Surviving Whatever Life Throws at ME!: Race for the Cure

Today I just wanted to send a quick update and also a giant "Holy Moses I feel so very loved and incredibly grateful". Physically it is not my best day. I am having the dumb neulasta bone pain with the taxol muscle and joint pain. The good news is that it is not quite as intense as last time (thanks to the 10% chemo dose reduction) and that the burning in my feet isn't so bad (thanks to increase in the neurontin). I haven't asked Tyler to amputate any limbs yet, so this is definitely an improvement :). The really owie stuff lasted about 5 days last time, so hopefully the next few days will be better. I am scheduled to get labs checked on Tuesday. Hopefully my liver will not freak out this time and will play nice. I would love to return to the "chemo every 3 weeks schedule!" I did get some other great news this week. I had an echocardiogram done Monday to assess my heart for any damage. This is because the adriamycin can really be toxic to the heart muscle. My heart has actually Improved since chemo has started!! This test was compared to the MUGA scan that was done prior to starting chemo and my ejection fraction has gone up nearly 10%!! Can't really explain it, but this is fantastic news!! And other fantastic news- I have a little fuzzy hair now! I have completely lost my eyelashes and eyebrows, but for whatever goofy reason the fuzz has decided to invade my head!! It is a little itchy but kind of exciting! The hair right now is super light - don't know what will happen when it comes in for real. I'm thinking it looks like "old lady white" right now- yikes!! Today is also a cool day because "race for the cure" sponsored by the Susan G. Komen foundation is happening at locations all around the country. This is the biggest breast cancer awareness fundraiser that happens all year (yes- even though October is breast cancer awareness month). This race is a 5 or 10k that people run and collect donations. I had 2 very special friends participate today. My sweet friend Blanca surprised me and raced in Salt Lake and wore my name on her shirt (probably the only way I will ever "run" a race- heehee). This is a cute picture of her - she is truly beautiful inside and out and I miss her like crazy. Nicole also raced today up in Boise. This was a big deal that required her to spend the night up there and also to run in the pouring rain and cold today. She was the first friend I told about my diagnosis, and has been right there with me from the beginning. A huge thank you to these 2 wonderful ladies- I love you so much!! I continue to be amazed at the love and support we feel on a daily basis. God has truly given us everything (and everyone) we needed to fight this battle. One last special thank you. Tomorrow we honor and celebrate our mothers. Besides the most amazing mom ever, I have been blessed with a step mom, mother in law and grandmas who love my family unconditionally and have taught me by words and example. I can't imagine facing this trial without the legacy of faith that has been so lovingly passed down. I have also been blessed to be nurtured by other dear women who have blessed me with their wisdom and love. I am most thankful for them. And finally, as I am limited right now in my full capacity for "mothering" I am so grateful for those that have stepped in to help my children. Thank you for rides, meals, kind words and a listening ear. Most of all, thank you for your prayers in behalf of these 3 that I love more than life. God is good!! ~ Melissa

Blanca in Salt Lake at Race for the Cure!

A little clarification and side note about today from Nicole ~ This weekend has been a little emotional for me. I was able to join my friend Tammy in support of our dear friend, Johanna, in the Race for the Cure with "Team Johanna". I found out Johanna was battling cancer about an hour after Melissa told me about her diagnosis. That was a lot to handle in one evening. It never matters how long it has been since you have seen a friend when something like that happens it really shakes you up! Johanna has been in my thoughts and prayers every day along with Melissa. She has sent helpful advice and encouraging messages for me to pass on to Melissa even though they have never met. It was inspiring to see her this weekend and hear about her courageous fight. She has taught school part time through both chemo and radiation. She has been a hero to her 3rd grade class as well as her darling little family and many others who showed their support today as Johanna walked as a survivor! (All three of these friends were there to support me when my son passed away, which means more than words can say.)
At the race, I enjoyed the sayings on T-shirts, crazy wigs, fun socks, banners, bras on the outside, and tutus, but most of all the support of loved ones. It was humbling to see people wearing the names of people they loved as they walked or ran. Many actually had some sort of explanation which added to the emotion. So many of them wore huge smiles of victory as they crossed the finish line because it symbolized much more than a simply running a 5K.
As we were driving to the race, rain was pouring down and it was COLD! We were discussing the crazy amount of moisture we were being blessed with (probably not in those words) when Johanna said "Its better than chemo" and she was right. Then just before the race started, the rain was letting up and it actually started to get sunny. It was still cold but I ended up shedding some layers. I didn't actually have to run in the pouring rain, but thank you for making me sound awesome! Also, I just walked, I'm in terrible shape.
I am thankful for the example these two friends are of bravery along with their many other attributes. Trials really can bring out some of the best qualities in people. I have been inspired to work harder on facing my own small trials with more grace. This battle has had a profound effect on me. I have been well informed about Melissa's treatments, side effects, and progress through all of this but we have not spent much time together, which is very hard for me. That girl keeps me sane, she makes me laugh and cry, she has good advice and funny stories. She is practical and matter of fact and I miss her like crazy! She always looks for the blessings she and her family are receiving in every thing that happens and her gratitude is always sincere!
Here are some pictures and........ Johanna, I hope I'm not in trouble for including you in my post today. I tried not to make it too embarrassing! ~ Nicole