I made it through my last reconstructive surgery...yeah.  This was the easiest of all.  The consensus is tamoxifen over chemo.  I'm also meeting with an integrative physician for a wholistic approach.  Ive been feeling  a lot healthier  on a macrobiotic diet and regular exercise.

Surgery

Sorry for the delay but I had surgery on July 2nd for the reconstruction phase and it went really well.  It was much easier and almost no pain compared to the last surgery.   Thank you for the prayers.  I was back in swing of things after a couple days.  I am a bit overwhelmed with the busyness of the summer but working on prioritizing.   We are headed to the mountains for some R&R with our friends this weekend.  I really appreciate the help of Janice, Brooke and my parents last week....I couldn't do this without you. Also FYI, we are having a girls weekend in Silverthorne Aug1-3....let me know if you are interested in attending.

updates

     We are doing pretty well.  My sciatica is getting better and I can do some mild exercise which has been great.  I'm almost done with physical therapy..... yeah.  In terms of treatment, one doctor said no chemotherapy and the other said to do chemotherapy.  It has been an incredibly hard decision given my age.  We are meeting with my oncologist on the 19th to discuss these options again.  I am currently taking a hormone blocker called tamoxifen and haven't had much in terms of side effects so that is good.   I'm also working on a special cancer diet, supplements, meditation, prayer, and consistent exercise.  I feel all these things will help on many different levels.  I have also been to a few support groups and met some wonderful people to connect with.   I am very thankful to share notes and just hang out with others who understand.
       Ryan and the kids are doing well.   Lawson pulled his dresser over on himself a couple days ago and the only thing that saved him from being seriously injured or possibly killed was a rocking horse that stopped it from smashing him.  I have been very thankful for his guardian angel all weekend.  Also Ryan spent the better part of Sunday bolting all dressers to wall.  We just have a bookshelf and TV to go.   He is all boy so we felt we can't take any chances.  I hope you are all well.  xoxxo

Sorry for the long delay.  I did get a second opinion and they recommended chemo.  It has been an incredibly hard decision as you can imagine.  I will post more later, but still in the process of deciding.

Good News

We met with my oncologist and the good news is that my oncotype score (recurrence risk) is quite low at 5 which means there is likely to be no benefit of chemotherapy especially given the whole picture of the cancer and its biology.  I know to some it may seem weird to not treat a young person but my cancer is barely dividing and will likely do more harm than good.  I will need to take tamoxifen which a pill (hormone blocker) for 5-10 years +/- another medicine.    I will be getting a second opinion on this to be safe but overall great news.   I hope this finds you all well.  XXOXXO

Inspiration

I apologize that it has been a little long since our last post.  I have been doing well and have been talking to some amazing people in the cancer community....one of which is a friend of my father-in-law who didn't know me but sent me a book called, Life Over Cancer by Dr. Block.  He is an integrative physician in Chicago who uses both conventional and alternative treatments since the 80's to focus on the full body and individual treatment of cancer. This book has and will continue to be life changing for me..... it also offers great stories of hope.  Ryan and I made the decision to go to The Block Center in May to seek treatment and start on their program.  I am so excited and truly and answer to prayer.   Essentially the the theory is to change your biological terrain by working on diet changes, exercise, and mind body interactions.  I highly recommend this book for anyone dealing with cancer.
On Monday we have an appointment scheduled with my oncologist to go over a final test that quantifies my risk of recurrence. This will help with the decision of chemo.
We had a great Easter with Ryan parents and very thankful for each and every day.  Lastly we will be doing a walk for the brain tumor society in memory of Carrie.  It will take place in early June with family and excited to be part of the team.

The bone scan was negative.....praise God!
I will need to take a hormone blocker called Tamoxifen, but need to do one more test to decide if chemotherapy is needed.  This test will take about 3 weeks if they have enough tumor to do the test.  Radiation is unlikely but may need to meet with a radiation oncologist to confirm this thought.  Thanks for your concern and support.  We are doing good.  Lastly, just to explain the cowbell thing......Ryan and I loved the Will Farrell skit on SNL. Anyway,  before our wedding I bought a cowbell on eBay.  My brother's DJ friend played "Don't fear the reaper" 2 x at our wedding reception because it was so much fun dancing and passing the cowbell around.