Ovaries are clear....NO CANCER

I got a very important phone call today from my Ob/Gyn's office...the pathology from my ovaries is clear.  Praise God!  I did not think that they had cancer, but I don't ever take a "cancer free" report for granted. 

I head back to school tomorrow.  I am so thankful for such a quick recovery from this LAST SURGERY!

I will try and update the blog every month or so, but I am hoping to report everyday life stuff.

Please be praying for a few bills get reconciled.  Both are insurance errors and I am hopeful that they will be resolved quickly.  As I have tracked our Premara medical insurance, our families medical bills in the past year have exceeded $200,000.  WOW!!  I couldn't be more thankful for medical insurance.

We are heading down to Phoenix for a warm and sunny Christmas.  We have so much to be thankful for.  Much love to you all.

Love, Rachelle

AMAZING day of healing

I really can't believe how good I feel.  I am not sure if he really did surgery..HAHA!!

The day has been so easy and I feel very normal with no pain at all.  I am taking pain medication, but have great mobility and no restrictions. 

As we were waiting in the pre-op this morning I was pretty nervous and Curt reminded me that God is with me every step of this journey.  I was really scared that this last surgery would not go well...but thankfully I was wrong...the easiest recovery EVER!

Curt has been an amazing support to me today and EVERYDAY!  I am blessed beyond anything I could imagine. 

We also got the most delicious dinner from my friend Andrea...blessing after blessing.

Thank you for your continued prayers...they mean so much to me.  I love you guys!!

Ovaries are GONE!

All went great this morning during my surgery.  I'm feeling fantastic and resting comfortably at home.  Thank you for your prayers... God is so faithful to walk with us every step of our life.  I will update again soon.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving friends and family!!

I have so much to be thankful for this year...the 1st on my list is being a cancer SURVIVOR!! I truly could not have done it without all your love and support.

Curt's surgery on his little toe went well yesterday.  I will have my ovaries removed next Thursday, Dec. 5th.  It is a very short 30 minute procedure.  I will hopefully only be out a school for 1 1/2 weeks.

I love you all and am so thankful for each of you. 

Love, Rachelle

Surgery is a go for Dec. 5th

Hello friends,
WHEW...nothing like hitting the running...back to work and all 3 boys started high school basketball.  Plus we had a weekend full of family fun with Rebecca, Makayla and Kyle.  Such a blessing to be together.(but I am not sure my head is above or below water...bobbing I think) 

Curt is having toe surgery on Wednesday...please keep him in your prayers.  The Mulders just can't get enough medical care this year!!

I met a new Ob/Gyn this week.  I really loved her and will have her as my continuing care doctor. She is my age and super sweet.  Dr. Z will do my surgery on Dec 5th, but I will not doing continued care with him, as I would rather have a woman.

Another big appointment this week was getting fitted for new bras and silicone inserts.  It has been a very comfortable transition and I feel very "normal."  I am so thankful that God has given me such peace about my decision not to do reconstruction...I could not be happier with that decision...it feels right for me.

I also started doing some running/walking this week...I really have loved it.  I am considering a crazy idea for the Spring..I will keep you posted.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving...we have so much to be thankful for.  I am thankful for each of you.

Much love my friends,
Rachelle

First day of school blessings

What a treat to start my day back at school with these lovely flowers on my desk.  They are from the wonderful 1st grade team at school. 

I was a little nervous to go back to school, being that I was a total wreck when I left there in mid September, the day before my surgery. 

But I should have known that God would send just the right people to greet me with hugs, smiles and good wishes. 

My favorite moment of the day was when one of my older students appeared in my doorway for our reading group and couldn't wait to greet me, so she ran across the room to give me a big hug.  I really have the best job and work with such sweet kids.

Another wonderful thing I found today was the staff picture in my mailbox.  It was taken the day of my surgery.  It is hard to tell, but many of my dear colleagues are wearing pink to support me, even on picture day. 

