New Years Eve

Quick Update:

It has been a tough week.  The AC treatment really drained "mom" and gave her waves of nausea.  She is feeling a little better today and headed back to work.  We think she was ready to get back to work and see her friends.  Hopefully she will feel even better as the week goes on.  Luckily treatment is every other week and so "mom" can rest and recover.  As part of her treatment "mom" had to take an injection to keep her white blood cell counts in check.  We won't know how well it works until the next treatment in a week and a half, but "mom" continues to be strong and in rather good spirits.  "Dad" said that he would give the injection, but "mom" talked him out of it.  We kinda wanted to see if he could do it, we think he would have done ok, but "mom" thinks he would have been on the floor.

Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year,

Love the Puppers and Kitty,

Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meow)

Adriamycin and Cytoxan (AC) - Week 1

Hope everyone had a great Christmas.  This week "mom" had her first treatment of adriamycin and cytoxan (AC).   This week "Grandpa Gary" and "Grandma Sue" got a break from treatment.  We hear that staying at home it kinda tough.  While they hate to see their daughter go through chemo treatment, they do enjoy seeing the chemo doing its job first hand and being part of the action.   We hope that the emails, text messages and phone calls kept them in the loop.  Don't worry "Grandma Sue", dad was sure to bring Saint Michael, Saint Therese, and the holy water to treatment and make sure they all returned home safe and sound.

Through  the blizzard of 2010, "mom", "dad", Kristina and Colleen headed off to Boston around 5:30 am. Colleen navigated through the blizzard (20+ inches of snow in Boston) and they arrived at treatment about 1/2 hour early around 7:30am. Thanks to great driving skills and a low traffic volume due to the holidays the ride actually took approximately the same amount of time ("mom "was sure relieved when they arrived as she didn't want to miss a treatment)

After meeting with her team of doctors, treatment began around 9:30am and included some pre-medications.  We hear they were a combination of anti-nausea medications as this treatment has been shown to have to pretty ugly side effects in the nausea department.   Mom was happy that Nurse Mary had arrived on time and was able to administer her treatment.  After the pre-drugs it was time for the adriamycin  which was given via IV in two very large syringes.   The drug was red in color which apparently makes you urinate a tint of read.  Very interesting!!!  The drugs were given by Nurse Mary over a 20 minute +/- period.  Next after a short resting period it was time for the cytoxan which was given via IV drip over an hour period.  During this time Team Charlene watched part of the movie Despicable Me.  We hear that the movie was really good and would recommended to all.

Ready to kick some Cancer Butt

Team Charlene - Colleen and Kristina

In summary the first treatment of AC went really well and the Nurse Mary was really happy with the infusion.   Once again Team Charlene pulls off a successful Monday of treatment.


On Tuesday "mom" and "dad" headed back to Boston to Dana-Farber for a follow up appointment with the surgeon to go over the results of the MRI.  The surgeon was very pleased with the results of the chemo thus far and indicated that the size measured bigger, however, this was due to an significant increase in fluid and free tissue due to the breakdown of the tumor.  The tumor looked more and more like swiss cheese as it died off in chucks.  The fluid does however cause a pain to build up to to pressure and the doctors are looking for solutions in the form of pain medications and anti-inflammatory to keep the progress rolling to completion.  The doctors are very happy with the Chemo and want to see it completed prior to surgery.  "Mom" was very happy to hear some great news.

So far this week "mom" is feeling pretty tired with waves of nausea and has been resting a lot.  The doctors expected this for the first three days post treatment and "mom" hopes it will dissipate as the week goes on.   There is no treatment next week as the new program is every two weeks, so a week off will be nice.  We will keep you all posted on the progress and will make sure "mom" gets lots of rest and relaxation.


Love the Puppers and Kitty,

Ginger, Lizzie, and Baby (Meow)

Christmas

Merry Christmas!!!

Chemotherapy Change-over

Weeks 9, 10, 11 and 12 of chemotherapy are now all done. This week mom finished her treatments of Paclitaxel. The treatments have been tough but mom never complained once. Grandpa Gary and Grandma Sue have been with her every step of the way. This week our Brother Matt came along to check things out. He even entertained the crew when he was talking in his sleep. Must have been a good dream. Mom was happy and proud of her younger brother for being such a great support on his day off.

