Head wraps

Since I lost my hair from chemotherapy, I've been wearing head wraps. I've had several people ask me "How do you keep your scarves from slipping off." I have a couple of techniques that I use to help keep my scarves in place. Instead of me trying to explain the techniques I'll show you.

I haven't tried wigs yet but I'm not ruling them out either. I've just never been into wearing them and since I wear head wraps every now and then it was just easier for me to tie on a scarf. I'll have more videos with different head wrap styles and also if I decide to try a wig on. You can check out the youtube channel with this link.https://www.youtube.com/1mochalattemom for more videos and updates.

Love, Peace and Blessings

Special effects from chemo

There have been a few new developments in my treatment plan and also with some new side effects from said treatment. Let's first start with some side effects I have been experiencing. I first noticed the palms of my hands and soles of my feet darkening about 5 days ago then a few days ago I noticed my tongue turning black!!!!! I mean literally going from pink to black, it looks really weird. see

This is a side effect from the drug Cytoxan which is a chemo therapy drug. These side effects will go away once treatment is complete. Another side effect is hair loss, which I am now experiencing. My hair is pretty thick, curly and kinky. This is what came out today

This is what my hair looks like now.

I'm not sure if any more will come out or if it all will fall out, in any event it is what it is. I thank God that everything that is happening is just for a season and shall pass. John 11:4

⁴ When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

The other development that is going on with my treatment phase is searching for better or more efficient drugs to treat my particular type of breast cancer. When I had my surgery The Pathologist that I work with asked me if I would be interested in sending a sample of my tissue to Champions oncology http://www.championsoncology.com/. At the time I didn't know who they were so I needed more info. You can check the link for a more in depth explanation but in short they work with patients and their oncologist by testing other drugs on the patients tumor to see what will work best for the patient. The process starts with what's called tumor grafting or growing your tumor by implanting your tumor and waiting for it to grow. Once your tumor grows different drugs can be used to see what specific drug or combination of drugs works best for your unique tumor. My tumor graft has grown in an amazingly fast time and testing can be done. All of this is great and it definitely is not covered by insurance. When I spoke with them they explained this to me and I asked about cost and when they told me I knew in my heart that if this is God's will he WILL make a way. My family and I started planning how we would come up with the fee which was negotiated down to $10,000. We thought about different fundraisers and before we even did anything they called me and said that someone donated $7,000 towards the testing!!!!! Then my mom called me and said she was telling her Pastor and then we got another $1,000. GOD'S WILL BE DONE!!!! I am praising God because this is an awesome breakthrough for me and mere words can't explain my JOY!!!!!! If you need a miracle know that God is still in the miracle making business..

Peace, Love and Blessings

Do I need a mammogram?

This is the last day of Breast cancer awareness month, the month of everything pink!!!!
I noticed on a lot social media sites this one image about getting a Mammogram

It really got my attention because a lot of women do this Instagramming of their boobs but do they know what an actual Mammogram is? So since this can actually be a little scary for some women I want to help shed some light on what a mammogram is.
 A mammogram is an X-ray image of your breast used to screen for breast cancer. Mammograms play a key role in early breast cancer detection and help decrease breast cancer deaths. So basically it is a low energy X-ray done on this equipment

During a mammogram, your breasts are compressed between two firm surfaces to spread out the breast tissue. Then an X-ray captures black-and-white images of your breasts that are displayed on a computer screen and examined by a doctor who looks for signs of cancer.

ok so now for the part that some women find scary... Does it Hurt? I want to say no but everyone tolerates pain differently. For me it was uncomfortable it was like someone squeezing your breast to tightly and it hurts for that time but once they let go it's over. This is repeated several times on each side. Another issue that scares some women is the diagnosis.. What if? Will I Die? Well if your diagnosis is cancer it surely is better to know early and breast cancer is not a death sentence.....

 

I know that the unknown is scary but once you have it done it is no longer unknown and it could potentially save a life.... Yours....

 

 

Peace, Love and Blessings.

It's Chemo time!

Today is the day........STOP it's Chemo Time. Ok I'm back, first I want to pray that all goes well and that God gives me the strength to endure this. Thanking and praising Him in advance for everything going well. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Here is a video I did when I got home from my session.

