Gimme a break....

We met with Dr. Davidner today.  He didn't like hearing about all my side effects, especially those to do with leg cramps.  He decided the best thing for  me and my body right now is to take a small break.  So I get to enjoy the next 4 weeks chemo free!  He said my body responds best when it's in top shape and right now it is not!  The plan is to start chemo back up the end of May.  We will then do 3-6 more weeks of therapy.  After that I will have a PET scan to see how the cancer has responded.  So we will be praying for amazing results!

Following the PET scan I will probably begin working with a radiologist who will most likely order radiation on my back and lung.  This part, of course, is my Dr.'s guess as to what he feels the radiologist will want to do.  Thank you God for answered prayers! I needed a lift to get to feeling better and hopefully this is the
answer. Thank you all for the continued prayers and support it means so very much!

Another Thursday!

 My sweet friend Jill joined me today at Chemo.  Number 10 down! Everything went well and quite fast considering I had all 3 drugs today.  We then headed for a yummy lunch and just a little jewelry shopping!  I'm getting a bit spoiled with all the fun lunches after treatment.  I won't know what to do with myself once
this ends.  I've been having some really bad headaches so my oncologist had me do a CAT Scan yesterday.  Thankfully he let me know today that everything looks normal.  He keeps telling me my brain looks fabulous!  He once said he could tell I'm smart....boy do I LOVE this man!  He also told me our plan of action for right now is to continue on this same path because we know that its working.  He doesn't have an ending date at this time, but he does know that once we end chemo he will have me begin radiation.  He believes my body will handle it better doing one treatment at a time.  He doesn't want me to get too run down from too much treatment.  Although I was hoping for a end to be in my close future, I know I'm in good hands and will do whatever he says.  With God providing me with so many supporters by my side I know I can do anything!

Team Berls

I woke up Friday morning with a horrible headache.  I was nauseous and miserable all day, so I spent the day in bed.  About 4:30, I started feeling better which was good news since I had the honor of being invited to the Relay for Life dinner.  My friend Julie Davis' daughter Emily Davis got together with a group of her friends and sponsored a team on my behalf.  The dinner was really nice, and then we headed up to the gym.  I walked the first lap with the survivors, and then the caregivers were invited to join.  Mike joined me, as expected, and we continued to walk.  Then much to my surprise my First Graders, their parents, and my fellow teachers joined me too!  I was shocked! So many people walked with me making it very clear that I am not alone on my road to recovery!

My First Graders carried signs and banners as they walked.

I hear my First Graders were a little anxious as they waited to surprise me!

So many coworkers came to show support!

Emily Davis led the way for the Hunting for a Cure team.

Treatment #9

My lovely sister drove down Wednesday night so she could hang out with me during my treatment.  Dr. Davidner was out of town, so he will call me next week to discuss my next treatment steps.  Everything went fine during the treatment, but I was so tired I slept the whole time!  Luckily, my nap gave the energy I needed to go out to eat and go shopping.  It was so nice to get to spend girl time with my sis!

8 Treatments Down!!

 It's hard to believe I have already completed 8 treatments.  I have one more treatment and then I will have completed my first 3 rounds.  Meet with the Dr. next week and he will give me my orders as to how many more rounds we are doing and when we will start the radiation.  I'm anxious to hear our exact moves and get it all started.  Today my mother-in-law, Jan, joined me.  She is a 20+ plus year breast cancer survivor and my "go to" person to answer all my questions.  I'm lucky to have such a positive, amazing lady in my life! 


I have progressively gotten more and more tired so am unable to keep up my usual teaching schedule.  I'm disappointed to have to go to half days rather than full days with my first graders, but I know this is only a small amount of time in the big picture of life.  I struggle with putting myself first but I also know this is a time I MUST do what's best for me! 


Please continue your prayers they are so appreciated!