So here is the treatment plan. I will be on chemotherapy for 6 months, every week for 24 weeks. Actually I will be on Herceptin the whole 24 weeks. The first 12 weeks I will be on Herceptin and Taxol together. All of my chemotherapy will be given intravenously. Then the second 12 weeks I will get chemo and Herceptin twice a week with two different kinds of chemo. They also said I will get some heavy doses of Steroids the day of chemo and several days after. They are hoping to shrink the cancer and get rid of it in my lymph node. (oh yeah that came back postive in the lymph node they did the biopsy on). It is a little larger than a golf ball. They told me to go ahead and shop for a wig. I know this is a morbid question but I asked what my survival rate is and he said if we do surgery first than it will more than 80% the cancer will come back because of the size and lymph node involvement and me being Her/2 positive. I will start treatment this Friday the 14th. They said I will be there all day on Friday because they have to monitor me real close to see if I have an reaction and they will constantly check my heart to see if it is doing o.k. because the drugs can cause serious heart damage.
I am so sad right now because I am not wanting to leave here without my babies all grown up. I just don't know what I am going to do. I am just having a pity party for myself today. I guess it is just alot to take in.
25 comments:
Audra,
It IS a lot to take in...but if you allow God's strength to carry you through this, He will. I pray God's abundant blessings at this time for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Debbi Harvell
Audra,
You are certainly entitled to a pity party. And I'm sure this rainy day is not helping. But the rain will clear up and you will fight this. I know it will not be easy and you must feel alone, but please know that so many people love you and are here for you. Keep your head up! Love you! Jodi
Audra,
I cannot imagine what is has been like for you and your family with all that you have been through in such a short time.You certainly deserve to feel however you want but you must not forget that God helps those who help themselves and so you musr remain strong and determined to fight this and I know you will get through it. We all are praying each day for you and we all love you. Don't you forget it. JAN
Audra,
I know you must be going through so many ups and downs right now. The good thing is that you and your heart are strong and the cancer isn't anywhere else. Ginger had the once weekly chemo too. I think it was for 3-4 months and she is well, cancer free, and past it for 9 years now. Just remember; this can be okay. Thinking of you daily.
Love,
Debbie Byrd
Audra,
My heart aches for all you're going through. God will help you through it; scripture promises this. Look at Isaiah 41: 10&13... "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Imagine Him holding your right hand Audra through every part of your marathon and bringing you into complete healing. I am praying for you and your family and I will not stop.
Love,
Pamela Sproul
P.S. Thanks for the great haircut. I've received tons of compliments!!
Just "BELIEVE" BELIEVE that you will be here to see you kids all grown up. Use you own personal strength as well as God's to guide you through. I know you can do this. We all have faith in you.
Tracy Gillikin
Audra,
I am praying for you and your family. If you need anything don't hesitate to call.
God Bless,
Heidi
Audra, you are awesome! I am so amazed at how strong you are being. Whenever you want to break those dishes just let me know. Brinkley and I love you very much!
Melodie
Audra,
You are in my prayers everyday. Today, I haven't stopped thinking of you and how you must be feeling. With that said, the important thing is that you have a plan in place to fight this battle. Although you feel so alone, it is so obvious that you have so many people who love you and we are all going to help you win this battle! Love you!! Candy
To all of Audra's support folks:
Check out this link:
http://community.breastcancer.org/
forum/16/
topic/724311
I am willing to do whatever necessary to help out, if anyone is aware of anything we can do please let me know.
Candy Moore
Hi Audra,
I am sooooooo sorry to hear all you are facing - I can't imagine what you are going through. But, one day at a time, you can do it. You have to, for those babies. And lean on all your support when you need it, it is already clear how many people care about you and will be rooting you on.
Not sure what your plan is exactly, or if you are ready to think about this, but thought I would tell you about it. Your doctor can arrange for you to receive the chemo down here at the RAAB clinic in Morehead, yet still be the one to follow you from Duke. The doctors make some kind of agreement to get it all arranged. I work with home health, upstairs from the RAAB clinic, and we have some patients that are followed by Duke but can be seen locally to actually get the medicine. You'd probably want to get started up at Duke but once all is underway it might be something to consider, so you didn't have to do so much traveling.
Anyway, I don't know all the details of how to get it arranged, but if you want me to look into it, just call me and I will get you more info - anytime. Caren 725-7199
We'll be praying for you, and again, call me if there is anything at all I can do for you!
