Boo!

It's a beautiful morning...cold, crisp and clear. The perfect Halloween day. This was one of my favorite days as a teacher. One year we finished a unit on Edgar Allen Poe and then I had the kids write their own ghost stories and read them out loud in a circle, lights out, with a flashlight. They started out rolling their eyes but by the end they really got into it. Good memories!

I've got my pumpkin to carve and candy to buy...and what will Rosie be this year? Pictures to follow!

Pink on Parade

The Fightin' Girls (and Boys) gathered Sunday for the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure and what fun we had! Our team, Girls Gotta Fight gathered before the race and at last count we had 45 participants! It was overwhelming to see so many of my friends and family gathered to walk for this important cause. And I know that many of my "Fighters" were walking not just for me but to honor loved ones and friends they hold dear. And for that wider circle of survivors, fighters and those who sadly lost their battle, I bow my head in honor of them all.


As the walk got started it was so amazing to see the various teams and individuals -- remember this is Eugene so it's no surprise that every kind of crazy was represented. One of my favorites was a pair of small poodles, one dyed pink and the other green and yellow (as the event was taking place at the home of the Ducks!). And along the 5k path that wound about, in part along
Pre's trail, entertainment and cheers of encouragement were everywhere. It was magical.






As of today, Girls Gotta Fight is 8th out of 191 teams with $3,518.00 raised thus far. And with donations still trickling in that number can go up. A big thank you to all who walked, donated and sent their good thoughts. Much of the money raised stays in the community to help needy, uninsured women with mammograms and cancer treatments in addition to lifesaving research. And the walk would not have been nearly so fun without you!!

A Life in Stitches...

I turned 48 on Tuesday Oct. 18. I gave myself a brief wtf moment in the mirror (who is that bald woman staring back at me?) then put on a great pair of boots and went to lunch. Heidi, Liz, my mom and I started off the day with lunch as a prequel to a fabulous evening with my book group.

And just when I thought that cancer was the biggest curve ball I could get my friends surprised me with a stunning quilt they made. You can see the pictures of the process in Debby's post below...what an amazing project!

And what's more amazing is that as I look at the quilt it seems to resemble so much about my life and about my recent experiences. Unlike most traditional quilts that are ordered with perfect symmetry, this has a delicious randomness...I've rarely followed the straight line to happiness or achievement. Rather I"m a "road not taken" kind of gal and that always has served me well in the end. And the pops of color elicit the beauty of the many places I've had the good fortune to live in and visit in my life. The deep blue waters of Palau, the purple blue mountains of Bend, the deep green of the Willamette Valley, the yellow ocher of Provence. I could go on. But most of all, when I look at this marvelous quilt I will be reminded of my many friends, who really are extended family. You've stitched together the bits and pieces of my life with love and I thank you.

Making Tracy's Birthday Quilt

Tracy's Birthday Quilt

Liz sewing Amy and Heidi supervising!

Marie was in charge of the ironing board!

Look almost like stained glass!



The worker bees!



Liz working hard!

Amy working on the border!

The  planning stage!

The final product!

Thanks to everyone who helped with Tracy's quilt. Liz Garfinkel spearheaded the trip to Greenbaum's in Salem to purchase the fabric! Heidi, Liz and I had fun perusing the store and picking out beautiful batiks for the Quilt. We got together with Liz, Heidi, Marie and Amy to put together the quilt.

Another Ducky Day!

Another Duck Saturday brought family and friends together for the big game against Arizona State. Since the game was so late we gave our tickets to the kids and chose to watch the game all cozy on the couch.

Nathan took his brother-in-law Karl to his first Duck extravaganza and Joel brought Kevin down for another win (Kev is our good luck charm as the Ducks always pull out a win when he's here!). And Hunter hung out with Bruce and I while my mom, Jason and Eric Dildine did their part to cheer on the Ducks. And we had fun!! Hunter and I walked Rosie, played UNO and made chocolate chip cookies. Once Darron Thomas went down in the third quarter we got so nervous we couldn't watch. Hunter and I watched Spooky Buddies while we recorded the game on the DVR. When Bruce came in and said "What a win!" we high-fived and did our Ducky Dance.

