Merry Christmas!

We had a very nice Christmas this year! The kids got a lot of toys and we are still working our way through opening and playing with all the new toys!

Celia was particularly excited for Christmas this year. She totally gets the Santa Claus thing!
Santa came to our neighborhood this year (as he does every year). He comes in a firetruck to the Gazebo at the park. All the young kids in the neighborhood love it! Celia spent time before he came, writing her Christmas list. Half the 8x10 page was hers and the other half was CJs. She brought it with her to visit Santa. Handed the list to him and had him read it all! Then she asked him to keep it, in case he forgot! Too cute! Let's me just say - she did not get everything on her list from Santa this year (that would be impossible, she circled every item in every catalogue - thinking that was "ordering"). She claimed all December - "I ordered "xxxx" from Santa!"

I was nervous she would be disappointed - but she's forgotten that she did not get everything she "ordered".

CJ, on the other hand, can't be bothered with opening presents. He just wants to play with the already opened ones, or play with his sister's. Celia opened most of CJ's gifts. He it thrilled with all of his trucks, trucks and more trucks.....some motorcycles and more trucks!

Here's a picture of them with Santa.................
Here's some pix of the decorating of the Christmas tree (it happened twice - the tree fell over once!)..............................

Very Exciting News!

Christy's Crew received very exciting news yesterday! We have officially teamed up with The Iron Butterfly. They will be our official training center for the Walk in Washington DC in May. They have offered a free membership from now until May for each Christy's Crew member. As well, they are giving us a personal training to work out with as a group once per week and he will put a training plan together for each individual. In addition, Robyn Chase (co-owner of the Iron butterfly) is joining Chrisy's Crew! This is all sooooooo cool!

I cannot tell you how excited I am about this. In addition, the Crew, has given me 20 personal training sessions with my own personal trainer at the Iron Butterfly! This was exactly what I wanted for Christmas. Having put my body through all that I have, I knew I was going to need to work extra hard to get my body back into shape! This is exactly what I needed!

I know that my breast cancer has touched so many lives. I hope that this gift from the IronButterfly helps positively touch the lives of all the crew members. I am hoping is brings us to the next phase, next level of our life reconstruction process. So many members joined the crew first because they wanted to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer, but secondly they wanted motivation to get into shape! Here is our golden opportunity!

In addition - the Iron Butterfly would like to video the process as part of a documentary! They will also video tape the walk in DC in May! This is also so great! The documentary, along with my blog, will someday help so many women fighting this same battle and will hopefully help to motivate these women to fight and win the battle!

Thank You Crew and the Iron Butterfly!

Go Crew!

Here is a link to Kristin's post regarding this opportunity Kristins Blog

One more drain out

Bummer - I had hoped to get my last 2 drains out this morning at my appointment with Dr. Frankel. But, I had a feeling that was not going to happen. The left drain is still getting blood in it (as opposed to pinkish, clear fluid) and is still draining about 40cc per day. I tried to do absolutely NOTHING this weekend to make the draining stop so that I could get the drains out this morning. It worked for the right drain. Not for the left. So - I still have one drain in! I now have a sling for my left arm so that I cannot use it. I need to use it as little as possible in order for the bleeding to stop. I go back Friday morning and hopefully I get the last drain out and another fill.

No fill today either - since I still had the blood in the drain.

Dr. Frankel is going to rapid fill me - since she says I cannot have the expander in while doing radiation. she wants the permanent implants in for radiation and says there will be little effect of radiation on the new implants. So - this means we need to fill me quickly so that radiation can start. Good thing she has already filled me twice while in the hospital so I will only need 1 o 2 more fills to be done.

Other bad news - I can't shower since I still have a drain in! I am bummed about this! I was REALLY looking forward to a nice shower. So - it will have to be more sponge baths for a few more days! Thanks nurse, Jamie! Good thing - I don't have enough hair on my head to worry about washing that! If I had hair - this would really be a problem! Gotta love being bald!

Dr. Yurinec agrees

Dr. Yurinec, my oncologist, agrees with Dr. Caldwell and his recommendation to do radiation as well. For 2 reasons, 1) my original tumor was large and 2) it was in multiple lymph nodes. Even though I have clean margins (would be the third reason to pursue radiation).

Dr. Yurinec thinks that radiation will kill any additional microscopic cells in the local area and Tamoxifen (a pill I will take every day starting next week) will act as an estrogen receptor inhibitor. Basically, this means that Tamoxifen acts like estrogen fitting into any abnormal cells hence blocking estrogen to fit into those cells which is what allows the cancer to grow, and multiply (in my case, given my tumor was estrogen and progesterone positive). So - Tamoxifen also gives me longevity of life.......... not allowing any abnormal cells to grow and replicate and even killing off those cells because they are not fed. Tamoxifen has proven very effective in preventing re-currance of breast cancer in women who are pre-menopausal. There are many drugs out there for women who are post0-menopausal that behave the same way.

Next steps - I still need to get the results from pathology on whether I am Her2 +..........I guess they did the test but did not put it into the pathology report. this is a surprise to me. I had thought that I was out of this woods and that they did the Her2 test with the core biopsy way back in the beginning. But, I guess that the core biopsy does not get enough tissue to do this test, so surgery pathology is the one that determines her2. If I am her2 - it means almost a year of IV drug (not chemo) - every week. It does not affect a person like chemo (won't lose my hair or anything like that) and is an in/out process - approx 1 hour every week. I have met MANY women at Pluta who are Her2. So - it will be disappointing if I am Her2+ because it will be a year of more treatment. but, still much easier than the AC and Taxol chemo I already had! I will get these results some time next week - let's hope I am her2 negative.

On Jan 9 - I have an appointment with the radiation oncologist at Pluta. She will determine whether she thinks radiation will be of any benefit to me. Based on Dr. Caldwell and Dr. Yurinec, I am guessing she will have the same answer - do it for insurance purposes. From there I will know when I start radiation.

On Dec 24 - I have an appt with Dr. Frankel my plastic surgeon - hoping for the drains to come out and another fill of the new boobs.

An article on benefits of radiation

It took me no time to find one quick article published by the American Cancer Society on the benefits of adding radiation therapy as treatment for breast cancer...............

Here is one of many..............ACS article
National Cancer Institute
breastcancer.org

Pathology Results

I saw Dr. Caldwell yesterday and my pathology results are back from the surgery. It's good news......

They had clean margins from the surgery - basically this means that there were no cancer cells found in the breast tissue within a certain percentage of the chest wall. When a person gets clean margins - it means that the docs are confident that they got all the stray cancer cells in the breast out with surgery. This is good news fro me. fundamentally, meaning that I am probably cancer free right now.

