Why My Mom Became a Stripper

With encouragement like this from my kids,
how can I do anything but my best to recover!

It’s been awhile since I wrote my last blog post immediately after my double mastectomy…well, there’s a reason for that. What a bugger it’s been in between then and now! When I last wrote, I was still embraced by a comfortable fog of quality pain killers. Then I went home and had to start the real recovery process. It wasn’t all bad, but it certainly wasn’t all good and definitely not something I’d care to repeat anytime soon. I’d never had a mastectomy (obviously!) so I didn’t really know what all was involved with it. The doctors and nurses can tell you about it to prepare you as best they can, but until you are actually called on to live it, it’s difficult to truly comprehend what your body must do to recover.

At the end of the surgery, Dr. Vashi installed four drain lines around the entire area and then he sewed me up. The drains allow for the exiting of all the extra fluid caused by the trauma of having your ta tas chopped off and your lymph nodes removed. The long flexible tubes come out of your body on your sides, two on each side, just straight out of your skin…it’s pretty creepy. They drain into four containers that look like flexible grenades and those are always with you to empty as needed. To keep everything flowing and avoid blockages, you have to “strip” the lines three times a day. This is how my mom became a stripper! She helped me with this task until I gained enough range of motion to do it for myself. After a week, the doctor removed one line on each side. After the second week when the lines were supposed to come out, I still had too much fluid. The doctor faced the decision of whether to keep the lines in and risk infection from having those things hanging out of my body too long, or to pull them and see what happens with all that fluid. He chose to pull them. I was so happy to get rid of those awful things…that was until my upper body started filling up with fluid! This was the worst part of the whole recovery process because it was terribly uncomfortable. I was so full that I felt like I could burst at any time. I actually wished I had those gawdawful drain lines back. Time does heal, though, and since then my body has slowly but surely absorbed much of the excess fluid and boy does that feel good. Much can be said for time and patience.

So here I am doing much better and doing much of what I was able to do before. The expanders I will have in place until the end of summer are rigid and unforgiving because they sit under the chest muscles and have to coax those muscles and the skin to stretch to accept the permanent implants. You can only imagine what that feels like. I’m constantly aware of the rocks I’m smuggling up top...significantly higher than where the natural ones liked to rest! You know, I prefer my margaritas top shelf and on the rocks, but not necessarily my boobs!

Double Mastectomy Done!

My double mastectomy Thursday morning went quite well! The surgical oncologist, Dr. Heidi Murley, first did her part to remove both breasts, then the plastic surgeon, Dr. Christopher Vashi, did his part to place the expanders for the first stage of the breast reconstruction. I will get the pathology reports Monday or Tuesday which will tell us how successful the chemo was in tackling the cancer. I zipped right through the recovery, and I was back home by Friday at noon! I am well taken care of here by family and friends so I hope to continue this path of quick recovery! Thanks to all for your love and support. I couldn't do it without you!

Saying Ta Ta to the Ta-Tas

Tomorrow, March 20, is when I bid farewell to my ta-tas. I'm not sad. In fact, I'm ready to get this next phase going because it makes me feel like I'm doing everything I can to eradicate this cancer. The boobies were good to me (they nursed my three babies after all), that was until the bitches tried to do me in! So now it's my turn to strike back.

At this point in my treatment, I am just so thankful I am done with chemo. Those last two rounds were rough so once the worst of the side effects passed, I got busy celebrating life again and making the most of the couple weeks between that and my surgery. I will not miss the list of "indignities" that come with chemo, like playing dot-to-dot with the handful of eyebrow hairs that decided to stick with me to the end, the neuropathy that has me dropping lots of things and feeling clumsy, and the horrible effects on the taste buds that leave food utterly unenjoyable. But I must admit these are not the worst of the indignities by far, they are the ones I can mention in polite company…the others, well, let's just say I hope I never have to share them with you and I hope you never have to endure them.

So it is with joy in my heart and peace in my soul that I face tomorrow's double mastectomy and start of reconstruction. I am meeting it with slightly less strength than I had hoped, but that's what a good poisoning of your body with chemo can do for you. I do still have strength to spare, so that's what I will rely on along with all of the incredible support so very many of you have shown me over these past several months. I can't thank you enough!


CHRONICLING THE CELEBRATIONS!

