Per Your Requests......

Yes... we filled our gas tanks and have plenty of water! :-) All is well so far, it should be interesting to see just how bad Eduardo treats us tomorrow!

I have been asked quite a bit about where to go to look at my pictures for sale. Gene is going to put up my flash page this week on graysonandlane.com but for now you can go to:

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/graysonandlane

I have been practicing my "autograph" for the mats (I need to ship one tomorrow baring any hurricane crisis).

I am still so excited about my dream coming true! I am hoping to have at least 5 more pictures done this coming weekend (once again baring any natural disasters!!). :-)

The only MOMO things that have been going on are that I am STILL very dizzy when I stand up and I have been having a lot of headaches. The doctor seems to think increasing my medication will help.... ???? I was in a MAJOR funk this past weekend and I just have this feeling like I am "floating". I just cannot seem to grasp a thought and I cannot seem to concentrate. Lack of concentration is a symptom of not having a thyroid so hopefully the medication will take care of that soon (I love having an "excuse" for all of my inadequacies!! HAHA).

I hope as you are reading this you are happy and healthy!

GO MOMO!!!!

Doctor Called!!

OK... the doctor called and here is the latest news:

1. She is INCREASING my medication from 137mcg's to 175 due to my blood work results!! I am already on a high dose so increasing it might mean these ever so wonderful symptoms that I have might increase as well, like:

a. My hair is extremely brittle - but I think it stopped falling out

b. High energy - but more shouldn't hurt!!! :-)

c. Headaches

d. Dizziness - usually just when I stand up

e. Dry skin - I just lather up with the lotion daily (yes that is an official symptom)

f. MORE weigh loss... I am at 140lbs right now (my "happy" weight is 165lbs)

That is pretty much it (not too shabby after all that icky stuff I have experienced!!), I have been lucky with my heart condition that it hasn't affected it very much (I thought for sure that would be my biggest problem since the thyroid regulates the heartbeat and the medication speeds the heart up).

2. She said that YES there are 2 new tumors BUT they seem to "look" ok and we are going to use them as my baseline and in 4 months when I have more tests they will look at them again and if they "look" bad or have grown then we will deal with them at that time.

THAT IS IT!!! Remember, this is the doctor that doesn't crack a smile and NEVER EVER laughs at my jokes!!!! She just reiterated that it was CRUCIAL that I don't miss my next appointment because it is VERY VERY important. The woman scares me but she is a phenomenal doctor!!!

So, I am a little anxious how the even higher dose will affect me but the current dose has made me feel SO great (energy wise) that maybe this one will be even BETTER!!!

So many great things have happened this week, including hearing from my Uncle Kee (my Papa's brother) who we were all so worried about!!!! He lives in Peru and we hadn't heard from him since the devastating earthquake 8 months ago! PRAISE GOD HIM AND HIS WIFE DOMI ARE ALIVE AND WELL (and their 2 cats Blackie and PeePee - love that name)!!!

Check back soon!!

My bro-in-law Mike is running the Chicago Marathon as a charity runner for the American Cancer Society in honor of STOMPING OUT MADGE and I will be posting some info on that shortly!!!! GO BRO!!!! LOVE YA!

GO MOMO!!!

** I am designing a necklace right now with MOMO on it! It is a lot of fun!

Ultrasound Update

~ Papa G's Birthday Party Sunday,

July 27th, 2008 ~

LOOK HOW BIG BRENNA IS GETTING!!

(and see how my scar is barely noticeable!!!!)

I am so sorry but I have had NO time to give you an update!! I am about to run again (the good thing is I have the energy to keep running!!!).

I will give a VERY detailed post tomorrow but to appease you here is a "quick" version:

1. Haven't heard a word back from the doctor

2. Saw my ultrasound report and it said..... NO EVIDENCE OF THYROID RESIDUAL TISSUE!!!

THIS IS HUGE NEWS!!! If there is NO residual thyroid tissue (they got it ALL out during surgery) then my recurrence rate is EXTREMELY LOW!!! If there is no thyroid tissue then the cancer isn't going to be FED AND REGROW!!!!!!

The report said 2 unspecific lymph nodes which could mean anything.... even if it isn't good it just means the radiation will keep trying to kill the tumors (remember doc said it will take 3 more months from now to do its complete job) and worst case scenario then more radiation... NO BIGGIE!!! I would love to be quarantined again after working for the past 2 months! WOW - it has been 2 months already!!!

I AM ON TOP OF THE WORLD!!! I feel so fantastic and to know there is NO thyroid tissue makes me feel like I am SO CLOSE TO THE END!!!!

I will update you again as soon as the doctor calls me.

** I think we can almost start singing that song.... NO MO MOMO!!!!

Doctor Visit Today!!!