This morning the house is getting quiet as everyone is heading out. I think I'm ready for a nap but I'll miss the activity...but not for long as everyone will be back next weekend for the walk. I'm sure my mom will keep me busy in the meantime :)

Ease on Down the Road...

Chemo #4 is done and I'm officially on the downhill slide! Liz took me this morning and Heidi stopped by after work...thanks for the laughs girls! And Bruce stopped by during his lunch hour to say hi and hold my hand...I've said it before, I'm a lucky girl!

My doctor has recommended my getting tested for the BRCA gene to see if there is a direct genetic component to my cancer. This information will not only help me to make further decisions in my care but will be potentially important to my immediate and extended family. For their sakes I'm hoping it's negative.

The nurse in the picture is Joanne - she was with me all the way on my first day of chemo and has been a a tremendous comfort and really funny to boot. Love her.

Been a long day...ready to say goodnight :-)
love you all...tl

Finding Normal...

Had a wonderful time with my parents, Jason and Hunter and Nathan and Steph at the Oregon game -- despite getting a little wet in the first half we stuck it out to watch them dominate Cal.

As I prepare for my fourth treatment this Tuesday I'm struck by how routine this has become. A new normal is a pretty common way cancer patients describe their lives. But thankfully I have so many friends who have kept me in touch with my "old life." Dinner out with Heidi and Liz last week was a treat as are the many walks we take with the dogs. There are still moments when I do a double take in the mirror and am reminded that yes, this isn't a bad dream, I really do have cancer.

And as I get closer to my proposed surgery date in December I am beginning to get a bit nervous. Scars permeate my dreams these days...will I be scarred and mutilated or will I look like a stronger version of myself?

Liz is taking me to my treatment on Tuesday and I'll send an update then...in the meantime hope everyone has a fabulous week. Give someone you love a hug.

Good Wishes...

Last week my cousin Julie came to visit and brought her granddaughter Sophia. What a sweetheart! The scarf I'm wearing was a gift from an organization that gives a free scarf to women who have lost their hair due to cancer, alopecia or other causes. It's called Good Wishes and they couldn't be nicer.

Over the past couple months I've discovered a network of individuals and companies that do amazing things for people in need and they often do so under the radar, unrecognized. I guess this is my way to recognize one of them :)

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

http://www.goodwishesscarves.org/

Feeling Good!

It's been a little over a week since my third infusion and I'm feeling really good! My appetite is better, I have more energy and I'm loving the sunshine. While I attribute some of my new found spunk to my meds and acupuncture I have to believe that the support of so many wonderful friends and the unwavering love of my family is the key. I know I'm going to get better so I don't spend time thinking about death but I do reflect on my life -- I've had great adventures, I've loved deeply and every morning I get up, kiss my husband, pet Rosie, look at pictures of our family and I am grateful for another day. How truly fortunate I am! I thank you all for keeping me afloat and giving me a reason to laugh every day :)

Three down...three to go!

Another fabulous day in the chair getting the medicine that is going to save my life. Had my sister by my side and Bruce and Liz stopped by for a visit. As much as I dislike the side effects I relish these days as they remind me how lucky I am that the treatments are so effective and offer me more than a fighting chance.
And, lucky girl that I am, Liz and Heidi were kind enough to stop by the house and take Rosie and Cas (my mom and dad's dog) for a walk with Buddy and Cara. And as you can see Heidi is quite the dog wrangler!

For blog newbies

There is a section under each blog entry for comments. If you make a post, remember to check back later to read the comments!

Ready Set Go! The Walk is on...

