Julie's Pink Link: Early Christmas Present!

Monday, December 22, 2008

Early Christmas Present!

Praise God above. Just got the path report and it's the best possible news...ER positive, PR positive, HER2 negative. I know, I know...what the heck does that mean? It means it's the most treatable form of cancer with the highest success rate. YEAH!!!

So we also had our appointment with the plastic surgeon and we're official now...going for the tire patch vs. the two-tire with realignment (for those of you just reading this, see the post below and you'll understand)! So just a lumpectomy for now. So my surgery is scheduled for next Monday, Dec 29th at 9:30am. From what I understand, I should be able to come right home after the procedure.

All the kids will already be here and all are staying over...so I'm glad Ted will have company and the love and laughter that all give him as he waits for all of this to be done.

I will definitely have radiation, but the chemo decision is still awaiting an appointment with the oncologist on Christmas Eve. This is great as Joel and Jo (our very own Dr. Chien) get in from San Fran at 9a and so Jo will be with me when I go to this appointment at 1p. How great is that?

So lots of good news today! Many, many thanks to you all..the calls, emails, visits, etc. etc continue to pour into our home and we are so very grateful for each of you!

15 comments:

Joel MeekDecember 22, 2008 at 2:56 PM
fantastic news!
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AnonymousDecember 22, 2008 at 3:24 PM
I'm so relieved that you received the most positive of news that you could today!
Roxanne
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Big MarDecember 22, 2008 at 3:33 PM
What great news! It's all those prayers being lifted up. Love the blog....perfect way to communicate. We are all with you!
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AnonymousDecember 22, 2008 at 4:03 PM
Praise God! Though this email is the first I have heard of all of this ordeal I am delighted with your great news today. I am so glad to now know so that I canbe praying along with all the others who adore you Julie. Please know that a dear friend is out here - in more than cyberspace - and wants you to know that you are a dear one. Trust in Him who gave us our faith. Love ya sweetie! Kim Harper
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EricDecember 22, 2008 at 4:14 PM
WELL YEE HAA! We Love you!
Markay and Eric
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AnonymousDecember 22, 2008 at 5:01 PM
Julie,
I saw Cito out Friday night and he told me of the shocking news. I just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers this Christmas. I miss you and hope to see you again soon!

Doug Messinger
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AnonymousDecember 22, 2008 at 5:25 PM
What an answer to prayer! So happy to hear your good news!

Jim and Julie
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Mary AnnDecember 22, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Jules!
Thank you for including me in you news. I'm glad you are in good hands, both medically and with your incredible family. I will pray for you daily (so will my little ones). My sister-in-law had a very similar diagnosis three years ago and gave birth to a beautiful baby boy in September. Miracles of medicine are real...but crappy to endure. You are one of the toughest broads I know, so I'm sure you'll kick butt even with a deflated tire. Much love!

MAF
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AnonymousDecember 22, 2008 at 7:56 PM
Jules,
Can I just say "ditto" to Brooke's comments on her blog? You've been on my mind constantly. I too live by her friends motto that God only gives us what we can handle, but why does He have to trust us so much!?!

I'm thrilled at your choice of Dr.s Goulet and Miller, they are both excellent!

My mom went through this 6 years ago, lumpectomy followed by radiation. She said to have you call her if you have any questions about what to expect (from a non-medical person point of view). I'll give you her cell # at Barb's.

Love ya' babe,
Sue (and Bill)
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AnonymousDecember 22, 2008 at 9:12 PM
So thrilled to hear your news!
I went to bed last night praying for you and woke up at 3:00 a.m. praying for you. Needless to say, you are on my mind. Thank you for keeping us in the loop. Chet and I continue to pray for both you and Ted. Love ya! cc
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UnknownDecember 23, 2008 at 12:18 AM
Hey Julie and Ted,
What great news you received today! We will certainly praise God right along with you. There is no ones hands I would rather be in under any circumstances than His and I know you feel the same. You and your family will be lifted up with confidence and praise. Love ya, Julie! Greg and Linda Hardn
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AnonymousDecember 23, 2008 at 5:57 AM
We are so excited that the news is brighter than before! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Joey and Kurt
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AnonymousDecember 23, 2008 at 9:25 AM
Jules,
Well, you have me in tears again, but these are happy tears, thanks to God's mercy and love.

Dr. Jerry has a prescription for you (always easier to give advice than follow, you know!): 90% Julie and family time; 10% work. I believe you probably were ignoring His subtle hints, so he had to use a 2x4!

We all love you so, so much. May God continue to enfold both Ted and you in his loving arms.

Jer
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AnonymousDecember 23, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Praise God on the news! Keeping you and the family in prayer always! God Bless!
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AnonymousDecember 24, 2008 at 10:49 AM
JULIE!!! So glad to hear this news. We were all really concerned about you. Please let us know if you need anything.

Love you lots- Missy.
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Recovery Takes a LONG TIME!

