Today is the third "post-chemo" day for Nicole. Those with experience have told her it would be the day she may feel the worst. She did feel very tired & drained today but Bryan was able to leave work early so she could rest. As of ten minutes ago, she was feeling much better.
Considering she is getting up every 2 hours all night long with Griffin, I think she's doing excellent! In Bryan's defense, he is more than willing to get up with the baby but sleeps right through his cries and Nicole doesn't wake him up-atleast that's what he claims;)
Nicole hair is still all there. I've offered several times to cut it into a mohawk and dye it purple-just for fun! I guess that's not her idea of fun though. Bryan shaved his head tonight to show his support.
On Tuesday Nicole went to visit her coworkers to let them know what is going on. She's always been such a dedicated worker and going back to work is very important to her. Of course, they were very supportive and I think it helped relieve some anxiety. I can tell from listening to her talk over the past several years that she loves her job and her coworkers.
At the request of several people, I've opened an account at Wells Fargo for Nicole. Any money donated will be used to help Nicole and Bryan with medical costs, fuel, bills, etc. If interested, you can stop by any Wells Fargo bank and make a deposit to The Nicole Johnson Benefit Account. I know it will be greatly appreciated!
Things are pretty quiet right now and that is a good thing! Keep the prayers coming!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Prosper
Chemo #1 is done. I spoke briefly with Bryan and he said it went fine. Nicole's mom and grandparents were up as well and are now on their way home. The liver biopsy did come back positive for cancer which is what the oncologist expected. The next appointment with him is in 3 weeks. After 2 or 3 chemo treatments (each being 3 weeks apart), she will have another scan to make sure it's working.
Bryan was joking that tonight will be only the second time they have been alone at the house without extra people since Griffin was born 15 days ago. What a great example of how loved and supported they are but it will be great for them to get back into somewhat of a "normal" routine!
Keep the prayers coming. God is still in the miracle business!
Here is a verse for today:
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future."
(As a side note, prosper is defined as thrive, flourish or to be successful)
Bryan was joking that tonight will be only the second time they have been alone at the house without extra people since Griffin was born 15 days ago. What a great example of how loved and supported they are but it will be great for them to get back into somewhat of a "normal" routine!
Keep the prayers coming. God is still in the miracle business!
Here is a verse for today:
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future."
(As a side note, prosper is defined as thrive, flourish or to be successful)
Saturday, August 23, 2008
500 Laps?
Today was kind of a down day for Nicole. She said it all when she said "It isn't fair". It's a pretty sure bet that those words have been spoken by all of us this past week, repeatedly. She has every right to have days and thoughts like that but my hope for her is that they will be few and far between. Physically, she is feeling well-just a little sore from the liver biopsy.
The kids and I stopped over this evening. We ordered pizza and then watched a NASCAR race. I have to admit I've never really watched a race for more than a few minutes and was surprised to see that they drive around that track 500 times! And they televise the whole thing! Nicole said a woman from work believes guys watch NASCAR so they have an excuse to take a nap. I think I agree (no offense to the fans out there)!
Here are some cute pictures of Griffin from tonight.
Taylor, Claire, Brock & Bryan watching the race
The next update will probably be Monday evening so until then pray that chemo goes well and that the side-effects are tolerable. Pray also that this combination of drugs will be very effective at killing the cancer cells.
The kids and I stopped over this evening. We ordered pizza and then watched a NASCAR race. I have to admit I've never really watched a race for more than a few minutes and was surprised to see that they drive around that track 500 times! And they televise the whole thing! Nicole said a woman from work believes guys watch NASCAR so they have an excuse to take a nap. I think I agree (no offense to the fans out there)!
Here are some cute pictures of Griffin from tonight.
Taylor, Claire, Brock & Bryan watching the race
The next update will probably be Monday evening so until then pray that chemo goes well and that the side-effects are tolerable. Pray also that this combination of drugs will be very effective at killing the cancer cells.
Friday, August 22, 2008
He Will Quiet You With His Love...
