My new do and other updates!

So there I am with my upcoming new do and one of my new favorite people, Pat. She owns Pat Painter's and is just an absolute hoot!  That is the only wig I tried on and just instantly knew it was the one.  It's not green like Kaia wanted but she still said, "I like your new hair mommy."  Pat Painter's specializes in chemo patients and there were three or so other "young ladies" in there picking out thier wigs.  One girl was in for her head shaving and was in full mohawk when we walked in!  I can't wait for that!  I plan on scheduling that after my second chemo treatment next week. 


So far chemo is treating me ok.  I get tired pretty easily and yesterday I was just zapped and had some bone pains from the shot I had Friday but today, I am back to normal.  Well, as normal as I ever have been anyway. 

Thursday afternoon, I go in for lab work to check my blood count and to meet with the doctor to check on progress.  They should be able to feel the lump getting smaller even this soon.  I'll let everyone know how those appointments go!

Thank you for your continuous support and prayers. 

Love to all!

First chemo cocktail has been served! Nothing like happy hour but I'll take what I can get.

See my very serious picture on the side? It went really well and we finished in about 4 hours which was quicker than the 6 they told us to prepare for. I have all kinds of fun drugs to help with the nausea. Since the chemo can be excreted from your bodily fluids (gross) for 48 hours after treatment, I have to do things like flush the toilet twice (that makes the hippie part of me very sad) and make sure I don’t throw up on anyone. And of course, I shouldn’t be around anyone who is sick or large crowds and have to wash my hands often to avoid the plaque that my kids no doubt carry constantly. My first four treatments will happen every two weeks and then we switch to weekly treatments for 12 weeks. I will also switch to a Wednesday treatment day which actually works out better.

Kevin and I both took our lap tops and did work and I read some too (Chelsea Handler is hilarious! Thank you Martha!). He brought me a fabulous spinach salad from Chez Zee for lunch. Next time, I plan on watching chick flicks (again, thank you Martha!) and napping! The whole process is a little odd in that it’s just a big room with about 40 chairs. Some people sleep, some read, some watch TV and I want to know ALL of their stories!! I had to refrain from talking to everyone I saw. :)  The staff is just incredible and I felt like I was being pampered more than I felt I was being treated for cancer. Inserting the IV in the port hurt like a SOB for a very brief time but they gave me some cream to put on it before I go in next time to numb it. I think they didn’t give me the cream before this treatment so I would know what it feels like. I just completely made that up. I really have no idea why I just got it.

Mom and Dad are coming in tonight. Tomorrow, Dad is taking me to get the shot I have to get after every treatment (to increase white blood cells to fight infection) while mom stays with the kiddos. At some point, either tomorrow afternoon or Saturday, we are going to go wig shopping! I really see myself as more of a head cover and hat kind of gal but I want a wig or two as well. You know, for those occasions when a head cover just won’t do! (Right now my cousin Ashley is wondering what possible events I could have where a head cover won’t work and is already planning an outfit for me. Sorry, Ash, nothing up coming!) My Aunt Sissy sent me some great catalogs and hair color samples so I can order some more wigs after I figure out how they work! I’ll probably end up shaving my head soon. Cancer has enough control of my life and I will choose when I go bald thank you very much!

We came home to some beautiful flowers with a brilliant card from my “Dombroski fans” (Thank you Whitney!) and some pasta with fabulous homemade marinara was sitting in our kitchen from our neighbors (Thank you Rebecca!). Which once again proves to me (everyday something or someone does) that we have such a wonderful group of family and friends and the breast support team anyone could ask for. Man, I’m spoiled!

Love to all.

It's About Time We Get Some Good News!

Bone scan and liver MRI came back all clear!  YEA!  That is absolutely fabulous news.  That means the cancer has not spread past my breast and lymph nodes!  Crystal 1, Cancer 0.  Suck it cancer!

We start chemo Thursday at 9. 

I'll keep my chin up and keep loving life.  I encourage all of you to do the same!

Love to all.

Adios Drain!