(more my work)

Well I FINALLY went to the doctor and have something NEW to tell you! I went to see my endocrinologist who is the only doctor I need to see now. She is maintaining my thyroid medication and will arrange all treatments until the cancer is GONE!!!! :-)

Here is what came out of today's appointment:

• Tomorrow I will fast and then have a blood test to check my TSH, T4, Calcium, and hormones since I am on birth control (I think they are under control for the most part!!! HAHA)
• Tomorrow at 2:30pm I will have an ultrasound on my entire neck and collarbone to see if there are any new tumors - this is just a regular check up to ensure there aren't any new little buggers (if there are that means biopsies)
• The doctor will call me after the blood test results come in to tell me if she is going to change my thyroid medication dosage and then I will be on that dose for 4 months
• THEN in FOUR months I see her again for a thema"something"globum (some big word I cannot remember) test to see if there is any thyroid tissue left or that has grown back (if so that means more tests to see if it is cancerous)
• THEN NEXT APRIL I will be taken off my medication for a while (oh I will be so lovely again - I will give you all plenty of warning!!!) and then I will have a complete body scan to see if there is any cancer in my body at all. IF NOT THEN THEY CONSIDER ME CANCER FREE!!!!!!!!
• So, tomorrow we don't want to see any new tumors, in 4 months we don't want to see any thyroid tissue, and next April we don't want to see ANY CANCER!!
• She also said that it will take about 3 more months for the radiation to do it's job so she could not tell me that I am cancer free today! :-(

BUT - we are getting there and I feel GREAT so I could not be happier! :-)

I am going to leave you with this incredible story that recently happened to me:

I had a new patient come in recently on a Friday, he was in his 50's and it looked like he had just been beaten down by life lately. It was decided that he needed back surgery so it was my job to sit with him and explain the process and see if he had any additional questions. He started talking about his back pain and then told me he had recently been diagnosed with cancer and he has been very depressed for a few years. Then of course I put a big ol' smile on my face and told him that I too had back surgery (the same one he was needing) and that I too had been recently diagnosed with cancer but everything has turned out great. He smiled for the first time and then told me that he knew that he was meant to meet me that day, that he has not been able to talk to anyone in years that has understood him the way that I did. He just kept repeating that he was so happy and that I really changed his outlook on everything. He then said he was so happy and was looking forward to start living with a positive outlook. He just kept smiling and telling me how amazing it was that he met me and he knew it all happened for reason that day.

I called him on Monday, then on Tuesday, and did not hear back from him. I started to get worried that he wasn't returning my calls and so I decided to look into it a bit more. That is when I discovered that he had passed away shortly after we had that conversation. I don't know why or how he passed, but I just know that I was one of the last people he talked to.

At first I cried so hard for him not being able to have a little bit longer on this earth to enjoy his new found happiness and outlook on life. After crying all my tears I do see that at least he got to die with peace and happiness in his life after not having it for so long.

I feel so overwhelmed that God would use me in this way and it just shows me that each and every day God brings people into our lives and our actions and how we act have a direct impact on others.

I hope this story is as powerful to you as it has been for me! I will think of him every day and think that each person I meet could possibly be another person that God has placed in my path for a very specific reason!

LOVE YOU ALL!

I will give you an update after my ultrasound

(probably Sat AM because we are seeing BATMAN tomorrow night!!!) :-)

GO MOMO!!!!

(soon to be NOMOMOMO!!! HAHA)

Finally Some Updates!!

This has been quite the eventful past week! Let me start with the most exciting news!!

As most of you know I have been doing photography on the side for a few years here and there and I actually started to get pretty busy with family portraits, maternity, children, etc.... well being the "people pleaser" that I am it became so stressful for me because I always stressed that someone wouldn't like the pictures they paid for. So, I decided that I would just pursue my true love of selling my own photographs. Being in school and working full time typically kept me pretty busy so I didn't ever quite get to the point where I could sell. Then, I realized that God had me at home dealing with my cancer for a POSITIVE reason.... work on my business! So, every time I had energy I would work on my computer at home and work on it little by little.

Last week I posted 9 pictures for sale and I SOLD MY FIRST ONE (the pic above of the hands - the other is a recent pic I did)!!!! It was literally one of the happiest moments of my life. Even if I only sell that one picture I feel like I have accomplished my dream!!! I have turned down a couple of offers to show my work in a gallery because I didn't feel I was ready (and I was too busy with school & tired from work) but now I am feeling like the time is HERE!!

So, one more wonderful thing has happened due to MOMO!!!!!

Now for my health update! I have officially transitioned from HYPOthyroidism to HYPERthyroidism. What that means basically is the medication has kicked in and it makes my body work in overtime.