Physical therapy is going really well...I started strength exercises today with 1 lb weights...hilarious!  I didn't even know they made weights that small.  But my PT and I were so proud of these small victories.(literally)

I hope that you all had a restful Veterans Day weekend and remembered the Veterans near and dear to your hearts.

Love, Rachelle

2nd opinion with the genetic counselor

Thank you for your continued prayers and for checking on my progress.

Today was an answered prayer for sure...just getting in to see the ONE genetic counselor in Spokane was such a blessing...she literally said that she has over 1,000 referrals waiting to make appointments.  There are 3 job openings for every genetic counseling graduate.

We have found getting a 2nd opinion to be extremely helpful for a few reasons.
1) Confirms what another doctor already said...they are in agreement
2) Adds new information to what you had previously learned
3) Just getting another perspective and opinion is so great

We met with the genetic counselor for over an hour.  Here were our big takeaways.
*I will have further genetic tests run for colon cancer risks and a few other less common breast cancer genes
*I have been referred to a GYN Oncologist in Spokane.  This woman is a surgeon and the most specialized doctor for cases like mine.(Praying for an appointment soon)
*My genetic variance truly falls in the "gray" area in so many ways.  What it really boils down to is how comfortable am I will the risk of doing surgery or not doing surgery.  Both have pros and cons.
*She advised us to keep our tentative date of surgery for Dec. 5 with Dr. Z, knowing that if we learn anything that changes our mind in the next month, we will cancel it.

I also met with my wonderful sub Katie who got me up to speed on my reading groups at school.  I head back on Tuesday.

Praise:
*Informative appointment today with the geneticist
*Wonderfully organized and wonderful sub
*Feeling good about my energy levels each day...seem to be back to relatively normal stamina

Prayers:
*Appointment scheduling with the GYN/Oncologist
*Clarity about whether to move forward with Dec. 5 surgery
*Transition back to school.

Love, Rachelle

Cancer free trip to Coronado

Hello friends,


If you have never been to Coronado Island, off of San Diego....YOU NEED TO GO.  It is the most glorious place...perfect sunny weather, beautiful beaches, tons of bike paths around the island, great places to eat and the cutest little Inn.(Crown City Inn)

Curt and I had the best little getaway this past weekend celebrating being cancer free.  What a perfect celebration it was!

PT has been going great...my physical therapist is such a supportive and encouraging person.  My flexibility and range of motion are improving and we will start working on some strength exercises next week.

Tomorrow we will meet with the Spokane genetic counselor...we pray that it will give clear direction.  There is only 1 genetic counselor in Spokane, so we feel very fortunate to get a 2nd opinion so close to home.

I head back to work next Tuesday...I am looking forward to seeing friends and meeting my new reading group students.  I have had the most amazing guest teacher while I have been gone...thank you Katie...you have given me so much peace of mind during a stressful time.

Praise:
*Perfect trip to Coronado
*The time to heal and recover that I have had the past 6 weeks.
*Beautiful flowers from my friend Becky

Prayers:
*Genetic counseling appointment tomorrow
*Peaceful transition back to work

I am blessed!!

Funniest shirt ever

I am officially SPOILED!!

Hello!

I have had such special visitors at my house the past few days...bringing delicious food and more importantly...precious time to be together.(Thanks Staci, Jen and Tracy)

My very favorite teacher of all time, Mrs. Ringold(I still have a hard time calling her Julie), brought us homemade chili, warm bread and delicious cookies.  I feel so blessed to have met her when I was 12, 33 years ago.  Who is so lucky enough to have a teacher that keeps supporting and loving them  33 years later? WOW!

And today, my dear friend, Kelly,  DROVE FROM MOSES LAKE to bring us a mexican feast.(Thanks Julie and Lisa for helping) I met Kelly almost 5 years ago when I was doing literacy coaching for the state.  She had just taken over as the principal at a school in Moses Lake.  She cares deeply for her staff and students and is changing lives EVERYDAY.  She truly is one of the most thoughtful people and has been such an angel to me. 

