This is it!

I plan on this being my final blog post. I have completed all chemo treatments and life is pretty much back to normal. I will see the oncologist once every three months for a while, then every 6 months and finally once a year. It has been one crazy year! My family and I would like to thank you all again for your support.

Blessings to you all!!

Good News!

The good news is that Dr. Dodde said everything looks great. I get to go back to teaching tomorrow :) I feel great. Really, really great. I feel so good in fact, that I expected him to tell me I could return to all of my normal activities. Well, that didn't happen. I had to be reminded that I had surgery 8 days ago and if I were to start exercising and lifting heavier objects, I could easily rip open the incisions. He also brought to my attention the fact that my chest is completely numb and if I were to hurt myself, I wouldn't even feel it. So, look out Hamilton El. friends, because ready or not, here I come. (And I have had plenty of alone time to think and I have thought of a few new ideas to run by you :) To my MVP friends, I'll see you in a couple of weeks. To my church friends, can't wait to see many of you tomorrow evening. To my neighbors and friends that don't work during the day, it has been great seeing many of you while I have been home. To all of my other friends, thank you for checking up on me!

Happy Breast Cancer Awareness Day!

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isiah 40:31

I DID IT!

When I was first diagnosed with BC, I told my mom I needed a "cancer project." I thought knitting an afghan would be a good idea. Since she loves to knit, she agreed. She had a pattern that she thought I could handle, and together we shopped for yarn. Now the truth is, I stink at knitting, but I have been determined to finish what I started and here it is!!!

As promised....

I promised lots of you I would update often while I am home recovering from surgery. There's really not much to tell you at this point. Yesterday my mom and I just kinda kept moving around the house doing some laundry and she was gracious enough to do all of the ironing! As a result of the anniversary celebration we had for my parents back in September, enough donations were made to Love Inc. in their honor that we now have the opportunity to be food distributors from the food truck. Yesterday we were able get this event scheduled for Friday, Feb. 11. BRRR!!!! We also went for a ride to see some of the beautiful fall colors. In the afternoon we watched a movie and worked on our projects. Once the girls came home from school, my mom took Keagan to the doctor since she is still not feeling even close to 100%. More blood tests were taken and we should have the results soon.

So, no naps yesterday and I slept pretty well last night. I am MUCH more comfortable with these implants than I was with the expanders!!! Later today I will take take my first peek at them and also take my first shower since Monday :)


Robin

Success!!

The surgery yesterday was successful! I was coupon shopping at Meijers trying to pass time when my cell rang and it was the hospital asking me to come early! I was so happy. When you are on a no food/no drink diet until after surgery, an hour is a big deal. I was, however, on a roll at Meijers! They have some really good deals there this week!

Everything went smoothly. When Dr. Dodde came out to see Randy, he said "Well, I did what I said I was going to do and Robin is doing just fine!." I was home by 5:00. I slept on the couch, had a little dinner, went to bed at 8:15 and slept most of the night. I got up a few times for a drink, but other than that, I slept. I was even able to get comfortable on my side.

My mom is coming to spend the day with me today.

Thank you, everyone, for your kind thoughts, cards, chocolate, and prayers!

Surgery again!

I am scheduled for surgery tomorrow. The purpose of this surgery is to take out the expanders and put in the permanent implants. I have to be at the hospital at 1:15 p.m. for this procedure. Since this is the fifth time I will be under anesthesia since January 23, it is becoming very routine. Please pray with us that the procedure will go well and the healing process will be super speedy.

Robin

Quick Update

Just a quick update tonight. Everything is going so well and we are so busy, I don't update very often! I'll just let you know what my medical calendar looks like for the next couple of weeks.

Tomorrow: Herceptin (I only have to miss a half hour of school)
Next Tuesday: Dr. Krause (OB check up) I'll be late for school, but I'll be there!
Friday, October 8: Run around town with Keagan as we prepare her for the homecoming court. I know it isn't anything medical, let's just hope it doesn't turn into something needing medical attention! I'll be out of school for the entire day.
Monday, October 11: Surgery - remove the expanders and place permanent implants.
Tuesday, October 19: Post op appointment. Hopefully I'll be able to return to school on the 20th.

I've had a 24 hour pity party for myself. I am so enjoying teaching and my life right now that it frustrates me to think of all of these appointments and facing yet another surgery. I'll get through it though!

Good night!

Robin