I've posted several of the following photos on Facebook, but I realize not everyone is on FB, so I'll share them here as well. Yes, I've been busy celebrating the end of chemo and preparing to say farewell to the boobies! Too much fun!

Celebrating this past weekend with the Howell's and the Krallman's.

My super, dear friend Carrie Howell who has stood by my side through it all.

Yeah, we had a good time that night. This was just the start!

Our guys showing support for the ta-tas.

Carrie, Brennan, Scott and I had a head start, but Krista and Lee caught up with us.

Preparing to get my R-O-A-R on with the girls!

Love these ladies so very much! Krista, Allison, Kelly, Carrie and my mom. I only wish we had snapped a photo while Akrivi, Julie and Andrea were with us that night! How wonderful to be surrounded by such amazing ladies!

Krista coaching me through this journey and sitting by my side at The Day of  Celebration.

Enjoying the opportunity to model a fur at The Day of Celebration for breast cancer survivors. Don't be a hater, it's faux fur ;)

My Kids are Half Czech, Now I'm CHEK 2

I reported awhile back that genetic testing showed I do not have mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. These are the biggest known genetic culprits in breast cancer. However, further genetic testing has revealed that I do possess a mutation in my CHEK2 gene which is another known culprit in breast cancer for women, prostate cancer in men, as well as cancer of the colon, thyroid, ovaries, lung and kidneys. Having the mutated gene alone gives women a 30% risk that they will experience breast cancer in their lifetime. When breast cancer runs strongly in the family line, the risk increases to 40%. The genetics counselor feels this gene most likely was passed through the Slater side of my family since two of my aunts on that side had breast cancer and my father had thyroid cancer, but that cannot be confirmed without testing someone else in the line.

I, by no means, want to frighten the family, but it is important to know this mutation means diligence may be in order. I don't want anyone to have to go through this, so please be sure to get those annual screenings. Ladies, mash around on those ta-tas monthly! Men get that prostate checked out. Everyone, get those colons scoped as recommended by your doctor. My cancer developed so quickly that it reached an advanced stage between annual mammograms. The CHEK2 gene, when working properly, suppresses tumors by keeping rapidly diving cells in check and makes sure they die off as ordered. The discovery of my ill-working gene may be the key to finding out why this cancer developed so quickly and so aggressively. Having this information is like wielding a double-edged sword, especially having two beautiful daughters whom I very much want to protect from this awful disease. It gives me some potential answers, but is not the most promising news for my descendants. However, I like to think this will give them a good reason to start screening early and stay diligent always.

If you would like to read more about the CHEK2 gene, here are a few sources:

http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/CHEK2

http://www.ambrygen.com/tests/chek2-related-cancer

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/genetics/breast/CHEK2gene

On  to other topics! I've told you all about my amazing medical oncologist Dr. Doug Flora. One of the local news stations featured a story about him before I became one of his patients. It took me awhile to unearth the clip, but here it is:

http://www.local12.com/news/features/medical-edge/stories/cancer-doctor-says-hes-inspired-patients-164.shtml?wap=0#.UvFpzni9K0c

I hope you enjoy "meeting" my doc!

I can barely believe my mom will be here in 6 short days! She is coming to help me through my last chemo, my upcoming surgery, and on through to radiation. I hope she can adjust to the cold of this never-ending winter we are having. The kids are beyond excited to get to spend so much time with their Gram. I'm super pumped, too!

One more chemo to go on February 17, y'all!!! Here's sending some extra special thoughts to my Uncle Jim who started chemo today for his bladder cancer. Now we can be chemo buddies! Love you, Uncle Jim!

FYI, for those who don't know me as well, you may be wondering about the title for this post. My husbands' side of the family is of pure Czechoslovakian decent which makes my kids half Czechs, or Tex Czechs to be more specific!

Never Say Never...

The old saying holds sway. It seems every time I’ve put my foot down and consciously made the decision that “I’ll never do that…” I’ve had to eat my words. For example, when I was young and naïve, I swore I’d NEVER date anyone with copious amounts of back hair. Silly, right? No one has control over their genes to make a choice whether or not to go Sasquatch. Well, I fell in love with a big, hairy man and not only did I date him, but I married him. Never say never.