Dad took me to the doctor this morning and we said “adios” to the drain! I hated that darn thing. Now we can hopefully get this chemo party started! The doctor did say that she would classify this as a stage III cancer but wants me to talk to the oncologist for another opinion and more information. That was bummer news and I did let it get me down for a tad. Just a tad and then I realized that as far as I am concerned that just means we fight harder. And as my sister pointed out, “Hey, that’s better than stage IV!” Indeed it is. (That positive attitude runs in the family.) Speaking of positive, today was the first time in a week that I was able to hold the kids so we did a lot of that today! Though Kaia is over it already.  :)


While, dad took me to the doctor, Kevin took Caleb in for his 9 month check up. Yep, the kid is nine months old already. Hard to believe. Anyway, he has pink eye AGAIN and an ear infection…AGAIN. Poor dude. Hopefully he will be better soon. Mom stayed here with Kaia and I am sure she cleaned more. That woman cleaned my house this weekend better than I ever have. If was so nice being able to play with the kids and do some work without a dirty house surrounding me today. In fact, I was able to take Kaia and Caleb to the park and pond. Kaia had a blast throwing rocks in the water and making wishes on dandelions. Caleb just enjoys being outside no matter what he is doing.

Kevin and I can’t even express the gratitude we have for the help my sister and parents have given us. They just rock, plain and simple.

On another note, I want to thank everyone for their comments to my posts. I’m sorry I don’t respond to all of them but please know that I read and cherish each and every one. They mean everything to me and are very uplifting. They will be printed and put in my cancer scrapbook! (I have never done any sort of scrapbook before and I know some of you guys do so email any pointers to crystal.saffel@att.net!)

Love to all.

There's an upside to cancer?! Who knew...

Does cancer suck? Yes. Am I angry every day that my family and I have to deal with me having cancer? Yes. Have I had my fair share (if not more) of crying, screaming, and cussing this cancer? You bet I have. Do I wish that I didn’t have it? Of course. Am I going to sulk and let it get me down? HECK NO! I’m going to take advantage of all the positives of cancer. This is early in the game and I know the amount of suck will grow but that just means I’ll have to find more positives to combat the negatives as they come along. In the mean time, these are the positives I have discovered so far (in no particular order):


 Kevin is home more. Now don’t get confused, I am thrilled and thankful that Kevin has a job he is so passionate about and I push him to go to work when I don’t need him home but it is nice to see him more often now. Heatwave is our second family and we are grateful to share our lives with them. (Kevin will think that it too mushy but he can get over it.)

 People are so nice everywhere you go. I’ve met about 100 new people in the medical community since my diagnosis and each time, I am amazed at the sincerity of their kind words and not only their willingness but their desire to help me in any way possible.

 Your mom cleans your house top to bottom.

 You and your family are in the prayers of thousands of people nationwide. Your name is mentioned in prayer groups, prayer lists and who knows what else. There is something very humbling about that.

 Your parents come down and allow you to sleep late and take naps.

 You become more patient with those around you, especially your kids. So, this is a double plus: for me and my kids but since they don’t have a blog, I’ll use it.

People send you movies, books, religious items and buy themselves stuff that shows the public they support your fight against breast cancer. 

 You notice the blooms in the trees, the smell of the rain, and things around you are more colorful and bright.

 You hug a little tighter.

 You get to buy cute head covers for your upcoming bald head.

 You rekindle old friendships.

 “Kevin you change the poopy diaper, I have cancer.” Ok, so he didn’t fall for this one but I tried.

There are many more pluses but those are the ones that come to mind this morning. I’ll let everyone know if I get this drain out tomorrow.

Love to all.

Breast Support And Other News

I received a card from my friend, Whitney, a young , beautiful and strong breast cancer survivor. She signed it, "Your breast buddy." Too cute not to pass along (and steal) and I know she won't mind.