 

 

 

Sorry this took so long to post... I was having technical difficulties. It is now day 2 after treatment I am a little tired and now having some nausea but not much. I am also experiencing some hot flashes but all in all I'm doing ok. Just drinking plenty of fluids and eating small meals seems to help, along with keeping a positive attitude. Thanks everyone for your prayers and support.

 

Peace, Love and Blessings 

 

 

 

 

On the road to expansion

So on October 7th I had my first infusion of saline into my expanders and I also had my last 2 drain tubes removed! I did not have any saline infused at the time of my mastectomies on September 17th. When I asked the plastic surgeon about it she said that she preferred to wait until my stitches healed and after I had my drain tubes removed. About a week prior to this I also had my port placement done to get ready for chemotherapy.
During my first infusion I didn't know what to expect. I had watched a few videos on you tube but I was not prepared for what happened. The first one went rather well that was on the right side then when the left sides turn came it was a different story. It felt as if every nerve ending on that side of my chest was being stuck by this needle. I wanted to scream but I didn't because I didn't want to startle her while she still had the needle in me. Needless to say I was a little apprehensive about getting it done again but at least I knew what I was in for. This is a short video of what is used during an infusion/

This next video is after the infusion. How I felt and what may be next on the road to expansion.

For more information regarding tissue expansion please check out this link. I hope this helps to explain the procedure. http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/avon_foundation_breast_center/treatments_services/reconstructive_breast_surgery/tissue_expanders.html

Until next time

Peace, Love and Blessings

Fighting cancer with Chemo

Now I am in the treatment phase of my journey. I had a long discussion with the oncologist and we went over what my treatment plan will be. I will be having what is called adjuvant chemotherapy. Adjuvant chemotherapy - Chemotherapy given to destroy left-over (microscopic) cells that may be present after the known tumor is removed by surgery.  Adjuvant chemotherapy is given to prevent a possible cancer reoccurrence.
  I will be given a combination of chemo drugs to help prevent the cancer from coming back.

I understand that chemo can be difficult for some individuals but I intend on being as positive as one can be during this time. I pray that I will keep a positive outlook on things while going through this.
The first combination of drugs that I will be given is  Adriamycin and Cytoxan. Both of these drugs work together to combat any residual or microscopic cancer cells that could possibly grow and cause a recurrence. Here is a bit more info on both drugs.

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/druglist/Adriamycin

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/druglist/Cytoxan

This particular combo will be given to me over an 8-12 week period. I will either receive it once every 2 weeks or once every 3 weeks depending on how I tolerate it. Then after I am done with this treatment I will be given another bout of chemo with a drug called Taxol. Taxol will be given in the same manner as the other 2 chemo drugs.

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/druglist/taxol

As with most other chemo drugs there are side effects some of the side effects include nausea, vomiting and hair loss. To help combat this I am told that most things ginger will help, keeping hydrated and rest. I have put together a anti nausea kit for myself it includes soft ginger chews, three ginger tea, ginger cookies and agave nectar to help sweeten the tea naturally.

This new phase of the journey starts on October 23rd. I read something today on a friends blog that put a lot of things in my life into perspective. The post is called "Lessons from the Garden" by Belinda at Simply Belinda, here is an excerpt "

1. Pruning is necessary for growth.

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit—John 15:2

There is such a thing as “divine pruning,” and God will not only cut off unfruitful branches, but even the fruitful branches must be cut so that they bear even more fruit. Wow. I continued to trim, and the imagery was so powerful. I had to cut off much of the tree—the Lord will build your faith by almost destroying it—but what remained was rich, green, and beautiful, like the tree planted by the water, which yields its fruit in season.

While reading this post it just verified what my Pastor had said to my husband and I a few Sundays before I had my surgery. He said Kevin and Caula, God is using this situation to bring you closer to him and to build the kingdom.

If you want to read more check out the link to Belinda's blog Simply Belinda here. http://simplybelinda.wordpress.com/2013/10/07/what-god-wants-us-to-learn-in-the-garden/

I just want to thank everyone for coming along with me on this journey and helping to make the journey a piece of cake, pink frosting of course.

Peace, Love and Blessings

2 down and 2 to go!

Hooray for me! I got 1 drain tube on each side removed. So that's 2 down and 2 to go, I'm excited because that's one step closer to being tube free. So I wanted to be completely tube free this week but I'll Keep calm and keep fighting, cause I'm here to win this.

