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.