I am 1/3 of the way done with radiation! Things are going well! I told the nurse yesterday that I feel great because each day I get stronger & have more energy after being so worn down by the chemo. I'm sure this radiation will catch up with me eventually but for now I'm feeling good.
A big thanks to Dianna Finkler, Emily Mater and my Mom who rode along with me this week. We had so much fun chatting that it made the drive go so much quicker!
We are excited to have our friends, Ryan, Angie & Holden Meyer coming to visit this weekend. They are making the big drive from Negaunee, MI as we speak. They weren't able to come down last year due to Ryan's health complications so it will make this visit even sweeter. A highlight of the visit is that we get to head to the Breslin on Sunday to watch some MSU basketball!
Ever since my hair has been gone I have put lotion on my head. I think it has helped my scalp not be so dry & itchy. I mentioned to my friend Carrie on the phone the other day that I didn't know when I should stop putting lotion on my head since my hair is starting to come in. She said that she thought I should stop when I put the lotion on and it acts like hair gel or mousse and creates a style. I thought that was funny. It made me picture myself with my hair slicked down or even with a Mohawk, the possibilities once I have more hair will be endless!
Friday, March 8, 2013
Friday, March 1, 2013
Radiation-Day 7
Seven radiation sessions under my belt! The kids got to go with me twice this week since they had a snow day on Wednesday and today was a records day for teachers. My parents went with me one day and a friend from church, Gloria Rolfe, rode with me one day too. So far so good!
My Daily Splashes of Joy calendar for today says, "A sense of humor is like a needle and thread: It will patch up so many things." I am learning that it is a must to laugh things off. This afternoon while heading out for radiation I went into Nashville to run some errands. I was wearing a black bandana doo-rag on my head mind you. So the kids and I are walking into the post office and the gentleman holding the door for us told me that I looked like a pirate!!! I thought, "yep, that was exactly the look I was going for today buddy!" So if I ever write a list of things NOT to say to a cancer patient...that one will certainly be on it.
My Daily Splashes of Joy calendar for today says, "A sense of humor is like a needle and thread: It will patch up so many things." I am learning that it is a must to laugh things off. This afternoon while heading out for radiation I went into Nashville to run some errands. I was wearing a black bandana doo-rag on my head mind you. So the kids and I are walking into the post office and the gentleman holding the door for us told me that I looked like a pirate!!! I thought, "yep, that was exactly the look I was going for today buddy!" So if I ever write a list of things NOT to say to a cancer patient...that one will certainly be on it.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Lessons for the Little Ones
2 sessions of radiation down...31 more to go! Things went good last week. The ladies who help me out with radiation are so nice & helpful & friendly. In fact, they almost make you look forward to it each day, almost:) I noticed that it feels like after you've been laying in a tanning bed & maybe you stayed in just a minute or two too long. Not painful at all, just a tingling, warm feeling.
Through these last few months it has been interesting to see how the little kids who are a part of my life have handled things. Right now on the home screen of Gavin's iPod he has a saying, "Go Green, Go Pink, Beat Breast Cancer", my Dad told me how my nephew Hunter was pushing snow around with his foot while ice fishing & said, "look Grandpa, I made a breast cancer ribbon!", and when asked about the breast cancer ribbon symbol on a pen, my niece Averie pointed at me & said it was for Aunt Leslie.
