:)

I have been going to Duke every 3 weeks for Herceptin. They had to hold it awhile back because of my heart again. Last Tuesday we went back up for an Ecko and my heart was good my ejection fraction (still can't remember what it's called) is up so they were able to start the Herceptin again. I have to take it until February. I also saw my surgeon a few weeks ago and we talked about my reconstruction. My Dr. recommended another Dr. that he works with because of the kind of reconstruction I need, this Dr does this procedure. He also said that it is a very long surgery-10 to 12 hours under and in the hospital for 5 days and out of work 6 to 8 weeks. UUGGHHH!!! So that is something that I will have to think about.
I can't believe this month it has been a year since I found out I had cancer. I was told Oct 2, 2008. It seems like forever ago and then sometimes it seems like it has flown by. I feel like I am mostly done with everything as far as the cancer goes and I feel like I should be different, which I feel that I am in someways, but in others Oh I don't know. I so want to make a difference now with helping others going thru Breast Cancer and finding a cure. I've done some little things but nothing major, it's funny how life just goes on as nothing has changed and everything has changed for me, and I feel like I should be making more of a difference. I am enjoying each and every moment with my family that I have. I am just so very glad and blessed to be here, because last year this time I sure wasn't sure if I was going to be here or not.
Thanks for all the prayers and support that helped get me through this terrible disease.
I will keep you updated for the next surgery in February.

Finished with Radiation

I had my final radiation treatment this morning at 7:15. Six full weeks/five days a week. I am so glad that its over and I am home with my family. I think I had the hardest time with radiation because I had to be away from my family for a full five days. I stayed in a hotel a few times and a couple of weeks I stayed with my Aunt Nellie Ann and Uncle John-they had the nicest home and Aunt Nellie Ann is one of the best cooks I know. Cole went with me several times-he is the best company to have. I was able to get a room at the Caring House which is about 3 minutes from the Cancer Clinic. I couldn't take the kids with me because you can't have anyone stay under the age of 18. The first week was pretty tough, then I had my friend Melodie come and stay the second week and she and Jaime came and stayed this past week for two nights and we had the best time. The Caring House is such a nice place and they offer it to you for only $25 a night.
I am really burnt on my chest and under my arm where they treated-but hey I'm home and it's only going to get better.
I have an appointment for Aug 6 for a Endoscopy. A certain part of my white blood count is raised meaning something is going on so they are going to take some samples of my stomach and lower intestines. On Aug 11th I will go back and see my Oncologist Dr. Marcom and have Herceptin in the Chemo lab. My Dr. will also put me on some horomone replacement pills I think that is what they said anyway.
Then............................I won't have to go back for 3 more weeks. YAY!!!!! Herceptin every 3 weeks until Feb. I can definately handle that.
Well thats all for now-Love Audra

Latest dr. visit

I went up to Duke yesterday June 9 for bloodwork, Dr. appt, chemo (just the Herceptin) and a CT scan to get me set up for radiation. When we got the report from the dr that my pathology report came back cancer free, I was so very happy. Then a few days later my stomach started hurting really bad then I had all the stuff that goes with upset stomach. I went back for my Herceptin 3 weeks ago and that is when it was really bad. I had taken 2 prilosec that morning and when they got the IV started they gave me zofran, and tagament and that didn't touch it then they gave me some mylanta and gas x and that didn't help so the whole way home I was bent over in excruciating pain. So we paged my dr up at Duke and told him that we just left from up there and all the meds they gave me didn't help and so he told me to go to the ER here so then in the past few weeks I have been to the dr down here several times and the hospital getting test done. At first they thought it was my gall bladder and so I had a sonogram and it showed no signs of gall stones then I had the pipida scan and that came back normal. So now they are checking for C-diff. They best way I can describe that is-all the antibiotics that I was on after surgery and having those drain tubes in (I was on antibiotics for 16 days, pain meds and also Tamiflu because Cole had the flu and so my dr. put me on it to for precaution) so sometimes alot of antibiotics can kill the good stuff in your intestines and you have to take some more antibiotics to get it back right again. OH I don't know something like that anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If it isn't that than the next step will be an upper and lower endoscopy to check for ulcers and to take some biopsys. My dr had originally wanted me to get a brain MRI when I was vomitting alot because sometimes the cancer can metasisize to the brain. So instead of just being the happiest person in the world right now I have been so sick with my stomach and terrified of it spreading somewhere else. I know I should look on the positive side-look at all I have been through and now my pathology report came back cancer free but I have been so sick and so scared about what is going on with me. I have googled my symtoms and it has said gall bladder or ulcers or celiacs disease (gluten free diet). So hopefully I will get this fixed whatever is going on with me and then CELEBRATE. Also I will tell you for pure HUMOR that I was on a liquid diet for 11 days and did not lose ONE freaking pound. Very humorous huh!!!!!!!!!!!
Last week we met with Dr. Horton at Duke for my radiation consultation and she said that she thinks that I do need radiation. I was hoping to get out of that but oh well I have come this far. She said I had three strikes against me- being so young, cancer so large and it was in my lymph nodes. So I start radiation on June 16 and it will be for 6 1/2 weeks, 5 days a week. Well that is all for now, I will let everyone know how the radiation goes.
Love, Audra

