Live life to the fullest because you never know what's around the next corner!

Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us but by the attitude we bring to life.  A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes.  It’s a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results. – unknown 

I can’t believe it has been over a year and a half since I last wrote in my blog.  Wow!  Okay, well, you all know that means there has been no news to report on the “breast cancer front,” which is a good thing. 

So why am I back now?  Well, I had a PET scan on March 7^th and got some bad news this week.  I’m not going to beat around the bush.  I have bone cancer.  Actually it’s bone “mets,” which means it’s primary breast cancer with metastasis to the bone, primarily in the left hip area, which is why I have been walking with a terrible limp lately – it’s painful to put pressure on that area.  Fortunately, there is NO pain when there is no weight-bearing pressure; i.e., when I’m sitting (I have turned into a sedentary blob) or even when I’m standing.  Walking is really the only painful thing, and I’m thankful for that.  I sure miss going for walks, though!   

Kenny and I saw Dr. Sprawls (my oncologist) yesterday morning, and I felt a little better after seeing him.  He spent over an hour with us(!).  I apologized for taking up so much of his time, but he said it was no problem because “you’re my MIP – most important patient -- today!”  Kenny felt worse after the visit.  I think the difference is that I was totally expecting to walk in there and hear total doom and gloom, there’s no hope, all we can do is palliative care, etc.  Kenny was expecting totally encouraging news I think.  And I guess Dr. Sprawls was actually somewhere in between the two.  He wants to do radiation to the hip, get me back on Zometa infusions (to stave off further bone mets and decrease osteoporosis progression), and change my hormone therapy to something more aggressive.  SO, I have an appointment next Friday to meet with the radiation oncologist and get a Zometa infusion.  Dr. Sprawls gave me a big hug at the end of our visit and said, “I’m sorry, Suzy.”  I told him that some days his job really sucks because I’m sure it’s not fun telling somebody they have bone mets.

Nancy (my sweet sister) and I have also been doing some research on a revolutionary program at the University of Florida (thank you for all your help with this, Nance!).  I sent them a copy of my PET scan on Thursday along with some other info to see if I qualify.  I’m not sure what the difference is between the UF radiation and the radiation here, but I will investigate that further.  Supposedly Space Coast Cancer Center (where I go) has top-of-the-line, state-of-the-art, multi-million dollar radiation equipment, so I’m just not sure what the difference is.  I’m hoping I can have a consult with UF, too.

Of course, time is of the essence here, and the sooner we get going, the better.

We also stopped at the DMV on the way home yesterday and got a handicapped tag (Dr. Sprawls gave me the paperwork to get that).  He also wrote an Rx for crutches (a friend is loaning me some instead – thank you, Traci!), pain meds, and sleeping pills!  So I should be good to go!

It was so wonderful having Becky (another sweet sister) and George here this week.  Although I hated dropping my bad news on them, it was such a fun and happy diversion to have them around.  We had a great time together! 

Oh, as if the cancer wasn’t enough bad news, the office manager from the gastro office I transcribe for called me last Friday (just after I got out of the PET scan) to tell me they officially signed a contract for a new computer system, and I will definitely be losing my job.  I knew it was probably coming eventually but had no idea when.  Still don’t know when, but it won’t happen overnight.  It will take a little while to make the switch.  I’m very thankful I’ve been able to hang onto it this long.       

With all that being said, I want you all to know that Kenny and I are doing okay.  Yes, the cancer news is devastating.  But we will FIGHT IT and WE WILL WIN!!!  And we sure do appreciate all your love and support and prayers and positive thoughts!!!!  LOVE YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH!!!  
P.S.  I haven't figured out how to change my profile picture yet, so please disregard the very old photo.

LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST, AND TRY TO ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!!