MERRY CHRISTMAS!

My scan results were good, everything stable and nothing new. We truly feel blessed, and are looking so forward to our visit from Santa. We will have a full house with family and friends tomorrow.
From our family to yours have a wonderful day.

Merry Christmas!

Over a year....

It seems hard to believe it has been over a year since my recurrence. I honestly never imagined that I would still be in chemotherapy or that my body could tolerate it this long. We really have simply accepted this as a way of life. It took a while but we have made adjustments, we plan things around my Doctors appts. and where I am in my treatment schedule. If we don't we are very quickly reminded that I simply cannot keep up and it is o.k. I am in the middle of Cycle 4 of Zeloda so it is time for more scans of course we are anxious but I really don't have any expectations. God has a plan and I simply follow taking one step at a time, and continue to power through.

This Christmas we are having dinner at our house and we are all really looking forward too it. The Switzers are planning a trip in February and I am hoping Tami will be able make a trip then too. The Childers may be here before the first of the year, Terri has work in Florida so she drops in when she can. Tori is taking some much needed time off of work and will do her yearly baking for all of us too enjoy. The Kelleys, our dear friends will be joining us this year for Christmas which will be very special. Barry has been promoted and the family is moving to California. This is both exciting for them and sad at the same time. Our families have kind of grown up together, I worked for Barry at West Marine right after Luke was born and we fast became part of each others families. We are certainly going to miss them. Maybe the fishing will be better in California we will have to wait and see. Barry and Brett sure fished alot together, or so they said they were fishing, but I am still waiting for that really good fresh caught dinner.

It will be a full house and we can't wait!

5 Sister for the Cure Conquer the 3 Day

After months of training, fundraising and planning we all arrived in Atlanta safe and ready to walk. This experience was definitely one I don't think any of us will forget. We saw the inside of too many portable toilets, showered with women we saw more of than we would care to mention, slept in much too confined spaces on a very hard ground and best of all laughed harder than we have ever before. The walking was grueling the experience priceless. Despite the challenges of fighting breast cancer I truly feel blessed by the love and support of my family. I am so fortunate to have the guidance, love and support of 4 of the most amazing women.

I love each of you very much. Thank you!

Next.....

As most of you know my tumor markers went up again. I have been through all the CT Scans and PET tests and while it has resolved in my lung and my liver and I believe my scapula my sternum stayed the same and there were new locations in my spine and gleniod. Which brings me back to the oncologist for my next step. Two drugs were an option one of them Xeloda was a part of a two arm clinical trial which is what we chose. I did not get the new drug which is in its 3rd and final stage of the trial, Xeloda was the winner. The selection process is similar to flipping a coin. I began taking it that evening, my total dose is 4300 mg. 5 pills in the a.m. and 5 again at night. This is still chemotherapy although in a pill form so administering it yourself by taking the pills is a bit of a psychological challenge. It is one thing to go in and have a nurse plug you in, another entirely when you are giving it too yourself, swallowing those pills can be tough if you let yourself think about it too much. So far I am doing quite well, there have been a few rough days but I am adjusting. I am still part of the trial so I will be closely monitored every 6 weeks. The schedule for Xeloda is 15 days on 7 days off, I see the Dr. on the 8th and 15th day. As long as I respond to this and my body can tolerate it I believe I will continue to take it. All of these drug options are available due to the continued fight for a cure which makes the 5 sisters for the cure walk all that more important. Without the money for research these options would not be available for women and men fighting this disease. So thank you all for your donations, I am a perfect example of how that money is spent and the importance of continued research for a cure and if we have yet to find a cure the drugs are still being developed to stabilize disease and prolong life.

It could be worse..

