Busy Week

How this blog works: Melissa or Tyler sends me a message which I then write about on the blog. Lately, since Melissa has been feeling better, the messages have been written by her and have a lot of her personality in them. I try to keep as much of that as possible so you, family, friends and other followers, can feel more connected to her through this time. This post has quotes for when I use her own words. This has been a busy week for Melissa. Tuesday she had an appointment with her neurologist, Dr. Steffens in Twin Falls. He has been following her since her "adventure with optic neuritis last spring." She wanted to make sure he knew about the chemo and any possible neuro issues we might contend with. He basically told her that cancer is now the main focus and chemo is necessary regardless of neuro issues. She will have another MRI of her brain after chemo is complete to check out the optic nerve lesion. Since the reason for the lesion was never determined, Dr. Steffens is now wondering if it was related to the cancer. "Definitely a possibility!" I am thinking there are probably many of you wondering about Melissa's "adventure" this past spring so I will briefly explain what happened. She was working a lot of hours and was required to drive a lot. She was spending time working in Meridian, Idaho and would stay in a hotel when she did that. On her way there one day her she lost vision in her eye. At first it was black across the bottom like a curtain, then it was about half of the eye from the middle down. Then if I remember correctly, when she woke up in the morning it was from the middle over so she could only see out of 1/4 pie shape. Soon she could only see light at the top and then nothing. Tyler went to get her, she had some Doctors look at her and she ended up needing 3 high power doses of steroids through IV in 3 days. She did this as an outpatient. This was very difficult for her because she was basically blind since her other eye was reacting badly so it was very blurry. This was making her dizzy and "whirly" which would normally force her to camp on the couch, but the steroids were making her anxious. She would sit on the couch but her arms and legs were moving as if she were running. She had some very irrational thoughts. She tried to move the couch and vacuum, wanted to lock me out, thought she could be "tricky" and throw glass objects, etc. This was really wearing her out and to make matters worse she had no appetite. She had to take oral doses of steroids to wean herself off of it. Her eyesight did improve over an extended period of time. She was able to return to work after a few months. She was diagnosed with optic neuritis after the lesion was discovered but there was never a known cause for the lesion. This is not the only neurological "adventure" Melissa has been on, but it is the most recent. Gramita (Melissa's mom, Becky) took Melissa and Alexa to Ogden for her appointment yesterday with Dr. Shale. He filled her expanders "(ouch!) and removed a stitch that had become infected from my port incision. The stitch was supposed to dissolve but apparently didn't get the memo! I really enjoy Dr. Shale and I also trust him as a skilled surgeon. On the other hand, I'm not sure that he knows what to do with me! I say and do dorky things most of my visit!! Then we spent a long time with Megan from the American Cancer Society. I came home with 2 hats and a pretty scarf (and lots of ideas how to tie it) and a very blond wig!! The wig fitting was hilarious and we all had the giggles, but was also rather sobering-another preview of coming attractions :)! I was glad to have my girlies with me :). I also received some disappointing news. Due to logistical issues with our hospital chemotherapy program barely opening, my first chemo treatment is delayed until January 14th. I know it is just a week, and will not matter at all in the scheme of things, but I was all psyched up to begin this Tuesday. I think mostly I know that the sooner I start, the sooner I can be DONE! We still have about another week before the oncotyping will be complete. Those results will go directly to Dr. Miranda, so I should hear about them right away. (Just a side note but I adore this man and feel like I was directly led to him for treatment. Still a bummer to delay though). During this week of delayed chemo, visitors are still welcome. We are diligently trying to keep my immune system healthy so please don't visit if you could even possibly be sickly. I am also now a pansy that wears out quickly, so brief visits are the best. Plus Tyler will yell at you if you stay too long :)! I know I sound like a broken record, but I truly feel blessed beyond measure. I wish I could better convey the gratitude I feel every single day - a sincere thank you will have to suffice. My oncology care team have all asked me about my support system, and have emphasized the key role that it will play in my recovery. I feel humbled and blessed to assure the professionals that I have a phenomenal network of extraordinary people that will be there at a moments' notice. I even had an offer today from a sweet visiting teacher to clean my toilet! That is the very definition of service!! I feel like Maria in Sound of Music - I must have done something good (maybe in a former existence!) to deserve the love of so many angels. Please know how very much I love you all and how deeply touched I am (as I write this I am tearing up and Lex is saying "seriously mom, again with the tears?"). My family has learned much about selfless service and gratitude - thank you for your example! Keep the prayers and positive vibes coming my way!! As we all know, Melissa has done plenty in this existence to deserve the love of all of us. She herself is an angel and though she has been told, she will never realize how much of a blessing she is to everyone she meets! It is part of her charm I guess, but a bit maddening at a time when it would be so wonderful if she could see herself through the eyes of others.

