tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15997399461028947002024-02-21T22:13:19.056-06:00Dear Santa, I know I was bad, but the lump goes in my stocking!Welcome to our blog! On December 18, 2012 I was diagnosed with DCIS Stage 2 Breast Cancer.
In the United States, less than 5% of all breast cancer cases occurred in women under age 40. I was diagnosed at 35.
This blog is about our journey and used to keep our friends and family updated on what is happening. It will be updated by myself or by Zac (when I am unable to update). We thank you so much for your prayers and support.Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-54729906012722501812013-03-28T16:13:00.000-05:002013-03-28T16:13:30.517-05:00Chemotherapy in process<b>March 21, 2013 </b>- went to go get my wig fitted today. It was fun & I'm very happy with my purchase. What do you think? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-2IlZ-1Wv46uQB9PFCMeY63HllhtZl0LiMF4FCxf584rkAAJ42OlIJ_Iwrax0h9nasM-S9b2K737JY-a1ga1u9W7-UmpEj1Ct-70ynmA_MN78j3UQcn43X4DXtGjIs_DImJJh-UxMqY/s1600/photo-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-2IlZ-1Wv46uQB9PFCMeY63HllhtZl0LiMF4FCxf584rkAAJ42OlIJ_Iwrax0h9nasM-S9b2K737JY-a1ga1u9W7-UmpEj1Ct-70ynmA_MN78j3UQcn43X4DXtGjIs_DImJJh-UxMqY/s320/photo-5.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
I'm totally loving not having hair. Just sucks because I have to wear makeup because I look like a little boy. Lol! While being fitted, we turn around & see Zac like this....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1CGnk8kRAFHVyX5cSZVQgcAVAyvshTKcpUM9N9DleATxMOoQz95DuVkmUHKgu7C65zTdh8mlscJJRZZ-DYEV41bS3r_XEa-YMUZYI-anDnnIWTsLmiOz32pXXLkdOGwsIraPQVXz1S4/s1600/photo-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1CGnk8kRAFHVyX5cSZVQgcAVAyvshTKcpUM9N9DleATxMOoQz95DuVkmUHKgu7C65zTdh8mlscJJRZZ-DYEV41bS3r_XEa-YMUZYI-anDnnIWTsLmiOz32pXXLkdOGwsIraPQVXz1S4/s320/photo-4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Never a dull moment. LOL I've been told he looks like a pirate. I love the wig, but its hard to get used to having SO MUCH hair. My hair has always been so thin. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>March 22, 2013</b> - I had several appoints at MDA today, but my last appointment was my first chemotherapy treatment. It was suppose to start at 3:00, but that didn't happen because of miscommunication. We FINALLY got into the room at about 5:00 only to have the nurse tell us that they see Xrays of my port, but have no record of it. Really??? It's sticking out of my chest. They sent me down the hall to have my port accessed and we waited for about another hour. My treatment lasts about 3 hours and since we left at 9:00 am I was exhausted, grumpy, and anxious; not a good combo. Needless to say, I went Cajun on some folks (and later apologized). After the port was accessed, we went back to our room to begin chemotherapy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSd8e3RTBlUFYIBpVRdySutzwcluF7ll7afYrNnU9QiqdGhNXYTlNn9MsqWBu5GafPAJLPl6eDvZA-qRq46uj0bukhmi9gSp5RLE0LsaBWkisuWhgSQS6YI2m1kr6jdJUkmk0gkgptsM/s1600/photo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSd8e3RTBlUFYIBpVRdySutzwcluF7ll7afYrNnU9QiqdGhNXYTlNn9MsqWBu5GafPAJLPl6eDvZA-qRq46uj0bukhmi9gSp5RLE0LsaBWkisuWhgSQS6YI2m1kr6jdJUkmk0gkgptsM/s320/photo-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My first drip was a combo of anxiety meds, steroids, and anti-nausea meds. I was a happy girl! Then we started with the FAC treatment. Here is a pic of all my IV drips...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46HTrwXr9uUtdspwhZ2gNlYuSTtoCbu2-MUBvirnSqKJk0c81Q7oyY8P3AgxuGGWRJVQZgukDmPnr88a9f1RauHbyqipP-O0wBrzd1UTh2rVz2IXjW4vLWDze4z1OP_5Rx10N4Omczso/s1600/photo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46HTrwXr9uUtdspwhZ2gNlYuSTtoCbu2-MUBvirnSqKJk0c81Q7oyY8P3AgxuGGWRJVQZgukDmPnr88a9f1RauHbyqipP-O0wBrzd1UTh2rVz2IXjW4vLWDze4z1OP_5Rx10N4Omczso/s320/photo-3.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We didn't get home until around 9:30 pm. Don't really remember much, because I think I slept. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The past week has been ok. I've been a little tired and have had some tummy issues. I haven't puked or anything so that is good. My first 10 days following treatment my white blood cell count goes down and I've very prone to infection, so it is suggested that I stay away from sick people and out of the general public. I have tried to stay indoors, but I'm going crazy and I'm pretty sure I'm driving Zac crazy. I would love to spring clean the house, since I have so much time, but I get tired pretty easily. Going to go home to "The Groves" this weekend to celebrate my Godchild, Hannah's, birthday with a crawfish boil. Probably won't eat much because I don't have much of an appetite, but I just want to be with my family. Hope everyone has a happy Easter!!!! We love you all and thank you for your support!</div>
Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-66005042549132388972013-03-22T02:09:00.003-05:002013-03-22T02:09:31.860-05:00Spring is in the air & all I hear is buzz buzz buzz<b>March 20, 2013</b> - First day of Spring!! We celebrated by shaving our heads! I was really nervous about doing this, but because I'm a control freak (yep, who would have thunk it ;)) I decided to shave my head instead of just letting my hair fall out. I prepared myself mentally for an extended period of time so I wouldn't freak out or cry. It helped that Zac shaved his head with me. So we went to his mom's & his dad came over to enjoy the show. Lol. I did save my hair (if you were wondering). I have to say, I love the bald feeling!!! I did attempt to do a mohawk, but when you have curly hair, that doesn't seem to workout. Here are a few pics.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieB9xbTxRKjqBPydsReEk5ln-5CM0TvhWNVMitUiH5Vr1xixuS9c_Hh7FT8cs3nJW4qXvU1FS5XoPgbiJadktanVYL97WjcaeLoRCGo6RlAn1XjsOhWvytA4nLi-ce3euIEhXAtS9mhfk/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieB9xbTxRKjqBPydsReEk5ln-5CM0TvhWNVMitUiH5Vr1xixuS9c_Hh7FT8cs3nJW4qXvU1FS5XoPgbiJadktanVYL97WjcaeLoRCGo6RlAn1XjsOhWvytA4nLi-ce3euIEhXAtS9mhfk/s200/image.