Glenda's First Actual Post to the Blog

Hi everyone....This is my first actual post to the blog. Not a LOT of new stuff really, but I wanted to try writing something myself.

The past 3 weeks have been fast & furious so I've run out of time to as personal with this message as I wanted. I was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer -- as you can imagine, it's been a whirlwind ever since ! Everything happens for a reason and I think mine is to remind as many as possible that only about 80% of breast cancer is detected on mammograms or sonograms (I fall in that 20%). Although I faithfully do my annual doctor's visits, exams & screenings in addition to being told repeatedly that nothing had changed and I was fine, I just couldn't let it go -- I just knew, somehow.

We want to believe everything is okay, but all need to listen to our bodies and be our own advocate. I found this myself inspite of clear mammograms, sonograms & MRIs. The Pet scan (fortunately) confirmed my suspicions and I've already had my first chemo treatment this week.

Today is day two (after treatment) although I'm still fighting the residual migraine from the treatment, feeling very tired, & some joint aches from the "white cell booster shot" yesterday, I'm doing pretty well....no nausea so far! What a plus! By next week I should be feeling more normal for a couple weeks until the next treatment (which will be every 3 weeks). It may knock me down for a few days each time, but hopefully not put me out of commission for long. I want to try as much as possible to maintain a sense of normalcy.

This has definitely slowed me down temporarily, and has given me a new focus -- I'm taking time to "regroup" and will do what I need to do to be healthy again. I'm prepared for the entire process to be completed and be "pieced back together" with the next 10-12 months ... I plan to work when I can and feel up to it; say "no" or ask for help when I need it, and have more time for ME. My new full-time job right now is to get well.....I plan to be 100% as soon as possible.

I would imagine that this will be the last post for a while, as I doubt anything of extreme importance will come up until maybe the next chemo treatment. We will let you all know.

As Mike & I have already said probably 2000 times already, everyone's positive comments, prayers and support has been wonderful and incredibly helpful to the cause. You all have our heartfelt, and lifelong thanks and appreciation.

Much Love to You All,
Glenda

P.S. DO AN "OBJECTIVE" SELF EXAM TODAY - NOT TOMORROW, TODAY!!!!!!

Three Issues:

1. Glenda's first chemo yesterday went well (other than taking much longer that we thought it would). She is recovering well today, except for tiredness and lethargy associated with the migraine headache medication Imitrex. She has a history of migraines, and the chemo seems to intensify them. SO FAR, NO NAUSEA THANK GOODNESS.

We are off shortly for her to get a shot to boost her white blood cell count.

1 treatment down, 5 to go.

2. Many viewers of the blog are (like me), new to the process. As a result, many are telling us through phone calls, and direct emails, that they would love to make a COMMENT to any/all of the POSTS, but don't know how.

Don't feel bad, it can APPEAR to be difficult at first.

Please don't let this keep you from making COMMENTS though. You do not have to join Google to make a comment.

Below, I've listed a step by step review of how to make a comment. Once you try it, it should become more clear, and Glenda greatly enjoys reading the comments.

To leave a comment find the post to which you wish to comment, and:

• To the right of the post itself, listed underneath the words "Blog History of Entries" you'll see the opening words of all of the posts - most recent on top.
• click on the text that you'd like to comment on
• A new screen opens containing all comments made by anyone PRIOR to you
• AT THE BOTTOM of all , there will be a text box
• Make your comments in the text box
• Select a profile/identity by clicking on the drop down box
• you can select Anonymous if you don't wish to be identified
  or you can select the name/URL choice where you can put in any name/nickname of your choice. YOU CAN JUST USE A NAME. A URL IS NOT REQUIRED.
• you can make comments on, OR monitor the comments on each POST individually

Try making a comment using these directions, and see if it works for you. If it doesn't, or you'd rather not mess with it - not a problem. You can continue to read the Blog, and then just email Glenda or I directly with anything you'd like to share.

3. Sorry to all, but all the comments made to the previous post were inadvertantly deleted. If you'd like, and have the time, free to make your comments again.

Thanks for you patience & Thanks again for all the support.

