to check out more of her stuff this weekend.  Martha sent a camo version and the pink version shown. They are bedazzled in a tasteful way that makes Shermance feel good.  She even wore the pink one to Tae Kwon Do tonight! Shermance is back at it - and even did 10 full strong push-ups tonight and it didn't hurt her chemo-access Power Port at all! 

This weekend Shermance took the next step in going bald...she had her mom cut her hair down to the lowest setting on the razor.  It feels like sandpaper.  By the weekend we expect it to start falling out on it's own!  She has decided not to cover up the baldness, but instead to accessorize it.  This weekend she went to Claire's and got lots of ideas for headbands, flowers, and sparkles she can wear around her noggin, to show that she is not afraid to bare it all.  The colors are endless so she can match outfits...we've created a monster...HA!

Memorial Day! A Time to Remember

Though Shermance's breast cancer journey has just started, we continue to be enlightenend by stories of hope and encouragement. It's uplifting and it feeds Shermance's PMA daily!  She makes a choice each day when she wakes up, whether it sounds like, "Good God! Morning already?" or "Good Morning, God! I am ready!" Shermance chooses the latter.  Shermance's positive attitude continues - unwaivering!  It's tough! She needs extra naps.  She needs to take smaller bites of food, to avoid heart burn.  She needs to take extra care not to get an infection or a cold.  Her bones hurt and her breathing feels somewhat constricted (both probably from the white blood cell shot) so she stretches each morning, lifts weigths, and does deepbreathing exercises. She needs to take breaks so she doesn't wear down.  BUT she won't let anyone feel sorry for her AND she won't drop her positive attitude.  She will keep fighting!  She won't let this beat her.

But we have also heard many stories of loss and heart break!  People who have battled this cancer monster for 16 or 18 years and are still fighting.  People who lost the fight after 5 years or 13 years. People who have had multple surgeries because a lumpectomy didn't get it all or because a single masectomy didn't prevent a tumor from forming in the other breast.  We have heard the pain of losing a loved one: a friend, a sister, an aunt, a grandmother, a wife, or a mom.  No one has escaped without knowing someone or hearing of someone who has lost the battle with some form of cancer.  It is an epidemic.

On this Memorial Day, we certainly give thanks to the men and women who served in battle with courage, valor, and honor. We are thankful for the fights they fought, so that we may live the way we do today - with freedom and a bright tomorrow.  We also give thanks for knowing those men and women who fought a battle much closer to home against an enemy equally elusive.  So many fought that battle with courage, valor, and honor, yet still lost the fight.  Thank you to all who served our country and those who served each other through all battles along the seaside, in the countryside, side-by-side, or on the inside...God Bless!

Shermance's First Post

Hello all my amazing support group!  This is Shermance (not a blogger) and I have decided to spell my beloved Cancer Hero, or my CCO (Chief Cancer Officer), so he might worry about getting some things done for himself, instead of taking care of me all the time.  Between work, studying for his HUGE Quality Exam on June 2d, taking care of me unbelievably well, and posting his awesome blogs (about meJ) he has been burning the candle at both ends and HIS health has suffered.  Great.  I guess I can update everyone on ME, just not as cleverly as my CCO. 

I’m not sure where we left off, but we went to meet with Jolie, my Chemo Lab guru, on Thursday.  We started with all the patented questions regarding nausea, fatigue, etc.  To which I responded that I feel fantastic.  Scary great, in fact.  I got a little tired my week after chemo after working long days as a hygienist, but it was a great tired!  Jolie looked at us like we were a little odd. So odd, in fact, that Dale and I have been worrying whether they gave me the right stuff or not, but I guess on June 8^th we will give them a second chance.  We got the results of the Her2 receptor and it was negative, which is perfect.  We still have not gotten the genetics results back yet, but that should be soon.  

Not being the “blogger” my honey is, I’m not sure where to go next except to let EVERYONE know how much their words, prayers, and support have meant to me.  To us.  I know that you are the reason I have been able to stay positive and energetic.    So thank you!  Please know I think about you all daily, even the people who’ve sent me kind words through Dale’s work,  and you all keep me hopeful and strong.

