The Story Part 4- the Lymph Node Ultrasound

When the results came back from the MRI, they said my lymph nodes had grown to 2 1/2 centimeters under my left arm. My Dr. sent me to get an Ultrasound to get more information. So-- Once again I went to go get an Ultrasound. The lab tech only took pictures of the lymph nodes under my left arm and right arm. As far as the lymph nodes under the right arm,
she said, "These nodes looked health and the cortex resembled a healthy node. The nodes looked like typical healthy textbook nodes. They are swollen to about 2 centimeters, but look very healthy."
"What could cause the swelling," I replied.
"It could be as simple as common cold." she said.
"For an entire year?" I responded. "Weird".
Then she went to the left arm..... I had told the tech how big the MRI had revealed my lymph node was. She told me that would be milometers not centimeters. I didn't want to argue with her. (Ya know, I really do know by own body. Listen) I figured that she would see what the MRI revealed, when she got it on the screen. Sure enough---when checking the left arm they had a hard time finding it. It was deep into the muscle-growing-putting pressure on the nerves and yes just larger that 2 1/2 centimeters. It was dark, and she didn't make comment on it looking healthy at all. In fact she didn't say much of anything after that point. She brought in the radiologist and he look at the images.
He looked at me and said..."You need to see a surgeon."
I said, "Who, is the best in your opinion. Can you give me him/her?"
"Yes," he said.
He gave me the name of a surgeon. Jennifer is one of the best. He told me he would make the arrangements. I thought to myself "great here we go" .... I had no idea...... to be continued.

The Story Part 3-- MRI #2

In October of 2010 I got a letter stating that I needed to go back and get my second MRI. I scheduled the MRI and got ready to go. I went in to register for the MRI. The registration assistant was very curious about all the answers I was giving on the questionaire. She kept looking at me with sympathy in her eyes. She had been trained not to ask too many questions about the patients. I asked her if she wanted to hear my story..... She said yes. I told her about my first bout of cancer.... she started crying and gave Terry and I movie tickets. Crazy!!
When I got into the MRI room with my XXXL scrubs, I asked the lab tech to make sure that she scanned the lymph nodes. Now, if you can image.... remember the MRI machine. Not really big, right? They had me lay down on your stomach, they put pads underneath your stomach to make me more comfortable. They placed my breasts back in the square holes. Placed my arms above my head. Oh- and made sure the IV of radioactive juice was hooked into my arm. How I wish I had a picture to show you all. I got the giggles twice when the lab tech tried, I mean really tried to put me into the MRI machine. My toosh was hitting the top of the machine and scraping against it. I felt like a bullet being pushed into a gun. Twice she had to return to the beginning and start over again. I just didn't fit...... I took out all the cushions underneath my belly, giving me more room to get (my butt) in the machine. Now-- I have had MRI's before, where you lie down on your back.-- NO problem, I fit with room to spare. But this laying on your belly thing, going in backwards is NOT cool..... So, the cushions are now NOT under by belly, it is extremely uncomfortable to say the least. I go in....... Without the cushions--- I fit!!... Tightly, but I fit. For the next hour---bang, bang, bang, clonk, clonk, clonk...... I got through the MRI. to be continued...

The Story Part 2-- the MRI

Now I don't know if you've every had an MRI... Well, a breast MRI is a bit different, especially if you have a big butt, which in my case-- this is true!! This was one of the most horrifying experiences I have ever gone through. Claustrophobia 101, laying on your stomach with your breasts hanging though two square holes (don't they know breasts are round) and hoping my butt fits in the machine. Well it was a tight SQuEeZZZEEe, but we got it done. By the way, they have two sizes of scrubs, Med. (which I am not) or XXXXL. I mean I was drowning in them. I felt skinny for a moment. I got finished with the MRI.... results came back in two to three weeks.... it read, "You have a slight thickening on your right breast. Everything else fine. No cancer or abnormalities. Please come back in 6 months for a review. "
I was to say the least "FREAKED Out". I read it over and over, the only thing I could see was "COME BACK IN 6TH MONTHS." I then read it to my family... They were all excited that there was nothing wrong , no cancer, no abnormalities..... But I knew there was something. Why six months?? What was the thickening? Why did my underarms still hurt??
I was tired all the time. I couldn't (not matter what I did) lose weight. I even tried prescriptions from my Dr. to help... NO I stayed steady... BIG and overweight. I had headaches daily. If fact the month of April, June and Aug I had a headache almost everyday.! May and July was nice the Dr. gave me something that took them away!! They could only be given to me for headaches every other month..... to be continued