While I was in the Doctors office last week I ran into a friend, nurse and fellow survivor who I was really happy to see since I wasn't feeling very well. Talking to someone who has been through chemotherapy is nice because nothing is private or uncomfortable. We talked about all our side effects, how much hair we had if any and where, if we were constipated, nauseous or had diarrhea. Now I will tell you my family is getting really tired of hearing about my bowel movements so when you get the opportunity to talk to someone who knows you cover everything. Just before I was getting ready to go she reminded me, "it could be worse." I agreed. I didn't really think about it until later but my family and I say that all the time. For us, other survivors and caregivers it has profound meaning. Today, it was especially important to remember as we found out my tumor markers went up again. I am scheduled for CT, Bone and PET scans early next week following the results of those we will begin looking for another cocktail. I will be fighting this disease all my life with one treatment option after another. When those options run out than it can't get any worse but for right now there are plenty of drugs, trials and tests with continued research. Don't miss understand I definately screamed, cried and whined over the hand that I have been dealt and having to jump through yet another hurdle it wasn't until after I had my fit that I took a deep breath and reminded myself that, It could be worse but it isn't because tonight I get to put Luke to bed and I get to wake up tomorrow.

Attitude is everything!

My tumor markers went up to 57. Mom and the Doctor had both seen the results and were very concerned about how I would react. He reassured both of us as he doesn't believe we have reason to be concerned unless of course it goes up considerably next time or continues to rise. It really does make sense since I took a break from my treatment schedule, which I don't regret I felt great and needed it. I have been so focused on those darn numbers that I have forgotten what the real goal here is. I have to just keep going, this can't be about my hair, my watery eyes or the aches and pains this is about the long term goal and we all know what that is. We are all staying very positive. Attitude is everything! Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.... It's about learning to dance in the rain.

Update

After a short break and a great vacation with Sandy, Dave, Tammy and Shelby; Luke started 3rd grade, I resumed chemotherapy and the Warner girls are gearing up for the 3 day. I took two weeks off from treatment and I must say the break was much needed, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed that after 6 months I am still undergoing weekly treatments. After some fun in the sun, relaxation and a lot of laughs I was ready to see the Doctor friday. Mom and I were armed and ready to demand some scans however we were reminded rather quickly who was in charge. With my tumor markers still elevated scans would really not tell us anything new, so we were not defeated just reminded how lucky we are. The goal is 0-30 my last marker was 41. What had gotten me a bit frustrated was that last month I only dropped 5. I was reminded in that short office visit that had my numbers gone up I would be writing an entirely different entry. Luke started 3rd grade, unbelievable. He was so excited to go back to Redeemer, most of his friends returned and he really likes his teacher. Brett and I are thrilled to be back into a routine. Luke spent a lot of time with his Nana as we ended the summer with Mazie then joined by the rest of the Switzers which as always was great fun. Then we left on a cruise with Sandy, Dave, Tammy and Shelby it was a fantastic 4 days. The Warner girls are all gearing up for the 3 day in October. The fundraising continues, the wild sneakers have been bought and the legs are just warming up. I would love to say I feel great but man do my legs hurt. Tori and I walk as much as possible with our little dogs in tow. We try to do a 6 mile at least once a week then a couple 3 milers. I know we need to increase our efforts however if you don't go first thing in the morning or late at night it is just so hot. Tami and Terri are really working hard they have both walked in the double diggits. As always I will continue to post updates. For right now we are all great and continue to feel blessed by all of your love and support.

Plugged In

I had a treatment today, it was the triple threat, Taxotere, Avastin and Zometa. I am feeling good, usually I just feel tired and achy for a few days after. My eyes continue to water non stop which is aggravating by mid day they are a bit sore and quite swollen. The update on my hair is I don't have much left. I have debuted some wigs this week, I can be a blond or a brunette. The boys in my life lean towards the brunette. Luke cannot understand why I could not find a curly one so I could look like I did before. However he does have fun putting the wigs on mimicking me around the house which does provide some comic relief. With my appearance changing Luke has asked a few more questions and inquired about 'treatment' so Brett and I decided to bring him. We thought it was important for him to see this is not just happening to his mom. The day after we returned from the Keys I was scheduled for chemotherapy so Brett called and it appeared to be the perfect day as another mom was there with her 10 year old son and there was a full house. Luke came in at first a bit nervous then looked around jumped in my chair and asked if all these people were "plugged in, for treatment." Once I told him yes he wanted to see where exactly I was 'plugged in' as we call it, so I explained again about my port and that not everyone has one but I chose to. He seemed to relax and settle in talking with some of the others in the room. Dr. Iannotti came to introduce himself and they shared a high five. Although, they did not stay for the entire treatment which I don't think was necessary I do think it was good for him. Had there not been many people I would not have done it we would have waited since our goal was for him to see, that as much as we may wish it didn't, cancer effects alot of people and many, many people endure chemotherapy. Brett and I feel the visit was the right thing to do for us and we continue to reassure him. Since that visit he seems a bit more patient and understanding on the days I may not be feeling so well. This has been a hard lesson in parenting and we have yet to discover the answers on how to properly handle children with loved ones that have cancer, what we do know is that there is no instruction book nor is there a right or wrong. As with everything else in life you have to find what works for you. For now what works for our family is simply taking it one step at a time.