My left breast was completely cancer free. My right breast did have some cancer cells in it still (obviously removed during surgery) but what was left was tiny compared to what I had started with. The original 5cm tumor was reduced to a few groups of cells ranging rm 2mm - 7 mm in size. So- as we suspected, chemo killed most of the tumor and what it did not kill - we removed with surgery. This is why there are multiple steps in beating cancer - chemo, surgery, radiation, tamoxifen - all of these combined is what helps secure life longevity.

So - I am thrilled with these results! Hearing this - I thought I would not have to do radiation next. And, I don't have to. Dr. Caldwell does recommend, however, that I do radiation anyway - as an insurance policy. He said that there are "some studies" that show that doing radiation after a mastectomy does increase life longevity. He thinks that since I am still so young - this insurance policy is worth it!

I, have been hoping to hear that this surgery was the end of my journey - so, this is a little disappointing (yet not completely unexpected). I would prefer not to have to do radiation. But, it's hard to argue with giving myself extra insurance that this will NEVER come back! I've come this far, done this well, I might as well suck it up - do the rads and be done, knowing I did everything I could possibly do to fight this!

First next step - I will be seeing Dr. Yurinec today (my oncologist) and will get his opinion on the subject. I will learn more about radiation, how it works, the benefits and cons, etc. I will also research for the "studies" to identify how much it decreases my odds of recurrence. Like every other step - I will research until I feel comfortable enough to make a final decision. More to come on this.................


Also - yesterday was an outstanding day for me. I feel like I have my normal energy level back, need only Advil for pain, my movement is much better and Dr. Caldwell took 2 of 4 drains out yesterday (woo hoo!). So - I think - day 8 after surgery, I am finally pulling out of the surgery funk and feeling much more myself! That is also a huge relief for me! It was a long week after surgery.

1 week ago

Exactly 1 week ago I went in for my ass kickin' mastectomy!
It was intended to put the final nail in the coffin of my cancer! I hope it did (I don't have final pathology reports back, yet). What I did find is that this surgery not only kicked my cancer's ass - it kicked my ass!

I guess, since Chemo went so smoothly for me, I figured surgery would be a piece of cake - I knew it would be painful - but I thought a week out, I would be feeling no more pain. hmmmmmmmm what was I thinking? I was wrong. No, don't get me wrong - the pain is manageable with a vicadin. The other day I started getting nauseous from the vicadin, so now I am taking some of my leftover anti-nausea meds from chemo with a vicadin. That seems to be working.

Mostly, my pec muscles are very stiff and tight and I am not allowed to lift or raise my arms over my head. Getting in and out of bed is tough. And sitting around is boring. Not to mention frustrating, because, so much can be done around the house - especially with the kids!

My Mom just left yesterday. Having her here was a huge help to Jamie and I. She was able to take care of the kids while Jamie took care of me, or I napped, or Jamie did his chocolate business. Today is our first day in the house without a 3rd adult, and CJ already broke a large Christmas snow globe on the carpet (it's 7:30am)! I swear, the child gets in trouble even when trying not to!

Tomorrow I see Dr. Caldwell. I am really hoping he takes 2 drains out! The drainage has slowed down considerably in all 4 drains. But 2 are not draining at all, 1 is almost done draining and the last one still has about 25cc each day and night.

Friday I see Dr. Yurinec - hopefully get the pathology reports back then!

Also - today I get to leave the house! Yeah!
Celia has her school Holiday sing-along this afternoon. She is very excited that we are coming! We also have Santa Claus arriving at our neighborhood park tonight for a photo fest! And a chance for the kids to sit on his lap.

Tomorrow - I have my Dr. Caldwell appt. and then I will head up to Webster for a Christy's Crew fundraiser at the Webster Barnes and Noble. We are wrapping books, etc for the shoppers for donations to Christy's Crew. Please come up to Barnes' and Noble in Webster to give a donation tomorrow! I will only be there for an hour or so - and trust me, you don't want me to wrap any present for you! I am the worst wrapper ever! But, my crew members will take good care of the customers!

Sunday - Day 4 after surgery

Things are going fine. I am up early this morning because I am tired of laying in on my back in my bed. I can't roll over to either side because rolling hurts. So, I sleep on my back.

The pain is not bad as long as I keep up with my pain melds. I am going to try to switch to one vicadin every 4 hours instead of 2 every four hours. I did that this morning and have little to no pain right now.

I slept a lot yesterday so that should help my healing process and I am sleeping well at night.

We are emptying the drainage tubes twice a day. A couple are already draining very little but there are 2 others that are draining more. Not a ton, nothing to be concerned about, just draining more than the others. It would be nice to get these tubes out of me - they are definitely the biggest hassle right now. Hopefully, early this week I will get one on each side removed. But, I am under strict instructions by Dr. Frankel to leave one tube on each side in until I see her on Christmas Eve morning - this means - another 7 days of these! Yuck! She wants to make sure all fluid is out when I get back to her so she can fill me again.

That's all for now...............

Christy

Home

I am home today. I got home around 1pm. It feels good to be home - mainly because I am tired of being stuck by people with attempts to draw my blood to check my red cell counts.

My red cell counts are still low - even after the additional 2 bags of blood they gave me. They are 27 - under 30 is considered anemic. When I was halfway through chemotherapy, my counts dropped to 28 and I felt fine. But I am definitely tired now. I am sure this is due to a combo of things - pain killers, low red cell counts, and just having had major surgery!

My chest area is definitely sore - especially after moving around. As well, my left hand is very sore where my IV needle was.

Right now - I am just focusing on resting and drinking a lot of water. It is hard for the kids and dogs to understand that they cannot jump on me - but we are working through this.

I also have to empty my drains (I have 2 drains on each side). These are designed to pull extra blood and bodily fluid from the operation site to alleviate any swelling, internal bleeding etc. They are not painful to have in, but are awkward as they drain into 4 tangerine size bulbs that just are pinned to my clothes. I will have these until Christmas Eve, per my plastic surgeon.

Lastly - my plastic surgeon - Dr. Frankel, was able to put more saline into my expander's yesterday. So, I am already about a B cup. She did this to add pressure inside to alleviate some of the excessive bleeding I was experiencing. It seems to have helped, because I am now draining normal amounts of fluid. And this also means that I am more then halfway done with the expansion process! Too cool!

Thank you to everyone for your well wishes!

Christy

Day after surgery

Turns out morphine makes me sick. We figured out in the middle of the night that it was the morphine making me puke versus the anesthesia so now I am off the morphine and am just on vicadin for pain. As long as I stay on the pain meds, I don't feel very much pain. I am not walking anymore right now, am on bed rest again due to the fact that my red cell counts are down to 24 which means that I am extremely anemic. I have lost a lot of blood out of my drain, so now I am having a transfusion to rectify that. I have learned how to pee in a bed pan ... well mostly in the pan. Hope to be up walking soon after receiving 2 bags of blood. Keep the well wishes coming.