The Story Part 1-- the Dorky Radiology

I need to put this story into small parts or it will be the longest post every and you won't read it.....
The Story:
For those of you who don't know the story behind my cancer, I'll share. In Oct a year ago, I went to the Dr. for my annual mammogram. It came back with no problems and no cancer. I went back the next month, because my lymph nodes were hurting. They were pushing on my muscles in my underarms to the point my arm would go numb. I told the Dr., that there was something not right. I couldn't really explain it... I just knew there was something wrong. She sent me to get an ultra sound.
So in November 2009 I went in for an ultra sound. It was pretty routine, until the dude who read it come in. He basically said -while I'm laying on the table mind you- that there was nothing wrong. He said with attitude, "We could always do an MRI, but then we might find something ha ha ha." I said in response, "Are you kidding me. You're talking to a person who's had cancer before. Who are you, some kind of idiot??" I never heard from him or the hospital again. NO bill, NO record (until later).......
Two month later, lymph nodes still hurting, went into the Dr, again.... told her the story (she was very upset) and she look it up. She couldn't find it, and ordered the MRI. This would be March 2010.... to be continued........

Family and Friends are amazing

This morning I woke up with a very bad sore throat. After talking with the Dr. at 5:30 am, we decided it would not be wise for me NOT to go to work. So I read my book, Anti Cancer, A New Way Of Life. Good reading. I may have to change my ways...... I rested and took it easy, just like the Dr. ordered.
The last few nights, I received three very fun calls, one from CA, one from ID and one from WY. I just want to tell my family and friends how much I love them. I am so glad you are in my life. I am greatful to all that have taken the time to call, send cards and prayed. I feel your power and faith!
I know that with the Lord, anything is possible. I am so greatful that He has a plan for me. I just need to do my part. I believe I have a lot of work to do! I know without a doubt that there is a Higher Power, namely Jesus Christ. I trust in Him and I know that he will be with me in the months to come. I am counting on it!! I also know that my family and friends who are praying for me or someone else will be blessed. Funny- I got a card from the girls at my school. One message said, "If I believed in God, I 'd pray for you." I hopefully can be an example to her and others to see the power of our Savior. I feel the strength and the power that each of you give me. So thanks!

Thought of the Day from Selena "Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless. "

Happy Birthday Janell

Happy Birthday my Sweet Janell!! Have a wonderful Birthday!! We love you more than words can ever express.......

"Die you STUPID Cancer"

Terry and I had a wonderful Christmas. We spent it with Janell and Brandon. We took Terry's dad Haskell with us to Morgan. Janell is a fantastic cook. We eat, read stories, watched movies, and played with Brickman and Teagan's toys.
I am feeling really good. I had a doctor's appointment before the Christmas break. The doctor said I am doing really well. I lost 11 pounds in a week. They weren't too keen on that..... But I told them I have a lot to lose. My next Chemo treatment is the 6th of January. NOT, looking forward to that. The doctor asked me if I was hurting at all. I told him that sometimes my breasts hurt and my underarms.... I also told him that when they HURT it think to myself "DIE-DIE-DIE you stupid cancer" If I am hurting the chemo is working.. So " DIE you stupid cancer cells. So I can LIVE!!" (you have to get the whole scaring voice included) (gruff and with attitude) You should have seen the poor Doctor....... he thinks I'm nuts... (but I am just a little crazy)!!
I am working and keeping really busy. Mary (office assistant) is amazing. She keeps me safe. She sprays Lysol all day--on all the papers-- before students come in to the office and after they leave. I love that women! She is so good to me.!!


The picture of the deer??? I know you were wondering... It was in my Grandma Erma's house when I was really young... Anyway that's what I remember.
Later.....