The Fat Lady Sang!

Wow, it has been awhile since my last posting.  Good news!  I am completely done with all of my treatments!!  I went into the cancer center on June 4th for my last Herceptin treatment.  This was exactly 14 months after my diagnosis (April 4th).    My oncologist is keeping me on Tomoxifen for 5-10 years.  I asked him, "well which is it 5 or 10 years, how will I know when to stop taking it?"  He said it all depends on the research that is conducted between now and then and the recommendations that arise from that research.  He said there isn't enough research right now to pinpoint the longevity of the medication.  So, right now I only have to get my port removed (8/7) and then follow-ups with my surgeon and oncologist. Today, I am cancer free and have been released by all my doctors!

My Wonderful Oncology Nurses: Linda and Janice

 

 

I leave Tuesday for a 2.5 week cross country road trip to Yellowstone National Park for my "Cancer Celebration".

Race for the Cure!

April 12, 2014 in Indianapolis, IN was the annual Race for the Cure.  I gathered my crew, Brittney's Beauties and we all dressed in our best pink.  I made crowns and sashes for each team member to wear, including the kids.  I also made some pink ribbon cookies to snack on.  I arrived at Military Park around 7am and there were already hundreds of people there.  I met up with some family and then I headed to the survivor's tent for the start of the Survivor's Parade.  They line up all the survivor's according to how many years they have survived breast cancer, with the longest survivor's in the front.  So, of course being a 1 year survivor, I was way at the end.  A marching band lead us through Military Park as everyone stood along the route with maracas and cow bells cheering us on.  Then we were lead to the main stage for the opening ceremonies, where WTHR news anchors were the emcees.  A band played music, they had a Zumba warm up, and several people gave us pep talks.  Then, I met up with the rest of my crew and we headed to the start line.  We took so long to get to the start of the race that we ended up being some of the last people to complete the race!  HAHA.  The fire engine marking the end of the walk came up behind us about the half way point and continued to stay behind us until the end.


All in all it was a fantastic day!  Great weather, great company, and great outfits!  I am so thankful for all the support I have received for this year's race.  I had a goal of raising $500 this year.  I wasn't even sure if I'd be able to raise that much.  But to my amazement, I was able to far exceed that goal and I raised $1, 050!!!  I am so thankful for generous hearts.  I am also so thankful for all my family and friends who came out to supports me.  My cousin had plans for the day, but got up bright and early just to spend the morning with us, before the race began.  My friend drove 2 hours to spend all day with me.  I am one blessed girl!


I can't wait to make this annual event.  Mark your calendars for next year...April 18, 2015.

One whole year!

I can't believe that on April 4th, 2014 it will have been one whole year since my diagnosis of breast cancer!  So much has happened in the past year.  I will never forget April 4th, 2013.  At 8:30am I was woken up by a phone call from my gynecologist telling me that my breast biopsy results were in and that it showed I had breast cancer.  I immediately began crying.  Although I suspected this result, I was not prepared for it.  Once those words sunk in, I gathered myself and asked "what's next?"  Thus, began my journey.  The next day I met with the breast surgeon and met my breast navigator.  I was administered chemotherapy from May 7th-July 27th, had my double mastectomy on August 29th, and reconstruction on December 6th.  Right now I am continuing Herceptin every 3 weeks through June and am taking Tamoxifen for several years.  Currently, I am in good health, feel great and am having no side effects from medication.  I can definitely see the end of the road!  It has been a very long year for me, but thankfully it has gone by quickly.  This is definitely not something I would have ever imagined dealing with at this age, but with the support and encourage from family, friends and co-workers I have made it through.  I SURVIVED!!




Update:  Genetic testing for BreastNEXT test (which looks at 18 genes) has been completed and the results were given to me today.  All 18 genes were negative for mutation.  This means that I do not have an increased risk for breast cancer or other cancers associated with these genes.  While this is good news for me and my family members, it is also disappointing, because it still does not explain why/what caused my cancer.


What's Next?  Herceptin every 3 weeks until June.  Then, surgery to have my port-a-cath removed.  Then, nothing except check-ups and taking Tamoxifen.

Updates

A few more updates:

1.)  My insurance approved the genetic testing.  So, my blood was drawn and sent away to an out of state lab for testing.  It will take about 3 months to get the results.  I am getting the larger BreastNext test which looks at 18 genes for mutations.

2.)  We have jumped head first into planning our Yellowstone Trip.  Currently my rep for the Ott Foundation has secured our first two nights in a hotel for FREE!  She is working on the rest.  She said once the managers hear my story they are more than willing the help out... such generosity!  Hopefully we can get all of our nights comped and then with the money from the foundation we will only have to pay for our RCI timeshare resort and food.