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting off the ponytail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwFa99sCO79flBjQrIpFyw8UVKBxxiOswcdUM6CQ4VJ0uvEAkfhYeXdMkh-YuVrmFEL2WgTaRoPMxGYDOKqoiU39gzuJXJZFRE9roy6fNAKJDtBlT1iJqMs-8YtX8n4OF_6hGiwDTuLA/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwFa99sCO79flBjQrIpFyw8UVKBxxiOswcdUM6CQ4VJ0uvEAkfhYeXdMkh-YuVrmFEL2WgTaRoPMxGYDOKqoiU39gzuJXJZFRE9roy6fNAKJDtBlT1iJqMs-8YtX8n4OF_6hGiwDTuLA/s200/image.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ponytail cut off</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbAkblhCJJQ0HdCAH5raa3szb7Z_Yau-qaDRSXJ6keGypMxB0LLhcJliz6wCdgUAhPY49ofctkJgyKUk1RXi3Sq7Gbgui5K5XPfST8ufLQM286SeJV1HhuAt5DEaWhLvEDtx2X6hq6Tc/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbAkblhCJJQ0HdCAH5raa3szb7Z_Yau-qaDRSXJ6keGypMxB0LLhcJliz6wCdgUAhPY49ofctkJgyKUk1RXi3Sq7Gbgui5K5XPfST8ufLQM286SeJV1HhuAt5DEaWhLvEDtx2X6hq6Tc/s200/image.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDjyR0W_8tOttW3glHP0Ye79pgtoefVMQ9qwnBaq75c5YKXpdByWWxZX_htKoHf-5N_vCFUWu4zwVVmQ2mFzjhvAPww1Ehch_-kO5HNfmte7GfKP8KmkyTPlADz2lWM3-NkxdhgNMp8k/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDjyR0W_8tOttW3glHP0Ye79pgtoefVMQ9qwnBaq75c5YKXpdByWWxZX_htKoHf-5N_vCFUWu4zwVVmQ2mFzjhvAPww1Ehch_-kO5HNfmte7GfKP8KmkyTPlADz2lWM3-NkxdhgNMp8k/s200/image.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In process</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgnRUlQwWSn6PueBli-iXzpLHfK45Vx3jNZQorPMYMdkTN11vOU7uXn_pXVx5Nb-R7i6pePNSb8eE0y8B_D3ib_6h2ELcrvG3-AAUaGMN-yoXBo1tJnNw6IraUTyEBVwKIA7lwedpX9U/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgnRUlQwWSn6PueBli-iXzpLHfK45Vx3jNZQorPMYMdkTN11vOU7uXn_pXVx5Nb-R7i6pePNSb8eE0y8B_D3ib_6h2ELcrvG3-AAUaGMN-yoXBo1tJnNw6IraUTyEBVwKIA7lwedpX9U/s200/image.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kissee Face</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-z6FpvBpAA5hchVtJ2JE7wdALNkj8NndHSmHtbvIzcJkmL44oscWs4kkcvOtjQIiWtbfT5n-g5ylTs7PJaTTXg9l5UFWEWgaOz6o7FM0F3xr3yudSwI7bGsM4r36IU5xV4piKfM5C-Lc/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-z6FpvBpAA5hchVtJ2JE7wdALNkj8NndHSmHtbvIzcJkmL44oscWs4kkcvOtjQIiWtbfT5n-g5ylTs7PJaTTXg9l5UFWEWgaOz6o7FM0F3xr3yudSwI7bGsM4r36IU5xV4piKfM5C-Lc/s200/image.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your turn hunny!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_How6K1SesuTmT_lWAyuflI9zDdlDw2d5N_f84Ds1CoAc3tzr8AZyx8PYOzQ5ahhGL0zrawf-r4V8fQq8NGYCGv7R9vYI6GXWqHtohZ2X4PKzW6qQ5TPO_rN8M8pDWGDoyDzsW5hUp6o/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_How6K1SesuTmT_lWAyuflI9zDdlDw2d5N_f84Ds1CoAc3tzr8AZyx8PYOzQ5ahhGL0zrawf-r4V8fQq8NGYCGv7R9vYI6GXWqHtohZ2X4PKzW6qQ5TPO_rN8M8pDWGDoyDzsW5hUp6o/s200/image.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished Product!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1epbp-3lKdS9ketmnTItBv9uTe2RhUjilrSPDtLKlI0FnL_WuY9_-hSiJG9NVylq2ti_vbw8kR9i_vVo49etOAfSwBLoGsCb7GxfDpD7ar9VzKxPFaC08Rb3F9hVttnQdXRRXRNI2yX4/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1epbp-3lKdS9ketmnTItBv9uTe2RhUjilrSPDtLKlI0FnL_WuY9_-hSiJG9NVylq2ti_vbw8kR9i_vVo49etOAfSwBLoGsCb7GxfDpD7ar9VzKxPFaC08Rb3F9hVttnQdXRRXRNI2yX4/s200/image.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zac's Mom & me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-88903592855982681472013-03-17T15:05:00.001-05:002013-03-17T15:10:59.394-05:00Besides being cancer free, this is the best news EVER!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>March 7, 2013</b> - Zac and I were suppose to get some good news yesterday, but no news is good news right? Well we got our awesome news today. As he is walking out the door to go to San Antonio/Lake Travis for the weekend, my phone rings. I recognize the number and look up at him shaking. All he can say is, "just answer it". The news...We successfully have ONE <b>embryo</b> that is frozen for us to use in 5+ years after ALL of my treatments are complete. Yep we are (as Zac's brother Josh says) deferred parents. :) I have never felt so much emotion and even writing this, the tears are flowing. Cancer may have taken my boobs but you will not take away the child we have always wanted. Granted, it is not how we all want to start having children, but WE will be parents. As soon as I repeated what the nurse said Zac started crying and I'm trying to keep composure until I got off the phone. We cried together for a while and then he left to celebrate with friends for not only a bachelor party but our future child. I then called our parents and texted close friends and family.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The best part about all of this (because you know I have to look at the positive) is we have 5+ years to pick out names, and save up to give our child to have the best of the best. Well, there is a possibility of us to have a couple babies because the fertility drugs we used has a side effect of multiple births. Damn, I guess I may need to open another account just for our baby(ies). LOL!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>DISCLOSURE:</b> We wanted to share this with everyone reading the blog and have supported us. We know that this is and can be a touchy subject, so please <b><u><i>no one</i></u></b> debate on here their opinion on if they feel that this is right or wrong. This is not the time or the place and those comments will be deleted. We would really appreciate it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you all for your prayers and support!</span>Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-80495873406896223882013-03-10T23:08:00.002-05:002013-03-10T23:08:54.134-05:00Let's catch up...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So since my surgery I've had a couple of appointments. