My Unforeseen Journey: Crossing the Start Line

Cas and Clari and Gruene Hall

20+ years of friendship with each of these girls!
(Jaime, Melissa, Christina, and Stephanie)

Spring break is over, and so now what…? It's time to cross the start line and get this race going! It's been about 6 weeks which is really hard to believe, but thanks to all of you, I've made it through each day to face what's up ahead. Again, thank you for the prayers, support, and positive messages. Please keep them coming not only for me, but for my family and Travis. It is a journey for them as well.

I struggled with decisions for surgery, but I believe God placed these challenges ahead of me to help me reach out to HIM so I could make the right decisions. Yesterday I began to receive HIS will for me. On Monday March 18th, Travis and I went to see my breast surgeon to discuss surgery options. Dr. Martinez could sense I was still struggling with the decision, so she suggested chemotherapy first. There are many benefits, and it would give me the time I needed to prepare for surgery, find a plastic surgeon, and determine the best options for breast reconstruction. After much discussion, I felt this was the choice I needed to make for my journey. She performed another exam and ultra sound. I have some growth to my tumor which is now measuring at 2.5 cm. If I opted for surgery now, I would not be a candidate for a lumpectomy. I do not want to rush surgery or reconstruction, so I am starting chemo first.

Today I went to see my oncologist, and we discussed my chemo treatment. I will have tests and future ultra sounds to see how the tumor is responding to treatment along with observing how much the tumor will shrink. Once I am done with chemotherapy, then I will have surgery. Chemo will take anywhere from 4-6 months. My first chemo treatment will begin next week on Thursday March 29th. So here is what my next week will look like:

March 20-Wednesday: See Dr. Burger (fertility doctor) for ultra sound, set remaining calendar for injections, and set egg retrieval procedure date
March 21-Thursday: Appointment with a radiation oncologist and chemo training
March 23-Saturday: Follow up with Dr. Burger then go to San Antonio and cut my hair SUPER SHORT!
March 24/25Sunday/Monday: Egg retrieval procedure
March 26-Tuesday: Tests..lots of tests! EKG, CT, bone scan, etc.
March 27-Wednesday: minor surgery-placement of my PORT for chemo
March 28th-Thursday: Big Day-First chemo session
March 29-GOOD FRIDAY: Follow-up with Dr. Hellerstedt (oncologist) for post chemo injection

Yep, I have a SUPER BUSY week ahead of me, phew! Today was overwhelming, but I have some peace of mind treatment will begin next week. Again, it's a "different kind of marathon," and I have crossed the start line! In addition to all of this, I signed up for a clinical trial that focuses on physical activity during treatment. The data will help other women along with doctors and researchers learn more about the impact of diet and physical activity on young women diagnosed with breast cancer. As an educator, former PE teacher/coach, and runner, I feel it is something I need to do for other women…and for me.

Fast and furious is how I described the past 48 hours, and I am ready! I am taking time off from work the next two weeks, but I plan on continuing to work as I tackle treatment.

Addie

Ellie

My sister Michelle and my nieces

While the past 6 weeks has been trying on me emotionally and physically, spring break offered some rest and relaxation. Travis and I spent some time on the beach and visited with family and friends. When we got back to Austin, we spent time with my sister Michelle and my nieces (Ellie, Addie, and Isabella), and soaked in some SXSW. I included some pics from the break. I especially love the VERY impromptu $5 camel rides on Riverside...best time ever, ha! According to my niece Addie, the striped "horse?" was a donkey! The time with my nieces was priceless.