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.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Dollar4Debbie, Episode 3: The Haircut
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.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Sixth Chemo Treatment
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!!!
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!!!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Fifth Chemo Treatment
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
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
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Fourth Chemo Treatment
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
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
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