A Dollar for Debbie

Procedure of RF Ablation

2011-06-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

My procedure went very well the Doctor said, it was a little harder to get at than he thought, but all went well. He went a little bigger around the area to be safe. When I saw that instrument they were using I was like, I am glad I will be asleep when that goes in, but he informed me he needed me awake in the beginning to breathe, but that it would be numbed and that I would not feel a thing which I did not. I had a IV in my hand which I hate it always hurts, and they put something in it, my whole arm hurt so bad, they said it would go away very soon, thank heavens it did, something the anesthesiologist did maybe because I wasn't going all the way under yet. I do remember them trying to position me just right. But was all over, went to recovery I can remember laughing, I thought I dreamed this, no wonder my side was so sore too, but I was laughing and told them they all looked like cartoons. It was really sore when I just woke up but of course they give you pain killer and it was better.
Later that evening it was starting to really hurt again, the nurse gave me morphine, ugh I will not have that again made you feel awful. Sam had just brought me a subway sandwich which all came up, they finally brought me some medicine for the nausea. But really these are little minor things. The surgery was great, I would definitely go through it again!!!
Which I may be going through this again, they could not do my Lung at the same time, to dangerous. The next day he had me come down for scans of my Lung. On my back or stomach they couldn't get to it, so then they had me get on my right side left shoulder forward then he said that would be perfect he would be able to do it. So I am waiting for an answer from him they had to reorder CT Scans from another place that got misplaced and compare them to these. He said he is not sure it is Cancer but if it is and it got bigger they would not be able to do the procedure because of where it is at. So when he calls and if he tells me yes let's go ahead and do it, I hope to do it in the next 2 to 4 weeks. It is a wonderful procedure that they can do. I will have scans in another two to three months to see how the spots reacted for sure.
So Again I say Thank you so very much for all your wonderful words of inspiration and beautiful prayers that you know always carry me through and keep me safe!!!
When going through this Trial that I have, one may say "I now realize that I am going to die one day, Maybe not from Breast Cancer but from something. And so the question becomes, "HOW DO WE WANT TO LIVE?"

Radio Frequency Ablation Procedure

2011-06-05T11:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.cancerablation.com/

This is the website to the procedure I am having, it is a short animated video. It is very interesting, I will be put all the way under and will have to spend one night in the hospital. I thought this might help someone going through the same thing, I have never heard of this before. You can do it again if you need too. I imagine if it just spread all over you would have to do Chemo or some other procedure. Not sure on that.

Update of My Cancer and Treatments

2011-06-02T17:03:00.001-07:00

I am so sorry I have not been on here in a long time, I just got really busy and boy does time fly by. I know a lot of you were keeping up with me on here. I will try and update you without making this really long.
If you can believe this September 2nd will be 2 years ago that I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
I did finish my 7th week of radiation and everything went great, I remember thinking I was almost afraid to quit, because you feel like it's killing the cancer and then you just stop treatment and then what. The staff was just wonderful it made it so easy to go everyday. They had a graduation ceremony for all of us who finished with this treatment and we wore pink hats and gowns, it was really nice and fun. Hopefully I can get my son to down load some pictures of some of these events. I did a modeling show for First Friday with other cancer patients it was such a blast the theme was "Grease" boy did they make you feel special, we wore outfits from Jullian Golds. It was a wonderful experience. I did a 5k walk for "Making Strides against Breast Cancer" with my daughter Samantha, niece Brittany and sister Jeni, oh it was so much fun. I believe there were around 8,000 people. I will do it again this October also, I had friends who didn't know I was walking and want to do it this year, such a great cause of course.
I have continued doing my herceptin treatments every 3 weeks, will be two years on October 2nd. My Oncologist said I will be doing this for a long time. I have to have Echo cardiograms
every 4 to 5 months to make sure my heart is doing well. I continue to take my 5 year pill, which has been a year now.
January 15, 2011 I was hospitalized for a blood infection called Streptococcus, they said you can get it through a cut on your finger, which I had on my thumb at the time. Anyone can get it the Doctor said. I am more vulnerable now from all I have been through. I was in the hospital a week and had IV's of antibiotics. During this time they did a Chest X-Ray on me and this Doctor had come in later and told me there was a spot on my lung, which I said no there shouldn't be.
The next morning my Oncologist came in and I told him what that Doctor said and he said not to worry about it I would be doing CT Scans in March. So I did not dwell on it and was hoping it was something of no significance.
March came and I went and had my CT Scans on March 1st. We left on the 9th to Utah to my daughters Wedding. When I came back I had a Doctor's appointment and he showed me the papers and said there is a spot on my Liver and Lung and the spot on my Liver had grown .5cm.
He then said to stay positive and we would see what happens in August or September my next CT Scans, if treatment isn't working we would maybe have to do Chemo again.
Well my heart dropped I went to my car and cried for a tiny bit, I had always told my family once it goes to your liver and lungs that's it. Well that is so not true, but I did not know that. I told my husband not to tell my kids or parents until we see what happens in September. Well thankfully he did not listen to me and told my kids, who then were upset with the Doctor, wondering 'Why is he waiting and not doing anything now?" I was trusting his opinion, well now they got my younger sister involved and look out, they were all digging and researching like crazy. Meanwhile my daughter had her reception here April 30th and I informed my kids and sister I will concentrate on me after the reception. It did keep my mind off of me and focused on her totally, which really helped. After it was over, oh it was time to take care of me. My sister has a friend who is friends with a Radiology Oncologist and my sister talked to him and he said for me to call him. Meanwhile this past year my dad got throat cancer, and he was treated by the Oncologist that I went to see for a second opinion. Dad is cancer free, voice is still not the same he talks to much.
When I called Dr. Voorhees the first thing he said was "This is not a death Sentence" oh that is all I needed to hear. My husband and sister came with me to the appointment, he was just awesome. He spent over 2 hours with me, he told me this was treatable and something I have to live with the rest of my life, Like people with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems,etc... But in 5 or 10 years who knows what they will come up with. So he told me about this procedure he thought I should have called Radio Frequency Ablation it basically microwaves the cancer tumor. So at the end he told me to put away my shovel, and told me to exercise 4 times a week for 45min. and some other things.
He made me feel so good, my fight was back in me and my spirits totally back to normal. I am having this procedure Monday, June 6,2011.
Don't ever be afraid to get a second opinion, and don't try to fight this alone. I learned my kids are adults and they can handle anything, I was wrong to want to wait to tell them, I needed them all more than I had realized, just like in the beginning of all this I needed the support and it helps to talk to everyone, it's a wonderful therapy. I should have known better, we learn through experience and I know you can NEVER fight something like this alone EVER, I need all those prayers and support that is what makes me so strong, the person I never thought I could be.
I have prayed for strength and comfort and received that from a blessing from my Bishop and Sam. When ever you feel sad and down, do not stay there, that is a horrible place to be. I am so happy now even though I go through all this it is okay, it is my trial, and I know now it is necessary for my salvation that I have to endure this, and I think I have endured it very well. I have two new grand babies that makes 9 and I plan on being around for many more. I will update you on my surgery after Monday.
You people are who keep me going strong, those wonderful prayers that have strengthened me from the beginning. Thank you to all my children and sister who fight for me, my eternal love to all of you and the rest of my family and friends!!!

