The New Adventures of the Palmiere Family

Weekend Highlights

2011-09-26T08:46:00.000-04:00

Our weekend started off with a Baseball game in Pittsford, where CJ had a few hits and played well in the field. He's doing well.

Next up was Celia's first cheer competition, All the practice has certainly paid off as you'll see in the video. Her 4th place finish was only a point off 3rd in an all around very close event. Celia starts out 3rd from the left and goes up in the middle in the first stunt.

Pittsford 35, Hilton 33

2011-09-10T07:49:00.000-04:00

Pittsford 35, Hilton 33

2011-09-08T15:57:00.002-04:00

Classic Wedding Sing a Long

2009-01-25T16:19:00.004-05:00

From the archives: This video has us laughing hysterically. This was taken at Jamie and Christy's wedding in 1996. It was OPEN bar reception - and this video is proof of that! My Dad stated - that he was the only sober person at this reception!

I really just love this video - it makes me laugh! I have a feeling a few people would wish this stayed in the archives..........

Stars of the video:

In the beginning - Linda Parrish, Anita Acosta, My Dad - (in the tux), his sister, my Aunt Linda, his brother, my Uncle Randy (he is the star and the one who misses all the words).

In the middle: Linda Parrish, Anita Acosta, Trudy Buehler, and my sister (who obviously wants to be a rock star!)

In the end: Linda, Anita, Jackie, Trudy, Scott and Loren Battle, Dennis Boyatzies.

Father and Son at Ball Game

2009-01-17T14:03:00.000-05:00

This picture is from 1963. My Dad and brother Mark at a Red Wings Game ( I think )

CJ the Skiier

2009-01-13T17:41:00.002-05:00

Rockin out with Nana

2008-12-26T19:39:00.003-05:00

Congratulations Christy

2008-11-10T17:00:00.009-05:00

Click picture for larger view

The Rochester Business Journal annually recognizes a group of young leaders that has made an impressive contribution to the Rochester Community. Christy has been included in the group of 40 this year. What an accpomplishment!

Rock the Vote...another one

2008-09-02T08:26:00.012-04:00

I discovered a great website and want you to be a part of it. Democrat and Chronicle is looking for the best photos of Rochester to be put in a full-color, hard-bound, coffee-table book.

I submitted some photos and would really appreciate you looking at them and voting. Everyone who submits a photo is eligible for some great prizes, and a discount on the book. The photos that get the most votes will be published in the book, so the book is truly the best of Rochester. Registration, voting, and submission are all free, so join me and help shape the Capture Rochester Project today!
Click on Jpalmiere below to see additional pictures for voting

Happy 1 Year Anniversary

2008-07-13T14:57:00.003-04:00

Well today - July 13, 2008 is the one year anniversary of my breast cancer diagnosis! It's been a whole year since I found out that I had breast cancer. And now I am cancer free!

It's hard to believe I am on the other side of that news - 1 year later!

I was told it would be a rough year, but that it was going to be a "glitch" in my life. And in all honesty, it was a tough year - but it already seems like just a glitch. Yah - I would rather never have to go through chemo again, or have another surgery, but.....as hard as those things were - I am truly thankful I was able to do them, to save my life and to give me new perspective on life. It's like I have a new chance - to do so much more!

I feel great - 1 year later! My hair is growing back wonderfully. The short cut is rather cute! It is very curly (coming from someone who had pin straight hair before this). I am working out 6 times per week - swimming 1 mile 3 times per week, running 3 miles 2-3 times per week and working out with my personal trainer 2 times per week. Working full time. Loving my family. Going on vacation. Life is good.

It just goes to show "you can't control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond to it". Once I got the news - I just focused on the tasks at hand, powered through, completed the treatment regimen, and here I am. Having a wonderfully, enjoyable summer! It actually feels weird to be on this side of the treatments, knowing where my mind/ emotions/body were last summer.

I have learned a lot about myself. I really am stronger than I thought. More positive than I thought. More spiritual than I thought. More emotional than I thought. And have stronger family and friends than I thought. So many people came out to support me. That was so incredibly empowering and emotionally uplifting!

As a result of all of this - I will continue to give back to the breast cancer / cancer community. It is my calling. It is my responsibility. It is my pleasure! It makes me whole. I give back because I can - because I am alive and because others gave back before me, that saved my life.

Enough for now - it is a good day today! I am so happy to be on this side of the treatment!

p.s. and I LOVE my new boobs!

Avon Walk - The Slideshow

2008-05-22T15:41:00.002-04:00

Here is a quick slideshow I put together from the Avon Walk photos. Look close you might see a celebrity with Christy. The song to go with it is from the latest American Idol Winner, David Cook.