Go tell it on the mountain !!!!! We just got out of the doctors office and Audra's pathology report came back cancer free. LET THE GLORY BE TO GOD !!!!!!!!!!! Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. We love you all. Whooooooooooooooooooooooo !!!!!!!!!

Hello, this is corky, just wanted to let ya'll know that everything went well today. My Angel went into surgery this morning around 715 and got out around 1100. Doctor says she may be able to come home tomorrow. She is sassy, so I know she is doing pretty good. She is still as beautiful as the day that I met her. Now , I am just a little closer to her heart. I want to thank each and everyone, for all the prayers. Ya' ll just don't know how much you have touched our lives. I pray that each and everyone will receive the blessings that our family has received. I will be joining golds gym next week, so I will be ready to fight off all the guys next summer, when Audra is riding around in the mullet tower in that bikini. Son, won't she be Hot. God bless you all, corky

Friday May 1st

I went to Duke today for my preop and an EKG and a Echo on my heart. My little man Cole went with me today. I was going to go by myself, Corky thought I had someone and I was ok with going by myself, I knew they were not going to do anything major today-just talk about the surgery and those test on my heart are a breeze compared to some test. Corky was mad when I told him I was going by myself and Cole said I feel sorry for you mama because you have cancer-I want to go with you so you are not alone. He is the sweetest little boy also the thought of missing school probably didn't hurt. We had the best day together. He met my surgeons nurse Dee and she was so nice to him and he was so polite to her when we left he said where does she live I want to buy her a christmas present this year. God bless him.
Anyway about surgery I have to be there at 6 am and surgery is at 7:15 they said it will take around 4 hours and an hour or so in recovery and I will only stay one night. We are going to stay the night up in Durham so I will just have to wake up and drive 5 minutes there and tell them to put me in LA LA Land so I don't stress or have anxiety. If I had to drive 3 hours there it would be too long to think about it so that is why I am staying up there.
Please say a little prayer for me on Monday morning-I just hope everything goes ok and they get all the cancer.

Surgery date scheduled

Corky and I went to Duke yesterday April 24th for another MRI and a Dr. appointment with my surgeon. He gave me some options but I'm going to have double masectomy. He said that after radiation we can do reconstruction in six months. I thought originally he said a year but six months will be in January so that is just great. I also get to have a tummy tuck with the reconstruction to make the new ones. How about that-something positive after all this mess is done with. Corky says "son you will be right in a bikini next summer standing up in that mullet tower". He is so not right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway feeling really good these days, the metallic taste is still bad and I have about 4 tiny fever blisters on my lip from stress about the surgery. But most everyone says if you can get through chemo everything else is a breeze-so we'll see.
Oh yeah May 4th is the surgery date-chemo brain is pretty bad these days also.
Love Audra

My last big chemo today! YAY!!!!!!