Here are some of the changes I have had:

• I have come OUT of the lethargy stage and now I have GREAT energy.


• I no longer have the COLD bouts, they have been replaced by HOT FLASHES! HAHA!!


• I have also lost 4lbs due to the overactive metabolism the pills are causing.


• My hair is already reproducing new growth


• The dizziness & "blackouts" are MUCH better - I think this was the "transition" period


• My skin looks like a 16 year old girl - my hormones are whacked out!


• I am no longer having extreme emotional ups and downs (well you tell me - HAHA!)


• I still am having the sharp stomach cramps - that is a medication side effect


• My skin is SUPER dry, I have to lather in lotion several times a day - typical symptom


• My throat has been bothering me lately, I actually couldn't swallow at all for a few minutes on Saturday - really freaked me out. I also lost my voice for a bit today.


• MY TASTE CAME BACK!! I forgot to tell ya'll, it was actually only gone for 2 weeks!!

I think that is it! There are so many small thing, I try not to think about them. My focus is my energy and that has really been great. I am taking a B12 every day and I think that has a large part of it along with the thyroid meds kicking in.

I also was encouraged to hear from my Aunt Betty in San Angelo, Texas this week and I also heard that my grandma in Las Vegas is doing well (we have been worried about her). It is times like these when you see how much your loved ones really care and how much everyone means to each other, my family has been AMAZING and I am so thankful to each of them for their incredible support and unconditional love!! I LOVE YOU ALL AND AM SO BLESSED TO BE A PART OF THIS INCREDIBLE FAMILY!!!

So, it has been a WONDERFUL week!!! I have sold my very first picture and I am feeling much better - as long as I don't overdue it or stress, then my symptoms come 10 fold (along with the motion sickness, etc.....).

My doctor's appointment is next Thursday 7/24 @ 10am. I just might have another update before then! It has been so wonderful getting all the feedback about this blog. I am so glad that you are here reading it!!

TWO THINGS BEFORE I GO

As most of you know I have been helping the Lost Boys of Sudan for the past 8 years now and my very dear friend Jacob has recently found out his parents survived the war (they were separated when Jacobs village was burned to the ground and most adults were killed by the rebels). He really wants to go home to Sudan in December but working a minimum wage job and going to school full time doesn't leave much money for the $2,500 airfare. If you would like to donate some money for Jacob's airfare please e-mail me at brandykc72@yahoo.com and maybe we can get him reunited with his family!!! He has not seen them since 1991!!!!!

Second, my bro-in-law Mike is running the Chicago Marathon in October as a charity runner for the American Cancer Society (in honor of "stomping out" MOMO). If you would like to donate to the cause please e-mail me as well!

IT FEELS SO GREAT TO START HELPING OTHERS AGAIN INSTEAD OF MYSELF!! I am starting to feel back to my OLD self! The hardest part of this process so far was having to stop and have others take care of me.

I cannot wait to start giving back!!!

LOVE YOU ALL!!!

GO MOMO!!

So Far So Good!

First, those puppies were almost a part of this family! I fell in love with the white one (had the bluest eyes!!)...... oh well...... I don't need any more animals! The ones I have give me enough trouble!!

Last weekend we went to my mother-in-law's house and ended up spending 9 hours in the local ER due to a family member getting very ill - turned out ok thank goodness(left right after that picture was taken). I tried VERY hard to be a trooper but the next day I got so sick, I still don't know if it was from being upset and the stress or all the SEAFOOD I ate that weekend! As most of you know I am not really supposed to be eating iodine due to the type of cancer I have.

Anyhoo..... this past week was my first full week back at work and lucky me it was a holiday week! The girl who took over my job when I left was out on vacation so I was able to do my old job and let me tell ya... I don't know how I ever did it! No wonder I was always so tired and looked so haggard. After a couple of days they did give me help. Although I have had a ton of energy and have been feeling pretty darn fantastic!

The only things I am still experiencing are:

• Extreme dizziness when I stand up no matter how slow I take it - I completely blacked out this morning (it was HILARIOUS - I am so glad no one saw it- HAHA!!)


• Bouts of extreme coldness


• Headaches


• A little bit of the motion sickness feeling

The great news is these symptoms are only a few times a day now instead of constant so I am feeling so GREAT! I only get more symptoms and all at once when I get overly stressed, emotional, or overworked (hint, hint.......haha!).

So, I am just trying to take it easy! I sit down with a hot drink quite a bit and just think about how lucky I am!

I am still running into people that didn't know that I went through this and it is so nice that they can see me when I am feeling so good. I feel like the hard part is over and we ALL made it through it!