4 weeks ago Bryan & Nicole fulfilled one of their dreams and bought a boat. Not just any boat but a nice, big pontoon. One that was big enough for the whole extended family. We were all so excited and couldn't wait to spend the next day out on the lake fishing. The sun was shining, the toddlers were on their best behavior, and we even caught quite a few fish! Ok, they were little fish, but still fish. Nicole was miserably pregnant but our baby predictions kept her amused. My brothers, sister-in-laws, husband and myself felt like life couldn't get any better.
2 weeks later, the clouds started rolling in. The sky began rumbling. We prayed it would quickly blow over but, instead, it opened up and poured. Today I keep thinking back to that day and how carefree life was. I'm glad we had it.
But, this storm will pass.
I am counting on many more of those sunny days next summer. But next time I'm decorating the pontoon with balloons & banners. I'm making tons of cupcakes and we're having a victory celebration with Nicole as our guest of honor! I hope every one of her family members and friends will join her (although we'll have to take turns on the boat):)
Enough of my emotional rambling and on to the real update. Nicole had her liver biopsy this morning. It went well but she had to lie on her right side for over 3 hours straight afterwards which really sucked! Bryan's mom & stepdad are up for the weekend and Nicole's mom & grandma will be coming on Sunday (sorry if I missed anyone). Bryan & Nicole were soooo appreciative to learn that Bryan's coworkers have donated 5 weeks of vacation time for him to use and more may be coming. I know all the support they are receiving means so much-the phone calls, flowers, help with the boys and prayers. I've seen Nicole read the cards that have been sent and they always bring tears to her eyes.
Lastly, although I'm not a theologian, this verse has been playing in my head for the past few days:
Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing
The battle is on. Monday at 9 a.m. She is a fighter and she is going to beat this.
2 weeks later, the clouds started rolling in. The sky began rumbling. We prayed it would quickly blow over but, instead, it opened up and poured. Today I keep thinking back to that day and how carefree life was. I'm glad we had it.
But, this storm will pass.
I am counting on many more of those sunny days next summer. But next time I'm decorating the pontoon with balloons & banners. I'm making tons of cupcakes and we're having a victory celebration with Nicole as our guest of honor! I hope every one of her family members and friends will join her (although we'll have to take turns on the boat):)
Enough of my emotional rambling and on to the real update. Nicole had her liver biopsy this morning. It went well but she had to lie on her right side for over 3 hours straight afterwards which really sucked! Bryan's mom & stepdad are up for the weekend and Nicole's mom & grandma will be coming on Sunday (sorry if I missed anyone). Bryan & Nicole were soooo appreciative to learn that Bryan's coworkers have donated 5 weeks of vacation time for him to use and more may be coming. I know all the support they are receiving means so much-the phone calls, flowers, help with the boys and prayers. I've seen Nicole read the cards that have been sent and they always bring tears to her eyes.
Lastly, although I'm not a theologian, this verse has been playing in my head for the past few days:
Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing
The battle is on. Monday at 9 a.m. She is a fighter and she is going to beat this.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Results
Bryan & Nicole met with the oncologist today. The results weren't what we hoped for but not as bad as they could have been (if that makes sense). The cancer is stage 4. There are lymph nodes that are positive for cancer. It is also HER2 positive which will necessitate an additional chemo drug. There are spots on her liver which will be biopsied tomorrow morning. Chemo begins Monday morning and will be every 3 weeks.
Nicole is a strong, resiliant woman who is ready to face this challenge head on. There are so many medication options available and many woman are able to manage stage 4 breast cancer as a chronic disease. Continue to pray for strength and minimal side-effects from chemo.
Nicole is a strong, resiliant woman who is ready to face this challenge head on. There are so many medication options available and many woman are able to manage stage 4 breast cancer as a chronic disease. Continue to pray for strength and minimal side-effects from chemo.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Listen Up OB/GYN Docs!!
While doing a search on breast cancer during pregnancy I was surprised to read on at least 2 websites that it is the most common cancer diagnosed in pregnant women. It occurs in approximately 1 out of every 3000 pregnancies.