Fifth and Sixth Radiation

2010-07-07T15:29:00.000-07:00

I just finished my fifth week and began my sixth week on Tuesday because of the 4th of July weekend they were closed on Monday. I am doing great, I have some days I get really tired and others I am fine. I find if I keep busy I do not pay attention to how tired I am, but you do have to pace yourself, I tend to overdue a lot but that is me, stubborn. The redness you get is like a very very bad sunburn, the worse spot on me is my shoulder if you can believe that it is so red and hurts from my bra strap and seat belt. I am not being treated there anymore. After tomorrow they will just treat a smaller area, so I have till next Thursday or Friday, so I guess it will be almost 7 weeks after all. My skin could not have taken much more, some people get open soars and peeling and itching. I have been so blessed so far with no horrible side effects.

I have had some days I have felt nauseated even though the Doctor said I should not be, but it has not been everyday and only one time did I have to take something. I have heard some people do get nauseated, but it has not come back. It is different everyday it depends what I am doing and how much sleep I have gotten. I am almost done, I have a high tolerance for pain and I am a very patient person so that helps. This is not painful though only the redness in certain areas, but I can withstand knowing this is helping me I have to.

Time is passing quickly, even though it is a pain to go everyday except weekends, I do not make it something I dread to do. I go knowing this is going to cure me and I get to visit with some wonderful people everyday and meet others going through the same thing. Smiling and being happy makes life so much easier and I am greeted with smiles everyday so it makes me smile too!!! I have also been called "Sunshine" that really made me feel GREAT!

Have I done any good in the world today? I really try and I try to make others happy and stay positive too that makes me so very happy!

12th Radiation and Doctor's visit

2010-06-15T09:47:00.000-07:00

I just got back a while ago from my appointments today. I would like to mention when I go into the building before I go back to the Radiation office I am greeted every morning also by Carrie and smiling Gracie who are just so sweet, there is Frances and Ada on that floor too, who have helped me so very much and are also the kindest ladies. There are the two Cathy's who help women with all these different programs, HONESTLY what a staff of remarkable people and all the wonderful people in my (Chemo) now Herceptin treatments, how fortunate I have been to be treated by these outstanding people and I truly do mean this from the bottom of my heart. They make going through this easy for me, I sometimes have to tell myself am I really doing all this.

My Doctor says everything is going really good, he tells me to do all my activities that it is good for me, and I told him, "Good, because I would be doing them anyway." I am very stubborn and you can not keep me down, I will go until I am laid to rest one day.ha. I am so grateful to be able to do all the things I enjoy doing again, you do not realize how just the simplest things we take for granite. Right now until I get through radiation I will have to pace myself a little more just until I get through this. But all is well!!!

Third Week of Radiation

2010-06-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

This is my third week of radiation, and all is going well. I see the Radiation Doctor tomorrow, every Tuesday I see him to make sure everything is going good and if I am having any problems. They take X-rays every 5 days to check for positioning and every other day they put like this big square cold skin like thing it is called a boulus, but that brings the radiation beams to the surface areas and then without it, it will go deeper in, if that makes sense.
I am suppose to be feeling fatigued that is the worst of it, I do get tired but I just slow down a little. Between the Herceptin treatment, my five year pill and radiation, goodness all these can cause weakness and fatigue, but I think I am doing pretty good I try not to think or dwell on that to much and just pace myself until I am done with radiation.

I lead a very busy life and do not have time to be sick, I joke it takes a lot to slow me down so this is just temporary. You do not feel any pain or anything at all during radiation, they say they are so precise it only gets the area they are targeting and nothing else, radiation has really come a long way.

I have a wonderful Radiology Doctor who is very nice and caring, and all the staff is just so sweet they greet me each morning with a smile, Rachel, Anita, and Michelle. And my technicians Cat, Jennifer, Jeff, and Ineatta are so nice and fun to talk with. It is so crazy that I have met such wonderful people that have touched my life so and if it were not for me going through this I would not have known or met these people it is funny how life works. Then you can not imagine these people not being in your life, these things I know happen for a reason and my life is richer for having met all of these wonderful people and all the experiences I have had so far.

There will be lots of Doctor appointments over the next few years and they taper off by the fifth year its not as many they say. You have to remain positive always and not dwell on the "RECURRENCE" you have to be aware of signs that could be telling you something is not right, but not to constantly be thinking it is going to come back. I pray that mine will never come back but if it does I would just have to deal with it like everyone else and they get through it again. Of course none of us want it to come back and hopefully over the years they will find better cures.

I am waiting for the day when all my treatments are done, they will then run tests, and I want to hear the words YOU ARE CANCER FREE that is what I am looking forward to. I will probably volunteer at the cancer center one day when I am done with all this,

The prayers I have received and still do receive have given me strength beyond I could have ever imagined I amaze myself, you all have been so wonderful and caring how could anyone not recover from such support and love. I will always remember the wonderful feeling and comfort I have received from these prayers I have indeed become so strong our HEAVENLY FATHER hears our prayers and answers them. I am grateful for everyday I have, I do look at life differently now, do not take anything for granite!