CJ's Wild Ride

2008-05-20T17:05:00.001-04:00

This ia photo reenactment of CJ's latest attempt on pushing us over the edge. No I didn't take the time to run and get the camera.

CJ was playing outside and I went in to do something. I then went in garage to open the garage door. I started to do something when I heard....Daaaaadddyyyyy !! Not in a terrified manner. I turned, I looked and to my surprise there goes CJ being raised by the garage door. All that I saw were his PJ bottoms and green froggy rain boots heading to certain disaster. I proceed to act quickly and dive towards CJ (not easy to do in a garage full of toys, bikes and bounce houses. Typical of CJ, it did not phase him a bit. He just went for a ride on the garage door. He must have grabbed the handle of door just as I hit the button. So now we all know now that a garage door will lift an extra 30 lbs no problem. CJ and I had a long talk and we'll try to make sure it doesn't happen again....What can he do next ??

Jamie

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer - DC 2008

2008-05-07T06:42:00.007-04:00

It was such a fantastic weekend!
We walked 39.3 miles throughout Washington DC in 2 days! All to raise money for breast cancer research and support. It was such an incredible experience.

Christy's crew raised $45,000! The walk in DC raised $8.1 million and had around 4000 walkers.

More pix and stories to come -

Let's just say - I am so dedicated to finding a cure. I walked 18 miles on Saturday on terrible blisters on the balls of my feet despite a nurse urging me to stop walking. And another 13 miles on Sunday - in which I will now lose another toenail as a result.

But - I am proud. Very proud to have been so dedicated. And I am proud that I was able to do all of that so shortly after having fought the battle of my life. Just 1 and 1/2 month ago I finished radiation. Just 4 and 1/2 months ago I had a double mastectomy. And 5 months ago I finished 8 rounds of chemo!

I am very proud of my strength to be able to accomplish such an incredible challenge so soon after all of that!

My friend Ruth got me a pin from another walker that said "Blisters don't need chemo"! I had blisters - I had chemo! I walk because I can!

Thank you to all who supported me and donated to our cause! Together we will find a cure!

Here's the back of our Sunday T-shirt! People took pictures of our backs all day long!

DC or Bust

2008-04-28T20:20:00.002-04:00

We are so close to being in the Top 10 fund raising teams for our walk this weekend!
We have raised over $40,000 to find a cure for breast cancer!

If you have not given yet - and can, please do so! 5 Days to Go!

Forecast looks like rain and more rain and maybe even some thunder! 39 miles in the rain! Camping in the rain! Now, that's dedication to finding a cure for breast cancer!

Please sponsor a walker today!

Click here to sponsor me

Christy's Crew on Youtube

2008-04-26T10:42:00.000-04:00

Rochester Red Wings Game - Pluta Cancer Center

2008-04-23T10:04:00.005-04:00

I am so excited!

On Sunday, May 11th - Mother's Day, there is a Rochester Red Wings Game that is sponsored by Pluta Cancer Center. The players will be wearing special pink jersey's in honor of breast cancer awareness and these jersey's will be auctioned off at the game with the proceeds going to Pluta Cancer Center.

Yesterday, the Pluta social worker, Sue Vetter, asked me if I would be interested in throwing out the FIRST PITCH at this very special game! I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to do this! Given everything I had to go through in the past year - the people who work at Pluta made the process so much easier! I cannot speak more highly of the nurses, doctors and staff at Pluta. This is such an honor for me!

If you are in Rochester that day - please join in the fun and come to the game.

If you are out of town - there will be plenty of pictures and video to share!

Now - I am off to the ball diamond at the local park to practice pitching a baseball! I don't want to make a fool of myself!

Updates

2008-04-20T16:32:00.003-04:00

There is so much less information for me to post these days on the status of my breast cancer treatments.

I am doing very well. I had follow-up appointments with my plastic surgeon, my chemo oncologist, and my radiation oncologist this past week.

I will meet with my radiation and chemo oncologists every six months right now to keep tabs on how I am doing. But all reports are great! My white blood cell counts are back up to a "normal" persons counts (4.4) - normal range is 4.5 - 8.o (or something around there). they won't give you chemo if the counts drop below 1.5. Mine never dropped that low. But - in Feb they tested my white cell count and it was only 2.5 (still well below normal). But, I guess it takes time to regenerate those white blood cells!

I am still taking Tamoxofin - this is an estrogen blocking drug that helps prevent recurrence of hormone receptive breast cancer. I will be on this for 5 years. I have very few side effects from this drug. Because it is an estrogen blocking drug - it blocks my body from producing estrogen so the side effects are the same as those of menopause. Basically - I am in menopause while on this drug. But- luckily, I don't have many menopause side effects like hot flashes or mood swings.

Now I just spend my time, working and training for my 39 mile walk that is in 2 weeks. I feel like a totally normal person with a busy walking schedule!

