Technical Difficulties Fixed

It was brought to our attention today that some visitors were having difficulty posting comments to new postings. The setting is now enabled which allows everyone to freely comment on all the posts. When you click on "Post a Comment", you can leave them anonymously or include your name (which we encourage). If you'd like to be notified of new posts via email, simply sign up as a follower to this blog on the left hand side of the screen. Sorry for any confusion or inconveniences.

We may not reply to all of them, but if you visit, please leave your words of encouragement and well wishes for Mum, she reads each and every one!

Thanks You!
The "Mum's Story" Blog Team

New Milestone

Today was a big milestone for my Mama. We went to her salon so they could take off her hair and order her wig. I have to admit, I was a little nervous going along because I didn't want to get emotional in front of my mom, but in the end it wasn't an emotional event at all! Matt, her stylist, was extremely compassionate that the whole process was fairly easy. Matt proposed to not completely shave her bald but instead just take it down to about a 1/2" so that it can ease her into having little to no hair. It was an excellent decision because it also gives my mom an idea of how she'll look when her hair comes in after chemo. Since my mom had not colored her hair in quite some time, we got to see what her natural color is and turns out it's a pretty salt and pepper color. I think she looks like Jamie Lee Curtis. The cut also made her eyes look large, sexy and beautiful! In all honesty, I thought she looked very modern and cool.

We also took Evelyn along for the process for two reasons: first, she always cheers my mom up and second, we are trying to help Evelyn understand all that her Mum is going through. She was such a grown up little doll! She was very mature through the whole process (which was two hours long since he cut her hair with scissors and not a shaver). My mom asked me afterwards when we were at lunch if I told Evelyn to hug her and tell her she was beautiful, which apparently she did while my mom was getting her cut, but Evelyn did that all on her own. We did have a talk the day before about how hair and outfits don't make people pretty; but how we treat people makes us pretty, and her Mum will always be the same wonderful Mum even without her hair. She was satisfied with the little lecture and decided her Mum didn't need hair. Evelyn even got to help out by helping my mom choose her wig style and color. Evelyn was very adamant that the color should look just like it did prior to the hair cut, so she picked a color called chocolate.

In my last post I mentioned how easy my mom's first chemo dose went. Well, that may have been a little premature because day three after treatment was pretty hard for her. Her Dr. did say that sometimes by the third day her patients "crash". That was the case for my mom, but after she got ready today she was perking up so hopefully her crash won't last too long.

Well, here are some pics of my mom's new look.

Before pic with Evelyn:

During Pic:

After Pic (Aren't her eyes large and pretty?):

Thank goodness it's cold out and appropriate for hats. Here she is wearing my great-grandmother's hat. She wore it to lunch and looked so cute in the snow storm:

Doesn't Jamie look like my Mom?:

One Cycle Down; Three More To Go

My mom's first chemo cycle was completed yesterday morning, and so far so good! As of this afternoon, she says she has mild flu like symptoms, but nothing too unbearable. She gets flushed and a bit naseous and fatigued, but she is handling it very well. The worst thing for her right now is her port site is hugely swollen (egg sized), redish-purple, and tender. Her doctor has her on antibiotics to prevent infection, so they think it might be related to the fact that she's on medications for her blot clots. She's actually at her surgeon's office right this minute getting it checked out. Hopefully it is nothing too serious.

Well, she did it - my very brave mother scheduled an appointment at her salon to have them shave her hair this Saturday at noon. I guess she needs her hair off before they can measure her head for her new wig (she's getting her wig through her salon). The nurses told her, she could loose her hair in one to two weeks after the first cycle and she doesn't want to be caught off guard when it decides to happen, so she's taking matters into her own hands! I'm so proud of her; she is being very brave.

Here are some more scriptures that I like to pray to help my mom through her struggles this week:

Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

3 John 1:2
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with you soul.

Here are some past pics of Mum and her grandbabies:

Update

Here's just some quick information regarding my mom's appointments yesterday:

The thyroid ultrasound showed there was no growth in the lump, so that's good news. She'll just be monitored yearly for any changes.

