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.

I am 18 days out of surgery and doing pretty well.  All the drains are out and my surgeon is happy with how things are going.  I will be getting weekly fills in the expanders which are painful but manageable.  I will hopefully start physical therapy next week.  The official pathology found the tumor cells in one out of ~15 lymph nodes.  I had my bone scan Thursday but won't get the official result until Monday when we see the oncologist.  We should know by then about chemo and or radiation.   My sciatica is getting better with rest and acupuncture.  I have had daily help since surgery plus meals and cleaning which we have been absolutely wonderful.   Thank to our parents who have been here, my sister, Kat, & Elena who came to help.   Everyone who has contributed near and far we are forever grateful as we truly couldn't do it without the "village."  Ryan and the kids are doing well.

I received a great message from a dear friend that has really hit home with me and this verse was read at her wedding.  I was actually there but didn't recall it.  Anyway, I wanted to share it...."When you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials.  Be sincere of heart and steadfast, undisturbed in time of adversity.  Cling to him, forsake him not; thus will your future be great.  Accept whatever befalls you, in crushing misfortune be patient; For in fire gold is tested, and worthy men in the crucible of humiliation. Trust God and he will help you; Make straight your ways and hope in him."   Sirach 2:1-6

We got the official pathology report and while it was not expected it was in 1 lymph node.  I'm planning to have a bone scan next week and meet with the oncologist on April 7th to form a game plan.   I saw the surgeon today and I'm healing well and got 2 of the 3 drains pulled.  We are thankful for the amazing support of all of you.  Keep praying:)

I'm 6 days postop and feeling pretty good considering.  It's funny because my sciatica has been bothering me more than the surgery.... My family and bad 80's movies are keeping my spirits up.   I will hopefully get my drains out on Thursday.  I still don't know what my post-surgical treatment will be since we don't have the pathology yet.  I meet my oncologist on April 7th and will hopefully have a game plan then.  Thank you for all your prayers, well wishes, flowers, gifts, etc.  I appreciate all the support.

Surgery

Andrea did fine in surgery yesterday. It was touch and go a little last night with post anesthesia grogginess, some nausea, some pain (the usual suspects). Nothing out of the ordinary. Feeling much better this morning and looks like we'll be headed home this afternoon.

I got a cancer......and the only prescription....... Is more cowbell!

If only it were so easy. We still have the cowbell from our wedding lying around somewhere, but it will remain a dust collector. The real treatment is just beginning. After a half day clinic for me we drove to Denver, where Andrea is having blue dye injected for the lymph node portion of surgery tomorrow. Surgery is set for 730 AM. NPO @ mn tonight means enjoy dinner and dessert.

My Inspiration in Adversity.....Carrie and Brad

Carrie,
I have known you since my birth and have great memories of times and holidays together.  We have laughed and cried but mostly laughed.  If only you knew what a comfort it has been to follow in your foot steps .....you and Brad have paved the way for me and made it clear that I have choice in my attitude and how to face my own challenge. You were full of love, patience, hope, and faith throughout your battle.  I treasure the time we had together.  I know it is not the quantity of the the years you have lived, but the quality of those years.  We love you and will miss you dearly.  Nov.2, 1974-March 14, 2014
Love,
Andrea

What does the Fox say?..... Ring-a-ding-ding-ding-ding-ding-Ring-a-di......Oh @&%#, Cancer?

Hello and welcome to our blog.  Our intent for this is simply to provide a common place to share information and progress with Andrea's soon to be winning battle with Breast cancer.  I am leading off here with the first post but expect Andrea will contribute more to this as we move forward.

Going back a month from where we are now, it seems like the overwhelming happening for us at the time was Lawson's incessant need to watch or listen to "What Does the Fox Say?" (if you have never heard of it, Youtube it, but not if you value your peace and sanity).  Oh, Andrea had just had a little bump taken out and, to me, it seemed like only a formality that we were going to hear Dr. Decker say, "Yeah, it was just a little fibroma. No biggie. Take care".  Five days later when we heard "It's invasive breast cancer", our worlds were upended.  