Note: this part may be TMI for some people - skip to next post if you don't want to read about nipples -

All reports are good from my plastic surgeon. I have healed well from surgery and now need to think about getting nipple put on my breasts. We decided we would discuss it more in the fall. I wanted to have the summer off and this is just not one of the highest priorities for me. It turns out this is a pretty simple procedure. It is done in my plastic's office operating room with local anesthesia. The trick is that I have to wear loose fitting shirts for 3 months so the nipple does not smoosh. This includes tanks, cami's and swimsuits. So - in the fall I will go back to visit her and decide what I will do from there.

OOO RAHH

2008-04-10T22:16:00.005-04:00

I'll have more to add on this later, in the meantime, I just wanted to test how this picture looked online. For those who may not know, my nephew Matt enlisted in United States Marine Corps and left for Parris Island, SC this past January. He is currently embarked on the CRUCIPLE, which is the final test towards becoming a Marine. I borrowed this info below to explain better.

The culmination of recruit training is the Crucible, an intense field training exercise designed to build unit cohesion, reinforce core values, and complete the transformation from recruit to Marine. The Crucible is the defining moment of the recruit training experience. As a right of passage, the 45 Concepts and Issues Crucible is a 54-hour ordeal that tests the mettle of every recruit (and DI). The physical and mental challenges are intensified by sleep and food deprivation.

The Crucible focuses on six major field events and is augmented by eleven challenging Warrior Stations. Throughout this rapid paced exercise, emphasis is placed on the importance of teamwork in overcoming adversity
and adaptive problem solving. The teams of recruits, under the leadership of their drill instructor, succeed as a team. The experience pushes recruits to their limits and is a poignant culmination to the transformation process.

So, his platoon left for the Cruciple at 2am Thursday morning and will finish Saturday morning. During that time, he will be allowed 8 hours sleep, no not in a row and maybe not even that much and he will be carrying 2.5 meals. Upon finishing, they will be treated to a feast fit for Warriors.

Aside from letter writing, Matt has been totally cut off from home during this 13 weeks. Next Friday is Graduation Day and along with his parents, grandparents, myself and other family members, we are taking the trip to South Carolina to celebrate. We're all looking forward to seeing what he has become.

Oh, the picture above is for a shirt that we all will all be wearing on Thursdays Family Day.

More to come later.

Jamie

Feeling Great!

2008-03-30T18:55:00.005-04:00

I apologize, I have been a slacker when it comes to posting on this blog.
Thanks to the person who reminded me to update.

So here it goes!

It has been almost 3 weeks since I finished radiation. I feel totally fine. The burn that radiation left on my right collar bone is gone. I haven't been tired since the last week of radiation. And my hair is growing well!

We just had a fantastic family vacation to Sarasota, Florida. We were down there for a week. Spent time on the beach, in the pool and took the kids to Disney World for a day! We had a great time! But, traveling with a 2 and 1/2 year old and 4 and 1/2 year old really wears you out! Jamie and I need a vacation from our vacation! Adults only!

Here's a picture of Celia, myself and CJ. You can see all the hair that I have been able to re-grow! And the short do is kind of nice!
Jamie and the kids at the pool at Pop Century Resort in Disney World. They had a great time!

Side Effects

2008-03-15T16:48:00.002-04:00

I am still done!
But, I did not escape radiation without any side effects. With only 3 treatments left to go (last Friday), I was still feeling great!

Well, this past week I was very tired (exhausted, actually) and I did develop a skin irritation on my right collar bone. They gave me special cream to help the itching of this skin irritation. That helps. Being able to not wear a bra (the strap rubs the area), also helps (something I never would have been able to get away with before)!

And I pushed my way through the tiredness. I continued to do my walk training (not without complaints) and managed to walk 10 miles this morning.

I do feel a lot less tired today - and I expect this will get better each day now since I have no more treatments. So, in light of everything, this is all so minor and I'M STILL DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-12T15:12:00.002-04:00

I am done!
This morning was my last radiation treatment!
And, I got to ring the bell at Pluta again!

Only 3 more radiation to go!

2008-03-07T06:45:00.002-05:00

After this morning's treatment -
Only 3 more to go! Next Wednesday is my last radiation treatment!
It's amazing. This radiation time has gone by so fast! Having it a apart of your daily routine makes it fly by - it's like getting coffee every morning (only it's out of the way, and I have to take my shirt off!). But.....you get the point. And no side effects at all. No tiredness. No skin irritations. No nothing.

My time is so limited these days with my daily trips to Pluta, my training program for the 39 mile Avon walk, work and the family, it will be really nice to get something off my plate!

Also - this is the last BIG milestone to complete in my quest to kick my cancer's ass! First chemo (check, done), then surgery (check, done), last radiation (check, almost done)! It's technically over, when radiation is over!