This week mom also had an ultrasound and a MRI to check up on the progress of the chemotherapy and to monitor if the drugs are doing their job. The ultrasound was rather inconclusive due to some fluid and swelling and thus the need for an MRI. Mom and dad headed off to Faulkner Hospital early on Tuesday morning for the MRI. Mom did a great job for being so freaked out by small spaces. Dad said that the machine was from out of this world and reminded him of the movie Contact. The nurses were great and got mom in and out in no time at all. Mom will go over the results with her doctor on the Tuesday after Christmas. The doctors will compare before and after MRI's. We are all hoping for good results.

Mom is looking forward to spending Christmas with family and friends. Grandpa Gary always prepares a great meal.

On Monday after Christmas chemotherapy will continue with the initial dose of Adriamycin and Cytoxan (AC). This treatment will be every other week for 8 weeks. Mom is looking forward to continued progress toward the completion of treatment, but is worried about being off treatment as well. We are sure she will do great and he team of doctors are amazing.

A special thanks to Colleen for taking the day off and driving all the way to Boston for moms meeting with an IVF specialist. Poor dad was at jury duty and was not able to make it in person. Luckily he got out in time to join in by conference call.

Merry Christmas!!!
Love the Puppers and Kitty,

Ginger, Liz, and Baby (meow)

Chemo - Week 8 (11/22/2010)

"Cousin Nicole", "mom" and "Loves" The Saint Bernard

Treatment continues to progress well and this week "Cousin Nicole" and "Grandpa Gary" provided the support for "mom", whom continues to kick butt.

This week Saint Michael was left at home.  The nurses were so kind as to download and print out a temporary replacement for Saint Michael, and thus treatment proceeded without delay.  Saint Michael watches over "mom's" treatment every week and come to find out Saint Michael is the Saint of the paratroopers.

Gobble Gobble Gobble!

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Love the puppers and kitty,

Team Charlene.

Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meowwww)

Team Charlene - 11/21/2010

This past Saturday we didn't have any plans, so we were able to relax a little.  Since "mom" diagnosis we have been very busy almost every weekend.  We loved spending time with "mom" and "dad" watching movies and sitting by the warm stove.

This week is Thanksgiving and we are all excited to spent a little relaxation time with family and friends.  We are looking forward to the good snacks that "dad" sneaks to us.   Below are a couple of pictures of what we do best.

"Mom's" treatment this week went well.  She has now completed 8 weeks of chemo and continues to have a great mind set and attitude.  She is looking forward to Thanksgiving and for the first time, doing a little shopping on black Friday.

Ginger Pup snoozing in the doorway

Lizzie Pup looking cute as always

Baby Cat watching her Fish

Love the puppers and kitty,

Team Charlene.

Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meowwww)

Chemo - Week 7 (Monday, 11/15/2010)

This week "mom" was escorted to chemo treatment by "Grandpa Gary", "Grandma Sue", and "Aunty Jen".   Treatment went well, and the doctors continue to be happy with the progress.  Dr. Tolaney confirmed several soft spots in the tumor and indicated that the overall size has not increased.  Furthermore, the color of the skin surrounding the tumor continues to improve.  Below is "mom" sitting on "Aunty Jen's" lap in the treatment chair.

Aunty Jen "Twin Power"

Family Time

This week "mom" headed back to Dana Farber on Tuesday morning to meet with another surgeon. One of the requirements of a clinical trial that "mom" has the option to participate is that the surgery would have to be done at Bringham & Womens's hospital.  Thus, at 5:00 AM "mom" and "dad" headed off to Boston to meet with Dr. Dominici.  The visit was very successful and both "mom" and "dad" indicated that Dr. Dominici was awesome and was able to answer many questions.  "Mom" was very pleased with her attention to detail and would feel very comfortable in her care should she choose to be part of the clinical trial.  The clinical trial would include creating a vaccine from the tumor cells post surgery.  The basic idea behind the vaccine is to create a response from "mom's" immune system to recognize and attack the tumor cells if they were to re-surface.  The tumor cells would undergo radiation prior to creating the vaccine to kill all the tumor cells, similar to a flu vaccine.  As part of this trial, at least two centimeters of usable tumor would be required at the time of surgery.  "Mom" will not have to make any decision until closer to surgery.  We are all hoping that the tumor is smaller than 2cm at the time of surgery as this would provide better margins.  We will keep you posted.