The surgeon called yesterday to check on me. 6 of the 9 lymph nodes removed had cancer. She said (as she told Kevin when I was in recovery) that because of the way the cancer is acting and because it is so aggressive she would recommend a bi-lateral mastectomy regardless of the BRAC Analysis results. We are totally on board with that. Prevent, prevent, prevent reoccurrence. The BRAC results did come back negative so I am not a carrier of the mutant cancer cell. (YEA!!) Hopefully, I can get this drain out Monday but we have to wait until less than 30ML is draining per day. Now I am getting 30 about two or three times a day but Monday is a long way off so keep your fingers crossed. This drain sucks! (Pun intended!)

I can't say enough how grateful I am for the breast support team!

Love to all!

Um, yeah, I don't remember yesterday's post so...

Must have had some powerful drugs yesterday. What I do remember from yesterday isn't very clear. :) I actually woke up a couple of times last night believing that the port gave me supersonic hearing powers! I was disappointed when I realized this morning it was just the drugs. No supersonic hearing, just a big hickey looking bruise on my neck and lots of pain. (Picture of hickey attached.)

I had chemo class this morning. It was good to see where we would actually be and to know what to expect. My chemo got pushed back to next week. They don't want to risk infection of the drain and want me to heal before I start. I get the drain out on Monday.  All though, I was anxious to get it started, I'm glad I will have another week to rest up. Past couple of days have been pretty exhausting. Since I can't lift the kids, Doodle is going to take over Wednesday morning and they are staying at her house until Kevin picks them up Thursday afternoon. Kaia will be so excited to "spend at Doodle's." I'll miss them but having them here when I can't help take care of them is harder than them being a way! Then my folks are coming up Thursday night and will be here for the weekend to help Kevin out. We are so thankful to have help!

Kaia has seen my ouchies and is pretty curious but doesn't really understand. Kevin and I tried to explain some to her yesterday (as much as you can to a two year old) and told her if she has any questions never be afraid to ask. She did have a question, "Sorry, mommy." How heartbreaking! She thinks the bulb on my drain looks like Caleb’s breathing treatments so she wasn’t freaked out. Kevin is doing a fabulous job taking care of her and Caleb and I know they are happy to have him around after he's worked so many long hours the past few months. Yet another plus of cancer. (Oh yeah, there are some pluses but I'll save that for another post!)

I had another MRI for the liver area and a bone scan today. Everyone I have met has been so fabulous and nice (one of those pluses I mentioned). I'm really sore from the biopsy and port placement yesterday and everyone was very cautious of that. Thank goodness for good medical staff!!!

Kevin and I went out this past Saturday for a last "normal" night out for a while before I start chemo. I'm so glad we did! It was great to hang out with friends. Then Sunday we took the kids to meet up with Doodle and Nolan at Kiddie Acres, a small amusement park. They had a blast! Even Caleb really enjoyed himself especially since Kaia shared her ice cream with him! :) Making memories.

Love to all!!

Today's Events

This will be short because I'm really drugged up.  (Disclaimer:  Not responsible for any silliness!) 

Port is in and all is good there.  Not sore or anything (yet).

The lymph node biospy did show the bastard cancer has spread to some lymph nodes.  So they were removed.  (Still just talking about left side since the spots they found on the right breast are not confirmed cancer at this point.)  I have a JP Drain that is oh so comfortable and not gross one bit.  That should come out on Monday.  I've called the oncologist to see if I can still got through the liver MRI and bone scan tomorrow as scheduled so we shall see. 

I am as high as my spirits right now.  Doodle has been fabulous watching my kids and of course they love having her here.  Kevin has been fabulous taking care of me!  We are all doing well!

Love to all!

Surprise! More tests coming my way!

So, in addition to the bone scan on Tuesday, I now have to have a liver MRI done as well. They found a little spot which appears to just be tangled blood vessels (common and nothing needs to be done) but the oncologist wants an MRI done just to be sure. Though I cringe at the thought of another test, I appreciate her being so cautious.
Also, the breast MRI that they did on Thursday showed some spots in my right breast as well. (Currently the cancer has just been found in my left breast.) And what does that mean? You guessed it, more test. This test will be a MRI guided biopsy. But because there is so much going on next week and scheduling issues, that one won’t be done until the 1st. (Sigh of relief.)