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>February 21, 2013</b> - me, Zac, & mom went for my follow up visit with my shrink to make sure all of my meds were working out. Before the appointment we went to the cafeteria so I could eat a little something. I got a call from Dr. Caudle's PA, Angela, to let me know that my pathology came back. She said nothing was different from what they discovered during surgery. <b><i>Recap</i></b> - they took out 3 ancillary nodes under my arm and cancer was laying on top of 1 of them. It had not penetrated into the actual node and it was measured at 1 mm. They tested 20 other lymph nodes and those were all clear. What that means is I should not have to have radiation!!! Yay!!! Needless to say, I went to the shrink crying of joy....that will be the only time she sees me cry. Lol</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My final cancer is Stage IIB, T2 (size of tumor >2cm), N1 (cancer was found in 1 node), Mi (the cancer found on the node was 1mm in size)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>February 22, 2013</b> - yep we are back at MDA for a follow up visit with my reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Crosby & her PA, Rachel. They took out two of the five drains. Everything looked great except I must have been allergic to the tape they used because I had blisters. <b>No wonder why in the hell I've been itching so bad.</b> They wanted to pump up the tissue expanders, but I declined because I was still super sore. We also met with my Medical Oncologist, Dr. Melhem; she will be the one in charge of my chemo. This is what my chemo schedule looks like:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stage 1 - I will be taking Fluorouracil, Doxorubicin (Adriamycin), & Cytoxan (aka FAC) every three weeks for four cycles and this starts March 22, 2013. This will have to be done at MDA, but the remaining treatments can be done in The Woodlands.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stage 2 - I will be taking Taxol & Herceptin weekly for 12 weeks</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stage 1 & 2 (a total of 6 months) will be the reason I will lose my hair...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stage 3 - I will be taking Herceptin, alone, every 3 weeks for one year and the drug Tamoxifin for 5 years.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will be a busy girl! I should be going back to work during Stage 1 around treatment #3 or #4. It's going to be really hard because I get tire real easily now without chemo involved, but I will just need to take it one day at a time.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>February 27, 2013</b> - very bittersweet moment. I am back at MDA to meet with Dr. Caudle (my Surgical Oncologist) for my <b><u>final</u></b> follow up visit. Everything went well and she said I was healing well. I gave her a little present for thanking her for spending Valentines Day with me and taking good care of me. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>March 1, 2013</b> - Now off to see Dr. Crosby & PA Rachel. I got the remaining 3 drains out and was pumped up an additional 30 cc's (15 cc's in each breast). It really hurt because it's done with a needle which caused my chest to start having muscle spasms. I have video, but won't share because you can see my boobs and I don't want anyone to get jealous LOL, but I will look to see if I can find something on youTube to show how it is done. I was in pain all weekend because the tissue expanders were so uncomfortable.</span>Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-76617885601776478422013-03-09T01:12:00.001-06:002013-03-09T01:12:00.103-06:00Anti-HER2 Therapy for Breast Cancer: Johns Hopkins Breast Center<a href="http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/avon_foundation_breast_center/treatments_services/survivor_care/anti_her2_therapy.html#.UTrgXtP2V9o.blogger">Anti-HER2 Therapy for Breast Cancer: Johns Hopkins Breast Center</a><br />
<br />
I was HER2 positive and this is one of the treatments I will be using. I will still lose my hair because of the chemotherapy I will be on before this step. This will be step #2 for me.Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-41465232655546197262013-03-06T21:14:00.001-06:002013-03-06T21:14:10.269-06:00Breast Reconstructive Surgery (Tissue Expanders): Johns Hopkins Breast Center<a href="http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/avon_foundation_breast_center/treatments_services/reconstructive_breast_surgery/tissue_expanders.html#.UTgFugf6Fwo.blogger">Breast Reconstructive Surgery (Tissue Expanders): Johns Hopkins Breast Center</a><br />
<br />
This is a little information about the tissue expanders I found online. I think they feel weird. Like a foreign object in my body. I am hoping eventually over time I won't notice them as much.Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-12153580953804626232013-03-05T12:13:00.001-06:002013-03-05T12:13:23.656-06:00Study: More Young Women Being Diagnosed with Advanced Breast Cancer<a href="http://www.cancer.org/cancer/news/news/study-more-young-women-being-diagnosed-with-advanced-breast-cancer#.UTY1t8w158o.blogger">Study: More Young Women Being Diagnosed with Advanced Breast Cancer</a>Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-29762618391998766032013-03-04T20:41:00.003-06:002013-03-04T20:41:50.953-06:00Yep I get to go home<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">February 15, 2013 - my reconstructive surgeon (Dr. Crosby) came in around 6:30 am to check on me. She said I did well in surgery & physically I was doing well. She told me that she had already put in 250 cc's into the tissue expanders. Yay!!! After she left I obviously went back to sleep until my surgical oncologist (Dr. Caudle) came in to check on me. She said they took out the first 3 lymph nodes because being HER2+ there is always cancer in them. I only had cancer in 1 and it was 1mm in size. Normally when lymph nodes are removed due to cancer being in them (as well as other stipulations) the patient has to have radiation. Dr. Caudle said that since it was only in one (& if the pathology report came back with nothing new) I wouldn't have to do radiation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They sent off the 3 lymph nodes & tested 20 other lymph nodes and the pathology report would be back in about a week. I have been praying for no radiation because if I have to have radiation then I would never be able to have an implant on the right side (where the cancer was) for reconstruction. Instead I would have to have what is called back flap surgery to recreate that breast. Long story short, many more surgeries & I more than likely would never be very symmetrical. </span>Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-45884261253994194642013-02-17T20:43:00.000-06:002013-03-11T01:55:15.013-05:00Surgery Day part II<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">February 14, 2013 - recovery room.