In the roughly 4 weeks since then we have had quite a roller coaster ride, full of rapid fire high peaks and low valleys.  The early emotions have been replaced by dogged determination.  Andrea has been nothing less than brave.  Our faith has only strengthened and never wavered.  Some of the recent decisions we have made, people that we have met, and happenings in our lives have led to this being a much more smooth process that it could have been otherwise.  Some might say remarkable coincidences, but we see the hand of God at work.  We have been able to build a solid foundation for the battle ahead in terms of Andrea's medical team, our families and friends helping at home pre and post surgery, our brothers and sisters in Christ praying for us, friends, family, and co-workers helping with meals, and our employers allowing both of us all the time we need to get healthy again.

Oh,yeah, as evidence that life goes on, Lawson still incessantly wants to hear or see "What Does the Fox Say?"......

Following here are copies of the first emails Andrea sent out.  More updates to follow:

3/2/14 

I apologize for the group email.  I know some of you already know, but I wanted to update you all on the events that have transpired for us in the last 1-2 weeks.  I found a lump/discharge recently that turned out to be breast cancer.  While we are still somewhat in a state a shock,  we are also still in the info gathering phase and don't know the exact extent yet.   What we do know is that it started in milk duct of the breast and a small area has spread outside that duct in the breast.   It appears slow growing and early based on the first pathology report. We are waiting on a second, breast pathologist to confirm this is in fact the case.  In terms of spread to the lymph nodes/ rest of the body we won't know until the time of the surgery when they test the lymph nodes.   We have gone to University of Colorado to seek treatment from breast specialists.  We love my surgeon and her nurse who have been instrumental in helping us in first few days after the diagnosis.   I'm sorry I can't personally call everyone and tell the story, but we do plan to continue the email and or start a blog to let you know how to best support us.   We encourage your call, emails, letters etc.   So at this time we are waiting for the pathology report, genetic testing, and to decide the type of surgery: lumpectomy vs. mastectomy.  After surgery the oncologist will be better able to decide the exact course of treatment (ie. Tamoxifen (oral medication), chemo, both, etc.).   Our next appointments aren't until next Thursday (3/6) and hope to have more answers by then.  We would like to have surgery as soon as possible, but need to wait until we can make the best decision.  I Ideally would like to have this done around March 10 give or take.   What we need most is your support and prayers that the course to take will be obvious as well a sense of confidence in the course that we decide.  I also need some patience in waiting this next week as the natural tendency is a sense of urgency.   Feel free to reach out to Ryan as he also needs your support.  I do feel God's hand in helping us as well as great support by friends and family thus far.

Love,

Andrea and Ryan

303-746-3394 Andrea cell

970-590-0394 Ryan cell

rjnettles@gmail.com  Ryan's email

516 Parkwood Dr.

Windsor, Co 80550

3/9/14

The latest update is that we have now met our whole team of doctors and feel very confident in them.   I will have surgery on Tuesday, March 18th and undergo a bilateral mastectomy.   I feel this gives me the best chance to not have to go through this again in the future or at least the regret of having done more.   The pathology report essentially confirmed the first report.  I also met our oncologist who specializes in young and women and breast cancer and feels this is the best type to have ( I know this sounds weird, but of all the breast cancers out there and there are many).  Additionally she said it is a miracle that I found a 2 mm cancer, people usually find 1-2 cm cancers, but rarely 2 mm ones.  So if this isn't uplifting, I don't know what is..... because I technically didn't find the cancer.   We don't have the genetic testing yet, but it won't change my decision it will basically help family with future decisions.  Anyway, some of you have asked how to help.  The first and most important is prayer.  We are looking for the lymph nodes to be negative:) The second and basically for those who live locally is an awesome idea from Julie Herman who assembled a care calendar for us....Thank you Julie.  I also want to thank Kristen and Kristin for offering to make meals.  Thank you, Jen, for watching Brynn so Brooke can help me:)

Andrea

"Many of you have asked what you can do to help Andrea and her family.

They would be blessed by receiving meals.

Please note that there may be up to 6 people sharing the meal because family will be staying with the Nettles the first couple weeks.

Feel free to have a Pizza delivered to them or drop off gift cards to restaurants for take out.

The Nettles also need help with driving Maisie to/from school in Ft. Collins. She starts at 9:00am and finished at 3:40pm.

To access Andrea Nettles's CareCalendar site, 
visit http://www.carecalendar.org/logon/176129 and enter 
the following information in the appropriate spaces:

     Calendar ID   :   176129
     Security code :   6004

Please feel free to forward this email to others that have expressed wanting to help the Nettles."