Most doctors only do a breast exam during the initial OB visit. Pregnant women need to be educated on this topic. There should be periodic breast exams-perhaps once per trimester. They should also be counseled on starting or continuing monthly self-exams and to report any changes. From brief conversations with Nicole, I know getting the word out on this is one of her goals and will be a future focus for her. So, if you are pregnant or know anyone who is, spread the word.
Today Nicole had her port-a-cath inserted while under sedation. It was done within 30 minutes and she is now sporting 2 super glued incisions! This afternoon she and Bryan met with someone who went over chemotherapy with them. She covered the different meds she may receive, the process, side effects and showed them where she will go for the infusions.
Tomorrow is a very important day. Nicole will first have a heart scan to make sure her heart is strong enough for certain chemo drugs. They will then meet again with the oncologist who will go over the MRI, lymph node biopsy and PET scan results. She should also find out when chemo will begin. Continue to pray like never before for negative MRI, scan & biopsy results!
Linda, Tom, Claire & I hung out with the boys today. There is nothing as sweet as snuggling with a newborn as you feed him a bottle! Linda & Tom headed back to Iowa this evening and we left for home but not before watching Brock finish off his ice cream cake from 2 weeks ago.
Most doctors only do a breast exam during the initial OB visit. Pregnant women need to be educated on this topic. There should be periodic breast exams-perhaps once per trimester. They should also be counseled on starting or continuing monthly self-exams and to report any changes. From brief conversations with Nicole, I know getting the word out on this is one of her goals and will be a future focus for her. So, if you are pregnant or know anyone who is, spread the word.
Today Nicole had her port-a-cath inserted while under sedation. It was done within 30 minutes and she is now sporting 2 super glued incisions! This afternoon she and Bryan met with someone who went over chemotherapy with them. She covered the different meds she may receive, the process, side effects and showed them where she will go for the infusions.
Tomorrow is a very important day. Nicole will first have a heart scan to make sure her heart is strong enough for certain chemo drugs. They will then meet again with the oncologist who will go over the MRI, lymph node biopsy and PET scan results. She should also find out when chemo will begin. Continue to pray like never before for negative MRI, scan & biopsy results!
Linda, Tom, Claire & I hung out with the boys today. There is nothing as sweet as snuggling with a newborn as you feed him a bottle! Linda & Tom headed back to Iowa this evening and we left for home but not before watching Brock finish off his ice cream cake from 2 weeks ago.
We also were able to sit outside and enjoy the cool breeze for awhile with Griffin. Here is a cute picture of Nicole & the baby (hope you don't mind, Nicole!).
Next time I have to get a picture of Bryan to put on here (just to make it fair)!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Test Anxiety
As I type this, Nicole and Bryan are at the cancer center half-way through the first day of testing. This morning was a PET scan and this afternoon is a lymph node biopsy. They don't expect to hear any results until Nicole's Thursday follow-up with the oncologist. Grandma Linny is home watching their boys and I'm sure Brock is loving every minute of it!
Pray that the cancer is localized and all these tests will come back clear. Waiting is the hardest part right now. We are all holding our breath until Thursday's appointment. Then she will know exactly what she's up against.
Pray that the cancer is localized and all these tests will come back clear. Waiting is the hardest part right now. We are all holding our breath until Thursday's appointment. Then she will know exactly what she's up against.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The Beginning...
On August 10th, our family rejoiced when Nicole gave birth to her second child. Weighing in at just under 11 pounds, Griffin Thomas joined his big brother, Brock, and Nicole earned the admiration of everyone!
Three days later Nicole underwent a breast biopsy and we all held our breath praying it was only an infection. On August 14th, Nicole and her entire family were blindsided with a diagnosis of breast cancer.
This coming week will be filled with scans, tests and appointments. Chemo will begin the following week. My goal is to update this website as much as possible & hopefully Nicole will also do so when she is ready.
More to come...
Three days later Nicole underwent a breast biopsy and we all held our breath praying it was only an infection. On August 14th, Nicole and her entire family were blindsided with a diagnosis of breast cancer.
This coming week will be filled with scans, tests and appointments. Chemo will begin the following week. My goal is to update this website as much as possible & hopefully Nicole will also do so when she is ready.
More to come...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