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I got into recovery around 1:40 pm which was great because the surgery didn't last the full 8 hours. I immediately asked to see my family. Around 3:00 my daddy and Zac came in to visit & both told me I looked great. I wasn't in a lot of pain, just groggy. Aunt Jana, Zac's mom, my mom, my Godchild, my Bubba, my sissy, and my cousin Vanessa all came in also. I was in recovery until 8:00 pm because they couldn't get me in a room. Once in a room they told me I could order whatever food I wanted. I ordered but wasn't too hungry because of the meds.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZKEAVojE2JMw7kPKY6JtIaFOV78IyF-0KdTBEEzj0AnCPwt44EleY1BWynuK1d3wjAV4V04Itb8VsJ2DRaoF0A35D_hMol3B6sR4XBg2uRpXTMk9pypZpZyOwDDUTfqUVOU-u8-P-x4/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZKEAVojE2JMw7kPKY6JtIaFOV78IyF-0KdTBEEzj0AnCPwt44EleY1BWynuK1d3wjAV4V04Itb8VsJ2DRaoF0A35D_hMol3B6sR4XBg2uRpXTMk9pypZpZyOwDDUTfqUVOU-u8-P-x4/s320/image.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner Time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsc0FqpORYQ8KdwYwm4LDps-k0IbpKyXNl-hakfO5EkJE9j1GT1g0Wo4matjS-ipbTIvWR5BbGV4VAGUetpdr0A54ssa0WgOcLfuv44Ecy0nqFg4xwLAzdXnYkGi0vv9O5p8XJ65vrzs0/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsc0FqpORYQ8KdwYwm4LDps-k0IbpKyXNl-hakfO5EkJE9j1GT1g0Wo4matjS-ipbTIvWR5BbGV4VAGUetpdr0A54ssa0WgOcLfuv44Ecy0nqFg4xwLAzdXnYkGi0vv9O5p8XJ65vrzs0/s320/image.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bear that Zac's nephews gave me. It has my head cover on from surgery. Her name is CC. Named after Dr. Caudle and Dr. Crosby :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was in a lot of pain and required morphine every two hours. I didn't sleep very well until about 4:00 am. And its obvious from the pics I'm pretty doped up.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-70168216583345065252013-02-16T21:39:00.000-06:002013-03-11T01:56:41.935-05:00Surgery Day!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">February 14, 2013 - I have to be at MD Anderson at 5:15 a.m. for surgery at 7:30 a.m. It's an 8 hour surgery so I'm extremely nervous and scared. Mom, my sissy, and me left the house at 4:00 a.m. I drove there because I won't be able to drive for at least a month. I got checked in and my mom came in the pre-op room where I had to get changed into a gown and start having my vitals taken. Around 6:15 my reconstructive surgeon Dr. Crosby came in to draw on me so my surgeon Dr. Caudle would know what tissue not to take and to go over her procedure with my mom. I don't think I ever blogged that I decided to have a double mastectomy because my chances of the cancer coming back in 20 years was 25% - 50%. Too much of a risk for me and going through this emotional roller coaster once is enough for me. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71gB8WNSgfBy1zZmW0wkr7n-bYEsrxZz3toRj6Rg1pDrRiv5e60xCGbopocD7cBZlgXQ4AOBDLKmws4k55zwQjxQmaLS5XokMlSSEQcBDUGkzKqxVovdYJgK_eZ9s9YO2qQlEuMyjAdI/s1600/IMG_2114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71gB8WNSgfBy1zZmW0wkr7n-bYEsrxZz3toRj6Rg1pDrRiv5e60xCGbopocD7cBZlgXQ4AOBDLKmws4k55zwQjxQmaLS5XokMlSSEQcBDUGkzKqxVovdYJgK_eZ9s9YO2qQlEuMyjAdI/s320/IMG_2114.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Mom before surgery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxyKSx0Cqcc12OHwwuC2k2HzBeGU1vbub7b4GItBN62vtCoIErg8i-QU51HfS8gt0HahhZ3erTRToEyW_DkW0ewBdLaRJuW1aFznniX9phYH6p4gXbV8Jw0o11AE6dvd7pGr5dvsVRp8/s1600/IMG_2116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxyKSx0Cqcc12OHwwuC2k2HzBeGU1vbub7b4GItBN62vtCoIErg8i-QU51HfS8gt0HahhZ3erTRToEyW_DkW0ewBdLaRJuW1aFznniX9phYH6p4gXbV8Jw0o11AE6dvd7pGr5dvsVRp8/s320/IMG_2116.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sexy circulation socks and my chucks. I'm so working this gown. LOL!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After that my mom switched places with my sissy so she could sit with me before being wheeled to the operating room. The anesthesiologist came in and had me sign some consent forms before they got started on their process. So feel free to laugh at the next pics because I did. I remember the first one but not the second lol</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sCeDDCkRcPuVMhUmr4lYZpW7sX8RW_2XgkrwTh7QtsvB5lQ035UIo9DmxbcuIjZHHST21EzczxlvcTCgpYIdtQcQPOBIItAOL1W8C9wxdPuJeyfGrrKncVS0-4MawgYpFSWqPeTZBy4/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sCeDDCkRcPuVMhUmr4lYZpW7sX8RW_2XgkrwTh7QtsvB5lQ035UIo9DmxbcuIjZHHST21EzczxlvcTCgpYIdtQcQPOBIItAOL1W8C9wxdPuJeyfGrrKncVS0-4MawgYpFSWqPeTZBy4/s320/photo-1.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm Sexy and I know it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nRkTvwP-JMT3jDe7b75nnmj9XGMYAJ1lnaZncFcnG5vnsR9RzPCxpWDv5bOKrhZlV300yCbe3pxryL-vSsKI2qs85YVmiXrA5QYnhWf8WGCUrB8JlCZUjZbNASOJIT5WEnHJMnFLKsg/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nRkTvwP-JMT3jDe7b75nnmj9XGMYAJ1lnaZncFcnG5vnsR9RzPCxpWDv5bOKrhZlV300yCbe3pxryL-vSsKI2qs85YVmiXrA5QYnhWf8WGCUrB8JlCZUjZbNASOJIT5WEnHJMnFLKsg/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep I go night night. I remember my sissy saying she was going to take the pic but that was all I remember.