So Thursday night was Dale’s “big” belt test for Tae Kwan Do.  I told you how stretched thin he’s been so to say he wasn’t in top "form" would be an understatement.  He wasn’t quite sure which form he was supposed to do, and in the middle of his test morphed the two separate forms together.  It was quite a sight.  Master Niblock even smiled a little at how very strong his form was, and how very wrong.  While I was sitting to watch and giggle at my husband perform, I got one of the most wonderful surprises.  This gorgeous lady with extremely short hair came and plopped down beside me.  Her name sounded familiar,?, but she wasn’t.  I cocked my head, smiled, and asked what her story was.  She has been battling lymphoma for the past year, been through chemo, radiation, you name it.  We bonded fast.  Turns out I’ve known her husband for years, in fact her husband and Dale just spoke last week regarding chemo buddies.  We JUST NOW connected the dots!  I have been so gifted to meet warrior women like this.  They inspire me with their spirit, humor, and fight.    I am so grateful and proud to know them!!!

Logan, our 11 year old, graduated from elementary school Friday and I got to walk the halls with all the small children gawking  (small children really don’t like the bald head).  I finally starting hugely winking at them and they would just giggle and move on. 

I’m a little tired today.  Dale and I went to see Men In Black 3, then got lost in the mall for retail therapy that closed the mall down.  We spent hours and hours and never knew it.  Opps.  I have decided that really, hats are not for me.  Scarves are not for me.  The key is HEADBANDS!!!  Did you know they make sparkly headbands???  OMG!  I can do one for every day.  So much more me I think, LOL!  Maybe with matching earrings???

So much for my blogging efforts.  As an update on me personally, I feel really good.  But…  I will confess I had a really down time Thursday night.  I generally hurt everywhere most of the time.  I have energy, but my bones hurt and it even hurts to breath some times.  It turns out the Nulasta (?) ,the wonderful shot of white blood cells that I thought was so awesome was the cause of it all.  I felt so sorry for myself and even cried myself to sleep.  I woke up at 5:00 that morning and FBC!!!!  If I hurt, F-ing STRETCH!  If it hurts to breath, BREATH DEEPER!  I cannot control so many things, but I can control me.  So I did yoga and some deep breathing and felt incredible. 

I guess I’m done now.  I’m positive, have a wonderful family and friends, have an amazing support group.  F. B. C.  I will win.  Or go down fighting a HELL of a battle. 

It's All Part of the Plan

Today was a GREAT day!  The worries of yesterday were allayed at Shermance's work and she still hasn't hit the dreaded wall of fatigue (yes, I'm knocking on wood). Shermance's sore throat cleared up (tho she passed it on to me :)) and she had a fantastic day at work, Tae Kwon Do and this evening at home! 

Her work is a small dental office with just 4 people running the operation.  They count on each other heavily and support each other even more.  It's a business that needs everyone's help to succeed...when the final numbers for the period came out today it turns out that Shermance actually exceeded expectations even with the time off for treatments.  Who ROCKS? Oh yeah! And the office sprung for a dozen pink roses and a card to show their support (pic below).  It's clear that they are going to help Shermance through this however they can, even if it means Shermance needs to cut back on hours or a temp needs to be brought in for a time. 

At Tae Kwon Do the kids did awesome on their tests (board breaks on the first try), and Shermance received the results from her midterm belt test that took place the day after chemo.  Although she was scolded with a "Grr" sound for pushing beyond the instructor's guidance (considering the doctors said no upper body work), she was commended for her efforts and received a passing grade.  She is well on her way to earning her 3rd degree.  A funny thing...while we were waiting for the class before to finish, a young girl (11-12 ish) who's known Shermance with hair for the last 3 years, was in awe at her shaved head and said, "You look beautiful, I love your mom's new hair".  To which Logan responded dryly, "She has cancer." We think the response shocked her since she didn't know what to say.  We had to have a talk with Logan about tact.

At home Shermance & I enjoyed a WONDERFUL homemade Indian dinner that our dear friend Anjali left on our porch. Yum!!!  The kids ate their "reward of choice" for a great TKD test - Taco Bell!  When Shermance asked for a taste, Logan offered her a tiny amount to which Shermance responded, "I have cancer lumps bigger than that"...we started giggling...And then Shermance gave a funny look I called "cancer eye" that caused her to snort and laugh even louder.  The rest of the night we made light-hearted jokes and enjoyed time as a family.  It helps us adjust and get through this.  Although this is tough, we've never asked, "why us"? "why now"? or doubted all the healthy or unhealthy choices we've made.  We know this has brought us closer as a family, closer as a couple, and closer to God. Maybe that's the plan, or maybe there is a bigger purpose.  We don't know, but we leave that in His hands.

