Hi everyone,
This Thursday will be my last chemo!! I'm so thankful to be coming to this point. I'm thankful that God has seen me through this difficult time. I know that as hard as going through chemo has been, I know it could have been worse. All along people have said how good I look and how well I'm doing even though going through chemo. Well, that is only because God is holding me in His hands. Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." All along this God truly has been holding me and guiding me and has given me peace. It really is crazy to me to know that I have cancer, but even crazier is that I'm not afraid! Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." My hope is found in Him.
Being on the clinical trial I will continue with one mild chemo drug every 3 weeks through July. Its side effects are flu like symptoms, much easier than what I've been enduring over the past 4 months. I'll be seeing my surgeon Dec. 15th to schedule my surgery. This should be sometime in the beginning of January.
For now I need to focus on finishing this last treatment. I'm sick now and am waiting to hear if I'll need to go on another round of antibiotics. Please pray that I get over this quickly and that It doesn't spread through our home. Also, pray that this doesn't effect getting my treatment Thursday. Please continue to pray for my insurance situation, that Blue Shield would end its investigation knowing that this is not a preexisting condition.
Thank you all so much for your love and encouragement! I'm blessed by each one of you and your support. We have posted more needs on the calendar. Thank you for blessing our family in this time.
Love and Blessings,
Melanie
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
#5...Almost done!! :)
Hi everyone!
Well, I'm almost done with chemo and I can't say thank you enough for all your prayers and kind words of encouragement. I'm also so thankful for the all the meals and support given to our family! What an incredible blessing in such a tough time!
On Wednesday comes my 5th chemo treatment...woowhoo! I'm almost done, with this part at least. ;) With having had 4 treatments it seems as though the side effects have intensified. The effects of chemo are coming on sooner and are lasting longer. Please, pray that with the Lord's strength I'll get through these next 2 treatments without such harsh side effects.
Thankfully, I was able to get my port put in before my last chemo and that is working great! I saw my surgeon last week and we discussed surgery a little more further. He definitely suggests having a bilateral mastectomy as well as having my ovaries removed, because of my family history. I will meet with him mid December to schedule the mastectomy. During that surgery they will take a few of my lymph nodes to check and see if there are any microscopic cancer cells there. If they do find some, I will have to have radiation as well. Please, pray that there are no other cancer cells found.
I really am so thankful to be almost done with chemo, with only 2 more to go. I could have only done this with my faith in the Lord. He has brought me through this and I know He will get me through all my surgeries to come. Through this He has given me such amazing peace. "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
Thank you again for your prayers, love and support. We have also posted new needs on the calender.
Love and Blessings,
Melanie
Well, I'm almost done with chemo and I can't say thank you enough for all your prayers and kind words of encouragement. I'm also so thankful for the all the meals and support given to our family! What an incredible blessing in such a tough time!
On Wednesday comes my 5th chemo treatment...woowhoo! I'm almost done, with this part at least. ;) With having had 4 treatments it seems as though the side effects have intensified. The effects of chemo are coming on sooner and are lasting longer. Please, pray that with the Lord's strength I'll get through these next 2 treatments without such harsh side effects.
Thankfully, I was able to get my port put in before my last chemo and that is working great! I saw my surgeon last week and we discussed surgery a little more further. He definitely suggests having a bilateral mastectomy as well as having my ovaries removed, because of my family history. I will meet with him mid December to schedule the mastectomy. During that surgery they will take a few of my lymph nodes to check and see if there are any microscopic cancer cells there. If they do find some, I will have to have radiation as well. Please, pray that there are no other cancer cells found.
I really am so thankful to be almost done with chemo, with only 2 more to go. I could have only done this with my faith in the Lord. He has brought me through this and I know He will get me through all my surgeries to come. Through this He has given me such amazing peace. "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
Thank you again for your prayers, love and support. We have also posted new needs on the calender.
Love and Blessings,
Melanie
Monday, September 26, 2011
#3...Half way there :)
Hi family and friends,
I'd like to start off by saying thank you all so much for your prayers, love and support! It means so much to me to know how many are praying for me. I know in this time the Lord is using this trial to strengthen me and increase my faith, and I'm so thankful for that. James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." So, as hard as it may be, I will be joyful in this trial, knowing that the Lord is working on me.