During the cancer class we attended at the oncologist's office we learned some good things: First, I didn't realize this, but we get to call my mom a Breast Cancer Survivor! They consider her to be in remission and the chemo is a precautionary just to make sure there are no stray cancer cells in her body. I thought that was a nice new way of looking at her status instead of thinking she's battling breast cancer. I guess the mastectomy was the biggest battle, which she already completed! You can tell I am new to the whole world of cancer - sometimes I think it should all be common sense, but to me it isn't. Anyways, next piece of excellent news: My mom is only planned to have two months of chemotherapy; not three months, like we were originally told. She will go once every two weeks for treatment. They consider a treatment a "cycle" so, she gets four cycles. Doesn't that sound so much more bearable? Four cycles of chemo sounds much better than three months of chemo.

We talked a lot about hair loss during the class and a lot about her risks of infections after chemo begins. She will have to be extremely cautious by staying away from crowded places and children and practice a lot of hand washing. Anyone with signs of a cold will have to refrain from visiting her. They say her hair will probably begin to fall out around 14 days after her first cycle and will begin to grow back in a few weeks after her last cycle. They usually find the new hair growth will be soft and curly, which my mom is excited about.

So here is a link to a video about a woman who documented her mastectomy and reconstruction process when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. My mom viewed this and thought that her book should be made available to all women going through this process. For my mom, one of the most difficult things for her was no one preparing her for what she'd find when she took off bandages after the mastectomy. It was something she faced alone and was scared about. At the time, she wished she had more information and support, so this woman's story was inspiring to her.

http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&tab=s7&playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:1d681406-fd77-4a68-ab5d-53099d9b0037&showPlaylist=true&from=IV2_en-us_health_health-topic_breast-cancer&fg=gtlv2

The Week's Schedule

Hello all! Here is what my mom is up to this week:

Monday AM she's getting the results of her thyroid ultrasound. She had a scan about a year ago that showed a lump on her thyroid. A biopsy proved it to be benign. Since her diagnosis, her thyroid Dr. had her get another ultrasound to see if the lump has grown at all. So far, there is nothing to fear - just precautions.

Monday PM my mom, dad, and I are attending a class at the oncologist's office to prepare us for the chemotherapy process. It should cover the affects of chemo and how to cope with any negative side affects.

Tuesday AM she will go to the hospital to have her port put it. The following site explains what a chemotherapy port is:

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/chemotherapy/overview/ports.jsp

Wednesday AM my dad will take my mom for her first chemo treatment.

The rest of the week, I believe she will just be trying to have a normal schedule with some work and a lot of rest.

This is all happening faster than I think we all thought, but I guess the sooner it starts the sooner it can end. Today my family all went out to a nice lunch so my mom could have a yummy meal just in case she doesn't have a good appetite after chemo. I'm thinking postively though, and I think that she'll be a trooper and handle it well!

Here are some pics we took. Mum, Pup and some of their grandbabies (Kathryn on Mum, Evelyn in middle, and Sophia on Pup):






Here are two scriptures that lets me know my mom will be alright as she faces new struggles this week. When you read them can you please say a little prayer for her? Thank You!

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Teresa Says

I finally got my mom to sit down for a minute to read everyone's posts and to make one of her own. Here it is:

"Each day I go through the motions and processes that the doctors have planned for me. Tests, needles, doctors appointments; it is a full time job in itself. I am worn out much of the time. I think the emotional strain is more trying than the physical at this point. As Emily has mentioned, I receive my port on February 17th and at that point the "fun" begins. My oncologist says that I will definitely loose my hair. I think I am okay with that, but then I thought I was okay with losing a hanging piece of flesh from my chest until it actually happened. My boobs were just my boobs until I lost one. I never really know what to expect until it happens. Chemo and radiation, I'm sure will be the same - wait and see. I do feel much better now that I have gotten to work. For those who don't know, I own my own business where I fabricate custom drapes and do alterations. I haven't been to the store much since this whole thing happened in December. It may have gone easier, but I developed blood clots after the mastectomy and had two additional hospital stays due to that. The thing that has made this so bearable has been my supporters. I didn't know EVERYONE loved me so much. Family, friends, clients, and even friends of my family members have all rallied around me and refuse to let me sulk. It's been humbling to say the least."

Provenzales Fundraiser

I think most of my family attended the spectacular fundraiser that Provenzales Hair Salon held for my mom. For those who were not notified or could not attend, here are the details: The owner of Provenzales, Zack, who knows my mother through their businesses, offered to host a benefit in her honor. On Sunday, February 8th from 10AM - 5PM, he opened his shop for all salon services, and the proceeds were given to my mom to help support her business while she is receiving treatment. The day was amazing! So many people came in support of my mom; many of whom we knew and even some who we did not know. We really had a fun time while doing a great thing to help out my family. Here are some special thank yous:

To Zack and his team - words cannot say how your generosity has touched my family. You all are talented and thoughtful people and we will never forget what you did for us.