"Mom" may also be able to participate in a second clinic trial.  This trial would include four test groups.  The first group participating in a diet program, the second group participating in a diet and exercise  program, and the last two groups would include diet and exercise and additional post-op chemo.  The chemo drugs would include pill forms of Methotrexate and Cytoxan and Avastin.  The trial would last approximately 3 years.   Again "mom" will not have to make an decision until closer to surgery.

We are happy to announce that the date for the Valentine's Day - Fur Ball has been set for Saturday, February 12,  2011 at the Wachusett Country Club in West Boylston, MA.   The menu is being set and tickets are schedule to go on sale soon.  Please Save the Date.

Love the puppers and kitty,

Team Charlene.

Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meowwww)

Chemo - Week 6 (Monday, 11/8/2010)

"Grandma Sue" and "Mom"

Love the puppers and kitty,

Team Charlene.

Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meowwww)

Yard Sale/ Bake Sale 11-6-2010 (8AM-2PM)



Team Charlene - Fishing for customers on Route 20



Who you lookin at?



Kathy and Cindy at the Bake Sale Table.  Good Eats.



Corey (aka "the guy with the beard) and Kristen

Get your bean bag here

Doggy Mascots

Family

Hot Coco/ Coffee Tent - "The Warm Up Zone"

Pet Sale Crew

Pulling in the customers!!!!!!!!  Did I just see a bunny

Money Booth

Raffle Raffle Raffle

VCA Northboro Crew



Raffle Sponsors



Chemo - Week 5 (Monday, 11/1/2010)

This week "Grandpa Gary" once again picked up "mom" for her treatment.  They headed off to Faulkner Hospital in Boston where the magic happens.  Poor "Grandpa Gary" was so tired that he fell asleep as soon as he sat down in the treatment room.  "Mom" said that he was snoring quite loudly.  Waking only when "Nurse Mary" entered the room to check on "mom".  Below is a picture of "Nurse Mary" and "mom" taken after infusion.  "Nurse Mary" has been "mom's" treatment nurse from day 1.  She used to be an ER nurse and now works in the chemotherapy department at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute at Faulkner Hospital.  "Mom" thinks that "Nurse Mary" is the best nurse around and appreciates her ability to place an IV catheter in one try.

This week "mom" attended a local support group in Worcester, MA.  The group is called The Breast Friends Connection.  Their mission "Bringing women together to SUPPORT their individual journey of diagnosis, treatment, recovery + BEYOND".   Become a fan of The Breast Friends Connection on facebook for more information and updates.   "Mom" was picked up for her first support group session by a member who is also a resident of Boylston.  The meeting started at 6PM and began with a support session, followed by "power hour" which includes activities to help reduce stress.  "Mom" loved the support group and met many inspiring women.  "Mom" plans on attending many more meetings.

"Mom" is looking forward to the Yard Sale/ Bake Sale which is taking place this Saturday at the Northboro VCA.  She is grateful for all the hard work everyone has been putting forth to make this a success.  "Mom" gave us a preview of the Paws for the Cause - Team Charlene "T" shirts.  We think they look pretty sharp.

So far this week, "mom" has been feeling pretty good.  She had today off to rest up and is going back to work in the morning.  We had fun hanging out with her today.   The best part of the week was when "mom" noticed a soft spot in the tumor, which indicates that chemo is working.

We will have "mom" take her camera along to the Yard Sale/ Bake Sale so that we can post some photo's.

Love the puppers and kitty,

Team Charlene

Ginger, Liz, and Baby

Chemo - Week 4 (Monday, 10/25/2010)

Week four of treatment has come and gone.  "Mom" has handled the first month of treatment really well.  She has been able to work almost everyday with the exception of treatment day and a few tired days, which typically occur three days post treatment (Thursday).  We are sure chemo isn't easy, but "mom" never complains and she is glad for treatment day to arrive as it means fighting back.  This week "mom" was able to contact a local support group, which meets once or twice a month.  The next meeting is on Monday and if mom is feeling ok after treatment we are sure she will be there.