After my 1st treatment my oncologist let me know that my hair would start falling out 2 weeks later. Wouldn't you know it, it sure did! One day before that started my dear friend, Jen, flew down from WA and we chopped off our hair together! Once my hair loss became too much for me to handle, I decided to have Mike shave my head. This part of chemo and my cancer certainly proved to be difficult. At least now I don't take as long to get ready in the morning. ;) The kids have taken this part pretty good, the boys like to joke saying that I look like Daddy now, and my sweet Elizabeth says she knows that she is still looking at her same mommy. What a blessing it is to have such wonderful children.
My 2nd treatment brought on a lot more nausea than the 1st on did. I wasn't as weak and tired, but really was extremely nauseous. Looking back at my pregnancies and being nauseous with all 3 of them for 9 months, makes me think that the Lord allowed that so that I would know just how to take care of myself through chemo and the nausea. Again, taking the joy in this and accepting it as growth. ;)
So, this Thursday will be my 3rd treatment, which means I'll be half way done, Praise God!!
Please, pray that the effects of this round of chemo are as mild as possible on me. Also, my insurance is investigating my claim, stating that they believe this to be a preexisting condition and reviewing my policy for eligibility. So, please, pray that they would find that I have never had a previous cancer diagnosis, and that they would resolve this issue and pay my medical bills. Also, that they would approve the need for me to get a port for my IV treatments, as finding good veins are tough for my nurses. Please, also pray that my husband and I would honor God in how we handle this trial with the insurance company.
Thank you again.
Love and Blessings,
Melanie
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
PS. We are also posting new needs on the calender for meals after my next treatment. Thank you for your love and support.
I'd like to start off by saying thank you all so much for your prayers, love and support! It means so much to me to know how many are praying for me. I know in this time the Lord is using this trial to strengthen me and increase my faith, and I'm so thankful for that. James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." So, as hard as it may be, I will be joyful in this trial, knowing that the Lord is working on me.
After my 1st treatment my oncologist let me know that my hair would start falling out 2 weeks later. Wouldn't you know it, it sure did! One day before that started my dear friend, Jen, flew down from WA and we chopped off our hair together! Once my hair loss became too much for me to handle, I decided to have Mike shave my head. This part of chemo and my cancer certainly proved to be difficult. At least now I don't take as long to get ready in the morning. ;) The kids have taken this part pretty good, the boys like to joke saying that I look like Daddy now, and my sweet Elizabeth says she knows that she is still looking at her same mommy. What a blessing it is to have such wonderful children.
My 2nd treatment brought on a lot more nausea than the 1st on did. I wasn't as weak and tired, but really was extremely nauseous. Looking back at my pregnancies and being nauseous with all 3 of them for 9 months, makes me think that the Lord allowed that so that I would know just how to take care of myself through chemo and the nausea. Again, taking the joy in this and accepting it as growth. ;)
So, this Thursday will be my 3rd treatment, which means I'll be half way done, Praise God!!
Please, pray that the effects of this round of chemo are as mild as possible on me. Also, my insurance is investigating my claim, stating that they believe this to be a preexisting condition and reviewing my policy for eligibility. So, please, pray that they would find that I have never had a previous cancer diagnosis, and that they would resolve this issue and pay my medical bills. Also, that they would approve the need for me to get a port for my IV treatments, as finding good veins are tough for my nurses. Please, also pray that my husband and I would honor God in how we handle this trial with the insurance company.
Thank you again.
Love and Blessings,
Melanie
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
PS. We are also posting new needs on the calender for meals after my next treatment. Thank you for your love and support.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Widget from Melanie's best friend Jen
Hi Everyone. As we are facing some challenges in addition to and compounded by the cancer (financial and insurance related), Melanie's friend Jen and Jen's sister Lisa have created a "widget" for fundraising. Since this is a first for me, I'm posting it here as instructed... (and THANK YOU Jen & Lisa)
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Good news!.. & the Chemo begins..
