Went to the prosthesis bra store and got fitted for a new boob. Not very exciting, but the girls look much better. Not to mention insurance actually covers my $400 little friend and 6 new bras each year. At least i get something out of all this. Not much else to report, but for those of you who know Mr. Stilwell please keep him in your prayers. He is in the hospital and on oxygen.
Will report more soon,
Laura
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Found this on the web...
"Depression after cancer
I know how hard it is to overcome the expectations of your family and friends once your treatment is over. They truly think you will just bounce back to your old self. You, on the other hand, don’t even know where to find your old self. That and the strain of trying to stay strong and optimistic can take their toll. How many of us really take the time to realize what we have been through and just how much it has affected us? I did an earlier blog on depression that showed research and statistics. Depression is a big issue if you’re dealing with it, so it deserves a revisit now and then.
Dealing with chemo brain is depressing, but depression and chemo brain are not the same condition. I believe that many people experience depression during and after breast cancer treatment than are willing to admit. Diagnosis is overwhelming; fear of death, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are all things that can take its toll on anyone’s psyche. For the survivor, the fear of recurrence and the struggle to regain control of your life can be the challenge that throws you into an emotional tailspin. Dealing with the onset of menopausal symptoms from treatment can also be a factor in depression
As reasonable as it is to expect that cancer survivors are going to feel a bit depressed, many survivors are still reluctant to discuss the symptoms with their family or doctor. The reasons aren’t clear, but the majority of people suffering from depression need to be encouraged by someone else to seek treatment. Even if you have the strength to put on a happy face and pretend everything is okay, if under it all you feel emotionally raw and distressed, it is time to tell someone.
I have had people dear to me suffer from depression, and it got worse when they didn’t address it. It is a real condition, and thankfully there are real treatment options. The one that worked for me was prayer and faith in God combined with the support of my friends. But first I had to tell someone about it (I started with God) before they could help me. I also sought out a Christian psychologist.
When you are looking for help, your doctor is a good place to start. There is no longer a stigma attached to mental issues. Just remember you have come through some pretty tough stuff. It’s time to drop the act. After all, you’re only human. You battled cancer and won, and now it’s time to take on the rest of what ails you to become truly healthy, because your life is worth it. I know that some of you really are okay, but there are those of you who suffer the low points, and it is to those individuals that I am speaking to.
With all my heart,
Kathy-Ellen"
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Way to long
I know, I know, I need to blog more. It is just way more fun when y'all comment.
The stuff no one wants to hear about...I am dealing with some adjustments since i am able to have "a mostly normal life" and somethings it is kind of hard to remember who i used to be and what i used to do. I didn't know this, but apparently lots of people after cancer get put on antidepressants. I didn't and didn't really have any problems until recently. I don't know if it is all the drugs getting out of my system, my hormones leveling off, or just trying to figure out what i am supposed to do know. I read this book called "Sick Girl" and it discusses how no one whats to hear about the real issues. They constantly tell you how good you look or how great your attitude is and so you have to live up to every ones expectations. It gets exhausting, especially when it is your own family (mom) who really cant take hearing how sick i really was. I think the spouse also gets forgotten and what he went through. Travis wants me to be my old self, but i still nap everyday and don't have the strength that i used to. We are all going through some adjustments and it gets hard sometimes.
The stuff everyone wants to hear... Since May, I have been training for a marathon and that is going great, I turned 38 and that is going great, I went to Sacto and got to see my parents, Ham, Tab, Missy, and Dave, that was great, and the kids are back in school and that is fabulous. I am so glad that i don't have to make weekly doctor appointments anymore and that I was able to attend a Polo match benefiting a children's charity at my plastic surgeons ranch that is extravagant. He takes his own personal helicopter to get to work every morning. I definitely picked the wrong profession. Any who, i will blog more often if y'all respond.