It's all Good

Hey, It's Jamie. Here is a quick update before I pass out for the night. Christy is doing great. She did experience some nausea, but once the anesthesia wore off that seems to have gone away. The Nurses eventually had her up walking, and they were surprised, how well she did. Who here is not Surprised ??? We all know Christy is Supergirl/Bionic Woman all in one.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers and keeping up with our blog.

Peace

J

Kicked Cancers Ass

Christy is out of Surgery. Everything went very well. She is currently in recovery and is very groggy. The procedure began at about 8:15 am with the surgeon taking about two hours to remove breasts and the reconstruction portion ending about 1pm. She opened her eyes and was happy to see the sun shining. Many more sunny days to come. She is at Highland Hospital, and could be home as early as tommorrow, probably Friday though. As I said back in July, this was just a glitch along the way, a little blip on the radar. Christy amazes me everyday, along with many countless others. My wife is a kick ass cancer survivor, and Celia, CJ and I love her with all our hearts.

J

First surgery of the day

I have to be at the hospital at 6am tomorrow for the first surgery of the day!
I will probably be in surgery around 8am and out by Noon. Jamie will post (if he can get wi fi at the hospital) when I am out of surgery.

Send your thoughts and prayers our way for a successful surgery!

I have a special shirt to wear tomorrow. A friend of mine, Shari McGrain, sent a Brother Wease shirt along to me. It was given to her as she was getting ready for her mastectomy. It is a survivor shirt and says Kick Cancer's Ass. She is the third survivor to wear it. I will be the fourth! And will pass it along to another survivor during her battle.

Here's to a great day tomorrow!

Christy

Ummmmm Chocolate......

For those of you wondering, I am still making Chocolate for the Holiday Season. I'll have the usual specialties, such as Milk Chocolate Almond Bark and Pretzels. Check out my web site for more info.

You'll also find my Mom's, Mary Palmiere's Handmade Lion Suede Ponchos for sale. She has them for sale while they last.

Niagara Falls Trip

This post is late, but here are some pix of our Niagara Falls Trip with my bro, Keith.
This was really a fun little day trip. It was cold there - REALLY cold! But - there were no lines, very few tourists and the town of Niagara Falls, Canada had all their Christmas lights up. It is a trip I recommend anyone take in the winter.

Keith had never seen the falls and of course, it was the first time Celia and CJ had seen the falls! We went into the tunnels (well worth the $15 per person), but in the winter the Maid of the Mist boat ride isn't running - bummer.

Keith was very impressed with the falls (who isn't really?).

Everythings a go for surgery

Updates from this week's round of doctors: Jackie Rayburn- just stop reading now! (note to others: my sister is VERY freaked out by my surgery - she is a bit of a hypochondriac)

It's been a busy doctor visit week - I have so many doctors! And still one more to see - my plastic surgeon on Tuesday.

Everything is a go for surgery.
My white cell counts are high enough to have surgery. This was tested at Pluta. Dr. Yurinec said they are low for a normal person not having received chemo - but high enough to have been treated with chemo and high enough for surgery. And that was the count 1 week before surgery. The reason the surgeon waits 4-6 weeks after the last chemo treatment to do surgery is to ensure the white cell counts are high enough to fight off infection if I get one.

The nurse practitioner at Pluta cannot even tell the difference from one breast to the next as far as my lump goes. No kidding - I don't know if anything is even there anymore. She even asked me if I could feel it? I said no.

I have my next appointment with Dr. Yurinec on Dec 21 once the pathology reports come back from surgery. The pathology reports will help determine if I need to have radiation after surgery. This would happened if they find cancer cells that are too close to the chest wall (where it become difficult to guarantee that they got all cancer cells removed during surgery). So, radiation will kill the rest of those cells if there are any. I am hoping for no radiation, but if they recommend it, I will do it! We will also discuss when I go on Tamoxofin (the chemo pill that estrogen positive breast cancer patients take for 5 years).

I also saw the nurse practitioner, Vicki Nugent, at my surgeons office this week. She, too, was so impressed with how well the chemo worked for me! She could not feel any lump or any difference in either breast. She said - that is a real testament that the chemo killed my cancer. She also said that not everyone gets that kind of response from the chemo. And that the reason that there is not 100% cure of breast Cancer with chemo is that chemo does not work for everyone. It obviously worked for me! I am so glad - and it does work for 90% of the people with breast cancer (thank God!).

I have a follow-up with them on January 5.

I will call Highland on Tuesday to find out my surgery time on Wednesday. The surgery will take about 4 hours. I will be in the hospital for approx 2-3 days depending on how I am feeling. I don't know the total recovery time (time out of work). The plastic surgeon will be the one caring for me post-surgery so she will give my my post-surgery instructions.

That's all the surgery update that I have.

Holiday Greetings

Click here for a very special message from our family to yours

Grandpa and Grandma Elf too

Surgery Prep

I am in my rounds of doctors visits prepping for surgery.
Yesterday was my pre-screening at Highland Hospital - blood work, forms, private vs. semi-private room (I chose private and will pay $40 per night for that - I think that's worth it!), and an EKG at my request. Normally, they don't require an EKG for women under 50 or men under 40 before surgery. I asked for it since, chemo can put strain on your heart - so I wanted to make sure it was OK. It is. My heart is fine (just cannot be too cautious - a little hypochondriac possibly).

Today is my visit to Dr. Yurinec, my oncologist at Pluta. Just more blood work and a check-up. I can't wait to see Gaile - it's been 3 weeks! Feels weird not to have seen her. I will even drive through a foot of snow to get to Pluta this morning. Kid you not - we are in a winter snow warning until midnight tonight. With probably 8 inches on the ground now and it's still snowing.

Tomorrow, I see Dr. Caldwell, my general surgeon - again to go over the surgery etc.........

In addition - we are really busy prepping for surgery, preparing for Christmas, shoveling snow (hee hee) and at work I have been in workshops for 2 weeks getting ready to install a new supply chain planning system. So, life has been hectic lately!

I look forward to having my surgery and getting it done - but being at home for 4-6 weeks has me a little nervous. What will I do? I think CJ will drive me nuts (he is still a complete wild maniac!). At least we have the Christmas holiday to occupy us. And hopefully, the snow stays - that keeps everyone entertained!

Oh yah - I do have more hair growth. Still sparse, and very white! But more growth!

First Anniversary of Last Chemo

Weird - but today is the 2 week anniversary of my last chemo treatment. It's hard to believe that is has already been 2 weeks since that momentous day! And only 2 weeks before my surgery.

I feel fine and look forward to my surgery as completion of another step in this process.

As well - I have some very white fuzzy hair growing back on my head! You have to look hard to see it, it is REALLY white, but many pieces are a 1/2 inch or so long! It will be fun to see how quickly the hair grows back and what it looks like. I will keep you posted.

Christy

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Turkey Day to all!