It's with great joy that I 'take down' the "Favors You Can Do for Julie" section so lovingly created by Joel and used by all of you, in favor of my official list of 22 Recovery Goals. Watch and celebrate as we check off each one!

End of May: 1 Goal DONE
End of June: 6 Goals DONE
End of July: 14 Goals DONE
End of August: 14 Goals DONE
End of September: Yep, still stuck at 14!!

End of October: Yep, 14 still.

End of November: I'm still at 14.

End of December: Yep, 14 is the magic number still!

End of January: Am I embarrassed yet? 14 it is.

End of February: 14 again!

End of March: 15 goals DONE

End of April: 15 again

End of May: 16 goals DONE

End of June: 16 again

End of July: 16 again

End of August: 17 goals DONE

End of Sept: 17 again

End of Oct: 17 again

End of Nov: 17 again

End of Dec: 2 year point! 17 again

End of Jan '11: Still have those last 5 tough goals to finish.

End of Feb '11: 5 goals left

End of Mar '11: 5 still there

End of Apr'11:

End of May'11:

End of June'11:

End of July'11:

- My nose 'helpers' are back, so no more 'dabbing'! (DONE; 5/28)
- Start Arimidex (DONE; 6/3/09; changed to Aromasin 11/09 and tolerating much better)

- 2nd degree burns healed over (DONE; 6/9/09)
- Eyebrows come back (DONE; 6/11/09)
- Find a weight training solution & sign up (DONE; 6/12/09)
- Go an entire week without a doctor's appointment! (DONE; w/o 6/15/09)
- No more need for a 'comfort check' on shirts/blouses (DONE; 7/1/09--exactly 6 weeks post-radiation)
- Get results of genetic testing and inform family (DONE; 7/1/09)
- Eyelashes grow back (DONE; 7/1/09)
- Lose first 5 pounds (DONE; 7/7/09; OOPS--vacation, gained it all back--so here we go again! DONE AGAIN; 8/17/09)
- Get first haircut (DONE; 7/10/09)
- The 'chemo-rings' disappear from my nails (DONE; 7/14/09)
- Pass my first official check-up 0n July 15th (DONE)

- Finish up summer school with 19 students (DONE; 8/12/09)
- Bike to State Fair and back with Ted (DONE; 8/16/09)

- All bruises healed on my right arm from the many IV sticks (DONE; 5/10)

- Lose next 5 pounds (DONE; 8/11/10)

- Lose last 7 pounds (HA--let's pop that back up to 20 lbs!)
- Start walk or bike five days per week routine

- I feel like my energy level is totally back (Week of 6/1-energy level at 60%; Week of 6/8-75%; Week of 6/15-80%; Week of 6/22-80%; Week of 6/29-80%; Week of 7/6-80%; Week of 7/13-80%; Week of 7/20-80%; Week of 7/27-80% now at around 90% on 1/7/11...it takes a long time)
- Teddy tells me that he thinks "I'm back"

- IV-Zometa monthly treatments finished (6/3 DONE; 7/1 DONE, 8/5 DONE, 10/28 DONE, 2/3/10 DONE, 5/12 DONE, 8/11 DONE, 12/4 DONE, 2/7 DONE) Now I'll do every 3 months until May 2012...5 more to go!

Current Prayer Requests

April 2011:

-That Kyle and Casey settle with success in Toronto (DONE) and Kyle finds a job.

-That Joel and Jo can find a home to buy that fits their needs.

-That Brian and Brooke continue to cope with the demands of 3 little ones and their father in residency and a Mom coping with call nights alone.

-That I continue a path towards full energy and continued health free from cancer recurrence.

-That my mother stays healthy to see her 100th birthday on 5/13/11.

-That Ted's and my time continues to be spent in a way that's aligned with our goals to support and connect with our family and friends.

Share your thoughts or prayers with Julie by sending an email to julie@indymeeks.com

Prayer's Answered

Most Recent Answered Prayers:

Historical List of Answered Prayers! (Count-to-date - 50!!)

- That Brooke, our daughter-in-law, continues to feel good and our new grandson Harrison continues to be healthy in utero. Answer: Harrison born 12/28/09 as the most perfect baby you've ever seen! Mom did well too!

- That our dear friend "C" has successful radical cancer surgery on September 28th without complications and a speedy recovery. That prior to surgery, he and his wife are bathed in prayers and love. Answer: Surgery went well, although several complications during recovery. C now doing very well and back at work and play!

- That our Pauline's daughter gets through this scary time in her pregnancy and the baby continues to be OK. Answer: Healthy baby boy born...named him Joel

- That Joyce's family is comforted and that they have great family times with Greg in his last earthly days. Answer: Wonderful times with Greg and he is in heaven, whole and at peace. His family is grieving but overall doing well.

- That Joel and Jo find time to plan their upcoming wedding and that they enjoy the whole experience. Answer: Married 5/1/10 and what a glorious, joyous event for all, including the bride and groom!

- That I get my you-know-what in gear to start a 5 day per week walking routine and that I get this stinkin' weight off! I've gained/lost the same 5 pounds about 6-7 times over the summer! Answer: I've lost 7 lbs with 7 more to go!

