Six Word Memoirs on Life Stories

Backstory

11.28.11 surgery to place medi-port in my chest
12.02.11 first round of chemo
12.03.11 doctor puts me in hospital due to a high fever - lots of blood work, chest x-ray, and CT scan to try and figure out why
12.04.11 another night in the hospital - my fever broke in the night and returned about 5:30am so the doctor wanted me to stay another night
12.05.11 released from the hospital and went to work
12.08.11 stitches removed by breast surgeon - breast tumor measured and was 2cm smaller!!
12.12.11 f/u appointment with oncologist
12.19.11 hair loss begins
12.21.11 the night we told the boys that I was sick and that I would lose my hair. Lots of tears, hugs and questions. I take a shower later that night and end up losing 80% of my hair. I thought I was prepared for it but I wasn't.
12.22.11 2nd round of chemo
1.05.12 f/u appt with breast surgeon - tumor that was 11cm x 7cm is now 1.3cm x 1.7cm - AMAZING. Doctor was beyond thrilled! I was in tears when I called Barrett to tell him.

I had been in pain 24/7 when this first started and took pain medication around the clock - after just two treatments I rarely have to take any! I am also taking alot of vitamins and supplements to help boost my immune system and combat the side effects from chemo.

There is a laundry list of potential side effects and the only have hair loss, fatigue and canker (sp?) sores - sounds bad but if these are the worst then I am thankful.

The outpouring of love and support for our family has been amazing, overwhelming and humbling all at the same time. I can't tell you how many times we have heard "I am praying for you and your family" - it never gets old and never goes unappreciated.

I decided that I am fighting this head on and staying positive. I am NOT letting cancer define who I am. I am a wife to Barrett, a mother to my four children and I happen to have cancer. I am determined to fight my way through this.