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-83370984457280150272013-02-12T00:06:00.000-06:002013-02-12T00:06:38.196-06:00New Do for my Dome<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">January 26, 2013 - Zac & I went shopping for a wig today. I decided that I will only wear it to work and at the weddings we were invited to this year. Other than that, I intend to embrace my baldness. :) I tried on several different styles but felt most comfortable in a "cranial prosthesis" that was very similar to my current cut, color, & style. Maybe once I get used to it I will purchase some different styles & colors. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had a lot of fun throughout the entire process & Zac took pics, but I haven't decided if I wanted to post them or not. The owner of the store assisted us & after measurements & trying to keep a wig cap on I finally chose my style. The entire time she told me I had the smallest adult head she had ever seen. Lol I have always known I had a little head (because I have to wear little boy hats) but to have someone that measures heads all day tell you that, you KNOW you have a little head. Now I know some of you are thinking that means I have a little brain, but not so much. Ha! Ha! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I promise to get the blog up to date before surgery. I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while but I've been really exhausted. Love you all & have a great night!</span>Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-49553999791687470902013-01-22T10:29:00.002-06:002013-01-22T10:29:21.953-06:00Quick Update on Surgery Date<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">January 21, 2013 - Just got a call from MD Anderson. They have been in communication with my fertility doctor. They have decided to move my surgery to February 14, 2013 so that I could complete the process of freezing my eggs. If I didn't already hate Valentines Day, I guess I would have a reason to now. LOL! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sorry there haven't been any updates, but I have been exhausted with this whole fertility thing. Kinda think I may be anemic because I have had so much blood taken. I will try to update tonight or tomorrow.</span>Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-57190128802290086142013-01-18T21:37:00.002-06:002013-01-18T21:37:47.192-06:00FINALLY some good FREAKIN' news!!!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">January 18, 2013 - Got a phone call around 10:30 AM only to have Jessica from MD Anderson quickly say "Amber, I have great news. You tested negative for the BRCA 1 & 2 gene" I almost cried!!!!! That means I get to keep my ovaries and DO NOT have to have a double mastectomy. That also means my sister's risk is lower for developing breast cancer. Now I just need to decide on having only a lumpectomy or a mastectomy on the right side. I want to be safe and positive this will be gone and I will never have to worry about this coming back and have the mastectomy, but I will talk to my surgeon on her opinion now that we have all the pieces of the puzzle.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also today I met with the fertility doctor. After lots of blood work and an ultrasound we (really meaning the doctor) decided on a regiment on how to prep my eggs. Kinda sucks; I have to (or should I say Zac has to) give me two shots a day in the belly for the next 3 days. I go back on Monday and we repeat blood work and ultrasound and will decide on my dosage for the next 3 days, and so forth. We (the doctor) are hoping to remove the eggs on the 30th give or take a couple of days. My fertility doctor and all my doctors at MDA are on the same page and in communication with my treatment. Sooooo - my surgery maybe bumped up a week. I was told to keep an eye on my MDA website to see the updates. I will keep everyone posted (for those who are traveling and/or taking off work) as soon as I hear something.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Zac and I had a very eventful day so we decided to stay home and have a movie/wine/video game/iPad game night. We have friends coming in from out of town this weekend and will be celebrating two birthday tomorrow. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remember, check your breast and have a great weekend!</span>Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-39244848685280717382013-01-18T21:09:00.003-06:002013-01-18T21:38:15.247-06:00"Do you understand..."<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"....the words comin' outa my mouth" (Chris Tucker voice)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">January 17, 2013 - went to see the Medical Oncologist today. Pretty much the meeting was to make sure I understood everything that was going on. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Update - I tested positive for estrogen, progesterone, and Her2+ and my tumor is a Grade 3 (meaning it's medium aggressive). 65% of my estrogen is feeding the cancer. So with that being said, I will be on tamoxifen for 5 years. In which during that time I will not be able to become pregnant. I will be on herceptin for 1 year due to the Her2+ and some sort of chemotherapy for 5 - 6 months. (We are still waiting on the genetics test)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is herceptin???? According to herceptin.com, "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Herceptin is approved for the treatment of early-stage breast cancer that is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">H</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">uman </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">E</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">pidermal growth factor </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">R</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">eceptor </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">2</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">-positive (HER2+) and has spread into the lymph nodes, <b>or</b> is HER2+ and has not spread into the lymph nodes. If it has not spread into the lymph nodes, the cancer needs to be estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (ER/PR)-negative or have one high risk feature.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">*</span> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Herceptin can be used in several different ways:</span></span><br />