Today I went for my last big chemo-the big sicko chemo! I will still have to go to Duke every three weeks for Herceptin to be given intravenously until Janurary. There is side effects to Herceptin but it doesn't make you sick and you don't lose your hair with it so yippee! It can cause some long term heart damage but I'm not going to dwell on that, just get the cancer gone. Today my dad and stepmom took me we arrived at 11:30 my appointment was at 12:30 and when they finally paged us around 3:45 I think we left around 5:30 or so. Long day. I am feeling a little better today, maybe because I know it is my last treatment, but then again every time I write that I feel ok I feel horrible the next few days so I hope I'm not jinxing myself here but I feel ok right now.
I have my next appointment on the 24th at 7am for ANOTHER MRI and a 10 am appointment with my oncology surgeon to find out when my surgery is and then I go back on May 1st for an Ecko on my heart and a doctors appointment with my oncologist and chemo Herceptin only.
So that's all for now-thanks to everyone for the continued prayers-they are a working!
Love to all, Audra

Feeling great this week!

I have felt great this past weekend and today, its crazy how I feel so good this week and Friday I get my last big treatment of chemo, Monday is my actual last chemo. Thank goodness.
I have had the best weekend with my family, my dad and stepmom took us out to eat Saturday night at Texas Steakhouse and we had a great time. Harlie was pleasant and that is always a plus with a teenager.
Someone said that I had too sad of songs on here so I have posted three of my favorite ones-hope you enjoy.
The Elton John, "your song" is one that I heard a year before Corky and I got married. We were watching a movie with that song in it and I said I love that song and he said he did too. Well when it came time for us to pick a song for our first dance we couldn't ever think of one. We were emailing our dj with different songs, so on our wedding day the dj came up to me and said you still didn't pick a song for you and Corky's first dance and I said oh just pick one ( I was about attled at that time) anyway he must of went up to Corky and he remembered. Isn't that just so sweet. He is the best!
The honey pie sugar bunch reminds me of when I was little and on Saturday afternoons daddy and Michelle would start cooking and daddy would lite the grill for the steaks and open the windows and turn on some beach music and that song reminds me of those special times, just being with family doing the most simple things. Isn't it funny how a song or smell of steaks on the grill can bring back the best memories.
The stevie nicks song reminds me of my mama-dancing around the house-hee hee! We had some fun times too.
Hope you enjoy the songs-I love them!

Only one more treatment to go!!!!

Last week my sweet mother in law Miss Linda took me up to Duke for two days. I had to have an Ecko on my heart again and then a Dr. appointment and chemo on Friday. Instead of being on the road for 12 hours in two days she paid for us to stay in a hotel room and we had a great time. Corky has used all of his days off from work so I'm getting family now to take me. My dad and stepmom Michelle took me yesterday, (Monday) for my treatment. We had a good time, at least I didn't get sick-thank goodness. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family.
On Friday when we saw my Dr. she said the Ecko from the day before still hadn't come up enough to where it was initially so they were still going to hold the Herceptin this time. She said I will probably get another one before my next chemo to see where its at because I have to go back on Herceptin. It will probably prolong the Heceptin treatment when I am done with everything because they say I have to be on it a year so right now it is already pushed back about 6 weeks. Oh well, I am just so excited that I have only one more chemo to go April 10 and the 13th. Then probably 4 to six weeks then surgery. I can't believe I have been having chemo for six months. It is crazy what you think you can't do then do it.
They extended my meds Emend, zofran, steroids, phenegran, benadryly and something else for 4 more days to help me get through the sick stomache. I have felt a little better this time than last time. I'm learning what I can eat and cannot eat. NO PIZZA!!!! Boring bananas, rice and toast. yuck!!!! I have even gained a pound from since the beginning of this, they say you usually do-us women anyway. But hey who cares about that.

This past weekend I had some wonderful friends throw us a fundraiser at Jacks on the waterfront in Morehead. I was sick on Sunday in bed and coulndn't go but Corky and the kids went and my mom and dad and stepmom. Corky said it was overwhelming the people and support that our friends and community have done for us and our family. Thank you to each and every one of you who was there for us. We love each and every one of you for thinking of us and doing such an amazing job on the fundraiser. We are truly overwhelmed by it all. I just don't know what to say but Thank you thank you thank you so much. When I am out of work with surgery and radiation it is going to be so helpful. When I get done with this cancer mess I want to do a fundraiser and keep it going year after year for someone in our community. It makes the most difference when a burden has been lifted. I am just so thankful to everyone-Love Audra and family

Feeling good.