I could go on and on. But two stories this week reminded me that there are good things that are still coming out of this situation. On Thursday it was pink show & tell day for my 3year old preschoolers. One of the children, Draven Reid, brought one of the pink Speak Hope-Leslie Booher bracelets that were distributed just after I was diagnosed. He was very excited to show the class & stood up in front of his peers proudly showing the pink item he had brought. He told the kids that the bracelet said my name on it. One of the other students questioned why that bracelet would have my name on it. Draven looked at me and said, "it's for you Mrs. Booher, we pray for you." I was then able to explain to the class what the bracelet was for and how people could look at the bracelet on their wrist & pray for me while I was sick. How cool is it that this family has made it a priority to pray for me and have used my situation as a way to teach their 3 year old about prayer & about caring for those around you who are sick & hurting! I was excited to tell his Mom the story this morning at church:)
Another story comes through a first grader, Shelby Ripley. They also attend our church & I meet with her Mom for Bible study on a regular basis. Although I have not known them long, it is plain to see that Shelby is being taught the important things in life. This week Shelby told her Mom that her wish for her birthday this year was, "that the mean ol' cancer would leave Leslie alone forever!" How cute is that?! The prayers & thoughtfulness of this family have made an impact on me but also on this little girl!
There are many other stories of kids learning tough but important lessons through my cancer diagnosis. I'm thankful that I have had the opportunity to "Speak Hope" not only to the adults in my life, but to the kids as well.
Through these last few months it has been interesting to see how the little kids who are a part of my life have handled things. Right now on the home screen of Gavin's iPod he has a saying, "Go Green, Go Pink, Beat Breast Cancer", my Dad told me how my nephew Hunter was pushing snow around with his foot while ice fishing & said, "look Grandpa, I made a breast cancer ribbon!", and when asked about the breast cancer ribbon symbol on a pen, my niece Averie pointed at me & said it was for Aunt Leslie.
I could go on and on. But two stories this week reminded me that there are good things that are still coming out of this situation. On Thursday it was pink show & tell day for my 3year old preschoolers. One of the children, Draven Reid, brought one of the pink Speak Hope-Leslie Booher bracelets that were distributed just after I was diagnosed. He was very excited to show the class & stood up in front of his peers proudly showing the pink item he had brought. He told the kids that the bracelet said my name on it. One of the other students questioned why that bracelet would have my name on it. Draven looked at me and said, "it's for you Mrs. Booher, we pray for you." I was then able to explain to the class what the bracelet was for and how people could look at the bracelet on their wrist & pray for me while I was sick. How cool is it that this family has made it a priority to pray for me and have used my situation as a way to teach their 3 year old about prayer & about caring for those around you who are sick & hurting! I was excited to tell his Mom the story this morning at church:)
Another story comes through a first grader, Shelby Ripley. They also attend our church & I meet with her Mom for Bible study on a regular basis. Although I have not known them long, it is plain to see that Shelby is being taught the important things in life. This week Shelby told her Mom that her wish for her birthday this year was, "that the mean ol' cancer would leave Leslie alone forever!" How cute is that?! The prayers & thoughtfulness of this family have made an impact on me but also on this little girl!
There are many other stories of kids learning tough but important lessons through my cancer diagnosis. I'm thankful that I have had the opportunity to "Speak Hope" not only to the adults in my life, but to the kids as well.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
My Faith Story
I was born into a home where my family regularly attended church and learned about God. I heard all of the Bible stories and knew about God’s love for me. During my teen years I had many opportunities to continue learning about God and how he desires a relationship with all of us. But mostly I just “knew” about God. From the outside I looked like someone who had a pretty good sense of morality. But looking back, I was quite selfish. I lived for myself and I “used” God when I needed him. I pulled him off the shelf so to speak when I had a big test, when I wanted to get the guy I was pinning for or when I hoped my parents would ok some request. Don’t get me wrong, God was important to me. But he just didn’t seem all that real or personal. I did well in school; I had good friends and loved my family. Something seemed to be missing in my life and sometimes we don’t even know what’s lacking until we find it.
