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Saturday, October 6, 2007

Catching Everyon up on my fight with Breast Cancer!

Well Hello,

I started this new blog to keep all family and friends updated on my fight with breast cancer.

I have talked with lots of different people these last few weeks so some of the things I post today my be a repeat of information. But I will try to update this blog often with new information.

My back went out on Wednesday the 12th we were out looking at the parade of homes. I thought my back with pop back in but it got worse on that Saturday. So I called down to my natural path/chiropractor. He couldn't get me in until Tuesday so I called the Chiropractor I had in high school and he got me in on Monday and adjusted me. I kept my appointment down in Hermiston with the natural path/chiro on Tuesday. I wanted him to check a lump I had in my breast.

I felt a lump in my breast the first week in July it was about the size of a quarter half dollar. I thought it was just something from all the tubing I was doing on the back of the boat or maybe a cyst that just needed to be drained. By the time I went to see him it was the size of a grapefruit. He said he thought I had cancer and wanted me to come back and have a thermal imaging done. It is something that would find a lump in your breast before a mammogram will and it will let the doctor see how big it is. (I highly recommend this testing it is not painful and cheaper than a mammogram. Let me know if you have any question about it.)

So I went back down on Thursday and they took the thermol imagining pictures. We could see it right a way. Both breast should look identical. One of my breast was blue and greens and the other one with the lump was orange, red and white. I thought well that just shows there is something there and that ts could be a cyst. The lady that was taking the picture said no it wasn't a cyst. A cyst would be blues and greens because they are liquid. She said cancer is greedy and wants your blood and that is why it is red, orange and white. She said I am not saying it is cancer we will send it away and let you know. I went back into the doctor and he said we know it is cancer and I think you should see a surgeon. By the time I went in to see him the lump is or was the size of a grapefruit.

I decided to go see his son Dr. Kris Peterson. I saw him on September 25th and he did a breast exam and felt my lymph nodes. He found the lump in my breast not hard to find then he also found a lump in my armpit and in my neck above my collar bone. He told me he felt that I got cancer after I stop breast feeding Carter. That my hormones went crazy and that is what open the door to the cancer. Breast cancer runs in my family. My mom's sister had it a year ago and my moms 2 aunts had breast cancer. He recommend I go see a surgeon too. He asked who I had made an appointment with. I told him I had made it with Dr. Evans. He was glad that is who he recommends. I asked if I could wait until November 1st when my insurance would kick in. He said no that I needed to keep my appoint for October 1st. He felt in his oppion that I had Stage 3 breast cancer.

So I went to see Dr. Evans on October 1st. She came in and did a breast exam and then an ultra sound of my left breast and felt the lumps under my arm and in my neck. Dr. Peterson had some blood test run for Dr. Evans. She looked at my cancer mark. The CA marker should be between 0-40 my was 512. She recommended we get a biopsy done ASAP. She moved her schedule around and schedule my for a biopsy on Friday October 5th.

So Friday at 8 am I had a biopsy of my left breast. The preliminary results said that it is lobular Cancer and that it is malignant and at least stage 3. So I am trying to get a PET SCAN at Kadlec for this next week before I see Dr. Rado the oncologist this Friday. We should also have the results from the bioposy by Friday when I see Dr. Rado.

The natural path thinks that this started with a hormone imbalance. So he has my on a special diet. No meats because of the hormones and no milk products because of the hormones. He wants my to only eat fresh fruits and vegetables and distilled water. The first three days I lost 10 pounds. That has slowed down. I have found some good things I like to eat now and so I am not losing weight anymore. That is not the way I wanted to lose weight. I think about a juicy hamburger and french fries all the time. I can't wait. To eat really food again. Oh I should say junk food again.

So I think that catches everyone up to where we are today. Monday I have another blood test and hopefully on Tuesday I will be able to get my PET scan. Then I see my natural path on Tuesday. We are going to see if what he has me on is fighting the cancer. Then I see Dr. Evans on Wednesday and then Dr. Rado on Friday.

I will try to every few days to update. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has brought fruits and vegetables it has been so nice and all the thoughtful cards and flowers. It is so nice to feel loved. It is definitly a moral booster. Thank you!

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Rochelle, My Thoughts and Prayers are with you!
You can fight this thing!Have those breasts removed and get some new ones in Las Vegas with a better warranty. Remember, its always good to Buy New! PS.I will do some research on non Hormonal Hamburgers. Hang in there.

Miss Lisa

Angie said...

Rochelle,

I had no idea. I'm glad that you started this blog. Dr. Rado is my Dad's doctor(non-hodgkins lymphoma surviror), my good friend Debi's (breast cancer survivor), and my grandma's (a lung cancer survivor). He has a pretty good track record!!! My Mom just adores him.

Please let me know if I can help you with anything. I would love to pick Kamden up and take her to dance whenever you need me to. Please do not hesitate to call.

We will keep you in our prayers.

Angie

PRP said...

I think that cancer is about to have it's butt handed to itself because I know you will fight, fight, fight and win, win, win! This blog is a great idea...it will keep us all updated without bothering the crud out of you! If you do want to chat, though, I hope you count me among those you can call, at anytime for anything. Hannah would LOVE a playdate with Kamden and I'd love to bring her over anyday after preschool...or anyday for that matter. Dont be afraid to ask for help-we'd all love to do our part!

Smiles to you,
Karen

tharker said...

I have been thinking about you this week. What a great idea to start this blog.

I hope you know how many people love and care about you. I know we don't know each other that well, but I will be happy to help with anything that you might need right now and in the long road of treatment ahead.

You are a strong woman, and you can beat this! What an amazing example you are to me.

P.S.
I LOVE your blog title!