I went shopping to Jacksonville today. I have felt really good this week. It is crazy how bad I feel the week after my chemo and how good I feel the next week. I worked all last week-five days and one day I pulled a twelve hour day. I know too long. But I feel so good, just trying to work all I can now because I know it is coming up where I won't be working at all. I enjoyed going shopping today even if it was just for household items. I like getting stocked up on detergent and paper plates and stuff so I won't have to keep asking people to run here for this and that. I go back to Duke this Thursday for an Ecko on my heart. They need to check it out before I get chemo on Friday to see if I can start back on my Herceptin. Not looking forward to Friday's chemo. Actually when I think about it I gag. It seems each time it gets worse. But after this Friday I will only have one more treatment. Yay!!!!! Actually Friday and Monday combo treatment. Now I am getting nervous about the surgery-actually I am nervous each chemo I get and then I keep thinking about surgery and all that is going on with that and radiation. Corky says he has never know anyone to worry like me. That's probably why I have cancer I reckon-I just don't know how to not worry about EVERYTHING. I have faith but still worry. I worry about this stupid cancer and when I get done if it will come back, I worry about my children-everything they do-I don't know how I am going to handle Harlie getting her permit. (she starts drivers ed this week) Why worry about cancer because that will probably give me a heart attack.

There was a girl that I use to cut her hair that was 28 years old and just passed away from breast cancer-it went to her liver. It is so terribly sad, she has a 2 year old child.

After Monday I will be half way thru this treatment!

I had my second treatment on this past Friday. Almost half way there. YAY!!! I saw the doctor and after they reviewed the ecko they decided to hold off on the herceptin this time because there was such a drop in the efraction injection or injection efraction (whatever its called). My heart hasn't bothered me that much this weekend but it may also be because they gave me a new pill before my chemo. It is called Emend, they just said it really helps with nausea and feeling bad. They still gave me the steroids and Zofran in my iv also. And my doctor gave me a prescription for the Emend to have at home over the weekend. I take one Emend and a steroid pill and Zofran on Saturday and Sunday morning. Then I will go back for my second treatment on Monday and the shot of Neulasta for my white blood count. Although I was even more sick this past Friday then I was the previous time-just really nauseaus. I guess it is just the way it is going to be. Saturday I slept all day-I feel horrible when I do that too because Harlie was home and in her room watching tv all day and Cole was with Corky. I feel like I am missing so much by sleeping and being sick. I get sad then I get mad then I don't know what I get. Cancer really sucks!!!!!!!!!! Well that's all for now-Thank you to my wonderful family who has been so gracious and wonderful to me. Thank you also to my wonderful friends who have been there every step of the way. I don't know what I would do without such a supportive family and friends. I love each and every one of you.

Results...

I just got off the phone with the Dr and he said my chest x-ray looked good and my white blood count is up from the Neulasta shot (I guess that's good). My Ecko he said had dropped quite a bit in such a short time. My first Ecko was the week that I started the new chemo had an efraction injection (I think that is what he called it) of 76% and only 12 days after the new chemo it is now 57% which he said is a considerable drop for such a short time. He said that he is going to get another cardiologist to read it again just to make sure the numbers are right. If that is what the numbers are he is going to go over the MRI again and see what he thinks about dropping the Herceptin for the next 3 and final chemos. He said that he will let me know what plan he comes up with by next Friday the 27th, that is when I see him and have my next chemo. Well that's all for now-

Heading to Duke tomorrow

This round has not been good at all, but that is what they told me from the start. I did get to work a couple of days last week but when Friday rolled around I felt terrible with horrible back aches and shortness of breath. I took a shower on Saturday and started one load of clothes and it felt like I ran up 5 flights of stairs. (and i don't run anywhere unless being chased by mean dogs) So that was frustrating and all weekend I would wake up with my heart beating out of my chest and not feeling like I could catch my breath. I also have a horrible cold, yucky stuff and coughing all the time. They called in some antibiotics for me to start taking and I have 3 appointments at Duke tomorrow-Ecko, chest x-ray and something else-can't remember. We called my Dr. on Sunday and Corky talked to him. I felt so horrible Sunday that I cried all day so when I paged Dr. Marcom and he got on the phone I just broke down like a 3 year old and handed the phone to Corky. Dr. M said that the ecko will show if the herceptin and other chemos are affecting my heart and he will have to back off a little next time. So we will see. Everything about this is so darn hard but I know I have to hold my head up high and move forward there is no other option. I know there are alot of people alot worse off than me so I really shouldn't be whinning. Well I just wanted to let everyone know what was going on for tomorrow Tuesday the 17th. Thanks to everyone who has been so supportive to me in my family in so many ways. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful family and friends. Love Audra

