What a great Sunday. Went for bagels then to a movie - Night at the Museum. Stopped for lunch, watched a movie at home and took a nap. Washed some clothes, then ate supper. Went to my brother's house and he and Nick shaved my head. Nick wanted to put the shaving cream on my head and my brother did a great job shaving. Not even one nic. Feels all smooth. Nick wanted to spit shine it but I had the draw the line there. He did give me a kiss on the top of my head though. I think he is having way too much fun with all of this. All in all in he is handling things very well and finding the joy out of some of this. As long as he can look at the bright side of things he'll do fine. Looking forward to a great week ahead.

Had a great shopping day with Gail. We found a few hats and scarfs. Had a fun time trying to figure out how to wrap the scarf to get an idea of what it would look like. Stopped and had some ice cream. Went to a couple other stores. Then off to pick up my son for lunch. Then shopped at a few more places. Quite a long day and was tired by 5:00. I modeled my hats for my son, then took a nap. Had a great day. Friends are wonderful and I have some of the best.

24 hours have passed with the new hairstyle. It has been interesting. It was a little difficult sleeping as the nubbs on my head were poking into my pillow. It did help with getting ready for work this morning as I had an extra 20 minutes I didn't know what to do with. It is a little sore My brother is willing to help me shave it with a razor this weekend, however I worry that I will end up with multiple tissues sticking to my scalp. Giving my brother the power of a razor and my scalp - not sure about that. (just kidding) On a side note - congratulations to my niece, Meghan, who graduated high school today.

As much as you think you are prepared for things, you're never quite prepared enough. I had my head shaved today. On the way there I was already feeling a little ill with the decision and the thought of no hair. My sister in law and son met me there, both with cameras. We talked about how short I wanted to go and the best way to cut it. We started long and then I decided it should just all be cut. My son and sister in law were having fun taking pictures during the process. My son even helped shave a little off the front. Finally looking at myself was difficult. When you are faced with the reflection looking back at you, you realize that you are a cancer victim. It will definately take some getting used to and become accepting of but every day makes me stronger and pushes me closer to healing. My very thoughtful son went shopping with his aunt and bought me 2 cards and 2 cds. One card was from him and one he had family sign to help cheer me up. What a kid I have. Thanks to my hairdresser, Bonnie, for the special haircut.

Today was a pretty good day considering I was going on about 4 1/2 hours of sleep. I had a hard time getting comfortable and relaxed enough to sleep. Worked all day - eating most of the day to prevent getting sick. Took a nap when I got home. Had a great lasagna dinner thanks to Chad and Jennifer. Hopefully I'll be able to get some well needed rest tonight. Tomorrow is a big day - getting my head shaved. Not sure if I am quite ready for that. Thanks for the continued prayers and support.

I got to move pink band number 2 today. However, it came with a little bit of a workout. First I met with another doctor (mine was out) and we talked about how I did the last 2 weeks. I should expect the same reaction/or no reactions as I did the first time, which I was glad to hear. Then off to the room to start treatment. Some things just aren't without a challenge. My first treatment I had to stand up several times to get my port working. The port is that thing they put in to make treatments and drawing blood so much easier. Well, nothing like being consistant. My port did not want to work again today to draw blood. After about 10 minutes of sitting up, moving my shoulders, standing, arms out, arms up, head back everything but hop on one foot, I had to go to a room to lie down to see if that would work. Then roll over, sit up, lie down = and nothing. Fluid was going, just not coming out so I had to give blood the old fashioned way. Go figure. Although I did feel better when another lady there had to do the same exercises. Sure makes for interesting conversation. Went to my son's 8th grade graduation tonight - proud momma, after he chose to comb and pull out more hair. At this rate, I won't need to go to my hair appointment on Thursday. But I do get to go hat shopping with a friend this weekend. What fun.