Some of you may know I've formed a team for the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure to be held in Eugene on Sunday October 23rd at Autzen Stadium. If you're interested in joining me or would like to donate, follow the link below.
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
I walked last year and was blown away by the strength and courage of so many women who were either going through treatment or wore the proud badge of Survivor. I never imagined I would be in their company but that's the thing about breast cancer, nobody does. I look forward to donning a survivor shirt next year knowing I made it with the love and support of so many. Thank you all.

http://race.komenoregon.org/site/TR/Race/EugeneRacefortheCure?px=2020187&pg=personal&fr_id=1170

Hi Traci,

In reading your blog, I find that I am not the only one to admit to deficiencies in tech skills, but finally made it with Kathleen's help.

We have all been thinking of you with love and best wishes.

As I expressed to your dad the other day, this all brings back memories of watching over you when you were still in diapers and a resident of the Amozon Project. We all loved you then as we all do now Traci. We know that the process to getting through this must be difficult, but we are all here for you and thinking of each and every day.

Love from all of us.

Jim Crabbe

Remembrance

I'm in a contemplative mood as I watch the various the 9-11 remembrances on television. Seeing the children who lost a parent or a family member gets me the most.
Their grief is so profoundly heartbreaking and yet they have the courage to lay their souls bare on this day of communal mourning.

As I think back to that September day ten years ago, our national tragedy is inextricably tied to a personal one. That was the day my father called to tell me he had prostate cancer. I found myself thinking of all the moments that make a father/daughter relationship special. And they are moments. The grand gestures are nice, but the little things make all the difference. The conversations on the way to school, the seemingly endless patience teaching me to cast for, then hook my first fish, the way he spoke of hard work as something noble and honorable.

My dad was lucky. We were all lucky. His cancer hadn't spread and he had excellent medical care. Now, ten years later I think of those moments and treasure every one of them. And my dad would not be the man or the father he is without the love and support of my mom. I love them both and am so grateful for the family they nurtured, the family we have become.

Go Ducks!!

Went to the game today...only lasted the first half despite having the good fortune to sit in the shade. Yelling "Go Ducks" and air-fiving (like the air-kiss for sporting events) is exhausting. But it was great fun to see our kids play with gusto. And got home in time to see LaMichael James' kick-off return TD :) Ducks are winning the day...

The Shiny Pate Club

Eric Warlick, Mike Lutz and I...no hats (or hair) allowed :)

Peaks and Valleys

Had a wonderful Labor Day weekend...watched the game on Saturday, went to visit family and friends and Sunday and rested on Monday.

The doctors warn you that you will feel fatigue and today is the day. Felt like I got blindsided by a two-ton tanker and spent much of the day on the couch dozing off. And I'm getting a painful hard lump under my arm where I had the drain removed. So perhaps a visit to the surgeon is in my future...oh joy!

But on the bright side my mom is here -- sometimes you just need your mom.

**Saw the surgeon this morning...too much risk of infection to drain my arm again. Between the heating pad, cold compresses and some pain meds I should be up and running before too long. It's a beautiful (albeit HOT) day and I actually feel up to going to the store with my mom. Think I'm heading out of the valley!

Win the Day

I'm sporting my ducky doo rag and we're wearing our "anthracite" gear in honor of Kelly's Heroes. Looking forward to the ensuing battle between the Ducks of Oregon and the LSU Tigers.

And as I ponder Coach Kelly's mantra...Win the Day...it's applicable to more than football, but life in general. As I embrace this notion for my own battle I'm struck by the simple beauty of it all. I can't control tomorrow but I can fight like hell to win today. And today is pretty damn special :)

Thanks Coach...and Go Ducks!!

Updating contact info.

Hi everyone, If you would like me to include additional contact information for you, such as phone number, please send me an e-mail. It is handy to have everything in one place, especially if someone does not have access to their cell phone. Also, if you know anyone who is still having problems logging on to the blog, please tell them to let me know. Thanks! jamieleaf@comcast.net

YOU GO GIRL!

Hi Tracy,

Your positive attitude and honesty will help you through this challenging time.

Love the picture of your bald and beautiful head! And it's so wonderful that you have such great support from everyone.

Hope to be in Eugene later this month and would love to see you.

Sending you love, light and healing. As I said before, remember to breathe!

This is a journey like none other.

