Good Again.

I don't know if I will every be able to get comfortable with my checkups at Sloan but alas, I am good for another 6 months..In lieu of all my anxiety, Dan and I spent a beautiful day in the city. The doctor was running about an hour behind so we took advantage of the beautiful weather and did our power walk. It was not easy to navigate through the people, but needless to say, it did wonders for my mental state..
Once again, I asked Dr. King how to deal with this mess and she said, once again, get on with your life and don't look back..
Have a wonderful day everyone..

Exchange Surgery

My exchange surgery took place on February 8th. Everything went great. Today, Dan and I went back into to the city for my post-op visit and to have the drains removed. After much unnecessary anxiety, everything went off without a hitch. Dr. Cordiaro is very pleased and doesn't need to see me for another two months. In the mean time, I need to lay low until all the stitches dissolve and everything has settled into place.
Once again, I must say, God is good.

It's Hard To Believe

A little over a year ago, the doctors told me that they would need about a year of my life.. Well, they got it. As that time is coming to an end, I am preparing myself for my final surgery. This one, is just for cosmetics. Although the anxiety is building, I am so happy to be where I am now. Surgery is set for Monday , Feb. 8th. I feel great, strong and ready for this to be over. Although I will have to take time off of work, I know that this time it is for good reasons and will be for only a few weeks. I will keep you posted..

I'M PERFECT

Once again, I sigh a big sign of relief.... "YOUR PERFECT" were the words Sloan said.. Music to my ears, tears to my eyes and a huge THANK YOU TO GOD for once again answering my prayers..

Busy Days

I know that it has been a long time since my last post but things have been quite crazy around here. I am feeling great and back to work and loving it.. The kids have all adjusted nicely and are busy with after school activities, CCD , homework, etc..

Since my last blog,I have had an infected elbow that turned out to be quite an ordeal.. After a couple of weeks, two trips to the emergency room, oral antibiotics and 4 shots of antibiotics, it is finally clear. After that I ended up with a slight cold but nothing alarming. My hair is growing like nothing I have ever seen. CURLY!!!CURLY!! CURLY!! I have learned that I must put an incredible amount of gel on it each day or else it grows!! I used to look like Mr. Brady but these days, I resemble the Fresh Price of Bel Aire. It gives both myself and my family many laughs!

Be careful what you wish for.... I wished for hair and boy did I get it!

Today I went for my blood work. It is hard to believe that it is once again time to take a trip to Sloan for a checkup. I should have my results by Thursday. The results of the blood work will let me know that everything is fine. This way, when I go to Sloan, I have nothing to worry about.. No surprises. Monday 10/1 I meet with the oncologist as well as the surgeon. I have to go back in on Tuesday 10/20 to meet with the plastic surgeon. Hopefully, we will be able to schedule my exchange surgery.. I will keep you posted.

In the mean time, we have Halloween parties, hockey games and the Breast Cancer walk in Point Pleasant. My parents are looking to come for a visit as well as both my brothers..

Fright Fest is on at Great Adventure and they are all anxious to experience the thrills..

All in all- Life is Good/ Great!

Say a quick prayer that all is well with my blood work and I will keep you posted.

I DID IT!

I have officially made it back to work! School started on Wednesday 9/2 for me. As of today, I have 2 days under my belt! Feeling great and loving being back in the mix!
Hope that everyone and their children have a GREAT school year.

Happy or Sad ???

Just got off the phone with the nurse from Dana-Farber. It looks like I will not be eligible for the clinical study that involves chemo. The study is not going to start realistically until the earliest November. Since that is the case, I will miss the 6 month window from surgery until the study starts. I really don't know how I feel about this. I did however have a very in depth conversation with the nurse in regards to the exercise and diet portion of the study. I need to have moderate exercise for at least 180 minutes a week and have a very low fat diet. I have been walking about 3 miles a day, so that is great but as far as the low fat diet...I need to get busy on that. As far the chemo they would have put me on, they are not even close to knowing if it helps triple negative breast cancer or not. This too makes me have mixed emotions..
Anyway, everything is going great here.. Enjoying the last few weeks of summer. Hope you are too.

As an afterthought, I want you all to know that my computer crashed about 3 weeks ago. I have since bought a laptop but have lost all your email addresses... Help!