The rest of the drugs are just long term maintenance (tamoxofin, herceptin) - making sure my breast cancer never returns. Herceptin lasts a year and tamoxofin lasts for 5 years.

So -on Wednesday - I will be done with my cancer treatments, not just done with radiation! I never really put it into that perspective - as I have always just focused on doing it and plowing through. Well - I guess I am almost through! Wah Hoo

Christy

Successful Silpada Fundraiser

2008-03-02T10:40:00.006-05:00

A few weeks ago - Christy's Crew held a fundraiser selling Silpada Jewelry.
This was a very special event. Not only did the profits of the event go to our Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, the hostess jewelry gifts went to Pluta Cancer Center where I get my cancer treatments.

The event was a huge success. We raised $900 for our Avon walk and purchased 29 pieces of jewelry ($1000 worth of jewelry) for Pluta Patients!

I wrapped all the boxes of jewelry and placed them into a basket to deliver to Pluta. Susan Vetter, the social worker at Pluta, will distribute this jewelry as a gift to patients who need a "pick-me-up" during their treatments. We are so excited to be able to brighten someones day with this small gift! It really does make you feel like you are making a difference in someones life!

I cannot thank Kristen Williams, our Silpada rep, enough for this generosity! And Shannon - Christy's Crew member for coordinating this fundraiser.

Here are some pix of the jewelry:

Uno's Fundraiser - Huge Success!

2008-03-01T09:36:00.002-05:00

The Uno's fundraiser this week was a huge success! Thanks to all who participated! This fundraiser is a lot of fun for Christy's Crew.

We made around $600 from the total of around $3000 dinner and lunch sales! And this was during inclement weather!

We sold $100 worth of pink ribbons, Jamie's chocolate, donations, etc.

In addition, we held a 50/50 raffle. Of which the winner donated his winning back to the Crew! The winner of the 50/50 raffle was Kiran Chava - he works with me at Coopervision. So, that raffle generated $372! Thanks Kiran for putting the winnings back to our cause!

Here are some pix from the event: check out the Christy's Crew blog

Uno Fundraiser - All Day today

2008-02-26T12:12:00.004-05:00

Christy's Crew is holding their 2nd Fundraiser at Uno's Victor location today. Come brave the snowy weather for lunch or dinner this evening. If it turns really ugly, don't sweat it, we'll have more events you can take part in another time. Or you can have someone drive over to pick up takeout.

The picture above is the shirts we'll be selling tonight and available while they last. This is our Jr. Crew shirt. We have adults sizes too with a quote on the back.

Click here for the Coupon, you'll need

Over halfway done with Radiation!

2008-02-22T14:02:00.002-05:00

Had my 15th of 28 radiation treatments today! Over halfway done and no side effects so far. Only 2 and 1/2 weeks to go.

It has really been uneventful. Which is good - uneventful is very good!

Valentine's Surprise

2008-02-16T07:43:00.004-05:00

On Valentine's Day - I got a surprise.
Jamie delivered roses, balloons and these stuffed animal monkeys to my office! I have never had a delivery to my office before! I was shocked!

He was in kahootz with Alice (Christy's Crew member and Coopervision co-worker). He called her on her cell phone, in the middle of our meeting. I gave her a nasty look - like your cell is ringing, turn it off! She answered it and then left the room mid sentence! I was actually a little annoyed with her! I was thinking - "Damn you - we're busy we need to get this done!" Then she returns with Jamie right behind her! I had to laugh! And quickly forgave, Alice.
The two monkeys represent Celia and CJ ! Clever! 3 roses - one from each of them and 3 balloons - one from each!

So sweet - and all I got them was candy! Celia got Belle chocolates. CJ got Superman chocolates. And Jamie got a bag full of Starbursts, Mike n Ike's etc....he loves that sugar candy stuff!

On top of it all - I also got a Silpada bracelet that I was eying at our Silpada fundraiser for Christy's Crew Last Saturday. I think I am being spoiled!

2nd Week Radiation Done!

2008-02-15T09:27:00.002-05:00

Another 5 radiation treatments completed! Still feeling fine with no skin irritations or tired side effects! Yeah! So far, so good!

I did learn this week that my white blood cell count is still on the low side. This worried me for about a day - until I went back to Pluta the next day and talked to my chemo nurse. I told her my count (2.5) and she thought that was not very low. She also said - it takes a while to get the white cells back up from all the chemo. And that radiation can also affect the white cell counts. So - my white cells aren't as high as a person who has not had chemo, but they are not any where near as low as when I was on chemo. Nothing to worry about. Just the normal process, I guess!

1st week of radiation done!