I am, of course, still very hopeful and optimistic! And my sense of humor is still strong (see my new shirt attached!). Thanks to everyone for the continued support!

Love to all.

Holy Busy Next Week Batman!

Ok, next week will be busy, here is the latest:


Monday
I have an Echo scheduled for 9am. This tests my heart and is purely routine for chemo patients.

After that I go to my surgeon to have my port put it. It will be placed under my collar bone and will just appear as a little bump under the skin. This is how the chemo will be delivered to my body. Or it could be some type of government experiment, I’m not sure. I’m told the procedure will put me out of commission for the rest of the day, mainly due to being drugged up. So I can’t drive or operate heavy machinery after. (I’m pretty sure Caleb counts as heavy machinery.)

Tuesday
Chemo class at 8 in the morning which should last an hour then I have a blood draw for labs done right after.
At 10:45 I go in to get injected for the bone scan. After that is done, I am free until 2 when I have to go back for the actual bone scan.
Thursday
Chemo starts at 9:10. The first day they told me to expect to be there about 6 hours. They have wireless so Kevin and I can take our lap tops and work, Facebook or play Platinum Life. They also have DVD players so we can take movies.
Friday
1:30 I to go in for a Neulasta shot. This is given to me to reduce the risk of infection since the chemo will decrease the number of infection-fighting white blood cells. (This will come in handy since I have two snot nose kids!)

So the Thursday and Friday schedule will happen weekly for about 4-5months with the change being I shouldn’t have to be there 6 hours every time on Tursday. I just don’t know how long the following treatments will be.
On another note, I was able to convince two women, one 33 and one 39 who work at the place I got the MRI done to get mammograms. For crying out loud they work at a place that gives them. They were both shocked at my age (not because I look older than I am but because I have cancer people!) so I think that scared them enough to agree. So, make that your mission for this next week: talk to at least two people about the importance of self-exams and mammograms for early detection.

As always, thanks for the love.

Love to all.

New Battle Plan

We met the oncologist yesterday and love love love her! She is a bad mamma jamma. I think I actually felt the cancer wince in fear when she walked in the room. So the new plan is to go through the chemo first and the surgery when it’s done. Some reasons for attacking it this way are to see how the cancer reacts to the chemo, get the worst part of treatment out of the way first, allow more time for more test results to come back before having to decide what surgery option to take and there is a slim possibility (not holding my breath) that the chemo would kill the cancer completely and no surgery would be needed. Again, the chances of that happening are slim and would also depend on other test results so I’m pretty much throwing that out for now. What a relief Kevin and I felt when we walked out of there. Having to decide on what type of surgery to do next week and pick a plastic surgeon so quickly was a big stress. We love this new plan. I did ask what changing the order of things does to the chances of beating it and she said it doesn’t change that really but she thinks we will see studies come out soon that suggest this method increases your chances of beating it.


So I will have a MRI and bone scan sometime soon and start chemo at the end of next week. It will be rough but I can handle it.  She said I may be really tired but can give me medicine to combat the nausea. I will lose my hair about two to three weeks after chemo starts so she gave me a Rx for a wig and set me up with a cool place that specializes in chemo patients. Kevin asked for a wig Rx too but she said nope. :)  I am actually pretty excited about losing my hair. How odd is that? But the way I see it, the positives outweigh the negatives by a ton:

• I don’t have to worry about washing or styling my hair.
• I will cut my “get ready” time down drastically.
• No shaving!
• Save money on coloring and cutting my hair. (though I just found a girl I love and was in the process of funk-i-fying my color)
• I look damn cute in bandannas.

So the thing that is a little troubling to me is losing my eyebrows. I don’t know why that bothers me most. But I told my sister and Kevin that I wanted to get two big bushy fake mustaches to use as eyebrows so I can look like a Sesame Street character. I think it is a fabulous idea but they don’t agree. :)

So, the only change is the game plan but the outcome is still the same. Say it with me…Kicking this cancer’s ass!

