The Big "C".

Hiya Blogland!!

I guess I've been a bit quiet lately-was on a blog break during August. And now I just can't seem to get my enthusiasm up to blog anything. A lot has happened in the last few weeks.

My mom has been diagnosed with cancer. And I feel like the wind has been knocked out of me.

She had been a 5 year breast cancer survivor. Last time it was Stage 1A-- a miniscule spot in her breast. They removed the breast (her choice) and some lymph glands and she's been clear ever since. Oncologist felt since it was caught so quickly (routine mammogram--make sure you get them!!) that there was little chance of re-occurance.

Fast forward to mid-August 2010. Mom feels a small lump under her arm on the same side they removed the breast. Doctor says it feels like a cyst (smooth and movable as opposed to a cancer tumor which is usually rough and immovable)

They do a biopsy that week. And then comes the phone call "It's cancer". Surgery is scheduled for next week--surgeon has an opening.

More tests. I go with her to the oncologist for the results. Good news--the pet scan shows the cancer has NOT mestasized and is confined to her lymphs-maybe 5 that are involved and appears to be contained. The surgery goes well-they believe they got it all.  She will have to have some chemo after the surgery. We joke about getting a Dolly Parton wig. We are feeling positive about the outcome.

This past Friday we went back to the oncologist for the surgery results. And everything came crashing down.

The cancer is a rare agressive type of Breast Cancer called HER2.  She is Stage3C. It was in 8 lymph glands and showed characteristics of  spreading into the vascular and muscle systems. For the next year she will have to have chemo, another med called Herceptin that is IV, some pill specific for HER2 cancer and then radiation. Right now the doctor says she has a 50/50 chance of it re-occuring. A huge plus in her favor is she is in excellent health otherwise.

Thankfully, because of it's rarity and her age (it's usually only seen in women under 50) she is now in a program with the Mayo Clinic so she'll be getting excellent treatment.

I'm struggling to process this and yet remain upbeat for her. She's an RN so she knows enough to make herself scared. I know it's in God's hands but wow, I just came face to face with my mom's mortality. And my own.

She's not just my mom, she's my FRIEND. I live 1 1/2 hours from her so that makes it a bit tough. My parents are divorced. One sister who lives only 10 minutes from her so that's a good thing.

My dad has been in poor health for years...he's like the Bionic man. Chrohns disiease, Throat Cancer, Heart Attack & Bypass, Kidney Issues.  I've been settled with him dying for YEARS...he's been at the brink so many times.

But Mom,  she's never been sick. I'm coming to grips that he may survive her. Even now it is hard to write this down because in the back of my mind I keep telling myself that it's not real. If I close my eyes it will be just a dream.

I know this post isn't my usual funny banter...but I'm just not feeling too funny right now.  Yet I know this will pass and life will go on and we'll fight this for all it's worth and believe that we are gonna beat it. We have to.

Don't forget that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Get your mammogram and make sure your loved ones get one, too.

Tamera

Fall is Here at The Stone Fence Cottage!!!

Fall has arrived at the Stone Fence Cottage!! Here are some pix of the outside decor! Indoor pix to come.

The corner near the porch and garage.

Front garden and porch.

Front door.

More of the front porch.

Old shelf full of bowl and scarecrow.

Another view of front porch.

Miss KaeKae looking cute.

Thanks for looking!!

Tamera

Hello Blogland!!!!

Hello Friends!!!  Long time no blog!! I have been trying to keep up with reading everyoner's blogs but it has been BUSY here at the Stone Fence Cottage!

After a month of chaos and disorder--the new floor in the living room and hall is done!  I was SO happy to put the furniture back this week--everything had been stuffed in the dining room.

The hubster did an awesome job--it took a while because he is a perfectionist and was doing it prety much on his own. I LOVE it--makes the room seem larger. Next spring we are going to have the walls painted so no more boring builder white!!

As you can see I am starting to decorate for FALL!!!!

Looking into the dining room!

I will have more pictures of the fall decor to share next week.  This, next to Christmas, is my favorite time of year.

Have a great holiday weekend!!

Tamera