Getting Ready for Radiation

2010-05-21T20:55:00.000-07:00

This was such a crazy week and a very busy week. I went to my Oncologist appointment and talked with him about starting radiation then he sent me to the Radiologist downstairs to register. He gave me a prescription for my 5 year pills that will cost $400.00 a month, he did tell me to go downstairs and talk with one of the ladies that helps get the drugs reduced, so I pray that I will get excepted into this program because those are some very expensive pills, he said they are effective in helping prevent cancer from coming back.

The next day I had to get a heart test, echocardiogram because of my treatments with the Herceptin, it could possibly cause heart problems. I didn't hear anything from them so everything must be fine. The following day was my Herceptin appointment which they would not have let me do if something would have been wrong, so that was good.

The same day 30 minutes later I went to see the Radiologist and talked with him he explained what they were going to do and the side effects the most common one is fatigue but he said if I am active and are use to doing a lot of things it shouldn't be bad nothing like chemo anyway. He told me to do everything I was doing before, of course to use common sense and do not do something till your in pain or exhausted. That made me happy because I was doing it anyway!

Then came the fourth day Friday, by then I was tired of going to appointments, ha. Went to Radiologist again and got a CT Scan and positioned for Radiation, was getting nervous all over again about all this but I am better now. I know the Lord is watching over me and I feel a real comfort inside of me.

Next Wednesday the 26th I have more X-Rays and on Thursday the 27th I start my radiation everyday except weekends for up to 7 weeks at the longest may be 6 weeks not sure yet, The radiation treatment is really fast they say less than a minute so that is good, I will be so happy when I am done with this treatment!

I have endured this well so far and remain positive and happy and plan on living my life to the fullest and trying not to dwell on the "Recurrence" part of it, yet you have to be aware of your body and know when something is not right then you get it checked out right away.

This is a very scary thing to have but I truly rely on all the Prayers and Fasting, Priesthood Blessing and a lot of FAITH!!!! I know the Lord has a lot of work for me to do yet and I will not let him down and I Thank him everyday for my health and all that I have, and I can say "The LORD is on my side and onward I shall MARCH!!!!

I Love your prayers and encouragement they have helped me so much in getting through all of this. THANK YOU SO VERY VERY MUCH, I Love You All!!!!

A Daughters Love

2010-03-28T18:39:00.000-07:00

My youngest daughter recently gave me a beautiful card I would like to share with you:

One tiny butterfly
shows what it means
to have enduring courage
and dignity,
so that even when the wind
takes it in an unknown direction,
it flies,
staying strong, staying brave.
One tiny butterfly
lifts itself up
with the light
deep inside its soul,
rising on wings of hope
for a safe
and renewing journey...
You're like that butterfly,
brave and beautiful.
I know your courageous spirit
will carry you through this
just like it has carried you
so many times before.
And I also know
I'm here for you,
to offer friendship
and comfort
and support,
so you'll soon have
all the strength
you need
to soar once more.

I have some very wonderful kids and their spouses too who truly love me and they keep me going especially my grand children!!!!!

Choices

2010-03-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

In life we can be WEAK or we can be STRONG, I of course have chosen to be strong!!!

Who you TRULY are as person is best revealed by who you are during times of conflict
and crisis.

Happiness is a CHOICE not just a matter of GENES or GOOD LUCK.

If you can drive yourself crazy...you can drive yourself happy.

When life throws you CURVEBALLS, hit them out of the park.

Time not only HEALS, time REVEALS.

A PSALM FOR YOUR PSYCHE

I asked for strength...
And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for wisdom...
And God gave me Problems to solve.

I asked for prosperity...
And God gave me a Brain and Brawn to work.

I asked for courage...
And God gave me Danger to overcome.

I asked for love...
And God gave me Troubled people to help.

I asked for favors...
And God gave me Opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted
but i received everything I needed.

Debbie's Comments

2010-02-16T17:13:00.000-08:00

By the way on this video I never did go bald, my hair just got really thin and before the Sixth Chemo I just had my husband buzz it to my scalp and it is already growing back.

I just wanted to say whoever may be going through this too, that no not all my days have I been healthy looking and happy. I am a happy person, so I do try and stay positive. After my Chemo treatments I am tired and not feeling good, I would wear no makeup and lay on the couch I looked awful, I guess I never thought to post those. Well I never had anyone take a picture of me like that, when I did not feel good. So yes I had those horrible days when you just want to lay down and not talk to anyone. But then I would feel good again and would get out as much as I could before I would have to go back again. I know I was told to put your makeup on everyday so you would feel good about yourself. Which I did except when I felt really bad, and I did not care to put any makeup on. But it does make a difference and you do feel better when you do.

I have talked to so many people who have been very helpful and women who have been through this themselves and have shared their experiences with me which has helped me a lot. There's so much research you need to do to be informed on all the things you will go through, but everyone's case is different and reactions are different.

I still have a lot to do yet, I still have a spot or two on my spine, so now I will have to receive radiation on my spine also. It can be quite overwhelming and all the bills, but I just take one day at a time and know things will all work out, this happened for a reason and I have to have faith and put it in the Lord's hands.

When I get through all of this, I hope to one day help other women who have Breast Cancer too and hope to be a strength to them, like some of them have been to me.

Dollar4Debbie, Episode 3: The Haircut

2010-02-16T13:15:00.000-08:00

Dollar4Debbie, Episode 3: The Haircut from Debbie Reed on Vimeo.

Here's the next video! Sorry it took so long, there were some YouTube issues so we've switched over to Vimeo.

Sixth Chemo Treatment

2010-02-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

On January 20, 2010 was my last Chemo Treatment it was the sixth one. Everything went great as usual no problems. I basically reacted the same to all of them as far as the side effects go, like they told me how I react the first time will be how I react to all of them. Actually this last one I had no bone pain at all that I get from my 24 hour shot. It is like "growing pains" annoying, but I never got them, which they normally last a couple of days. So I was really happy about that. My Oncologist Doctor said he was surprised how well I did with the Chemo. Well we all know why!

