Ok, here goes. First of all I want to start out by saying I am feeling fine and am going about my daily routines.
I got the results of my bone biopsy and the d**n breast cancer cells got into the bone, so I am stage 4. The doctor is starting me on bone medications to strengthen my bones and I was asked to take part in a clinical trial which is in phase 2, which means that there have been a small group that has already taken the drug and are getting good results, now a larger group will be given one of two different doses to see which dose will be the standard of care.
As I travel through this journey I have seen women posting on the breast cancer sites that are going on 15 years with my diagnosis so I am hopeful I will be around to post here for a long time.
You all are a part of my day as I check in often and read what you are all up to. Love you all!
Chris
Health Up-date
I've been thinking about you and hoping for the best. I'm sorry you have more treatment to do. I so wish you were all clear. I admire your positive attitude and am hopeful that the good results of the first trial will be your good results too.
Breast cancer is the only cancer that the docs can actually cure.
While they are doing better with many cancers, curing breast cancer is always hopeful. My best friend is now eight years out. They call that cured. I'll keep you in my deepest prayers that you will also get to join that group of amazing women.
Phase 2 trials are wonderful to belong to. You'll get lots of extra support, and perhaps just the right new med!
I find it helpful to know that folks are praying for me when I'm a mess, so you will remain in my deepest prayers.
Blessings,
Elf
Chis, I can't tell you how sorry I am that you're going through more of this. You'll be in my prayers. That's wonderful news about the trial.
Sending you many big hugs tonight. (((((((((((Chris))))))))))))
Wow. I take so much inspiration from your positive outlook, Chris! Thank you for that gift.
I am sending you great strong healing energy and will be thinking of you often. Smooch-Smooch-Smooch
Chris, I'm keeping you in my thoughts as well :) Your positive attitude will no doubt help you through this next phase, and we'll all be here ready and waiting with support and encouragement. Hugs from me too! (((((((Chris)))))))
sending hugs & best wishes for strength and luck with the new meds!
Thanks for sharing this news with us. We all want to be there shoulder to shoulder with you, to see you through this elite phase 2 trial with great success. We are confident that you will pull it off! Lots of love and prayers coming at you!
Thanks everyone, I really feel your group support as I read all your well wishes.
I am on a pill once a day to make my bones strong and will be getting an IV infusion once a month to keep the calcium in the bones and not going into the blood. Isn't medicine amazing! In three months the Doctor will see how I am doing and after that is when the clinical trial should begin. As I understand it there will be 66 woman taking part in the trial and only 5 from the facility that I go to, I am # 5.
Even though I would rather be in a test group trying out a new laundry soap, LOL I am happy to be in my little group of 66.
There is so much to learn in this fight with BC. I never knew there was so many types and even more types of treatments. So lets all grab a cup of hot Chocolate and toast to a Cure. (_)D
Hear, hear!
Well, I'll bet this stuff never faced such a strong hearted fighter as you, Chris. It had better be shaking it its shoes.
cheers....(picture of raising glass!)
cheers- sounds like a good plan. Take it easy during the bad winter weather, and tackle it in spring when the budding life and more light gives us all an energy boost.
Chris - I ditto what everyone has already said. You are indeed a very strong woman and your positive attitude is quite amazing. When I received news in July of 2006 that I too had breast caner, you went out of your way to encourage me and brighten my days. So many of us are in awe of you.
The survivors are those such as yourself who look for the positive in things. You choose to look at those women with your diagnosis who are still around 15 years after hearing the news of their health. You are also choosing to look at the success part of the clinical trials.
When I think of the Mid Atlantic Gardening site, you are the first person that I think of. You have added so much to this group by being someone who starts threads that are always very enjoyable. I am in awe of your gardening abilities. The pictures of some of your plants are truly awesome. Everything is so lovely.
It was so disappointing when our meeting together last summer wasn't able to happen. I had so looked forward to meeting this kind lady who helped me through some sad times. We will try again soon, I promise. I might just have to head in your direction at some point in order to meet you in person. That will be a very special day for me.
Anyway, as everyone has said, you are in our minds and on our hearts. Prayers for your healing are being sent. We love you and need you here to encourage us to do our best. Please keep us updated.
Ruby
Just spending some times this morning going back through some of the mid-atlantic gardening threads. This last message that I wrote on December 16, still applies today.
You are an amazing woman Chris.
Ruby
Hi Chris, I haven't posted here before but have watched this thread. I think of you often. Of the plants and seeds that you have shared with me. Last year at this time we were talking about starting seeds and you were sharing some with me. I look out at my water garden and think of the many plants that you sent. Now sitting at the bottom of my pond waiting for spring to bring them new life.
I think of you as an old tree. Starting out as a young seedling fresh and green. Growing in the years to provide shade and maybe with a rope swing giving much to a young family. Dropping seeds to propagate and enrich the land adding beauty to the world, there for many to enjoy. As you age you withstand many storms and you lose a few branches your bark is scared from the hardships you have withstood. But the roots run deep and the trunk is strong the the branches always reaching for the sun your leaves beautiful and green.