Team Training

Our family's team is doing well raising support and training for the 3-day Susan G. Komen for the Cure walk (see previous post). You can visit our team page at 5isters 4 a Cure. We're going to have some cool team shirts to wear with a neat logo, thanks to Aardvark Productions in Stuart, Florida. What do you think?

Traci's fundraiser a success!

Below is the article that was in The Switzer's neighborhood newsletter. The event was a big success and raised $250.00.
“Summer Cut For The Cure”
June 24th at 6:00pm – 8:00 pm
Great Clips at Edgewood
Come get a haircut. All proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure
By Traci Switzer
In October I will be walking in the Breast Cancer 3 Day with my 4 sisters. We are 5 Sisters for a Cure. My youngest sister is a 2 time breast cancer survivor at 37 years old. The Breast Cancer 3 Day benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure which is working to end breast cancer in our lifetime. We will walk 60 miles in 3 days. It will be an amazing journey. Great Clips at Edgewood will generously donate all proceeds on this special Sunday (June 24, 6 pm – 8pm). Join us for a haircut. Our entire family would appreciate your support. www.the3day.org/atlanta07/traciswitzer

Love, LUKE

I love my mom because, she is so nice to me. She is the best mom in the world.I like my mom falling a sleeping with me at night and she plays games with me too.
Love Luke

One day at a time!

Those tumor markers keep dropping. I am down to 46, hooray!

We just keep pluggin' ! I will admit this is getting old and late last week I started to really get frustrated. But again just when I wanted to simply throw my arms up and scream I cannot do it anymore. I met another one of those angels I spoke of in an earlier post. It continues to amaze me how they show up just when you need them. This angel was in her 50's next to me at treatment Friday. I was sitting there feeling rather sorry for myself not wanting to talk but she was not going to let that happen. She was so happy, humming and smiling like this was her last treatment. Conversations in the treatment room always seem to start like your in prison asking a fellow inmate "what are you in for?" After determining we were both "in for" metastatic breast cancer, and receiving similar treatment she said she had been coming in weekly for over a year. Let me tell you I was so embarrassed how could I feel sorry for myself while she was as happy as could be. I have only been "in for" 4 months and here she was celebrating simply to be alive and feeling good. So needless to say this angel brought me back to reality, my reality, which is; this is a long fight and one that I will have to take one day at a time. Some days will be good and others may not. Fortunately, I am surrounded by the amazing patience and support of my family, friends and those angels that keep dropping in just when you need them most.

I Get To

While we were in Colorado, the band, Blue County played their new single, I Get To. Since then I listen to it often and would like to share it with you. The message is simple and I hope that it will mean as much to you as it does me.

We all know there is much we take for granted, now more than ever. Unfortunately it seems it is not until we are faced with a life threatening illness or tragedy that we realize how much. There are times we all have opportunities to do things and we may pass them up because we don't want to, or it interferes with something we would rather do or it is just inconvenient. Well now I can find myself so tired or not feeling well and Luke will ask me to play catch, or kick ball and I may have put him off before saying I have to clean the house or do laundry. Not now, I will muster what I need so I can because I get to. There are definitely days I don't want to go to work, I would just like to stay in bed but I go because I get to. I may not want to go to that birthday party on the other side of town but, I do because I get to. I am sure you see where I am going with this. If each of us would just take one day and pause each time we say we have to do something, I bet we would all feel differently about it and just maybe at the end of the day those things that you said you had to do will become more of a gift than a chore.