Kids have an interesting sense of humor. This morning brought more hair loss. My son seemed amazed with how easy it just pulled out. He was quite excited to sit on the couch and run his fingers thru it while it came out in his hands. He got a laugh out of it. Upon taking a shower and washing it, of course it continued to come out. My son wanted to see how much more I lost and decided to get a ziplock bag to put all of my hair in. As we were off running errands, I asked why he thought it was funny that I was losing my hair. He said he gets sad when he thinks of what I have, but you have to laugh at something, and it's kind of funny seeing you lose your hair. How true that is. You can't get caught up in the disease - you have to look at the bright side of things and find something to smile about. I'm glad my son is around to keep me smiling.

Today was the day. It started this morning when I got up and took a shower. As I washed my hair I noticed a few more strands in my hand than usual. An then after combing it, there was a little more in the comb. So very carefully I tried to dry it as best I could and then left it alone. As I combed it this evening, a few more stands left the place they once had on my head. It may take a few days but little by little it will soon be gone - at least until I decide to shave it. Can hardly wait. Gee - what will tomorrow bring?

A beautiful Saturday spending time with my son. Running here and there and getting things done. Enjoying the next few days before the next treatment. Haven't lost my hair yet but I am sure it is just a matter of time. I've actually been having bad hair days lately so in looking at the positive side of things, I won't have to worry about fixing my hair. It will save me time getting ready in the morning. And I can drive with the sunroof open and not have to worry about messing up my hair. I'll just have to remember to put sunscreen on. I hope everyone enjoys their holiday weekend.

Yay, it's Friday. What a great day. Got a lot done at work, enjoyed the rain and sat on the couch while my son did the dishes. It's going to be an enjoyable 3 day weekend.

When not much changes from day to day it's hard to come up with something creative to say. It has been a good week and I am looking forward to a long, restful weekend. My son and I shot pool tonight and we each won a game. Usually he runs the table and loses without help from me. Tonight I ran the table and won then I lost the 2nd game on my own. I enjoy the special moments we share. And to top it off, the Seminole baseball team is playing in the ACC championship game on Sunday. Go Noles.

Middle of the week and going strong. The church angles had some food delivered for me and Nick. It was very yummy. Thank you. A night of watching Idol and taking it easy. I am so thankful for all the love and support from my work family and church family. I am truely blessed.

A beautiful cool morning (unusual for May). A trip to the doctor with my son (annual physical). He is now only 4" shorter tham me. Won't be long and he'll be looking me in the eye. He also had a sport banquet tonight and got an award for his participation in cross country. It was another great day. Thanks for all the prayers and support.

A week ago today I had my first treatment. Something I was not really looking forward to. Today seems like just another day. It was a typical Monday, busy at work and stuff to do at home. We ate a great pot roast that Susan made us and a brownie dessert. My son actually asked for some more meat (something he hardly ever does). Thanks Susan. Things are looking up and I am looking forward to a bright tomorrow.

Well everyday should be Sunday. It started out a beautiful day. Got up and went to church, came home and watched a movie with my son. He went off on a hike and I just laid around watching movies until the thunder storm showed up. Worried about my son hiking, but it blew over fairly quickly. Never really napped but rested while watching t.v. The only thing that stunk was my satellite went out the last 10 minutes of the movie I was watching. Heated up dinner that MaryAnn made me (was good) and hung out with my son again. It was a great day. Everyday should be Sunday.

Good things come to those who wait patiently. Today was a good day. Had trouble sleeping but was able to sleep in a little. Got up and went to work feeling good. Came home after several hours and watched a movie then took a nap. Have had an enjoyable evening just chilling. Maybe this is the uphill climb.

The day started out a little better. Went to my son's school this morning to meet some of his teachers for next year. Work went good, but started to get tired around 3. I did make it the full day but did take a nap when I got home. Food was not necessarily a problem today. I will be at work tomorrow but can rest most of the weekend. I am hopeful that next week will bring brighter days. It's all a matter of finding out how to get thru the day, taking the good with the bad and moving on to another day.
Quote for today: any situation, however dark and depressing, will indeed change, and afterward what we have gained from it will become a part of our strength and our inner beauty.