I am happy that part is over with, I do hope and pray I do not have to do that ever again though. I will have to do Radiation to make sure they get it all, remove some lymph nodes and tumor, and continue my Herceptin treatment every three weeks until October. I just had CT Scans done and MRI. So I do not know that will change anything. MRI was a little different as I laid on my back this time and it was very tight fitting if you were claustrophobic I do not think you would make it. It was the same train horn blowing sound, with knocking and clonking and like the loudest jackhammer sounds. The ear plugs do not help much you just have to make your mind take you some where else. It was easier being on my back though.

Lot's of Doctor appointments for awhile. I still need all those wonderful prayers, like I probably have said before, I would not have done this well with the Chemo so far if it was not for all of you and those wonderful prayers and fasting. I do still need your support!!!

Some wonderful quotes, scriptures that have really helped me.

"Part of the promise of the Atonement is the blessing that comes after all we can do. When we are not enough, Christ can make up the difference. But we have to ask Heavenly Father, in the name of Christ, for the added strength."

"Seek this Jesus" (Ether 12:41) the One who encourages us to build, to perform great works, to prove ourselves worthy and obedient. Who offers solutions, who encourages us to search for ourselves and find the answers we long for.
Seek this Jesus, who will not let you cross the water in darkness, who will prepare the way before you, who knows what you have been through, who knows what is still to come. The One who allows the trials because He knows the blessings that will follow. The One who will show you the greater things, who will bring the unspeakable gifts The One who leads us to the promise."

(John 9:3) "that the works of God should be made manifest in him"

"Never underestimate the purpose of the trial. The works of Christ will be made manifest in your life. It is through adversity that we experience the sweetest parts of the Atonement. Enduring our trials allows us to experience the healing power of Jesus Christ. This process strengthens our testimony of the reality of Christ and enables us to eventually help lift the hands of another."

In this life we may have many trials we must endure, but we can do it, never lose faith or be blameful. (Ether 12:6) "Ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."

I love my family for all of their support, and for all of my wonderful friends, for those of you I have never met, I so appreciate your donations that continue to help me so much. You are ALL SO AWESOME! I Love you and Thank you!!!

Fifth Chemo Treatment

2010-01-19T09:05:00.000-08:00

Almost finished with Chemo Treatment, I am sorry for putting this up so late, While I was getting better from the last treatment I just did not feel well enough to get on here and type.
My Fifth Chemo treatment went really well again, (Dec.30th) same side effects as last time. I have been so fortunate that I have never gotten worse or have had really bad side effects. Of course I know I could not have done so well without ALL of your prayers I am thankful for them everyday!
I have my last (6th) Chemo Treatment tomorrow, Wednesday the 20th. I am so glad, last one seemed like it took me weeks to feel better it was kind of getting to me, I was feeling very tired of this all of a sudden. The feeling of nothing tasting good to me and I have to constantly eat small meals because of one of my medications. You do not want to eat, but if you do not you will feel sick, it is just a real "yucky" feeling is the way I describe it, then I lose my taste buds for four days and I get really tired, my skin around my fingertips will peel for 4 days. I know it is no fun and I can not wait till the tenth day comes that is how long it takes till I feel really good again. But like I said I know this is nothing compared to what some people go through, so I can not complain to much at all.
I had a Doctors appointment on the 15th and my Doctor said he was surprised how well I have done with the Chemo Treatment and that I was doing really good. I have Scans and MRI I have to do the beginning of next month, see another Doctor and will have to do radiation yet. I will also have to continue the Herceptin treatment every 3 weeks until October for my Her-2 cancer cells. I was tested to see if I had the receptors for Her-2 which is a protein that helps the cancer to grow quickly. One medication for this type of cancer is the Herceptin, which serves to block signals that help the Tumor to grow it is usually given through IV weekly over 52 weeks,for me every 3 weeks for a year.It will be kind of a pain to have to do this, but of course it will save my life. There is so much to go through it can be quite overwhelming at times. I hope none of you ever have to go through this, get informed and checked regularly!
I am so Thankful so far for how well I have done I pray I can continue to be strong and continue to endure everything well!!!

Joseph Smith said "Whatever God requires is right, no matter what it is, although we may not see the reason thereof till long after the events transpire" (History of the Church 5:135). No matter how long or hard the search, if it brings us closer to Christ, it is worth it. The intensity of the search will make the treasure priceless, one that we will not ever give up.

"Seek the Lord...[for] he be not far from every one of us." -Acts 17:27

May we all be strong in our Journey through life, and be thankful for all that we have been given!

I am truly Thankful for your Prayers and support you all continue to give me!!!
Love, Debbie

Fourth Chemo Treatment

2009-12-16T18:16:00.000-08:00

I had my fourth chemo treatment on December 9, 2009. I am happy to say everything went great. This time I put my Lidocaine cream on when I was on my way to Chemo, so it would not wear out this time, and it worked. It did not hurt when they put the needle in, I told the nurse Tonya, who inserted the needle, that I want her to do it every time. Now was it the way she did it or the cream or both, I just know she caused me no pain. I also had no reaction again to the Taxateer Drug and that is a very good thing.

My sister Jeni came up with some homemade chocolate chip cookies for all the nurses and patients who wanted some, oh how they love us! ha. I am hoping to bake my famous Cowboy cookies and take some up before Christmas, they so deserve it!

They told me how I do with the first chemo treatment will be how I should do each time, and they were right. Actually the last two have been better. I do get weaker and tired and it takes me 8 to 10 days to feel really good again. I can do light housework, laundry, just so I do not over due at all. The worst part to me is when I lose my taste buds, ugh, and I have to eat and nothing taste good you just feel yuk!!! But at least I do not get real sick so I am very fortunate, it just is not any fun!!! My Doctor says I am doing really good and the Chemo is working so that is great!