Hi everyone.
Well, let's start with the GOOD NEWS. Melanie had a biopsy this last Tuesday (8/16/11). This biopsy was part of the clinical study to see how the tumors reacted to the 1st treatment of the herceptin. The doctors found that the tumors had gotten smaller during this biopsy! Praise God!! It's also important to mention that 2 Sundays ago, the Elders at our church (The Bridge in Newbury Park) prayed over Melanie for healing, and we also went to Jubilee Church last Friday night where healers from the Camarillo Healing Rooms prayed over her. As one who loves, respects, and fears the Lord (in a healthy Old Testament fashion), I know that God is healing Melanie through all of your prayers and that God is at work through the doctors and the drugs and treatments as well. Thank you all!
So, Melanie also had her 1st chemo treatment on Thursday 8/18/11, which went well. Dr. Ashouri had told us that because of the steroid prescription and the nausea medicine, Melanie wouldn't feel too bad Thursday, but as these began to wear off, she would really start feeling the side effects. She also went in on Friday for an injection to boost her white bloods cells, another proactive move to mitigate the side effects and strengthen her immune system as the chemo begins to weaken it.
Melanie is laying here on the couch next to me, with the kids watching TV, as I write this...she's feeling achy and a little nauseous, but she's a trooper. We'll continue to take all the prayers we can get for Melanie's strength, healing, peace, courage, and recovery. And may God use us for His Glory!
Thank you all again for love & support!! We love you. May you all be blessed!
Mike
Well, let's start with the GOOD NEWS. Melanie had a biopsy this last Tuesday (8/16/11). This biopsy was part of the clinical study to see how the tumors reacted to the 1st treatment of the herceptin. The doctors found that the tumors had gotten smaller during this biopsy! Praise God!! It's also important to mention that 2 Sundays ago, the Elders at our church (The Bridge in Newbury Park) prayed over Melanie for healing, and we also went to Jubilee Church last Friday night where healers from the Camarillo Healing Rooms prayed over her. As one who loves, respects, and fears the Lord (in a healthy Old Testament fashion), I know that God is healing Melanie through all of your prayers and that God is at work through the doctors and the drugs and treatments as well. Thank you all!
So, Melanie also had her 1st chemo treatment on Thursday 8/18/11, which went well. Dr. Ashouri had told us that because of the steroid prescription and the nausea medicine, Melanie wouldn't feel too bad Thursday, but as these began to wear off, she would really start feeling the side effects. She also went in on Friday for an injection to boost her white bloods cells, another proactive move to mitigate the side effects and strengthen her immune system as the chemo begins to weaken it.
Melanie is laying here on the couch next to me, with the kids watching TV, as I write this...she's feeling achy and a little nauseous, but she's a trooper. We'll continue to take all the prayers we can get for Melanie's strength, healing, peace, courage, and recovery. And may God use us for His Glory!
Thank you all again for love & support!! We love you. May you all be blessed!
Mike
Friday, August 5, 2011
Update 8-5-11 - This is your captain speaking...turbulence ahead...
Hi everyone.
We met with Dr. Ashouri on Tuesday and he went over the chemo and what we should expect. He said the sickness generally starts on day 2 and could last up to 10 days after. He did bring up that this next treatment on Thursday 8/18/11 will bring on the hair loss side effect. Melanie is, understandably so, having a hard time with that. There is also the issue with low blood cell counts, red cells - anemia (tired, weakness); white cells - lowered immunity, increased risk of infection.
Melanie asked that I share the following prayer requests:
"Please ask for prayer those things (noted above), that I would look to God for strength, especially with the hair thing. That our family would all stay healthy, especially when the kids go back to school (August 24th). That I would keep my focus on the Lord and draw near to Him in this time. That I would deal with the kids in love especially in this time when I'm feeling stressed and have so much on my mind."
"Also, that I know my hair will grow back and that I know my health is more important, but that doesn't make it any easier in coming to terms with the fact that I'm going to lose it."