With love,

Amy

Finally think I figured this out

Dear Tracy,

So I finally figured out how to get on this blog--my technology skills are definitely lacking and my son will be the first to agree with that!! It was great to see you last night at the concert which was a fun show. I agree that "Singing this Song for You" was the best although enjoyed many of the covers also. I have been thinking of you often and admire your strength and courage. I know you can beat this. Please know that we are available for any little thing that might come up that you need or want.

Michelle

PS. To Jamie, after I got your phone message I went to google accounts to get on here. I'm not sure if there might be an easier way but it worked!

Day Four and Counting...

Did something positively normal last night...went to the Shedd to see Leon Russell and his band play a rousing set of old and new songs. The best moment of the night by far...the band members left the stage and a single spotlight captured the enigmatic bearded troubadour as he sang "A Song for You." I laid my head on Bruce's shoulder and felt like he was singing to me. Perfection.
I hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day weekend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvazuyF6eXw

Drip, Drip, Dripping Away...

Between Liz, Heidi and Bruce I had lots of company today as I worked to mark chemo # 2 off my list. The best part of getting each test, appointment and treatment behind me is that I am that much closer to being done! Granted I haven't even begun to feel the endorphin high on this marathon I'm running but I am out of the starting gate trying to find my stride. As I reflect over the last month I raise my glass of water to enjoying the race...the good, the gritty and the undeniable moments of pure joy.

Like the day I was born...

When my mom looked at my picture she exclaimed "My baby!" Wonderfully sweet and understandable since my head has not been on display since I was a few months old...it's oddly liberating yet it's the one outward sign that says "I'm sick." That part will take a while to get used to but for the time being I'm feeling great and trying to cram a lot in before my next treatment on Tuesday.

And as this is a time for many "firsts" I will be taking a step into the world of alternative medicine, visiting an acupuncturist for my nausea and headaches. Should be fascinating! Now that's what I need a picture of :)

Goodnight and sweet dreams...

Hair today, gone tomorrow...

Pulling a Wallace and Grommit today and getting the Big Shave. My hair is falling out in clumps and it's much too depressing to see more and more of my scalp peek through my thinning pixie. And not to mention it's enough to keep up with Rosie's hair all over the house. I can't vacuum enough to keep up with the two of us.
Got to go...send me strength and courage...I may need it :)

Another day...

Every day seems to bring a new challenge...one of my chemo meds can cause water retention and last night my feet resembled two Christmas hams. And not to be outdone my legs were like tree stumps. Hoping that a meeting with the NP at the cancer center will get this nipped in the bud. And right after getting home with my wig yesterday, my hair started to fall out. How's that for timing!?
But a lovely package from Suzanne, a nice long hug from Rosie, a chat with my sister and mom and an evening with Bruce helped ameliorate the uncertainty that lay ahead.
One day at a time...and today I'm playing bridge with the gals so that should be great fun!
Enjoy the beautiful sunshine....xoxo

Hi Tracy, Back from Alaska and thinking a lot about you. I couldn't figure out how to blog and read your entire blog and got instructions. Thank you guys; some of us are techno idiots and appreciate the step by step instructions!
I am glad your energy is improving and you are feeling better. Hope to see you this week, Wed or Sat. Will give you a call. Hang in there and talk to you soon.
Love, Deb

Big Hair Day

I'm getting my wig today...a few weeks ago it seemed so important that I have the option to "wear" hair, but now that my long locks are gone. losing my hair seems to be the least of my worries. Odd what a little time and perspective will do. It will be nice to have when we go to New York (shooting for September) and I'm sure my niece Kelsey will have a blast playing dress up!

I'll post pics later...

Celebrate!

Just when I was getting ready to dance a jig and celebrate an upcoming week and a half of increased energy and a healthy appetite I learned that the racquetball-sized lump under my arm was fluid in search of a space. The thing about fluid is that it gets lonely so eventually I could trade my racquetball for a bocce ball and be in serious geek mode. Anybody remember Elayne's famous dance on Seinfeld? I think she had a bocce ball under her arm.