SICK SICK SICK

Today is my first day that I am able to get on this computer and write. I had my doctor visit and new rounds of chemo last friday the 6th. We saw the doctor and she said the Ecko came back fine so therefore we will still continue with the herceptin. Which I was hoping that I wouldn't have to take too. But being how my Mri showed the mass still there-I'm quoting from the Mri report-Although the measurements are similiar, this known cancer is now much less bulky and much less apparent. Two of the right axillary lymph nodes have increased in size. The largerst measured 26mm x16mm on series 504 B, image 30. It is believed to most likely be related to the patients known skin rash rom the Taxol.
So they think what is showing up now is scar tissue where the cancer was. Plus the two swollen lymph nodes that wasn't present last time. But they can't be for sure and don't want to put me through another biopsy so they are going ahead with the full md anderson and herceptin regimen. My doctor did tell me that the effects are more profound and risk of heart problems. But he recommends this is still the best way to go.
They started my iv and gave my my fluids and I received Zofran and decadron. Then my next chemo's are called push chemo's or push meds not sure. One of the chemos was in these huge needle viles and it was red there were four of them and another one was clear. My nurse had to sit beside me and push these meds in at a pretty slow rate then I had my bag of cytoxan then my bag of herceptin. I think we were there about 5 hours total. Halfway home I started getting sick on my stomache and havent' felt right since. I have alternated Zofran, Ativan, and Compazine. I am on ativan right now and am feeling a little loopy.
Monday we went back for the 5Fu one push medicine and the shot Neulasta. They saw me when I got there with a bucket in hand about to throw up and took me on back. My sweet nurse Kim got me a chair in the corner near her and started me with some fluids for about an hour before we even started my medicine. That made me feel so much better I think I was a little dehydrated. I also got a dose of Zofran in my iv that made me feel better too.
The good news is my doctor called on the way home and said that it was a misunderstanding about every week, it will be every 3 weeks on Friday and Monday. So yay that part is good-but I think what they give my is definately stronger I guess that is why it is every 3 weeks. Dr. Marcom also said on the phone to be more careful that this isn't like last time, I will feel more tired and shortness of breath and if I feel an extreme shortness of breath call or go to the hospital because it could be the herceptin and eppiribucin affecting my heart.
I know I am halfway through with chemo but with me feeling this bad after round one I have been a little more than sad, sick, sad, depressed oh I don't know. It just seem like such a long road ahead. When you feel sick it changes things-I'm trying to do mind over matter. Today is the first day that I had to ask someone in my neighborhood to pick up my kids for me. She was so kind and said anytime. But that sure does make it seem like things are slipping from what they use to be. Well thats all for now-Love Audra

Feb 4th

Yesterday I went to Duke for a test on my heart and another MRI. I have a funny feeling about the heart test for some reason-you kind of get to know a certain look the doctors and nurses and techs give you. After being told you have cancer yes, your lymph node we biopsied is cancer yes you kind of can tell-maybe I'm wrong. The MRI went pretty well. The Cat scan is the one I don't like.
For the past week we have been trying to figure this Neulasta shot out-I thought I was going to be able to get it at 200.00 dollars copay. Well we have had our triage nurse tell us that insurance companies will come back and say they are not going to pay any because I am self administering it to myself. So then we were going to get a prescription for my doctor here to give it to me at the hospital. But being how my doctor here isn't ordering the chemo I don't get the umbrella effect where it covers it. So now we think I will have to have it at Duke on Saturday. So that means Friday chemo stay over for the shot on Saturday come home and go back on Monday for chemo again.
I am thankful that I have insurance. But they should really figure out something for cancer patients that they don't have the stress of figuring all this insurance mess out. That is stressful by itself.
I will let everyone know about Friday-hopefully that MRI shows the cancer is gone.

Finished on that round of chemo!