I would ask that, knowing that you all love her and just want to help, please be mindful of the emotional pain any woman goes through in accepting the fact of hair loss...and saying "you'll be fine" or "it's ok - it will grow back" comes across as discounting it or writing it off as no big deal... We know it is never meant like that, and that in your heart you are trying to encourage and just love her, but it is a very serious thing and empathy and love are better for Melanie at this stage.
Also to note - we have added items to the calendar (on the Lotsa site) for help needed. We are humbled and extremely grateful for all the support we've already received. THANK YOU!
One more additional prayer - we are still waiting for the BRCA genetic test to come back (testing for the genetic mutation) - please pray that this test comes back "negative" (no gene mutation).
Thank you all again for all your love, prayers, and support.
Love,
Mike
We met with Dr. Ashouri on Tuesday and he went over the chemo and what we should expect. He said the sickness generally starts on day 2 and could last up to 10 days after. He did bring up that this next treatment on Thursday 8/18/11 will bring on the hair loss side effect. Melanie is, understandably so, having a hard time with that. There is also the issue with low blood cell counts, red cells - anemia (tired, weakness); white cells - lowered immunity, increased risk of infection.
Melanie asked that I share the following prayer requests:
"Please ask for prayer those things (noted above), that I would look to God for strength, especially with the hair thing. That our family would all stay healthy, especially when the kids go back to school (August 24th). That I would keep my focus on the Lord and draw near to Him in this time. That I would deal with the kids in love especially in this time when I'm feeling stressed and have so much on my mind."
"Also, that I know my hair will grow back and that I know my health is more important, but that doesn't make it any easier in coming to terms with the fact that I'm going to lose it."
I would ask that, knowing that you all love her and just want to help, please be mindful of the emotional pain any woman goes through in accepting the fact of hair loss...and saying "you'll be fine" or "it's ok - it will grow back" comes across as discounting it or writing it off as no big deal... We know it is never meant like that, and that in your heart you are trying to encourage and just love her, but it is a very serious thing and empathy and love are better for Melanie at this stage.
Also to note - we have added items to the calendar (on the Lotsa site) for help needed. We are humbled and extremely grateful for all the support we've already received. THANK YOU!
One more additional prayer - we are still waiting for the BRCA genetic test to come back (testing for the genetic mutation) - please pray that this test comes back "negative" (no gene mutation).
Thank you all again for all your love, prayers, and support.
Love,
Mike
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
7-26-11 Treatment update
Good morning everyone!
Melanie has her 1st treatment yesterday. This 1st treatment was administering "herceptin" which is what specifically targets the HER2 positive type of breast cancer. This is 1 of the 2 drugs in the clinical trial (Melanie will only be getting the herceptin in the clinical trial). As we learned during the treatment in the Dr Ashouri's office chemo center, the herceptin treatments are milder than normal chemo treatments. The common side effects of herceptin are generally flu-like symptoms, which is what Melanie started experiencing later in the day and through the evening. She wasn't feeling too good when we went sleep last night, and she's still sleeping this morning as I write this. Hopefully she'll be feeling better today, we'll see. (post edit note - Melanie is awake now and feeling better - yay)
Beginning in about 3 1/2 weeks (Thurs 8/18/11), Melanie will start the chemo treatments, which will then be administered once every 3 weeks for 18 weeks (6 chemo treatments). These chemo treatments will be tougher than yesterday's herceptin. Chemo will be the next big challenge and "unknown" since this is obviously something she/we have never been through before. Pray that God will give her peace and overcome any fears or anxiety prior to the chemo treatment.
Then, after the chemo treatments, Melanie will have the surgery to remove the tumors. And after the surgery, she will then have a full year of herceptin treatments - once every 3 weeks.
We'll continue to keep you all posted. Thank you again for all your prayers and love. God bless you.