I have been feeling so much better lately that I have really gotten back into my photography. I have been creating a lot more lately and I started to sell which is my dream finally coming true. I love my new pieces and they really do come from straight from my heart which makes them very special to me. I feel like this MOMO ordeal has made me realize my priorities again and to have such special people encourage me makes ALL the difference! I am SO LUCKY!!!!

Oh yes.... one last thing to report. My hair did start to thin out. It isn't that bad (I would say about 20% loss) but of course I have to admit I was saddened and a little surprised that it did actually happen. BUT - it is just thinning...... please, I can handle it and if it gets worse I will finally get my brunette hair that I have always wanted, thanks to Raquel Welch! HAHA!!!

ENERGY: 8

MOOD: Creative and thankful

WEIGHT: 144lbs (trust me, I have been pigging out and it isn't changing)

APPETITE: I AM A HUMAN GARBAGE CAN RIGHT NOW!!! I am starving all of the time!

Thank you again for sticking in there and putting up with me during those rough days (especially those hormonal ones... goodness ya'll REALLY do love me!!!).

Love you all!

GO MOMO!!!!

Good/Bad Report

Isn't that the sweetest picture! That was the funnest day! We ate my favorite SPUDS fish & chips and had the best ice cream! It is always so special to me to spend time with my nieces and nephews who I love dearly!!!! I am so ready for another trip to Seattle!!! I miss you all SO MUCH!

Well..... last week was very difficult. I would honestly rather go through 5 thyroidectomies and 5 radiation treatments than go through what I did last week. Again, not complaining, I know people right now who are going through MUCH worse but it was so hard not being in control and being able to stop my symptoms. There seemed to be NOTHING I could do to feel better, not taking a nap or taking any sort of medication. I got to the point where I literally wanted to "throw in the towel" but I had a few people tell me to keep going and to keep my eye on the end result and even though I cried and pitched a fit (don't worry I did it in the privacy of my own home - haha) I didn't just lay down and give in like I had wanted to. I don't think there are words to explain how helpless and frustrated I felt at not being able to do anything to feel better. Those were definitely the hardest few days of this entire process.

However, I am happy to report about Friday at 4pm I just all of a sudden felt better! I was sitting at my computer typing something when I realized all of my symptoms were gone and I felt extremely content. I did take several moments that day to just sit in silence and breathe and to keep reminding myself that it was not as bad as it seemed. Through the weekend I did farely well, I had my bouts here and there and I tried very hard to not over do it.

I am SO happy to report that today I had NO symptoms and no "bouts" of the lethargy what so ever!!! The only thing I experienced were several bouts of the coldness but that is EASY to handle (who doesn't love to sit down with a hot cup of tea or coffee to warm them up??).

So, I do believe my thyroid medication is finally kicking in and I have added vitamin B-12 to the mix which I also think is helping. I FELT GREAT TODAY!!!!!!! Of course I came home and took a 2 hour nap but who doesn't have those days? :-)

I am SO happy right now! Thank you so much to those who always keep me encouraged! I have been so blessed to have people in my life who know when to push me and when to just hold me.

I hope I can continue these great reports! I still have to wait for my doctor's appointment on JULY 24th to know what the next step is but if today is any indication I think we are almost there!

GO MOMO!!!!

Big Weekend!

This past weekend was my first trip since I found out about Madge at it was WONDERFUL!! We drove over to New Orleans on Friday and we had some bad weather on and off but it was a great trip since we caravaned with Bill, Ginger, and Brenna. We got to Grammy's house and Uncle Mike and Lauren were there which was a GREAT treat! We all had a wonderful time as always and Grammy fed us VERY well!

We stayed in a cute little hotel near the French Quarter... I picked it for the pool and location but we had bad weather most of the weekend and I couldn't get out of bed due to the down comforter and pillows being way to comfortable! :-)

Saturday we went to JP's family reunion and of course ate some wonderful Cajun food and once again had a lot of laughs. Unfortunately I started feeling pretty bad and it just upset me that it was hard to even have a conversation with someone. I was so dizzy and just kept feeling like I was going to pass out. This has been getting a little worse each day.

I rallied though because I was not going to go to New Orleans and NOT go out to the French Quarter at night and experience the culture and the fun to be had! We did go out with Bill & Ginger and I got to have some drinks and for those who know me know I LOVE TO DANCE - I got to shake my booty for a while which was GREAT!!! I needed to have some FUN and let loose after the past two months of treatments and constant thoughts of MADGE!

Sunday we went to Cafe Du Monde for their famous cafe au lait and beingnets (good hangover cure too). Then we headed out of town. We had the WORST weather and traffic on our way home! It ended up taking us 7 1/2 hours to drive home. I was so exhausted! I woke up today and felt like I had been hit by a truck!

