Here We Go Again.....

 

 Started back with chemo today....all three drugs.  We were there from 9:30-3:00 long day!  I will do two more weeks after today and then schedule the PET scan and see where everything stands!  I also met with Dr. Davidner and he said everything looks good. I've been having a little pain in my side and have a mild cough.  He thinks the cough is just related to allergies and nothing to worry about.  He didn't feel anything out of the ordinary in my exam so just wants me to watch the pain and if it gets worse we will do some scans.  But he told me how great it is that I am listening to my body and not blowing one little ache or pain off....he needs to know everything.  Uhhh no problem!  Here's what I've discovered, once you have cancer nothing feels like "just allergies".  You listen to your body more than you did before.  You feel every little tiny thing and you wonder what it is.  You try and think to yourself oh it's probably "just allergies" but in the back of your mind you still wonder.  Now really listening to your body and telling your doctor everything is what should have always been happening however if one did this they'd be considered a hypochondriac and crazy!!  So what I've learned and can share with everyone......who cares let your crazies out, listen to your body and call your doctor too often!   

Oh What a Night.....



The Terrace on Grand



The Yummy Cupcakes


 I think one of my best decisions was made at the Outback in Maryville on St. Paddy's Day 1995 when I vowed to be friends forever with Michelle Krambeck Burge.  Who knew then the roller coaster ride God would send our friendship on.  We've been through a lot of good and a lot of bad these past years but I know I can always count on her no matter what!    So Thursday night she out did herself she decided to throw a fundraiser for me.  She enlisted the help of a few friends and family and set out to pull off an incredible event.  And boy was it ever!  Overwhelmed.......completely overwhelmed.  That's the only way to describe how I feel about the support I got at this event. Hundreds of family members, friends, co-workers, friends of friends all there enjoying themselves, eating, drinking, watching a surprise show, listening to music, dancing, buying auction items and all for me.  UNBELIEVABLE!!

The Surprise Visitors



The One Who Put It All Together



Thank you to everyone for all your support......you are all AMAZING!!  You can find all the pictures from the night at www.j2photography.com/tashasfight





A SLAM DUNK Event

This weekend a team of 4th graders, The Bruins, and their parents sponsored a basketball tournament in my name.  What an honor!  It all started with one set of parents whose younger son is in my classroom.  What an amazing thing, for all these people plus others to have given their time and weekend for me.  Gosh this makes the Bruins 1st place in my opinion!  I am blessed in so many ways and by so many people. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

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!