So many things have happened since my last post. At the very top of the list is COVID-19. This means something completely different for our family with me currently receiving chemotherapy. The stakes are so much higher when you're a Mom of three young kids, fighting cancer and trying to avoid becoming a victim of this pandemic. The words "I can't get this!" while tears stream down my face are part of my every day life. I have to hear my boys say things like "I wish the virus was extinct like the dinosaurs.", "I just want to play with my friends.", "I miss GaGa and PaPa.", "Why can't we go to Target?", and "I wish we could just eat in a restaurant.". My standard answer is always, "Me too sweetie, me too.". I never imagined that my cancer path would include homeschooling and entertaining my three boys. I specifically chose Tuesdays as my infusion day to shelter the boys from my "rest" days and sickest days. All of that went out the window when the quarantine began. We could no longer accept the casseroles, house cleanings, laundry service or offers of playdates. The village that we spent years building was put in a holding pattern. They didn't know how to handle this and we didn't know how to handle it either.
As I sit here in my chemo chair I am realizing how much has truly happened since my last update. I have had several appointments and my treatment plan has really taken shape.
Here is what we're looking at:
Current items:
*AC Chemo - finished
*Taxol chemo - 4 infusions complete, 8 more to go
*Ultrasound confirmed that the big tumor and smaller tumors are shrinking
*Genetic testing results came in and showed the I am BRCA1+
Future Plan:
*Due to BRCA1+ findings I will have my ovaries removed and a double mastectomy at the same time as my tumor/lymph node removal. There is also an additional surgery called lymphovenous bypass that they can perform at the same time. This will help reduce any lymphedema by two-thirds.
*Radiation will begin 4-6 weeks post surgery. 5x/week for six weeks
*4-6 weeks post radiation I can have reconstruction surgery
This plan sounds like a lot and can be very overwhelming when I discuss the entire thing. For now, I stay focused on the task at hand. This allows me to check off one thing at a time and not feel the weight of the long road ahead.
We are still staying quarantined. The risk is still too high for my compromised immune system. My medical team is top notch and I couldn't be more confident in their plan and abilities.
We continue to ask for prayers in lieu of other "help". Prayers for my stamina and strength. Prayers for my medical team to continue to develop a plan that result with me cancer-free. Prayers that the boys continue to adjust to all of this with patience, strength and grace. Prayers for me to continue to power through the side effects and attack each task with strength and positivity.
With love,
Robin
As I sit here in my chemo chair I am realizing how much has truly happened since my last update. I have had several appointments and my treatment plan has really taken shape.
Here is what we're looking at:
Current items:
*AC Chemo - finished
*Taxol chemo - 4 infusions complete, 8 more to go
*Ultrasound confirmed that the big tumor and smaller tumors are shrinking
*Genetic testing results came in and showed the I am BRCA1+
Future Plan:
*Due to BRCA1+ findings I will have my ovaries removed and a double mastectomy at the same time as my tumor/lymph node removal. There is also an additional surgery called lymphovenous bypass that they can perform at the same time. This will help reduce any lymphedema by two-thirds.
*Radiation will begin 4-6 weeks post surgery. 5x/week for six weeks
*4-6 weeks post radiation I can have reconstruction surgery
This plan sounds like a lot and can be very overwhelming when I discuss the entire thing. For now, I stay focused on the task at hand. This allows me to check off one thing at a time and not feel the weight of the long road ahead.
We are still staying quarantined. The risk is still too high for my compromised immune system. My medical team is top notch and I couldn't be more confident in their plan and abilities.
We continue to ask for prayers in lieu of other "help". Prayers for my stamina and strength. Prayers for my medical team to continue to develop a plan that result with me cancer-free. Prayers that the boys continue to adjust to all of this with patience, strength and grace. Prayers for me to continue to power through the side effects and attack each task with strength and positivity.
With love,
Robin
I'm praying for you, Robin. Sending positive thoughts of strength and stamina your way. Praying for your medical team and your boys as well. You're in my thoughts and prayers often!
ReplyDeletePraying for you and your doctors, your husband and sweet sweet boys. I cannot imagine how hard this must be, especially with the added stress of COVID-19...I can imagine you tackling this like the amazing boss of a woman I have witnessed you to be! Sending so much love and so many prayers for strength and stamina, healing and hope ...and that you are okay to rest when you need rest! Continued prayers my friend! ♡♡♡ -Bailey
ReplyDeleteRobin, you are always in my thoughts and prayers. We love you all so much and are here for you. We wish we could do more, believe me. 💗
ReplyDeletePrayers for you and your family, Robin.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right that your village doesn’t know how to handle this, but you are showing us how to put your health and your family above everything else!! We love you and pray for you and anything else that witks❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️
ReplyDeletePlease know we are continuing to pray for you and your family.
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