Laurie Loveland - as always you are the most organized and devoted Aunt and Sister. You helped make the day what it was with all your attention to detail. Organizing invites, thank you letters, snacks, pictures, pins, etc. You're so generous with your love!

Emily Johnson and Luan Short - you worked your tushes off making all those loaves of bread and pins for donations. Your table looked so lovely and it was sweet sharing Grandma Short's cinnamon bread story with the public so soon after passing. What a nice way to honor her! She'd be proud of you both!

Ashley Blanchett (soon-to-be Hansen) - you are a bundle of fun energy and you are a waxing queen! Thanks for spending the day waxing away all of our stray hairs! Especially with the impending birth of your God child on your mind all day long. She came right on time - as soon as the fundraiser ended! What a little beauty she is!

Connie Norman - you remind me of my Aunt Laurie, (a petite little Italian fire ball)! The gift baskets that you raffled off were exquisite! Those who won them received quite a treat! Plus all the extra donations you gathered from co-workers! Thank you for all the extra time you put into the event!

Carabino Aunts - my mom is blessed to have supportive sisters that raise her up when she's down. Each one of you help to make her life richer.

Cakes By Stephanie - an event wouldn't be complete without a yummy ho-ho cake! Thank you!

North Monroe Greenhouse - the flowers and arrangements you displayed in the lobby were fantastic and perfectly pink!

All - whether you came, donated or contributed in any way, THANK YOU! Everyone helped to make it a very special day!

Here are some pics taken by my Aunt Laurie:

Tara Hansen getting a hair cut.

I'm wearing a breast cancer shirt for my mom and it or one like it can be found at the Pink Wear link to the left of this page. Top Left, Emily Jo, Top Center, Fran Harrington, Top Right, LeeAnn Loveland, Center, Ashley Blanchett

Future beauty queens! Top, Olivia Harrington, Left, Evelyn Mirabelle Short (Mum's Grandbabe), Middle, Jaclyn Harrington, Right, Abigail Perkins

Provenzales Talented Staff

My beautiful mama, Teresa Anne, wearing her new cancer hat.

Carrabino Gals: Top Left, Lynne Carrabino, Top Middle, Beth Spinale, Top Right, Teresa Hansen, Bottom Left, Kari Carrabino, Center Left, Connie Norman, Center Right Fran Harrington, Bottom Right, Laurie Loveland

Connie Norman with her donated gift baskets.

Fran getting parafin dipped. Left, Fran Harrington, Center, Ashley Blanchett, Right, Provenzale's Owner, Zack.

Lobby greeting table.

Ashley Blanchett (wax queen) with donated roses from North Monroe Greenhouse.

Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness

This blog was created to highlight the story of Teresa Hansen, or Mum as she's known to her grandchildren. Teresa was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I am Emily, her daughter, and I will try to update as often as possible with her prognosis, updates, and any notes from Mum.

Thanks for visiting and be sure to say "hi" and leave any words of encouragement for her! Be sure to check back often.

Welcome

Our family thought a nice way to get updates on my mom's treatment and progress would be through her very own blog. This way family and friends can drop her a line of encouragement after she begins her chemotherapy in approximately two weeks. Currently, she is still ocassionally working and trying to manage all her doctors appoinments, while still recovering from the masectomy and lymphedema. Needless to say she gets overwhelmed and tired. I know she has been so grateful for family, friends, co-workers, business associates, members of the community, etc. who have been inquiring about her health and praying for her recovery. Through this blog, everyone can be updated on her status, as you may be leary of calling her after treatment begins.

Currently, we know that her PET scan came back with no sign of cancer spreading beyond her right breast and underarm lymph nodes (wonderful news!). Her treatment plan will consist of three months aggressive chemotherapy followed by three months of radiation. This should all begin in approximately two weeks. Prior to treatment, she will have a procedure to receive a port (out-patient on 2/17/09), and she will be having to consult her many doctors to make sure her general health concerns are all met.

On behalf of my family, I want to thank all well-wishers and those praying for my mother's recovery. She means the world to us and we could not get through this without all the love and support we've received.

Love,
Emily Jo