Sincerely,
Boobless in Atlanta
The stuff no one wants to hear about...I am dealing with some adjustments since i am able to have "a mostly normal life" and somethings it is kind of hard to remember who i used to be and what i used to do. I didn't know this, but apparently lots of people after cancer get put on antidepressants. I didn't and didn't really have any problems until recently. I don't know if it is all the drugs getting out of my system, my hormones leveling off, or just trying to figure out what i am supposed to do know. I read this book called "Sick Girl" and it discusses how no one whats to hear about the real issues. They constantly tell you how good you look or how great your attitude is and so you have to live up to every ones expectations. It gets exhausting, especially when it is your own family (mom) who really cant take hearing how sick i really was. I think the spouse also gets forgotten and what he went through. Travis wants me to be my old self, but i still nap everyday and don't have the strength that i used to. We are all going through some adjustments and it gets hard sometimes.
The stuff everyone wants to hear... Since May, I have been training for a marathon and that is going great, I turned 38 and that is going great, I went to Sacto and got to see my parents, Ham, Tab, Missy, and Dave, that was great, and the kids are back in school and that is fabulous. I am so glad that i don't have to make weekly doctor appointments anymore and that I was able to attend a Polo match benefiting a children's charity at my plastic surgeons ranch that is extravagant. He takes his own personal helicopter to get to work every morning. I definitely picked the wrong profession. Any who, i will blog more often if y'all respond.
Sincerely,
Boobless in Atlanta
Monday, May 12, 2008
Metal Out
Today I had surgery to remove the metal that was in my expander that was never used. I already feel more comfortable and the surgery was a piece of cake compared with the last one. I do have a drain in and if anyone has ever had one, they are disgusting. Not to mention I get very worried that little G-money will try and pull it. That would cause me some major discomfort. The only bad thing about this is i could have up to six weeks of recovery and i am in the middle of tri and marathon training for the fall. Since i am already feeling great i am hoping i can cut that time way, way down.
Any who, my next step is to have an MRI, one last Herceptin treatment, get preggers, and then have reconstruction. This is a 2-3 year time-line, but it was my best option if we want to have another baby.
For those who know the Sauer Family, Bruce lost his four year battle with cancer Saturday evening. Please keep the Sauer Family in your prayers.
I will miss you Mr. Sauer!
Any who, my next step is to have an MRI, one last Herceptin treatment, get preggers, and then have reconstruction. This is a 2-3 year time-line, but it was my best option if we want to have another baby.
For those who know the Sauer Family, Bruce lost his four year battle with cancer Saturday evening. Please keep the Sauer Family in your prayers.
I will miss you Mr. Sauer!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Boston Marathon
If anyone ever wanted to make a donation to prevent Cancer, this would be the one. Not only would it benefit my friend who is running the Boston Marathon in my honor, but it is the research we need to not just cure cancer, but to preventing anyone from ever getting this terrible disease. Thanks in advance for any donations you give and pray for Heather on her big day. I know i will be. Here are a few things she has sent to me about the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Marathon.
"Friends and Family,
Just two and a half weeks until the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 21st! I wanted to write a quick note to give you all an update. First, fundraising has been an awesome experience! My dollar goal for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute was $5000, and the donation total is now just under $7000. Wow! Matt and I have some very generous and caring friends and family, so THANK YOU very much. Being witness to the giving spirit in all of you has been so touching, but it is the stories that we have heard of your loved ones fighting cancer or those you have lost that have inspired us the most. The names of these precious people will be written on my race day shirt to pay tribute to their own personal marathon.
Please take a minute to visit my website and see for yourself the larger gift that you all have built together that benefits cancer patients both now and in the future. Click on this link, www.runDFMC.org
Love to all of you,
Heather Rendle"
"Laura-I just wanted you to know that Matt and I made a $250 donation to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in your honor. Your name will be on my race day singlet as a person who has and continues to inspire me. When things get tough out there, I will be thinking of all that you have been through and celebrating your new life on the other side of breast cancer. I owe you a thank you for the day in the cul de sac when you said to me, "I don't see what the big deal is with this marathon... running does not impact my life that much." It was the kick in the pants I needed to say "yes" to this great opportunity. So thanks!" Heather
Thank you Heather and can't wait to run with you on Sunday
PS - For those of you who think I am preggers, it is just a rumor, but look for a post about it in October.