I wanted to share with you this information. There's a Test to Find Out Your Risk.....in getting Breast or Ovarian cancer if it runs in your family. It's called BRACAnalysis, it is a blood test that lets you know if you have the gene. There is also a great video that is about 10 minutes long. It does not run in my family, but how did I get it, I do not know, like all the others that it did not run in their families either. My Doctor says this is an expensive test that runs between $2,000 and $3,000 dollars. If it runs in your family it would be worth it so you could be prepared. If not, you need to do your monthly self-exams and get checked by your Doctor regularly. More and more young women in there twenties are getting Breast Cancer and it spreads quicker the younger you are. Be prepared and catch it early, so much easier on you and your life. This website is : www.bracnow.com

I have to THANK YOU ALL for your continued love and support, your donations and wonderful prayers that help me in my every day life!!! You all are wonderful and I am glad I can touch your lives also, life is short, let us enjoy the time we have,I have this trial I must go through, I know not why, I know it has made me a stronger person and I have always loved people but I will look at them a little differently now. Wondering who might be going through what I am or something similar, we all need each other and big smiles, be kind to those you meet and be patient with those that drive on the streets with us.

Have a Wonderful and Safe Holiday, Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!!!!!!

Love, Debbie

Third Chemo Treatment

2009-11-23T14:42:00.000-08:00

It was my first time to use the PowerPort since my surgery to do my Chemo. No more going through my veins. That morning I had applied my Lidocaine cream (deadens area where needle will go into PowerPort) and from the time I put it on that morning until I was suppose to have been seen, 2 hours had passed. I believe the cream had worn off by then.

When they went to put the needle in it was thicker and bigger than I thought and hoped it would be, so it did hurt for those few seconds going in. Not unbearable, it was much better than using the IV. It hurt a little as it was pulled out.

Everything went smoothly, I did not have the reaction with the Taxeteer drug this time and I was so happy! I know all those prayers are working for me. My mom and sister Jeni were up there supporting me which I love them for. Tia Nowitzky made her famous homemade brownies for us, nurses and patients, and oh how they love us, ha! Now we really have them spoiled. I so appreciate Tia for doing this again, she is such a busy woman herself.

I am feeling the normal weakness in my body not quite as bad as last time. I have to eat when I am hungry and it is always hard trying to figure out what will satisfy me at that time. I hate this part. But I am doing pretty good it usually takes me 10 days to feel really good. I try and be very positive about this and I know that helps me a lot too. I gargle with my baking soda and water 4 times a day and I have never got any sores in my mouth yet, yeah!

My cousin Tanda Bernal (on my dad's side) gave me some wonderful advice which has become my little motto. She said,"Hold your head high, hair or no hair" I loved the part about holding my head high, and I do when ever I go out I walk with my head high.

You all have given me such inspiration on my blog here and on my facebook. You make me feel wonderful inside and you give me such strength that helps me get through these harder times. I appreciate everyone's comments and prayers that have helped me so far, you truly have touched my heart so deeply!!!!

Family Fun

2009-11-16T09:13:00.000-08:00

Just some average days in my life!

Thoughts on Breast Cancer

2009-11-08T10:40:00.000-08:00

Quote from Harry S. Truman:"A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities, and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties."

"Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles--it empties today of its strength."
Author Unknown

I liked this just changed a few things.

"I am a person who is living with cancer, not dying from it. I refuse to let this experience take over my life. I am a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a grandmother, a niece, a aunt, a great aunt, a cousin, a friend. I may have breast cancer, but breast cancer doesn't have me! I may not be able to be in control of the cancer, but I am in control of how I live my life, and I choose to make the most of each and every day God has given me. I'll take the time to experience the good things that life offers."

Everyone has trials in their lives. We can act one of two ways: We can feel sorry for ourselves, be angry, blame God for these trials, and spend all our energy asking why? Or we can take total control of our life and react in a positive way and accept that obstacles are a part of life and we can be happy and learn from this experience and share it and help others along the way so that they will be strong and not so afraid.

I am so thankful for all my blessings and for my trials that strengthen me!!!

PowerPort Surgery

2009-11-06T11:26:00.000-08:00

November 5, 2009 (Thursday) I had my surgery for my PowerPort, I was excited it was not the Metaport this is a newer version. The PowerPort is a implanted Port it is a new technology designed to accommodate Power-injected CECT scans (Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography scans)and IV therapy without having to undergo repeated needlesticks in your arm or wrist area.

It is a small device placed completely beneath your skin (in front of my right shoulder) in a short procedure (about an hour)It is a cylinder with a hollow space inside that is sealed by a soft top. It connects to a small, flexible tube called a catheter that is inserted inside one of the large central veins that deliver blood to your heart. When a special needle is put into the soft top of the PowerPort device, it creates "access" to your bloodstream, meaning that medications and fluids can be given and blood samples drawn. It is triangular in shape with three bumps called Palpation Points on the top of the port(mine is purple). So this is where I will receive my Chemo and blood work. You can keep these in for years some people all their lives depending what they are having done. It will make life easier.

When I went in for surgery I found out I would not have to go all the way under I was so happy. My Doctor was a Doctor Hein, he was young and very nice, he explained how exactly they were doing this and showed me what it looked like. Any bad effects were very rare, he mentioned to make one thing a hundred percent proof is that I would have to "HUM" when he asked me. That would make sure all air was out of tiny tubing (catheter). Well one of the guys says he would be giving me the "Margarita" to make me sleepy. I remember they were ready to start and I was talking away, all I can remember doing was talking and then I remember him asking me at one point to take a deep breath and then "HUM". I then remember asking if he had any children, I believe he said 2 boys, I mentioned my kids and grand kids, I could feel him doing something (no pain) and then him saying "Okay we are done" I was like "What, it feels like it has only been 10 minutes". Boy I do not know if I fell asleep or I just rambled on the whole time. My husband Sam said when he came to get him, the guy said "I gave her the equivalent of 4 Margaritas but she just kept talking". How embarrassing!!!! Those of you who know me will think that is hilarious I am sure! It was a great experience very easy surgery, I do have some discomfort and have had to take Tylenol but it is only suppose to last a few days. I had to wait 2 hours before going home to make sure no bleeding appeared or anything else, so I went home 2 hours later and I am very happy I will have no more IV's or blood work taken from my poor veins again!

Chemo Cut photos!

2009-10-29T23:17:00.000-07:00

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Here's my new haircut! Hopefully we'll have a video up here soon; in the mean time, here are some photos.

