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
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
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
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
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
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!
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!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
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,
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
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
Monday, November 12, 2007
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
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
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Victor Herald - Front Page
The Crew was featured in this weeks edition of the Hometown Victor Herald. For a more readable version click here
Friday, November 9, 2007
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
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
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
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.
Thanks to everyone!
Christy
p.s. I am doing fine - 1 week until my last treatment! I can't wait!
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.
Thanks to everyone!
Christy
p.s. I am doing fine - 1 week until my last treatment! I can't wait!
Friday, November 2, 2007
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
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
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