After Kyle & I married we moved to Big Rapids, MI where we both attended Ferris State University. The wife of another Optometry student invited me to a women’s Bible study & to a campus Christian group. Taking her up on her offer was one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life. I very soon realized that I really had no idea about what it meant to be a Christian. I saw that these women & students had a relationship with God that was far greater than just my “knowing” about him. I wanted to have that relationship that I saw in the lives of these other women. I made a decision to stop living selfishly & committed myself to God and His plans for me. For the first time in my life I found pleasure in reading my Bible, praying and living in community with other Christians. I think that pleasure came from the fact that I was doing this on my own & of my own choice, not hanging on to the coattails of my parents’ faith. Through this time I learned how much God loves me & how my worth comes from Him and that He is all that I need. These lessons helped me overcome some insecurity issues that I had been struggling with. It’s always amazing to see how everything in life happens for a reason.
Back in our hometown, we found a church that teaches us to love God and help people, we added two beautiful babies to our family and we began living life. Through the years I have tried to align my priorities with Gods and try to be more like Jesus in my attitudes & actions. I am continually learning that it’s not all about me; it’s about God and His plan & purpose for my life. Most importantly I have learned that God isn’t something to be taken down off the shelf when times get tough. He is there with me through the good, the bad and the everyday “stuff” of life - He is my friend. I still struggle with selfishness & wanting to be in control of everything, but God loves me anyways. Through the struggles I am learning to follow Jesus, knowing that he has only good in store for me. I am not living a perfect life - I am living a blessed life!
Just after Labor Day weekend in 2012 I found a lump in my left breast. Figuring it was nothing, but wanting to make sure since there is a family history, I made an appointment with my doctor. After having a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy I found out that it was indeed cancer. At the age of 36, my simple little life was rocked by this news. I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t scared or upset, because I was. But when life gets tough, you get to find out just how big the God you believe in really is. Immediately people began praying for our family and the result of those prayers was a peace in my life that I have never experienced before. Because of those prayers, knowing what the Bible says and remembering the teaching of our pastor over the years, I was able to put things into perspective. No matter what happens to me, God is with me. And even better than that, no matter what happens to me, I know that when my time is done here on earth I will live with Him forever in heaven. All that you know and believe about God becomes very real when you are faced with a trial such as cancer. He never promises us that we will go through this life without troubles, but He does promise that he will be there with us.
After Kyle & I married we moved to Big Rapids, MI where we both attended Ferris State University. The wife of another Optometry student invited me to a women’s Bible study & to a campus Christian group. Taking her up on her offer was one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life. I very soon realized that I really had no idea about what it meant to be a Christian. I saw that these women & students had a relationship with God that was far greater than just my “knowing” about him. I wanted to have that relationship that I saw in the lives of these other women. I made a decision to stop living selfishly & committed myself to God and His plans for me. For the first time in my life I found pleasure in reading my Bible, praying and living in community with other Christians. I think that pleasure came from the fact that I was doing this on my own & of my own choice, not hanging on to the coattails of my parents’ faith. Through this time I learned how much God loves me & how my worth comes from Him and that He is all that I need. These lessons helped me overcome some insecurity issues that I had been struggling with. It’s always amazing to see how everything in life happens for a reason.
Back in our hometown, we found a church that teaches us to love God and help people, we added two beautiful babies to our family and we began living life. Through the years I have tried to align my priorities with Gods and try to be more like Jesus in my attitudes & actions. I am continually learning that it’s not all about me; it’s about God and His plan & purpose for my life. Most importantly I have learned that God isn’t something to be taken down off the shelf when times get tough. He is there with me through the good, the bad and the everyday “stuff” of life - He is my friend. I still struggle with selfishness & wanting to be in control of everything, but God loves me anyways. Through the struggles I am learning to follow Jesus, knowing that he has only good in store for me. I am not living a perfect life - I am living a blessed life!