As everyone who reads this blog knows, I have a lot to be thankful for this year! Even thought it has been a very hard year for our family, we are thankful for my life. I am thankful to be alive.
I am also thankful for all the people who have raised money and made research breakthroughs over the years that have enabled me to be alive right now. I am thankful that more people survive breast cancer, than die from it. And of course, I am thankful for the support, love and prayers of my family and friends.

Lastly - Jamie and I are thankful for our greatest accomplishments in life, Celia and CJ Palmiere - our 2 precious children whom we love so deeply!

Christy

More on Last Chemo

Here are some more pix of my last chemo -

I got to ring the bell - as you can see from the previous blog video! This has been the goal! It was very fun to be able to ring the bell. I have heard others ring the bell while I was there - and Could not wait to do it myself! And I had a crowd to cheer me on!
The bell says:
Ringing Out:
Ring this bell
Three times well
Its toll to clearly say
My treatments done
This course is run
And I am on my way

I read the plaque and rang the bell 3 times.

Another patient (also breast cancer) who has been treated along side of me, had her last day on Tuesday as well. She was not as happy about her last treatment as I was. She was much more "down" during her chemo process than I (I did not talk a lot with her so I don't know if she wasn't feeling well or what). But, I congratulated her on her last treatment, she congratulated me, Jamie gave her a rose, and she left with her husband. Gaile later told me that she would not ring her bell (Gaile did it for her). This poor lady was scared to be done with treatment. For fear that if she isn't getting chemo, her cancer will come back.

I have to say - I have often thought of what it would feel like when all is said and done, and I am a survivor. Will I feel paranoid that this will come back? Will I have a post-treatment depression? I guess time will tell, but honestly, I never looked at my last chemo as a sad thing. I look at it as a milestone. A huge step in the process of kicking my cancer's ass. I have received all the chemo I can receive, safely. And in the end, I will have done everything medically possible, to prevent recurrence. I hope that is enough to allow me to sleep peacefully at night. Since I am not a natural worrier and am an optimist, I think I will feel confident that I am at peace with my future as a survivor - not fearful of it!

This confidence also come from my nurse, my great friend, Gaile. I got Gaile a necklace from a jewelry show that I recently went to. She had to open the present in private so that she could cry in peace. It was so sweet. She loved the necklace and when she wears it, she will think of me. Thanks for everything, Gaile. I was the first person Gaile thought of when she woke up last Tuesday morning. She new it was my last chemo and knew it was going to be a great day! She called my first nurse, Marty (who had to take a leave of absence to care for her elderly parents), to let her know it was my last day, too. Here's Gaile and I -


It has been a week since my last treatment. I feel fine, no problems, same as usual. So, it feels like nothing is different. Except that I am really looking forward to growing my hair back! I can't wait! It doesn't bother me emotionally to be bald, it never has. But, wearing the wigs and the hats and the bandanna's is annoying. It's a pain. The wigs look great - but get uncomfortable. The hats look good, but it's annoying to have a brim in front of your eyes ALL DAY! The bandanna's are the most comfortable, but are really only good for weekends as they are a very casual look. Bald is very comfortable - but cold right now, and too exposed in the summer! So - my hair back will be a welcome change! I asked Dr. Yirinec when can I start to expect my hair to grow back (this after a series of questions I asked him). His reply "Oh, did we say it was going to grow back?"...........I laughed, and said "very funny, good one! - so when?". He said around week 3-4 after chemo. Right around surgery. But, I had to laugh at the great sense of humor he has with me! I have been joking around with him the entire treatment, and he came back with such a quick wit this time! Way to go Dr. Yirinec!

One last note: I am writing this blog at 4am. I awoke at 3:30am with a killer night sweat and could not get back to sleep. So, here I am, writing in my blog! I can do without the night sweats and hot flashes, too. But, I don't know when those will end. I depends on how my body reacts to Tamoxofin (whether I continue to not ovulate or not). I guess, all women have to endure menopause at some time in their life - my time might be now!

I have to go now - I am having another hot flash - I need to stick my head in the freezer!

Ringing Out

8 Chemo's Done! 11/13/07

I did it!

Made it through 8 chemo treatments on the dose dense cycle (every 2 weeks!). And I am done with chemo! I cannot believe that just 15 weeks ago, I was embarking on my chemo journey, scared of what lie ahead, but determined to make it through and kick ass. And now, 15 weeks later, I did it with more courage, determination, grace and strength than I EVER thought I had. Each week of success and support I gained more strength! In June of 2007, I never dreamed life would throw me this curve ball, giving me a whole new lease on life.

It really was such a fantastic day at Pluta today!
I had almost 20 visitors today at Pluta. And the amazing part - is that it was a slow afternoon at Pluta and we had the whole chemo room to ourselves for the last hour or so of my treatment (like it was meant to be!). We just sat in a big circle, chatted, laughed, ate chocolate cake and had a champagne toast! Just such a wonderful gift from my friends and family showing such a huge amount of support! Thank you all - who were able to come by, and who sent messages and called because they could not be there physically, but were there in thought!

Thank you for all the flowers, the cakes, the champagne, the cards upon cards of well wishes, the tears, the laughter, the support and prayers that have helped me gain strength through this process and gave me such joy today!

Love, Christy

Below:
Flowers, , Boobie Cake from Michelle (CJ ate one of the nipples!) and Almost 100 cards from friends, family, neighbors, kids and strangers, and Celia's Victor Pre-K Class Card,

This is it!

Today is finally here - my last chemo!
I am ready and fired up to finish this phase of my treatment and move on to the next! Going into all of this, chemo was the part that scared me the most. I was glad I was doing it first so that I could get the hardest part behind me, and not have to stress about it for too long. If I did not just launch in and do it, I would have worried about it until I did it.

As it turns out, it wasn't as hard as I imagined it could be. It was one hundred times easier, as a matter of fact.

Let's hope the rest goes as exceptionally well!

Christy

One day to go.....

One more day until my last chemo! It is so exciting!
At Pluta, they have bell that patients get to ring when they have finished their treatment. I cannot wait to ring the bell tomorrow afternoon. Everyone cheers when someone rings the bell! It is such a huge accomplishment!

I got Gayle a necklace from the art show I went to the other week. And I ordered an Edible Arrangement (fruit bouquet) for the entire team at Pluta that was so wonderful to me!

Now - we just have to figure out the logistics of tomorrow, given everyone want to be there when I ring the bell and Celia will be just getting out of school at that time. So either I need to make arrangements with someone to pick Celia up and hang out with her until we get home, or keep her out of school and have Jamie bring her and CJ to Pluta (first time at Pluta for Celia) so they can participate in ringing the bell. hmmmmmmm

Victor Herald - Front Page

The Crew was featured in this weeks edition of the Hometown Victor Herald. For a more readable version click here

I have a surgery date!

Excellent news - my surgery date is scheduled - December 12, 2007.
I am very excited about this.

