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.