"Friends and Family,
Just two and a half weeks until the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 21st! I wanted to write a quick note to give you all an update. First, fundraising has been an awesome experience! My dollar goal for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute was $5000, and the donation total is now just under $7000. Wow! Matt and I have some very generous and caring friends and family, so THANK YOU very much. Being witness to the giving spirit in all of you has been so touching, but it is the stories that we have heard of your loved ones fighting cancer or those you have lost that have inspired us the most. The names of these precious people will be written on my race day shirt to pay tribute to their own personal marathon.
Please take a minute to visit my website and see for yourself the larger gift that you all have built together that benefits cancer patients both now and in the future. Click on this link, www.runDFMC.org
Love to all of you,
Heather Rendle"
"Laura-I just wanted you to know that Matt and I made a $250 donation to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in your honor. Your name will be on my race day singlet as a person who has and continues to inspire me. When things get tough out there, I will be thinking of all that you have been through and celebrating your new life on the other side of breast cancer. I owe you a thank you for the day in the cul de sac when you said to me, "I don't see what the big deal is with this marathon... running does not impact my life that much." It was the kick in the pants I needed to say "yes" to this great opportunity. So thanks!" Heather
Thank you Heather and can't wait to run with you on Sunday
PS - For those of you who think I am preggers, it is just a rumor, but look for a post about it in October.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
One year and still kickin
It was one year ago today that I found out that I may never get to see Sammy turn 8 and I am still here to say I beat the odds. I was at my kick boxing class today and hadn't realized the impact on this anniversary for me until my teacher said hi and I lost it, the poor guy. I was sobbing happy tears and just so glad to still be here.
The MRI has been postponed until after my surgery in April, but I do have to have a mammogram on the one side. No worries with that since it is routine for someone my age...
I am really having fun planning the next year. Surgery, another kid, trips, etc. Getting very excited. Also, I am tyring to get a part-time job at our church so Gavin can go to preschool for free and I can get my brain functioning again. I have pregnancy and chemo brain these days. Not a good combo.
Thanks to everyone for all your support, hugs, prayers, wishes, food, etc. this year. We could not have done it with out all of you.
If anyone could say an extra pray for my previous assistant, who is still in college, that she will get through her bout with Leukemia, i would appreciate it.
Thanks again for this year and on to a much healthier one.
Laura
PS - Ham I plan to go to a fit camp for my 40th and you are more than welcome and I am getting so excited about our reunion.
The MRI has been postponed until after my surgery in April, but I do have to have a mammogram on the one side. No worries with that since it is routine for someone my age...
I am really having fun planning the next year. Surgery, another kid, trips, etc. Getting very excited. Also, I am tyring to get a part-time job at our church so Gavin can go to preschool for free and I can get my brain functioning again. I have pregnancy and chemo brain these days. Not a good combo.
Thanks to everyone for all your support, hugs, prayers, wishes, food, etc. this year. We could not have done it with out all of you.
If anyone could say an extra pray for my previous assistant, who is still in college, that she will get through her bout with Leukemia, i would appreciate it.
Thanks again for this year and on to a much healthier one.
Laura
PS - Ham I plan to go to a fit camp for my 40th and you are more than welcome and I am getting so excited about our reunion.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
DC 89 Blog
Sorry I haven't blogged, but I have been having a great time reading my class of 89 blog from Temple. It is hysterical and love that Dave Roth (my 5th grade love interest) is the main topic. As for myself, I am feeling great. I am still a tad tired and must nap each day, but am able to work out and get back to my old routine for the most part. I have an MRI and mammogram scheduled in March and will let you know the results. We are planning Sammy's 8th birthday and Travis is sending me off for an entire weekend to spend with lowa soon and I can’t wait. It will be the first time since before Gavin was born that I will be away and I so need it and can't wait.
Will sign in again soon
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