More blessings!!

Post Chemo Mammogram and Ultrasound

Where is the lump, ask my surgeon???
I pointed to my right boob. Smiling, I don't feel or see it anymore!!! However, let us send you back to  Imaging to obtain post chemo ultrasound and 3D mammograms of both breast.

When I arrived to Charlotte Radiology Breast Center (South Park), I was excited to hearing what the Tech and Doctor had to say! Both the tech and the Dr. was stunned with the outcome of the chemo and explained that my body responded well to the chemotherapy; resulting to the lump shranking and they were only able to locate the metal clip (from the biopsy). Now it's time to prepare for surgery!!!

My search for peace and understanding

My view.... Isle of Palms, God is amazing.

Genetic Test..... Cancer Gene

Now that I have can completed my 6 rounds of chemo it's time to prepare for surgery. However, my surgeon insisted that I meet with the Genetic Counselor for testing. Initially, when I met with the Genetic Counselor, she informed me that through a simple blood test allows her the ability too see If I carry a Cancer Gene; which raises the chances of "Cancer" coming back!!! I'm currently waiting for these results to come back (3 weeks), bc as you know this may change my decisions for my upcoming surgery.

Post surgery follow-up

Today, I attended my first post chemo  appointment with my Surgeon over at the Levine Cancer Institute. I was excited to see that I was back in the room where I began my journey with  breast cancer.

Dr. Scott greeted both me and my sister and was impressed with my lowered blood pressure; with Cancer being the topic at hand. Dr. Scott will be the surgeon whom will be doing my surgery. She reviewed the previous metrics of the lump in my right nipple and identified that she is no longer able to locate the lump by hand!!! So in a few weeks I will get an post chemo mammogram of both breast and prepare for surgery. I'm also meeting with the Genetic Counselor to see if I carry a "Cancer Gene" (<--- I will discuss further in a future blog), which will dictate my final decisions.

Too eat or not too eat.....

Today I was finnaly able to get out of the bed, get dressed and head to Red Lobster for some seafood (this took hours).  Since my last chemo (10.22) I've been in my home in the bed, waiting the fatique and other side effects out.  Today, I'm feeling a little better and comfortable with leaving my home.   

Following all of my chemos eating was a hard task, due to the extreem feelings of nausea, burned tastebuds and motion sickness.... however today a sister is going to attempt to eat something light.

BIG 6

"It" Finally happened, 10.22 marks the date of my final chemo infusion!!! Praise got from whom alllllllllllllllllll blessing Flow!!

10.22.15.... Big 6 (Final chemo infusion).....NOT!!!!

When you and your sister are happy the hard part is almost over. And the nurse comes back and tells you, your blood levels are too low ...and you can't finish your final chemo :( !!! But Jazzy we looked cute tho...lol!!!

One of my many blessing

I've been on FMLA from work since 7/31, and as you know bills don't stop. After speaking to my Social Worker at Levine Cancer Institute, whom forwarded  me various cancer organizations. Earlier this wewk i recieved a check in the mail in the amount of $500.00 to assist me with my Rent. I would like to thank THE BREAST CANCER CHARITIES OF AMERICA for assisting me during this hard period of my life.

To all whom are interested  In applying go to click the link above ASAP they have deadlines monthly!!!

THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY....#CANCER

Following my last chemo session me and my mom decided to keep it moving and head home to Charleston, SC. I grew a little nervous, bc my mom and family would have a opportunity to see how fatigued and sick I get following chemo and my injection shot (2-3 days later). However the outpour of love, concern, empathy and meals was AMAZING!! I was happy bc there were no tears and just pure genuine #LOVE.... and that's was what I needed in my life, especially in that moment!!! #YOLA

Althought, I'm going through this MAJOR hickup in my life right now.... I got to focus on the positive: My Cancer is curable, I caught it early, I don't feel like I have cancer, my medical expenses are covered, I'm young my body can handle chemo, an opportunity to get some work on my boobies (both....lol) ;), bomb support from family, friends, and strangers, well versed and detailed oriented Nursing and Doctor staff members.... and I know my God is able and willing!!! AMEN!!!

#WeGotThis #NoTears #CancerWhat

WITH THAT BEING SAID THE SMILE ON MY FACE COMES FROM THE ABUNDANCE OF BLESSINGS THAT CONTINUES TO COME MY WAY.... TODAY, TOMORROW AND 4EVER.... especially after #Cancer!!!

Round 4 out of 6

(Above) Little woozy...free snacks yaya!!

ROUND 2 CHEMO..... IM WWWAAAYYYYYYY UP I FEEL BLESSED!!!!

