Archive for March, 2010
March 31, 2010
Yesterday I met with my 1st reconstruction doctor. Over the next month I will meet with one more and I will also met with a radiologists. My mother and I met with the Doctor today to discuss the reconstruction of my new breast, probably in January. He was so nice and answered a lot of questions. He explained all the detail of the operation. There are 3 different ways of stuffing your new breast. First of all, the breast I have seen 1st hand and the photo albums from the Doctors today, I know what are good-looking and what are not. I never thought back in High school, that I would have seeing so many different types of boobies. Anyway, back to today, I can have gelled, pulled from stomach or the muscled from the back – I believe the best way for me will be the muscles pulled from the back. He also brought up some questions to ask the radiologists - even though my cancer was 5.3 cintermeters and fast growing , with just 1 irritated node, would I really need radiation?? His thoughts were that by the time I have the mastectomy, my cancer will be almost gone (because I have responded so well with the chemo) and with my nodes fine – maybe I wouldn’t need the radiation - just some things to think about and ask.
Last night my niece had Cubby and I over for dinner at her new place – Post Chastain – I has been re-done and it is fabulous. Her sweet boyfriend Alex Holt was over also. I think anyone who has a young adult who is looking for a place, this would be a good place to rent. Good location!!
Have a great day – Love Lisa
Tags:atlanta, blog, breast cancer, breast cancer symptoms, cancer, chemotherapy, christian, family, friends, georgia, God, miracle, mother, prayers, tumor, www.breastcancersociety.com, www.chemoflage.com, www.thepinkchronicle.com
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March 30, 2010
I hope everyone had a great weekend – Saturday was a beautiful day. Vincent, myself and the allmans had a picnic and then took a hike around the property for 4 hours. The time went by so fast. That is what happens when it is a sunny, bright day. We have hardly had many of those day. Someone reminded me that April showers bring May flowers!!! That is ok, just so it is warm.
A sweet friend, Laura brought me the most interesting book. I can’t seem to put it down. It is called “The Anatomy of Hope” by Jerome Groopman, M.D. It is about a Doctor who for thirty years dealt with people who had severe illnesses. He started to look at the ones that had hope verses the ones that didn’t. Years ago the Doctors were trained scientifically according to the traditional western medicine. They know now that they need to look at the entire person, body,soul and spirit. It is so intriguing to me because it really shows what hope can do to ones mind and body. He started to see that the ones that had hope. began to heal or at least their last few days on earth were good. They were able to die in peace and were able to confront death in a courageous way. He realized that the source for hope for a lot of people came from their faith in God.
Isaiah 40: 31 – “But those who hope in Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
I hope all is encouraged to keep up the faith because life can be hard. – Love to all, Lisa
Tags:atlanta, blog, breast cancer, breast cancer symptoms, cancer, chemotherapy, christian, family, friends, georgia, God, miracle, mother, prayers, tumor, www.breastcancersociety.com, www.chemoflage.com, www.thepinkchronicle.com
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March 29, 2010
This is Alice in the orphanage.
I have been in Uganda now for two weeks. We have been enjoying every second and working hard. The movie is taking on new directions and shooting is going very well. I have interviewed over twenty women and have been working everyday with a wonderful woman named Alice who is my narrator and one of the main characters. I call her my Morgan Freemen in Mothers of a Nation. She is a wise soul with a lot of humor and strength. She has become the backbone to the film. She played apart in the short and is the voice that bookends the first movie.
Rafe and I have also been visiting all the garden projects from last year, which we are excited to say are all doing so great. He has helped build two more community gardens for two women’s group through UAPO with the help of our friend Patrick. Patrick has become an expert Ugandan organic farmer and has started so many amazing farming projects this past year. It has been great to see how organic farming has evolved since we have been gone. We are continuously learning so much from this beautiful country and its people.
Rafe and I have spent our free time catching up with friends and spending time on the river. We have been celebrating our engagement with all our friends over here, which has been a blast. We enjoy life in Jinja so much and hope our time here continues throughout our marriage. We are part of such a wonderful community that we have missed so much while away.