This week "mom" was again escorted to treatment by "Grandpa Gary".  The treatment was in the morning and I think they stopped for some breakfast at Dunkin Donuts, which always seems to help with the long drive into Boston.   Our "Cousin Nicole D" met them there and by the pictures, it appears that she brought some pre-Halloween costumes and several bananas.  "Cousin Nicole" must have stopped by "Aunt Gerry's" house this weekend and picked up a supply.  Our buddy "Loves" the Saint Bernard said the bananas were very good and hit the spot.  Thank you "Cousin Nicole" for always making us laugh and for all your support. LOVE YOU!!!!!!!

We hear "Grandpa Gary" learned how to take a cell phone picture.  "Mom" said that he thought the camera was the viewfinder and almost took a picture of his own eye.  Too bad we didn't get to see that photograph.  As you can see by the above shots, he figured it out rather quickly.  Great pictures "Grandpa Gary"!

Prior to treatment "Doctor Tolaney" informed "mom" of several post treatment options that she would qualify for through Dana Farber.  The first was a vaccine clinical trial which would use tumor cells from "mom" and create a vaccine that she could take to fight any re-occurrence. The other clinical trial is a post surgery chemo option.  "Mom" would have a chance of being selected for 1 of 4 groups.  The groups would include variations of treatment options including diet, exercise, Methotrexate, and Avastin. Treatment would last approximately 3 years.  "Mom" is researching the treatment options and will be able to discuss the clinical trials in more detail with her team of doctors as she moves forward. 

This week "mom" has been able to work each and every day.  We think this is great, as she can focus on something other than treatment.  "Mom" just loves taking care of her patients and misses all her great co-workers when she is out for even a day or two.

Thank you all for all the cards.  We think they make the house look great.  "Mom" has posted them all over the family room.

Love the puppers and kitty,

Team Charlene

Ginger (Woof Woof), Liz (WOOF), and Baby (meow meow meow meow...)

PINK - Lighting the Way to a Cure - Umass Memorial Cancer Center

Thursday, October 21, 2010 

(http://www.umassmed.edu/development/pink2010.aspx )

"Mom" and "Dad" attended Pink - Lighting the Way to a Cure at Umass Memorial Cancer Center.  The night started with "mom" picking out her candle, which was lit at the candle ceremony.

The event was set up as a Town Meeting style with a panel of breast cancer survivors, first telling their stories, then answering questions from the medical staff and audience members. The doctors, nurses and medical staff answered questions and provided a discussion on the future of breast cancer treatments. The Umass Cancer Center is currently raising money for CT scan machine specifically developed to for breast cancer screening. Umass would proudly be the owner of the 5th machine in the entire world. 

Prior to the event "mom" was not having the best day. The PINK event was just what she needed to turn her day around. There were so many great people in attendance and "mom" met some true survivors, all of which had wonderful stories. "Mom" was also introduced to a group of courageous women who run several support groups in the area and looks forward to the possibility of attending some support groups and events in the future.

"Mom" is heading  back to the Faulkner hospital on Monday for chemo treatment #4 and is looking forward giving the Cancer another butt kicking.

Thank you all for your continued support this week.

Love the puppers and kitty,

Team Charlene.

Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meowwww)

Chemo - Week 3 (Monday, 10/18/2010)

Week three of treatment is here.  "Mom" was escorted to Faulkner Hospital by "Grandpa Gary". We love it when he stops by to visit and he is welcome anytime.  "Grandpa Gary" arrived at our house so early that the stars were still out in the sky.  Thanks to our "Cousin Ray", he was wearing a Paws for the Cause - Team Charlene sweat shirt.  We think he was ready to witness a little Cancer butt kicking first hand and "mom" was really happy to have his support.  Our newly adopted Teddy Bear from the Sterling Animal Shelter "Chemosabe"as well as "Loves" the Saint Bernard went along for the ride to keep "Grandpa Gary" and "mom" company and to create a few laughs along the way.



Here is a photo of "mom", "Grandpa Gary", "Loves" the Saint Bernard, and "Chemosabe" the Teddy Bear at the treatment center.  "Mom" is wearing one of her new head buffs to keep her head warm.  She had gone to the salon recently to get a hair cut and needed a little something to keep her head warm.  "Mom" hasn't lost any hair due to treatment yet.  The doctors indicated that this may begin to occur later in treatment around weeks 4-6.  We love the new haircut and think it makes "mom" look a little younger.  However, "mom" is not quite sold yet.