After dinner Shermance modeled the stylish hat that the neighbor ladies brought over today (pic below).  They brought it over while Shermance was napping, so Karen followed up with an email on what it means....very sweet!  It is functional and has symbolic meaning.  1) It is a super cute hat that Shermance can be proud to wear in public, 2) it has a heart on it for hope and the love of friendship, and 3) it is pink to show the fight against breast cancer. FANTASTIC! Thank you, ladies!


"Sweet" Heart Hat from the Neighbor Ladies (Monika, Lela and Karen)

Flowers/Card from "The Office"

Shermance waiting for her midterm results



Our First "Normal Work Day" Since the News

By the time I woke up Tuesday at 5:40, Shermance had been up for nearly an hour and she was full of energy!  What a great start to the day! Shermance has always been a morning person, which I may not always full appreciate :) but yesterday morning it was GREAT because it meant she wasn't yet feeling the negative impact of chemo.  We've been told that days 4-6 after chemo can be the worst so we've been monitoring her fatigue and nausea (on a 1 - 10 scale) daily. She was at subzero. We don't know whether to attribute the great feelings to the Newlasta shot, her new Juice Plus supplements (Thanks, Nancy), or all the PMA and support she's been given. Maybe all of them!  She was still in a good mood when she came home to presents for the FedEx gift man: a gift box with a pink watch, a black sweatshirt with a pink ribbon and inspiring words, special pink lotion, and pink flip-flops (Thank YOU, Anjali from the thebreastcancersite.com)!  The gift guy also brought a pink Genius iPad cover (Thanks, bro). Compiled pic of gifts below...

Unfortunately her great feeling didn't last all day.  On the way to Tae Kwon Do in the evening her throat started to hurt and it only got better after our family dinner and downing an Airbourne medicine mix.  Not only was she physically starting to wear down, but I found out that evening she took an emotional blow at work when she felt she was not pulling her weight - hard to do when she's been at almost daily surgeon and oncologist appts in the last 2 weeks.  Fortunately her throat felt better, but her heart didn't.  We spent the rest of the evening worrying about it. It was enough to cause restless sleep for Shermance and to wake her up at 3:30 - her mind racing about how she had let the team down.  Shermance is extremely driven, but at this time of hardship she really doesn't need added stress.  With her mind racing she got out of bed and wrote an email and sent it at 4:15 am.  Shermance will do whatever is neccesary to pull her weight, but we also need to make sure she gets plenty of rest, which she didn't do last night.  The scariest thing was the bloody discharge she spit up this morning about 3/4 the size of a penny.  She thinks it may have been a clot from surgery when they shoved a tube down her throat, but we don't know for sure.

Anyway, the stress of last night's evening caused us to shift out of our routine...so we left the garage door open all night, didn't turn on the alarm, nor take care of ourselves like we should have.  Moving forward, as her cancer hero, I need to make sure we take care of Shermance and our family first, and the other things will be taken care of in due time.

Lone Survivor

[Monday night post]
You may be familiar with the #1 bestseller with the same name as this post written in 2007 about a Navy Seal whose team of four was ensnared in battle while on a mission in Northern Afganastan.  Only one survived.  It was the story of that Texas native's survival.  Today the author, Marcus Luttrell, was in town signing books and the Reichert's had his two books signed for us...for our battle...for Shermance's survival!

Today our chemo nurse greeted us again with her broad smile before Shermance was given her dose of Newlasta to keep her white blood cell count high to ward off infections and sickness during chemo.  Unfortunately she had to be stuck in the arm instead of in the port.  "Do you have to take a picture?" Shermance asked...I guess it wasn't the best time since that shot hurt.  Instead I took a pic with Andrea, our chemo nurse (see below).

The BIG SURPRISE of the day was the new Coach sunglasses Shermance received from her cousin Audra. She wrote that Shermance needed to have some fierce sunglasses to go with her fierce Coach purse (of course, right?).  They retail for something rediculous like $250, but we hear she got a smokin' good deal.  Wahoo!

