I wanted to call this post “STOP. Chemo Time!” but I was concerned readers wouldn’t get the MC Hammer reference. Would you have?! (Respond in the comments below. Wink.)
A lot has happened since July 4. Basically, I’ve been working, going to doctor’s appointments, and living it up before the (inevitable?) nausea and fatigue hits. Because…we’ve decided to go ahead and start chemo this Thursday, 7/21. More on that in a moment–but first! A few moments of digital scrapbooking.
Lincoln saw fireworks for the first time. Here we are getting ready for the big event.
Hyatt turned two!
My dear friend Christy provided emotional support while I got my hair cut short. She scheduled an appointment for me with Ashleigh at JAK Salon. They were so nice and encouraging there. Voila! Before and after.
Ew. Selfies. Moving on…
Cancer Treatment Update
I met with three different oncologists over the past few weeks. They were all excellent, and I liked each of them for different reasons. It’s wonderful to live in a city with such great care available. In the end, I went with the doctor I felt I would have the best rapport with–but only after getting multiple recommendations, reading journal after journal, and asking a LOT of questions. A friend wrote this to me when I asked for prayer: “Go with the doctor you believe will listen to you and will be honest with you but mostly trust God to lead you. This is a walk of trusting God while you are going through this journey and remember He loves you and He is always good.” Her advice really helped me as I tried to find peace about the next couple of steps to take.
I am indeed starting with chemotherapy first, then surgery. There are a couple of reasons for this, but either way would have been good. In terms of the chemo plan, we’ve decided to go with the fan favorite Adriamycin and Cytoxan every 2 weeks for 8 weeks; then Taxol (and maybe Carboplatin) every week for 12 weeks. I am plotting pink AC/TC shirts. Yes?
If you’re someone thinking about treatment, I’d be happy to go into WAY more detail about how and why we came to this decision.
We also met with a plastic surgeon–which, for someone who has never even dyed her hair other than Sun In and lemon juice–was crazy. The plastic surgeon was both professional and kind. If you see me, ask me for the bizarre fact we learned about how certain aspects of reconstruction procedures were handled in the past. It is taking a lot of restraint on my part not to blog about it.
Last Thursday my (other) surgeon put in my chemo port. He did a nice job, and the team let me take a long nap afterwards. I also want to give this surgeon props for talking on the phone with me Wednesday night as I aired my confusion over differing medical opinions. I called him my “breast friend,” which I’m sure he’s only heard like once every other day.
Chemo Prep
Thanks to some sweet friends, I was able to order some really cute hats yesterday. Another friend brought me the cute hats and scarves she wore during her treatment last year. I don’t know if I’ll mostly go with scarves or hats or a wig yet. It’s nice to have options. (Ugh, I just had a moment of “Ew. Why are we talking about this?”) Bryce, who is the best, thinks I should just rock the bald head. That is definitely an option for summer. We’ll see.
I have ginger chews, peppermints, essential oils, ginger tea, white tea, hand sanitizer, a recipe for a really cool recovery drink from my sis, anti-viral face masks (ugh, Kelli, really?!), and a bunch of scary and overwhelming nutritional infographics I’ve hoarded on Pinterest. What else do I need? (I’m really asking.)
Several people have put together busy boxes and bags for our boys. We are so, so thankful. They are at an age where they genuinely get excited about new toys and crafts. They love to explore found objects and organize them. Lord willing, the next few months will be A-okay from their point of view. (I say that pretty naively.)
I plan to work throughout treatment, as long as it “works.” I’ve heard stories of people working throughout chemo and being thankful they weren’t just sitting in bed being self-focused. My work people have been wonderful so far, so we’re just keeping the lines of communication open. It’s quite hard to make actual plans when none of us knows how I’ll actually respond to treatment. A survivor I talked with asked how I’ve been able to work during these weeks of biopsy, diagnosis, and doctor visits. (“Isn’t it hard to focus?”) Yes, there is a lot going on, but I have two things in my favor–a job I like and an amazing God. I am an extroverted, idea-oriented, easily-distracted person anyways. (Many of us are, right?) The ability to focus and do creative, thorough work ever–diagnosis or no diagnosis–is something I have to thank the King of Kings for. Not Elvis.
So, let’s do this. Thank you for all of the prayers and support for our family.
July 17, 2016 at 8:40 pm
Woo woo! Let’s do this!
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July 17, 2016 at 9:19 pm
is there a wish list for you and/or the boys where one might be able to send you things you need/want? Seems like that’s something that should be available. The internet is surprisingly unhelpful on this.
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July 17, 2016 at 9:30 pm
All the Firebaughs send their love!!
