Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Today's update

We saw the surgical oncologist (Dr. Wood) today and I have stage III IBC. They will surgically implant a port in my chest on Friday and start chemo on Monday after i meet with the medical oncologist (Dr. O'Reagan). They think I will have eight treatments of chemo every other week, then a mastectomy, radiation, and then reconstruction 6 months after the radiation. This is going to be a long process, but if I can do the ironman, I can do this.

Love you all and keep me in your prayers.

16 comments:

Kiersten Howe said...

Hey there I know you will kick this cancer's butt. You are such and inspiration to me. I need you to stay healthy so we can continue with our running therapy. I am still amazed that you just ran a marathon Sunday. You rock woman! Let me know if you need me to watch Gavin overnight. I can always bring him over here. I am sure Elliott would love to have someone to play with...Lots of love to you...Kiersten PS. Leo's rule! Oh and Happy almost Birthday Sam - have fun Sat.

Kiersten Howe said...

One more thing. Here is the website my girlfriend Michele suggested. She said it is a great organization and thought you would benefit from these women's stories.

http://www.youngsurvival.org/atlanta

Johnny Buckeye said...

Hi Laura,

Thanks for keeping me in the loop.

This won't replace my pestering, concerned phone calls but I really appreciate you includeding me.

Don't know what to say or do....

You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

JP

Brandi Greene said...

Hi Laura...this is Brandi Greene, Kiersten's friend. Colin and I have both been praying for and your family since we heard about your diagnosis. I am really inspired by your approach to this and just know you are going to beat this quickly. Please take really good care of yourself and if there is anything we can do for you, please let us know. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers! Keep smiling!!

AndrewBriggs said...

Laura,
I am so glad you set this up so we can stay in touch and watch you beat this. Ashley and I were thinking about you all day yesterday. Just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and we will help you in any way that we can.

Mommy & Emma Bean said...

Laura...if anyone can do this it is you my friend. Scott and I have been thinking about all of you. I am so glad that your mom is coming to help you. Lean on your friends and loved ones. We are here if you need anything at all. Hugs to you and your family.

Becky Davis said...

Hi you guys. Raven and I just heard and want you to know that we love you, and that we want to help in any way we can. We are available to watch Gavin whenever you need us. We're super close now and I can run over at a moments notice. I'm going to e-mail you our new phone number now.

Julia said...

Laura-

This is Julia, Kiersten's friend. Your motivation and determination to beat this is so inspiring. I've been thinking about you since I heard about the diagnosis and even though you don't know me very well, I'd be happy to help you in out in any way possible.

If you need dinner cooked one night,please let me know.

Take care!!

Unknown said...

Laura,

It's been a long time since I heard news about you, and now this. I consider the trials and tribulations I face in my life and realize that they are all trivial in comparison to what you are dealing with now.

Positive attitude, aggressive treatment, support from friends and family and a lot of prayer are the recipe for overcoming this. Deal with it; Overcome it; Kick its butt! My family has had the misfortune to have had several members face breast cancer. Fortunately, all were blessed with successful outcomes and continue to have fruitful lives. I know you will be the same.

You WILL be in my prayers.

Clif - clif@pantheonadc.com

Meredith Croft said...

Laura, Dan and I are thinking of you all. You will beat this! If there is anything we can do let us know. We will be dropping off some food in the next couple of days. You are in our thoughts and prayers!

Amanda Robbins said...

Hi Laura. Kiersten sent me the link to your blog. I had no idea that you were dealing with this. I just wanted to let you know that Elliot and I will be thinking of your and praying for you and your family. You are so strong in mind and body that I know you will be triumphant in your "personal marathon." Please feel free to contact me if you ever need anything or need to talk.

Best wishes,
Amanda

amanda.robbins@hotmail.com

Brian said...

Flem,
This is a great idea for communciating with all your friends and family. I told you Travis would be good for something sonmeday!(JK, Trav). Just know that we are all here for you and the best way to deal with it is just as you are doing-facing it head on and talking about it openly and honestly. So many people love you guys and we are all here for you. When you are up for it let's get together for lunch--I'll make Pritch pay!

Laura said...

Laura, you are one tough cookie! I know you're going to beat this! You know I'll be praying for you. Thanks for including me in the blog so I can follow in your progress. Glad you like Dr. Woods. Maybe I'll run into you when I go see Dr. Carlson!

JANICE said...

In between debating between posting a note with a serious nature v. one with a lighter flavor I have been trying to post on this damn blog for almost 2 hours!! I don't do serious very well so instead...I have decided that when you beat this thing, we do a reunion tour! Me & the 2 Lauras hit the road singing 3 Dog Nights' "Joy to the World" -- thankfully, I know the words a little better now b/c I sing it to my kids almost every night. First stop = IV. Of course all the drunk college kids will be thinking "Who in the hell let their moms form an IV band?!" But hey, it'll be fun for us!! Also, I have no doubt that soon we'll be back at an Ironman together. Of course, you and Stilwell will be doing all that swimming, biking, and running stuff and I'll be eating tacos and drinking margaritas!! Much love coming your way and I'll be thinking of you every day and sending positive thoughts, vibes, juju, and all other good spirits I can think of!!!

Randy said...

Laura and Travis, isn't technology great! Kristine and the boys and I are all thinking and praying for you. Laura, you are in good hands with Travis. Please let us know if we can do anything for any of you. Randy

Patrick Nooren said...

Laura-

I know we haven's spoken in a while, but my thoughts are with you.
You may remember Shane Calkins from high school. He just recently beat stage 3 testicular cancer and is back doing ironman triathlons. Incredible. So I know you can do it!!! Best of luck with the treatments.