3)  I have created a team for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.  My team name is Brittney's Beauties.  The Race is April 12th, 2014 in downtown Indianapolis.  Registration is $35 and includes a t-shirt and pre-race/post-race goodies.  If you would like to participate in the race with me, please make sure you register through my team.  If you cannot make it out, please consider making a donation to my team.  I am hoping to raise $500.  The race is 40 days away and so far I have raised $50.  Check out my previous post for the links.

Pink Pajama Party!

  So, I talked in my last post about being invited to a Pink Pajama Party fundraiser for the I.W.I.N Foundation that I was a recipient of.  I attended that fundraiser last weekend and had a blast!  My fellow breast cancer survivor/friend/foundation recipient was given 2 tickets to the event and she invited me to go along with her.  When I got there and checked in, I met several of the I.W.I.N ladies and found out that I was actually next in line to receive 2 tickets as well.  They were surprised when my friend called to register us for the event and she gave them my name.  I didn't even know this until they told me at the event check in.  It turns out that the tickets were a pay it forward initiative.  We met the lady and her daughter who paid for our tickets and she had an amazing story of how she raised the funds.  She attends the church on the hill in Carmel and they had given out $83,000 to each of their parisioners in envelopes one sunday morning (divided into various amounts) and they were told to do good will within the community with their money. She said that her envelope had $15 in it.  She already knew that she wanted to pay for a ticket to the event, so she started a gofundme-type account on the web.  She was hoping to just raise enough money for 1 ticket, but the word spread and she was able to raise enough for 2 tickets.  What a great story!
  This event was soooo much fun!  We started off by checking-in and receiving a pink bag with a Vera Bradley blanket ($50), an event t-shirt, and some small trinkets in it.  Then, we headed over to the main hall to check out the silent auction.  There must have been atleast 200 items.  Everything from Kroger gift cards to signed athletic memorabilia to jewelry.  There was also a few items that you could buy raffle tickets for. There were hor d'ouvres going around and drinks for purchase.  Then at 7:15p the banquet opened for a sit down dinner, MC Angela Cain, a band, dancing and dessert table.  The best part of the evening though was when they opened the entire first floor up to SPA SERVICES!!!  All kinds of local businesses had set up stations/tables for us to go around and partake in.  Things like facials, eyebrow waxing, chair massages, make-up, hairstyling, nails, acupuncture, foot massage, group hypnosis, terot card readers, etc.  It was CRAZY!  I couldn't believe how much they had to do and it was all included in the ticket.   I came home with a bag full of goodies.
The cool thing about this event is that is was all ladies there, no men.  Everyone was wearing pink pajamas, some even in house slippers and robes.  Lots of girlfriend groups and mother/daughters.  This is the 12th year for this even and it seems like lots of people make this an annual outing for their friends and family.  I am already planning on going with my mom next year.  The neat thing is that for only about $30 more, you can have a room in the hotel included in your ticket (with breakfast).  If you would like more information on this event, please check out their website.

There were several rooms where spa services were set up.  This was the pool area, which had acupuncture, foot massage, chair massage, and a couple other things.

 

 

Dancing to Living Proof

                                                              Me and Debbie in our PJs
                                                                                                    

Lots of Updates

It's been a while since my last update, but I didn't have much news to share until now.  My last post was about getting genetic testing done and I don't have much news about that except that they are in the process of getting my insurance to authorize the testing.  I found out that even if my insurance does NOT okay the testing, it will only cost me $100 out of pocket...so I should be able to get it done either way.


I am planning on participating in the Race for the Cure on April 12, 2014 in downtown Indianapolis this year.  I have created a team of my own called Brittney's Beauties.  I would love for anyone and everyone, male or female to join my team.  You can either join me in person on April 12th and walk with me ($35 registration, 5k) or if that doesn't suit you, you can make a donation to my team.  I pledged to raise $500 for my team and I'm hoping to get at least 10 members, so that each member will raise $50.  I have participated in this race three other times, supporting my mother's friend, but this will be my first year walking as a survivor and I am SUPER EXCITED!!!  Please support me in whatever way you can.  Go here to donate to my team (click on donate to team and search for Brittney's Beauties).  Go here to register for the race and my team (click on join an existing team and search my team name).