Yesterday I had my 12 and final chemo of Taxol and Herceptin YAY!!!! I can't believe I have had chemo for 3 months already-it just flew by. Maybe my next 3 months of chemo will go by just as quick.
We saw the doctor yesterday and he gave me my exam and guess what????????? He said it felt like a normal breast exam. How about that-we are hoping it is already gone. What a miracle. So next week on Wednesday at 4 I have to have a Ecko and Muga scan on my heart and at 6 I have to have another MRI. He said if the Mri shows no sign of the cancer that he will cut out the herceptin until after this chemo because the other chemos I will be on, there is one that when given with herceptin it can cause serious heart damage. That is why I am getting another Ecko and Muga scan to check and see how my heart is doing after 3 months on herceptin. He said though if there is a slight bit of cancer showing up in the tumor spot or in my lymph nodes still then he will go ahead with all chemos and herceptin-because the risk is greater in the cancer part. I hope that just made sense. So I am going to hope and pray that it is gone on the mri because I don't want to deal with heart issuess too-but whatever I have to do.
So after the Mri and scans on my heart I will see Dr. Marcom on Friday again before my treatment then I will go back up on Monday for treatment again. Initially we thought it was going to be a Tuesday and Friday and now it is Mon and Fri. Oh also I will have to give myself a shot or drive back up to duke on saturday-I think I can give myself the shot. I was giving myself the byetta shots for diabetes last year-hopefully this shot won't be much larger that that one. My nurse told me to call and see if my insurance covers it being how I won't be in a clinic or hospital. She said sometimes it won't cover it-you giving it to yourself. So I called my pharmacy and doctor and the shot is THIRTY TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS!!!! My part is 200.00 thank goodness for insurance. The shot is called Neulasta. My doctor said the chemo is going to knock my white blood counts way down and Neulasta makes new ones. They said even if I am around someone with a little cold or eat a fruit with some kind of bacteria where someone else might not get sick I could get sick and die. I really didn't need to hear that. Anyway I just know I need to be real careful these next 3 months.
I am doing really good today-feeling good about everything. Now maybe when I have that Mri and the chemo on Friday that will be a differnet story. But for today I am so happy about everything and blessed beyond words.
God bless to everyone-Love Audra

11th one down

I had my 10th treatment last week and nothing new to report on that-and I had my 11th one yesterday and everything went well. Our appointment for our 10th chemo was at 11:00 and they didn't take us back until after 3pm so that was a long day. My appointment yesterday was at 12:45 and we went back around 2:00. But I know there are people every day getting diagnosed and are having to be worked in so I don't mind about the wait because they worked me in on my first one. So many young people getting chemo too-there was a girl around 18 years old getting chemo last week and and another young pregnant girl. We so have to find a cure for this horrible disease. Every time I talk with someone new they know at least five people with breast cancer.
I guess that is all for now-my next treatment next week will be my last on this round-hopefully the next round will go this good.
God bless to everyone and again thanks to all my wonderful friends and family and faithful supportors-Love Audra

9th chemo

Friday I had my 9th chemo. My doctor said the week before that I didn't need to have blood work done the next few weeks as long as I still was feeling fine. So we left home at 6am and arrived at Duke at 9:15 for our 9:30 appt. They called us back at 11 and asked us if we had blood work done and we told them that the dr. said it was ok not to have it. Well apparantly not, you cannot get Taxol without bloodwork so they had to send us down for labs and that took about an hour then we had to wait back in the waiting area again. Finally we got started about 1:30 so we got home about 8:00 instead of 3:30. Oh well all is good and I am still feeling fine.
I am getting anxious about my next 12 weeks of chemo. I have done so well these past 9 weeks on Taxol and I am hoping the next 12 weeks of treatment go as well. I have said in the past blog it is called the FEC MD Anderson. The actual drug names are F for Fluorouracil (Adrucil) E for Epirubicin (Ellence) and C for Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). And I will still be on Herceptin. That will be twice a week for twelve weeks. I was going to ask if anyone has taken any of these chemos but I know people that has been on taxol and it was horrible for them and I have been on taxol and worked 10 hour days and have felt fine. I shouldn't work myself up in a tizzy and try to find everything out about the drugs because I know they have a different effect on each person. I am just rambling-sorry! I know I just need to take each day, day by day. But each day I get closer to the next twelve. I am getting so anxious and scared.
Thank you to everyone for your continued support and prayers. I go back and read all the comments people write to me each day and it makes me feel better. Thank you so much. Love Audra