Second Chemo Treatment

2009-10-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday October 28th I had my second Chemo treatment at Spohn Cancer Center. They are following exactly what I had done at MD Anderson. I had the same reaction again to that Docetaxel (Taxotere)I started feeling funny in my face I could feel it barely starting to have that flush feeling. I told the nurse and she immediately stopped it, and they called the Doctor. He had them give me a steroid and Benadryl like last time and had to wait 30 minutes before giving it to me again. I did fine then,so I hope that doesn't happen every time or that is what they will have to do each time.

I will be getting a Meta port before my next Chemo. They put it in front of your shoulder it goes under your skin and that is where they will put all your medication through, so your veins do not get ruined. And I will probably keep it there all year because I will be receiving the Herceptin for a year. It makes it a lot easier for them and me. Otherwise everything went fine, my nurses were absolutely great and so funny.

My mother had taken me to my Chemo appointment and then my sister and wonderful friend Tia Nowitzky who happens to be a OBGYN and has delivered 2 of my grand kids. They came up to relieve my mother she was really tired that day, so they visited with me and brought me lunch with these huge cookies from a place called "Hesters" that we shared with the Nurses and patients, which they loved. One Nurse said "When are you and your friend coming back again so I can diet first next time." Since it was my Birthday the day before Tia had brought me 3 beautiful scarfs for my head, a pretty silver bracelet with Cancer thoughts on it, and 2 really nice books one about "The Year My Mother Was Bald" it is actually for 8-13yrs that helped her to explain to her kids about cancer, very cute.

Then "Nordie's at Noon, the personal stories of four women "too young" for breast cancer. That was very sweet of her!!!! We had a lot of fun visiting, she GAVE me some good advise about not over doing, or maybe she was scolding me.ha! Then my husband came up and brought me that new Suzanne Sommers book on Cancer. So I have lots of reading to do. He took me home later and we went out to eat.

I take Zofran (for nausea) that evening and then for 2 days twice a day and I had no nausea the first time around and so far so good. Then they gave me the steroid Dexamethasone I take the next day for 2 days twice a day.

Some ADVICE I would like to give: Please do not ask cancer patients personal questions, they will tell you what information they want you to know. Be sensitive to what people are going through it is hard enough to deal in their minds everything that is going to happen and some things are just very personal. And please do not tell the stories of Breast Cancer friends or family members who have died from this. Luckily I am a strong person and just let it go over my head but not all people are like that. So Please think before you decide to tell a story, make it a positive one not of someone dying. We have to have hope and be positive, they are doing wonderful things for people now and people are living long normal lives. I know to live a long life and recover you have to be a Positive and happy person and exercise the rest of your life and serve others most of all do not just think of yourself.

I will be going to a support group 1 or 2 times a month. I met a lady downstairs over that and I told her about my website she thought it was great. She fell in love with my attitude and wants me to come to some meetings and help others which in turn they will help me also, so I look forward to going to my first meeting. She also mentioned about helping promoting my website. Oh the "gift of gab" can be such a wonderful thing. ha.

Well my friends as usual I am just so grateful for all of you, I so FEEL your prayers I feel such strength in me I never thought possible of me, I never thought I could ever deal with this cancer the way I am, I totally surprise myself how positive I am, how I have helped people so far. I honestly know for a fact it is all the prayers and fasting that have helped me through this there is no other way, I thank you a million times over I will never forget the Love you have shown for me how much you all care that makes me so strong and want to fight so much harder and I will never give up that's for sure, I know I am going to be fine I feel it inside I feel so good! I Love you all so dearly.

Till Later, Love ya,

Debbie

Update on Chemo Treatment

2009-10-25T15:52:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to let you know I will be getting my treatment now in Corpus Christi. The person who was helping me can no longer help me, so I can not afford to continue at MD Anderson. It is a wonderful place but very expensive. The girl who told me my Herceptin was $4,339.00, she called me and said she was $7,000.00 off, that it is $12,000.00. It would totally put me in financial debt to stay there, I will miss the people there, and if you can afford it, yes I highly recommend it, but my Doctor assures me they will do everything for me here. So I hope they will let me video and take pictures here, I am not sure yet. My next Chemo will be on October 28th,he had it scheduled for October 27th and I said oh that is my birthday, then he said "oh no we are not doing Chemo on your birthday." I thought that was nice but I really did not care. I still will have to go do my blood work that day, you always have blood work before Chemo. I pray that I will do just as good this next time, they tell me, how you do the first time is how you will probably do every time. The first week is the hardest, feeling real weak at first and getting tired so easy. So till then my friends I will be back with you soon.

I just wanted to express my THANKS to ALL of you again for your donations, to ALL of you who are friends of my family and friends and to ALL who are related to them also. To those who have heard of my site and have donated. I really really appreciate the love you have shown for me, it makes me feel so good inside to know people really care about me and what I am going through right now. Thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart!!!

The Kanzius Machine - A cancer cure?

2009-10-18T17:17:00.001-07:00

This is pretty amazing. This research is going on right NOW at MD Anderson. If they are able to do what they are showing, this could cure almost any kind of cancer! The crazy thing is that the machine was invented by a guy who isn't even a doctor!

Episode 1: First Visit to MD Anderson

2009-10-12T10:39:00.000-07:00

I had my first Chemo on Friday, Oct. 2nd. I had to be there at 11:30am, and they took me right into a room with a bed and TV. I get into bed and they give me some shots beforehand. Then going on 12:30 they put the IV in and start the first chemo medicine which is TRASTUZUMAB (Herceptin) they all have 2 names, this is the one I tested positive for the Her2 cancer cells, unfortunately this is a very expensive drug I take this every 3 weeks with Chemo and continue for a full year, this runs $4,439.00 a treatment, wow, it is suppose to be 100% effective in killing this cancer cell. I did fine with this drug.

The second chemo medicine was CARBOPLATIN (Paraplatin) one of the side effects was tingling, numbness and pain. I had a little tingling but the time I pushed the nurses button and she came it started to go away, so I had no problem with this one, they take 1 1/2 hrs. each.