::lindsay said...

Hey, Rochelle! I've been thinking about you so much the past few days. I, too, think the blog is a great way to keep people informed.

You've always struck me as such an amazing,strong person and such a great example to others. I know you are going to beat this cancer. If there is anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask. I would love to help out in any way. Your in my thoughts and prayers!

Lindsay Bates

meohmyers said...

Add my name to the list of those willing to help! I would love to take your kids during dr. appts. or anytime! Stay positive - you can beat this! Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Shayla said...

Rochelle,
Add me to the list of people who would love to help in any way I can. I had not heard about this, my heart goes out to you. Those @&*% hormones can really mess things up sometimes! I saw Dr. Kris for a while last year to help with my own hormonal issues, he's great. I'll keep you in my prayers!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for keeping us all posted. I have been praying for you every day since you told me. I would like to support you in this, just as you have always been a support for my girls and for me. Remember - I am always driving back and forth to MCP - Tues, Thurs, and some Fridays. Plus Boys and Girls Club and Karate. So you are NOT out of my way. Let us all help! Love, from Pam

Heather said...

Thanks for the link!

I'm on the list, I would love to help out the girl who is always helping anyone and everyone!

Chauntel said...

hey rochelle, i think that most of all you'll find this blog to be very calming. don't hold back. when jackson was going through all of his stuff, i kept telling jeremy that his blog allowed me to get my feelings out and feel connected to everyone (friends and family) so have fun with it. i really wish i was there. it kills me to be so far away from YOU, kendall, and mom. you're in our prayers and we all can't wait to see you in december. you are stronger than you know and stronger than this.

love your little sister

ps i'm the worst at picking up the phone and calling people. i will try to be better.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I am a mess I am sitting here crying reading all the great comments from people who are offering to help you. I have felt guilty being so far away and not able to help out. Take them up on their offers and let them help. If I can do anything let me know. I will come home to visit whenever I can. I love you.
Your littler sister,
Bailey

Anonymous said...

Rochelle..
Thanks for posting everything that all of us want to hear! I love the lumpy part of the title.

You know how much I love Kamden....and I know what a strong willed little girl she is! She gets that from you! With your determination to get better....you will!!!!

You are in my thoughts and prayers!

Kristen Hatch

Anonymous said...

Wow, I'm still sitting here in amazement!! I would feel so much better if you would let me help you out in any way possible. I just talked to Dave and let him know and we both just can't believe it. We love you and your family and want to do whatever we can to help. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I will talk to you soon! Be strong, I know you will!
Dave and Cherie Jenkins

Anonymous said...

Rochelle -
I am shocked! As I am sure you were... I was thinking of you just the other day as Kaden is doing Scaled Down soccer again. I guess there was good reason to. My heart goes out to you and your family. You will be in my prayers.
-Wendy Beus

Ashlyn said...

Rochelle,
Trevor and I are praying for you and wishing you well. Be strong and listen to all those words of wisdom I am sure you have been blessed to hear. You are amazing! Please keep up updated as we are anxious to for you to beat this! You CAN do it!

Love you!
Ashlyn

Anonymous said...

Deare rochelle, I amso sorry you re having to go through this horrible experience.! thank you for posting this info. Please know that your Uncle Steve & I and all of our family will be praying for your cure and healing! If there is anything we can do, we will. For now, until I know otherwise what we can do, we will pray and pray and pray! I know the Lord knows your need and will aid you through this! God bless you & your family. Lots of love, Aunt Maribeth

Anonymous said...

Rochelle,

I just found out about this whole thing and that you had a blog. I want you to know that I am here for you whatever you need. If you ever need anyone to watch the kids, fix dinner, do the dishes, run an errand, whatever, I'm right next door. I know you have tons of family and friends and will not be alone in your fight. May God bless you and your family and give you the strength to overcome.

Lacey, your friend next door! :)

Anonymous said...

Ro, I just heard the news today - my heart is just aching for you. They say you can learn so much from your students and I have learned so much from you! You have so much inner strength, faith, and conviction in whatever you do. I know from experience that you don't take crap off of anyone - so stick to your guns and get that bullhead of yours totally focused and on track to take this cancer down. I will be in your corner all the way. You always bring a smile to my face when I think of all the crazy things we have done together from Newman(the pig) to the foam machine:) They say you know when you have a true friend because it doesn't matter how much time has past since you have last seen them you just pick right up where you left off. You are a wonderful young lady and dear friend. Please email or call anytime day or night. Love ya to death! Your in my prayers - Flora

Kim said...

Rochelle,
Jeff and I talked to Brenda the other day and she told us the news. I want you to know that you are in our prayers. You have been in my thoughts since I found out the other day. I hardly know you but I've shed many tears in your behalf. You are a very strong woman, I amazed at your attitude. I will keep reading your blog and I've spread the word of your blog to my friends who know you and your family. I'm sure they'll be reading it too.

Anonymous said...

Rochelle: Just wanted you to know that I love you and Ryan. If anyone can beat this you both together can do it, with the help of Heavenly Father, you are right he does love you and is mindful of all your needs at this time. Tell the kids hi from grandma, will see you in a week. Can't wait to show you the pictures from the tour Lynette and I took. We learned so much.

Love
Melanie

Anonymous said...

Rochelle~ I just ran into a friend of a friend of a friend who knows you and I heard of your battle with breast cancer. I don't know how long it has been since we've seen each other and I began remembering the time we spent working together at the pharmacy and our morning walk at the Kennewick High Track and the church! Know that you are loved!You are an amazing, courageous, wise person and always have been! Keep fighting! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
All of our love ~ Natalie, Steve and Sophia Maiuri