Hopluv's UnZen World

Radiation Funny

2008-11-21T21:11:32Z

Today while laying on the table in the radiation "chamber" I had the Rad Techs, Zach and Laura laughing - even though I wasn't really trying to - just saying what was on my mind. Here is how the conversation went:

Rad Tech Zach: Since you started your boost yesterday did I take a picture of your new markings?
Me: Picture? With a camera?
Rad Tech Zach: Yes, remember we take photos to put in your medical records.
Me: Oh, ok. No, you didn't take a picture yesterday.
Rad Tech Zach: Where's the camera?
Rad Tech Laura: Ms. Hopluv you better watch out, Zach is going to have you on his MySpace.
Me: Well, he sure ain't gonna get no hits on his page if he does that!
Rad Tech Laura: **laughing** why not?
Me: Zach's friends are gonna see that pic and say "why does Zach have a big ass, brown, burnt up, marked up tit on his page? He is taking his job way too far!"
Rad Techs Zach & Laura: Laughing hysterically.

Maybe you had to be there.

Here and There's...

2008-11-17T20:45:31Z

Today will be my 25th of 33 radiation treatments. Wednesday will start what is called "boost" treatments - there will be six of those. In this treatment they focus the radiation directly where the tumor was located vs.. the entire breast. I've had little reaction to treatment, some tanning and a slight tingle is all I have noticed. New special markings were done last week. Looks like a child took a green Sharpie to my tit!
I've been such the winner since I've been going through my breast cancer journey. Really, I've be extremely lucking in contest. I won a beautiful bracelet for posting my story on the Pink for October website, I won a t-shirt from Words to Live By tees for my answer to what has made me "Resilient." And just last week I won five $5.00 gift cards for Smoothie King from a breast cancer survivor website.
Christmas music in the stores immediately after Halloween annoys me to no end. Can we get through Thanksgiving first? Anyway, since I felt forced I dusted off my Christmas play list on the iPod in my living room and let it rip!
Finally getting over this cold! Only thing remaining is a dry cough that sounds way more painful than it is.
Still geeked about buying the new townhouse this past weekend! I have an appointment to pick out things like kitchen cabinets, flooring, kitchen and bath room fixtures, lighting, granite counter tops/back splash, paint etc. tomorrow morning. Everything in the home will be modern to go with my decor, there are just so many choices!!
Still wanting to go to the inauguration in January - the hotel room is the problem.
Cabo San Lucus in December! Yeaaaaaa Boy!!!!
For Thanksgiving we are eating out. Not in the mood for a lot of laborious ass cooking. Although, I will make a few lite items for us to have later in the evening.
Vacation planning for 2009 has begun. C and I will be going to "European Vacation Night" to see presentations for land and cruise vacations from the different cruise lines and travel companies tomorrow night. Should be fun, plus there is free wine and cheese!
I think I'm Barack Obama's biggest fan. C and I watched he and Michelle on 60 Minutes last night. Bentley was on the bed laying down. I told him to sit up and pay attention because his daddy was on tv - LOL! Bentley is a dog :)
Will Smith will be in Dallas tomorrow - I think he is pushing his new movie Seven Pounds. I like Will, he does good work.

I Bought A New House Today!

2008-11-16T03:10:22Z

I'm ecstatic and know that I am very blessed. It will be ready April - May time frame for move-in! I looked at numerous properties over the last few weeks and settled on Ashton Woods. The location is wonderful, the area has extremely nice home values and the finish out breathtaking. I got a $25,500 incentive for upgrades and $3,000 towards closing.

Putting the sold button on my spot. That smile will turn upside down when I write that first mortgage payment - TRUST!

The workers were there today working on the inside. I'm the third townhome - end unit.

I took over 70 pictures inside the model. I decided to throw them into collage. After doing so I now realize it's hard to make them out:)

One of my favorite features is the garage door! Of course mine won't have shrubs growing in front of it like the model does. At least less hope not!

Happy Veterans Day!