Melanie has her 1st treatment yesterday. This 1st treatment was administering "herceptin" which is what specifically targets the HER2 positive type of breast cancer. This is 1 of the 2 drugs in the clinical trial (Melanie will only be getting the herceptin in the clinical trial). As we learned during the treatment in the Dr Ashouri's office chemo center, the herceptin treatments are milder than normal chemo treatments. The common side effects of herceptin are generally flu-like symptoms, which is what Melanie started experiencing later in the day and through the evening. She wasn't feeling too good when we went sleep last night, and she's still sleeping this morning as I write this. Hopefully she'll be feeling better today, we'll see. (post edit note - Melanie is awake now and feeling better - yay)
Beginning in about 3 1/2 weeks (Thurs 8/18/11), Melanie will start the chemo treatments, which will then be administered once every 3 weeks for 18 weeks (6 chemo treatments). These chemo treatments will be tougher than yesterday's herceptin. Chemo will be the next big challenge and "unknown" since this is obviously something she/we have never been through before. Pray that God will give her peace and overcome any fears or anxiety prior to the chemo treatment.
Then, after the chemo treatments, Melanie will have the surgery to remove the tumors. And after the surgery, she will then have a full year of herceptin treatments - once every 3 weeks.
We'll continue to keep you all posted. Thank you again for all your prayers and love. God bless you.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Treatment begins on Monday 7-25-11
Hi everyone. We found out yesterday that Melanie's treatment will begin this Monday (7-25-11). The appointment is at 10:00am and will last several hours. We will find out after the treatment how she responds, which will help us to know better what challenges and needs we'll be facing over the next few weeks. We know from the documentation provided preparing us for what's ahead that the side effects are severe (and it's a pretty long list of side effects too). We're not sure how long the side effects will last after treatment.
We will be posting needs (on the "Lotsa" site) soon covering meals, childcare, and the need for someone to come to our home to help Melanie through those times that I won't be able to stay home and take care of her due to work.
Please pray that Melanie responds well to the treatment, that the treatments are effective in destroying the cancer, and that the side effects are as minimul/gentle as possible. Please pray for strength for both of us. Please pray for our kids also.
Thank you. We love you.
Lotsa Helping Hands site: https://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/644312/
We will be posting needs (on the "Lotsa" site) soon covering meals, childcare, and the need for someone to come to our home to help Melanie through those times that I won't be able to stay home and take care of her due to work.
Please pray that Melanie responds well to the treatment, that the treatments are effective in destroying the cancer, and that the side effects are as minimul/gentle as possible. Please pray for strength for both of us. Please pray for our kids also.
Thank you. We love you.
Lotsa Helping Hands site: https://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/644312/
Thursday, July 21, 2011
7-21-11 Update
Hi everyone. Well, we got good news today. Melanie had a physical exam with her oncologist, Dr. Ashouri, today. He shared with her that her PET scan came back clear, along with the other additional exams & scans! So the only concerns are the original 2 lumps in her right breast. Praise the LORD for answers to prayers! And thank you ALL for your prayers, support and love. Melanie and I are blown away by all the love and support from friends, family, church, and community. I pray that all of you and your families will be blessed as well.
So, there are a couple more things to update on as well. Melanie's treatments will begin on this coming Monday. And we should find out tomorrow which of the 2 "arms" of the clinical trial Melanie will be placed on for the upcoming 3 week period. The clinical trial placement will determine what treatments are administered for this 3 week period. After that will begin the "standard" chemo treatments. (Disclaimer - Melanie had a headache and has gone to bed early, as such I am posting these details without her "oversight & correction", so I am not claiming perfect accuracy here...just doing the best I can by memory.)
I believe we will be updating the "Lotsa" site tomorrow after we have the specific treatment schedule & times for next week. So Monday will begin the year long treatment with a surgery around 18 weeks from now. We know we have a long road ahead that will bring its own challenges, but we have our faith to fuel us through, and we KNOW the LORD will provide and our peace and strength lie in Him.
I am planning on posting another update hopefully tomorrow afternoon/early evening when we know more about next week's treatment schedule. Thank you ALL again. We love you!
So, there are a couple more things to update on as well. Melanie's treatments will begin on this coming Monday. And we should find out tomorrow which of the 2 "arms" of the clinical trial Melanie will be placed on for the upcoming 3 week period. The clinical trial placement will determine what treatments are administered for this 3 week period. After that will begin the "standard" chemo treatments. (Disclaimer - Melanie had a headache and has gone to bed early, as such I am posting these details without her "oversight & correction", so I am not claiming perfect accuracy here...just doing the best I can by memory.)
