From Terri…

Hi everyone! Well, I wish that I had better news, but I was diagnosed with cancer a few days before Thanksgiving. Ever since then, it’s been a whirlwind of doctor’s appointments and tests. i have received many wonderful cards, e-mails, and phone calls, so I wanted to set up a CarePages to keep you all updated on my progress. My prognosis is excellent, although the next 9 months will be a challenge. As my oncologist said, “Terri, it’s going to be a rough year, but you’ll get through it.” I’m already looking forward to next Thanksgiving!

OK, specific details – I have been diagnosed with Stage 2B invasive lobular and ductal carcinoma. Breast cancer. Blech. There is a approximately 3cm lump in my right breast – in addition, there are two axilla lymph nodes involved. It is hormone receptive, but I did not test positive for the breast cancer gene. The CT scan, bone scan, and MRI came back clear – no metastasis!

I will be doing eight rounds of chemo in 16 weeks – for you non-math whizzes, that is once every two weeks. It’s fairly grueling, but I am tough and in great shape. The goal of the chemo is to shrink the tumor, clean up my lymph nodes, and kill any cancer cells that may be floating around my body, looking for a home. I will do the ACT protocol – four rounds of AC (Adriamycin/Cytoxan) and four rounds of Taxol.

After the chemo is done, I will do surgery and radiation. And then I will very likely begin Tamoxifen. In addition to my traditional medical approach, I am supplementing with chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage, guided imagery therapy, and the best diet and exercise plan you have ever seen! This will help allievate side effects, boost my immune system, and speed my healing.

That’s my game plan – I know that I am going to kick this and be better on the other side of it.

Thank you for all of your love and support – you’re the best!