2008-11-11T18:44:57Z

Today is the day we are to give thanks for the men and women who have served and are currently serving in the US Armed Forces. I am ex Army and proud to have served! The Army molded my leadership skills and provided me with many essential tools that helped me become the person I am today. The comradery I experienced in the Army is unsurpassed. As a Civilian I haven't had the same experience on any job I've had. I give thanks to those currently serving during this tumultuous time.

I have been reflecting on my time in the military and how I was often referred to as a "sharp soldier" because my uniform was always perfect, and boots always spit shined! I took pride in the uniform and my duty. Army soldiers wear what's known as BDUs (battle dress uniform), and I loved my jump boots! When I was stationed in the Republic of Panama they issued me jungle boots, they were cool - but not as cool as jump boots.

With all the years I wore these boots, I was lucky to not have any long term problems with my feet. Ironically, about I week ago I started having a pain in my right heel. Now there is a knot there. I initially blamed it on a new pair of converse sneakers, but I resolved that they are not the culprits. My next thought was **probably those damn jump boots from years ago!** I will be making an appointment to have it check out this week.

I once thought about going back in the Army... years ago. Too old now and of course the health issues.

Pray for our troops safe return!!!!

So Fresh and Oh.... So Clean!

2008-11-07T17:43:02Z

C snapped this picture of Bentley T. (yes, he has a middle name - what!?), a little bit ago after giving him what she termed "an in between grooming" bath.

Isn't my little boy cute? He cleans up well.

Stuntin is a habit!

Happy Friday, from Bentley!

Vox

2008-11-02T03:05:04Z

Follow the link for new posts Hopluv's Vox Blog.

A campaign for the ages, tilting toward Democrats

2008-11-02T00:11:26Z

WASHINGTON - Counting down to Election Day, Barack Obama appears within reach of becoming the nation's first black president as the epic campaign draws to a close against a backdrop of economic crisis and lingering war.

Is there really anything else to say? Stuntin is a habit.... put it in the air!

[SF]SmileyFace[/SF]

2008-10-30T17:36:39Z

Yea, that's made up HTML code up there...

You can't believe how unbelievably happy I am right now! Why you ask? Just got a call from Radiation center saying that my treatment this afternoon has been canceled. Apparently the machine is broken and will be down all day.
I probably should not be sooooo happy, since this is the machine that is killing any remaining cancerous cells in my right breast... BUT, I am!
I've had about 14 treatments of approximately 35. I'm tired of going there every freaking day. This was a welcomed break today - I thank the machine, and so does my boob!
Actually, you don't skip a treatment, its just added to the end - so my finish date is extended one additional day.
I'm still happy though!
Now.... what will I do with my evening????

I Ba-racked The Vote!

2008-10-25T18:17:22Z

I was at the early voting location well before the 7:30AM opening time this morning to avoid standing in any lines! We breezed in and out with no problems. T was so excited to vote for the first time in her life! I have to say I was very happy and proud to see my kid come of age to vote - and what a phenomenal election for her to vote in. I wanted to snap some pictured but it felt weird to do that, plus the voting officials seemed kinda no nonsense - so, I didn't pull out the camera.

Susan G Komen Race for the Cure... check!

2008-10-19T17:49:56Z

I was up at 0'Dark Thirty (Translation - 5:00 AM) yesterday morning to participate in my first Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. We were part of the Gilda's Club of North Texas team. I have posted about Gilda's in the past, however I just can't say enough nice things about this organization! They have helped me tremendously with the support and wellness group sessions I've been attending on Tuesdays nights since June. In support of Gilda's Club - Cancer Treament Centers of America (CTCA) sponsored all Gilda's Club member's entry fee for the race. We had a dinner Friday night (sponsored by CTCA) where we picked up our race packets which included t-shirts and your race number. Since I am a survivor I received an additional pink "I am a Survivor" shirt and cap along with a white Race for the cure shirt and Gilda's shirt. We also received transportation instructions. The bus departed for the race location at 6:30 AM.
There was a 1K walk run and a 5K race. There was NO WAY I would subject myself to a 5K anything :) I was actually worried about how I would fair in the 1K. Last time I tried to walk I fell down! Remember that???? Not a good look. Anyway... The 1K seemed really short. C and I followed everyone else, but before you knew it we were in the area where the vendors give away the free stuff! She seems to think we didn't follow the right path.... Oh well, I wasn't complaining. That was just enough walking for me. I wanted to load up my bag with the free stuff anyway :)
We shopped the vendor booths and I came away with a lot of cool items! One of my favorites was from Ford - a beautiful "Warriors In Pink" scarf.