Summer

The summer is going so quickly. We have been relaxing and enjoying it dispite the weather. We spent last weekend in Virginia with my family celebrating my niece Jeannie's college graduation. I thought that I would post a few pictures for you to see.

I contacted Dana Farber in regards to the study. They are still awaiting the final paper work before they can get started.. I will keep you posted.

Hope that you are all enjoying your summer...

Summer Is Here

Summer is finally made it to New Jersey and we are loving it. Nothing exciting has really been happening here but at this point nothing is great! We have been enjoying the pool, beach and lots of good friends. Next weekend we are off to New York to visit with my family and relatives. We are all looking forward to getting away and seeing so many people who we haven't seen in a year.
Hope your summer is off to a great start.
No news from Dana-Farber yet. I will keep you posted..

Maintenance

I never thought I would be saying these words but......................................I am on maintenance! It is like angels singing. My appointment at Sloan was great. Everything is great and I don't have to see the oncologist for 4-6 months!!!
Dr. Dickler (Sloan oncologist) definitely wants me to participate in the study at Dana-Farber but other than that, get back to "normal life".

Boston and Our Angel Flight

What a day!
Let me start by saying that it was fabulous! It was a rough start but everything went great. We woke up to both Sean and Luke being sick. Figures of all days. Anyway, we called in Vera who came running and stayed with the boys until Aunt Mary got here.. Thank God for both of them!
We met Scotty (our pilot) at Monmouth Airport at 9:30. After going over flight procedures we departed about 10:00. I have to say, after much anxiety, this was the best flight I have ever been on. Everything was great and we were treated by everyone like royalty. My appointment with Dr. Parker at Dana-Faber was quite interesting. When the door opened, in came Dr. Parker sporting his bow tie.. We spent quite sometime going over my history and path reports. After that, he gave me a full exam.. Interesting as he even looked at my nails for residual signs of chemo. When that was complete, he told us about the study. Here goes.... At the end of July, Dana Farber will be comparing two stands of study in order to see the impact either or both have on triple negative breast cancer. The first strand is diet and exercise.. The second strand is diet, exercise along with more chemo. Which ever one I am chosen to be in is totally random. After talking with Dr. Parker, either way I can't go wrong...I will be receiving more info as the study gets closer. Tomorrow, I am off to Sloan for my checkup...I am anxious to hear what they have to say about this whole thing as they are the ones that sent me there..

We departed from Boston around 4 and landed at about 5:20.. Not bad.. Sure beats driving and it sure was an adventure! One that both Dan and myself enjoyed and thought was pretty cool.

Once again, I have found myself surrounded with angels, whether they are here on the ground or up in the air. I am truly blessed!

Bloodwork

Just got the results of my bloodwork...I'M PERFECT!!!

4 months

Does the shirt look familiar? 4 months ago, I was wearing this shirt to celebrate the end of chemo. Now we're celebrating the end of radiation. It's amazing what has transpired in just 4 months.... new boobs, hair... and a much better outlook on this whole thing.

Friday was my last "blast". I am so happy that I was able to make it through without having to stop to give my skin a break. I am burned pretty bad, but it doesn't hurt and am putting special cream on it to help it heal.

My trip to Dana-Farber is set for the 16th. I am excited and anxious all at the same time. Who ould have ever thought that I would be a jet setter? After Dana-Farber, I have a check-up at Sloan on the 18th. I had blood work done yesterday and should have the results sometime next week. I am confident that everything will be fine but am still holding my breath. We have plans for a fun weekend.. Tomorrow we are going to Pocono for the Nascar race...Lots of fun and a big party..

Enjoy the sun and I will update when I get my blood results!

No Go!

The trip to Boston was scrapped due to the weather. I will have to call Dana-Farber and reschedule. I will keep you posted!

Getting Ready

When one thing ends another begins. This is my last week of radiation. Everything has gone remarkably well. I am definitely burned but that is exactly what was supposed to happen. I have been busy talking to Angel Flights and getting everything in order for my first voyage to Boston. Thursday morning Dan and I will be on our way.. The anxiety is building quickly but I am sure this will soon become routine also... Keep praying and hopefully I will have some funny stories to tell about this next step in my journey..