Today at work was very difficult. There really isn't anything I can do at this point. I am just waiting for the medication to kick in which takes 6 to 8 weeks and I am only on week 3! I just have to suck it up and keep pushing forward. I wanted to give in so bad tonight and just stop fighting so hard but my sisters and best friend really kept me going today!!! I have been a complete emotional wreck (those hormones are still out of whack) and I cannot express how thankful I am that everyone is putting up with me!!! Just hang in there - you will get Brandy back soon!!! I HOPE!!! :-)

I leave you with part of an e-mail that my dear friend Debby sent me today:

Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those who don't believe. But I thank you that I believe.

This has been the hardest part of the battle for me and it is taking everything I have to stay focused and STRONG! Please be patient with me and know that if you do not hear from me it is strictly due to me not feeling well .... I will be back one day stronger and better than before but until then please just understand that I have to "check out" sometimes. Please do NOT take it personally! I love you all dearly and I cannot wait until the day I can focus on everyone BUT myself again! :-)

GO MOMO!!!

Getting A Little Rough....

Look how adorable my nieces and nephew are (and little brother Sparky)! They made me a MOMO sign (full of sparkles as they know how much I love my sparkles!!). TOO CUTE!!!

Well my loved ones & dear friends, each day has been getting just a little harder. I was not expecting this at this point so needless to say I am a bit disappointed BUT as I always say it is still not that bad in the whole scheme of things!!

I keep getting asked about what I am feeling so I am going to give you a quick run down:

• Extreme head rush when I stand up - no matter how slow I take it


• Random bouts of dizziness - about every 15 minutes


• Still have no taste and the constant metal taste in my mouth (although for some reason I ate a TON of chocolate today and even though I couldn't taste it I just felt better - HAHA!)


• Bouts of lethargy - which comes with shortness of breath - which is why I don't talk on the phone much anymore - SORRY!!


• Teeth/jaw pain (I believe from the saliva gland issues)


• Headaches


• Neck pain around the surgery site - I will get sharp pains out of the blue


• Increased feeling of something in my throat - below my surgery site


• I have had to go back to putting my head down when I swallow (it seems to help)


• Stomach cramps (from the low calcium)


• Feeling faint at least once an hour


• Entire body tingles


• Muscle cramps (mostly legs and arms)


• Nausea


• Disoriented (I have times when I cannot even walk straight)


• When I walk I usually have to have my hand out touching the wall for balance


• Extreme bouts of coldness that are not relieved by ANYTHING! This only happens about 5-10 times a day and lasts for about 10 minutes


• I hate to admit this one but - EXTREME mood swings!! However, I think I have managed to hold it all in rather well (I know some of you might disagree - hehe sorry!) and I have only been caught crying ONCE! I think that is a GREAT feat! Please just love me and hang in there! Just remember it is MADGE - NOT ME!!! :-)

I am sure that is not it.... there are so many little things that happen through out the day. I literally have to take it minute by minute.

My work was very concerned about me today and therefore I am staying home tomorrow to get some rest. I had to lay down at work today for the first time so I agree that I need to take care of myself.

Even though it sounds like a lot it still is nothing to be concerned about, it is just a part of the process to get everything in working order! :-) My parathyroids are apparently still mad at me and hopefully we will make up real soon and they will forgive me and START WORKING AGAIN!! :-) Then some of those side effects will go away. Who would have thought 4 little things the size of grains of rice could cause so much havoc!?

I am REALLY looking forward to this weekend in New Orleans - I FINALLY GET A BIG HUG FROM GRAMMY!!!! She has been one of my biggest supports and encouragers through this process and I feel so blessed to have her in my life! LOVE YOU GRAMMY!!!

Again, just being honest and sharing my process. I am NOT complaining - I still feel SO BLESSED that I have a great prognosis and this is all temporary!

GO MOMO!!!!!

I Made It Through The Week!!!

Well I made it through my first week back at work. I cannot say it was easy but I managed to work 38 hours! The last 2 days were hard and I almost stayed home but I have this inner competition with Madge that she is not going to get me down so I pushed through and it all turned out ok. I am very fortunate that my work is being EXTREMELY accommodating!!! I am working at my own pace and am able to take breaks when I need to (even lay down if necessary). They even put up with my extreme bouts of coldness that I go through - I have to drink hot tea and bundle up!! I wore a turtle neck yesterday - IT IS OVER 90 DEGREES OUTSIDE!!!

I received some lab work back and it showed that my hormones are 20 times higher than they should be so that explains a lot! HAHA! I have had to hold my tongue here and there. :-)

My calcium level is also low and I am experiencing those symptoms, i.e. muscle cramps (kept me up quite a bit last night), tingling in my hands, and abdominal cramping (the cramps are gone from the radiation and are now replaced by low calcium - go figure).