SO...it is official...I have been SPOILED rotten by all of you the past month.  All of the big and little things have lifted my spirits and carried me through some of the most challenging days of my life.  Yet through it all I have continually said, " I am BLESSED beyond anything I could have ever imagined."

I will update again after we see the genetic counselor next week and make a final decision about having my ovaries removed. 

Curt and I planned a long weekend in Coronado about 6 months ago..way before I knew I had cancer.  And guess when it is....THIS WEEKEND!  I am so thankful to have the time to relax and celebrate being CANCER FREE.

Love you all!

Prayers-
*Safe and refreshing weekend in Coronado
*Genetic counseling appointment
*Continued improvement with PT
*Return to work after Veteran's Day

Praise-
*My nerve pain is almost gone...YEP...it is a miracle...it is so much better.  Thanks for praying!
*Wonderful friends and family
*Time and space to rest and heal...what a gift.

 

Paper cranes from Japan

Good morning!

I have been having a very good week of healing.  My PT already seems to have given me more range of motion.  I have gone on several walks with friends without my sling. It is surprising how quickly your muscles weaken without use.  I also had lunch with a couple friends which is a wonderful treat in the middle of the day.

I didn't have ANY doctors appointments this week...I am not counting PT...because that is a fun one.

The biggest challenge right now is the nerve pain in my armpit/upper chest area.  It isn't so bad at the beginning of the day...but by the end of each day I am pretty annoyed by it.  I have found that taking a shower is relaxing and the pain lessens while in the shower.  The numbing cream also is very helpful, but only works for a couple hours.  I just keep praying that those nerves would regrow quickly.

We were blessed with some wonderful dinners this week from friends from school, the Orwigs and the Snider family.  And we got a generous gift card for Grub Hub from Amie.  I also got several cards from friends from near and far which lifted my spirits.  THANK YOU!

AGAIN...everyones generosity and care never cease to overwhelm me with gratitude.

Another porch blessing arrived yesterday...it was a chain of paper cranes that my past teaching partner and friend, Linnea, sent all the way from Japan.  It is a Japanese tradition to give 1,000 cranes to people for healing.  What a beautiful tradition.  The garland she created is a work of art and proudly hangs on our mantle.  The time and patience it would take to make it is amazing.  She must have know our colors in our house, as it matches perfectly.  Thank you dear friend...again blessed beyond my wildest imagination.

Here's to another restful and healing weekend for me and hopefully for you.  Fall feels like is is sneaking away, but hoping for a few more sunny days.

Love, Rachelle

Breathtaking quilt from Rebecca

Hello friends,
I got the most beautiful quilt in the mail yesterday.  I had no idea that Rebecca had been pouring so much love, creativity and time into this project.  It looks like she ordered it from a professional quilt maker.  The pictures don't even do it justice.  The pink hearts that are scattered around the quilt have encouraging character traits that remind Rebecca of me...how very gracious and sweet.(brave, courage, confident, wife, mother, daughter, friend, caring, strength)  And in the very middle she stitched Philippians 4:13..."I can do EVERYTHING through Him who gives me strength."

I couldn't stop staring at it last night and repeating..."it is so beautiful." 

From the bottom of my heart...thank you Rebecca for such a precious gift that will continually remind me of your love and the strength I have from God.

I started Physical Therapy!!

Hello everyone,
BIG NEWS...I started PT today with a wonderful person who is very experienced in helping women  who are recovering from a mastectomy.  WOW!!  She asked such great questions, was very encouraging and gave me a ton of HOPE that I will have a full recovery.  When I was an athlete in college my goals at PT were to get back for the next game.  Today one of my long term goals was to try and reach the cups on the top shelf and rotate my right shoulder back.  It made me laugh when I was filling out the questionnaire..how life changes.