Thanks to the pleading nurses at the Cancer Center my fabulous surgeon squeezed me into his lunch hour, inserted a drain and made me good as new. Hurts like hell and I look like I have a colostomy bag hanging from my armpit but I can't complain. Liz held my hand while the surgeon poked, prodded and drained...Heidi and Amy made sure I could safely shower then wrapped me with an ace bandage reminiscent of Gwyneth Paltrow in Shakespeare in Love. Lesli brought some wonderful food for dinner. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful friends...when I ditch the bag I may try that jig after all!

Good night all...sweet dreams

A warm thank you to all of you who are being so supportive of our beautiful daughter

Tracy's Dad

Meal tips

Thanks to all of you that have and will sign up for meals. I will keep you all updated as the need increases or decreases.

It may be easier if you can bring your meals in disposable type containers that you don't mind not getting back. This would make it easier than trying to return all the containers. We can put cleaned used disposable containers that can be reused outside in a bag near the cooler for anyone to take for the next meal.

If you have any suggestions about this process, let me know. Amy

Had a wonderful visit with my sister-in-law Jenn and my nephew Hunter. I learned how to play Stratego and discovered the world of Dragonbreath books. Jenn brought me a stack of trashy magazines to pass the time for my next chemo (thank you thank you) and two beautiful scarves that will don my lovely pate in time...and to top it off we both had a lot of fun teaching my mom to play Angry Birds. Sorry Dad...

Thanks Jamie!!

Many thanks to Jamie for developing my blog All your tireless hours of "tech-support" getting everyone signed on and Google ready have been above and beyond. And a special thank you for getting my mom set up. This is a big mitzvah :)
love you...Tracy

Meal calendar update

Amy Steckel has offered to be in charge of the meal calendar. If you would like to bring a meal, please decide what day you would like and e-mail Amy with your entree. She will post it on the google calendar. Amy's e-mail is: amyjsteckel@gmail.com

Thank you, Jamie

Thank you Jamie for signing me in. Hello to all of Tracy's friends.

<3 You're warm hug :)

Aloha 'Oe

Looking forward to seeing you soon. Raced up in beautiful BC this weekend and was thinking of you and several canoeing ohana of mine that have undergone chemo over the past year or so.

Here is a pic of our motley light weight crew. I promise I do wear sunscreen but geeze am I showing off the difference between skin and spf 50 rash guard...

inner beast...

Go inner beast. Go team, it does take a village. Just thinking of you. Lee

Ha, ha... same initials

I just went to post Lesli's meal on our meal calendar with her initials when I realized she has the same initials as Liz! I will start posting first names instead.

Time to Sign up for Meals

Okay. Tracy is ready for around 3 meals a week. I am planning to provide a meal on Wednesday August 17. Please email Jamie @ jamieleaf@comcast.net with the date you'd prefer and the type of meal you'll be dropping off. She will post it on the google calendar in the order she receives the commitments. Please check the calendar posted on the blog for updated sign-ups. You may need to refresh in order to see recently updated posts. This will be an evolving process as Tracy adjusts to chemo and then surgery in 5 or 6 months.

Tracy's requests:

Meals that can be frozen. She will freeze leftovers for another nite.

Pasta, Soups, casseroles, etc would be appreciated.

Not too spicy.

No beef.

Drop off meal in cooler by the kitchen door. Go up stairs to left of driveway. Don't let Rosie escape! We decided to use the cooler in order to free Tracy from waiting at home for delivery or visiting when she's not up to it.

The garden is really producing right now so there is no need for fresh veggies. This will change as fall approaches.

I'm heading out of town on Friday for about 10 days. I hope this all makes sense! Thanks to you all!

Liz Garfinkel

Fabulosity

Must say I'm feeling pretty fine today...had a fabulous day with Heidi and Liz, got together with friends for a spontaneous lunch and did a little shopping. Modern medicine is pretty amazing...not feeling sick at all today. High fives and fist bumps all around! Settling down to watch a movie with Bruce. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend

Proof of support....

