One year!

From my mom- 
Today officially marks my one year diagnosis of breast cancer.  WOW!  It has been a year!  

Since it has been a while since our last update, I will give it my best shot.  For the most part all surgeries are behind us.  In the last couple of weeks I have been back at the gym. I am trying to get my strength back to run a half marathon at the end of August on the North Rim.  

Next Thursday starts my seven weeks of radiation.  I am looking forward to the completion of this next step in the process.  Once radiation starts my Herceptin infusions will be reduced from weekly to every three weeks.  Fifty two Herceptin treatments in total and as of yet I do not keep track--some day I will ask where we are but right now I just continue to knock them out.

Thank you again to all our dear friends and family who have been there every step of the way.  We are truly blessed beyond words.  We got this!!  

From Emmy- 

This time last year was a difficult time and not one that any of us really like to look back on. Instead of making this day a sad day for our family, today we threw a surprise party for  mom. Full of family, mexican food, laughs, and cold beers (sorry, Grandma!). 

Some might think it's crazy to celebrate a year of this battle, but its not the cancer we are celebrating but everything that my mom has overcome this year. Hopefully when we look back on this time we can remember the fun times despite everything she has been battling. 

So, mom, cheers to you. Thanks for making everything you have went through this year look like a walk in the park, even when I know it wasn't easy for you. You are the strongest person I have ever met. I hope and pray that you can get through radiation as easy as possible and put this all in the rear view mirror. Looking forward to celebrating again next year, being a year cancer free! #loristrong #oneyear

Thank you to Cantina Laredo who specially prepared fajitas for my mom so that she could enjoy mexican food without the spice! :) 

I knew she was strong after she kicked my ass in Crossfit last summer. But this year has proven that she is not only physically strong, she is mentally and emotionally strong as well. She is pretty kick ass!

Nothing would be complete without a hashtag. 

Thanks to all of you who have continually supported our family this year, whether it was delivering meals, watching my parents pets during hospital stays, taking my mom to the doctors, and the list could go on. You are all amazing. We ALL appreciate and thank you for your kindness and generosity. 

Reconstruction Surgery- DONE!

I hate that it has been so long since we have updated. Lots of things have been going on in the Peterson household since my moms double mastectomy. She has recovered from the surgery and is getting back into her everyday routine. Just as she was able to return to work and other things she enjoys- they scheduled another surgery! 

Today she had her reconstruction surgery. This was an outpatient surgery and she is already at home resting up from today. Thanks to all who sent their well-wishes today! 

We will continue to update as we hear more! As of right now the plan is that she will rest up for approximately 3-4 weeks and then begin radiation. 

Thank you again for all your kindness and support throughout this time. I know they are very appreciative of all the help that many of their friends and family has given!

Surgery

Today finally came- mom is preparing for surgery now. It has been a long journey for her but this is one step closer to this journey to be over. We will keep everyone informed throughout the day with any updates that we receive while we are here.

Many people have already started asking how they could help. While my mom is recovering from surgery one of the best ways to help is with the dinner service that Deb set up for her. Especially 2-3 weeks after surgery would be helpful for them. If you are interested in helping, please click the link here to be redirected to the sign up page.

Thank you to all of you who have already called, texted, or emailed this morning to send you well wishes. We appreciate the love you have all shown.

Wednesday, March 4

From my mom... 

We are finally there, last day of chemo, eight and final treatment. This has been a journey I never dreamed we would be on but we have completed one of the most challenging portions. While I complete this last treatment I want to take the time to thank all our fabulous family and friends. Continually, we are amazed by how wonderful everyone has been during this time. Many mornings on our runs I tell Karla and Deb that my heart is full due to the love we have been shown in the last six months!  

Thank you all for the dinners, cards, prayers, gift, flowers, words of encouragement, etc. A special thank you to my CrossFit family, without you ladies I could not face many days.
Funny after talking with my medical oncologist today just as we figure out what works for my body with the Taxol we are done but I am good with that. There have been some rough days but very few as my friends and family have given me the strength to fight the hardest fight.

Monday, March 30 – On to the next! We now approach surgery next week strong and ready! You can always take the easy way out and give up, but real strength comes when you decide to keep pushing forward no matter what the circumstances are.

How to Help/Short Update

On Thursday, mom had her 3rd round of chemo. Good news is the recovery has been consistent with all of her other treatments. She has been such a fighter through all of this and has made it look so easy but I know it has not been as easy as she makes it out to be. She is a trooper.

She has accomplished a lot since the last post.

She ran the Busting Butts to Save Breasts 5k-

She also did the Ragnar through the McDowell mountains a few weeks ago with a group of friends from the Crossfit gym. 

Many people have been asking how they can help my parents during this time. One of my moms wonderful friends set up a website where people can sign up to bring meals to them. This is one of the best ways that you can help. Right now she does not have much of an appetite and seems to be the best when she doesn't have to decide what to eat for dinner. The link for the sign up is here if you are interested. Thank you in advance and thank you to all of you who have already started bringing them meals! 

Update on Round 2 & T-shirt Ordering

Mom had her second treatment on Thursday afternoon. She did great! She was able to work out the next morning and then work on Friday and was even feeling good enough for a Halloween party! (: 

Two of my moms girlfriends, Karla and Deb have designed these cute shirts that are available for ordering. Info below if you would like to order:

2nd order will go in on Friday (11/14)

We were given the suggestion to add a few $$ to the price of the shirt and give the extra $$ to Lori and Gary for their out of pocket medical expenses.  What a great idea!  So, the prices for the shirts have increased slightly from our first order.

Payment Options:

1)  Send me a payment through paypal (debramurray@cox.net) 

2)  leave a check or cash at Ahwatukee CF

3)  Send me a check through the mail (Email me for address)

Below are the shirt options.

The long sleeve for women - loose fit and comfy.  Perfect for after working out.

Women’s Loose Fit /Long Sleeve:

1)  Black $ 20
2)  White $20
3)  Gray $20

Unisex - Short Sleeve
1)  Black $15
2)  White $13
3)  Gray $13

Unisex - Long Sleeve
1)  Black $20
2)  White $18
3)  Gray $18

Womens - V-Neck - Short Sleeve
1)  Black $17
2)  White $15
3)  Gray $15

Womens Burnout  - Short Sleeve (See picture below)
1)  Black $20

Here are a sample of the shirts: 

Thank you to Karla and Deb for designing these shirts! You guys are amazing and our family is so lucky to have you!

Breast Cancer Walk

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers through the first treatment. She is now in day 3 which they said was going to be the worst and guess what- she was up early and running a 5k with good friends from the Crossfit gym.

She has continued to be her busy self- running in the morning with her gal pals, running after Jase (non-stop!), and being a wonderful mom, grandma, wife and friend! Feeling tired is about the only thing that she is struggling from right now. If you know her well tired is not good for her! Ha!

Today we all got together and ran/walked in her honor at the Susan G. Komen 5k. Her wonderful friends even made special shirts for us to show our support! Thank you Karla and Deb for being AMAZING friends and always making her feel special. Also thank you to the Ahwatukee Crossfit owner, Rebecca and all the other crossfitters for always being supportive. We had so much fun bringing family and friends all together for this event!