During chemo, "mom" decided to take a little trip to Disney World.  This was possible with the help of the magic of a 3D viewfinder.  Thanks you Colleen for providing our "mom" with such a great way to escape.

Here is a photo of "Loves" the Saint Bernard and "Chemosabe" the Teddy Bear hanging out at the hospital with the 3D viewfinder.  Hey "Chemosabe" did you see our friends Goofy and Pluto?

"Mom" indicated that the oncologist was very happy with the progress of the chemo therapy treatment thus far.  The oncologist said that the tumor mass felt softer and the coloring of the skin was beginning to change from a reddish color to a pinkish color.  After three weeks this is great progress.  We think the Wii dance party along with all the love, support and prayers of family and friends helped out a lot.  "Mom" is looking forward to attending a support group for young people with Cancer on Wednesday in Boston at Dana Farber and meeting with her Radiation doctor on Friday afternoon.

We want to thank "Grandpa Gary" - LOTS OF LOVE...

"Mom" was feeling upbeat after treatment and went to visit "Grandma Sue", who had long day at the doctors as well.  Please keep "Grandma Sue" in your prayers as she also needs your love and support in her own battle with rheumatoid arthritis, Lupis and Sjögren's syndrome.  Cited from http://www.sjogrens.org/ "Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person’s white blood cells attack their moisture-producing glands. Today, as many as 4 million Americans are living with this disease. Although the hallmark symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth, Sjögren’s may also cause dysfunction of other organs such as the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system. Patients may also experience extreme fatigue and joint pain and have a higher risk of developing lymphoma."  We love you "Grandma Sue" and we are praying for you.

After taking a short cat nap, "mom" was able to relax with family and friends and enjoy a most excellent dinner, cooked by "Grandpa Gary".  "Mom" is looking forward to getting back to her normal Tuesday schedule at work and seeing all her great co-workers and clients.

Love the puppers and kitty,

Team Charlene.

Ginger, Liz, and Baby (Meowwww)

Chemo - Week 2 (Tuesday 10/12/2010)

Treatment this week was delayed due to Columbus Day.   "Mom" was escorted to Faulkner Hospital by her most loving Aunt Gerry and Uncle Paul.  They even made snacks, cookies, and sandwiches for the trip into Boston.  Here is a photo of the Team wearing the trademark pink shirts for the breast cancer cause along with, you guessed it... "Loves" the Saint Bernard.

Thanks again to a great Team Charlene, the treatment was a success and "mom" was able to attend work all day long on Wednesday.  We think it may have been the peanut butter cookies, which "mom" didn't share.

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU TO AUNT GERRY AND UNCLE PAUL.

Love the puppers and kitty,  

Team Charlene,

Ginger, Liz, and Baby

Chemo - Week 1 (Monday, 10/4/2010)

The doctors have all concluded that the best treatment option for "mom" is 5 months of chemo followed by surgery and radiation.   The chemo will be given weekly on Monday's for the first 12 weeks using Paclitaxel (pac li TAKS el) followed by biweekly treatments of dose-dense Adriamycin and Cytoxan  (AC) for 8 weeks.    October 4 was day 1 of treatment - "mom", "dad" and "grandma S." headed off to the Dana Farber/ Bringham and Womens Cancer Center at Faulkner Hospital in Boston, MA.   Here is a photo of "Loves" the Saint Bernard and "mom" getting ready for a nap after receiving a large dose of benadryl, zantac, dexamethasone and initial injection of Paclitaxel.

Hey it's "Loves" stopping for a photo-op on his way home from treatment after a long day at the hospital.  "Mom" handled treatment very well and was able to work and do normal activities most of the week.  I think she was a little tired from the treatment on Thursday (10/7/2010) and so she stayed home with us all day long.    The chemo, couldn't keep her down for long and by Friday "mom" was back to work.  Thanks for all the support from family, friends and a great Team of doctors.  "Mom" has successfully completed week 1. 

Love the puppers and kitty,  

Team Charlene

Ginger, Liz, and Baby

Blogging....

Dear All,
This Blog is designed to track the progress of "Our Mom" as she goes through her journey since the diagnosis of having "Triple Negative Breast Cancer".
We will do our best to keep you all informed.

Love the puppers and kitty, 

Ginger, Lizz, and Baby