I have been pushing to have the surgery in December (original thought by my surgeon was that we would do the surgery at the beginning of the new year). But, I really wanted to get the surgery done in 2007. So that we could start the new year, rebuilding, so to speak!

And I have been working hard to line everything up at work so that I could take the latter part of December off and not miss a beat.

With a surgery date of mid-December, I should also be feeling well enough to enjoy Christmas.

Only a few more days until my last chemo! I saw my nurse, Gayle, yesterday, when I was at Pluta for my free weekly massage, and told her to be ready for a good time on Tuesday. She is ready to go!


Also exciting news - my brother, Keith, is flying in from Colorado for my last treatment. He will be here Monday - Saturday next week. This is a pretty big deal. For those that don't know, Keith loves his family very much. But, he has an exciting, adventurous life in Coloradao and never has the money to fly to visit us, because spends his money on his adventures - like Hoby Cat sailboats, skiis, ski passes, trips to Alaska, etc.......I really am not knocking him- Jackie and I are little jealous of his free spirit lifestyle. Love you, Keith!

Christy

Amazing

I never cease to be amazed by people as I go through this breast cancer journey.
As everyone knows, Christy's Crew is raising money for our walk on May 3 &4, 2008 in Washington DC. The money raised goes to the Avon Breast Cancer Foundation to fund breast cancer research and support programs. Christy's Crew has had a great time raising money for our walk, including events such as a golf tournament, Pizzeria Uno, Make and Take parties, Tastefully Simple parties, Victor Days, etc.....We have received a lot of publicity in this process, as well.....Articles in the Democrat & Chronicle, The Victor Herald, etc...and a spot on the news - Channel 13.

We have received donations from friends, family, corporations, coworkers, neighbors, etc.

But what really strikes me is the people who don't even know myself or any of the crew, that still reach out to help the cause.

• First, there was the DSL lady that helped us get our Christy's Crew bracelets from the Rochester airport to Victor Day's "just-in-time". She donated $100 to our cause because she was touched by what we were doing.
• A couple of weeks ago, I received a donation from a woman in Lima who read about myself and Christy's crew. Her daughter is a breast cancer survivor of 18 months. This woman has published a book and donated $100 of her book proceeds to Christy's Crew.
  
• Yesterday, I received a letter from a NY State Senator, Michael Nozzolio who read of our group and what we were doing, making a donation to our cause and wishing me the best on a full and speedy recovery. Read Letter Here

• In addition is the people's time that has been donated.
  
• I have met Angela Hyman - who's mother met us at Victor Days and she is gong through breast cancer treatment. Angela wants to connect and do some future fund raising together.
  
• Ruth has made a new friend in Carrie (from SIS), who is off and running trying to help organize a social fundraiser for Christy's Crew.
  

• I have also had breast cancer patients reach out to connect with me as a result of the Christy's Crew efforts - 2 new friends, Tina Rheinwald and Shari McGrain.
• The prayer groups and prayer lists that I am on, strangers praying for me, are just amazing. I hear at least once per week, of a different prayer group / list, that I am on.
  

Again - I am amazed at the support and generosity of people. It certainly gives hope to our society the people care that much, even strangers reach out!

Thanks to everyone!

Christy

p.s. I am doing fine - 1 week until my last treatment! I can't wait!

Halloween

Another warm Halloween in Rochester this year!
Celia was a blushing bride and CJ was Frankenstein (or a MONSTER, as he calls it). They were too cute.

Celia is all about Halloween! She left the house with Jamie, Bill, and CJ in the wagon, but hooked up with 2 older girls (Courtney (12) and Samantha (9)) and ran from house to house trick-or-treating with them. Sam's Dad followed close behind. She left poor CJ in her dust! And came home with 2 bags filled with candy! Half of which she doesn't even like!

CJ hung back with his Dad and Bill. And basically meandered from house to house. He is all about the candy - but would rather sit and eat it than have to go get it!

I stayed back and handed out candy to the trick-or-treaters.


More Pictures from Halloween

7 Down, 1 to go!

You have no idea how good it feels to say "1 to go"! It is just such a wonderful feeling! I am elated!

All my counts were great today. I am even out of the "anemic" stage due to the weekly shots of Procrit and iron pills that I have been taking to increase my red cell counts. So, because my numbers are so high (high for a chemo patient, not the average person) I did not need a Procrit shot today, nor will I get one next week. Again - in normal chemo patients it takes about 6 Procrit shots to raise the red cells to an acceptable level, it took me three shots to do this. I cannot explain it - it must be my bionic chemo powers! (whatever)......I'll take it!

My friends Alice and Ruth came with me today. We had fun and they were really happy to be a part of the process. We had a lot of great conversation (we always do - we work together at CooperVision and all 3 of us worked together on and off at Kodak) and we did some work. At one point we all had our laptops out doing our own work thing and discussing how each of us would handle things, or read email to each other, etc.....My nurse Gayle, just laughed at us - commenting that we all had our "flat screens" out! She is really not very computer literate.......but she is the BEST nurse!

I want to bring a gift to Pluta and my wonderful nurse, Gayle, for my last treatment. Ideas are welcome! No worries - Gayle doesn't read my blog (again the computer literate thing!).

Last thing on Gayle - she sends her condolences to Jamie's family on the passing of Uncle Mike. And she cried with us, again, as we dedicated this treatment of mine to Uncle Mike who did not get a chance to fight his cancer.

Oh - and another great thing at treatment today. I got a surprise visit from Jamie and CJ today! I did not expect it and this is the first time that CJ has come (Celia has never been - and I really don't want her to know CJ got to go). CJ is younger and really doesn't get what is happening, and I really don't want Celia to get too close to the process bc I have felt so good, there is no reason to scare her.

Anyway - CJ had a good time. The nurses gave him cookies and suckers and juice. He played with my personal TV, sat on my lap, asked about my medicine and was just overall a show stopper that made the whole room light up today! It was great!

Today is #7!

After today only 1 more to go - and only 3 weeks total to go for the chemo process! I really cannot wait!

I am happy to go to Pluta today - I get to continue my fight! After the past weekend of grieving at the wake and the funeral for Uncle Mike, chemo seems like a treat. And really, it is.

This one is for Uncle Mike - who did not get a chance to fight his cancer, and would have if he had the chance. I have the chance, and I am taking it! I am going to fight the fight for myself and my family. And then turn around, and fight this battle for future generations - in hopes that my daughter and nieces never have to worry about breast cancer.

Here's to a great 7th treatment!

Surgery Decision

After much research and discussion with 3 doctors, nurses and friends who have been through this.......I have made a decision on my surgery! And I am actually really excited about it!

I have decided to do a double mastectomy with implant reconstruction. The exciting part of this decision is that I will get the boob job that I have always wanted but never would have done for myself, until now.

The final decision maker was the discussion with the plastic surgeon, Dr. Marie Frankel, yesterday.

