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!

Getting ready for a new year

Tomorrow will be the last day of 2009, another year with many memories, accomplishments, trials, losses and victories.
Each new year brings with it hope for a great year as well as fears of the unknown. I try very hard to concentrate on the hope but the fears do creep in, as they did today.
Each year on New Years my husband and I take some time, usually somewhere outdoors to reflect on the year that has just passed as well as to look ahead and set goals for the upcoming year. A great book to help with goal setting is "The Magic of Goals" by Ronald L Reynolds.
I think this is a very helpful activity for anyone but especially if you, like me are living with cancer. There is always something to strive for, to accomplish, to LIVE for!
There are times when it is very hard to see out into the future and many times we may have to take things one moment, one day, one week or one year at a time. I have been in all of these places, including moment to moment. But it is in these "moments" that we really live.
I am looking forward to spending the next few days outdoors with my husband, and thinking about the NEW YEAR ahead of us!
"True success is not something that is achieved; rather, it is something that is pursued- a series of accomplishments mixed with failure that make the present better than the past, and the future full of high anticipation and excitement".~ Ron L. Reynolds
And sometimes something unexpected happens, like the 3rd snowfall in a month in Texas and you just have to jump out there and take a run in the snow~ just because you can.

HAVE A VERY SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A few more pictures from Race day!

Running through the neighborhoods of Dallas and at White Rock Lake.

Crossing the finish line after 26.2 miles and the Finishers photo!

Biopsy & Tumor markers

Looks like I will be having my biopsy on January 7th. The area of concern is located in a difficult place to reach ( in the muscle, in the chest wall). My doctor is going to first try to do the biopsy in office and hopefully get some cells from that. The risk with this procedure is nicking and/or collapsing a lung. If they are not able to get the cells with this procedure I will have to have surgery to get the biopsy done.

Last week I also had more labs done and all my blood work looks good including my tumor markers. So, that is good news! Basically there are 3 tests looking at the markers. One, that was elevated is back to normal. Second test is still a little elevated. The third and new test ( circulating tumor cell) that is much more sensitive came back at 0, normal is <5. So, that is very good!

Our prayer request between now and then is that Dr. A is able to get the biopsy done in office with no complications and that this area of concern is not cancer. Also that the tumor markers on all tests remain in normal ranges.

Thanks all~ praying for a healthy 2010!

MRI results & Biopsy

I received my test results this morning from the MRI I had on Thursday. They found an area that is measuring 1.5 cm in the muscle of the chest wall. I will be having a biopsy either Monday or Tuesday. My doctor said it is not typical to have cancer show up in the muscle but it can happen and we have to find out what it is. I have been having some discomfort in this area lately. We will be praying that whatever it is it will not be cancer or anything serious. Your prayers, as always, are welcomed :)

Also~ THANK YOU! everyone for the e-mails, calls and comments congratulating Chris and I on the marathon. It was a lot of fun! The post below is from race day if you have not seen it yet.

We Ran The Rock!

It's Marathon Morning!! Matt was our photographer/driver all day. He did a great job. If you know Matt you are just as shocked at this picture of him smiling at 5 am.
Time to fuel and pack up all the necessities. We eat a peanut butter, banana, honey sandwich pre-race, about an hour and a half-2 hours prior. We have been hydrating well all along and adding Rehydrate and some Spark before the race.


Ok, I had to add these. They are the "WHAT THE HECK WERE WE THINKING" pictures!




Nikki's probably thinking "I didn't sign up for this race, why on earth am I at the American Airlines Center at 5 am"?? We sure are glad you were there!

Kevin's friend and co-worker Agnes met us at AAC and ran the 1/2 with Kevin. Here we are getting our chip timers put on our shoes.
Oh... these feet better be ready! No, that is not my hairy leg, it is Kevin's :)



It was in the 40's and very foggy, but great for running!

Well, here is where we made our "first time marathoners" mistake. We were lined up in corral E, the last corral. In other words behind about 20,000 people. It took 16 minutes before we actually crossed the start line after the gun went off. This does not effect our overall time ( chip time) but does effect the allotted amount of time given to finish the race. That was kind of nerve racking until we got out of the crowd and back on our pace.

There were horses at the start and confetti and smoke blowing all over when the gun went off. We were so far back we couldn't see or hear a thing. We just moved with the herd :)

Catching Kevin before he crossed the start line.
Matt and Nikki caught up with us at mile 9. We almost ran right by them because around mile 7 , the 1/2 marathoners split from the marathoners and the roads really opened up. At this point we were trying to make up some significant time.



These guys were hilarious! "The Ninja Turtles". They were at the start line with us and did a great job getting everyone pumped up to start! There were also some guys dressed up as Dolly Parton. I only wish I had a picture to show you. They gave us a great laugh while we ran up the "Dolly Partons" ( 2 hills at White rock known as "The Dolly Partons")

Kevin running it in to finish 13.1 miles~ Yeah Kevin! He does this with no training, ahhh.. to be in your 20's :)

Agnes completing yet another race. I think she said 16 marathons and I don't know how many 1/2's. Go Aggie!!

Kevin getting a celebratory hug from Nikki :)

Matthew really captured some inspiring people as they crossed the finish line. These are some great shots!



We were able to run a little with this family during the race as they pushed Jackie in her wheelchair the entire 26.2 miles!

Go Team!! Team In Training~

The money raised went to Scottish Rite Hospital that helps so many children, including my two sweet nieces Erika and Sarah, and makes things like this possible.

The happiest moment was when we saw the finish line and our kids yelling, jumping and cheering us on!

A quick high five to our kids that had been waiting at the finish line for an hour and a half.

Crossing the finish line together, 26.2 miles!

CHEERS & BEERS for the runners!

Our First Marathon~ Dallas White Rock 2009!

In Dedication to.....

After many, many months of training Chris and I are going to be running our first marathon this Sunday ! We will "Run The Rock".

Chris and I would like to dedicate our race first and foremost to our Lord who has given us the strength, courage, endurance and determination to do this.

We also will dedicate this race to Chris's dad, Ed Minich, who passed away just 3 weeks ago from brain cancer. He had always been such a great support in anything we did and always asked us about how our running and training was going. He truly cared and I know he will be with us.

26.2 miles for you Dad!

"I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me"

Philippians 4:13

10 More Days!!

Well, we are down to the final 10 days before the White Rock Marathon! At this point, my training is pretty much over. I have a couple of injuries that I am "nursing" until race day. The worst of these is plantar facetious ( heel injury/pain). Pretty much all I can do right now is ice, rest, massage, heat and wear this stylish night splint to bed :) It does seem to be helping with the pain, so that's good!

We have been training for a very long time for this event. We began training in the spring with nice weather. Went through the blistering Texas summer running either very early in the morning or late at night but still in the 90's or higher. Then finally Fall with cooler weather!! Although it is not officially winter, this is what we woke up to yesterday~

We have trained in heat, wind, rain, & cold but... SNOW in Texas is definitly the one thing we have not trained in! Praying for great weather on Marathon Day!!