Again, when I was young with no children in sight, I swore I’d NEVER drive a minivan. Who in their right mind would want one of those ugly ass things? Well, after having two of our three children, Scott and I took the kids on a vacation to Lake Tahoe. The car rental company gave us a minivan to use. Eureka! I instantly understood the advantages of automatic sliding side doors with space inside to separate everyone further than arm’s length. Yep, I’m still driving the silver bullet minivan we bought back in 2006 and will keep it another few years if it continues to hold up. Never say never.

Having breast cancer has taken me well out of my comfort zone on so many occasions already, and now I find I’m having to eat my words on two other fronts. As a mature adult, I swore I would NEVER get a tattoo and I would definitely NEVER get breast implants. I’m scheduled for a double mastectomy on March 20 which poses a few moral dilemmas when it comes to reconstruction options. Well guess what? Not only will I be toting a pair of implants for the rest of my life, but I will also have tattooed nipples on those babies. BAM, two more “nevers” down the toilet. I was considering going without breasts, but none of my doctors really wanted to go there with me. Apparently, the psychological impacts are too great for someone my age and they try their hardest to steer the conversation away from that option. I know it’s my choice, but I feel it may be best to defer to their years of experience here. Therefore, I will have expanders placed immediately after my surgical oncologist cuts off the bad girls. Plastic surgery and tats for tits! Never say never.

I hope you are able to avoid your “NEVERS” better than I have, but I know each time I have had to renege on mine, I’ve grown as a person and understood myself and others in a new light.

Now it’s time for a quick update: Two weeks ago on January 6, I had surgery to place a new port through the left side of my chest. Huge thank you to my surgical oncologist, Dr. Heidi Murley, for taking her day off to come get this taken care of for me so I’d have my port in place for chemo later that morning. She didn’t bat an eye at taking time out of her day to come to my aid even though she has children of her own at home. Boy was that a cold, snowy morning. The kids were home for a snow day, and I know Dr. Murley, just like myself, would rather have been snuggled up at home safely with the kids. We both made it to the hospital early that Monday morning, and she did a wonderful job on this port. No more open chest wounds after dealing with one for nearly two months!

Immediately after port surgery, I went over to OHC to get my fourth round of chemo. All went well as planned, and I was very thankful to get back to the fight. The side effects of chemotherapy are cumulative, so it now takes me about two weeks after chemo to feel back to 100% but the in-between time is still not anything I can’t handle! I’m doing fine. When I do feel good, I’m exercising and trying to keep my body ready for the next round. My strength is starting to wain a bit, so I’ve vowed to work harder. Thanks to those who have opened wine bottles for me lately. Hey, there’s something else I NEVER figured I’d have to do…ask for help popping a cork!

Bring on 2014

I left Kentucky for the holidays with half of my chemo behind me. I was hoping to unleash one more attack on my cancer before bringing in the New Year, but the delay around Thanksgiving didn't give my body enough time to recover and my white blood cell counts were too low. I have had a wonderful visit with my family and friends while in Texas. This has given me time to heal unencumbered from ports and PICC lines. The ironic part is that it has also given the cancer time to rebound. When I feel good, so does the cancer.

So I find myself anxious to get back to the battle. The kids and I leave tomorrow to head home. I will be ready for the fight to start early Monday with surgery to place a new port through the other side of my chest then a dash over to OHC to get chemo. Let's get this rolling!

Starting off a new year, I choose not to reflect upon the fears and tears surrounding my diagnosis. Instead, I'll recall the good times that comfort me with warm, fond memories. To start with, the day I was officially diagnosed on October 4, 2013, my neighborhood friends rallied with me for an epic cancer party. I see joy and love and good times when I remember that day.

The day I went in for my first breast MRI, Krista had prepared me for the logistics which were basically me laying face down fully exposed with my ta-tas hangin' through a frame, arms overhead Superman style. What I was not prepared for was the music that came on the radio through my headphones once they pushed me into the machine. Justin Timberlake's "I'm Bringing Sexy Back" sent me into fits of laughter 'cause lawd knows I was feeling hot and sexy just then. The technicians thought I'd gone cuckoo in the hole. That was an unexpected fun memory. 

Now who can forget the shave day festivities and car party? I've already written about that day on my blog so I won't rehash, but damn that was a good day, too.

There have been so many other fond moments as I pass in and out of people's lives while cuing up for treatments. There are so many wonderful doctors, nurses, patients and patient supporters...so many snippets of illuminating conversations while waiting for the next chance to further the fight. 