These were my options:
1) lumpectomy on right side (and given the area they would have to take out, most likely they would have to fix the left side to match). This option REQUIRES 6 weeks of radiation. Recovery time from surgery 1-2 weeks.

2) single mastectomy with implant reconstruction. In this case they would give me a breast reduction / lift on the left side to match the right side. Recovery time 2-3 weeks. hospital stay 1-2 days. Radiation required only if doc determines cancer was too close to chest wall to be confident all was removed. Implant Surgery

3) Double mastectomy with implant reconstruction on both. Recovery time 2-3 weeks. Hospital stay 1-2 days. Radiation required - TBD from surgery.

4) Single mastectomy with breast built from back fat. Left side reduction / lift. Recovery time 2-3 weeks. Hospital stay 2-3 days. This is more invasive than implant because they are cutting into your back muscles and fat and moving it to build a breast. More to heal. In this case, they only do one reconstruction with the back fat - because if they did both, you would have no way of laying down without being in pain - both sides of back and torso are cut into. Lat Dorsi Flap

5) Single or double mastectomy with a tummy tuck (called TRAM flap surgery). This is not an option for me. She would not do this surgery on me. She feels this one is too invasive and the recovery is too extreme for young mothers of young children. The recovery time is 6-8 weeks with loss of stomach strength for long period of time. The hospital stay is 2-5 days. It affects our circulatory system, on and on. And I would only get small boobs from what I have on my stomach. TRAM Flap surgery

Given all these choices, and all require surgery on both breasts. I have decided let's just take both breast and rebuild them to match. And as it turns out, the implant reconstruction also has the easiest recovery. It does require follow-on visits, to pump the saline into the implant to stretch the skin and then the final surgery to put the implant in. All of these are minor procedures.

I feel good about my knowledge of my choices and the decision that I have made! In the end, I will be very happy with the results!

Cancer Sucks

Please pray for the healing of Jamie's family as they deal with the death of Jamie's Uncle Mike. He passed away, at the young age of 60, today after having been diagnosed with a very aggressive, metastasized lung cancer just 7 weeks ago.

Uncle Mike and I had hoped and prayed that we were going to beat our cancers together. It did not turn out the way I had hoped and now, Uncle Mike, will be my guardian Angel in heaven, helping me fight and be successful in winning my battle against breast cancer.

Sometimes, people don't win their battle against cancer, but that can't stop us from trying and fighting, fighting harder than ever for those who lost their battle. God has his plans for us, and I believe God has great plans for Uncle Mike!

God Bless you Uncle Mike and your family, Linda, Dina, Tim, Jett, Mike and Paula


View Calling Hours

More Thanks from Christy's Crew

Click here to read more about our First Golf Tournament

Some pix

Here are some pix of my sister's visit and my Dad's visit.
Everyone wants a picture with me with no-hair....................

Christy's Crew 1st Annual Golf Tournament

We had our first Annual Christy's Crew Golf Tournament yesterday.
It was a great success! We made over $2,000 for Christy's Crew and Breast Cancer Research.

I would like to thank Ben Briggs, and Steve and Shannon Hersh for organizing such a wonderful event. And to Ben for doing such an outstanding job MCing the event.

We had 14 foursomes and at least 10 additional people for dinner. It was a fun, 9-hole tournament and the weather held up nicely. It was a fall day - with cool temps around 55-60 degrees and the threat of rain - but no rain. It was also very windy - but that did not stop anyone from playing stellar golf! The winning team scored a 29 (Franco Carusone's foursome). My team (the losing team) scored a 52. So - obviously we are out there on the course having fun, not golfing! Regardless of who won, everyone there had a great time, enjoying the nice fall weather, great company, good golf, good food and good drinks. Just ask Kristin (Captain Christy's Crew) - how many good drinks she had!?

Here are some photo's of the event:


Picture 1: Christy's Kodak friends.
Picture 2: Dennis Boyatzies and Scott Battle
Picture 3: Jamie Palmiere.
Picture 4: Sign on Christy's golf Cart
Picture 5: Jody's Tshirt
Picture 6: Cousin David DeCarlo's team

Crash Friday's No Longer!

I guess the Friday after Chemo is no longer a "crash" day.
I am at work and feeling fine. I have some muscle aches in my legs, but they are minor and dull. Really, like achy shin splints. My face is still a little itchy, but better.

I am just amazed at how, with Taxol, I don't even crash! That is great news! And only 2 more to go!

Christy

Strange Little Side Effect

I really am feeling totally fine after this round of chemo. And since my "crash" day last time went so well, I am actually going to come into work for tomorrow's "crash" day. If it is too much, I will go home. (Don't worry Alice).

No tingling of toes or fingers. And my thumbnails feel fine this time. But, I have an itchy face. Really weird! It started the evening of chemo (Tuesday). It was at it's worst that night and gradually got better yesterday. But, I still have it slightly today. It is so odd.....no rash or anything, just itchy. I talked to Gayle at Pluta, on Wednesday, she said to take some Benadryl and put some Aveeno anti-itch lotion on it.

She just called me, to see how I was. Just checking on me! I just love the nurses at Pluta! They are so busy there, but still take the time to call to check in on me! Now that is the kind of care every patient wants! I cannot say enough about The Pluta Cancer Center and the wonderful people that work there.

Christy's Crew Golf Tournament...This Saturday

This is reminder that this Saturday is our 1st Christy's Crew Golf Tournament, which we plan to make an annual fall event to raise awareness and money for Breast Cancer. As of right now, we're looking for at least 3 more golfers to fill a foursome, we'll take more complete groups too. It's going to be great event, where you may witness great golfing abilities along with the not so great. Following the round will be a buffet dinner along with many great raffle giveaways including a brand new golf bag. Click here for registration info.

Rock and Roll, Baby!

Six down - 2 to go! Rock on!

I just cannot believe I have had six treatments! Good day today!
Jamie and his brother, David, were my company today. I also met with my new friend, Tina, the Pluta social worker, Susan, and the Pluta massage therapist, Jean! And I talked to another survivor who just finished chemo, Barb. It was a very social day!

My white cells looked good, my red cell count rose 3 points due to the Procrit shot to raise my red cells - so I am only border line anemic vs. being anemic. I will continue to get a Procrit shot to keep the red cells from dropping too low (if they drop to low I will need a transfusion - and honestly, I REALLY don't want to do that).

They are so thrilled that I responded with little side effects to the Taxol too! My nurse, Gayle, got goosebumps when she found out how well I did! She really thinks I am responding incredibly well. And Dr. Yurinek when doing the breast exam, actually said, "it's in this area, right?"......meaning it really is not a defined mass anymore, just feels like dense tissue. Dr. Yurinek definitively said that my long term life expectancy is not affected whether I do a lumpectomy with radiation or a mastectomy. The effectiveness of the chemo (extremely effective) and the hormone treatment therapy - Tamoxifen are what give the long term success rates. He will order a breast MRI at my last treatment to get a good look inside to see if that helps determine a more definite path forward for surgery.