Peace, Love and Blessings

Follow up post mastectomy

I had my first follow up appointment after surgery. First thing I want to discuss is riding in a car. It is a little uncomfortable for me. This city has potholes and bumps in the road, that if you didn't notice them before you sure will notice them now. I rode in the backseat of the car because of the airbag in the front. I wouldn't want the airbag punching me in the chest if we were to have and accident, I'm not saying that my husband is a bad driver but this was something that occurred to me on my trip home from the hospital. So for a few more weeks I will be a backseat driver because I want to be safe can I say "driving miss Daisy" Lol.

I saw the plastic surgeon first her name is Dr. Rasko,  I don't think I mentioned any names before but I asked permission and was given the ok. I have 2 drain tubes on each side of my body below my armpits. They are called JP drains (Jackson-Pratt). The reason for having surgical drains is to prevent blood and lymphatic fluid buildup under my skin and to encourage healing. I empty my drains every 12 hours and record the output. I am really praying that I get them removed soon because I am experiencing a bit of discomfort now. What I mean is I feel them in my chest and it is uncomfortable, don't get me wrong there isn't any pain involved I just have a tightness in my chest. If you want more info on JP drains click the link here http://breastcancer.about.com/od/reconstructivesurgery/p/surg_drains.htm

I will be seeing the oncologist to discuss my plan of treatment. I know I will be getting chemo but the exact drugs and the start date need to be finalized. Once I have that information I will update here. I will also speak with my oncologist about recording my first session so that you can actually see what happens during my chemo treatment. So until next time,

Peace, Love and Blessings

Coming home after surgery

I had surgery on September 18th in the morning and had bilateral mastectomies.

This photo was the morning before surgery. I had my family with me and I believe that makes a world of difference. My surgical team was awesome everyone worked together to obtain the best possible outcome for me. Before I was rolled into surgery there was group prayer so that everything would go according to God's plan. Here is a link to the video of me the morning after I had the mastectomies done,

My next step is my follow up appointment on Monday with my plastic surgeon and the breast surgeon. I haven't had the pathology report yet but at this point I am focusing on the physical healing of my body. Honestly the pain was a lot to deal with in the beginning but once they figure out what works for you it makes things tolerable. So far it's been 3 days since surgery and the only thing I can say is that I nap more that I've ever napped but that is due to the pain meds. I did not however get a pain pump. Some people after this type of surgery receive a pump for pain meds but I received pills. I mean I already have enough drains coming out of my body 4 to be exact 2 on each side.
Every 12 hours I empty them and measure the output and chart it for my plastic surgeon.
Throughout all of this my daughter has been wonderful. I explained it to her in a manner in which she could understand and she said "so mommy you're going to have boo boos on your boobies and I can't squish my face on them?' I said yes that's right baby. She then said that's ok cause boo boos get better. I love her to pieces.

One thing I know for sure is that you need a great support team to help with all of your needs. We as women sometimes don't realize how much we do at home but I am blessed to have a great support team to keep my home rolling at it's normal pace. My daughter has plenty of things to keep her occupied between cousins and friends by the time it's bath time she's tuckered out. I also know that it is the grace of God that keeps everything well.

Peace, love and blessings.

Date with surgery

I now have a date for surgery. The big day is Tuesday September 17th. It feels as if  I've been waiting forever to get this date. Since I was diagnosed IT SEEMS as if I've been waiting forever to have surgery but it hasn't been that long at all. I was diagnosed on August 21st and have had appointments with plastic surgeons, oncologists and breast specialists. The plastic surgeon went over what my options were for reconstruction. Option 1 is using abdominal skin and fat that's called a tram flap option 2 is having breast implants.. Well at first I wanted option 1 because I thought "this is great I can get a tummy tuck at the same time" then the doctor told me that I did not have enough belly fat or skin plus the surgery takes about 6-8 hours.I was dumbfounded, firstly because she said I didn't have enough fat and second the length of time you're in surgery plus recovery from such a massive operation. Here's some more info on having a tram flap. http://breastreconstruction.org/TypesOfReconstruction/tram_flap.html
So then option 2 became my choice because I don't want to be out commission any longer than I have to be. With getting the implants you first get what are called expanders, they help to stretch the muscle and skin in preparation for your actual saline implants.You keep the expanders for about 6months then you have them swapped out for the implants.Here's more info on implants for reconstruction. http://breastreconstruction.org/TypesOfReconstruction/ExpanderImplant.html

Now that the reconstructive aspect was settled I had to speak with the oncologist about the treatment aspect. We discussed the fact that this is an invasive  ductal carcinoma and that I am young and being aggressive is my best bet for being rid of this. So it was decided that I would receive chemo therapy. I will go into more detail about my chemo therapy when I get there. Saying that, I've already had a test in preparation for the chemo it's called a muga scan. What is that you may ask because I asked that question. It's a way to check how well your heart pumps blood through your body better yet check out this link for a thorough explanation. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-muga-scan.htm

Thank you to everyone who is praying for me I truly appreciate it. I will try to update as soon as I am physically able to.