I have kept up with Mom through phone calls and emails. She seems to still be doing great and has positive reports on her recovery. Rafe and I are so excited that she will be joining us in Jackson for wedding planning in May before the mastectomy.
I have missed the Pinky so much, but I have been so proud of her daily entries. She has really kept the chronicle going and obviously has done a much better job than I. It’s so nice that our readers get her first hand accounts. I have enjoyed so much reading everyone’s comments! I will be back to cover the last chemo!
Tags:atlanta, blog, breast cancer, breast cancer symptoms, cancer, chemotherapy, christian, family, friends, georgia, God, miracle, mother, prayers, tumor, wigs, www.breastcancersociety.com, www.chemoflage.com
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March 26, 2010
The collage above is one in a series that Cubby has done for encouragement for me. The most recent one is this showing my mother looking down upon her family (I’m the snaggle tooth one, second from the bottom).
Last night I spent the night with my parents – Cubby and my sister Katherine drove to Big Canoe, with the top down playing Michael Jackson’s “This is it” – full blast – singing at the top of our lung. The weather was beautiful - Oh it reminded me of my college days… We had a geat time. When I got home this morning, I noticed something was bothering Mary. So we prayed about it and as we began to pray the Lord revealed to her she was caring burdens. One of her gifts is to bear others burdens, it dawned on her she was carrying part of my burden. This is what we thought God might want us to share with you’ll. And how he tells us to bear each other’s burdens, which is someone bearing a heavy load, physical or spiritually for someone. Sometimes the burden is too hard for one person to carry. God will Yoke you up with another to help carry your burden. Like David and Nathan, the burden of Saul chasing David was to hard for him to bear alone so he put Nathan in his life. Isn’t it funny that Mary is my mentor and I had to pray for her, for God to reveal her frustration. God can use anyone at anytime to help with the pain…. I can’t imagine having this as a gift!!!!!!! That seems really hard for a lay person like me, to have this gift (Ha!Ha!).
Galatians 6;2 – ” Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ “
The same way a mother carries the burden of her family. This is the only way you can help carry the burden of another, is through LOVE! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, All you need is Love.
Love, Lisa and Mary
Tags:atlanta, blog, breast cancer, breast cancer symptoms, cancer, chemotherapy, christian, family, friends, georgia, God, miracle, mother, prayers, tumor, www.breastcancersociety.com, www.chemoflage.com, www.thepinkchronicle.com
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March 25, 2010
We were asked by Cindy Smith, to pray for Debra. She is the one that we prayed for last month that is dealing with a sever illness, Crohn’s and the second occurence of trying to recover from her breast cancer treatments. We need to all pray for full physical healing of the body and to restore her sweet spirit.
My heart goes out to Debra my illness doesn’t even compare to hers. We just need to continue to lift her in prayer because we know God is the only one who can heal and restore. I have a friend, Judy who was told she would be in a wheel chair this year. Seven years ago, she went to pick up a patient and hurt her back after her MRI she was told that she has deteriorating disc disease and has a hole in her spine. With this she has joined a prayer group that has given her strength to go through her illness in faith – she has diabetes, and congested heart failure. But through her faith she has been able to find strength in the word of God. She would always hear a word from God , through a friend or herself and it would encourage her to go on. I am hoping our readers can do this for Debra. Judy doesn’t understand why this happened to her but, it has caused her to reach out to others and strength their faith through her testimony. There is always hope in the word of God.
Isaiah 26; 3 – ” You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trust in you. Trust in the Lord for ever, for the Lord, is the rock eternal.”
If anyone knows of a church in her area, maybe they could pay her a visit and see what her needs are. Thanks
Hope and trusting in God, Lisa and Mary
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March 24, 2010
Today a real good friend of mine and I were talking and she had said, she is still dealing with a throne in here side towards this other person. She always at that moment pulls back and prays and then she is alright and then over time it will resurface and she can’t figure out why.. So I said do you think this is me the way I have handled my cancer and my son’s issue – she said no – we both agreed this was not me, and it was God. We talked about how could this really be possible that in all that I am going through how could I have joy and not be mad. I love talking with this person because we just banner everyday about issues and our heaven Father – I can just hear God looking down on us laughing saying ” There they go again, when will they get it.” Everyday I have to pray and ask him to help me to abide in him because I know that what comes from him will come to me. A lot of things God allows in our lives because he is pruning us and when he does we bear more fruit And pruning is a way that things are cut off of our lives and it hurts. But it is causing us to be a better blessing to others.