On another note, Kaia and Caleb are doing much better! The pink eye has cleared up and they don’t look like two little stoner babies anymore!

Thanks to all for the continued thoughts and prayers. We are still getting messages of love and hope from so many people and truly appreciate it. Love to all!

News from today's Dr. visit

Kevin and met with my surgeon this morning. I apologize for updating the blog so late but I had to schedule other appointments and Kaia and Caleb both have pink eye and Caleb has a double ear infection so we took them both to the doctor this afternoon. They both got some medicine and should be well soon.

The surgeon explained to us today that the pathology results seem to indicate the cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes (which is great) but she couldn't be sure until she took out the tumor. This means she also can’t tell us at this point what stage we are dealing with. I took the BRAC Analysis test today that will determine if I am the mutant carrier of the cancer gene. (Or, wait was that a mutant cancer gene...?) That test should be back in a week. At this point surgery and chemo are in my near future (Dr. Wants surgery done next week) and radiation may soon follow. The decision we are left to make is what kind of surgery we want. A lumpectomy to remove the lump, a mastectomy or bi-lateral mastectomy. I am pretty much waiting on the BRAC results before deciding. I want to make an informed decision. One that will leave my kids with a mommy for a very very long time. Within the next couple of days, I will have a CT Scan done to ensure there is no cancer anywhere else, meet with an Oncologist and a plastic surgeon.
Again, we appreciate all of the prayers, thoughts and kind words. We are so lucky to have such fabulous and supporting family, friends, co-workers, colleagues and even complete strangers ready to get in the trenches and fight with us.
Love to all.

Urge Your Senators to Support the EARLY Act

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/campaign.faces?siteId=2&campaign=SupportEarlyAct

Just got a call from doctor

Well, I just posted that blog entry and as soon as I did before I even had a chance to mail it out, the doctor called. They did find more invasive cancer that spread to the outer cells so it looks like we are dealing with more than DCIS. Our game plan hasn't changed, we still meet Monday to discuss where to go from here. But she said they really won't know more about it until the remove the lumps. Keep the good thoughts and prayers coming. Love everyone.

Diagnosis

First of all, thank you to my wonderful family and friends for all of the phone calls and text messages of support. They mean the world to me. The majority of you (if not all) have expressed an interest in knowing what happens next and results from future appointments. Even though it may seem really impersonal, I decided a blog would be the way to go. It's faster and easier than making so many phone calls and with the information coming directly from me, you can know it is accurate. :) I also appreciate everyone asking what they can do. What you can do is go get a mamogram. Early detection is key. Don't put it off, just do it!



So here's the story of how we got to where we are now and the information I currently have. I noticed a lump on my left breast a couple of weeks ago. I called my OB/GYN and got an appointment for the following week (last Tuesday.) After a breast exam, they referred me to Austin Radiological Association for a mammogram and sonogram. That appointment was this past Tuesday, March 2. The people at ARA are fabulous! Super nice and very helpful. So, mammogram done and sonogram done and a radiologist came in to tell me she was going to recommend a biopsy due to some concern she had of the results. So that was scheduled for Wednesday, March 3. Not too painful though the area is sore now but nothing major. Basically they use a gun with a big needle on the end to punch out some tissue to test. They did this 6 times. The doctor also showed me the films from the mammogram and sonogram so I could see what areas she was concerned about. I was told the results would be back in 24 hours. Thursday around 2pm, I got the call that it was cancer. As of now, they think it is DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) which basically means it hasn't spread past the ducts. DCIS is the most common kind of non-invasive breast cancer. All though it isn't life-threatening having it can increase your chances for a more invasive form of cancer down the road. A long with that, being diagnosed before the age for 40 (that's me) and having kids after the age of 30 (yep, me again) increases your chances even more. So choosing a treatment plan will be pretty important. We are still waiting on more lab results to confirm it is only DCIS. The next step is to meet with the doctor Monday at 10:30 to discusses questions we have, treatment options, etc.