Just after Labor Day weekend in 2012 I found a lump in my left breast. Figuring it was nothing, but wanting to make sure since there is a family history, I made an appointment with my doctor. After having a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy I found out that it was indeed cancer. At the age of 36, my simple little life was rocked by this news. I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t scared or upset, because I was. But when life gets tough, you get to find out just how big the God you believe in really is. Immediately people began praying for our family and the result of those prayers was a peace in my life that I have never experienced before. Because of those prayers, knowing what the Bible says and remembering the teaching of our pastor over the years, I was able to put things into perspective. No matter what happens to me, God is with me. And even better than that, no matter what happens to me, I know that when my time is done here on earth I will live with Him forever in heaven. All that you know and believe about God becomes very real when you are faced with a trial such as cancer. He never promises us that we will go through this life without troubles, but He does promise that he will be there with us.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Ready for Radiation
Let's get this show on the road!!! Radiation starts tomorrow...sort of. I do start tomorrow but the first session is merely a trial run or simulation as they call it. I will go through all of the motions but the radiation will not be delivered. They have to make sure that they have everything all set up & programmed correctly. Thursday will be my first of 33 treatments.
This morning after showering I reorganized my hygiene products as needed for radiation. My regular Secret deodorant was replaced with Tom's Natural deodorant that contains no aluminum. I put away my regular body wash and replaced that with a regular bar of Dove soap. My yummy smelling Bath & Body lotion has been exchanged for Lubriderm Sensitive Skin lotion and Aquaphor Healing Ointment. It was recommended to use the Lubriderm in the morning & afternoon and then using the Aquaphor at night before bed in the area that will be radiated. The nurse said that the more you hydrate & care for your skin, the better it will handle the radiation.
Hair update...it is starting to grow a bit! I am taking a vitamin called Biotin that promotes hair & nail growth. My goal is to be able to unveil my new hair-do on or before my birthday on May 19th. Preschool doesn't end until the 2nd week in May and so I know I will probably wait until after that, my preschoolers don't need anymore hair changes from me this year:)
Prayer requests as I begin this next chapter are:
*Safety driving back & forth to Battle Creek everyday of the week
*That the 2 main side effects of radiation (fatigue & skin issues) would be minimal
This morning after showering I reorganized my hygiene products as needed for radiation. My regular Secret deodorant was replaced with Tom's Natural deodorant that contains no aluminum. I put away my regular body wash and replaced that with a regular bar of Dove soap. My yummy smelling Bath & Body lotion has been exchanged for Lubriderm Sensitive Skin lotion and Aquaphor Healing Ointment. It was recommended to use the Lubriderm in the morning & afternoon and then using the Aquaphor at night before bed in the area that will be radiated. The nurse said that the more you hydrate & care for your skin, the better it will handle the radiation.
Hair update...it is starting to grow a bit! I am taking a vitamin called Biotin that promotes hair & nail growth. My goal is to be able to unveil my new hair-do on or before my birthday on May 19th. Preschool doesn't end until the 2nd week in May and so I know I will probably wait until after that, my preschoolers don't need anymore hair changes from me this year:)
Prayer requests as I begin this next chapter are:
*Safety driving back & forth to Battle Creek everyday of the week
*That the 2 main side effects of radiation (fatigue & skin issues) would be minimal
Monday, February 11, 2013
Radiation Training
Despite having ANOTHER snow day, I was able to go and meet with Dr. Mudge at the Cancer Center this morning. I originally had an appointment on Friday the 8th but there was no school & our road was pretty thick with snow. They were fine with me rescheduling and had an appointment for 9:30 this morning. My Mom, the kids and I went to Battle Creek for my appointment. We were able to also do some quick Valentine's Day shopping and have lunch at Cracker Barrel.
So back to the visit with the Radiologist! Just as I had heard from others, I will have 33 sessions of radiation. This will take me 6 1/2 weeks if I don't miss any sessions. It will only take 1/2 hour, most of which will be spent changing & getting into position for the radiation. The actual time that it takes the machine to work is closer to 5-7 minutes. On Thursdays I will be there longer as I will see either Dr. Mudge or his Nurse for an examination. They will be checking the skin around the radiation site to make sure that it stays healthy. There is a chance of dryness, itching, peeling or blistering in this area. However there are lotions and creams that can be used to help combat this. The doctor said that these types of symptoms don't usually happen until towards the end if they even happen at all. The other main symptom of radiation is fatigue. He said that someone who has just had chemo may not even notice the fatigue because they are used to it.