There was a tent for Survivors where the survivors could enter and bring one guest. There where special items that they handed out and breakfast. It was pretty cool. I was amazed at the number of woman that have battled this disease. They had the number of years they have been a survivor embossed on their caps in silver. I saw some 14, 16 and more years on a lot of caps. They didn't do it for months, so unfortunately my cap was blank since I just have 7 months under my belt.

The announcement was made for the start of the Survivor's Parade. I deliberated with myself and C on if I wanted to participate. Some of it was out of sheer laziness, the other was because I haven't completely wrapped by brain around being a survivor yet I think. Don't know why really, because I know that I am. Perhaps it the newness of all of this still.
That's me chatting it up with Leslie, the lady with the sunglasses on her head. She goes to Gilda's club too - although we are not in the same Wellness group. Leslie is 34 years old and found she had breast cancer when she was nursing her newborn and noticed a lump. She is super cool!
I was at the very end of the parade in the "Under 1 Year" group as the order was arranged by number of years of survivorship. My goal is get to the head of the pack!
The survivor's parade was actually very emotional - people on the sides where clapping, whistling and as I looked around the crowds many were crying. Leslie and I ended up walk by each other, she and I both said we were trying not to look at people so that we wouldn't start crying. That's me waving in a very peculiar manner lol.
Overall it was a phenomenal experience! I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was wonderful to see so many folks coming out to show support in finding a cure for such a horrendous disease. Its very encouraging!

Other Ramblins.....

The rose sender identified themself. I'm so happy they did, so that I could personally thank them. They certainly brighten my first week of Radiation.
Speaking of Radiation. I must say it totally sucks! Well, the treatment itself - if easy, simple and painless. What sucks is going there every day and having to wait because they are off schedule. I was told it would be a 30 minute process from start to finish - that ain't happened!
I think that's the height of my recent excitement. The remainder of today will be spent simply relaxing.
The annual Gilda's Club fundraiser was this week at the Intercontinental Hotel. I was asked to share my story in a taping that would be shown at the fundraiser a few months ago. Typically members are not invited to this event, but, because I appeared in the video "Beyond the Red Doors" I was extended an invite as a special guest. I talked about the taping on this post. Lunch was provided and it was awesome! I looked pretty good in the video too, if I must say so myself :) Although they only used about 3 or 4 minutes of my footage, it was cool. Only folks with deep pockets get invited to the annual fundraiser. At the end, they asked for the donations I was shocked at the levels for contribution - 1K every year for 5 years, 5K every year for 5 years, 20K every year for 5 years. I saw many checkbooks pop out and people writing checks. Money well spent! Gilda's is so awesome! The support they provide to people living with cancer and their family and friends is remarkable. Member's receive all these benefits for free, so it makes it affordable for everyone in the community.
Enjoy your weekend!

Thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU!

2008-10-15T21:17:24Z

I received this beautiful bouquet of pink roses today! the card reads:

In your honor.. Enjoy this gift
From Me to You!!!"

A very nice Lenox breast cancer heart with awareness ribbon pendant accompanied the roses! I took the picture with my iphone so the pendant is not really clear.

If you sent these to me, thank you so much! And, please let me know so that I can thank you personally.

Saturday iPhone Photo Share

2008-10-12T00:54:25Z

Bentley in momma's bed.

Saw this craziness on the way to the Urban Street Fair this morning.... Are they serious?

Radiate Me!

2008-10-09T01:36:30Z

Had the Radiology consultation yesterday morning. My Radiation Oncologist is a male which is strange considering my Radiologist, Breast Cancer Surgeon and Medical Oncologist have all been females. Dr. S seems like he will be nice to work with and my Oncologist Nurse gave him high reviews. After speaking with Dr.S I had to prepare for the treatment - the doctor and Physicist had to figure out the best position for my body to lay for the treatment. It took about an hour to do the "markings" They drew lines with a marker all over my breast area and side to target where the machine would be focus my dose of radiation. After the markings were made, a CT scan of my body was taken.