Shermance braved going out in public today without any head cover.  She felt like everyone was looking at her.  Nevertheless, she held her head high and let 'em gawk.  It is what it is...and no one is going to stop Shermance from getting through this.  In our second appointment it seemed even the surgeon was taken aback by seeing Shermance sans hair, but he understood her need to take charge.  Dr. Bombach was very encouraging about the micro-metastatic carcinoma and he believes it hasn't spread beyond the sentinel node - a good sign.  We'll check with a sonagram again in July.  That gives us a goal and a target to attack that cancer with all our might leading up to the July sonogram.  From the outside, it seems the tumor is already smaller, though hard to really tell at this point!

Our youngest, Parker (8), is also still in shock with the hair change.  He said, "I like hairy mom better".  To which I responded that we don't have choice and we'll love mom whether she has hair or not...of course!  Most of the responses have been that Shermance has a pretty head and nothing to be ashamed of...WE AGREE!  Shermance feared a blotchy head, conehead, platapus head, dry scalp, razor burn/pimples, or blotchy spots.  None of the above, it looks great.

This evening we looked for Shermance's steroid pills (Dexamethasone) that were left on the counter.  They disappeared.  Turns out our dear dog Carmel wanted to chew up the plastic container, yet fortunately she wasn't too interested in the pills inside.  We still called the emergency vet to understand the possible symptoms of an animal overdosing on the meds - though we were told it was highly unlikely.  If nothing else we now have a super hero mighty dog to go with our cancer-fighting heroine, Shermance.

It's ok now for Shermance to resume normal upper body exercise, including push-ups for Tae Kwon Do - another small victory.  And speaking of normal, we look forward to a "normal" day tomorrow without any doctor visits...what a relief!

Not Going to Curl-Up and Dye

After chemo, Shermance was ready for more retail therapy, so I surprised her with an early birthday present – iPad2.  Now she has a single device for movies, books, and email plus a whole lot more J.  We came home to a house full of Shermance’s family who were ready to hear about the chemo adventure. The whirlwind of updates was magnified because the boys and I needed to get ready for a family Boy Scout campout weekend (understandably sans Shermance).  Her parents planned to stay the weekend with her, and I would take the boys camping to keep their lives somewhat normal. 

Boppa shared stunning pictures of Shermance that he took the weekend before chemo (see below). Collin (Sherm’s bro) helped Shermance sync her Apple devices and his wife, Dina, shared their beautiful baby Lili with several open arms and shoulders.  Nothing helps emphasize the frailness and awe of life like a 3-week-old baby!  Such a blessing. Mimi, had prepared an awesome meal for all to share as time allowed between the commotion of the evening. 

Within a few hours, I left with the boys for Canyon of the Eagles (near Burnet, TX). Little did we know that Shermance was ready to take charge of her expected hair loss more than a week earlier than planned. She wanted to do it now!  Bonnie chopped off Shermance’s hair – in an impromptu whirl (see below). Collin stayed to help direct.  Soon after we arrived at camp we received 3 IMs w/ pics, the first with hair wetted, the next with a boyish chop, and the last with a buzz cut about a ¼ inch high – shocking, yet Shermance is still gorgeous. Shermance was glad she had a cute head!

She showed off her buzz the next morning at her Tae Kwon Do mid-term test in preparation for her 3^rd degree black belt. While she was warned by her surgeon against doing any upper body workouts, she insisted on demonstrating her Tae Kwon Do form and board breaks – reverse punch, hammer fist and front kick!  All were broken on the first try.  Watch out!  Fortunately there were no mishaps.

Then on to the Domain with her mom and great friend and college buddy, Diane, for even more retail therapy (you’d think retail therapy would be wearing off – oh no!). She had to be cute while bald, you know!  It was nice for her to get out while she had the energy, because we fully expect the tough days to be coming soon!

Going on the campout was a good idea Shermance had.  It was deemed the "best campout ever" due to perfect camping weather, the fish caught, a first-time sling shot, a magnesium starter block that started our S'mores fire, a 10-ft tower structure the scouts assembled with lashings, a fun campfire production, delicious Dutch-Oven Chocolate-Cherry Cobbler, and a walking tour with the resident naturalist. Not surprisingly, the boys were exhausted and ready for naps before going to football practice/games later in the day.

While we were at football, a good friend brought a huge meal that will keep us going for a couple days...Thank you so much, Shannon!  Shermance has had cold spells, minor heart burn, and hints of nausea, but not debilitating...yet. 

Chemo weekend #1 down. 23 weekends (most of which start w/chemo treatments) to go...

