January 11, 2020 to January 14, 2020 If you have followed my blog you are aware of what a DIEP Flap reconstruction is. However a simplified overview is that they will take my belly fat to build a new breast. That means no rejection, leakage or recalls. There is a change of flap failure is […]
Author: mlford1
I am a wife and mother. I am just like you. Nothing extra. Only cancer chose me too. This blog will cover what I learned and went through in my battle against breast cancer.
Reconstruction with DEIP Flap
January 11, 2020 we get up at 2am for the drive to Emory Hospital in Atlanta, GA. I have to be there by 5:30am and with traffic that means we must leave our home by 3:30am. My hospital bag is packed. I am beyond nervous. With COVID restrictions my husband will not be allowed in […]
Reconstruction Consult Coming
Its been a little bit since I did an update. Covid-19 consumed my life just as it did many others I’m sure. But, Tuesday September 1 is my consult with the doctor at Emory in Atlanta to hopefully move forward with my reconstruction. My reconstruction of choice is DIEP Flap. Using my own body fat […]
1 year and 4 months after last chemo…
Its been a long journey and I haven’t posted as I meant to. Surviving the day to day took over. I expected once it was over I would immediately be me again. Still hasn’t happened yet, and maybe it never will. But I am learning to live with and love the new me. I’m […]
Year later mammogram on remaining breast
This week I had my one year diagnostic mammogram to verify no cancer in my remaining breast. The mammogram was on Monday and they told me they would call me with the results by Wednesday. Today being Thursday and having been tense and worried all week I called them. Of course I had to leave […]
5 Months Post Chemo
It has now been 5 months since my final chemo treatment. My hair is about an inch long. The part the touches the mat during magnetic therapy with the Bemer machine is MUCH thicker. My neuropathy is gone thanks to the Bemer. I am SOOO thankful for that machine. Words just cannot describe it. So […]
Using magnetic therapy for Neuropathy
March 11, 2019 As you have read I have suffered from neuropathy in my fingers and toes. After much reading trying to find relief I discovered research that magnetic therapy has been found to assist with making it go away. I have since been going to GRiswold Chiropractic as they have a Beemer machine. The […]
42 Days since final chemo- still fighting side effects
February 4, 2019 It has been 42 days since my final chemo treatment. My port was removed a few weeks ago. I look ok to everyone other than my missing hair. Looks can be deceiving. My energy levels are still very very low. Getting through the work day is torture. But, the bills won’t go […]
Port Removal! So Happy
January 24, 2019 As much as this port was a life saver for chemotherapy treatments it has been uncomfortable the entire time. The wire going up and into my jugular vein has pulled and tugged anytime I moved my head from side to side. Sleeping has been uncomfortable and the triangle where you access the […]
More side effects almost a month after final chemo
January 20, 2019 It’s only 5 days until I hit the one month mark since my final chemo treatment. However, as much as I wish I could say life is returning to normal that is not the case. I still have the neuropathy in my fingers and feet and not my feet have swollen more […]
Side Effects with a Vengeance – Chemo Fought Back. I still WON!
December 25, 2018 through January 4, 2019 This has been by far the worst set of side effects from a chemo treatment. I am just getting myself together enough to share it on the blog. I feel like chemo realized this was my last treatment and said ” Oh, no I wasn’t done. Hold my […]
Final Chemo
December 24, 2018 Christmas Eve and Final Chemo Today is my last chemotherapy treatment. I requested it be moved from Friday to Monday so I would be able to enjoy Christmas. The day after chemo isn’t usually too bad for me. But by day three I am miserable and if I had stuck with the […]
Unplanned Oncologist Visit, Infected Chemo Rash
December 14 My oncologist worked me in today because I suspected there was infection resulting from my chemo rash. I get chemo rash every time I have treatment. It usually goes away after about 4 or 5 days. And it did this time everywhere except under my right armpit. When I have the rash I […]
Birthday and Christmas Spirit Despite Cancer
December 11 Today I turn 45. I may be in treatment for cancer but by the grace of God I am still here. Like most adults I work on my birthday. However, I do leave work early. For once it isn’t for a doctor’s appointment. Today is the Christmas parade in my town. We have […]
November 7 Blood-work Check and a New Side Effect
November 7, 2018 My weight is still steady. I don’t really understand it. I eat a quarter of what I used to and haven’t lost a pound. The only positive part of chemotherapy in my mind had been that I might actually lose a little weight since nothing I have done in three years worked. […]
Whats Happening in the Mind of a Chemo Patient
There are good days and there are bad days. However, at no time is there a day that cancer and chemo doesn’t factor into your day. Once a cancer patient starts chemo treatments, the treatments control your world, regardless of how you try to stop it. First of all, there is the appearance factor, the […]
Chemo vs Real Life
After chemo there is a pattern for me. The first day after I feel ok. A little tired but not nauseous or anything yet. I have learned to take this day to run errands and prepare for what is about to come. The second day out from chemo the tiredness begins. I have always been […]
November 30 and another Chemo treatment
November 30, 2018. Today is chemo day. Again… Just when you start to feel a little energy and like a normal human being its time to go screw it up again. But its better to beat it now than to get it again and start all over. My blood work today came back with very […]
What does cancer treatment cost and why I don’t think they have a cure
As I sit here waiting to leave for my 10:20 am chemo appointment I am thinking about why we don’t have a cure for this horrible disease. I am dreading the pain and sickness that will come all next week from the “treatment. Do you as a layperson realize the money being made from cancer? […]
Thanksgiving and remembering to be strong. Cancer will not win!
In the U.S. today is Thanksgiving. As I sit here having a cup of coffee I reflect on what I am thankful for. When you have cancer, sometimes it is easy to forget to be thankful. Things become overwhelming and you dwell on the bad. I am thankful for the support I have from family […]