Mike

(POSTED PREVIOUSLY)

Had a "question and answer" period today with the Chemo Physicians Assistant - Linda. She is a goddess, and took all the time with us that we wanted. It looks like radiation is most probably a a definate and it will follow the initial surgery. We saw the chemo room, and got a run down of the "assist" drugs. Like for the probable migraine headaches (imatrex) and some special concoction for anti nausea.Supposed to feel relatively good until about the 5 day after point, then possibly very tired. Will get a MANDATORY white blood cell shot the day after each treatment.Glenda has homeade chicken soup, and pudding ready to go for afterwards. Teryn (our grand daughter) is going with us tomorrow, and we have an Ipod and Suduko puzzles ready for the 90 minutes or so of treatment. Maybe go to the cabin again tomorrow or Wednesday. That's all for now. Glenda is obviously very nervous, but I guess it has to start sometime. More later.

For gosh sakes!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Will someone make a comment on the blog, just to see how it works, to show OTHERS how it works, and maybe get the ball rolling. Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssssshhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi To Everyone,

The entry below is pretty much the same one I made last week. I had deleted it, but many felt is was OK, and should stay. Sorry about the confusion, and we will add another update tomorrow after Glenda's first chemo treatment. She's scared, but very positive.

If any of you have comments, stories to relate, or suggestions, please feel free to exchange any type of info with us, and all other contributors by posting messages on this blog.

Although we are brand new at using this blog thing, it appears to work similarly to Facebook.

YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE TO JOIN ANYTHING JUST TO MAKE A COMMENT.

Let me know if you can't figure it out. (as a follow-on, I've added step by step instructions on how to make a comment, on a 7/29 post titled "three issues)

No way to do this, but come right out with it. We got some scary news about 3 weeks ago. Glenda has breast cancer, and will have her first chemo this Tuesday. Obviously a lot more details, but if you're comfortable with it, maybe just give her a call if you'd like. As you can imagine, however, repetitive story telling gets old, but a pledge of support, positive thoughts, and prayers would - I know - be appreciated.

- has yet to have shown up in a mammogram, but Glenda put her foot down and the combo of MRI/Sonagram finally identified it

- diagnosed as stage II as there is some amount of lymph node involvement under her right arm

- she will have a port inserted in early August to help with all subsequent treatments

- for the time being, she will continue her real estate business

Here's a brief recap as of this past Thursday:

- Saw Dr. Brooks, Medical Oncologist yesterday - we really liked him. Glenda will start chemo next Tuesday (6 treatments 90 minutes long every 3 weeks using drug combo called TAC - you can look this up on Google).

- Each treatment will be preceded by prescription of steroids to help fight infection.

- Glenda will lose her hair, but she's already gotten a great looking short wig, and she's looking into eyebrow tatoo info. No big deal, as it will save her time getting ready for work - which she is going to continue to do at least for the foreseeable future.

- apparently really good drugs nowadays to fight nausea

- After Chemo will be surgery. Not sure of extent of which yet.

- Possibility of radiation as well.

- She will be making SOME changes to diet and nutrition. There seems to be general disagreement about the value of this, but we intend to explore it. She's adding numerous vitamins and minerals (with Doctor agreement first I promise) and we are already taking steps to help with her immune system that really gets weakened with the chemo.

Goods news:

- a test called the "her2" test came back negative

- good tissue behind the actual growth (no apparent attachment to chest wall)

- positive hormone receptors (could hurt chemo effectiveness, but overall good)

- Dr. Brooks looked her in the eye, and said "I really think we can Beat this". I don’t THINK he was just trying to be inspirational, and I think for a doctor to say this is a positive sign.

- We are trying very hard to bring God and the church into our lives, (I don't know why there is constant Lightning & Thunder happening over our house) and it has already provided us much support and comfort.

If you are reading this blog entry, then trust me, we already know that you all are rooting for Glenda, are praying for her, and will do anything we need of you. Knowing this gives Glenda much comfort.

I will post more, when we know more I promise. We love you all. WE ARE GOING TO WIN THIS BATTLE. Take care.

Mike Hawkins
Home 520-749-2344
My cell 520-481-6556
Glenda cell 520-405-8448
Glenda email: relo@comcast.net


P.S. Obviously feel free to call at any time, but (making a gentle request here) please TRY to keep personal stories of friends and family members who have had cancer to a minimum as Glenda has said she has difficulty processing this kind of info. She realizes that everyone is trying to help/feels these stories might be a form of therapy for her, but Glenda's situation is personal, and "unique to her".

So please understand that having a plan that is now constructed, and that we can believe in (at least for now, and that we will follow to the letter) is very therapeutic. As a result, other "personalized" stories are a bit distracting - at least at this time. Thanks for understanding.