I did have a scary moment on Thursday afternoon where I just started feeling very strange. I couldn't walk straight, I was very disoriented, etc. I went home and rested and it went away. I have noticed that everything is such a FINE balance now. I have to ensure that I have all the right foods, medication quantities, water, sour candy (for the saliva production), etc... to feel normal. Otherwise I always have some symptom going on. I could go on and on about all the little things that I feel or go through but seriously in the whole grand picture it is NOT THAT BAD!!!! I am so blessed!!!!!

I still cannot taste and have that strange metal taste in my mouth. It has made eating a frustrating thing. I just wish that if I couldn't taste food then I would STOP craving it! HAHA!!!

I see my doctor on JULY 24th to get new lab work, go over the Thyroid medication levels, and to discuss what they will do next for the cancerous tissue they say is still there (the report actually says that it is either remaining cancerous tissue or metastasis disease - which means it grew after the surgery). I am sure it will just be another dose of radiation down the road, most likely a smaller dose. We will see. :-) My prognosis is still GREAT so this is nothing to worry about!!!

I am still working hard at being stronger and healthier than before this all happened. I am working out almost every day (not too hard because I still battle my energy issues). I actually saw a muscle the other day I never had before! HAHA!

I will also start physical therapy this coming week for my osteoarthritis in my lower back, the Thyroid medication it turns out makes that worse so I am taking the necessary steps to lessen that pain before it gets worse. I am ON IT!

I hope you are all doing well and just know that when I get a little down or want to just sit and cry (don't forget 20x's the normal hormones) I think of EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU and I get a HUGE smile on my face and I keep pushing on! I love all of your comments, they really keep me encouraged and motivated!! I really am so fortunate to have the BEST family and friends!!!!

GO MOMO!!!!!!

Some Updates

Today was my first day back at work but I was in training for most of the day so it wasn't to hard on me!

I wanted to share with you that over the past few days I have had some side effects kick in and I just talked to my doctor. Here is the rundown:

• On Saturday I lost my sense of taste and my mouth gets VERY dry no matter how much I drink


• I constantly have a strange taste in my mouth - the closest thing I can describe it to is a metallic taste


• When I stand up I get such severe head rush I black out for a second (no matter how slow I take it)


• I have sporadic muscle cramping - mostly in my legs


• I have been having headaches


• Some bouts of nausea


• I have times when I get EXTREMELY cold!!! This actually helped me out when our A/C went out on Saturday (they are here putting in a new one right now) - HAHA!


• I am sorry to say I have been quite irritable!!! Please love me and hang in there - I am trying VERY hard to keep it under control!


• Since these have kicked in on Saturday I have had some more bouts of lethargy but it is more to do with conversation, I can clean and go for walks (that was so great girls!!!) but to sit and have a conversation takes so much out of me. It is really strange. I think it has something to do with the concentration issues...... I am just going with the flow and I am not trying to figure it out too much - there are so many different little issues that if I think about them all it just overwhelms me.

I still feel like I am getting off easy so this is NOT complaining - just sharing what is going on!


My doctor called me just a few minutes ago and this is what she said:

• They still see some cancerous tissue after the radiation and we will discuss the next step when I see her in 6-8 weeks.


• She also said to keep sucking on the lemon candies to stimulate my saliva glands and that it could take up to 12 weeks to get my taste back or it could be permanently lost (I can tell if it is sour, sweet, tangy, spicy, etc... just cannot taste the flavor).

That is really about it! Madge is still here and it will be a slow process but she hasn't been that bad of a guest. :-) The side effects are all from the radiation or the medication I am on.

I am still holding steady at 144lbs and now with all the candy I have to suck on I am sure I will gain some weight and my dentist is going to LOVE ME!!! HAHAHA!!!

I keep getting asked some of the same questions.... here is a quick Q&A for you:

Q: Will I have hair loss?
A: With the radiation and the medication I am on it is almost inevitable, it should start in about 4 more weeks but it will only be "thinning" and not complete hair loss

Q: How does my throat feel?
A: It feels like I have something stuck in there all of the time, I get random pain at my incision site, it still feels like I am wearing a turtleneck most of the time.

Q: How is my energy?
A: It really changes each hour, one minute I am cleaning and full of energy and the next I cannot even talk on the phone. I just never know.

Q: What is next?
A: Well I am not quite sure. I will keep taking my thyroid medication (Synthroid) each day and eating these candies to stimulate my saliva glands but other than that I just have to wait until my next doctor's appt in 6-8 weeks (with the endocrinologist).

Gene got to witness me setting off a store alarm the other day! :-) I am still staying strong, mentally and physically. I have been working out every day (even if it is just 10 sit-ups). I am sad that I cannot hang out with my Sneaksters and Pumkin during the week any more, I was just cleared to see them again and then it was time to go back to work!!! :-(

I was excited to be able to say I kicked cancer in 6 weeks time but hey..... it comes down to the fact that I am just going to BEAT IT PERIOD!!!