<ul class="adjuvantList mvn condensed" style="line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">As part of a treatment course including the chemotherapy drugs <strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">A</strong>driamycin<sup style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">®</sup> (doxorubicin), <strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">C</strong>ytoxan<sup style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">®</sup> (cyclophosphamide), and either <strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">T</strong>axol<sup style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">®</sup> (paclitaxel) or <strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">T</strong>axotere<sup style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">®</sup> (docetaxel). This treatment course is known as "<strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">AC→TH</strong>"</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">With the chemotherapy drugs <strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">T</strong>axotere and Paraplatin<sup style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">®</sup> (<strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">c</strong>arboplatin). This treatment course is known as "<strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">TCH</strong>"</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Alone after treatment with multiple other therapies, including an anthracycline (Adriamycin)-based therapy (a type of chemotherapy) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">*</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">High risk is defined as ER/PR-positive with one of the following features: tumor size >2 cm, age <35 years, or tumor grade 2 or 3. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">I was told I needed to contact a fertility doctor as soon as possible in order to preserve my eggs and the Medical Oncologist would be willing to put off treatment for a couple of weeks for me to do that. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">Now the tough part...With the drug combination I will be on, I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">WILL</span> lose my hair. I've decided to cut it short and when I start treatments me, Zac, and his brother are going to buzz our heads. LOL! I think it will be less horrifying for me to shave then to brush and it fall out on its own. I hope I don't have a misshaped head!!!! I'm going to buy funky wigs and scarfs, but I'm sure I will start to feel confident with my new look and embrace it. On the bright side, I will save money on hair products and razors. :)</span></span></div>
Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-64894047160676033312013-01-15T21:40:00.001-06:002013-01-15T21:42:18.218-06:00Bad day :(<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">January 15, 2013 - Didn't have a great day today. Going to have surgery on February 5, 2013 (as of right now) & I think everything is starting to sink in. Talked to the nurse this afternoon & she said that I need to get with a fertility specialist ASAP. I really want to have kids, but I know I can't risk my own health. I will meet with the Medical Onocologist this Thursday and we are going to discuss treatment options. I hope they can give me some light at the end of the tunnel. I guess since I've known that I had cancer I've had more good days than bad. :) I will continue to keep my spirits up. Night all!</span>Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-89149655824524873992013-01-11T23:05:00.002-06:002013-01-11T23:05:29.310-06:00A small favor to ask...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">January 11, 2013 - I have a small favor to ask everyone reading the blog. I'm curious to see who is reading the blog (if anyone) and would love it if you would sign up as a member. I hope that each of you are becoming more aware of breast cancer and hope you have a smile on your face while reading the blog. I know I'm smiling while writing it! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As of today my next appointment is not until January 22, 2013, but that can change quickly. I will still continue to post facts & statistics but also about the different case studies I have become a part of for breast cancer research. So until then, have a great weekend. Remember men get breat cancer too so everyone should do self examinations. Have <b>you</b> checked your breast today? </span>Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-13579039363919350282013-01-10T22:01:00.000-06:002013-01-10T22:01:03.440-06:00Soooooo I'm Not crazy<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I had only one appointment today & that was with the Psychiatric Oncologist. My surgeon set it because of my history of anxiety & wanted me to see someone to get medication. I don't think I need it but she feels the closer I get to surgery time there is a possibility I will start having panic attacks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pretty sure the doctor didn't know what to expect with a 35 year old with cancer & how my mind set would be. Of course, all we did was laugh through the entire session. As we talked she got off subject a bit and started to ask me off the wall questions like, Can you tell me what your closet looks like? I said that it was not too messy & she said no like is it organized. Um yea it is!! It's color coordinated and everything. She then asked if I liked to vacuum a lot or feel like I need to always need to vacuum. (Knowing where she was going with these types of questions) I said No but I sure do love Chlorox Wipes & proceeded to tell her how much I wipe the counters down in the kitchen. She said you are aware you have a lot of OCD tendencies. With pride & a big smile I said YEP! Of course the next question was what do you do for a living. My response was I'm sure you know the answer to that but I'm an accountant. For some reason she didn't seem surprised & I walked out the door with two prescriptions. LOL! I did ask if she thought I was crazy</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> & she said no, but I bet that's what they tell all the patients. ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To quote the movie Dumber & Dumber "Pills are good!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will end tonight with laughter and save some fact & stats for another night. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good night & I love you all!</span>Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-42436658743402268032013-01-09T22:05:00.001-06:002013-01-09T22:11:22.327-06:00Let's talk genetics<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">January 8, 2013 - my mommy's birthday! Happy Birthday Mom!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Zac and I went and met with the genetics doctor. We discussed my family history and cancer in the family. I found out over the weekend that my Maw-Maw Guilbeaux had two sister diagnosed with breast cancer. According to the doctor the BRCA 1 & BRCA 2 gene is in our body (men and women) is there as a defense against breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Oddly, it is carried through the male side of the family, which is weird considering they don't have ovaries and not as much breast tissue as a woman. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But when this gene is tested they are looking for different variations/mutations in the gene. If there is a "code" problem, then you are tested positive for the "breast cancer" gene. Considering the breast cancer is on my Maw-Maw's side they felt like my chances of testing positive were around 5 - 10% If it was on Paw-Paw's side, then I would more than likely test positive.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If tested positive, your chances of developing breast cancer in the other breast is 60%. Normally breast cancer won't move to the remaining breast if you are tested negative. Also, a normal woman has a 1 - 2% chance of developing ovarian cancer. If tested positive for the BRCA 1 & BRCA 2 gene their chances to increase to 40%.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">According to the genetics doctor, there is not a great test for discovering ovarian cancer and that is why they usually remove the ovaries. They will wait to remove them when a woman has reached 35 and has already had children or wait until she has children, if over 35. Again, if I test negative that is great, but again it is the chemotherapy that will hinder me having children unless I freeze my eggs.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To test for this gene is just a simple blood test. After meeting with the genetics doctor I went and had my blood drawn. We should get the results in about 3 weeks. I hope this was informative and I hope I interpreted this correctly. We will keep you updated on the next appointment. I love you all and appreciate your support and prayers! You guys are the best!!!</span>Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-56256364221760897812013-01-09T21:23:00.000-06:002013-01-09T22:12:47.075-06:00First meeting with the surgeon<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">January 7, 2013 - Even though my mom & Zac went with me to meet with the surgeon, there are still a lot of unanswered questions. The reason being, there are still tests that need to be ran in order for me to make the right decision, so surgery will not be scheduled for another month. With that being said, I will inform you on how I interpreted the conversation. My cancer is Stage 2 because it measures 1.88 cm but considering it is contained it's Stage 0. We need to find out if it is estrogen related and/or if it is genetic. Depending on the outcome of each of these, individually and collectively, will determine if I only have a lumpectomy or a double mastectomy. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If it is NOT estrogen related and NOT genetic, then I can have a lumpectomy with radiation. If it is estrogen related then I will be placed on a pill for 5 years. <b>(2 out of 3 breast cancer cases are estrogen related)</b> During which I will NOT be able to get pregnant and there is a possibility I wouldn't be able to become pregnant afterwards because the pill causes menopause or the ovaries no longer can function. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If it is genetic, I will have to make the decision to have a double mastectomy and will have to have my ovaries taken due to the increase risk of ovarian cancer. The one thing I am unclear on right now, is the surgeon said no matter what I will have to have chemotherapy. Having chemotherapy means that I will have to see a fertility doctor in order to have my eggs frozen if I decide to have children in the future. In my opinion this doesn't make much sense, but hey I'm just an accountant not a doctor. So I will get clarification on this soon and keep you updated.</span><br />
<br />Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-86610232133325082912013-01-09T20:10:00.004-06:002013-01-09T20:19:21.773-06:00And so it begins<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">January 4, 2013 - my appointments started with New Patient Registration at 6:30 A.M. Boo! Zac and I left at 5:15 A.M. Had another mammogram and ultrasound. The radiologist said nothing had changed and according to the ultrasound the cancer still hasn't gotten to my lymph nodes. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Considering I have to add humor to everything, I jokingly spoke about the positive side to this situation was that I was going to get a tummy tuck and new boobs. She informed me that I was too skinny (which made me feel good considering I've gained about 15 lbs since summer) to have them reconstruct my breasts (if I have a mastectomy) with my tummy and I would have to have implants. BUT... I do get to choose what size...Hmmmm something to think about. LOL!