Your upbeat spirit will and has carried you through these hard times. I hope you are doing well. Please know that you are often in my thoughts. Your friend Holly
Hello Friends!
I just got back from a visit to Disney World with friends from work and their family members. I had a great time, soaked up some sun and some rain (only 1 1/2 days on and off). I got out on my own to take some pictures, beautiful flowers and some out of the way shots. When you walk slower and take some stops you have a chance to see the little things others miss that are just there for the rides.
Ruby, I got a chance to meet another BC sister she was just out of chemo, was tired but she said it felt good leaving it all behind and taking this vacation.
Holly I think I have some great shots of the Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom. I need to put them on my computer to review them.
I plan on ordering my seed starting supplies as it's that time again. I'll do what I can gardening this year. Don't know how the new treatment will go, but I can't worry about that, just keep on doing the things I love.
More posting later......Have to unpack and do laundry
Great to hear from you! We are going to Disney World next month - my FIL lives only an hour away, so we can combine a visit with him with a little fun.
Yippie, I am so glad that you enjoyed yourself and met a "sister." I am sure that the trip did both of you well. Let's hope that the new treatment won't be too hard on you and that you will be able to enjoy the beauty and satisfaction that growing things brings.
So glad to have you back and posting. We will be looking forward to seeing your pictures. Welcome home Chris.
Ruby
Welcome home! Glad you had a wonderful trip!
I was going to remind you about next weekend's swap party, since you mentioned seeds... then I googled & realized Albion was all the way up by Erie! LOL That's a bit too far for a day trip... but you'll be in our thoughts!
Thanks guys. Good to be home even with the ice and snow! I tried to drag the sunshine and 75º temp home with me but it refused to budge.
Hope you all have a great time at the swap, I'll be thinking of you all too.
Love you all, Chris
Chris,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. My Mom has had breast cancer 11 yrs ago and was in remission until last year. They found it in her liver now. She is back on chemo and so far so good. I have some understanding of what it must be like for you.
Do as much stuff that gives you pleasure, like gardening. Watch as many funny movies and laugh often. When you take your medication, imagine the cancer cells blowing up, like it were a video game. A happy state of mind is so important. Please know that I will be thinking of you.
RatherB aka LuAnne
I just wandered by and found this thread. Took the liberty of adding you to my prayer chains. I have several friends who are breast cancer survivors and most have the same attitude you do. Best wishes and blessings.
Thanks LuAnne and doc.
Winter is always a hard time for me, but once spring comes and I can get out in the garden and enjoy all my plants and flowers I'll be on cloud 9. ;^)
I'm not a "snow" person and just go to work and home when the weather is nasty. My husband drives me to the Doctors and hospitals for treatment because most of them are 1 1/2 hours away and in heavy traffic. So I would be wound tighter then a spring getting to appointments in the snow.
LuAnne, I wish your mom the best. Have you visited the site breastcancer.org ? There are a lot of ladies on there sharing their stories and giving words of encourgement. Family members can post too. With all the new meds we are going longer and stronger then ever before.
Chris
Thank you for the website info...I will check it out and pass it on to my Mom.
Yes, there are many options to keep it in check. I try to focus on that, too. Chris, winter is the worst for me too. I have other health issues I deal with every day and the winter is the worst for me too. I, too, am not a snow lover. The only good side for winter is that it makes me focus on what I what to add for the next year in the gardens! For me, digging in the dirt is great therapy. I just love it!
And, or course, winter allows me more time for Daves Garden! It keeps the garden cells in my brain going on full tilt!
Keep me up to date, Chris. Have you heard of the the new drug, Avastin? It is just approved by the FDA for metastatic breast cancer. I sent some new articles to my mom and she is going to ask her dr about it on her next visit.
You are in my thoughts and my prayers. You just keep on scratchin' at that dirt!
LuAnne
Chris,
I just saw this thread and I too want to send you my best thoughts & prayers. Modern medicine is always coming up with new drugs to irradicate those nasty cancer cells! There is always hope and a positive attitude is extremely important.
I was also diagnosed with cancer 14 months ago. However, mine was uterine not breast cancer. A routine hysterectomy literally saved my life! Thankfully, I've been in remission since then.
Cancer support groups are also very helpful and I hope you are going to one or would at least consider the possibility of attending. There is strength in numbers and on going support both physically & emotionally that is invaluable.
Spring is just around the corner and I know you can't wait to get out there and start planting. Gardening is so much more than digging in the dirt. It is cathartic. Gardening nourishes both the body & soul. So keep gardening, which will bring many smiles to your face and enjoy each and every day to the fullest.
Hugs,
Shirley
Oh Chris - I'm so sorry...I too just saw your thread. Will most certainly keep you in prayers!!! Glad you had a pleasant trip...amazing how therapeutic warm sun can be esp. during the winter. Hugs to you!!