The third chemo medicine is DOCETAXEL (Taxotere) this one after she gave me with in a very short time I felt my face just flushing and getting hot I told her right away and then I felt funny in my chest, but she had immediately stopped it, she said that is why I stayed in here longer up to 15 minutes she would have, because she said the majority of people have a reaction the first time. It was kind of scary she gave me a steroid and strong benedryl and redid it 30 minutes later and I had no problem then.

I had to go to the ladies room and you have to unplug this big circular stand with all your medicines and take a plug out from stand. So I am starting out in the hall and a nurse sees me and says "Oh are you looking for the bathrooms?" So I told her, "No, I am going home!" she laughed. Oh how I really would like to of gone home and would wake up from this dream still. But I think it will really become real when I have no hair, ha. Oh, my lunch was delicious. I had a Chicken salad sub on wheat bread and fresh fruit, it was impressive.

I got a shot 24 hours later PEGFILGRASTIM (Neulasta) to help in preventing or reducing the risk of infection while I am being treated with these cancer-fighting medicines. It stimulates the bone marrow to produce white blood cells (the cells responsible for fighting infection), boosting the body's immune system. So I will do this each time after Chemo.

I can not get sick at all, I can never have a temperature over 101 or I have to go to the emergency room or I can die. They were VERY specific about that. So I will miss a lot of functions this next 4 1/2 months as flu season and colds are all coming up, and I always get sore throats and colds so this is going to be very difficult and scary time for me, hopefully it will go by fast!

I do not have the energy I had before that is for sure, I can do things and then have to go rest, I tend to overdue still but I will learn fast. Nausea not to bad I have to eat when I am hungry. Your bones get a little sore, but I have medicine. I pray it doesn't get worse I want to start walking again, they say that is good. Before I know it I will be back there. Keep me in your prayers, oh how I FEEL them. THE FIGHT IS ON! And Debbie will WIN!!! Love you all!

A Mothers Love

2009-10-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

I want to Publicly express my Thanks and Deep Love for my children. My son Steve Reed who has worked so hard to design this website for me and get it up and running. He is trying so hard to help me from the Vegas area where he lives. He is a very talented artist, and a very humble young man, whom I love with all my heart, and will never forget the love he has for me. He has a beautiful wife Sherese, and 2 precious daughters, Sariah and Alani.

My Beautiful daughters:
The oldest, Allison who is working on a fundraiser for me, which is up she is waiting for the link. They sell T-shirts, scrubs, etc..."Fight like a Girl" is the name on items. They get half and I get the other half to my fundraiser, the link will be posted here. She is trying so hard to help me from where she lives. She has a wonderful husband AJ and 3 of the cutest boys, Jacob, Deacon and Hunter. She wants to be here to help me but of course can not, so this is her way.

My middle daughter Kami who is visiting me from Utah (with her two precious children) and youngest Samantha have been grocery shopping, cooking meals and we all pitch in to clean, I have to be doing something. What love they do show for me. Kami has a wonderful husband Adam and little boy Jaden and a little girl sweet girl Ava, I have 7 of the most precious grand kids whom I love so very very much!!! Samantha is waiting for Prince Charming to come one day.

I have been blessed with the 4 most wonderful children who want to help their mother in any way, my heart is filled with joy and I am so proud of all of them!

One of my favorite quotes is:

You may have riches and wealth untold,
Caskets of jewels and baskets of gold,
But richer than I you will never be,
for I had a mother who read to me.

I want to change the last verse to:

for I have 4 children who truly love me,
And we will be together for All Eternity.

Which I truly did read to my children all the time and now I read to my grand kids!

My husband who wishes he could take this from me, my prince for 33 years this December, I love him very much and we will get through this and be stronger because of this trial.

There has been so much more help from my Parents, and my sister Jeni which I will be eternally grateful and many more family members who all want to be here to help but I have all their prayers, and what a powerful thing to have. I love my family with all my heart I just wanted you to know that.

The Results

2009-10-07T18:06:00.000-07:00

Today I went to my Doctors appointment; he is always so nice and positive. He told me we would start Chemo on Friday and that I would need 6 treatments 3 weeks apart, which is about 4 1/2 months. So it should all be done around January. He saw two spots on my spine or bones, but he said he was not to concerned since the Chemo would kill them. He did schedule me for a Spinal X-ray that day, and a Bone Scan the next day. I have not heard anything on those yet, but I'm not too concerned since he didn't seem to be. Just as long as that Chemo kills it, I am happy!

Later on, he is going to remove a few lymph nodes near the breast, just to be safe, and then remove tumor when it has shrunk.

So that is where I am at right now, this will be a crazy year for me, I pray I do not get very sick and weak. I will have to learn to take it easy which is very very difficult for me, so I will need to learn to pace myself.

Thanks to all my family and friends, I love you all very much~~~

Expressing Heartfelt Gratitude

2009-09-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I want to THANK all of you who have donated to my cause, you have touched my heart so deeply!!! I wish I could personally thank each one of you, but there are so many of you that have responded. I am so blessed to have all of your support, and comments which make me feel so good inside.

I laid in bed last night and wanted to cry, (happy tears) but instead held it in. And thought to myself "I have the most wonderful family and friends, How could I possibly not make it through this when I have all of you standing behind me and strengthening me!!! Thank you so much to those of you I do not even know, how wonderful and caring you people are.

I will always remember you and what you have done for me, I will always be ETERNALLY grateful to you all!!!

Love Always and Forever,

Debbie

Week 1 and 2: Diagnostic Tests

2009-09-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

WED. 9-23-09

My first visit started with checking in and filling out paperwork. Then I did some blood work and met with one of the surgeons, who was very young-looking and as sweet as could be. Then I met my Doctor, his name is Massimo Cristofanilli, he is so nice,happy and positive, the kind of Doctor any person would love to have, I am so happy I have someone like him.