I'm so blessed to say I made it through my 2nd round of Chemotherapy!!! I'm must admit, this process is not easy, but it could be worst. I'm just thanking God that my body is accepting the Chemo fusions and the mass is shrinking!!!!!!

The down side of all this is my hair is GONE!!! I was very surprised and taken back, due that my hair falling out so quickly.  As my Chemotherapist said, Chemo fusions are heavy duty medications and there are effects!!! So with that being said, IM MORE THAN WILLING TO SACRIFICE MY HAIR IN ORDER TO SEE ANOTHER DAY #PositiveVibesOnly !!!!

Not only is this a life changing experience, I also have to be mindful of what I eat. No more processed food for me; more wholesome veggies, fruits, vitamins and minerals. My bestest Aunt Lisa sent me a #NutribulletRx to assist me in obtaining the right nutrients that I need to kick 

#Cancers butt!!!!

Me and my mom, she has been here every step of the way #Blessed #Greatful!!!!

THE BIG "C"!!!!!

MY HOPE FOR THIS BLOG IS TO BRING AWARENESS AND INSIGHT TO PEOPLE OF ALL NATIONALITIES AND BACKGROUNDS!!! THIS IS MY JOURNEY WITH BREAST CANCER, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS BLOG WITH FAMILY,  FRIENDS & COWORKERS, WHOM ARE ALSO EXPERIENCING THE BIG "C".

"I HAVE CANCER, CANCER DON'T HAVE ME"

November 2014 I felt a lump in my right breast. I went to see my Primary Care Phyinjectionsm was not able to locatexperiencing I felt in my breast. Weeks later the area started hurting, So I went back to my Doctor and again she was not able to locate the lump; however she referred me to get a mammogram at Palmetto Mammograms.

When I arrived to Palmetto Mammograms I was forwarded to the Financial Representative, whom requested that I pay over $350 which was the remaining balance after my insurance. I utilized my bargaining skills and referenced making a drafting payment plan from my checking account. They declined my offer and stated that they could not render services if the balance was not paid in full. Now at this time, it was around December 2014 and I was preparing for my transition to my new position in Lancaster, South Carolina and moving back to Charlotte, NC; so as you know my pain took a backseat.

Diagnosis

While in Charlotte I attempted to locate an program where I was able to get an mammogram for free.
However, I was ineligible for all programs, due to being under 40 years old. So I finally scheduled an appointment at The Levine Cancer Institute (Rock Hill, SC) and met with my surgeon Shirley Scott, whom scheduled an array of appointments: 3D Mammogram, Ultra-Sound,  Biopsy, CT Scan, Bone Scan, Heart Scan, Portacath Install, Chemo-therapist and Radiation.

On 5/20/2015 I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductile Carcinoma (IDC) which is the most common type of Breast Cancer. Although, hearing that I have Cancer was one of the most traumatizing events that I ever experienced in my life, I was happy to know that my diagnosis was one of the most common forms Breast Cancer.

The hardest part of this process was accepting that I have Breast Cancer and the getting the Biopsy done. The thought of them digging around in my boob freaked me out literally; but it was not bad at all!!!!  The CT & Bone Scans were painless, which involved me drinking a quart of Gatorade that had blue ink in it; this is for the areas of concern  to show on the scans. HALLELUJAH, the cancer did not spread throughout my body and my heart was very strong.... NOW, I was preparing for Chemotherapy.

Today, I have an team of Doctors (Surgeon,  Chemo-Therapist & Radiologist) at the

 Levine Cancer Institute. Together we are a team with a PLAN!!!! 

The Master Plan

I have stage 2B Breast Cancer, which is scaled from stages 1-4. A few days prior to starting my Chemo, I had an Portacath installed in my upper chest area; which was an outpatient surgery that took about 20 minutes (see picture below).  The twilight sedation used placed me in a light sleeping state, however the procedure was painless. The purpose of the Portacath to reduce the risk of ruining my veins, this is a new wave of technology for Cancer Treatment.

The Game Plan

This is just the beginning of my journey with Breast Cancer, every 3 weeks I will get an Chemo Treatments for 6 sessions. Also, the day after Chemo I'm required to get an immune injection to help boost my immune system. My original impression of Chemo was one medication, but I was wrong; for every Cancer there is an fusion of Chemos that all work together to kill, shrink or get rid of the Cancer.

Here is a video of my first chemo session, which took about 5 to 6 hours. 

This video is the follow-up (6.22.15) visit following my first Chemo session.  Agian, I have to complete 6 sessions of Chemo every 3 weeks and an injection shot the following day. The purpose of the injection shot is to keep my immune system strong, since Chemo weakens your immune system. Honesty, I was doing great after Chemo, and insisted thay my Mom go home. However, once I recieved the injection shot I felt like I was experiening Flu like symptoms, which is what it is suppose to do.