I have a few additional thoughts to share with you. It appears Doctor Flora and his practice are not off the financial hook with the new drug I am taking. I don't think the manufacturer is actually covering their side of the cost. No one really knows for sure how it will all play out once they argue their case with the insurance company, but I'd like everyone to keep this courageous doctor in your thoughts and prayers. He is my hero and my champion. 

I've learned the power of a few words. All those messages of support I've received, no matter how succinct, give me strength each day. I thank you for all your encouragement and support. This is one facet of the human spirit I just can't get enough of.

Something we have all learned through my days of walking this earth as a bald lady, and I'm amazed at how quickly the kids got it: Accept those who look different and accept the differences in ourselves. We never know what battles others are facing and we can only control our reaction to them and how others perceive the differences in us. I don't feel eyes on me when I'm out and about because I've embraced my baldness and it doesn't bother me and my loved ones. It's a sign that the fight is underway and the treatments are working the way they are supposed to. Yes, being bald in the winter is dadgum cold, but what better way to learn to walk in others shoes, make them mine, and learn from the experience. 

Life isn't simple and I'm not asking it to be. I've feasted, I've loved, I've laughed, I've hugged, and I've healed. Now it's time to get my ROAR on and finish this fight. Happy New Year all!

My Sister, My Mom and Me

The Slater Grandkids

The Slansky Grandkids

My Tribe: (L to R) My Uncle, My Brother, Myself and My Dad

My Favorite View on This Earth

Chemo Half-Way!!!

Easy part of the drive home today.

I am so excited that I got back on the offensive today with my third round of chemo! This marks the half-way point through the worst of the chemo and it feels good! At least right now it does...in a few days I'll be feeling the hit of all drugs I got today when the heavy duty nausea medicine wears off. What I am most thankful for is that I made it home safely in what is easily the worst snow storm to hit during driving hours that we've had since we moved to Northerrn Kentucky. What a mess it was out there!!! This picture I took was the easy part of getting home.

It seems this rough week happened for a reason as it often does in hindsight. If I had been able to take chemo any earlier than 10 minutes before Dr. Flora walked in to see me today, I would not have been able to get the very important Carboplatin chemo drug. His practice was trying to block me from getting that drug so that the brand-new Perjeta I am taking (see my past post for the backstory on this promising medicine) would be approved by my insurance. Dr. Flora fought for me during his entire Thanksgiving trip to Spain. He finally won the fight and got the approval of the head of OHC literally minutes before he met with me. Timing was everything today, and it all worked out in the end. He was just as excited as me if not even more! He fought hard for me and stood up against the powers that be to make sure I'm getting the best of everything I can take in an attempt to cure this cancer. That's what we are after, after all, not just buying me a few more years. Thank you once again, Dr. Flora, and thank you to the head of OHC for making the right, compassionate, caring call. My entire family is so very grateful!

The game plan from here is to check my blood counts on December 20 to see if they have rebounded enough for my fourth round of chemotherapy. Typically, I'm on an every-three weeks schedule because that's how long it takes for your body to build back up to take the next hit. If, however, I'm able to stay healthy and have my counts come back up quickly within two weeks, I'll be able to get my next round of chemo before hoping on a plane to Texas with the kiddos. Let's hope this happens. I don't want to have to wait four-and-half weeks to attack the cancer again. We've got it on the run and I don't want to give it a chance to take hold again. The tumor in my left breast has already shrunk enough that I can barely tell it's there. Dr. Murley checked my lymph nodes two days ago and couldn't feel anything there either! The chemo seems to be doing its job and my body is responding. All fabulous news! 

PICC line hanging out underneath my upper left arm. Fun, right?

I'll get my new port placed on January 9. In the meantime, the PICC line I had installed yesterday worked like a charm today. Although it is not very convenient to have it hanging out of my upper arm, it's better than the alternative and not as hard on the arm veins. A catheter leads from a vein in my upper arm to just above my heart and that's where the medicine is administered. Another reason I'm hoping I can get chemo on December 20 is so that they can remove the PICC before I leave for Texas to enjoy the holiday. I'm not supposed to shower while I have this thing hanging out of my arm, but that just can't happen in my world, so I already came up with some redneck engineering this morning out of need! Still, it would be great to be free of it before I leave for Christmas. So all in all, I count this week a success despite the bumps. My kids got a snow day today and had tons of fun playing out in the snow with Scott. I missed it today, but I plan on being here for many more super, fun snow days with my kids!