I was instructed not to wash off the markings. They used a permanent marker, which they said would fade over time, but avoid scrubbing them when bathing. Washing them off would require that I go through to simulation process all over again. Why did I shower this morning, totally forgetting that they were there because I was half asleep and washed two of them off already? They put clear tape on the very important marks - so hopefully I'm good.

First treatment is on Monday and will be daily except for the weekends for the next 6.5 weeks. The process is only about 30 minutes, the actual treatment they say is only about 5 minutes. Dr. S., said the side effects are nothing like chemo - fatigue and possibly some skin irritation or blistering which would more than likely occur toward the end of the 6 1/2 weeks.

I found this image and thought it exemplified how I felt yesterday, paint her brown and put the target on the right breast and that's me baby! I laid around with my right arm and tit out in a cold room in the dark too long :)

I'm happy to get this phase of my treatment started, just so I can be finished with it. I'm really ready to get back to my normal life, I'm looking forward to not have to think about cancer on the daily bases.

In other news...

In observation of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Oct 1st I went Pink for October here on Vox and my personal blog.
I've been trying to get out a bit, since I've been feeling pretty good lately - went to the Oktoberfest a couple of weeks ago and the Texas State Fair twice! I still can't eat like I use to, but I did have a few of my favorite treats.
Finally saw Lakeview Terrace. I was highly disappointed it was very slow and predictable. I did something I never do during a movie - went to the bathroom and the snack bar and took my time as I was in no hurry to get back to the movie.
I joined the movement to go beyond the cure by joining the Army of Women.
Work has been extremely busy, I've received three new accounts in the last couple of days. It does help the days go faster... but damn they need to slow it down.
Decided I will definitely be going on vacation the week of Christmas. I need a vacation from everything :) I looked into cruises, but they are too expensive for 7 days with only 6 - 8 hours spent at 2 or 3 destinations and the other days at sea. I don't think I can appreciate anywhere in 6-8 hours. My options are Puerto Rico, Buenos Aires, Puerto Vallarta or Acapulco. Any suggestions?
I'm glad Fall is finally here, I'm enjoying the cool weather. I have some new argyle sweaters I can't wait to wear.

That's all I have for now.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2008-10-01T07:13:27Z

In the spirit of breast cancer awareness month I sent an email to my family and friends. Then I thought about it - I consider some folks in the online community to be friends. Many of you have sent your positive vibes, blessings, encouraging comments and concerns since I began chronicling my experience with breast cancer back in March immediately following the diagnoses.

I'm certain bits and pieces of the letter are familiar to some as I have communicated most things I have learned and went through in this journey right here and on Vox.

The letter to my friends:

"You are receiving this email because you are a family member or someone I consider to be a friend. As many are aware October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month! This year has a different meaning for me being diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. I don't consider myself a "survivor" yet as I'm still in treatment. I'm "surviving!" It has been a challenging past six months for me, without my family and friends support I know I wouldn't have made it this far. Even though I have no hair, no eyebrows, dark nails and have lost weight just to name a few side affects from treatment I feel VERY BLESSED!

It was March 2008, most things were right in my world. I was planning to go to the "Big Easy" to celebrate my 42nd birthday. I felt a lump in my right breast when my hand grazed the top of it while pulling a t-shirt over my head. I had my yearly Well Woman visit scheduled for later in the month, so I figured I would bring it to my doctor's attention. Didn't think much of it, so I headed to New Orleans and had a wonderful time. Upon my return, I went for my yearly check up - my doctor agreed, the lump felt odd. I had two abnormal mammograms in past years that didn't amount to anything I needed to be concerned with, so I naturally thought this was the case with the recent finding.

My doctor sent me for a diagnostic mammogram. The Radiologist said the lump was "suspicious" and scheduled me for a biopsy the next week. On March 28th I was told the words no woman should ever hear - "I'm sorry but you have breast cancer."