Chemo Savvy

Our oncologist had just the chemo nurse for us. Angela is bubbly and vivacious just like Shermance.  She welcomed us with what she called is her Koolaid-man smile.  She grinned from ear to ear which was quite welcome considering the 32 chemo chairs were nearly filled with sad, quiet faces. 

We were the obvious newbies in the room.  We came in with 3 bags filled with stuff, snapped pictures every few minutes, and had an upbeat attitude – mostly recovered from the sad news a few minutes earlier.  We are still going to beat this monster and we are going to do it with a smile all the way…as much as we can.  Although they had already taken 3 vials of blood to ensure Shermance was able to have chemo administered, the nurse still had to take two more vials so they could custom order the nausea meds.  Then they administered some pre-meds including a steroid, before they administered the 2 poisons that kill not only the cancer but healthy cells as well. The first chemo medicine was bright red and carefully injected with a large syringe at a specified rate.  We were told not to be alarmed if her pee, sweat and tears were red for the next few days.  We can’t wait for her to sweat while drinking a Gatorade to shock some folks into thinking that she’s sweatin’ Gatorade out her pours…Ha.

Some of the meds caused her to sleep and others that kept her more energized.  Then they flushed out her port with saline before sending us to pick up her steroids and anti-nausea meds.  After 3 hours in the chemo room, we were ready to go home.

First chemo visit

A perfect gift for Chemo Day: lot's of movies from the Reicherts!




2b or not 2b…That’s the Question

On Friday we received some less than encouraging news when the oncologist told us that the sentinel lymph node that was surgically removed on Wednesday contained cancer cells: micro-masticualar carcinoma. Of course we were hoping for no cancer in the lymph nodes.  Shermance was caught off guard.  Tearfully she said, “I didn’t need any more bad news.”

Although the news instantly shifted Shermance’s positive demeanor from heroic bravery to tearful sadness, the oncologist offered some levity when he said, “You’re still going to get on the [expletive] horse and ride”.  In fact, it doesn’t change the plan.  While we thought that automatically put us in stage 3 we don’t know for sure.  It may be 2b or 3a (or possibly 3b or c), we won’t know for sure.  The treatment plan follows: 6 months of chemo, a double mastectomy with reconstruction, and 5 years of hormone therapy.  It’s a long road ahead of us, but we are focused on the light at the end…5 consecutive years of confirmed CANCER FREE.  We will get there.

Uplifting Support

Some examples that demonstrate Shermance's comment, "How can I be down when so many people are lifting me up?"

...at her work - an amazing Dentist's office in Georgetown (Tradewinds Dental) they've gone out of their way to accomodate the numerous cancer appointments. They've cleared her schedule and have vowed to work with her through this whole fight to allow her to work (if she chooses) and will hire a temp (as needed) if the chemo gets too bad. WOW! The total support is AMAZING! Shermance wants to work because she is a people person and she gets energy from talking to people.  She even avoided taking a narcotic pain pill after the surgery and opted instead for Advil (and more pain) so she could drive and work the day after the sentinel node biopsy surgery when they also inserted the chemo access port.  She also washed her hair under the faucet and took a sponge bath since a shower wasn't allowed...that's dedication. Many people after being under general anesthesia and receiving that 2-hour surgery choose to take it easy, not Shermance! :)

Her work even sent out an email to their clients to explain the cancer bout.  Even though Shermance has just been there 5 months, clients called, emailed, and stopped by to see Shermance yesterday.  She's especially excited about the Nikken Kenko comforter she was given by a patient she's only seen once.  It's for her chemo treatment.  The queen-size blanket uses far-infared technology to regulate and respond to body temperature.  Sounds cool!

...in our neighborhood and families - immediate families, dental hygiene families, Tae Kwon Do families, Cub/Boy Scout families, high school families (whom Shermance shocked with news of being bald at the upcoming 25 yr reunion), football families, and neighbors are all coming together and offering so much support.  We love the stories.  We love the prayers.  We can't say enough about how grateful we are for the notes, cards, gifts (anything pink!), movies and things to do while being in the chemo chair 3-4 hours each week, offers for food/support, ties to support networks (love the name the Pink Ribbon Cowgirls), and your help carting around the boys or running errands.  FANTASTIC!  WE LOVE YOU!