John 15: 5-8 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my word remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
Have a wonderful day and may God bless you.
Tags:atlanta, blog, breast cancer, breast cancer symptoms, cancer, chemotherapy, christian, family, friends, georgia, God, miracle, mother, prayers, tumor
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March 23, 2010
Today I went talk and see Dr. Ballard – what a wonderful person. My white blood counts are the highest you can every have and my red blood cells are fine, even have come up. We talked about my lovely fingernail and toes nails – they are coming off but, I am learning what is more important - I have always be vein and this illness is striping me slowly of all that – the hair and now the nails – I have been so blessed during all this to have sure good energy and a sense of joy. That is all God because I am not that type person.
I went to have chemo and all of a sudden I felt faint and sick – she gave me in my IV 2 different nausea medicine that knock me out – I didn’t like that. Got home and don’t remember anyone coming by and we were suppose to go out and I couldn’t get my head off the pillow – I am just feeling normal but, am heading to bed now. I have 2 more left HOORAY Praise the Lord!!!
I look so forward to this weeks weather – Thanks again for all you have said and done for me Love, Lisa
Tags:atlanta, blog, breast cancer symptoms, cancer, chemotherapy, christian, faith, family, friends, georgia, God, miracle, mother, prayers, tumor
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March 22, 2010
This weekend was wonderful.
We are now headed home in the rain. I hope everyone was able to enjoy the beautiful weekend weather, a touch of spring!!! We did not spend a second inside… the days were filled with walking among the live oaks, spanish moss, the many squares and eating outdoors. We just love Savannah. No matter how many times I visit Savannah, it never fails to amaze me how incredible the architecture is, what an inspiring place to study.
We drove down to a story book like island, Isle of Hope and looked at the old waterfront homes. We dream of one day owning a place there. Yesterday, we walked through Forsyth Park and the beautiful weather brought out tons of people and their dogs, apparently dachshunds are the popular Savannah accessory. Can you believe it is not Jack Russell ( George )!!!!
The first night in Savannah the pinky felt obligated to eat at the Pink House. Last night we ate at Elizabeths’ the waiter, the food and the wine was amazing. Our waiter, Chris, treated us like royalty. I’m not kidding !! He gave us all sorts of low country treats and it was truly the best meal and experience we have ever had. While we were eating oysters we talked about the creation of a Pearl within an oyster. Then today, coincidence or not… I was reading the Reflections Ministries monthly letter and the prominent statement paralleled the things we go through in life with that of a pearl. The following is what I read: ( Eph. 5: 1-2 ) Suffering with hope in the overarching goodness of God makes us a good witness to others versus being bitter towards God and therefore others. And this makes us like our Lord: ( Heb. 11:1 ) Pearls are made by certain oysters by coating an irritating particle such as a grain of sand with a substance called nacre (mother -of – pearl) to make it less irritating. And we can “cover” our irritating trials with the substance of Faith. (Heb. 11:1) by believing and affirming the truth that in all things and at all times God is always working out His purposes in our life for our eternal good and His glory and honor. ( Rom. 8:28)
Love, Lisa
Tags:atlanta, blog, breast cancer, breast cancer symptoms, cancer, chemotherapy, christian, Elizabeth on 37th, family, Forsyth Park, friends, georgia, God, miracle, Pearl, prayers, Savannah, The Pink house, tumor
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March 19, 2010
The Pink Chronicle is headed south on cusps of the St. Patrick’s day’s largest debut. Today Cubby & I are driving to Savannah mache 9 trying to beat Vincent who flew in like a pris pot. I’m upset we are arriving after all the St. Patrick’s Day activities, we could have launched our skirts while downed hurricanes but I was quickly reminded that we have three finished skirts (none I which I’m willing to part with ) and apparently hurricanes don’t mix well with the ol’ chemo. Anyway the drive was a good catch up time, some major bondage.
