Stuff is About to Get REAL!
I am into the first couple of miles in this marathon, and while it is exciting, it is also stressful knowing there is still a long ways to go. My body is beginning to feel the physical stress/pain of being poked with needles, sore arms due to IV's/bloodwork (alternating arms consistently), self-injections (over 20 in my stomach), bruising on my stomach from self-injections, body aches, soreness, and physical stress overall from having to go through SO many tests/procedures. The list could go on, but I get it. Jesus made sacrifices for us...died on the cross for us, so I accept the pain I will endure on this journey. I know it will get harder, but the healing of my soul and body is in my future as well. Everyday I feel I am all the more closer to God, and I am also having a better understanding of HIS will for me. I do my best to trust and surrender to HIM.
More Medical Updates
Dr. Martinez called with my BART results (second part to genetic testing), and no abnormalities!! Good news, BUT she wants me to take another genetic test I meet the criteria for. I am grateful to have doctors who will go above and beyond to give me information. Information is power! She set me up with a genetic counselor, Dr. Patel, and at some point, I may go through testing for Li-Fraumini Syndrome-good times.
Last week I was set up for a breast MRI, consultation with a radiation oncologist, and chemo teach. I was at the doctor everyday last week...exhausting! So...here it is-The radiation oncologist, Dr. Cohen, was amazing! She had my breast MRI results and informed me I had two tumors measuring at 2.5 cm and 1 cm-lovely. Good news, no signs of abnormalities in my lymph nodes. She does not think I will need to undergo radiation, and quite honestly, I do not want to! She offered to help in any way even though her role on my medical team will be minimal. Dr. Cohen is not only amazing, but an extremely intelligent woman. I met the nurse practitioner (amazing as well!), and she did my Chemo teach which taught me about all the fun things I will get to experience with chemo. Chemo treatment will be every 2 weeks with sessions lasting from 2 1/2-3 hours. The first four phase of chemo is called the "Red Devil." There is a reason it's called that...boxing gloves on! Good times ahead...I can't believe cancer wants to mess with me, ha.
Last week I was set up for a breast MRI, consultation with a radiation oncologist, and chemo teach. I was at the doctor everyday last week...exhausting! So...here it is-The radiation oncologist, Dr. Cohen, was amazing! She had my breast MRI results and informed me I had two tumors measuring at 2.5 cm and 1 cm-lovely. Good news, no signs of abnormalities in my lymph nodes. She does not think I will need to undergo radiation, and quite honestly, I do not want to! She offered to help in any way even though her role on my medical team will be minimal. Dr. Cohen is not only amazing, but an extremely intelligent woman. I met the nurse practitioner (amazing as well!), and she did my Chemo teach which taught me about all the fun things I will get to experience with chemo. Chemo treatment will be every 2 weeks with sessions lasting from 2 1/2-3 hours. The first four phase of chemo is called the "Red Devil." There is a reason it's called that...boxing gloves on! Good times ahead...I can't believe cancer wants to mess with me, ha.
Last week of March-BIG WEEK!
How appropriate…egg retrieval during the week of Easter and Good Friday! I had my egg retrieval on Monday March 25th, and they retrieved 14 eggs! I was expecting 11. I found out today that out of the 14 eggs retrieved, 11 were mature enough to freeze! Excellent news from the IVF nurse at Texas Fertility! A blessing! I am thankful I was able to take care of this before beginning treatment. We are grateful to Magda Salazar for taking me on Monday-love that woman! Procedure went smoothly, but wow, talk about some major discomfort days later. Definitely not fun. Bloating, cramping, and cramps so bad it hurts to walk. Just overall discomfort-fun stuff, huh?
Today I went through a series of tests, and tomorrow I will have surgery to have the port placed. Just in case you are not sure...the port is used for chemo injections. Rather than poking me every visit to set up an IV, they utilize the port instead and place it surgically under my skin in the upper chest area. In general, with this whole experience, I have to keep it light now and then. Weeks ago, I had a girls night with two of my dear friends, Malinda and Amber. I explained to them that I was going to feel weird with no hair, no eyelashes, eyebrows, pumped up with all kinds of stuff, a port under my skin, etc. I said "I am going to feel like a robot." I referenced the song "Mr. Roboto" by Styx and stated "yeah, I am going to feel like that." Malinda suggested I name my port, and well that is just what we did! My port's name is Mr. Roboto. I included the video to: keep it light, give you a good laugh, maybe make your hair "puff" up from this 80's song…. Feel free to view or not, ha. Thanks to Amber for taking time off to drive me to and from my minor surgery tomorrow.
http://youtu.be/Gbkhla8Ivlk
http://youtu.be/Gbkhla8Ivlk
Time with "Mini-Me"
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At Gruene Hall: Before with long hair |
My sister Zelina came in for the weekend, and we had some great quality time together. Z and I went to Einstein's bagels to experience the pretzel bagel (YUM), got manis and pedis, and then went to our hair appointment. Let me just say, the salon I go to is incredible, and I have the best hair stylist! Erica St. Clair at Urban Betty took care of Z and I. I am thrilled she was part of a special memory and moment in our lives.


Chemo
Travis has been my rock, and he has been my rock for many years now. I love that he keeps things light and knows when I need a laugh. Really, he knows me better than I know myself, and he keeps it real for me too, ha. It is also a journey for him. Travis will be with me on Thursday at my first chemo treatment. I am imagine he will keep me distracted and full of laughter. I am not sure how I will respond to chemo, so I am going one day at a time. We will keep you posted on how it goes! Prayers, positive thoughts and energy…love and appreciate all of them!!
A special message to my Alvarado family: Easter is a tradition, and I am bummed we will not be there. Nobody does Easter like the Alvarado's, and if you know my family, then you know exactly what I am talking about. Grito, dance, and celebrate for us! We will be there next year and have so much to celebrate! ESO!!
A special message to my Alvarado family: Easter is a tradition, and I am bummed we will not be there. Nobody does Easter like the Alvarado's, and if you know my family, then you know exactly what I am talking about. Grito, dance, and celebrate for us! We will be there next year and have so much to celebrate! ESO!!
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Easter 2012 with our Easter Baskets |
Much love to all of you!
Clari
I am touched by this blog. It reads like you are talking. You are amazing and have so much love and support!
ReplyDeleteClarissa, the Ballard household has been praying for you and your family every night and will continue to pray until we get the good news! You are so strong and brave and have such a positive spirit..it's amazing. We love you so much! Keep fighting! PS. I LOOOVVVEEE the short hair!..it looks SO good on both of you!!! Love, Kerri "Howard" Ballard
ReplyDeleteAmber and Kerri,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!! Thanks for the kind words Kerri! Believe me, it was hard, and I am still getting use to short hair, ha.
Love you girls,
Clari