There's alot of things we don't have to do...we get to.

So, say I love you first today because you get to.

You can listen to I Get To at http://www.bluecountyfans.com/, enjoy!

Our prayer is that when people hear us, they know that what we do isn't about us -- it's about them. It’s about touching the lives of everyday people.” - Aaron Benward of Blue County

On my way to 0!

My tumor markers are down to 64!

Ginn Lifestyles

These are some of the amazing people I work with!

They all wore pink today for my birthday, how cool is that!

Bring it on.....

I celebrated for a few short moments with my oncologist at chemo today over my tumor markers. While we only spoke briefly, I asked if he had any idea how long treatments would continue and although I am not sure I wanted the answer, so many people have asked. So I asked, and with a bit of anguish in his face he said 3-4 months at least. I had in the back of my mind about 2. Whewww, was I wrong.

It is amazing, the emotional roller coaster ride we are on. You couldn't have extinguished our enthusiasm last week if you tried and although I am still thrilled with my results I cannot help but be a bit crushed over the thought of every week for months to come. So now we all have some idea and you know what it may not be what I had planned at 37 but "Bring it On." I'm in for as long as it takes.

GOOD NEWS!

That celebratory screaming you heard last week well, that was me.

No, it is not because I am fitting into a itsy bitsy yellow poka dot bikini its even better...

my tumor markers have dropped!

Below is some information on tumor markers, so that we all will understand better. Please note the line in bold which I have read over and over again.....

Why get tested? To monitor the response to treatment of invasive breast cancer and to watch for recurrence of the disease.

Monitor Treatment. Tumor markers can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment, especially in advanced cancers. If the marker level drops, the treatment is working; if it stays elevated, adjustments are needed.

What is being tested? Cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) is a normal product of breast cells; it is produced by a gene that is often over expressed (i.e., the body makes too many copies) in cancerous breast tumors, leading to an increased production of CA 15-3 and the related Cancer antigen 27.29. CA 15-3 does not cause cancer; rather, it is a protein that is shed by the tumor cells, making it useful as a tumor marker to follow the course of the cancer. CA 15-3 is elevated in about 30% of women with localized breast cancer and in about 75% of those with metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread to other organs).

I was at 244 and am now down to 136. Which for me is definitely reason to celebrate. I have been warned, these can fluctuate and we need to see not just these drop but a negative PET Scan which I understand but this still gave me what I needed for now. My last treatment was a marathon I was plugged in for 6 hours. I handled it better than my first which they did say would happen so honestly I never know what to expect or how I will feel but so far I am doing very well. My schedule has changed so I will be going on Mondays from now on.

I know as soon as I post this each of you will be celebrating my good news with me. Thank you! I will keep the good news coming.

Easter 2007

Ryan, Luke, Mazie & Mallori @ Sandpiper Easter Egg Hunt

Everyone went home with a full basket.

Cocktail No. 3

I have completed no. 3 and I am doing very well. With each week I receive a different cocktail, so like many of those delicious mixes the feeling you get is different so we will see soon enough if I will be drunk or hung over. Last week I got only one on the rocks and I felt a bit tired but was able to work all week. I decided to cut my hair short in the event that it does decide to disappear however I did not go all the way like Brittany Spears.

I continue to be amazed by the people I meet. When you receive Chemotherapy you sit on a recliner in a room with seats lined up facing each other. I think that is why they use the word therapy because that is often what it feels like as a group of people sit attached by a tube to a poll talking and sharing their stories. First we share our stories of tests, needles, knives and dreaded results. I enter each week wondering who I will learn about in my hours of treatment. My first week I met a women in her 30's with young children receiving what we in 'Therapy' call a sandwich, chemo+radiation+chemo. She is amazing! Then today I meet another women in her mid 70's who 8 years ago was diagnosed with stage 4 inflammatory breast cancer, yes I said 8 years ago and she is doing fantastic. I am stage 4 now and it was a blessing for me to meet her.