THUR. 9-24-09

Went to MD Anderson at 9:00am and had a Chest, PA & LAT X-ray. At 11:00AM I prepared for Cardiac injection, I had to drink 2 bottles of Contrast (Berry flavor) it was suppose to be the best. I had to drink one in the first 45 minutes, and then the other one the next 45 minutes. I was then taken to a small waiting room in the back with about 9 other women,they were all sitting there quietly. I went and sat down but after a while, I noticed that it was just too quiet for me. So I started a conversation with the girl next to me, then the lady on the other side of me started talking as well and before you knew it, I had everyone talking! The lady next to me has been in remission for 4 years, she goes once a year now. This young beautiful girl who has 2 children was waiting to have surgery (she was having a mastectomy). Another young girl I met who had 1 child, was on her second time around with Breast cancer but with a totally different type of cancer. She was so brave I was really impressed with her. Then there was the school teacher and the lady who sat in the corner reading her book. Me and the lady with the book got called out together, she never talked. I started to talk to her as we walked and she told me "I wasn't saying anything in there while you were talking, because mine is not a happy story." Her cancer has spread all over, I was so sad for her, I told her I have read so many stories of these women on these cancer sites that have been in 4th stage cancer who have lived. Then we had to go to our separate rooms for tests.

Do not ever give up, you have to fight all the way, even if you are not given much hope you still fight, because miracles can and do happen. We have to have faith, Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us and we have to do our part and be strong and most of all be positive.

If any one told me I would be like this, open and happy right now, I would have told them they were crazy. I have told people at the stores I shop at that I have Breast cancer it so easy for me to talk about this, it is actually great THERAPY. I am happy I can not explain it but I have had no fear, and I am scared to death of Hospitals. I know all the prayers and fasting from my family and friends have given me such strength that keeps pushing me on. Never keep something like this bottled up inside of you, because it will bring you down, and you need to be up beat and you need to talk to people, believe me it works. You feel so good, it is a trial you will get through with the support of family and friends! Why not have as many people praying for you as you can?

I had one more test that day, it was a CT Scan of Chest and Abdomen, this was a breeze.

FRI. 9-25-09

I did an MRI, oh this was a crazy machine. They put ear plugs in my ears and I had to lay on my stomach, hands above my head and I laid my head on a triangular pad covered with a sheet,you could see the floor and window where technician was. Then I went into the BEAST and when they take pictures you cannot move at all. I would lay there 1 1/2 min. then 2 1/2 min. Then they would go to 6 1/2 to 8 1/2 minutes that felt like 25 minutes. It would get hot my head was killing me on the pad, face sweating, my left finger would go numb where the IV was. I had to sing songs in my head, go off to a Tropical Island in my mind, then the loud train horn sound would start and the clonking noise would bring me back into the machine. I prayed hard to make it through, I had to squeeze the ball in my hand once for them to stop once a picture was over, I had to pick up my head. It was a very hard test but not totally unbearable you have to stay in control in your mind.

Later the old mammograms, no pictures for this one. ha.

Headed for home on Friday, not expected back till Wednesday, but got a phone call and they wanted me back on Monday for Ultra Sound and biopsy so that is what I did today. It has been quite a week. There are the most wonderful people at MD Anderson all of them, they have been so nice and helpful so funny totally AWESOME! I love it here and I am getting the best treatment for me possible.

Life is great!

First Visit to MD Anderson

2009-09-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Here are some photos from my first visit to MD Anderson!

The Beginning

2009-09-20T21:23:00.001-07:00

September 2, 2009 I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, they said it was Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Stage 2. That's when this dream I thought I could wake up from all started, but it wasn't a dream.

I was scared and sad at the same time and thinking, "This doesn't run in my family how can this happen to me?" Well, I soon learned that many women who have Breast Cancer, it does not run in their families either. So basically anyone can get it.

I went to this first Doctor who then recommended me to an Oncologist. Two days later I went to see him. I did not have any blood work done yet, or x-rays. The Oncologist recommended that I have blood work and a full body scan. He then said he was going to start Chemotherapy the next week. I told this information to my sister, who told her good friend who happens to be good friends with a Radiology Oncologist. When he heard this he said, "NO, you tell her to go to MD Anderson," which is in Houston about 4 hrs. away from where I live. My sister called me that night told me this news which gave me some hope and made me feel as if a heavy black cloud was lifted off of me, and I was happy. I was so scared and like anyone, I wanted a second opinion. She told me that she would go with me, and my mother and I have a cousin who has offered to take me. My husband is self-employed and owns his own business and just started a new job. I new it would be hard for him to go. I told my sister to tell my husband what she told me, and I just cried, I was overwhelmed with information, yet so happy with the news as that is where I wanted to go in the first place; it seems many people from here go to MD Anderson.

So the next day, I got on the phone and called MD Anderson and had to go through some procedures first, having Doctors fax my information. I did get an appointment a week and a half later. I am so happy and thankful to my sister for looking out for me, she tends to do that for all the family, she doesn't settle for just anything. And we shouldn't either. Get a second opinion if you are not happy with what you here, do not settle for one opinion especially if you do not feel so sure about it. I also had a family member who offered to pay for this at the time, so everything worked out for me to go to MD Anderson.

My good friend Cheryl, who lives in Houston called me before I had my appointment and said I could stay with her anytime, that made me so happy, and she only lives 25 minutes from there.

I have been open about this to all my family and friends and this has really helped me to have all their support,love and prayers. It has made me a stronger person because I have shared my trial.

I don't know what lies ahead for me yet, I know it may not be easy, I have tried to prepare myself for things I may have to face and go through. I know I will be sad at times but not for long, I know my Heavenly Father will be with me through all of this and I pray for strength everyday. I will be positive and strong for my family, I will not let them down.

My Aunt Cheri sent me a quote by Brigham Young,

"Every trial we have in this life, is necessary for our salvation."

I've thought a lot about that quote and it makes me me feel good, I know I will be stronger from this trial and grow from it. I have 4 wonderful children, 3 of them married and 7 beautiful grand kids, so yes I will fight all the way, I have to much to do and see and have many more memories to make with my family and my precious grand kids and those yet to come. I still have one more beautiful daughter to see get married one day. I have so much to live for, so I will never give up and think there is no hope, I will be strong and positive and know that Heavenly Father is always there for me. I will never, ever, blame him for my trials. I love the quote, "I never said it would be easy, just that it would be worth it." For me, this is just the beginning; my trial has just begun.