One of my most annoying symptoms is nerve pain in my upper chest/arm pit area.  It feels like I have a sunburn on that skin and everything that touches it hurts.  She explained that those nerves were cut and now are misfiring.  She reassured me that the nerves grow slowly and that pain should lessen over time.  THANK GOODNESS

She cautioned me from overdoing it with the exercises at this point...just trying to increase flexibility not increase strength.(she must have seen it in my eye) I will try and follow her instructions and be patient in healing.  She also mentioned that going under anesthesia takes a real toll on your body, she has read that it takes 1 month to fully recover for every hour that you were under...that is over 6 months for me.  I guess I will be more patient and not expect to be back to normal 10 days after my 2nd surgery.

I have continued to be so BLESSED by all your kindness and encouragement.  This week I have gotten several cards from friends outside Spokane...how kind!  I also got the most beautiful flowers from a dear friend of mine.  I know I say this every post...but I have been shown so much grace and mercy and kindness.

Prayers:
*Genetic counseling appointment with the Providence geneticist(Nov.7)
*Nerve pain to lessen with time
*Upper back tightness
*Final decision on ovary surgery

Praise:
*Wonderful first PT session
*Sunny weather this morning after several days of rain in Spokane
*Going on walks and to lunch with friends...it is so encouraging to me.

God bless you all!

Porch blessings

Hello friends,
It's hard to believe that I had my first surgery over 3 weeks ago and my 2nd surgery, just 1 week ago.  I have been trying to focus on the growth and healing each day brings...but there are moments in each day that I HOPE that I will be totally healthy again sometime soon.  The second surgery has been much harder emotionally than physically...as it is hard to "move backwards" in healing in order to move forward.

That being said...I am in total awe of the endless ways friends and family continue to bless me and our family.  Yesterday these blessings literally ended up on my porch throughout the day...here is a rundown of the "porch miracles" in the last 24 hours.

1) A wonderful family friend, Suzie, showed up on our porch on Thursday evening with the most delicious cookies for the boys lunches and homemade bread and stew.(you know you don't cook much when your boys ask, "What is stew?") It was delicious.
2) My feet walking down the porch yesterday morning to meet a dear friend for a walk in the woods after a rough emotional morning.  Thanks Andrea...you are a blessing to me!
3) Two Maids and a Mop cleaning company came to my porch to clean my house.  They generously  donate house cleanings to women recovering from cancer treatments/surgery.  A clean and sparkly house is so AMAZING!
4) An Amazon package on my porch with cozy treats from a wonderful friend in Michigan who was our neighbor in graduate school.  Thanks Amy
5) My wonderful neighbor, Gretchen, bringing 2 baskets of clean laundry and 2 loaves of homemade bread to my porch after an SOS call yesterday morning before the cleaning people came.
6) Another wonderful neighbor and teaching partner bringing an unexpected meal from a coworker to my porch.(plus time to chat) . Thanks Wende
7) Dody arrived on my porch with a Cricut to borrow for the next week, as I am hoping to get some creative juices flowing.(a good sign that I am feeling better) Thanks Dode
8) Talking with my Mom and sister on the phone, while sitting on the porch
9) An unexpected Pizza Pipeline delivery driver came to my porch with 3 pizzas. We were SURPRISED with a yummy dinner from a dear teaching friend in Grand Coulee.  We really thought he had the wrong porch.  The boys decided that all they want for their birthday is Trixy Stix from Pizza Pipeline.  Thank you Kim...you touched our hearts and our tummies!
10) And in the evening a longtime college friend, Stephanie, and her sweet girls came to our porch with Sweet Frostings cupcakes and then we went to cheer on the PLU volleyball team at Whitworth.

Sometimes I think I look for really big miracles and miss the wonderful miracles that happen all around me or on my PORCH!

