Thank you for visiting my blog. I wanted to create it so that all the people close to me can check in to see what happening in my treatment, and how I'm doing. This doesn't mean that I don't want to hear from you. Please feel free to call, email, text any time. But I apologize if I don't always get back to you. This new cancer journey of mine is a full time job, and I'm doing the best that I can. Please know that your thoughts and prayers mean so much to me...keep them coming! Thank you for all your help and support too...it takes a community, and you have all given us that.
With love and gratitude,
Lynne

Sunday, February 28, 2010


My hair became a matted mass at the back of my head yesterday after my shower. I managed to make the front look good, and we went ahead with the family photo session. But then I went for an in between cut, before it all goes. I really like the cut...a style I had been thinking of doing for a long time. Who knows...maybe I'll cut the wig like this. Let me know what you think!

Friday, February 26, 2010

Little bits of hair have started to fall out. Once it starts, I remember well that it will go quickly. We're doing some family photos on Saturday...I want to remember my nice long hair! I just hope it holds on long enough, and survives one more blowdry!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Well, I did a yoga/fusion class today...my first exercise since chemo. It went really well, and I feel better having done it. But I have to say that I'm not bouncing back as quickly as I'd like. I also can't believe that my next treatment is only a week away, on March 3. Maybe next time will be better.
I have some shopping to do...must call on Carole! I have a BatMitzvah to be at soon, and I'm feeling completely unprepared! At least I have my wig! Btw, no hair loss yet.

Friday, February 19, 2010

It's been one week since my first chemo treatment. It pretty much knocked me off my socks! I've been extremely tired and achy. I think it has upset the kids a bit...they're not used to seeing their Mom like this.
So many people have helped. My Mom came by to look after me...do dishes, feed me lunch, and get dinner ready. She did that for 2 days...I know if she hadn't, I wouldn't have eaten. Then my friend Alissa came to take me for a walk on Wednesday, and ended up bringing fruit, doing dishes, and making dinner too. We are learning what we need, and will plan better for it before round 2, which is March 3.
Also, Val and Nancy have helped drive the kids to/from school, so Mark can get an extra few hours at the office.
People have been unbelievably helpful...thank you everyone. It means so much to me.
I also have to say that it's been so nice having a dog during this time. Ollie seems to sense that I'm sick, and lies with me often...it's so comforting.
I also picked up my wig yesterday (thank you again, Alissa!). I'm a bit anxious about how this hair loss thing will happen, given that we'll be in Boston after my second treatment. Anyway, tune in later for the before/after shots!!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

We spent another day at the hospital yesterday. We learned that the cancer is in my spine and ribs; I have arthritis in my hips; and I've had bone density loss. I'm officially an old lady now!
This is upsetting news, however not surprising given that it's also in my liver. Fortunately, my lungs and brain are clear.
I begin chemo tomorrow afternoon...I'm anxious to get things started. I'm also glad that they were able to time my treatments so that we can go to Jessie's Bat-Mitzvah in Boston. It's just after my second treatment. I wonder if my hair will be gone by then? It's crazy, but I'm more upset about losing my hair this time. It looks really good these days!!
Thank you to everyone that has called. I'm sorry if I don't get back to you. I'm finding these last few weeks exhausing. Please feel free to try me again another time...it's not that I don't want to talk.
I also want to thank everyone for their incredible offers of help...I will take you up on it sometime I'm sure...and for the food that has been delivered so far. That alone is a huge help, and I appreciate it so much. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Last week we embarked on a new journey. One I never imagined I would walk...at least not this soon. We learned the devastating news that my breast cancer is back after 5 years. My heart breaks for my children.
The only thing we know for sure is that cancer has taken hold of my liver. We go tomorrow to find out the results of the many CTs and scans I had last week. We are all praying for the best possible news.
My oncologist, Rebecca Dent, gave us hope by saying that there are so many new treatments now, and that it will be like treating a chronic disease. So my first chemo treatment is on Friday. I will pick myself up and fight this thing with the help of Mark, Zachary and Zoe, a healthy diet, nutritional support, exercise, reduced stress (not sure how I'll manage this one!), and hope.
It's been really hard to share this information with all our family and friends. But I can't thank people enough for their incredible offers of help, support, and prayers. It will help get me through this journey.