MRI Results, new medication and what's next...

I received an e-mail from the oncology office that said my MRI ( of my lower back) was fine. I really was not too concerned about this.Figured it was just from all the training and running. It has been feeling better, so hopefully it will continue to go in that direction. I am still running, just not at the high mileage that I was doing in training.This was good news!

I began a new medication last night, have had 2 doses so far. This medication is a part of my treatment which involves hormone therapy. I am now taking Arimidex which is used to block the hormone estrogen. We are hoping and praying that this treatment will be effective and that I will be able to tolerate the side effects.I was going to have an injection of Faslodex until the nurse reminded me that I have already tried that drug and had too many side effects, so it was stopped. Glad someone remembered, because I actually had to go home and read my blog to see that yes, I had taken that and yes, it was stopped due to side effects.

Next step; I see a surgeon on Tuesday to discuss removing the area in the muscle for a biopsy. I can feel this area now and it seems to have some swelling as well. We are praying that the surgeon will feel he can get to the area without removing the muscle and that we will have an answer as to what is going on. We are hopeful and prayerful that it will be something other than
cancer. We ask that you will join us in prayer over these next weeks.
Thanks all~

When Pink was just a color....

Even when you fall sometimes, you will have the strength to rise

I have been reminded these past couple of weeks of how difficult this time of uncertainty can be, and then I am reminded again of "What Faith Can do".



We continue to have faith and pray for Gods continued healing.
Prayer request;
~ MRI tomorrow ( Tuesday) of my lower back
~ no problems or side effects with new medication Faslodex ( first injection tomorrow)
~ meet with the surgeon on Feb.2nd to discuss removing area of concern in the pectoral muscle

Today's Dr. visit

It has been a long day today, filled with a lot of information.I spent an hour and a half with my doctor who really takes such good care of me:) I went in with a list of questions, handed them to him and he answered them all one by one. To summarize here is where we are going from here.

I am scheduled to meet with a surgeon on Feb. 2nd. Tomorrow, I will be bringing my lab reports and films over to his office so he can look them over before I see him.
What we hope to happen is that he can remove most or all of this area without having to remove part or all of the muscle.He will have to look at the films and most likely talk with my oncologist before I know what this surgery will entail.

At this point this is not characteristic of breast cancer, however cancer can go anywhere and this has to be removed and biopsied to know for sure.It is possible that this may be a Hematoma: An abnormal localized collection of blood in which the blood is usually clotted or partially clotted and is usually situated within an organ or a soft tissue space, such as within a muscle. This, of course is what we are hoping and praying for. In the case of a hematoma, nothing would be done, the body will absorb it.Because the first biopsy showed blood and debris that may be an indication of a hematoma.

A few other changes; I will be having an MRI early next week on my lower back which has been in constant pain since the marathon. Most likely an injury, but again, it needs to be checked.

Also, I will begin a new therapy with the drug Faslodex http://www.faslodex.com/, which is used for metastatic breast cancer after Tamoxifen no longer works to help block estrogen, which is my situation. This will be a shot once a month.

Lots going on right now and we continue to lift this up in prayer and know that God is in control
Thank you all so much for your prayers :)

It's looking like another surgery....

Although the recent biopsy came back negative, my oncologist feels we need to get a larger "sample".The only way to do this is surgery. As I currently understand it they will have to go into the pectoral muscle to get to this area.
I will meet with my doctor tomorrow to discuss the surgery, a surgeon and my list of questions:) The two big concerns are 1) that it is the breast cancer spreading or a new cancer 2) that the surgeon will have to remove part or all of the muscle to get to this area of concern.
Another option is to just go ahead and assume disease and proceed with radiation.I am not feeling comfortable with any of this yet.
Please pray with Chris and I and my doctors for wisdom & discernment about what is best to do.

I will write again after my meeting with Dr. A tomorrow. Hopefully, I will have a better understanding and plan of action.

New Glasses

Well, I put it off as long as possible but the time has come for full time glasses.It is taking some getting used to but I can sure see much better. I tend to get a lot of headaches and hope this will help alleviate some of them.The eye doctor said when someone goes through chemo and all the other treatments and medications I have had to take their eyes are usually affected quite a bit. She said overall mine looked good all things considered. So, that was good news.

Biopsy results so far....