Prayers:
*Continued healing on my right side...it seems that the drain hole is healing well and the chest cavity is not accumulating fluid.(Praise god)
*Physical Therapy starting next Wednesday


Praise:
*Porch blessings
*Time to rest and heal

I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend...look for those little miracles around you...they might even show up on your PORCH!

My drain is gone!

Hello friends,
I saw Dr. Guthrie this morning, which was such a blessing. She really is such a wonderful person.  She pulled my drain tube...I thought she might have been pulling it all the way from my toes...that is a lot of tubing...YIKES.  She thinks everything is healing very nicely.  I will only see her again if any swelling starts...but hopefully I won't see her again for 6 months.

We also so the new Ob/Gyn last night. We got a lot of information that we are still sorting through.  It was helpful to talk to Dr. Guthrie this morning about his suggestions. She was in complete agreement with him. I will post more about that later...as Curt and I are still thinking and talking.

On a fun note...Curt and I went to see the Lion King yesterday...I just LOVED it.  Take the time to see it in the theatre if you haven't...the realistic animation is amazing.  Yesterday was also my first day without a nap...I don't think the same will be true today.(heading for a nap soon)

I also got to sneak in a visit yesterday morning with Gina and Sophia...what a gift they are to me.

A big thank you to our dear friend, Suzie, she made the most delicious cookies for the boys lunches.(I may be sneaking a few) She is also bringing us dinner tonight...amazing. 

Praise:
*Great day yesterday
*Informative appointments with Ob/gyn and Dr. Guthrie
*My drain tube is GONE
*Got an appointment with the genetic counselor in Spokane for early November...we literally have 1 in Spokane, so I am so thankful to have gotten in to her to get a 2nd opinion.

Prayers:
*Decision making process about my ovaries...clear and peaceful!
*Continued healing of my right side...hoping for smooth sailing from here on out.

Love you sweet friends,
Rachelle

Prayers 🙏 and puzzles

Hello friends,
My big accomplishment yesterday was finishing my  puzzle with my left hand. My right arm is still resting. 

A few prayers and praises.

Praises-
*Wonderful dinner from my principal Irene... So thoughtful!
*Yummy lunch with my Mom yesterday
*Beautiful fall days for walks around the block.
*My twin sister had her first Mammogram yesterday and all was clear.. PRAISE GOD!

Prayers-
*Appointment with the Ob/gyn tomorrow... Prayers for clear direction about my ovaries.
*Less pain when emptying my drain... It is very, very painful first thing in the morning.  It feels like I am getting multiple shots in the bottom part of my chest.  I'm hoping it will be removed on Thursday morning...I have an appointment at 8:45.

Love you all!

Rachelle

Weekend of healing for my body and soul!

Hello friends,
What a blessing to be 2 full days past surgery and not needing to take any strong pain medication.  HOORAY!!

The weekend was a great time to heal physically and to spend time with my dear college roomate, Anna.  Her visit was so perfectly timed.  We were able to go on a couple walks, spend lots of time talking and she was very helpful to our family.  THANK YOU ANNA!!

We also had a wonderful visit with Curt's Uncle Dave and Aunt Jane, who came all the way from Michigan.  We felt so blessed to catch up with them for a couple hours.  They are so good to our family.

Tonight we had a wonderful dinner from the Tucker family.  They have been so sweet to our family and always are willing to help with Abby.(our wild daughter with fur)

My right drain seems to be doing a perfect job.  It is vastly different from the 1st surgery.  I am so amazed at how much better the right side is healing without any inflammation or swelling.

Praise-
*Wonderful texts and cards from friends and family
*Healing day by day

Prayers-
*Continued mental patience to heal
*Using my left hand and letting my right arm rest

Love you all,
Rachelle

Answered prayers!

Good morning!

I just wanted to let you know that the night went very smoothly. I was in very little pain and my drain is working properly.  Anna an I even got several hours of sleep/rest.  This recovery seems a million times easier than last time.  Thank you for your continued prayers.