Geralynn Lucas wrote a book titled Why I Wore Lipstick to my Mastectomy, where she refers to angels as people you meet and may only ever see once but during these brief encounters with the angels they contribute something to your day; amazement, encouragement, comic relief or advice without even realizing it they may give you just what you needed.

I believe in angels!

Tomorrow is Chemo Day

Hi, I am Trini's Mom.

Tomorrow is chemo day and this is a long one, she is doing very well so far with only one problem so far. You will have to ask her about that...

She has asked to go alone this time.. Tori will go and check on her midafternoon with snacks.

I would like to personally thank her employer, The Ginn Company. They have been super and this means so much to Trini to not to have to worry abut job, insurance etc. They have gone above and beyond. All her friend and co-workers have been so supportive and caring. I Thank you all for that.

We will get through this and she will be fine, she has a great support system with family and friends, she has a great attitude and lots of prayers, friends and doctors making sure.

Please keep those comments coming. They mean a lot.

Love you all,

Barb

3 Day Walk

You can visit my personal page for the 3 day walk @ www.the3day.org/atlanta07/trini

How is Luke?

Often after friends inquire on how I am the very next question is regarding Luke and how he is doing through all of this so I thought I would give you all an update. When I was diagnosed originally he was so young the only part of it that he remembers is that I had no hair. So although we try very hard not to let this phase him he is well aware that my cancer is back and that I have started taking my "medicine." Of course he asked why does it keep coming back and I said simply, "I don't know, I ask myself that same question." We have always tried to answer all of his questions honestly but not offer any additional information.

The other night after his shower he wrapped his head in a towel and told me not to worry if my hair falls out he could wear his towel. Luke is incredibly sensitive but, as I think all children do, they only react to you so we are as positive as we can be and try not to talk too seriously when he is around. It is mainly because of him that we have decided to move my treatments to Tuesday afternoons that way if I don't feel well he will be in school. I will have my next treatment on Tuesday, April 3rd so we will see how this one goes. My sister Traci is here for their Spring Break which is wonderful for Luke. He, Mazie, Ryan and Malori just have a great time when they are together. I will share some pictures of all of them this week.

As always thank you for your continued support.

First Chemo Day

All went well. I am being treated with Avastin and Taxotere each week. I am two days out and my prior chemotherapy had me feeling much worse than I am now. Of course my mother was with me and we are both confident with the treatment plan that has been layed out.

The length has yet to be determined. The goal is to get me to a normal PET Scan. With alternating doses of Taxotere each week rather than higher doses every three weeks my oncologist seems to think I might just keep my hair. So stay tuned.....

Infusaport Today

Today I got an infusaport. This goes into the upper chest and is placed in a large vein under the skin. This will help the doctors easily draw blood and give IV medications. It was a simple,short surgery I was home by noon.

My PET scan results were not so good. There appears to be more bone metastacies in my back and sternum as well as a new cancer growth in the liver.

One oncologist has recommended Avastin. This chemo drug is used for colon and lung cancer with good results. The drug is not FDA approved for breast cancer but is in stage 3 of testing with good results. Unfortunately, insurance will not pay for it $6000 a dose. However, my doctor has written Genentech company in hopes of waiving the fee.

If all goes as planned, chemo starts Tuesday with treatments once a week.

5isters 4 a Cure in Atlanta, October 2007

I have four sisters whose names, like mine, all start with "T" and end with "i." They've all signed up for the 3-day breast cancer walk in Atlanta on Oct. 12-14 , 2007.

You can find more details on their 5isters 4 a Cure web page where you can click through to their individual pages and also make a donation.

Proceeds from the "Breast Cancer 3-Day" walk benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, to fund breast cancer research and community outreach, as well as the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund, to provide an endowment for breast cancer initiatives.

Here are all of us last summer with Mom and Dad. From left to right: Tori, Terri, me, Traci, Tami.

Skiing Fun in Colorado

This winter we flew out to Colorado to enjoy the snow that we don't get here in Florida. Here's a picture of Luke all outfitted for a day on the slopes. You may remember from our Christmas card that we traveled to Maine last year for skiing.

Luke