Cubby is interested in going to Grad School and SCAD and has set up a series of interviews and portfolio review over the next couple of day so ay a little prayer we can actually have her back in the south!
I’m still feeling wonderful! Monday will be my 6th chemo with two more to go after that. My fingernails and toenails are looking a bit funky these days, which is normal with chemo, but I’m still hoping they will “hang” in there. The aches and pains have not returned this week, which is a blessing and have faith it will stay this way.
Have a great weekend – stay tuned
Love, Cubby and Lisa
Tags:atlanta, blog, breast cancer, breast cancer symptoms, cancer, chemotherapy, christian, family, friends, georgia, God, miracle, mother, prayers, tumor
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March 18, 2010
Yesterday I met with Dr. Bill Barber to discuss my surgery. You’ll it was awesome. Before I discuss my procedure, I will tell you about him. He is such a wonderful person. At the age of 16, while at Dykes High school, he was taking a course in chemistry, a light went off in his head. From that day forward he wanted to be a Doctor. Even at the age of 16 he went in to West Paces Ferry Hospital to apply for a job. They thought he was crazy because he had not been to med. school. They would not even let him fill out an application. He was persistent and for 9 days kept going back to the hospital to apply for the job. The lady said ”no” and to move on. This reminds me of a verse Luke 18 ; 3-5 ” And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plead, grant me justice against my adversary; for sometime he refused. But finally he said to himself, even though I don’t feel God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me , I will see that she get justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming!!” Doctor Barber’s story was incredible because he eventually got the job for the summer. I won’t go into detail but, while there he saved someones life. Then I told him I went to Dykes, I told him my last name was Dodd. He fell over and we laughed – he knew me and was friends with my older sister Martha. So I am letting you know that it was in the plan of God for him to be my Doctor. He put my mind at ease for not wanting a second opinion.
Now I will tell you what my procedures will be. Once I have my surgery I will not be able to travel for awhile. Ansley and Rafe need Vincent and myself to go to Jackson Hole to tie up some loose ends for the wedding. Which I am excited about because those are the things I love to do with my daughter and this wedding. So we are going the weekend of May 1st, which is Big Vincent’s birthday, that will be a big celebration for us all. Then on May 10th, I will have a mastectomy only on the left breast because he says it is too emotional to do both. Later when I have reconstruction, I will do the other breast. Then 1 month after the 1st mastectomy, I will have radiation. Hopefully 6 months later, in January I pray that the plastic surgeon will do reconstruction. I have 2 names to go and see – Dr. Joe Woods and Dr. Jim Namnoun, which are both great plastic surgeons. So keep me in your prayers that I will stay strong in my faith because this is another journey in my life.
Love, Lisa and Mary
Tags:atlanta, blog, breast cancer, breast cancer symptoms, cancer, chemotherapy, christian, faith, family, friends, georgia, God, miracle, mother, prayers, tumor
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Yesterday I met with my 1st reconstruction doctor. Over the next month I will meet with one more and I will also met with a radiologists. My mother and I met with the Doctor today to discuss the reconstruction of my new breast, probably in January. He was so nice and answered a lot of questions. He explained all the detail of the operation. There are 3 different ways of stuffing your new breast. First of all, the breast I have seen 1st hand and the photo albums from the Doctors today, I know what are good-looking and what are not. I never thought back in High school, that I would have seeing so many different types of boobies. Anyway, back to today, I can have gelled, pulled from stomach or the muscled from the back – I believe the best way for me will be the muscles pulled from the back. He also brought up some questions to ask the radiologists - even though my cancer was 5.3 cintermeters and fast growing , with just 1 irritated node, would I really need radiation?? His thoughts were that by the time I have the mastectomy, my cancer will be almost gone (because I have responded so well with the chemo) and with my nodes fine – maybe I wouldn’t need the radiation - just some things to think about and ask.