2008-02-08T16:03:00.000-05:00

1 week down - 4 and 1/2 to go!
That was simple. So far, so good. Getting radiation first thing in the morning is just a simple part of my daily routine. I drive to Pluta, change into a hospital gown, lay on a table for 5ish minutes, the machine makes some noise, then I leave, get changed, drive to work and the day has begun. I do it all again the next day.

Busy Christy's Crew weekend ahead!

Smilin' through it all

2008-02-07T12:55:00.001-05:00

Here is a sampling of the many faces and hairstyles of Christy over the past 8 months.

My Hair

2008-02-05T19:27:00.000-05:00

OK -
so I know everyone keeps asking about my hair (at least those who don't see me everyday). So, here it is. It is about 1/2 inch long and filling in pretty well. It's still straight and baby soft. And - the worst part- it's REALLY gray! I mean REALLY gray! It's hereditary - I got my first gray hair when I was 16, and have been full-out coloring my hair since I was in my late 20s.

I've been dying to just wear my hair out and about, but it is so gray, I couldn't stand it. All I could see was this old person in the mirror! So, today, I went to my hairdresser (for the first time in 6 months!) and got my hair colored. I am so happy I did!

When CJ and Celia walked in the door tonight - CJ said "Mommy, your hair looks pretty!".............I asked Jamie if he put CJ up to that - and he siad no, he came up with it on his very own. So, I know it must be 100 times better now that it is brown again!

I am very excited to have it continue to grow - It looks fine now, but I would like more hair. At least the hair I now have is brown! Thank God for hair colors! Most women don't know how much gray they really have, I got a chance to know, and let's just say "not knowing is much better!".

Here's the photos (not my best pictures but they will have to do):

Before:
After:

1st Radiation Treatment

2008-02-04T12:45:00.000-05:00

February 4, 2008 = first of 28 radiation treatments.

It went fine. My appointment is at 8am every day. I was in my car by 8:20am. I didn't feel anything. It's like getting an XRay. I just lay there and the machine "radiates".
I was at work by 9am and that's with a stop at Rite Aid. (I fell on some black ice in the parking lot at Pluta while I was leaving and got a boo boo on my thumb. I needed to get neosporin and band aids. You would think that after living in Rochester for 15 years, I would know better than to not wear my boots outside in the winter!)

Potential side effectsof radiation: skin rashes / burning (over time, most people don't get bad burns, just irritation after a few weeks) and tiredness (again, cumulative - my doc said it would feel like I spent the day in the sun - nothing like chemo tired).

So - I am expecting that this process will go smoothly. Just 27 more times! Like groundhog day - every day!

Ramping up for the last leg of treatment

2008-02-02T09:07:00.001-05:00

Radiation!
I have spent the past week prepping for radiation. It's amazing how much prep work goes into radiation. Technology is so good - they can radiate only my breast and axillary lymph area without it affecting any of my other organs. To do so, requires a lot of prep.

First, I had a breast area cat scan for them to determine where my heart, lungs, etc are in relation to the area they will be radiating. Then, I went to the "simulation" room at Pluta where they used the cat scan and radiation / Xray equipment to mark the exact areas on the machine and my body where I will be radiated. This helps so that the machines are set to my exact measurements each and every time I go for radiation. Lastly, I went to lay under the actual radiation machine, ensuring the measurement and markings are correct, the machine is set and more Xrays were taken.

None of this was painful. I was just surprised at the prep work involved! Radiation is an individualized process that is an exact science.

So - Monday begins my 28 sessions of radiation - 8am every day at Pluta, M-F! I should be done on March 12, 2008. The sessions last about 15 min each day.

First Week Back to Work

2008-02-01T07:45:00.000-05:00

I am in process of completing my first week back at work! And it felt GREAT to be back! I have felt fine and it's good to have the entire household get back to some normal routines. I was out of work for 6 weeks with this surgery and even though it seemed like a lifetime while going through the surgery recovery, looking back it seems like just yesterday I went out for surgery!

It has been a busy week. Not only have I had work, I have had to squeeze in my walk training and a lot of doctor appointments getting ready for radiation.

But - Ruth, Alice and I have been doing our walk training together at lunch time. We even brought our Logility consultant, Michele, with us one day, in replace of eating lunch out. We just ate while we worked (who doesn't?).

More Christy's Crew Fundraisers

2008-01-25T09:54:00.000-05:00

These 3 fundraisers will probably be our only fundraisers this spring before the walk. With the training schedule (leading up to walking 39 miles) we have very little time any more to fund raise. Luckily - at least half of our money is already raised for the walk.