My kids are doing really well, Harlie is in 9th grade at Croatan High School and is doing really good in school. She is a typical teenager-moody most days and really full of energy and conversation when she wants something. I can remember being that age, so I try not to get on her too much although I do think she is spoiled rotten but I love her dearly. Cole is in third grade and the sweetest little man you will ever meet. I signed him up for soccer today. I wasn't going to do any kind of sports for the kids because of the money and time with me going through all of my stuff. But I thought it would be a nice outlet for him. At least he can get out there a couple of days a week instead of seeing me sick and in bed alot. It will start when I am going in my next 12 weeks of chemo. I have some friends that has offered to help with bringing him home from practice. Now I have to find something for Harlie to do, she is 15 now and can work. Only problem is I want her to work at the IGA across the street from our subdivision but she wants to work 15 to 20 minutes away in Atlantic beach at AB Surf shop where she can spend her money before she gets a check. Oh well. What to do.
My wonderful husband is glad the christmas rush for UPS is over. Now he can get home at a decent hour. He has been so good to me taking me to Duke every time except for once when my friends Jaime and Annie took me. My mom has been the best to me too. She comes to see me everyday and helps with the kids so much. I don't know what I would do without her. My father in law has also helped out with the kids also. I have been truly blessed to have such a wonderful family.
Well thats all for the Smith-Odum family.
God bless to everyone-Love Audra

Annie's request

You said this is your song to me-so here it is at your request.
What good times-wishing and praying for more-Love ya Annie

8th one down-already :)

I had my eight chemo today. Everything went good. We also saw the doctor today. Actually before I begin this I want to apologize for my writing skills (lack of) they are horrible and I know it and also I can't go in and change the misspellings for some reason. But oh well! Glad I got that out of the way.
My doctor measured the tumor again today and it has shrunk even more. It took her a little while to feel it and get a good measurement. It was originally 5cc last 4 weeks it was 4.5 now it measures 3.8. So Yay!!!!!!!!! Your prayers and support are working, thank you so much. Today we discussed what will be going on in the next year. I will get 4 more treatments of Taxol and Herceptin then go right in the next 12 weeks of my next treatment. It is called FEC MD Anderson effect or experience. I'm not sure.( I am sure my wonderful oncology nurse Kim is getting a kick out of this story-I am pretty loopy when we talk about it-hopefully I have some info right) It will be twice a week probably ending at the end of April. Then maybe waiting a week or up to three weeks to get my white blood count up then surgery. They said the next twelve weeks will probably make me nauseous and very tired. After surgery I will probably start Radiation for about 6 weeks for 5 days a week. There is a place called Caring House near Duke that they told me to contact about staying thru the week and coming home on weekends. Then I will go back to Duke every 3 weeks for Herceptin for a year. They said when it gets to that it will be a breeze from going twice a week to once every 3 weeks. It seems like it keeps getting longer and longer of a process. But whatever it takes to get rid of this cancer for good-that is what I will do.
Today when I was getting my chemo there was this old man getting chemo also-with two prison guards.!!!!!! I feel bad he had no family with him and then to think about him going back to a cell trying to fight cancer. I know it is crazy for me to think about, but I wonder what he did? Rob a bank, steal cars, or worse. I don't even want to think about it really-but then I wonder, what happened to him or what kind of family did he have growing up. So it brings me to really be so thankful for all my family-All of them and All of my friends because they have shaped me and made me the person I am today. I'm not trying to toot any horns but I feel I am a good person who has been so blessed to be shaped by such wonderful people in my life. It is funny how in the past I would pass judgement on that man thinking that whatever he did it must have been bad for him to go to prison-but now I think I bet he didn't have the mom or dad I had or grandparents or aunts and uncles or friends that have all been so good to me. Especially my husband and kids who are the best in the world to me and love me so much. So I think from this day forward I won't be so quick to pass judgement on people anymore. Wow that was deep or something! I just wanted to let everyone that has come in my life to know what an impact you have made on me-for the good. So thank you so much.
Tonight when I say my prayers -I usually pray for everyone that was up in the chemo lab, cancer patients, the nurses who are so good to us and the volunteers. I will also be praying for that old man in prison.
Goodnight everyone and God Bless