I believe we will be updating the "Lotsa" site tomorrow after we have the specific treatment schedule & times for next week. So Monday will begin the year long treatment with a surgery around 18 weeks from now. We know we have a long road ahead that will bring its own challenges, but we have our faith to fuel us through, and we KNOW the LORD will provide and our peace and strength lie in Him.
I am planning on posting another update hopefully tomorrow afternoon/early evening when we know more about next week's treatment schedule. Thank you ALL again. We love you!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The Lotsa Helping Hands site up and running
Melanie's "Lotsa" community is up and running. Click on the link below to sign up and follow the instructions below and on the site. This community site is for our family, friends, and loved ones who are supporting Melanie and our family through this journey of curing Melanie's breast cancer. We will be using this community for coordination as well as updating with information. Thank you all for your love, support, and prayers. God bless you.
https://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/644312/
Fill out the right-hand side of the form which is a Request to Join the Community. Once you've done this, Coordinators can "approve" the pending members from the pending members page on their Administration tab. Once approved, members will be automatically added to the community and sent instructions for setting a password and signing-in.
About “Lotsa Helping Hands” - a web service that’s designed to make coordinating volunteers easy and efficient.
A Lotsa Helping Hands web site is about providing support for a person or family in need. Volunteers see a calendar of activities that are requested (usually rides and meals, but other types of activities can be listed) and can sign up with a few mouse clicks. Appropriate notification and reminders occur via email.
https://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/644312/
Fill out the right-hand side of the form which is a Request to Join the Community. Once you've done this, Coordinators can "approve" the pending members from the pending members page on their Administration tab. Once approved, members will be automatically added to the community and sent instructions for setting a password and signing-in.
About “Lotsa Helping Hands” - a web service that’s designed to make coordinating volunteers easy and efficient.
A Lotsa Helping Hands web site is about providing support for a person or family in need. Volunteers see a calendar of activities that are requested (usually rides and meals, but other types of activities can be listed) and can sign up with a few mouse clicks. Appropriate notification and reminders occur via email.
About “Faith, Hope & Love - Melanie's Community”
Welcome to our Lotsa Helping Hands web site. This site can be used to allow a community to coordinate tasks and to stay connected. This is where Melanie and Mike will be posting our needs to help our family through Melanie's journey towards victory in being cured of breast cancer. Thank you all for your love, prayers, and support. And above all, thank the LORD for all that HE provides - it is on HIS strength, love, promises, and provision that we will survive and thrive on this journey. Philippians 4:4-13
Monday, July 18, 2011
7/18/11 Appointments and an Update
Hi Everyone!
Well, today began the 3 days worth of tests. Melanie had the bone scan today and the ultrasound on her right lymph nodes. I'm not sure when we'll get the results of the bone scan...BUT (get ready for some preliminary good news) the ultrasound doctor said Melanie's lymph nodes "looked good"!! The doctor said that nothing showed up that looked like cancer. YAY!!
It was an uneasy day leading up to this bit of good news, as we were both concerned about what this ultrasound may have led to. I'm guardedly optimistic as we have a long road ahead. That said, we will take ANY and ALL big and little victories that come our way.
Tomorrow's appointments are Melanie's PET scan @ 1:30pm and an EKG @ 3:00pm. Here is a LINK with more details on what a PET scan is for anyone who wants more info.
Meanwhile Elizabeth had a great fun-filled day hanging out with her friend Bella...Bella's mom picked up Elizabeth and took the two up to Santa Barbara for the day. And Matthew and Luke got to spend much of the day hanging out at the Reynolds house - what a fun day! Thanks to the Shahidi family and Reynolds family for your help with the kids today.
Well, today began the 3 days worth of tests. Melanie had the bone scan today and the ultrasound on her right lymph nodes. I'm not sure when we'll get the results of the bone scan...BUT (get ready for some preliminary good news) the ultrasound doctor said Melanie's lymph nodes "looked good"!! The doctor said that nothing showed up that looked like cancer. YAY!!