...at my work - Applied Materials. It's important for co-survivors (Komen's term for me - thanks Bryan) to have support as well!  Even though it's a culture of hard-work, long hours, and business critical escalations, the support has been amazing.  My staff has responded by taking on extra work and covering meetings.  My director was stunned and he has been completely encouraging and supportive.  I get daily hugs from the resident hugger (you know who you are) and my collegues are stepping up to cover anything that I need during these first appointment-filled weeks.  The IMs, talks, support and encouragement gives me strength.  Even the VPs with whom I work, have been super supportive of putting family first.  One went as far as to say he's honored to be included in the communication. You all ROCK!

We are so blessed!  Your support is amazing!  Yet you are also critical for Shermance's well-being.  You make it possible for her to heal!  You give her strength!  You make her laugh.  You lift her up!  We need you!

Thank YOU!

Admin Note: Posting Comments

You have been heard and I responded.  Several of you have tried to post comments without success due to the default settings on the blog.  I've changes the settings so you can now post without having to be logged in.  You can select Anonymous after you click on "# comments" at the bottom to add your post.

Thank you so much for your continued support.  Yesterday shermance made the comment, "How can I be down when I have so many people lifting me up?" She feels so loved right now! As of this morning, the blog has had 623 views in less than a week.  THANK YOU for caring!  Feel free to share this blog with others whom you think it could help or people we've inadvertently missed!

Thank you! Now Forming Team Boobilicious

Just a week into this fight, we are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and prayer.  We have heard many great words of encouragement and ideas to help us along this fight.  Some days have been horribly challenging, yet all of your encouragement really helps.  We are starting to fall behind on responding to emails, calls and cards, but we appreciate them so much!  Thank you! We thank God daily for having you in our lives!

Thank you to the friend who walked the Relay for Life this weekend in Shermance's honor and made a candle-lit vigil bag with her name on it.  Thank you for the excellent words of advice: to avoid cancer-feeding sugar, to take natural supplements, to try accupuncture, to keep a positive attitude, to look into the Burzynski Clinic, to try a Rife Machine, to take anti-nausea medicine after chemo, and to tap into the survivor network (through Komen and Relay for Life).  Awesome!  Keep telling us your stories of survival...and loss.  We are all in this together!

Advice we've heard over and over is to accept the support of friends. We usually act strong and say we can do it on our own.  At times already it has been overwhelming. We are starting to feel it.  Friends and family are offering prayers and service daily and our support network is growing.  We've decided to heed the advice and accept your offers.  We are forming Team Boobilicious (thanks for the name Shannon).  We are not sure yet what it will morph into, but it is for friends who may be able to help us keep our life somewhat "normal" during this rough period.  It might mean that you could take the boys for some play time, take Shermance on a chemo visit, run an errand, loan a bandana to cover a balding head, shuttle the kids to Scouts or Tae Kwon Do, or provide a meal.  It's not meant to be formal or overwhelming, but your help during this time would be so greatly appreciated!  If you don't live nearby or are time-limited please don't over extend yourself. You can still help us through words of support and/or prayer.  It's all good!

If you'd like to help coordinate by managing an online calendar or putting together a "people who care"  list, we welcome you.  Contact Shermance via cell, text, or email.  We'll see how this might work.  We know you are there.  We feel your support.  And we are thankful for your loving and caring!

Pretty in Pink Cancer Warrior- 1st Surgery

Actually Shermance was feeling a bit less than "Pretty in Pink" as we prepared for her first sugery as a cancer warrior - no make-up, no bling, and on a fast since the night before.  She wore her pink to show cancer that she was there to fight - FBC.  She wasn't completly prepared to fight because she was walking like an 90-year old woman due to the fitness test she had on Monday at Tae Kwon Do (she's a 2nd degree black belt).  She had completed 40 knuckle push-ups, 80 crunches after a gazillion leg exercises and punches/kicks on the bag - yet passed the test way above what was required.  The doctors love that she is so fit and ready to attack the cancer monster head-on.

Middle of the night dog duty to let out cone-of-shame wearing Carmel didn't have me on the top of my game, but I was ready to be Shermance's cancer hero.  All went well.  A highlight of the surgery day was the radiation, where the port of entry was a shot through the nipple - what a delightful experience!  At least she had Vallium to take the edge off.  :) The all-day hospital visit resulted in the underarm sentinel node removal and the chemo power port installed in her chest, under the skin.  We described the port to the boys as the power supply in Ironman's powered armor - which will hopefully give her superhuman strength.  We were hoping to find out today whether the lymph node had cancer, but won't find out now till Friday.