These are the last 3 fundraisers:

1) February 9, Saturday at Iron Butterfly - Silpada Party (click on this link for more details)
All proceeds from the party go to Christy's Crew and the hostess gifts of jewelry will be donated to patients at Pluta Cancer Center. Ordering on-line is also available. So please pass the word! It's for a great cause - and Silpada is GREAT jewelry!
2) February 12, Tuesday at Super Suppers
See previous post.
3) February 26, Tuesday at Chicago Uno's Grill - Victor, NY by Eastview Mall
Second Uno's fundraiser - the first was a smashing success! Click here for more details and a coupon to print and bring with you to Uno's!

Lastly, I have already met my $1800 goal for my Avon Walk Goal. Other members of the Christy's Crew have not me their goal, yet. All the money goes to a wonderful cause - Breast Cancer support and research (the more money made, the more chances we have of finding a cure!). If you want to donate to our cause you can do it many ways.
1) Send a check payable to Avon Walk for Breast Cancer to
Christy Palmiere
c/o Christy's Crew
PO Box 116
Victor, NY 14564
We will then apply your donation to a Christy's Crew walker who needs the money to meet their $1800 goal.

2) Click on this link Christy's Crew webiste
Scroll down, on the right hand side lists all the walkers walk pages.
Click on any of these walkers and it will take you to their Avon Walk page
Once there, click on the pink "Click here to support me" and follow the directions
All donations will be made on-line via credit card with this process.
OR
Just click on one of these walker links below and follow above directions:
Specific walkers that could use your help: Alice (Heim - friend from Kodak and now Coopervision), Janelle (Allen - friend and neighbor), Kristin S. (Sumner - Freind from Kodak), Michelle (friend and neighbor), Sandra (Sandy Lane) - friend from Kodak, Jackie (Bense - friend from Kodak), Traci (Wenzel - Kristin Williams cousin).

Thanks so much for your help and generosity! Without having all the funds raised before me, I would not be looking at the "cancer free" prognosis that I have today! I am so incredibly grateful for the money and progress made in the fight against breast cancer! Together, we can help find a cure!

Christy

Christy's Crew Fundraiser

2008-01-23T14:35:00.001-05:00

Our next Christy's Crew Fundraiser is on Tuesday, February 12 at 6:30pm at Super Suppers in Perinton , NY (across from Martin's).

If you have never done a Make n Take or Super Suppers before, you must try this! In my opinion - it is one of the best dinner ideas going! If you are a working Mom, like me, you have barely any time to put a decent dinner on the table - and aren't you sick of mac n cheese or pasta and sauce or grilled chicken and broccoli?..............

At Super Suppers - you can sign up under the Christy's Crew party and we will get 10% of the entire party. You pick from a menu, they have all the ingredients there and measured for you. all you have to do is put the ingredients together as the recipe calls for, bring it home, freeze it, pull it out when you want to eat it, heat it up and Voila' you have a meal! I just love it!

If you are a gourmet chef - these meals might not be to your liking. But, if you Can barely cook (like me) these meals are VERY good!

Here's the info to sign up!

Hi Everyone,
I hope everyone is ready to make room in their freezers because the Super Suppers fundraiser is a go!! We have a few options we were given. A private party has been set up for February 12th at 6:30. You can register by:
1. Calling 223-4190
2. OR going to
Hi Everyone,
I hope everyone is ready to make room in their freezers because the Super Suppers fundraiser is a go!! We have a few options we were given. A private party has been set up for February 12th at 6:30. You can register by:
1. Calling 223-4190
2. OR going to http://www.ssperintonny.com/?gclid=CIfLmfKOjZECFQEMIgodXGBI_Q and go to the calendar and click on the Christy's Crew party
User ID - Christy
Password - Crew
For anyone who would like to participate in this fundraiser but can not make it to the party a walk in or pick up option during the day is available, so please email anyone who you think might be interested. When you register you will be asked to pick out the number of meals, full(4-6 serving) or half( 2-3 serving) portions, and also which meals(a minimum of 3 and up to 6). We are allowed to bring 2 bottles of wine and appetizers and refreshments will be provided. If anyone is interested on Feb 6th they are having a tasting of February's menu for $5.00/person. Please email if you have any trouble signing up. Hope to see you there!!
Janelle Allen and go to the calendar and click on the Christy's Crew party
User ID - Christy
Password - Crew
For anyone who would like to participate in this fundraiser but can not make it to the party a walk in or pick up option during the day is available, so please email anyone who you think might be interested. When you register you will be asked to pick out the number of meals, full(4-6 serving) or half( 2-3 serving) portions, and also which meals(a minimum of 3 and up to 6). We are allowed to bring 2 bottles of wine and appetizers and refreshments will be provided. If anyone is interested on Feb 6th they are having a tasting of February's menu for $5.00/person. Please email if you have any trouble signing up. Hope to see you there!!
Janelle Allen

Radiation Therapy

2008-01-23T13:59:00.001-05:00

I guess I forgot to post this info:
I will start radiation therapy the first week in February. This will last for 5 and 1/2 weeks or 28 daily treatments (M-F). The radiation is very localized and in total will take about 15 minutes every day. No biggie - very few side effects - chances of skin burns and some tiredness. Most women I have talked to have very few, if any, side effects from radiation.

