Step 7

Monday (March 29th) was my second round of chemo. Exactly like the 1st round, all three meds were infused without adverse reactions (one of the chemo meds reacts on the 2nd infusion). I was able to complete this round of chemo in 4 hours -vs- the 5 & 1/2 with the 1st round. My side effects thus far seem to be just as mild as the 1st round. We will continue to pray for this! My blood counts are looking good to this point - another very positive note! My hair continues to fall out by the handfuls daily :(. I am still in the reconstruction process (this will take approx. 12 months for completion with one more surgery and then 2 more minor procedures). I feel very blessed to be able to continue daily living with minimal side effects. Again PTL (Praise the Lord!). And again, Thanks for your continuous prayers :). One Step at a Time, Together we will climb!

Step 6

My 1st chemo was on March 8th. I was able to tolerate both chemo meds plus the Herceptin infusions. PTL (Praise the Lord)! My side effects were fairly mild. The 1st and 2nd weeks I experienced mild fatigue and indigestion and of course losing lots of hair (I do however still have some - the one advantage of having very thick hair). I did not experience any nausea. All scans and tests have come back clear (PTL). I was able to continue working full time (very exciting!). I am grateful to have completed the 1st round without many side effects. I know the Lord is walking every step of the way with me. I am grateful to all of you for your continued prayers :) One step at a time, Together we will climb!

Good News!!!!!!

Today we received the results from the PET scan. It did NOT indicate the cancer has spread. We are overjoyed with this news:). Once again, an answered prayer...Thank You Jesus! One more minor surgery tomorrow; the port will be placed. And then chemo begins Monday. It has been a long week of testing but the Lord has been
Faithful. Together we will rejoice:).

Updates

It's been a busy week. Okay, here are the updates. I had an appointment with my oncologist last week. My last drain came out yesterday (yea!! what a great feeling that is). I had a follow up visit with my surgeon last week and all looks okay. I did develop an external infection at the end of last week that prompted a stat run to the physician. But with the antibiotic and lots of prayer, the infection is resolving. I did an Echo-Cardiogram today along with lab work and my PET scan was also today (the PET scan will detect if the cancer has spread to other locations). This Thursday I have a brain scan - yes lol a brain scan. No, they are not checking to make sure I have a brain - lol - the type of cancer I have has the tendency to spread to the brain. Friday my port will be placed. And, Monday the 8th is the 1st day of Chemo (the 1st round of chemo will be infused over approx. 5-6 hours and from there hopefully 4-5). I will not know the results from any tests until Monday but we are keeping the Faith it has not spread. I thank all of you for your continued prayers.

Nevada Show Choir -Awesome accessory!

To all the Nevada Show Choir singers, I loved the support each of you showed by wearing my 'Cate's Climb' bracelet today. Once again I was amazed at the support each of you showed! Now lets continue to show our "first in class" and "grand champ" ability at Carthage and again in Nebraska! Let's not forget our choir theme this year "...this is why we sing".

Step 5

Wow!! That was a big step:). The surgery went well. I had a bi-lateral (both) mastectomy. There was concern with the aggression of cancer once the surgeons were in the procedure. A new tumor had indeed grown back since the first surgery in December and was twice the size. More lymph's were involved than anticipated. At one point during the surgery, the decision to continue with the reconstruction was debated (due to the aggression of the cancer) but the surgeons decided to continue with the reconstruction as well. During the surgery, the primary surgeon completely stopped the surgery and felt compelled to pray. At that time both surgeons then prayed. The Lord truly guided the surgeons hands. IT WAS THE POWER OF PRAYER!!! Our news directly after surgery was worse than we were anticipating (hence the delay of any updates). However, we have now received the pathology report (still stage 3) and feel once again the power of prayer has changed things for the better:). I was up and moving both arms within 4 hours from being transferred from the recovery room. Wow!! Yes, 4 hours - that is amazing:). My ROM (range of motion) in both arms is truly incredible and where I am now as far as mobility is where I thought I would be in approx. 4-6 weeks. Once again, there is only one explanation - THE POWER OF PRAYER :). And I have ALL of YOU to thank for that. We know because there is an unexplainable feeling that came over us, multiple prayers were being said. Although we know the cancer is in the lymph system and had the potential to spread, I stand on FAITH the cancer was contained within the breast area and removed. I returned to one surgeon this past Monday and was able to remove 2 JP (drain tubes). I still have 2 JP (drain tubes) in. I will meet with the reconstruction surgeon this coming Monday and the primary surgeon this coming Tuesday. My first appointment with my Oncologist is this coming Tuesday as well. I am grateful for all the prayers! My recovery would not be this advanced without you prayer warriors:). The oncologist will be able to advise as to when the bone scans, MRI's, etc... will be performed and when chemo will begin and now it looks as if radiation as well. But, keep praying...prayer does change things. One Step at a time TOGETHER we will climb!!!!!

NLT - Crimson and Gray and PINK :)

Nevada Lady Tigers thanks so much for your show of support tonight! I was truly amazed and deeply touched to see all you girls and coaches wearing PINK! And what a great night of basketball:) A victory sweep with Varsity, JV and Freshman! Way to go Crimson and Gray and PINK :) Thanks to everyone for your continued support and prayers. Go NLT!!!!!!!!!!!