Carrie's Plan

On February 11, 2013, Carrie was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer(TNBC). She found a lump in her right armpit  about two weeks after Baby West was born.  She thought it was related to breastfeeding and so did the doctor.  Just to be safe, she had an ultrasound, mammogram, and then biopsy.  They found a malignant tumor in her breast.  We have a very large fight on our hands.

First, I want to thank you all for being so supportive. We love our family and friends, all of you are always on our minds, and we know that you send constant streams of thoughts, prayers, and positive energy our way.  It has already made a difference.

I will maintain this blog in order to keep family and close friends updated on the latest news. Before I move on though, I'd like to make sure to mention that each and every one of you should examine your breasts.  Women under 40 don't usually have mammograms.  The kind of cancer that Carrie has disproportionately affects women under the age of 40. This is a very aggressive cancer, and does not respond to all cancer-fighting drugs. There is a plan in place for Carrie, and I will attempt to lay it out for you in this post.

As I said already, Carrie already had a mammogram on her right breast, and a biopsy of the lump; the results of those test came back positive for cancer. The doctor also believes that the cancer is in at least three lymph nodes that she can see. On February 21st, Carrie will go in for a mammogram on her left breast to verify the cancer is not there as well. She will also have biopsy done on a lymph node on the right side, which I already mentioned the doctor suspects is cancerous.

Carrie is scheduled for a PET scan on 2/26, which will help determine if the cancer has metastasized, or spread to any other region. This is the most concerning to us, for obvious reasons. We do have reason to believe that Carrie caught this early, which would mean it hasn't had a chance to grow and spread. I will disclose results from that test soon after we get them. Positive thoughts: send them our way.

Carrie will start chemotherapy on March 1st.   They will install a port in her chest, under her skin, to accept the chemo drugs.  The treatments will last 16 weeks; for eight of those weeks she will receive Adriamycin/cytoxan, and for the second eight weeks, she'll receive Taxol. The first round of
meds will bring on the strongest side effects, including hair-loss, nausea, and fatigue. The second round with Taxol, don't have as many side-effects, but is still no walk in the park.

After the 16 weeks and multiple other appointments, Carrie will have a double mastectomy and some lymph nodes removed, followed by a few weeks of radiation.  If all goes well, she can have reconstructive surgery a year later.

The outpouring of kindness and generosity from our family and friends has been substantial. We know we're supported, you have all made that very clear, thank you for that. Sometimes it is difficult to accept the fact that at some point we will need help, and I know that this is only going to get more difficult as time goes on, so I won't turn down your efforts to assist us. The most frequent thing people have offered to help with are meals.  Just so you know, Carrie and I have been eating healthy; we both stick pretty strictly to the Weight Watchers diet- lots of fruits, veggies, and lean protein. Meals that can be frozen would be optimal. Some days, we are both emotionally and physically exhausted.  Making dinner is a challenge.

Carrie will likely change her diet even more as a result of the cancer, so she has ordered some cook books that will help with that. So far, we're thinking it will focus on low fat, non-dairy (almost vegan) with lots of anti-oxidants.  Maybe if we provided recipes, those that offered to make meals could use them?  Or maybe it would be easier to put together meals for everyone but Carrie.  I don't know, maybe some feedback would help.

Lastly, Carrie is doing pretty well, although this news has shaken us up quite a bit as you can imagine.   Carrie is focusing on maintaining a positive attitude, and I am staying by her side as much as possible to see her through this. Carrie is the strongest and smartest person I ever met, and if anyone can do this, I know she can. Our children provide lots of laughs, loves, and smiles every day, and as we all know, nothing is more powerful than that. West (8 weeks old) is smiling more each day and growing so fast; he is with Carrie all day long, which makes Carrie very happy.

We do not intend to isolate ourselves from our friends and family.  Of paramount importance however, is that Carrie doesn't get sick.  This will be a challenge given my job in an elementary school and the fact that we have young kids.  Before each chemo session, the doctor will review Carrie's blood levels.  A virus or infection could delay her chemo schedule.

Thanks again for your love and support,

Updates to come....

2/16/2013

Meal update:3/30/13
Meal Website, organized by Jen Hoyt
http://www.foodtidings.com/Schedule/View/4759ae79-87c7-436f-a5b5-3e16ac940e55