I also made a new friend at Chemo today - Tina. We exchanged numbers and email. She has an inspiring story as well. She was diagnosed with metastasized breast cancer 2 years ago (she has a 3 and 2 year old now) and is 36 years old. They immediately put her on chemo (all three drugs at once) and that, along with hormone treatments, has stopped and/or greatly slowed her cancer growth. She may be able to keep it at bay for a VERY long time. She is positive and determined to not let this get her! I invited her to join Christy's Crew (even if she does not do the walk) just to spend time with such a wonderfully energetic group of people!

I'll keep you posted on how I feel this week. But - with only 2 to go - I feel like I can almost touch that finish line!

Treatment #6!

Very exciting - today is treatment #6! Once today is done - I will only have 2 more treatments to go! Really incredible, how quickly this time has gone!

I am looking forward to today. I will talk with Dr. Yurinek and the nurses about surgery path forward. Hopefully, they will be able to shed additional light on which surgery path I should take. The goal with all of this: do everything now that ensures that I am a breast cancer survivor for another 40 + years!

Another little glitch - I have finally overcome this cold / sinus infection that I managed to hold on to for a month and a half! And last night - CJ started coughing, a very tight, croupy sounding cough! So - Jamie will call the doctor about CJ today, but I need to figure out how to quarantine myself from my sick child (and I am sure, soon to be sick children!). I have only 6 weeks of chemo to go, I really don't want another month and a half cold!

Lastly, we had our first Christy's Crew meeting last night at the local Starbucks. We had a good time and a lot of laughs - we will have so much fun together in Washington DC in May! One of the highlights of the meeting for me: a woman named Regina showed up at our meeting. She is an English teacher at the Victor Middle School, and is the teacher of one of the Carusone twins (Michelle is part of Christy's crew). Regina will be celebrating her 10 year anniversary as a breast cancer survivor on February 16, 2008! In addition, she has also done an Avon Walk for Breast Cancer - at the time is was a 3 day walk and she did it by herself! She talked to us about the experience and it was one of her best experiences ever! Regina also donated $100 to Christy's Crew - raised by the Victor Middle school teachers - they all paid money to wear jeans on Friday and the money goes to support breast cancer!

Regina also has a blog - My Cancer Odyssey - that is a link on our Christy's Crew blog. She is an energetic, inspiring person. Thank you, Regina!

Weekend Update

Just a few updates:

• Last weeks Uno Fundraiser raised $600.00 towards the Avon walk. Uno's had $3000.00 in lunches and dinners directly from our guests. Thanks to everyone for coming. Look for us to do this again next year.

• Christy's Crew was also featured in Fridays Daily Messenger (Canandaigua's Newspaper) It's a great article that further highlights the awesome fund raising efforts on behalf of Breast Cancer Awareness and Research.

Surgeon Update

I had an appointment with my surgeon yesterday.

The good news is that the tumor has shrunk enough that I can choose to have a lumpectomy if I want to. The bad news is that I have to choose what surgery to have. It is now completely up to me! Choices are good - but this is a tough decision and is one that I will need to do a lot of research on.

What I have learned from 24 hours of research: A lumpectomy with radiation has equal survival rate as a mastectomy. Recovery from a mastectomy is 4-6 weeks (and from what I hear, a pretty rough recovery). Recovery from a lumpectomy is 2 weeks but requires another 6 weeks of radiation every day.

In the end - I need to decide how worried I will be about recurrence with just a lumpectomy. Dr. Caldwell said his younger patients tend to lean toward a mastectomy because they think that will decrease the "worry" factor.

In addition - I can choose to have a double mastectomy. Since I do not have the gene, I have the same risk as anyone other female of developing breast cancer in the left breast (1% chance per year - so over 30 years I have a 30% chance of developing breast cancer). But, my counter to that is: I had that same chance (as the average female population) and did develop breast cancer in my right breast, whereas others haven't.

The pros and cons list is on..................
I will talk to my oncologist about this on Tuesday and the nurses at Pluta. I have an appointment with a Plastic Surgeon Friday October 26 - Dr. Marie Frankel - and she will be able to tell me options.

What I really need is info on 30 somethings and their decisions - because being this young - with so much longer life span makes a difference than my 50 something counterparts.

Hmmmmmm

Christy

The Bright Spot

If anyone missed it, here is Christy on the evening news. Christy's Crew was featured on the "Bright Spot" segment on 13 WHAM tonight. Celia is going to have a lot to talk about at school tomorrow !!

Christy will have more to blog on this later.

Uno's fundraiser

I don't have the totals of the Uno's fundraiser tonight.................
But - It was a huge success! We literally packed the restaurant and the Curbside -to-Go! I think that at least half our neighborhood did either to go or eat-in. I had friends from Kodak there that I have not seen in years (Dennis Buckley and Denise Pratt). We had Jamie's family, brothers, cousins, aunts and uncles. Our great friends, the Boyatzies and Chans, Laura Wallman and Wendy Wallman, Kristin's parents, aunts, uncles, and even friends of friends! It was truly amazing!

Channel 13 interviewed us for their "bright spot" story and a reporter from the daily messenger interviewed us. We will keep you posted as to when the stories will run.

The staff at Uno's had a great time, were just wonderful to us all and wore pink ribbons.


I am so thrilled at the turnout tonight! I really think we have developed something special in Christy's Crew - and we will be able to make a difference in our fight for a cure for breast cancer, as well as giving hope to those fighting breast cancer!

Thanks to everyone for coming out and supporting Christy's Crew tonight!

Christy

Kristin's Uno's post

THANK YOU!!

Ruth, Michelle, Shannon, Janelle, Erin, Christy, Karen, Celia, and Kristin

WOW. I swear, event after event I continue to be completely amazed at all of the people that come out to support Christy and Christy's Crew and our crusade to find a cure for breast cancer. The turn out tonight was amazing! The girl working the "Curb Side To-Go" and Take out said she had NEVER seen the take out that busy!! I think at one point all of the tables where full too!!

I will post more pictures tomorrow, but I wanted to get out a BIG THANK YOU from ALL of the Crew for all of your love and support. Tonight, just in donations in our Crew Piggy Bank we raised over $450.00!!! Uno's will then donate 20% off all of the checks that had a coupon there today. Another waitress told me that she had 5 coupons just on her lunch shift alone! I am not sure words can really express how much this whole experience means to all of us...we couldn't do it with out you!

With tonight's donations, today's corporate donations, and other donations yet to be sent in, this will bring us well over the $8000.00 raised mark.

Also, in case you didn't see them there, Channel 13 was at Uno's tonight to talk to us for their "Bright Spot" story. I believe it will air tomorrow at the 6:00 pm news, but I am not positive. If I get an exact time I will let you know, but keep watching! Also look for articles in the next couple of days in the Daily Messenger and the Victor Herald.