Peace, love and blessings.

Lumpectomy vs Mastectomy

After getting the diagnosis there are some decisions to be made. What can I do to fix this situation in my life? that was a question that I immediately asked myself. I prayed and asked God to guide me in the right direction so that whatever decision I came to would be the best for my family. My husband and I talked about it and discussed my options. We had 2 choices:

1.  lumpectomy
2. Mastectomy 

With the lumpectomy you remove the tumor and some surrounding breast tissue so that the margins could be checked to make sure that all of the cancer cells were removed. Click the following link to get more information regarding a lumpectomy. http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/Lumpectomy.html With the mastectomy you remove all of the breast tissue and if desired have reconstructive surgery. Click the following link to get more information regarding a mastectomy.http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/Mastectomy.html With this information my husband asked me what I wanted and what I felt most comfortable with. I told him that I wanted a mastectomy, actually a bilateral (double) mastectomy because I wanted to lessen my chances of recurrence and it's not like I'm losing my womanhood. He completely agreed with my choice to have a bilateral mastectomy with reconstructive surgery.
So at the moment I am waiting on my surgery date so that we can move forward with getting the tumor out of my body and on the road to recovery. I don't expect that recovery will be a piece of cake but I am prepared for this battle for I intend to win this War. Psalm 140:7

O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle.

In the meantime I am making preparations for my recovery time. I won't be able to cook for my family so I plan on making some freezer meals that my hubby, mom or mother-in-law can just heat it up and voila homemade goodness to keep us going. Also planning things for my darling daughter to do until I am physically able to interact and play again.
I know that making this type of decision can be a struggle for some and that it's a decision that you don't have months to make. Knowing that whatever your decision is it's the right one for you and your family makes it easier. I did find a few websites that were helpful for giving me a better understanding of what's going on. I'll list them here.

• http://www.breastcancer.org/
• http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003284-pdf.pdf This is a list of questions you should ask your doctor if you are diagnosed with breast cancer.
• http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-diagnosis

I hope this information can help someone or if you know someone that this can help feel free to share. I'll be back when I have a surgery date and to talk about my treatment plan.

Peace, Love and Blessings
Caula

Finding out you have breast cancer

Well it's been a long, long time since I've written on here. Why am I writing now you may ask? I have a new development going on in my life and I want to document my journey.
As you may or may not know  I have a  daughter who is almost 5 years old  a loving husband and I was recently diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. What this means is that I have cancer in the ducts of my breast that has invaded or moved into the surrounding breast tissue. First and foremost I want to thank God for giving me the strength to cope with this situation in my life and for having a supportive husband. I believe that my faith in the Lord has allowed me to know that this is only for a season and for his Glory!!!!!!

 

 

 

This all began with an incidental touch of my breast. I was on my way home and about to readjust my uniform shirt when I felt a lump on my breast. I quickly got in my car and resumed a self breast exam. What I noticed was that the lump was not easily found and that I had to be in a certain position to feel it. I called a doctor that I knew specialized in women's breast care immediately and scheduled to have a mammogram and ultrasound done to determine what the next step should be. Once the mammogram and ultrasound were performed I knew that a biopsy was required. While I waited for the appointed time to have my biopsy done I prayed and asked God for guidance and peace. The type of biopsy I had done is called a stereotactic needle biopsy. This is done with the assistance of a mammogram and a  computer with me the patient laying face down on the procedure table. All in all for me it didn't hurt I just felt pressure on the area being biopsied and it only took 45 minutes for the whole procedure. I was able to resume most of my normal activities for that day just no heavy lifting for 24 hours. I was able to take my daughter to the zoo with her friends we had a ball.

I do not intend to let this obstacle keep me down I intend to be strong, diligent, faithful, prayerful and joyful during it all.

Peace, Love and Blessings
Caula