The boys made note of the bracelet Shermance received in the hospital that said "Fall Risk" due to her heavy sedative prior to the surgery.  Somehow it was construed into "Walrus" which she was called for the rest of the evening.  The levity helps take the edge off the hardship. 

One Week In; Surgery Tomorrow

A week ago today we found out that Shermance has breast cancer!  Hard to believe since it seems like so much time has passed.  "Come ASAP" now has a new meaning for me since it was the text message I received a week ago.  I thought I was hurring to Shermance's office for a crown seating, but in reality Shermance had just received the news of a lifetime.  We shifted plans, and I picked Shermance up at home and we met the surgeon within 2 hours of receiving the news.  That night we had little hope.  Two days later we met with the oncologist, and the rapid learning about the disease had just begun. We started to see glimmers of hope. Now a week into this process, we know more about breast cancer and the treatment plans than we ever thought possible in such a short time.  We've heard of many alternative options, and take great comfort in the plan we have for treatment.  We have very high regard for our doctors (one of whom earned a 2011 patient's choice award).  Now we have nothing but hope and we are ready to take on this monster in Shermance's body.

Today we again met with her surgeon (Dr. Bombach).  After delivering the office staff sweet treats, they spread good cheer.  The doc then allayed our concerns about the upcoming treatments.  We discussed options for the reconstruction when the time comes...likely in November.  The main concern we need to focus on for the near term is avoiding infections and treating negative effects of chemo after Friday.

The difficult days start tomorrow with a double surgery: a lymph node surgery (to see if it's spread beyond the breast), and installation of the port that will be used for chemo for the next 6 months and all subsequent blood work. 

Our 5-month Golden Retriever, Carmel, went under the knife today to be spade.  The ladies in this house need extra TLC for their surgeries this week. :) Let's hope their is room for Dale in bed since Carmel has claimed her recovery spot on my side.

More Good News!

The results of the PET scan determined that there is no additional cancer throughout Shermance's body, so she is definitely not in Stage 4.  Whew!  There was a small abnormaily in the right lobe of her lung, but we were told it is definitely not cancer and not something to be at all concerned with.  Still waiting on HER2 results and BRCA family history results. 

Today we learned what to expect from chemo, and reactions vary greatly but they have medications to help with almost everything except fatigue which is a very common side effect.  Usually fatigue sets in 3-5 days after the treatment, but precautions like drinking plenty of water, eating a diet low in sugars and high in protein, veggies and fruit, as well getting plenty of rest all will help.

She'll be doing chemo for the next 24 weeks or basically till November.  The first round (12 weeks) is every 3 weeks then it goes to weekly for the next 12 weeks.  Then it will be time for surgery after the cancer has hopefully shrunk to almost nothing.

We confirmed that we'll have the sentinel node removed on Wednesday to confirm stage 2 or 3 and that same day they'll put in an access duct which will be the port for all chemo input and all blood drawn over the coming months.

Keep up those prayers...thank YOU!

Facing the Giants

Last night we took some time out for just our family!  On the way home from flag-football games in which both boys scored TD's we were ready for celebration.  The good news continued when we found out that Austin's Pizza now serves gluten-free crust!  Wahoo!  The kids started their "happy dance" in the car when we shifted plans from left-overs to a pizza-n-movie night!

Shermance had seen a motivating scene from "Facing the Giants" at a team-building conference a few weeks back and wanted to share the movie with family - especially now as we are facing the GIANT ourselves in this cancer fight. Considering it was already late, we started at the pivotal scene when the football team captain overcame his personal boundries by pushing himself to do his very best!  Wow!  What a great Christian movie!  It was inspiring, motivating, and wonderful at a time when we needed all of that!  We cried together! We hugged as a family! We were all uplifted!

As we continue to face this giant in Shermance's body this week, we are praying for miracles! While we may wish this to be a bad dream, the reality of what is in front of us is daunting.  Keeping positive all the time is tough!  Anticipating the reality of nausea, fatigue, "chemo brain", and even the unexpected, is draining.  We are strengthened by the wonderful support of friends and family. 

We praise God in this struggle.  He has a plan much larger than ours, and we trust where He will take us!    

Happy Mother's Day!