Today's Test Results

Today Tyler and I met with the infusion center manager and chemo nurse. They gave us a lot of good information. A few of the things we learned: no flowers or plants can be brought in because of possible bacteria and fungal contamination. Bummer :(. We also learned that I will have lots of food restrictions! We also learned that I am not going to be allowed visitors for the 1st 14 days after a chemo treatment. I also won't be out and about at all during this time. Please don't be offended if Tyler doesn't let you in! He is very protective and wanting to do exactly as the Doctors have advised. I also had my MUGA (heart) scan today. That involved them drawing some blood and mixing it with a radioactive isotope, then injecting it back in my vein. Then a special gamma camera took pics of my left ventricle working. That number is expressed as a percent and mine is 56%. Normal is considered about 50% so we are good to go! Tomorrow I head to Twin to visit with Dr. Steffens the neurologist. Then rest on Wednesday, work all day Thursday and head back to McKay Friday! Anxious for 2014- Happy New Year everyone! As always we are amazed by your love and support. Please keep the prayers coming!! ~ Melissa I know it has been hard to post comments to the blog but now we have set Melissa up with a Facebook so people can send her uplifting messages. Yay! ~ Nicole

What's Next...

Melissa met with Dr. Miranda today and is scheduled to start her first found of chemo on January 7th. Dr. Miranda ordered some additional tests on the tumor itself called oncotyping which examines the DNA inside the tumor and checks the level of a tumor suppressing gene. This will indicate the likelihood of a cancer recurrence. If it's high then the 2 drug shorter regimen should be enough, but if the level is low there will be a third drug after the initial two and there will be a longer course of each. She will be having a heart scan called a MUGA scan to see how her heart will tolerate chemo. The Dr. made it very clear to her that once she starts chemo visitors are extremely limited. She is choosing to be very aggressive which means she will be severely compromised. I am so very thankful that she has such excellent and carefully planned care. ~Nicole

Merry Christmas from the Davids Family

Our family has been blessed in abundance this Christmas season. We are deeply touched by those who are celebrating Christ's birth by following His supreme example of service. We have truly felt His love in the countless acts of kindness we have been shown. Words are not adequate to express the depth of our gratitude, but please know how truly grateful we are. We are SO looking forward to a new year, and wish you all joy and peace. We are astounded at the blessings we have received, and testify that God hears and answers our prayers. Please realize how much we love you all! ~ The Davids Fam