Caren and Teddy
Dear Audra,May every thing go well tomorrow.
Drive careful and You are in my thoughts and prayers.I Love You
Aunt Glenda
P.S.I just wrote you a long note and could'nt get it to go through
and lost it ,so I will write it later.
God will be with you and Corky tomorrow and Always
Audra-I've thought about you all day. The news wasn't great, but when they hook up that IV remember you are fighting back! God be with you! Beth
Audra,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. You are a beautiful, strong woman and you can and you WILL beat this!
I will be thinking of you and praying for you.
Love,
Janie Gaskill Mason
Audra,
Traci told me about your diagnosis. I just wanted you to know that I am praying for you and your family. In fact, I have also told my Bible Study about it we are all praying for you. I know how hard it can be with an illness weighing down on you and your family- the fear of the unknown and the future. Please know that you have all of our thoughts and prayers with you. And, of course that you are never alone! :) I will keep checking your blog for your progress!
Kerri Martin
I just wanted to let you know that I continua to think of you, Corky, Harley, Cole, and your mom. I will keep you in my prayers. You have a lot of support and a lot of prayers going around for you. You are strong and will come through this.
Paula
Audra, I just heard about what you are going through today from facebook. My husband Korey had cancer in 2001. I will continue to check your blog to keep up with your progress. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Allison
Audra, you are so entitled to cry and with this rain today we all are too. Remember to think with how you want to be in 6 months, a beautiful, healthy body that's cancer free. Keep thinking that over and over and believe it. Let the doctors do what they must do but you keep believing in full recovery. I know you can. I'll pray for you every day and believe it too!!!
audra-
you have got to take that music off of there. it's a killing me emotionally while i am reading your letters. it is beautiful though. i hope everything went well today. i am going to call you in a bit. i just hate what youare going thru. you deserve a
pity party and more. you are going to overcome this. we are all in this together. do you hear me? i'm fighting for my audra leigh. i love you girl and would do anything for you. don't ever forget that. if you want someone to hit or cuss at, just call me and i'll see if david's around.(made you smile). be strong for those kids- you can do this- i know you can. SON- THAT CANCER DOESN'T KNOW WHERE YOU ARE FROM!!!!DROIMMM!
I Love You
Annie Jo
Audra,
Just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in my prayers. Love ya,
DeAnne
Audra
It is now after 9 and I have heard no news from your Mom.I know your day has been long and I hope you have been pain free.I have had you on my mind all day.
I love you and know that God has been with you and Corky all day.
I will be waiting to hear how things went today and most of all,how you are.
Love to you and Corky,
Aunt Glenda
Audra,I was reading what your friend,Annie wrote about your music,she is right,tears come every time I hear it.It is beautiful and is so muh like you.
Your Mom was taking Cole to the movies today.Hope he had fun.
Going to call your Mom.
Luv u,
Aunt Glenda
Audra,
I have been so worried about you all day. I hate that you are having to go through this. It breaks my heart. I love ya the best and I know that you are going to come through this stronger than ever. I wish there was something I could say or do to make this better for you. If you need anything at all please let me know.
Love,
Jaime
AUDRA-WE ARE ALL BEHIND, BESIDE, AND IN FRONT OF YOU W/ THIS BATTLE.
JUST LOOK AROUND AT HOW MANY PEOPLE LOVE YOU AND HOW MANY FRIENDS THAT YOU HAVE. YOU ARE STRONG, YOU ARE A FIGHTER AND A BELIEVER. YOU HAVE SO MUCH TO LIVE FOR AND SO MUCH AHEAD OF YOU IN THE FUTURE. YES, YOU WILL HAVE A FUTURE AND YOU WILL WATCH THOSE BABIES GROW UP AND YOU WILL SEE THEM FINISH SCHOOL AND GET MARRIED.
AND WE WILL BE W/ YOU THEN TOO.
I LOVE YOU SOOO MUCH-
ANNIE
Wow-Audra--
your courage shines through any of the other feelings that are taking up space in your head right now. It is alot to process and still put one foot in front of the other. My heart aches at the turmoil that you must be feeling but I read the love and encouragment in these emails and pray that you are lifted up. I really appreciate that you are doing this website, it helps all of us who care about you so much (that would be anyone who meets you) to continue to feel connected to your recovery. Love you --
Susan & Sarah
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