- That our dear friend "C" gets to the right doc's for treatment of his recurrent cancer.

- That Ted and his brother's have found a good path for his business that optimizes results for all 3 of them, each of whom have somewhat different needs.
- That Brooke's first trimester symptoms have really lessened and that she is feeling so much better.
- That, despite starting summer school with 19 students at the very beginning of my radiation treatment in early May, I was able to keep up with their needs throughout the summer and give them all (by their report) a great course experience. Summer school ended successfully on Aug 12th.

- That my chest burns have healed with infection or scarring

- That my energy level returns as quickly as possible

- Radiation completed 5/27 without serious complications
- My white count normalized without further complications!
- Our trip to Tucson was a complete success without any travel troubles for anyone or illness
- My radiation course of treatment is off to a great start
- Had life-saving great care during my hospital stay with low, low white count and pneumonia; that I got to come home in just 4 days. That all who cared for me were so skilled and caring!
- Last chemo goes well 3/25; a bit more recovery this time, but nothing major...YEAH...ALL DONE!
- WE CAN ALL GO!! Family vacation in Tucson all finalized for 4/22-4/27.
- First meeting with radiation oncologist goes well! Only need 4 weeks of radiation vs. the antcipated 6-8 weeks. YEAH!
- TFWC weekend is a blast and such a comfort to me. Susan Carr, my good friend, flies in from Denver to surprise me! All take time from their busy lives to have a great slumber party!
- Job secured at IU!
- Safe and wonderful travel to Cabo and back without illness.
- Great visits with Joel, Jo and Kyle in February!
- Third chemo goes better than the first two rounds.
- Several friends find answers to prayer for their situations.- A kind offer that makes a family vacation possible and affordable!
- My IU office completely set-up (it was a mess) by Jenny Parliament; Toni Hilbert helping me so much by copying off all my course readings (it was taking me HOURS); and Lisa White completely redoing my vitae (also something that would have taken me HOURS). These ladies are the best!
- Release from one of my courses, thanks to Connie Rowles and Anne Belcher at IU; a HUGE relief that will free me from the worry that I might not be able to handle the load in April; thanks to the other 9 profs that all need to pick up the slack
- News that Kyle, Joel and Jo will all come home within the month visits
- Ted and I enrolled in a "couples study" through IU for couples going through breast cancer; great learning
- The Hair Ball being a complete blast with the love flowing as generously as the wine; oh, and monies too, with nearly $700 raised for Susan G. Komen. Greg, my stylist keeping it all fun and Melodie offering prayer for all.
- Snow miraculously shoveled off our front walk in time for the Hair Ball.
- A wonderful visit from my sis Carolyn, which blessed us all and especially Mo, my mother. Lots of love & laughs with her.
- First chemo done...mark that one off the list!
- Got to go to St. Louis to see B&B, P&F despite being the weekend after my first chemo; healing to my bones!
- Supportive IU colleagues, particularly Josette, Anna and Anne have been so very kind and remind me daily to SLOW DOWN and give myself a break. They are a God-send!
- Optimal lymph node results...they're CLEAN
- Optimal appointments 1/7 with Goulet and Miller and optimal chemo regimen. So glad that I don't need to be on Adriamycin...that drug scares me to death!
- Optimal surgical result at the skilled hands of Dr. Goulet
- All kids getting back to their homes safe and sound
- That my pain is well controlled and I haven't had any complications from the surgery
- Great times with many friends and family members stopping by, calling, bringing food (thanks Ann and brother Larry) and emailing us
- Unbelievable time (1 and 1/2 hours) with Dr. Kathy Miller, my oncologist on Christmas Eve no less with Ted, Kyle, Joel and Jo in attendance. We all like her a lot.
- Kyle, Joel, Jo, Brian and Brooke, Parker and Finley all dodged major storms and flight delays and all arrived right on time...we couldn't believe how amazingly this prayer was answered!
- Kyle, Joel and Brian have all had their friends stop by all day today and tonight...our house has literally been an open house of fun all day with many coming by to support K-J-B+Jo+Brooke. That prayer has been answered for us all. Dear friend, Connie Frey brought us all dinner 12/26 which was a God-send as we had visitors all day and it was Brooke's birthday today and Jo's birthday about a week ago, so we had great food and fun tonight.
- Excellent guidance on lumpectomy vs. mastectomy from Dr. Jason Cacioppo and that decision made.
- A wonderful visit and trip to the mall with my 4th-grade- forward friend, Moni Lacey, where she helped me finish up my shopping. And the laughs as Moni joined me to get her eyebrows 'threaded' for the first time...what a riot!
- Received next round of reports - ER+/PR+/HER-2- - the best kind of cancer you can get. Huge huge positive news!

- Thanks to Jill for being Kyle's angel with an early round of peanut blossoms

- Joel's girfriend Jo Chien, a breast oncologist, who has been phenomenal at providing counsel and comfort to the Meeks