Tag: #metavivor

Cabral’s Crusaders

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When I started this team for the upcoming Jimmy Fund walk last month, I did not expect much to come of it. I thought this was going to be our trial run as it was our first year participating. Maybe I could get 10 people to join me, raise a couple thousand dollars and sell some shirts! Boy was I wrong! As of this morning OUR team has 30 members, has raised over $20,000 towards a cure for all cancers and has sold 95 t-shirts!!! I am amazed by this! We have started off at an amazing place and I cannot wait to see how this will grow over the years! This is going to be my way of giving back to me new cancer community and when I am gone (hopefully in a really long time) this will be a way for my kids to keep my memory going!! So thank you all for the support. You will never know how much this truly means to me.

Someone in one of my support groups recently described my diagnosis as having the sand timer flipped over! I am essentially watching the sand and waiting for it to run out. While I am waiting for the sand to run out (I am confident that my sand timer is HUGE and that sand is flowing really slowly!), life in general is short! No one’s tomorrow is guaranteed! So live life to the fullest every day! Surround yourself with people who bring the best to your life and get rid of all of the negatives! I have always tried to live this way but now more than ever see how important it is!

Cycle#4

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IMG_0275This past Tuesday was my 5th appointment at Dana Farber and my 4th treatment cycle. No news is good news I guess!! Everything still looks good, the NP who did my exam said she could not feel the tumor in my breast anymore!! Huge news!! Next month I will have my first set of scans since beginning treatment. This will be when the doctors can confirm that the meds are working and that I am on the right path!!!

Our Jimmy Fund walk team, Cabral’s Crusaders, has raised $16,074 as of this morning which will all be donated to finding a cure!! I am so humbled by all of the support from so many and am honored that we are all walking together against this awful disease. Since my diagnosis, the more people I talk too about my situation, the more I realize that there are so many people affected by this. In my direct circle of friends, I have two friends that have recently fought and BEAT breast cancer!! I recently learned of a girl from my hometown whose young son is battling cancer as well. I am glad that we are giving back, not only to find a cure for me but also for all the others that are battling this!!!

I wanted to give a shout out to my hubby, Trevor. He has been my rock through this whole ordeal. We all know that I am a control freak and that I am usually the one in the drivers seat of our life (figuratively and in real life, since I get car sick when he drives!) so it is hard for me to let him take charge but he is wonderful! He has not missed an appointment, takes notes and asks questions when needed, reminds me to take my meds and hydrate and is there constantly to remind me of how many positive things are on our side with this! I know my constant eye rolls and short fuse with him is not easy to deal with but I am so grateful to have him by my side with this diagnosis and in life!!! XOXO

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Something good?

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One week ago, I decided to join the Jimmy Fund walk to benefit cancer research and Dana Farber. I went back and forth on whether I wanted to announce that I was walking and why and at the same time announce my blog. Doing so would leave me exposed and vulnerable. Ultimately, I decided to post it and I could not be happier, as I know I made the right choice.

In the past week, I have heard from people I have not heard from in years, had people say wonderful things and show so much love and support, had some bring back great memories, opened up my prayer network, had someone share a story of someone living well with this disease, had over 300 hits on my blog, and raised almost $10,000 for cancer research through my team Cabral’s Crusaders!!!! All in a WEEK! To say I am amazed by all of the wonderful people in my life is an understatement.

When I first received this diagnosis, I naturally questioned “Why is this happening to me?” “What did I do to deserve this?” While is still ask these questions daily, this IS happening and I have to make something good come from it. Something that one day my kids can look back on and be proud of. Maybe I can raise awareness of this awful disease.

SO. Here are some facts on Metastatic Breast Cancer: (from MBCN.org)

1. No one dies from breast cancer that remains in the breast. Metastasis occurs when cancerous cells travel to a vital organ and that is what threatens life.

2. Metastasis refers to the spread of cancer to different parts of the body, typically the bones, liver, lungs and brain. ( in my case, it is the Bones)

3. An estimated 155,000 Americans are currently living with metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer accounts for approximately 40,000 deaths annually in the U.S.

4. Treatment for metastatic breast cancer is lifelong and focuses on control of the disease and quality of life.

5. About 6% to 10% of people are Stage IV from their initial diagnosis. ( i am in this group)

6. Early detection does not guarantee a cure. Metastatic breast cancer can occur 5, 10 or 15 years after a person’s original diagnosis and successful treatment checkups and annual mammograms.

7. 20% to 30% of people initially diagnosed with early stage disease will develop metastatic breast cancer.

8. Young people, as well as men, can be diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.

9. Like early stage breast cancer, there are different types of metastatic breast cancer.

10. Treatment choices are guided by breast cancer type, location and extent of metastasis in the body, previous treatments and other factors.

11. Metastatic breast cancer is not an automatic death sentence. Although most people will ultimately die of their disease, some will live for many years. (Hopefully MANY, MANY years)

12. There are no definitive prognostic statistics for metastatic breast cancer. Every patient and their disease is unique.

13. To learn more about National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 13 and to access resources specifically for people living with metastatic breast cancer and their caregivers, visit www.mbcn.org.