Well, I had been holding off posting the biopsy results because I really do not have all the information yet. But... I know many of you are wondering so this is what I know so far.

The results came back negative, which so far is a good thing. What they did see from the results was blood and debris. I do not know what this means, only that so far it has not shown cancer cells.

My doctor had said I would need surgery to remove the area of concern if the biopsy came back negative. The area is located within the pectoral muscle. As of today, I have not heard anything more and do not know what the next step is.

I will post as soon as I know what my next step is. In the meantime we have been praying that they will figure out what it is from the results of the biopsy so surgery will not be necessary.

That's it for now~

Just waiting for my biopsy results......

Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Today's Biopsy

Today's Biopsy went fine, just a little sore and tired. Chris was able to be in the room and hold my hand during the procedure. I would just squeeze his hand when it hurt but overall it was pretty easy in comparison to other procedures I have had.
The biopsy results should be in by Wednesday. We were not too pleased with where we need to go from here, but " it is what it is". If the results are positive ( (cancer) then it will most likely be radiation. However, if they are negative it looks like surgery to confirm what it is or is not. This is the difficult part. The area of concern is actually IN the pectoral muscle. This creates a problem of removing whatever it is because of it's location. My doctor said it may be hard to find a surgeon that will be able to just get a part of this area out without removing the entire muscle. We will have some tough decisions ahead of us, regardless of the results and I will keep you all posted as I know more.



These pictures were taken after the biopsy with me, Dr. A and my nurse M with my medal from the Dallas marathon. My team of doctors and nurses were imperative during the process of training for the marathon. They not only were 100% supportive on the medical and emotional side but also with my training. Helping me make decisions that were not only in my best interest for my health but also for my physical training. I cannot say enough about how important it is to have doctors, nurses and staff that you are comfortable and happy with. For me...they are the best!
Thanks for your support & prayers!

Biopsy this Thursday

Hi all~ I will be having another biopsy this Thursday at 9 am. There is an area in the muscle located in the chest wall, measuring 1.5 cm that has shown up on the recent MRI.
The biopsy will be done in office by my oncologist. The biggest risk I can see as of now is hitting or collapsing a lung during the procedure. The area of concern is located in a difficult and unusual place. If my doctor cannot get to the area I will probably have to have surgery to get to it.
Chris is going to be allowed to be in the room with me, so that makes me feel better.
We are praying for a steady hand and mind for Dr. A, that the area is reached and the needed cells are removed, that there are no complications during or after the biopsy and finally that it is not cancer. We would love to have all of your continued prayer support in this.
Thanks~ Elayne & Chris

Lake Murray New Years 2010

Here are a few pictures from our trip to the lake over New Years. We spent most of New Years Day hiking.

It was still cool during the day and pretty cold at night. A little bit of snow still left on the ground. Perfect hiking weather.

The half way point and time for a snack.



There was a beautiful full moon. If you look closely at the picture you will see the moon above over the lake, the reflection in the water and the pier. My camera just could not capture how magnificent it was.

And this was, well.... just funny :)

We had a great time, very relaxing and so wonderful to spend the time outdoors. I am in no hurry for summer, love this cooler weather.

Highlights from 2009

As we are all now looking forward to 2010, I wanted to highlight 2009. Although there were many struggles and losses this past year there were also so many blessings and victories. Here are the top 20~ from 2009!
~Celebrated my 45th Birthday
~Celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary
~My son Kevin was married to our wonderful daughter-in-law, Nikki
~ was able to host the Rehearsal dinner for Kevin's wedding
~My son Tim began a new journey in his life in Prague
~My son Matt moved back home and is now studying music at UTD
~I ran my first marathon with Chris
~ I was blessed to teach a 5k run group , a Run Wild Class and Personal Training
~I had a year with No Evidence of Disease
~ I sold my van and bought a Pathfinder
~ became certified in CPR/ First aid ( again)
~Ran 687 miles
~ My son Tim graduated from college
~ went to Nikki's Bridal shower which my good friend Donise hosted
~ ran the Komen 5k race for the cure with my run group
~ Took a week long camping trip with Chris
~ spent time with many family & friends over this past year
~ Was able to spend very special moments with my father-in-law Ed before he passed
~ Had my first White Christmas
~ God answered our prayers
Praying for a wonderful year in 2010 for our family & yours!