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

Chemo Tuesday #5

Yeah - today is treatment #5! This is the downhill slide to being done with chemo!
Today is also the first day of my next round of chemo drugs, Taxol. They say this one is easier to tolerate than the last 2 cocktails I was on..............let's hope that is true in my case! I know they say is does not cause the nausea, puking side effect hence why they did not re-fill my anti-nausea meds this time. So, I am praying they are right!

Jamie is coming with me today - he really wants a break from the kids! And my friend, Linda, will also be stopping in to visit with me today.

I am really looking forward to having 5 done! Yee Haw

Making Strides For Breast Cancer Walk Sunday

Yesterday, a few members of Christy's Crew (Ruth Mcelheny, Kristin Sumner and myself) participated in the Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk in Rochester on Sunday morning. Here is a link to the article in the D&C .
About 9,000 people participated raising over $700,000 for Breast Cancer research and services!

We had a lot of fun doing this walk. And learned a lot about what it might be like in D.C. in May. This walk was only a 5K (3.2 miles) - DC will be 39.5 miles over 2 days!

First learning - with a crowd this large, and everyone walking (as opposed to a running 5K), the pace is what we call "lolly gagging". About 3 miles per hour. In a running 5K - the pack spreads out quickly as the faster runners move ahead and slower move behind, leaving more room in the streets. In the walk case, there was no spreading out. It was hard to get around people.

Second learning - it will be in our best interest (Christy's Crew) to do the training for the 39.5 miles - especially the endurance walks. This way we can see what body parts are tired or are giving out ahead of time - in order to build the strength there. Given this was only a 1 hour walk - we would need to multiply that times 7 hours to complete the 26 miles the first day in DC.




Overall - the experience was great! I met many breast cancer survivors.
My Surgeons office was walking - Genessee Valley Surgical.
I saw my oncologist walking - Dr. Brian Yurineck along with others from Pluta Cancer Center.
I also saw my Radiologist from Elizabeth Wende Breast Clinic - Dr. Destounis. She is the one who diagnosed me with Breast Cancer. We had an instant connection back in July and when I went up to her at the walk on Sunday - she gave me a hug and started to cry because I was doing so well! Too sweet - I told her "no crying!". Given she has so many diagnosis like this on a daily basis, events like this are probably very emotional for her! God Bless her!

Thanks to Ruth and Kristin for walking. And for Ruth's friend, Larry, who let us sign up for the event and walk with his team! By the Way - Larry is the person mentioned in the D&C article. His wife is a 5 year breast cancer survivor and is recently an ovarian cancer survivor!