Half Way There

I am officially half way through radiation. Hurray! Although my skin is beginning to look slightly red, I still do not feel it.
June 4th is my appointment at Dana-Farber in Boston. For those of you that I haven't spoke to, let me catch you up to date. Both of my doctors at Sloan want me to participate in a clinical study at Dana-Farber which is located in Boston. My doctors consider this coarse of treatment and being proactive. What the study is in detail I will find out then. I have spoken in depth with a woman from Point Pleasant who had pretty much the exact same case scenario as me. She had all her main treatment at Sloan and then participated in this study at Dana-Farber. She had wonderful things to say and feel that this study helped play a vital part in her being cancer free. With this said, I have been really busy trying to get all my records and films up there. I have also been in contact with Corporate Angels which is an volunteer organization that works in conjunction with the airlines and corporations to get patients up and back to appointments at no cost. Who would have ever thought that I would be a jet setter! Anyone wanting to go with me, the invitation is open!
The Moore household is finally getting back to some normalcy. I feel good and have once again started cooking!. The meals from all my neighbors have stopped. All good things must come to an end. I don't know what we would have done without all their help when we were going through the toughest of times!
I was fortunate enough to go to a baby shower at work the other day. (Roseann, you look adorable.) Deb picked me up and Anne brought me home. It was so incredibly WONDERFUL to see everyone.. It felt so good being there and I really look forward to getting back to work.
Dan and the kids are all doing well and anxious for summer to be here as we all are.
Guess that is enough for now.. Keep the prayers coming!

Relax

Relaxation was the name of the game today. After my radiation treatment ( which is going right along) it was off to the spa. Monmouth Medical along with the Monmouth Women's Coalition offered a free day at the spa in Long Branch. What a day is was! It started off with a pedicure, followed by a manicure and facial. After that it was lunch with a nutritionist, make-up class and ended with yoga. (NO, I did not do any headstands!) It was incredibly relaxing and good for my mental health, as the weather is not helping in that area. I feel good and my hands and feet look great.. Where is that sun anyway?

Radiation

Today was my first day of radiation. What a pleasant surprise.... no needles, no noises and just a few short minutes. It is hard to believe that for the first time, it was painless. I know that it won't always be like this, but I am thankful for whatever I get. I will be going every day Monday-Friday for 6 weeks....The doctor says I will skate by the first couple weeks but than will get what looks like a burn and fatigue. Doesn't sound to bad. Hopefully I am right..I will let you know.

Tatoos

I am officially "tattooed". Yesterday was my initial visit to the radiation oncologist. Another long day but good one, I am all set and ready to go. They made a mold for me to lay on and tattooed me for the machine. On Friday I have to go back for an x-ray and radiation starts on Monday. I will be going everyday, Monday-Friday for 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 weeks. Seems like a long time but I am sure this will go quickly. The actual treatment only lasts about 10 minutes if that. It will take me longer to get there and back.
I am feeling much better since the sun has made an appearance and my mobility is getting there. I can now get both hands over my head although it is still not comfortable. Everyday is another day stronger and closer to normalcy.
The kids went back to school yesterday with quite a few mumbles..I just keep telling them that this is the final push and summer will be here before long. Dan is good. He is back working at the waterfront, so his days are long. Hopefully that won't last to long.
Hope everything is going well with all of you. Keep on praying and I hope to see you all sometime soon.

Fully Expanded

Well folks, I am fully expanded and I mean FULLY expanded. I feel as if I could pop! I must say they are looking good, just a little on the large side. In order for them to make you the size you want, they have to over expand you. Dan is loving life, as I am looking forward to the downsizing that will happen with the exchange surgery. Monday 4/20 is my initial visit to the radiation doctor. Things are moving right along!
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. My family was very busy. It stated off by going to a friends house for Sader dinner followed by a visit from my younger brother and his family. They were able to spend a few days with us before they went on to my parents house. The kids had a blast as well as us. Easter way another great day. The Easter bunny was here bright and early and then we actually made it to church at 9:15! Mary, Dave, Paul, Nadia. Carl, Cloe and Nanny were all here. Mary and Dave did everything! It was so nice to sit, relax and visit with all of them.
Hope to see you all sometime soon.