GO MOMO!!!!

GREAT NEWS!!!

I had my second scan this morning and the doctor said he saw NO evidence of the cancer metastasising!!! All that radiation that they saw this past Friday is GONE!!! He was very excited and just kept saying, "excellent!!". He also stated that I am 100% safe to be around and I drilled him about Ginger and Brenna and he said with out a doubt it is MORE that 100% safe. I did tell Ginger that I will be coming over ASAP but just to make sure (I take no chances with my little pumkin) that I will still stay 3ft away for a little while longer! :-)

I am still feeling great on the thyroid medication. Tomorrow I start a WHOLE pill, I will try it but if I turn into the "tazmanian devil" then I will just stay on 1/2 pill until I can talk to my doctor (she went out of town).

My doctor said she would be calling me mid-June to go over how I am feeling on the medication and to discuss the next steps. The nuclear medicine doctor said they will do another scan down the road but they will give me a super low dose of radiation and do a scan just to check to see if the cancer is completely gone or if it has come back. I will find out from my doctor when I will get that scan.

I go back to work on MONDAY!!!!! I must enjoy these last few days since now I have energy to! :-) I miss my wonderful friends at work and I am looking forward to chatting with them on a daily basis again.

We went to Mike's grave on Saturday and we sat there for quite some time. I just kept looking at his name on his marker and hearing, "BrandyGirl!!". It just amazed me that here was a healthy 33 year old firefighter with a wife and child who died from an MRSA infection and here I am with cancer and I am going to be perfectly fine! God has a plan for each of us and I am looking forward to getting back to my life HEALTHIER AND STRONGER, I know HE is not ready for me quite yet and I must make the most of what HE has given me!!!

The Scan Results

I apologize for keeping ya'll in suspense.... I have had a very active weekend! :-) Including having company, going to the Hill Country for some homemade pies, and going to Mike's grave since I couldn't go on the anniversary.

I went and had the scan on Friday and it was very interesting. I laid on a table for an hour and it was just this box that went about 1 inch every 30 seconds and scanned my entire body. They put markers on my chin and chest and really concentrated on those areas a couple of more times as well.

After the test was over the tech came in and stated that the doctor was concerned about the high dose of radiation that he saw in my upper bowel/lower lung area. So they want me to go back on Tuesday at 9am for another scan. There are 2 different reasons this could happen:

1. The radiation accumulated in this area and it just is taking it's time moving out (therefore I still have to drink massive liquids so I am urinating every 30 minutes or so - I am going to swim away!!).

2. The cancer has metastasised to this area. I REALLY don't feel this is the case and I am sure the new scan on Tuesday it will prove this! :-) But it does explain to me why I was doubled over with cramping in that area for 3 days and still get it about 3 times a day.

The good thing is the strongest 2 points of the radiation that showed on the scan were the thyroid and the lymph node area. The tech went over all of it for me and showed me my "glowing body parts". It was fascinating!

Since they stated that I still have a very high dose of radiation we feel it is best to still avoid to much contact with anyone, especially Ginger and Brenna since they are the highest risk factors (nursing mothers & babies). It has been VERY hard not to see my BEST friend and my darling little pumkin!

I started my thyroid medication and I honestly didn't realize just how bad I really felt until I started the meds. I feel really good! I have a lot more energy and I really haven't had any of those bouts of lethargy. I was terribly tired today but I think that is more of a mental thing knowing this is almost over! :-)

I hope you are all having a WONDERFUL Memorial Day Weekend!!

I Sprung Out!

Today was officially my first day out of quarantine and it was quite the adventure!

I went off on a mission to find a few things and every store I went into I set off their security alarms. I had to explain that I wasn't stealing, I was just radiating!! - HAHA! I finally just went home, it wasn't worth the trouble. How funny is that??? They had told me I would set off the Homeland Security monitors but I find it rather strange that I would set off security alarms.

The stomach cramps and nausea have subsided for the most part, just a little here and there especially after I eat.

I will start taking my medication tonight! 1/2 pill for one week and then switch to a full pill. Let's hope

Just a couple of more days until the scan, it will be so interesting. I am hoping to take a picture of it for you guys. I was able to see one when we were there the other day and they are really neat!!!

I was a little sad the other day after radiation thinking about how I have been so mean to Madge but she actually has brought so many wonderful things into my life and so many great things have happened because of her. I had to tell her "thank you" but "good bye".