So - By mid-March I will be done! And I have already booked our family vacation to Florida the following week! I am sure we will all need that trip by then!

Compression Sleeve

2008-01-23T13:38:00.000-05:00

Today I went and got my very own compression sleeve and gauntlet! What's that, you say? Well, it is a tight, spandex type sleeve that I wear over my right arm and hand to keep fluid flowing so that I do not end up with Lymphedema (swelling in the arm and hand).

I need to wear this sleeve for the entire time I am undergoing radiation therapy (5 and 1/2 weeks) all day. I can take it off at night.

Because I had my axillary lymph nodes removed (because cancer was found in 2 of them so they removed the rest during my mastectomy), I have a greater chance of getting Lymphedema. One of the functions of lymph nodes, besides protection from infection, is to keep fluid flowing throughout your body. When you have less lymph nodes, fluid can build up. In my case, this is in my right arm. Radiation, greatly increases my chances of lymphedema so the compression sleeve will help prevent lymphedema from occurring.

Here is some info on lymphedema
More on lymphedema with a picture of a compression sleeve

Exercise also helps prevent lymphedema and most people don't develop it. The compression sleeve and exercise are pro-active treatments to prevent occurrence.

I have to say, I am glad it is winter for this fun! The sleeve really is not uncomfortable, but it would look silly with a tank top and incredibly uncomfortable on a 90 degree day! It will keep me warm on these 10 degree days this winter!

I'm Free!

2008-01-18T14:28:00.000-05:00

I saw Dr. Frankel today and she has removed my restrictions! I am healing well - all looks good! I need to keep working on my range of motion exercises. I get to drive, FINALLY! I get to start working out (slowly, being reasonable and smart). I get to go back to work on Monday January 28, 2008.

I am so excited about this news! I feel freed!

Yesterday, Dr. Caldwell (my mastectomy surgeon) said "Happy 2008 and your cancer free!" What a great statement to hear! I have been so busy focusing on recovering from this surgery, that I neglected to cherish the thought that I am now considered "cancer free"! Maybe this is because I still had recovering to do and I am still going to undergo radiation.

Radiation will begin the first week in February and will go for 5 and 1/2 weeks. Completion mid-March.

Click to Give

2008-01-15T09:05:00.002-05:00

The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman. It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on "donating a mammogram" for free (pink window in the middle).

This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate mammogram in exchange for advertising.

Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know.

The Breast Cancer Site

Permanent Implants

2008-01-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

Another surgery down! As of yesterday!
I had surgery yesterday morning to replace my expander implants with my permanent implants. This surgery was much more simple than the last surgery - by far! I went in at 5:45am yesterday morning and was home by 1pm yesterday. I feel fine. No real pain, even this morning. I am back to being chained to the recliner for 2 days - no real movements so that I can give the incisions time to heal! This time I will follow the instructions to the tee! I don't want to slip backward when I was starting move forward with recovery.

Kodak Donations to Christy's Crew Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

2008-01-05T10:04:00.000-05:00

Over the holiday's I received this gift from some of my Kodak friends. I worked with the organizer of this activity, Judy Bueg, during my last year of employment at Kodak. As with all the people I have worked with at Kodak, Judy is a wonderful friend! She has been keeping up on my blog and sending encouraging words during my entire treatment. Judy, tried to get Kodak to give a corporate donation to Christy's Crew, Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. She was unsuccessful in this endeavor (Kodak has very strict policies on philanthropic donations. I understand why - being a Fortune 500 company, they need to restrict and have rules on how they disperse cash otherwise everyone would ask them for donations.) This did not stop Judy! She contacted other Kodak friends of mine and generated this ground campaign to raise money for Christy's Crew Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. She presented me with the money from the campaign before Christmas. They raised around $500 for donation's to Avon Walk for Breast Cancer!

This was a wonderful gift. It is really special to me - as it came from so many of my friends at Kodak that I have met throughout my entire career. I was the link between all these people as most of them had never met each other during their careers. Judy made the connections and got them all together to help raise money!

Everyone who leaves Kodak, moving on to retirement or other careers, always says that they really miss the people at Kodak. They are kind, generous people and we have always carried a special bond as we all worked hard to try to keep the company afloat amidst the film to digital transformation. This kindness has come through loud and clear in all the Kodakers that have donated to our Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, as well as provided me so much support during my treatments. I have received cards, emails, donations, gifts, lunches, etc from so many of my Kodak friends! I have even received emails from strangers that have been diagnosed with breast cancer, hearing about my blog from a fellow Kodakers!