Christy's Crew THANKS YOU!

Go Crew!

Uno's Fundraiser Today

See You at Uno's Today!

Just a reminder that today, October 9th, is our Pizzeria Uno's fundraiser at the Uno's across from Eastview Mall in Victor. Just print the coupon below and bring it to Uno's ANYTIME today and Christy's Crew will get 20% of your check! See you today!

Easiest Friday after Chemo, yet!

So sorry I did not blog yesterday - I know everyone is so curious about how my chemo crash day went with the new chemo drugs. Well, let's just say - everyone (doctors, nurses and patients) told me that Taxol was much easier to tolerate than the AC combo I had been taking. And again, they were right.

I really did not crash yesterday. I didn't feel very tired. And had an enjoyable day hanging with my sister. She came to help - but, since I am feeling fine, we just had fun! I have some achiness in my leg muscles, thighs and calves, and that's it. So far - no tingling or numbness, and the achiness in my muscles is doable - just taking Tylenol for that.

Jackie and I took Celia and Connor to school yesterday. Went to pick up some groceries and then sat with the senior citizens at Papa Jack's Ice Cream shop for an afternoon ice cream cone! After that, we came home, watched a movie and then went to Kristin's for pizza and beer!

Definitely best chemo crash day, yet!

Also - it was my brother's 30th Birthday yesterday! Happy Birthday Keith! We love you!

p.s. Jackie thinks I should be studied for "bionic powers" against chemo. She cannot believe how physically well I am doing while I am being poisoned by chemo drugs! But - I did meet a woman at Pluta on Tuesday, that had as little chemo side effects as I have had..........so I really am not the only one!

Day 2 after Chemo #5

With all the excitement around the newspaper article and the increase in fundraising activity, I forgot to update everyone on how I am doing! Sorry!

I am doing well - at work yesterday and today. And feeling normal.
Remember - I am on a new drug now, Taxol, and they assured me that this drug does not cause nausea..........well, I guess they were right (at least so far). I have been taking no anti-nausea meds and have not felt on ounce of nausea and have been eating just fine! They still predict that I will have the Steroid crash, because they did give me steroids intravenously before treatment on Tuesday. But, I am not taking the anti-nausea drugs that had the steroid in it like last time. So, I am not sure if the crash will be as bad as the previous drug. Will keep you posted on that.

A weird little side-effect that has shown up - my thumb nails are sore. It's hard to describe the feeling - not tingling or numb - just sore. hmmmm They did say a side effect could be losing your nails (yuck - that grosses me out) but I am taking Vitamin B6 to help prevent that. So - I am hoping I am not losing my thumbnails!

I did get iron pills yesterday, to help with my anemia.

My sister, Jackie, flies in this afternoon to stay for the weekend! I am excited to see her. She is looking forward to spending "crash day" with me, watching movies! She has 3 kids under the age of 5 - so a movie day to her is heaven! Little does she know - that my 2 kids under the age of 4 will not let her watch a movie in peace!

Fundraising Princess

Take some time to read what a wonderful little girl has been doing. She is Kelsie Minard, Kristin Williams niece from downstate NY. Thanks for all you're doing Kelsie and can't wait to thank you in person

Jamie

Article in Poughkeepsie Journal


Kelsie's "Hope" Keychains on Ebay

1st Annual Christy's Crew Golf Tournament and Dinner

We are VERY pleased to announce that the 1st Annual Christy's Crew Golf Tournament and Dinner will take place at Ravenwood Golf Club, in Victor, NY on Saturday, October 20th at 3:30 PM.

The price the tournament is $75.00 per person, $275.00 per foursome, or $30.00 per person for DINNER ONLY. All proceeds will go to Christy's Crew.

The cost includes a 9 hole golf scramble at the beautiful Ravenwood Golf Course, golf cart including Pro-Link GPS System with live scoring, and a all-you-can eat Italian buffet including Chicken Parmesan, Lasagna, Meatballs, Penne in Alfredo Sauce, Seasonal Mixed Vegetables, Caesar salad, rolls, butter and coffee. There will also be a cash bar. Prizes will be awarded for contest winners, but since many of the members of Christy's Crew will also be golfing, we welcome both serious and fun golfers.

We also would like to invite all non-golfers to join us for dinner at 6:30 in the clubhouse. The price for dinner ONLY will be $30.00.

You can register by contacting Kristin Williams for a registration form, or by mailing all of your reach information along with a check made out to "Christy Palmiere" to Christy's Crew, PO BOX 116, Victor, NY 14564.

For specific information on the golf tournament, to sponsor a hole, or to donate a prize, please contact our Director of Golf Operations, Ben Briggs, at 924-3993.

Space is limited, and the registration deadline is October 12th, so REGISTER NOW!

Download Registration Form Here
**blog entry courtesy of Kristin Williams**

UNO Fundraiser

Want to help support Christy's Crew by eating a great meal? Print out this coupon and bring it Uno’s Chicago Grill in Victor (223-6100) on October 9th ONLY, and Uno’s will donate 20% of your bill to Christy’s Crew!

They will also accepting the coupon for takeout and their great “Curb Side T-Go” feature. You MUST have your coupon present for us to receive the 20% of your bill. Alcohol not included. Due to the number of people expected for this fundraiser, I strongly recommend making reservations or calling ahead.

Don’t Forget to Wear Your PINK

**blog entry courtesy of Kristin Williams**

Treatment #5 Down!

Today was an eventful day!
First of all, an article was printed today in the Rochester Newspaper - the Democrat and Chronicle about myself and Christy's Crew (our team name for the Breast Cancer Walk in Washington, DC). Here is the article - D&C Article

The article has really caught a lot of attention - at Pluta today - the nurses had already seen the article when I came in and called me a star! They showed all their patients the article and all the patients wanted to talk to me today! They all thought it was an inspiring article. I like the article and the pix. I don't like the title in the print version (the headline is different in the print version - it reads "Ailing Woman Inspires Action" - No body EVER uses the word "ailing" with me! I actually hate that word being associated with me........but it's the media, oh well!

My white cells were good once again! So, I did get my 5th treatment. But - my red cells have dropped to "anemic" levels. This does not stop treatment, but will now require me to get a weekly shot of Procrit to raise my red blood cells and to avoid needing blood transfusion. This shot will start next week once they get approval from Preferred Care. In addition, I need to take iron pills and eat iron rich foods. Funny thing is that anemia causes fatigue and I have not been fatigued (they attribute that to me being young and vibrant).
In addition, I need to keep my physical activity low until I can start getting the shots.

I need to look for different side effects - tingling in fingers and toes, and muscle and joint pains over the next 3-5 days due to the Taxol Chemo I have just received. Some people experience this, some don't. So- like everything else - let's hope that I don't have these side effects!

More to come - but 5 down and 3 to go! In the home stretch! YEAH!

Christy