Specifics about my breast cancer:
It is Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) - In situ (noninvasive) breast cancer refers to cancer in which the cells have remained within their place of origin -- they haven't spread to breast tissue around the duct or lobule. The most common type of noninvasive breast cancer is ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which is confined to the lining of the milk ducts. The abnormal cells haven't spread through the duct walls into surrounding breast tissue.

I am Hormone Receptor Negative. HER2 Positive - This gene drives production of the growth-promoting HER2 protein. About one out of every five breast cancers is HER2 positive, meaning these cancers have greater than normal amounts of the HER2 protein. These cancers tend to grow and spread more aggressively than do other cancers.

The tumor was actually pretty small being 1.9 cm. In May I had surgery, a Lumpectomy and Sentinel node biopsy to remove the tumor from my right breast and 18 Lymph Nodes from my right armpit in which two were determined cancerous. In June I had surgery for the installation for a Medi-port in my right upper chest area for the administering of the chemotherapy drugs.

My cancer was classified as Stage II, which is considered to be early detection. In this stage of breast cancer the tumor is fairly small in size but has spread to lymph nodes in the armpit OR cancer that is somewhat larger but has not spread to the lymph nodes.

My treatment regimen is 6 cycles of Chemotherapy. I received Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin every 21 days. I finished my last chemotherapy treatment on September 19th.

Although I won't be receiving any more chemotherapy drugs I will still have to return every 21 days for the next six months to be administered the drug Herceptin. Herceptin was included in my "chemo cocktail" all though it is not a chemotherapy drug. Because of the type of breast cancer I have I must have this treatment for a full year.

It is a monoclonal antibody that is a type of biological therapy. Herceptin only works on breast cancer patients with high levels of the protein HER2 such as I have. This prevents the cancer cells from multiplying and growing.

Next up for me is Radiation Therapy. In which I will have to go for treatment everyday for 61/2 weeks. I will be meeting with the Radiologist Oncologist in the next 2-3 weeks for my Radiation consultation - treatment will begin some time in October.

My life has not been the same since March 28th 2008. But, I think this experience will make me a better person and help me view and live my life differently. I'm hoping my experience can help someone else. PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE, women do a monthly self-breast exam. Don't wait until you are 40 to have a mammogram - if you suspect something is wrong, or have a family history of breast cancer request one, even if your doctor says you are too young or doesn't feel you need one. And remember, men get breast cancer too! Men, encourage the women in your life to check their breast regularly. I wouldn't wish this disease on my worst enemy! I will be walking in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on October 18th wish me luck!

Every hour 5 women die from breast cancer and 20 women will be told, "you have breast cancer."

In The Cocktail Lounge: 6th And Final Chemo Treatment Completed

2008-09-20T03:11:41Z

Voluntary poisoning at it's finest.

In the words of Kool & The Gang, "Celeeeeebration time... come on!" Let's celebrate!

Today was a great day, it was my last chemotherapy treatment.

My closest friends and family were there to support - brother K, friend L, partner C and daughter T! My brother brought me balloons and a fabulously delicious, super moist lemon pound cake. At the end of my treatment the infusion nurses gather together and threw confetti and presented me with a certificate of completion - super cool!

Although I won't be receiving anymore chemotherpy drugs I will still have to return every 21 days for the next six months to the infusion room to be administered the drug Herceptin. Herceptin was included in my "chem cocktail" all though it is not a chemotherapy drug. Because of the type of breast cancer I have I must have this treatment for a full year.

It is a monoclonal antibody which is a type of biological therapy. Herceptin only works on breast cancer patients with high levels of the protein HER2. HER2 is found on the surface of some cancer cells. The drug attaches itself to the HER2 protein and stops epidermal growth factor from reaching the cancer cells. This prevents the cancer cells from multiplying and growing.

I will meeting with the Radiologist Oncologist in the next 2-3 weeks for my Radiation consultation which will begin some time in October - every day for 6.5 weeks - eek!

Better enjoy my weekend - because I know I will feel like crap next week!

Getting closer to the finish line.