Thank you Judy and the rest of my Kodak Friends!

Christy

Drain is Finally out!

2008-01-04T13:52:00.001-05:00

Yeah! I finally got my last drain out today! Woo hoo! It's about time!
I have spent the past week and a half with my left arm in a sling, not moving it, doing NOTHING, in order to get the left side to stop draining blood. It wasn't draining a lot of blood, but enough that my doctor did not want to take the drain out. The past 2 days it was finally draining little enough for her to take the drain out this morning!

And, I anticipated this to hurt. When she took the right drain out - it hurt so bad! I was very surprised by how much it stung for a minute or two after she removed it - profanities came out of my mouth when she removed it! This time, it did not hurt at all. And I was even sweating - worried about how much it would hurt!

Now, this does NOT mean that I am to be back to running around - per Dr. Frankel. She still wants me to wear the sling and sleep on the recliner (this keeps me from tossing and turning at night - less stress on my pec muscles). but - I can now take a full shower or bath! How exciting!

I will be having surgery again on January 9 - next Wednesday. This surgery will be to replace the expander implants with the real / permanent implants. I was on the "rapid expansion" path so that I could start radiation as soon as possible. You cannot get radiation with the expanders. And normal expansion process takes 4-6 months.

That's all for now.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-27T08:55:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-12-24T09:55:00.002-05:00

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

2007-12-24T09:44:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-21T14:49:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-21T07:59:00.001-05:00

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

2007-12-21T07:30:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-19T07:21:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-16T06:53:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-14T18:29:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-13T15:03:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-12T20:52:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-12T14:46:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-11T20:20:00.000-05:00

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......

2007-12-11T09:22:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-08T11:44:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-08T08:33:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-06T10:28:00.000-05:00

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

Grandpa and Grandma Elf too

Surgery Prep

2007-12-04T06:41:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-27T06:34:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-11-22T14:08:00.002-05:00

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

2007-11-20T03:53:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-16T11:12:00.000-05:00

8 Chemo's Done! 11/13/07

2007-11-13T22:02:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-11-13T07:08:00.001-05:00

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.....

2007-11-12T07:19:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-10T12:48:00.001-05:00

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!

2007-11-09T07:04:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-07T06:03:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-02T07:58:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-10-30T19:31:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-10-30T07:25:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-27T08:09:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-25T21:05:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-22T13:49:00.000-04:00

Click here to read more about our First Golf Tournament

Some pix

2007-10-21T15:40:00.001-04:00

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

2007-10-21T15:07:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-10-19T13:07:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-18T15:31:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-18T11:58:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-10-16T17:55:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-10-16T07:08:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-15T09:36:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-12T10:38:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-10T21:11:00.001-04:00

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

2007-10-09T23:05:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-09T23:04:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-09T07:05:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-10-06T08:03:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-04T09:27:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-03T11:36:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-02T20:17:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-02T17:48:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-10-02T15:54:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-02T07:14:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-01T09:55:00.000-04:00

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!

Breast Cancer Fundraising events

2007-09-27T07:19:00.001-04:00

Some upcoming Rochester area breast cancer fund raising events...........

Friday Night-
The proceeds for this event goes to SIS - Sensational In Survival. This organization provides funds to breast cancer patients who are having trouble paying their bills. The event looks like a lot of fun. It's called Chicks with Picks and is at the German House - a bunch of bands will play. Here is a link to the site. SIS Website

Sunday Morning -
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K walk at Frontier Field. Some of us from Christy's Crew will be walking this 5K as a practice walk for our crazy 39.5 mile walk in May! You don't need to fund raise ahead of time - donations are, of course, welcome - at the time of sign-up. Here is the link to the site. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K

October is breast cancer awareness month so more events to come.

Do not have Breast Cancer Gene

2007-09-25T11:44:00.000-04:00

I just found out the results of my genetic testing.
I do not have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene - that can cause hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
This is good news for my family and myself. With this news - I have no greater chance of getting Ovarian Cancer than the average woman (which I think is 1% chance). If I had the gene - I would have had a 30%+ chance of getting ovarian cancer. So - this eliminates that worry and eliminates the need for me to decide to remove my ovaries. Great!

Also - my sister, who was stressed about these results, also has no greater chance of getting breast or ovarian cancer. Same goes for our daughters. This is a huge relief for them! If they had the gene - they would have an 86% chance of developing breast cancer.

It still does not give me a root cause as to why I developed breast cancer, except that 1 in 7 women get breast cancer. Still unexplained as to why.

Now - there is still unexplained family history on my Dad's side. Either, there are other genetics we cannot test for, yet, or it's just luck of the draw. My Dad's sister and my Dad's cousin both are breast cancer survivors. So - as a family, we need to be aware and have increased screening for breast cancer.