Tracy, I signed up for a Google account today (which you understand is a serious thing for me) in order to lend my support through your blog!! Hope that makes you smile and feel even more supported through the process!! Thinking of you and hoping that you continue with your winning attitude!! You will beat this.
Lynne

Girls got Grace

The last post was a test.... Now I am up and running! I have been able to spend the last 5 days with Trace and it has been a bonding experience I didn't want to ever have with her. We have many other great memories together. That being said, I am once again amazed at my sister's grace and ability to cope with this hurdle in her life. She was so strong for her first treatment, and continues to keep her spirits up while the medicines decide how they will affect her. I also want to thank all of her wonderful friends she has supporting her. She has an amazing group of friends and family lifting her up. For all the times I won't be able to be here, I know she will be well looked after.

Smart Phone Instructions

Jamie asked me to post some basic instructions for accessing this blog with a smart phone.

Go on the Internet and type in the blog website. After you are signed in using your gmail sign in, go to the menu and choose "Add Bookmark". Each time you sign onto the internet you can go to your bookmarks via "Menu", choose Tracy's Blog and you'll be there. Gmail will make you sign in again periodically.

On my Droid Incredible the sign in placed me into a "mobile" version of the blog where I was unable to make new postings, only comments on existing postings. I scrolled all the way down to the bottom of the blog and found "view web version". When I chose this option I was able to view the blog as it appears online and I am now able to post from my phone.

Good luck,

Liz

Lllal

Tracy,

I was really happy to hear the news about your bone scans. Thinking about you a lot and sending healing thoughts your way.

Amy S

Yipee!!

Great news! Hang in there.

Love, Liz

Tracy, Rand told us last week about your diagnosis. Glad to hear that you made it through your first chemo session with flying colors. Both of us are thinking about you and wish you a speedy recovery. Please don't hesitate to contact us if there's anything you, Bruce or Taylor need. By the way, I saw Taylor walking Rosie yesterday. I honked and waved as I passed him, but he had no idea who was honking and waving at him because I was too far away for him to recognize me. Tell him it was me. GO DUCKS!!!

Finally,,,some good news.

I had my chest x-ray and bone scan today and I'm A-OK! There was one "hot spot" on one of my ribs that they are pretty confident is a fracture from last year. Feeling a little punky today but all in all I'm doing well. Also, found a wig! It's beautiful...real hair...and I'm getting it cut a week from Monday so I'll post pics. Hugs to you all...night.

How to make a post

I have heard from several blog readers that they do not know how to make a post. I will try to describe the process here. If you haven't posted yet, please go ahead and try!
Sign in on upper right side of the blog
Go to "New Post"
Write your message
Press the "Publish post" button
If you have problems, please let me know and I will see if I can figure out the answer.
-Jamie

Whew!

Yesterday was quite an adventure. With my mom, my sister and Bruce by my side I sailed through my first chemo with flying colors. The chemical concoctions were dripping in for hours and after my last bag beeped empty my fabulous nurse Joanne gave me hug and said I graduated...my sister smiled and said I'm no longer a chemo virgin! I feel good today. Pretty amped up on the dose of steroids they gave me and I'm not feeling sick. Yay!! My mom, sister and I ran errands, met with friends, went out to lunch and even tried on a few wigs!

I'm getting a bone scan and chest x-ray tomorrow...keeping my fingers crossed. Remember that good news my sister is waiting for? I'm hoping we get that tomorrow :)

Thank you all for your well wishes and your support...I feel so fortunate to have such a loving group of family and friends. I'm grateful for you all. Love, Tracy

Namaste

Oh wow....here I am on a blog post. Tracy, I would only do it for you!! (Jamie, thank you!!) Meanwhile, you look gorgeous and I am waiting to bring you a special dinner/book(s)/knitting :>

Tracy, I just got on and want you to know I have been thinking of you. You are a strong person and I know you will get through this. I will keep thinking positive thoughts. Let me know if you have any special meal cravings that I can deliver from OES. Your new hair cut is awesome on you!! Go Girl !!! Fight this!! Love Lesli

Thinking of you

Hey Tracy! I thought about you several times today. You're in my prayers.

