Dear Family and Friends,

 

I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful support you have given me as I’ve journeyed through the pokes, prods, tests and treatment of breast cancer. The love and concern from each of you has been overwhelming!

 

As you’re aware, at about the same time my cancer journey began my Mom fell and suffered a brain contusion. We were uncertain whether she would recover. Things felt very scary to me at that time. Then a dear friend (who has had her share of difficult times) shared some words with me…she said “When things are not normal, do normal things.” What words of wisdom those are! Though difficult to do at times, the very “normalcy” of daily life and God’s grace has kept me from dwelling and worrying too much about my Mom’s situation or mine. And that brings us to today….

 

My last radiation treatment was Thursday, May 27. My doctor said that in approximately two weeks I should see relief from the side effects (the burning and fatigue). I’ll take medication for the next five years, have semi-annual mammograms and visit the oncologist annually.

 

And as for my Mom….she has come a really long way. She will be here the second week of June to visit assisted living facilities in OkC and Tulsa (with Tulsa being her preferred choice).

 

When my sister Peggy closed her practice in New Mexico in April and moved into Mom’s house, Mom was able to move out of the rehab facility and back home. It was very surprising to the therapists how rapidly she improved. We’re so glad she’s gotten to the point where she can help select her new home.

 

When Mom moves to Tulsa or OkC the first of July, Peggy will move to Oklahoma City and start looking for a job. I’ll love having a sister in the same town and hopefully you’ll all get to meet her!

 

Again, thanks for all the prayers, dinners, flowers and love that have been sent my way over the past few months. I am blessed because of you!

 

Love, Patty

 

Radiation starts today

Patty's first radiation treatment starts today, April 12th, and will continue daily until May 26th.

Great News!!!!

No chemo needed! We couldn't have asked for a better report. All of Patty's test results indicated the absence of additional cancer in her breasts or anywhere else. The gene test shows her to be in a low risk category for future reoccurrence  (8 per cent chance). She will taking Arimidex for the next five years (one pill daily) and calcium/vitamin D.  Radiation treatments will begin in a week or so and will be daily for six and a half weeks. The major concern here is that her skin may burn because she is so fair skinned.

As we begin the Easter weekend, the Doublin family has a lot to be thankful for and this has certainly been a Good Friday. The Lord has blessed us with great news. Thanks go to everyone for your prayers and support. God bless each of you.

Patty's new Dr. appointments have been rescheduled for April 2nd. See blog comments posted on March 20th for details.

Frustration Continues

Patty's Doctor appointments for Monday have been cancelled as the Oncotype-DX test results are still not available. We received a call at 6:00 p.m. Friday from the oncologist office informing us the tissue samples just arrived at the lab on Thursday. It is anybody's guess where they have been for the last two weeks. Apparently it will be another two weeks before we know anything. Obviously, this is very frustrating for all of us  and Patty in particular. The other tests, Petscan and Bone Density, have been done and we will get the results at our next meeting with the doctors (date unknown at this time). I will keep you posted as to the latest developments as we proceed forward.

In Limbo

Patty met with oncologist and radiation doctors today but the results are still in limbo pending additional tests which will take an additional two weeks. The first test is called an Oncotype-DX which analyses 21 genes to determine her risk factors for the cancer coming back or spreading. There are 3 risk factors........high (chemo a certainty).......low (only radiation needed) .......medium(a gray area where several different options may be implemented). The other test is a PET scan which will determine if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. PET scan scheduled for March 18th.

Today was a typical Monday where everything went wrong. Neither doctor had the pathology report and we had to wait for it to be sent over. Also, Patty's medical file was inter dispersed with another cancer patient who had infected lymph nodes and it took a while for all of us to separate the proper lab reports, biopsies, surgery, exams, etc. The doctors were confused, we were confused and I guess it was Murphy's law.

So, another blog report will be forthcoming on March 22th which hopefully will answer all of our questions. Please keep the prayers coming and thank you for the great support you have shown Patty. Much appreciated.

pathology repott

Some more good news. Received pathology report from Dr. Beverly Talbert at 5:15 p.m. Friday. Report confirmed lymph nodes were clear. Both tumors removed were cancerous, the largest being 1.2 centimeters. Both were considered Stage 1 and that is really good news. The oncologist will make the determination as to future treatment regarding chemo but Dr. Talbert believes only radiation will be necessary.  Appointment with Dr. McMinn and Dr. Prahbu is scheduled for March 8th and we will know at that time for sure about the type of treatment going forward. So, we are very pleased. Many  prayers have been answered. Thanks to all of you.