Tomorrow I go again for my radiation planning appointment. The main components of this 1 1/2-2 hour appointment are getting a body mold, CT scans (to know placement) and tattooing. The body mold is like a plastic form that will keep me from moving during treatment & to assure that I am in the exact same position each day for treatment. The scans will help to define the treatment area and then the tattoos (no I can't get any fancy artwork-bummer!) or tiny dots of colored ink will mark the treatment area. These marks are helpful to make sure that I am in the correct position for treatment. The doctor said that they used to use permanent markers but those would fade or disappear and that some women would try to take a marker and replace the dots but would not do it correctly-whoops!
Then at 2pm I had an appointment with my regular doctor for my yearly check up and "girl tests". I see Dr. Ebaugh at Thornapple Valley Family Health and have been with her for about 15 years or so. She delivered both of the kids and her nurses have been there as long as I have. This was the first I had been there since my diagnosis and they were so sweet & caring to me. Lots of hugs and asking me all about how I was doing. I was able to talk with Dr. about my menopause symptoms. She agreed with what I had read and said that it will be a while before we know if it is true menopause or whether my overview will bounce back from the chemo. She gave me a prescription for something to help with the hot flash & sleeping issues. I am going to wait for a while to fill it and see if I can get by without it.
After that appointment we went to visit my Grandma Latta in the nursing home. She was in a very good mood (which is pretty normal) and very talkative (even though she doesn't make sense) and she was quite comical and made us laugh very hard. Even though I was getting tired, it felt good to see her and spend some time with her.
I have a very busy week ahead of me. I hope that I am ready to go full steam ahead and that I won't burn myself out! Got to visit with a nice lady who is a stage 4 lung cancer patient (Lois) and her daughter at the cancer center today. The daughter said that she believes that if you have faith and a positive attitude you will get through the cancer trials so much easier. I hope to keep that thought close in mind this week...and I'll be just fine.
So back to the visit with the Radiologist! Just as I had heard from others, I will have 33 sessions of radiation. This will take me 6 1/2 weeks if I don't miss any sessions. It will only take 1/2 hour, most of which will be spent changing & getting into position for the radiation. The actual time that it takes the machine to work is closer to 5-7 minutes. On Thursdays I will be there longer as I will see either Dr. Mudge or his Nurse for an examination. They will be checking the skin around the radiation site to make sure that it stays healthy. There is a chance of dryness, itching, peeling or blistering in this area. However there are lotions and creams that can be used to help combat this. The doctor said that these types of symptoms don't usually happen until towards the end if they even happen at all. The other main symptom of radiation is fatigue. He said that someone who has just had chemo may not even notice the fatigue because they are used to it.
Tomorrow I go again for my radiation planning appointment. The main components of this 1 1/2-2 hour appointment are getting a body mold, CT scans (to know placement) and tattooing. The body mold is like a plastic form that will keep me from moving during treatment & to assure that I am in the exact same position each day for treatment. The scans will help to define the treatment area and then the tattoos (no I can't get any fancy artwork-bummer!) or tiny dots of colored ink will mark the treatment area. These marks are helpful to make sure that I am in the correct position for treatment. The doctor said that they used to use permanent markers but those would fade or disappear and that some women would try to take a marker and replace the dots but would not do it correctly-whoops!
Then at 2pm I had an appointment with my regular doctor for my yearly check up and "girl tests". I see Dr. Ebaugh at Thornapple Valley Family Health and have been with her for about 15 years or so. She delivered both of the kids and her nurses have been there as long as I have. This was the first I had been there since my diagnosis and they were so sweet & caring to me. Lots of hugs and asking me all about how I was doing. I was able to talk with Dr. about my menopause symptoms. She agreed with what I had read and said that it will be a while before we know if it is true menopause or whether my overview will bounce back from the chemo. She gave me a prescription for something to help with the hot flash & sleeping issues. I am going to wait for a while to fill it and see if I can get by without it.