After getting my hair cut on Friday I feel oddly liberated. One more step in preparation for Monday. Can't wait for my mom and sister to get here :)

Posting time

Hi everyone, Just a note that Tracy's post below was written last night. (Thursday.) We are having some issues having her postings entered onto the blog, and so far she has had to send them to me and then I post them. So when she said tomorrow, she meant today...

Chemofabulous

Getting my snazzy chemo cut tomorrow. Heidi's going to take me and we'll drink wine, take pictures and make a day of it. Chemo starts Monday August 8 so I've had to fast-track my beauty plans. I guess there's no easing into my Michelle Williams pixie...just like jumping into the deep end. And that sums up this experience. There's no opportunity to dip a toe to test the water...I've just got to jump in and trust that I can swim. And in the event I cannot I know there will be plenty of friends and family throwing me a lifeline. Thanks to all...:)

Bring it on...

Biopsy results are in and it looks like the fight just got a little tougher. My nodes are positive so I'm not sure what that means for my treatment plan. But I'm feeling strong and working hard to access my inner-beast. My sister is waiting for the bit of good news to surface...maybe the good news is that I have so much support and so much to live for...I am one lucky girl after all.

Good night...

Tracy Lynn comes from a family of fighters with positive attitudes. She is no different. We will all see her thru this

Tracy's Dad

One Step Closer...

Had a portacath inserted and sentinal lymph node biopsy today and awaiting results due in the next 4+ days (Friday or Monday) Feels a bit like a dress rehearsal for the big event coming up...good night all.

Tracy,
I have been out of town so I apologize for not contacting you sooner. I am so sorry that
you have been diagnosed with this disease. But, I am confident that you will come out of
it strong and healthy. Two of my closest friends have been through this in the past few years
and both are doing great today. Please know that my thoughts are with you and enjoy the
sunshine.... finally!
Carol

Comments

Thank you Liz and Heidi for leaving comments. To read the comments, just click on "Comments" below the main posting.

Time for a Deep Breath

Getting my ducks in a row here...we've met with all the players and it looks like I'll be getting the full monty (hormone blockers, immunotherapy {herceptin} and chemotherapy). Somehow I thought I might be able to avoid the chemo part but it looks like that offers me the best chance of survival so it's a non-starter. Surgery will be a couple weeks (one of the surgeons is out of town) but I may get a lymph node removed next week to check for spread.

Aside from the anxiety associated from processing all this info I'm feeling good and enjoying time with my family and friends. I'm so happy it's summer time and I can be buoyed by the sunshine and warm temps.

When I get some dates I'll be able to give you all a sense of what the immediate future holds.

Have a great weekend :) love, t

Hi Tracy, I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It was quite a shock to hear. Let me know what I can do to help. I would love to walk Rosie for you or bring you dinner. Love you lots! Debby

Using the Google calendar for meal sign ups

Here is an example of how we can use a google calendar to sign up to bring meals to the family. This calendar is "PUBLIC" so do not use any identifying information on it. Just your initials and the meal you will provide. More details will be posted as I figure this out. Note-Please wait to sign up for meals. Heidi will be the coordinator of meals, and she will let us know when they are needed. -Jamie

The journey begins...

This is new for me...many thanks to Jamie for setting this up and allowing me to share this journey with my family and friends. Now, I have to admit it took me about 20 minutes to figure out how to get to this point in the blog site so bear with me if it takes me a while to master this new technology.

I'm meeting with a plastic surgeon tomorrow and hope to have more information in the coming days regarding what my prognosis is and how we will move forward.

All I can say is that I am so grateful for the outpouring of love and kindness and support from my family and friends. Thank you all....

Jamie, amazing and speedy job on setting up this blog! Hope I posted correctly.

Testing, testing

1,2,3

Welcome to Tracy's blog

Please check often for updates.