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July 17, 2016 at 9:39 pm
Thanks for the newsy update–this was so great to read. I am praying. And I TOTALLY got the MC Hammer reference. I remember when I got that album on tape!!
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July 17, 2016 at 10:31 pm
Hahaha. I laughed at the MC Hammer reference. That’s too legit girl!! You got this. Sending thoughts your way. Stay strong cuz!!
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July 17, 2016 at 11:57 pm
You are a total rockstar! And since I tell Larry to “Stop. Hammer Time!” pretty much every night as we’re getting ready for bed, I would definitely have gotten the reference. Do you have friends who are too young for that? Scary.
Thanks for sharing and keeping us updated. You are in our prayers every night at bedtime!
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July 18, 2016 at 12:36 am
Yes, we would have gotten the MC Hammer reference! Liz, Hartin prayers are coming your way. Thanks for documenting the journey so we can follow along.
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July 18, 2016 at 1:01 am
I would have gotten the MC Hammer reference! Does that age me?! Ha.
Love you Liz! You looked great today! Continued prayers and love your way!
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July 18, 2016 at 1:07 am
You are my hero! Blessings on you. Nana help available…maybe Logan can come too!
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July 18, 2016 at 1:09 am
You are my hero! I am praying for you and your family! Know that this Nana is available. Maybe even bring Logan along! Blessings!
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July 18, 2016 at 1:11 am
You are my hero! Thanks for sharing! This nana is available for sitting (maybe Logan can come). Blessings on you!
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July 18, 2016 at 1:20 am
Liz, our prayers are with you. Please reach out to us if you would like to talk – to get perspective on what is going on, to ask questions about what Chris went through, or just to find a friendly ear.
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July 18, 2016 at 2:47 am
Thank you so much, Steve. This means a lot.
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July 18, 2016 at 2:12 am
Thinking of you and your family. Sending positive thoughts and love your way.
Mary Kay and Jeff
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July 18, 2016 at 2:16 am
Yes to MC Hammer! So good to see you today. Looking forward to talking soon. xoxo
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July 18, 2016 at 2:18 am
😉sending prayers and positive thoughts!
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July 18, 2016 at 3:20 am
Praying for you! Totally would have gitten MC reference. You look GORGEOUS with your new haircut; so beautiful 😍
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July 18, 2016 at 3:25 am
Liz, you are so courageous…thanks for sharing with us. I’d like to send you and the boys some music. May I send you some Spotify lists to your email or do you prefer CDs? I’ll also check to see if your meal calendar has been extended. Love and prayers. Kathie
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July 19, 2016 at 1:28 am
Kathie, thank you! Spotify lists are great 🙂
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July 19, 2016 at 1:35 am
OK…I’ll get you some lists by the end of the week! And by the way, your hair cut looks great!
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July 18, 2016 at 9:54 am
I’m in for an AC/TC shirt!
Lots of love from the Kinzingers. I have some stuff to get to you for the boys, I’ll make sure Bryce gets them.
Love the new ‘do and for what it’s worth, I think you can rock the bald head, too 🙂
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July 18, 2016 at 10:55 am
Tons of encouragement and prayers from the Evans for you and Bryce! Hugs!
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July 18, 2016 at 12:11 pm
Who wouldn’t get stop! Hammer time. !?! I pray for you often friend and those handsome joys of yours! God is your Helper- claim that promise! Love you
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July 18, 2016 at 12:30 pm
Liz my heart is with you. You are a strong woman and your faith and intelligence will help you during these difficult times. If you ever need anything please call me. Love to your family.
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July 20, 2016 at 10:32 pm
Liz we are sending lots of love, prayers, good wishes for you and your family. Love Donna and Jim Compton
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July 21, 2016 at 1:56 pm
Looking good! Ought to be in Hollywood!
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July 21, 2016 at 2:12 pm
Hi Sweetie. Non stop prayers from the three of us. I’m afraid I’m not really sure who M C Hammer is, but it’s so much fun to read what you kids write about. You’re the tops, Liz.
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July 22, 2016 at 2:53 am
We are 100% in your corner, but more importantly HE is in your corner! You’ve got this, Lizzie!!
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July 22, 2016 at 8:15 pm
Hey girl! You got this! We are praying for you! XO, the Perzanowskis
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July 23, 2016 at 1:46 am
Lots of love and prayers your way! For the record, I would have gotten the MC Hammer reference too! Just remember, God will not let you walk this journey alone. He will carry you through it, and you will be so much stronger (as if you weren’t strong enough!) because of this. Everything will work according to your good. You’ve got this, girl!
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