Today we are getting a special visit from Curt's Uncle Dave and Aunt Jane... All the way from Michigan.  They have made a special trip to visit the Washington Mulders...what a gift.

Enjoy this beautiful sunny Fall day. 

Love,
Rachelle

Home and resting comfortably!

Hello friends.. Short post to let you know that surgery went well.  It took about 2 hours to open everything up and flush it out and zip it back up!  It took me a little while to wake up fully from the anesthesia.  Surgery started at 4, ended at 6, home at 8.  Yikes!  I'm resting very comfortably at home with Nurse Anna on overnight duty.  My mom, Dick, Curt and Anna were so great at the hospital. 

Dr. Guthrie was very pleased with the surgery....she truly is an angel...she had a very long day with lots of surgeries.

Thanks for all the continued support, prayers and love.  I am blessed!

I will update again tomorrow.

Love,
Rachelle

Cleaning fairies!!

When life feels a bit out of control there is nothing like a clean and organized house to make you feel better.  RIGHT??

I sent out an SOS message to my mom yesterday to ask for her help with the house.  Little did I know that she would recruit her husband, Dick and his daughter, Adrienne to help.  I went to a haircut at 12 and came back at 3 to a beautiful and organized house.  WHAT A GIFT!!   

Meanwhile, my friend Kristi did a Costco run for our family...all perfectly timed!(THANK YOU)

And I was able to talk to my friend Stacy as I sobbed on the way home from the doctor...I felt much better after talking to her.

Then a few hours later our assistant principal showed up with dinner for a hungry crew.  Thanks Brenda.

Needless to say, I am humbled and in awe of the way people continue to serve our family.  Truly becoming the hands and feet of Jesus...it is such a gift to us.

I will check in this afternoon at 2:30 down at Sacred Heart.  It should be a very simple surgery to open and flush out the right chest cavity and install another temporary drain.  I think I will be a lot more comfortable, as my right chest cavity is very tight and uncomfortable now.  This fluid removal will allow the right side to heal correctly.

My dear college roomate, Anna is flying in at 3:00...just in time for the action.  When she asked me last weekend if she could fly in to help I said, "I don't think I will need help by then...but it would be so fun to have you visit."  Little did I know that I would be going in for surgery 2.0 today.  Again, such undeserved grace and kindness.

Prayers:
*Strength for Dr. Guthrie...she added me to the end of her long surgery day, and I pray that she will be precise and at her A+ game by 4:00 when she sees me.  I can't tell you how much of a gift she has been to me...such a calling on her life to serve others.
*Smooth night at home without nausea..that was a real low point last time.
*That the drain would work properly and not get clogged.
*Peace and patience in the waiting and recovering....I am going to keep my right arm in a sling so I don't use it at all.

Praise:
*All of you and your never ending encouragement and support.
*Jordan finally asked Ashley to Homecoming...she said YES!
*An organized pantry...thanks Adrienne

Detour

Hello everyone,
I just met with Dr. Guthrie again and the swelling on the right side is just not healing on its own..despite the torture ace bandage treatment.  So, we take a detour....

I will have surgery tomorrow afternoon, likely at 3 or 4, to clean out that chest cavity and have another drain put in.  This will allow the right side to heal...the pocket of fluid is making it impossible for that side to heal. 

The news has been hard to take, mostly just feeling discouraged.  Dr. Guthrie reassured me that I didn't cause this and that it is a relatively easy fix.  I am so thankful for her and her compassionate spirit.

Please be praying that all goes well tomorrow...by God's grace, my roommate Anna is coming to visit and help for the weekend.  I thought I wouldn't need the help, but God knew better when we planned this last week.

Prayers:
*Successful surgery to drain the right side and that the fluid would not come back.
*Peaceful waiting during the day without food or water.
*Patience in healing..it will come

Praise:
*Zucchini bread from our dear friend, Suzie
*Sunny morning
*Kristi making a Costco run for me
*My mom coming to tidy up our house

I truly have been blessed way beyond anything I could ever hope for.  Hopefully this a short detour and I will be back on the road to healing soon.