</span>Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-83011304350802018502013-01-09T20:00:00.001-06:002013-01-09T20:01:10.427-06:00Let's get this party started!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">December 27, 2012 - MD Anderson called to let me know that my first appoint was going to be Friday, January 4, 2013. I will have to have another mammogram and ultrasound and then on Monday, January 7, 2013 I will meet with the surgeon to start discussing our plan of action. FINALLY! Now maybe I can kind of relax and not worry so much.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">December 28 - 30, 2012 - we headed to Uvalde, TX to have Christmas with Zac's side of the family. I was excited to get to talk with his grandmother, we just found out she also had breast cancer, and his Aunt Therese who had breast cancer. As always, it was hard to leave, but Chris, Kimberly, and Steven were coming to Conroe to bring in the New Year with us!</span>Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-67034752470744919372013-01-09T19:48:00.002-06:002013-01-09T20:00:57.122-06:00Christmas Eve<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Zac, myself, and Tex (the dog) went to my parents house for Christmas Eve. It was the first time to see my parents face to face since the news. Everyone was in good spirits. My dad said my Maw-Maw & Paw-Paw Guilbeaux were taking things very hard. We did a little last minute Christmas shopping with my sister and my brother. Next stop we went to Maw-Maw & Paw-Paw's for some of the best gumbo you will ever eat! My Maw-Maw is an amazing cook, but she's Cajun so that's an obvious statement. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I updated them on what we knew so far. I think having them see I was still my old self (upbeat, positive, and determined) made them feel more relieved about the situation.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We went back to mom's and my sister's boyfriend came over (with Aegis - the new puppy) and we decided to have a few (too many) cocktails & play Phase 10. Anything to get our minds of things...</span>Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-60703786007071152202013-01-09T19:34:00.002-06:002013-01-09T19:35:02.496-06:00Finally a phone call!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">December 21, 2012 - Phone rang at 8:30 A.M. and it was the nurse at MD Anderson. We spoke of logistics and stated she needed my medical records faxed over and for me to pick up a disk of my images taken from Memorial Hermans Breast Center. Knowing my doctor's office closes at noon on Friday's, we hopped out of bed and started gathering the information. We wanted to do it quickly considering the Christmas holidays the next week. We were able to get everything faxed over just in time. Off for more Christmas shopping...those who know me well know I like to shop when I'm depressed/upset. </span>Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-81736044334437517472013-01-09T19:29:00.001-06:002013-01-09T19:29:17.746-06:00WHAT!?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">December 19, 2012 - after little sleep, I called my OB/GYN to see if she could re-explain everything to me. After getting off the phone I did what any person would do and that was go to the internet to research. BIG MISTAKE!!!! I freaked out and upset myself all over again. I vowed from that moment I would only go to MD Anderson's website or the American Cancer Society website to get my information. I contacted MD Anderson by filling out information online & had to wait for them to contact me. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tired of waiting on someone to call me, I decided to go to work. Yep, you read that right; I went to work. Only to be greeted by my boss asking why I was there LOL! We talked about everything and she suggested I take the rest of the week off to wrap my head around things. I decided she may be right. I guess Zac and I will go Christmas shopping. :)</span>Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1599739946102894700.post-30947388317173839572013-01-09T12:51:00.002-06:002019-02-04T10:31:30.409-06:00I'm sorry I think you have the wrong number<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">December 18, 2012 - normal day at work, except for having a cold. On my drive home I get a phone call from my OB/GYN so I pull over to answer the call. Good thing too because no "hi Ms. Guilbeaux is this a good time" just lets read from a report with no emotion all this medical gibberish. The word cancer never came out of her mouth until I asked " Are you telling me I have cancer?" The response was yes. Don't remember much after that except thinking "did she call the right patient.". After all, I'm only 35! How can I have cancer?! Got home & had to figure out how in the hell am I gonna tell my parents I have cancer. That was the worst phone call I've ever had to make in my entire life! After talking with my family we came to the agreement that I had to have the best care in the world which means MD Anderson will be my caretaker. Made several calls that night to family & close friends to give them the shocking news. The common response from everyone was "OMG! I am so sorry. I'm in shock & don't know what to say." Trust me, I feel the same way.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The fear of thinking your gonna die. You know you not alone, but at that time you feel more alone then you ever have in your life. At that moment is when you have to make a decision: Am I going to feel sorry for myself & push people out of your life or are you going to embrace the ones around you & be positive? Anyone who knows me knows which path I took. I decided to embrace & be positive. And as a bonus feature (because we all love bonus features) I decided to add humor to the situation. Granted it took me about a week for the humor to come into play, but better late than never right?</span>Amber Guilbeauxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02832567377289222250noreply@blogger.com1