Several months ago my nurse sent me paperwork on a couple different Breast Cancer Foundations that assist breast cancer patients with their needs.  I filled out the paperwork, sent it in and didn't think much of it, as it was a few weeks before my surgery.  Then, two weeks ago I received a call from both foundations in the same week.  The first foundation is I.W.I.N (website), based in Indianapolis.  I received a $250 grant from them.  I will be using half of it to hire a house cleaning service and the other half was sent to me as a grocery gift card.  The second foundation is the Megan S. Ott Foundation (website), based in Noblesville.  This foundation is so unique and wonderful.  They assign two ladies to each recipient, who then meet with you and take you out to dinner.  During this meeting, they tell you all about the foundation and who Megan was, they give a giant basket of cancer goodies, and they discuss with you what your needs are.  This organization is giving me a sizable donation that will allow me to take a trip.  Once I learned of what other recipients had used their money for, I knew instantly what I wanted to use my money for.  My parents have been my major support system throughout my cancer journey and without them I wouldn't have made it through the struggle.  I wanted to repay them for all they did for me, and with this generous gift I knew just the perfect way.  I have been telling my parents for a few months that I wanted to celebrate the end of my cancer journey in someway this summer, when everything is completed in May.  So.....with the help of this organization, we are taking a trip to YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK!!!  We are sooo excited and cannot wait!  We started planning immediately :)  I think this will be an amazing way to both celebrate the end of my cancer journey and repay my parents for all they did for me.


I have a friend who is also going through breast cancer right now and she was also a recipient of the I.W.I.N. Foundation.  They are having a Pink Pajama Party this month as their fundraiser.  They sent her 2 tickets to go and bring a guest.  She invited me as her guest!  So, I'm really looking forward to that.  It will be the weekend after my birthday! Yea!


I'm so excited for all the upcoming opportunities.  Lots more pictures and blog posts to come.

Gene Who?

   Last week I had an appointment with a Genetic Counselor.  Community Hospital provides this services complimentary with a breast cancer diagnosis.  I knew ahead of time that they would be asking a lot of family history questions, so I came prepared.  Not only did I bring my mom along, but I did my research ahead of time.  My mom has 6 siblings, and my dad has 2 siblings, with a total of 15 cousins...so I had my work cut out for me.  Between my parents and I, we emailed, called, or text every family member.  We had to ask them about anything they have ever been diagnosed with and at what age they were diagnosed with it.  Of course, we also needed to know about my deceased relatives, so we inquired about them too.  I made a branched family tree (thank you college genetics class) for each side of the family (maternal and paternal), and slowly began to fill it in.  What I didn't realize was that they had mailed me a packet to fill out before the appointment, and all this information was to be filled out again in the packet.
   So, with mom and family history in tow, I headed to the appointment, not sure what to expect.  I met with a young women (about my age) named Kaylee.  We talked extensively about genetics and how they play a role in cancer, the different ways my genes could have contributed to my cancer, and they types of genetic testing I could participate in.  The appointment lasted just over an hour.  My insurance will be changing at the beginning of the year, so we must wait until then, so see if I can get coverage for any genetic testing.  But until then, I was sent a letter summarizing our appointment.  I will share some of what it said.

"We discussed that at least 60% of all cancer cases are sporadic, meaning they are not passed from parent to child and are due to genetic changes in the cell thought to be caused by environmental factors.  Familial cancers account for approximately 20-30% of all cancer cases and are characterized by multiple family members affected with similar cancers.  Familial cancers are caused by a complex combination of both genetic and environmental factors.  Hereditary cancers account for 7-10% of all cancer cases, and are due to an inherited mutation in a single gene that can be passed through families.  Cases of hereditary cancer can be present in multiple generations on one side of a family, are characterized by bilateral or multifocal cancers that are exhibited at younger ages, and show specific patterns of cancer in blood relatives."

"Ms. Raper , your family has characteristics that indicate that you may have a hereditary form of breast cancer.  You have a personal history of melanoma at age 30 and breast cancer at age 31, a paternal first cousin once removed with breast cancer in her 50s, a paternal great aunt with breast cancer in her 70s, and several family members with a history of melanoma.  Multiple instances of breast cancer in a family, breast cancer occurring before menopause, and multiple cancers in the same person are  concerning for hereditary breast cancer.  Additionally, while skin cancer is a common cancer to observe in families, but having multiple individuals with breast cancer and melanoma in a family is concerning for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome."

   There are two types of genetic tests out there that I can choose to forgo (I have already done the BRCA1/BRCA2, which was negative).  These two tests are called BreastNEXT and BRCAPlus.    The BRCAPlus would only look at 4 other high risk breast cancer genes that would provide clinically actionable information.  This means that if any of these genes show mutation, I have another cancer or syndrome that caused my breast cancer, which would need to be treated.  The BreastNEXT test would look at a total of 16 genes for any mutations.  However, with either test the results could be positive, negative, or a variant of uncertain significance (which is a change in one of the genes tested that has not yet been classified as benign or disease-causing).  So, let's hope and pray that my insurance will cover at least one of these tests, because it could potentially give me life-saving information.

FAMILY: "Ms. Raper, although we know that you do not carry a mutation that can be found by sequencing and rearrangement testing of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, your female relatives warrant increased surveillance for breast cancer. We recommend that women in your family have annual mammograms beginning at age 25.  Typically, the recommendation is to begin mammograms 10 years prior to earliest age of diagnosis in a family; however, we do not recommend mammograms prior to age 25."