It was an uneasy day leading up to this bit of good news, as we were both concerned about what this ultrasound may have led to. I'm guardedly optimistic as we have a long road ahead. That said, we will take ANY and ALL big and little victories that come our way.
Tomorrow's appointments are Melanie's PET scan @ 1:30pm and an EKG @ 3:00pm. Here is a LINK with more details on what a PET scan is for anyone who wants more info.
Meanwhile Elizabeth had a great fun-filled day hanging out with her friend Bella...Bella's mom picked up Elizabeth and took the two up to Santa Barbara for the day. And Matthew and Luke got to spend much of the day hanging out at the Reynolds house - what a fun day! Thanks to the Shahidi family and Reynolds family for your help with the kids today.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Welcome!
Hello everyone. Well, if you're here, I'm assuming you've been invited and told about the blog and you know about the circumstances that led to the creation of this blog. In the rare chance you don't know, here's a brief recap:
On Tuesday July 12, 2011, my wonderful wife (and love of my life) was diagnosed with breast cancer. This diagnosis came about after a few appointments that were set after Melanie felt a lump in her right breast during a self exam in the shower. After the 7/12/11 confirmation that it is indeed cancer, there have been many additional revelations, including the type of cancer and the treatment plan. There are a handful of additional tests scheduled this upcoming week to provide more information to her doctors and answers for us, including what stage of cancer Melanie has and if it has spread.
What we know so far is that Melanie has "invasive ductal carcinoma". The type of cancer is HER2, and knowing this is what has helped her oncologist know how to treat it. While it is very aggressive, it is also treatable/curable...YAY - some good news, right? I'm a HUGE fan of the "curable"!
Treatment begins the week of July 25th, although we do not know exact appointment times/dates yet.
We have created a community page on the "Lotsa Helping Hands" website, conveniently created with this web address: https://www.lotsahelpinghands.com. This is an invite only site, so if you're HERE but haven't been invited to the "Lotsa" site and would like to be a part of it, please send me an message with your email address for an invite. We will be posting a lot of specific information, especially to coordinate the many needs that will be coming soon - meals, watching the kids, helping Melanie while I'm at work, etc.
Here are a couple of links to websites with more info on breast cancer (there are also iPhone apps for these that we both have on our phones):
http://beyondtheshock.com/
http://www.breastcancer.org/
Here is a good article about HER2 positive breast cancer:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-cancer/AN00495
ALL prayers are greatly appreciated. We love all of you too!
Mike & Melanie Rosenthal
On Tuesday July 12, 2011, my wonderful wife (and love of my life) was diagnosed with breast cancer. This diagnosis came about after a few appointments that were set after Melanie felt a lump in her right breast during a self exam in the shower. After the 7/12/11 confirmation that it is indeed cancer, there have been many additional revelations, including the type of cancer and the treatment plan. There are a handful of additional tests scheduled this upcoming week to provide more information to her doctors and answers for us, including what stage of cancer Melanie has and if it has spread.
What we know so far is that Melanie has "invasive ductal carcinoma". The type of cancer is HER2, and knowing this is what has helped her oncologist know how to treat it. While it is very aggressive, it is also treatable/curable...YAY - some good news, right? I'm a HUGE fan of the "curable"!
Treatment begins the week of July 25th, although we do not know exact appointment times/dates yet.
We have created a community page on the "Lotsa Helping Hands" website, conveniently created with this web address: https://www.lotsahelpinghands.com. This is an invite only site, so if you're HERE but haven't been invited to the "Lotsa" site and would like to be a part of it, please send me an message with your email address for an invite. We will be posting a lot of specific information, especially to coordinate the many needs that will be coming soon - meals, watching the kids, helping Melanie while I'm at work, etc.
Here are a couple of links to websites with more info on breast cancer (there are also iPhone apps for these that we both have on our phones):
http://beyondtheshock.com/
http://www.breastcancer.org/
Here is a good article about HER2 positive breast cancer:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-cancer/AN00495
ALL prayers are greatly appreciated. We love all of you too!
Mike & Melanie Rosenthal
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