In Melissa's Words

Hey! So brief update: visits today were good. Dr.Ingersoll said exactly what I hoped she would - no radiation necessary! We discussed it at length and she said that the risks would outweigh the benefits at this point so yay!! Also visit with Dr. Shale was great. He is super pleased with the way I am healing. He filled the tissue expanders to the point he wanted today. The actual filling was not particularly painful but such a weird sensation! I am a bit of a sore mama tonight though! In general I am feeling pretty good though- finally over that awful pukey nonsense! So the current game plan remains to meet with Dr. Miranda on the 26th to finalize our chemo plan. Not sure of a chemo start date yet. I go back to McKay on Jan. 3. Dr. Shale will expand me again and I meet with Megan from the cancer society to have a wig fitted and ordered. I'm actually rather excited about choosing a sexy wig :) Dr. Ingersoll told me that my hair will probably fall out about 2 weeks after chemo starts - a new look for a new year! I have been blessed to have excellent physicians every step of this journey. I love and trust every one of them. I am filled with gratitude every single day! As always thank you all for countless acts of service. I am over whelmed by the love and generosity that we have been shown. We have been truly blessed. This will be a memorable Christmas for our family- mostly because of the Christlike love we have been shown! Love and blessings to all. ~ Melissa

No More Drain Tubes!

Melissa saw Dr. Shale yesterday and he removed the third and final drain tube, which means that she doesn't have to take the antibiotic anymore! Yay! She was given the okay to return to work and to drive. If you know Melissa, you know she did both today. She didn't work a full day and was pretty tired. It seemed like she felt positive about it, although getting into her scrubs was a challenge! She still has lifting, pushing, and pulling restrictions for at least another 4 weeks. Her incisions continue to heal well. Next Wednesday she will see Dr. Ingersoll (radiation oncologist) where she will find out the recommendations for radiation. She will also see Dr. Shale to have the tissue expanders filled for the first time since surgery. Melissa will have a chemo consult with Dr. Miranda on December 26th. He is the Dr. that she works for and has been very proactive, kind and helpful. At this appointment a plan for length and strength of chemo will be determined. Chemo will probably start the following week. 
At this point Melissa is thankful to have some visitors, however it is important to check first and remember to keep visits brief! This comes straight from Melissa so please use your best judgement. She is such a people person and it does her good to have interaction but too much will be bad. Now that she is working she will likely be worn out when she is home. It is good to notice if she is using a lot of energy in order to visit with you. These things may seem obvious, but they have to be said. 
Melissa says "I can't lift my arms above my head so hugs are tough - know I love you though! We are so grateful for food, cards, love, and funds. We feel incredibly blessed! Thank you all!"

There have been over 4,000 views of this blog, more than 500 were on the day of surgery! I know many people are checking often to see what is new and there are people who only know Melissa through the blog, but are still touched by her story and are keeping her in their thoughts and prayers. Thank you all for your support! It is so amazing to see what an impact one person can make! It warms my heart and shows what a fabulous community we live in! ~ Nicole
P.S. Remember, if you want to donate to the David's family, there is an account in Melissa's name set up at D.L.Evans Bank.

Dr. Visits Today

This morning Melissa and Tyler met with a representative of the American Cancer Society. She visited with them and offered some publications on post cancer treatment and breast cancer questions that are frequently overlooked. She also discussed with them some options the hospital had for wigs and make up that would be donated  by the American Cancer Society. They then met with Dr. Shale, he was pleased with the way the drains have been draining and removed two of them. He then looked at the incisions from the mastectomy and the port placement and was happy with the way they were healing. He indicated that it would still be a couple more weeks before any expander filling could be done. He also said that Melissa could not return to work until all drains have been removed. She still has all of the restrictions on arm lifting. Next they met with Dr. Eddie Jordan. He gave them the official doctors records from both surgeons and from the pathology. He also added a prescription for coumadin. He said it is a very small dose just to prevent clotting around the port. That is probably the last appointment with him, unless they have any specific questions that involve him, which is rather unfortunate because he has been quite the character. He greeted Melissa "What's up girlfriend" as he entered the room and told her she was a cool chick. Both doctors indicated that they felt chemotherapy was going to be needed. This is due to her young age even though Pathology looked clear. They also indicated that radiation may not be necessary but they wanted Dr. Ingersoll to make the final call. Melissa, Tyler and family would like to thank everybody for their kind thoughts, prayers and fasting. They have been greatly felt and appreciated. Melissa's next appointment will be on Tuesday to see about removing the third drain tube.