What a beautiful day - a celebration day!  And what a great attitude Shermance has!  We started the day with a gluten-free breakfast requested specifically by the boys - yummy blackberry crepes! 

Shermance loves her Mother's Day hammock and enjoyed reading the cards the boys made for her.  We also enjoyed the company of Mimi and Boppa for the for the first Mother's Day we've spent together.

The gamma rays from the Flourine-18 taken at the PET scan have all but disipated, but Shermance is still radiant!  Boppa captutured some of that radiance in a photo shoot this morning in our living room. We decided to do a pre- and post-chemo shoot to capture her glorious locks of hair (golden tresses) and later a photo shoot of her shorn scalp which begins with a preemptive shaving on May 31.  Shermance is particularly worried about the shapliness of her head, but chooses to forego wigs because they are scratchy and creepy.  They disturb her.

Shermance appreciates all the outpouring of love and support.  She feels very lucky to have such great friends and family.

Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful moms!

PET Scan

Today is the PET/CT scan.  After chugging 2 large glasses of barium tracer fluid (which tastes like a thick vanilla rice milk - yes I tasted it), she went in to have her vitals checked and to prep for the exam.  I was only allowed to stay in the back long enough to confirm her blood sugar was "perfect" and to see the IV put in her arm.  Even though she was guided that she could bend her arm, Shermance walked like Frankenstein to the bathroom to avoid disturbing the IV in her arm. :)

Unlike an MRI or standard CAT scan, the PET scan monitors more than anatomy but also functionality of organs.  The F18 (radioactive fluorine) that was injected into Shermance's body flows where sugars are needed.  Since cancer cells require 5x more sugar than healthy cells the radioactive fluid accumulates at those spots.  The tech explained another difference is MRI, CAT, and even x-ray imaging scans from the outside while PET radiates from the inside and is absorbed by the crystals on the scanner.  The cool PET technology gives a 3D image of cancer throughout her body so we can even check on her cervix which has also worried Shermance. 

After seeing "The Avengers" last night I had to ask about the affect of the gamma radiation on Shermance.  I was comforted that she won't turn into a green monster if she get's angry later today. I won't test it. :)

Shocking News: CANCER!

We received shocking news this week, yet yesterday our oncologist called my wife’s tumors “boring” – a good sign.  Shermance has stage 2 ductile cancer (the most common type) – with 2 tumors in her right breast, the largest the size of a golf ball. From the sonogram and biopsy, the tumor has not yet spread into the muscles or the lymph nodes (which would indicate stage 3) though more conclusive tests are still pending. Test results so far are promising with expected treatment efficacy in 85-95% range.  Woohoo! The bastard cells have receptors for estrogen and progesterone which is great news for the medical treatment she is about to undergo. We are waiting on a final receptor test, and hoping for a triple positive (the best possibility). We are also waiting on the results of the biological propensity test, which if it indicates a hereditary disposition for cancer would guide us toward different treatment.

We’ve already started some of our own therapy treatments ahead of the typical triplet treatment of chemo, surgery and radiation (if needed).  Thursday we tried hypnotherapy, which is cutting edge and research shows positive results for slowing the growth of cancer and even reducing the size of the tumor.  We hope for the latter.  Our therapist also helped us focus on PMA – a positive mental attitude that will undoubtedly help us as we begin this struggle for longevity. So far retail therapy is proving to be the most effective treatment J which included the purchase of a fierce Coach satchel that will hold our “cancer folder”.  We continued therapy last night with theatrical therapy when we went to see “The Avengers” at a time when we really need a super hero.  We’ll also try travel therapy at the end of this month when we travel to Chicago for a previously planned trip to visit family. 

At the beginning of this week we were welcoming the birth of our niece, celebrating the move of Shermance’s parents into town from North Carolina, striving towards the next ranks in Tae Kwon Do, and working on strengthening our family relationships, and now we are scheduling back-to-back appointments, preparing for loss of hair as Shermance enters into chemotherapy, and shopping for do-rags.  We are committed to this fight.  We strongly believe Shermance will be a survivor!

We appreciate your prayers for Shermance.  We are asking for hope and healing during this very difficult time.

Upcoming treatments:

·         PET/CT scan on Saturday (today)

·         Chemo training on Monday

·         Visit w/ surgeon on Tuesday

·         Lymph biopsy and duct insertion Wednesday (if possible)

·         First chemo treatment Friday