After that appointment we went to visit my Grandma Latta in the nursing home. She was in a very good mood (which is pretty normal) and very talkative (even though she doesn't make sense) and she was quite comical and made us laugh very hard. Even though I was getting tired, it felt good to see her and spend some time with her.
I have a very busy week ahead of me. I hope that I am ready to go full steam ahead and that I won't burn myself out! Got to visit with a nice lady who is a stage 4 lung cancer patient (Lois) and her daughter at the cancer center today. The daughter said that she believes that if you have faith and a positive attitude you will get through the cancer trials so much easier. I hope to keep that thought close in mind this week...and I'll be just fine.
Monday, February 4, 2013
The Official End to Chemo!
It's been just about 3 weeks since my last chemo. I have accepted that my recovery is going to take time. I am trying to make sure that I rest when I get the chance. Chemotherapy is behind me (insert big smile & happy dance here) and I see the radiation oncologist this Friday.
I had lab work and an appointment with the oncologist today. I asked about the triple negative status of my cancer. He confirmed that there is currently not any medication (such as Tamoxifen) for me to take post-treatment. This type of cancer also has a higher recurrence rate for the first 5 years after treatment. The doctor said that they are able to monitor for recurrence by the results of my lab work. I will also be having chest x-rays periodically as well as yearly mammograms. He said I am in remission now but not cured until the 5 year point.
I just looked up more information on triple negative breast cancer. I found that 10-20% of breast cancer is triple negative. Medical Oncologist George Sledge, M.D. says, "This is an exceptionally hot area of research in the breast cancer field." He also states that, "There is immense interest among drug developers, pharmaceutical companies and breast cancer laboratory researchers in finding targeted therapies for these patients". I am so thankful for this and am optimistic that during the next 5 years there will be a new preventative medication for me to take.
I had my port flushed today for the first time. I haven't had to do this because of having chemo every 3 weeks, but now that chemo is over I will need to have the flush done once a month. It was easy & quick. In fact I continued sitting in the chair because I didn't realize they were done!
I go back to work tomorrow!!! So excited for this!!! I visited last Thursday and it was so nice to see the kids. 3or 4 kids asked me about my hair. They knew it looked different and they wondered why. Those kids are so smart, they don't miss anything!
I had lab work and an appointment with the oncologist today. I asked about the triple negative status of my cancer. He confirmed that there is currently not any medication (such as Tamoxifen) for me to take post-treatment. This type of cancer also has a higher recurrence rate for the first 5 years after treatment. The doctor said that they are able to monitor for recurrence by the results of my lab work. I will also be having chest x-rays periodically as well as yearly mammograms. He said I am in remission now but not cured until the 5 year point.
I just looked up more information on triple negative breast cancer. I found that 10-20% of breast cancer is triple negative. Medical Oncologist George Sledge, M.D. says, "This is an exceptionally hot area of research in the breast cancer field." He also states that, "There is immense interest among drug developers, pharmaceutical companies and breast cancer laboratory researchers in finding targeted therapies for these patients". I am so thankful for this and am optimistic that during the next 5 years there will be a new preventative medication for me to take.
I had my port flushed today for the first time. I haven't had to do this because of having chemo every 3 weeks, but now that chemo is over I will need to have the flush done once a month. It was easy & quick. In fact I continued sitting in the chair because I didn't realize they were done!
I go back to work tomorrow!!! So excited for this!!! I visited last Thursday and it was so nice to see the kids. 3or 4 kids asked me about my hair. They knew it looked different and they wondered why. Those kids are so smart, they don't miss anything!
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