about a month ago my Mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. It was a huge shock for our entire family since there is no history of any type of Cancer in the family. My mom went in for her annual physical when the Dr. looked over his glasses and asked when her last mammogram was. She guiltily admitted she hadn't had one and he firmly let her know that his nurses would be scheduling that for her! We can't express our gratitude to Dr. Bitner for making that call, because in all honesty it probably saved my Mom's life.
A couple weeks later she was in for her Mammogram, followed by a follow-up, then a needle biopsy, and the results that shocked us all!
My Mom has handled this all with so much courage and optimism. She truly is an inspiration to me and my entire family! After her scheduled Lumpectomy we got the good news that the cancer had not spread to her lymphnodes, but that it was an aggressive type of cancer and would therefore need to be treated with an aggressive treatment.
She will undergo Chemo for about 4 1/2 months, have a second-type chemo that will continue on for a total of a year (without the yucky side effects), and then she will start her radiation. Her first Chemo treatment was last Wednesday and she has done very well! She has to take 2 medications to help with the nausea, which in turn make her VERY sleepy, so she has been doing a lot of resting for the last week. However, today, her 7th day she was able to stop taking her nausea pills and went the entire day without a nap! Go Nanners!
Nan knew her hair was going to be falling out and she didn't think she could handle watching it fall out in pieces, so she decided to take control of her hair and we had a shaving party the night before her first chemo treatment.
It was an emotional night for everyone, however we also shared quite a few laughs!
Pa went first.....
Then Uncle Brad & Easton....
Then Nan got in front of Sadie with the clippers.....
Modeling her fun new scarfs.....
In this picture you can also see Nan's port. They put a port in her chest that goes directly into her veins so she doesn't have to have an IV put in every time she goes for her treatments.
Have you ever seen a more beautiful bald women?
I doubt it!
The bald crew....
Bald IS Beautiful, you know!
Nan being the prepared person she is took all the girls, plus Easton wig shopping about a week ago. It was actually a really fun experience. We loved the wig shop and want to put a shout out to Robert's Wig Shoppe in Ogden.
Here is look number one....
And here is look #2!
We are incredibly blessed to have such wonderful support from so many friends and family! Thank you so much for your prayers, thoughts, and best wishes!
Nanny,
We love you so much and are so proud of you and the incredible way you are handling such a trying situation. You and Pa are such an example to our family. You bless our lives in so many ways, more than you will ever know! We love you!
16 comments:
Wow Tiff...I had no idea your mom was going through that. I am sure that was such a shock to your family, but it looks like you guys are handling things so well!! What a fun thing to do as a group!! And I love the wigs...some days I wish I could wear a wig and not waste time doing my hair!! So tell your mom to look on the bright side of things!!! Good luck to her and your family!! Can't wait to get updates on how she is doing!!
(When I first read your post title, I thought you were announcing the gender of your baby...lol....did you find out yet?)
Wow, she is a beautiful bald woman. It sounds like she is dealing with this with strength and humor.
We will be thinking of your family!
You are so strong Aunt Sandie! We love you guys. Hugs, and prayers your way.
Oh Tiffany, I had no idea what you guys were going through! What a shock for your family, to say the least! She really does look beautiful for being bald! And the wigs really do look great! Best of luck to each of you, especially your mom through this very difficult time!
I am so glad that Easton is doing well after his surgery too! What a tough little boy!
I can't believe that you can even go on the kiddie rides at Lagoon being pregnant..... they make me sick when I'm not pregnant!
Hope that you're feeling well, and surviving daily life... sometimes it seems more difficult than it should be, doesn't it?! Take care!
Oh my Tiff, I had no idea! Please tell you mom that she is in our prayers as well! She really is a beautiful and strong woman! So glad to hear it was caught early and she is doing well on the medicine! Really, tell her I send my love and prayers!! And to you guys as well!!
Tiff- Please give Sandy our love and you are right she is a beautiful bald woman! We wish her the best and have faith that everything will turn out Great!!
Your great family will be in our prayers-
Hey Tiff. I think of your mom daily and I hope that she knows that we are all here for her here in any way she needs us! I know that she is SO incredibly blessed to have you as you are to have her! Thank you both for being such great examples of strength, friendship and just plan kindness to me!
I hope she feels better and can enjoy the time she is not on her medication.
Heidi
We are thinking and praying for your mom and your family. She seems like an amazing and strong woman. Much love!
What a woman of courage and stength!! Sure glad we know her!!!!
Way to go, Nan!!!
Hey Tiff,
Grandma told me about your Mom, but I didn't want to say much-you know in case she didn't want people to know. What a scary, and humbling couple of months you and your family has had. I admire ALL of your courage, your strength and your faith. It will get you all through the difficult times.
Please, please, please give your mom a big hug for me. Tell her I love her and I am praying for her and the rest of your incredible family!!
Love you all!
Nikki
Bald IS beautiful in the Gale/Moosman family. Sandy - you are amazing. So thankful you finally went in - when I heard about you, I was a year (or so) late in my own Mammo, so I quickly made my apt. True inspiration. We are thinking of you!
Tiff, this was very special to read and she has such a great support group with all of you. Thank goodness for that! Her positiveness will help greatly! we will keep her in our prayers!
Tiff, I love your Mom too! She has always been such a joy to be around and always having such a funny personality and scense of humor. I am so happy and thankful that your Mom did get the help when she did. See you guys on Saturday. Maybe you guys want to go swimming once your done? Love you
Tiff- I'm sorry to hear about your mom. She is such a sweetheart and I just wish her the best through this whole process. Please let her know this! I remember the first time she came into Wild Cuts and I cut her hair. She was so nice and then in the end told me she did hair too! I hope all goes well!
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. You all seem to be taking it very well especially your mom, what a trooper! She looks great especially with those cute wigs!
She looks absolutely gorgeous! We LOVE her new looks, and your dad's too!
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