Genetic Consultation Update

Thought that I would give an update on my genetic consultation that I had on Monday. Before Monday, I had a phone visit with the nurse and gave her my family history, which I'm sure she had writers cramp from all the relatives that unfortunately have had cancer. They wanted all that information before my appointment to look at the pedigree of what could be going on. They think that there is definitely a genetic cancer(s) occurring in my family, mainly on my mom's father's side because of all the cases and how young everyone has been when diagnosed. She also told us about the two most common genes that are associated with breast cancer. BRCA 1 and BRCA 2, these are the two genes that I'm getting tested for now. If you are a carrier of either one of these, your chances of a recurrence of breast cancer are higher then if you don't have the gene, you also have a higher chance of getting other cancers, especially ovarian cancer. The main reason why I wanted to get the genetic test done is to help decide on what surgeries may be best for me when the time comes. If I should get a full mastectomy or hysterectomy, etc. It will also benefit the boys and my brother to know if I'm a carrier because they also could be one too. I called my brother that night and told him that if I did test positive that it is suggested that he go and get yearly mammograms and do self breast exams every month. Of course my husband being the comedian that he is said try explaining that one at work. We have to make some humor out of the bad, right? I will have a follow up in January when the results come back. When I went to go give my blood for the test the lab technician said it was her lucky day because I was number 3 for having their blood drawn for that specific genetic test. I told her that we were the ones that were not so lucky to be having this done.

I will have a PET scan on Christmas Eve, so I hope that they will let me know by the next week on what the results will be. I am sure that there will be no tumors, but you never know with this sneaky disease. My tumor markers seem to be a good indication for me and that the chemo is working and the caner cells continue to disappear. I was suppose to have my next Herceptin chemo on New Years Eve, but my oncologist will be gone that day, so since I am only on Herceptin now, he said it would be fine to have it pushed back one week, so my next infusion will be the 7th of January.

I am posting a couple of pictures of the boys. Brock and I made a gingerbread house, of course Brock wanted to eat it as soon as it was finished. It was fun making and eating. Griffin had his 4 month checkup yesterday and he's as healthy as can be. He was not a happy camper with getting shots though. At least dad was the one holding him and not me, so you can guess who is not his favorite right now.







We are getting ready for Christmas and of course Brock is looking forward to what Santa will be bringing him this year. I'm looking forward to spending time with our families and just cherishing the moments that we will have. Merry Christmas to everyone!

One more note, I've decided that Stacie is no longer allowed to write on my blog anymore and I made sure to let Santa know that she was naughty and not to visit her this year. LOL.

Employee of the Year 2008!

One more post from me before Nicole revokes my permission to get on here:)

I know Nicole would never willingly share this but she deserves the recognition. At Saturday night's Christmas party for work she received the Employee of the Year award! She wasn't able to be there because of her nasty chemo side-effects but she did receive a standing ovation. She also receives a $500 bonus, extra day of vacation for the year, and a trip to Mexico over Valentine's Day! I don't think she felt she earned the honor at first because she thought anyone would do what she's been doing. But, no, not many people could have a baby, be diagnosed with cancer, return to work a week early, start chemo the next week and continue working throughout her treatment! There is no doubt that she is extraordinary and has every right to win this honor!!!! So, congratulations!

On a not so happy note, please remember Karlye in your prayers. There was a picture of Nicole and Karlye with their bald heads posted on this website a few months ago. She is my cousin's 6-year-old who has been battling Ewing's Sarcoma for the past few years. She spent all of October in the hospital undergoing a bone marrow transplant following a relapse of her cancer. A follow-up CT scan yesterday showed a lung tumor that has tripled in growth over the past 12 days. She has had an extremely difficult 3 months.
Her website again is www.caringbridge.org/visit/karlyedeutsch.

A Chapter in Treatment Is Done!

I'm back! It's Stacie doing an update with Nicole's permission.

Things have been going really well the past few weeks. The kids have, for the most part, been healthy. Griffin is now 4 months old and has already rolled over a few times. He is smiley and happy and he loves to sit back and observe everyone around him. The best part is that he is sleeping all night! This weekend, he slept almost 11 hours straight.

After going through a bit of an adjustment period, Brock is back to his old self. One of his new favorite activities is waking Griffin up from his naps! He knows more than any 3-year-old should know about many things. He's been busy helping his dad do things around the house.

Bryan is....Bryan! He's been working as much as possible. At home, he has several projects going on which occupy his downtime. This weekend he is putting in a few new bedroom windows. Hopefully that will take care of the drafts coming in! He is awesome with the boys and a great help to Nicole. Oh, and he did go pheasant hunting with Brad and Taylor a few weekend ago but they didn't come back with any birds. Ice fishing is being planned as I type.

Now for the birthday girl! Nicole had her 29th birthday on December 8th. I know she got a lot of birthday wishes on her facebook page which she set-up earlier this month. Overall, I am in awe of her patience and stamina! She was out there at 5am shopping on black Friday and kept going until 8 that night---with both boys! She has made it to work most days (even though she shouldn't have some of those days)! Her positive attitude is not an act. She is so thankful for life and everyone in her life. She is such a calm, patient and loving mother!

Here are the medical details. Nicole's tumor marker was down to 34.5 when she went in December 10th for her last chemo with the three medication combination. Beginning Thursday, she felt very drained. She spent most of the weekend in bed or lying on the couch. She did have nausea and vomiting this time. Thankfully, she will now only be on one chemo agent-Herceptin. She will get this every three weeks for the next year. Herceptin is supposed to have very few side-effects and they are very tolerable. Tomorrow she and Bryan meet with a genetic counselor to go over the family history of cancer and decide which genetic testing needs to be done for Nicole. On December 24th, she will have another PET scan. Be in prayer for no cancer to show up again this time! With falling tumor markers, I have nothing but faith this will happen.

We figure around Valentine's Day Nicole should be sporting a new crop of (very short) hair. I can't wait to see how it grows back! I'm guessing blond and wavy. Anyone else?

Keep praying for the cancer to stay away and for favorable results from the scan and genetic testing!