The plan is still to go back to work on June 2nd. I have decided that at least once a week I am going to go across the street to the hospital and volunteer at the cancer unit to give back what little that I can. I have been so fortunate and I want to do anything I can to help others who have not been in their fight with cancer.

GO MOMO!!

A Break from Quarantine!!

I begged and begged to get a few minutes out of my cave to write ya'll this little note. We had to take great precautions but it feels SO GOOD to just walk 50 ft!

My wireless network comes and goes in the bedroom and I was anxious to give you guys this cool information. Thank goodness I can still do my e-mails on my phone!!

Here is what has been happening:

FRIDAY: I went in to the hospital for the radiation and 3 doctors talked to us one at a time going over more information and verified that I was telling the truth and I could comply with the "rules" so that they would release me to go home after the radiation. Here are some more of those "rules:

FOR FIVE DAYS:

• Avoid contact with individuals


• NO BODY FLUIDS TO COME IN CONTACT WITH ANYTHING (tears, sneeze, etc)


• No trips in cars, etc....


• Sleep in separate bed


• Minimum contact is 3 feet (6ft is preferred)


• Do NOT touch pregnant/nursing mothers - it will destroy the baby's thyroid (so sad!!)


• Have a sole bathroom


• Flush 3 times with the lid down


• Wash hands several times


• Drink massive liquids


• Eat sour candy (will explain this one)


• Do not use ANYTHING that someone else will use


• Launder clothes separately

FOR 90 DAYS:

• Do not travel across any borders


• Do not go into any governmental buildings, etc......


• IF SO I WILL SET OFF HOMELAND SECURITY MONITORS - how cool is that???

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

• The radiation goes to the thyroid tissue first and can settle in the saliva glands, this is why they want me to eat sour candy so I will produce lots of saliva to get it out. They also said it settles in the stomach secondly (due to the swallowing, etc.)


• Hair loss in 6-8 weeks


• Bone marrow suppression (don't know what this really means)


• Nausea/vomiting (have had some pretty severe nausea but thank goodness no vomiting


• Superpowers - still waiting for these to kick in (just kidding - haha)

HOW THEY DID IT:

• Went in on Friday morning and did the usual consents, etc.


• Talked to the 3 doctors and they did thorough ID checks at least 3 times


• When they went to get my dose it was not ready so we had to wait an additional 2 hours


• Went back to have it done and they put me in this huge room and then on a sterile field put 2 glasses of water and then like out of a science fiction movie one person brought in a steel tube with large gloves


• He opened it up and inside was a small clear tube with a navy blue capsule


• He handed me the clear tube and told me NOT to touch the pill, just take it like a shot


• I admit I had to hesitate, I knew once I took it things were going to change. It was a big moment


• I took it and then the guy bolted out the room and yelled from across the way that they would come back soon and measure my radioactivity


• I made a few calls and just sat there wondering what really was going on inside my body


• Then the doctor came in with a yard stick and a machine that looked like a car battery


• He made me go urinate first and there was some panic because the toilet wasn't flushing and they were freaking out about the radioactivity


• I then was brought back into the big room and he held the stick out and measured my radioactivity.


• He said since they gave me such a high dose that I was omitting the highest amount of radioactivity possible. He explained that it was like a normal person standing in front of an xray machine for 40 to 50 days straight, that is how much radiation I was omitting - COOL HUH???


• He then asked me to participate in a study where I would chew one piece of gum each day and save it in a baggy... of course I agreed, what else am I going to do?? :-)


• He then gave me my list of "rules" and sent me on my merry way

The ride home was fun, Gene wouldn't allow me to speak in his direction from the back seat for fear my saliva would get on him!! Any body fluids that touch something makes that item radioactive for quite some time. I had some tears fall on a shirt last night and after I realized what happened I had to put it in a bag.

QUARANTINE:

I went nuts on DAY ONE HOUR 7 ! HAHA I have been watching a lot of TV and thank goodness my sister sent me a TV series on DVD. I have been really tired so I have been napping every few hours as well. Unfortunately, I was pretty sick all day and night yesterday and today I am still having those stomach cramps but I am STILL doing MUCH better than I expected and when I think about all of those people that have to go through chemo I thank GOD he has blessed me so much!!!!!

I am actually supposed to be quarantined for 5 days but since it is day 3 I am allowed the 6ft mark so I was allowed to come out and sit on the couch and eat at the dining room table. Of course everything is still a major production but it is quite the adventure.

Thank you to all of those who have called, e-mailed, and texted me!!! Having some human contact surely has kept me sane!!!!

I must get out of this room now.... I have probably infected something by now!

LOVE YOU ALL!!!

• OH AND I GAINED 2LBS!!!!! :-)
• My glue came off my incision and it is BEAUTIFUL! Can hardly see it!!
• I still have a tightness in my throat but NO tickle or burning