Each morning not only brings a new day but new challenges as well. Today was no exception. It seems that getting up in the morning and starting the day, figuring out what to eat and getting out the door changes from day to day. Today I needed to lay back down for a few extra minutes. I wasn't necessarily tired just feeling a little blah. I was finally headed off to work. Not feeling real comfortable, but nevertheless, made it to work. It was a long day and nothing seemed to hit just the right spot with eating, sitting, working or just being. I tried to make it thru the day but found the blahs got the best of me, and headed home to rest. On top of that I think the emotions started to get to me as well. I made it home and took a nap. Finally decided to make some bland pasta and spent some time with my son. As the day comes to a close, I am starting to feel a little better but still have the blahs. I guess there will be blah days and good days. I just hope I have more good days.
Today I am grateful for my family, friends and prayers.

Day 2 didn't start out as well as day 1. Did not feel sick just a little uneasy and shaky this morning. My breakfast did not seem to settle well (english muffin and pb). Tried an apple and some yogurt which seemed to help. Getting close to lunch I started feeling better. Could only eat 1/2 my lunch but it agreed with me, which was good. Ate the rest later. Was not as tired but could still take a nap. Come to think of it, I could take a nap after work even before all this started. Went shopping at Costco and made some dinner. Had not problem eating tonight and feeling better as the day comes to a close. I am sure my day will be even better tomorrow.
This whole thing is a learning process, how you feel, what you think you can eat, how much you can handle eating, how tired you are........But this too will pass and tomorrow is another day. I am thankful for every sunrise and each sunset and the people that make me smile and bring me joy each day.

Well here it is, 24 hours after my first treatment. I got up energized and ready to start my day. By about 1p, it was time for a nap, unfortunately I did not get to take one. I have had a pretty good day and glad that day one is done. Tomorrow will be a new day, hopefully not much different from today.

Those that have seen me recently may have noticed that I am wearing 4 pink bands on my right wrist. As of today, I now have 3 on my right wrist and 1 on my left. The bands represent how many treatments I have to endure and as of today at 5pm I was able to move my first band.
It was quite interesting to say the least. I had surgery last week to have a port put in to make the whole "finding a vein" thing easier and not have any problems with drawing blood or the treatments. Well, it took a while to actually get it started and then I had to stand up several times for things to work. Seems that since surgery was only 5 days ago, some of the inflammation makes it a little harder the first time. With the standing up, and 3 blankets placed behind my back to help me sit up - we were working. Between the nurse and my sister in law keeping me occupied, I didn't have much time to worry about things or get emotional. Met a very nice lady, whose son goes to school with my son. She is on her 3rd treatment. It was a joy to be able to talk with her and hear how she has been handling the same ordeal. She has already had her surgery so she is a little farther along but doing great.
They gave me some strong drugs to help with any after effects, so we hope those will work and I will be doing great.

Well, here is my first blog on my new site. I must first thank Rebecca and Darren for getting me set up and started. This is a great idea. Of course it is a work in progress and constant changes will be made until it is just right.

As I sit and think about what is to come tomorrow, I have many mixed feelings. Anxious to get started with treatment so I can focus on attacking this monster. Anxiety of the unknown and how my body will react to such treatment. Depressed with having to deal with this whole thing. Each day from this point on will be a new day of unknowns and challenges. With the support of the all the family and friends I have helping me thru this, I know I can conquer and win this battle. I appreciate all the love and support everyone has offered and shown as I go thru the day to day ups and downs.

Please feel free to send well wishes, suggestions and helpful tips. Keep checking back for updates.

First Post!

WELCOME to Valerie's Journal!  This journal was set up to help keep everyone who is interested up to date on what is happening these days with Valerie and her battle against breast cancer.  Its also here to allow you to help too!

See on the right side of your screen a list of contacts if you want to help -- just e-mail the appropriate contact and work out the details with her.  Also on the right is the current schedule for chemotherapy treatments, etc., and dates listing specific needs.  You can also 'comment' and provide words of encouragement, support or just plain funny stuff.  Currently, this site is public so please keep it clean and kid friendly.  This site will be updated periodically and there currently is no schedule for updates.