Love, Rachelle

Look at these sweet pictures

Hello friends,
I hope that you all stayed warm with the crazy snow storm/power outage last night.

My sweet niece, Makayla, made these door decorations and darling shirt. "I fight for my Auntie."

 

We also got wonderful dinners from Celeste and Kathy.  I can't tell you how great it is not to have to worry about cooking.  I am trying to follow the doctor's orders of not using my hands/arms as much. 

I see Dr. Guthrie in the morning to see if the "ace wrap torture" treatment is keeping the fluid away.  I sure hope so because it is really uncomfortable.  I can't believe people used to wear corsets!

Stay warm sweet friends!

74 cc is gone!

Hey friends,
Two updates in 1 day.  All our prayers were answered today when Dr. Guthrie was able to drain 74 cc of fluid from my right chest cavity. She said, "This never happens...I can't believe that it worked."  I already feel much more comfortable and less tight.  I will see her again on Thursday to see how it is going.  I now have a large ace wrap over my chest to provide compression so the fluid isn't encouraged to  come back.  She also discouraged as much use of my arms...so back to the couch I go.   BUMMER!  I will try and be a good patient.(and be patient)

Appointment with the genetic counselor

Hello friends,
Curt and I had a phone appointment with a genetic counselor this morning. It was an hour long and we got a chance to ask lots of questions and get more information.  I'm thankful for these smart people who can explain all these complicated things. 

She confirmed that I have a genetic variance,  meaning that I have a non-typical cell in a specific gene sequence for BRCA 1.  Meaning I don't have BRCA 1 and should not base medical decisions on this information in isolation.  There has been nothing proven about this cell variance, simply enough other people don't have it, so they are hoping with more research and genetic testing of other people that they will be able to classify it as a link to BRCA 1 or completely harmless.(most variants prove to be nothing to worry about)  Without going into too much explanation here are a few takeaways.
*She highly recommended having an appointment with an Ob/Gyn..thankfully that is already set up for next Wednesday
*We are going to explore a bit more about our family history to see if Ovarian or breast cancer has been a part of my dad's family in the past...beyond my Grandma and her sister.  One challenge with that side of the family tree is that there are not very many women, so we don't have a great pool of people.
*We are requesting that Dr. Guthrie contact another major lab that keeps their own medical research private to see if they have any further information about this particular variance.
*Ovarian cancer risk increases with age...so hopefully a wait and see and monitor plan can be made so that I don't have to have my ovaries removed so far from menopause.

On a brighter note I had a wonderful walk with my friend Kelly yesterday and a very tasty meal delivered by my colleague and dear friend, Dody.  I have to say that I liked the pizza but I LOVED the napkins, paper plates and the new puzzle.  I really have the nicest friends...I even got a card from my PLU teammate, Amie and Curt's bosses family.  WOW!!

I am going to go and see Dr. Guthrie at 1:30 this afternoon. I would like her to look at the swelling and she is she wants to do anything besides wait.  She may try and use a needle to pull some of the fluid out...this is sometimes successful and other times not.

Prayers:
*Meeting with Dr. Guthrie and a plan to reduce swelling which will increase my range of motion in my right arm
*Meeting with the OB/Gyn next Wednesday

Praise:
*Great night of sleep.
*I got a hoodie on by myself yesterday...taking it off was another story...thank goodness Kelly was able to help on our walk.

Much love to you all

Restful and wonderful weekend

Hello friends,
I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend and enjoyed the beautiful sunshine.  These weekends in Spokane with the sunshine and the crisp Fall air are delightful.

Curt and I spent the weekend at Riverside State Park, a beautiful campground 15 minutes away from our house, right on the Spokane River.  The boys visited and even played some pinecone/river golf, but we had lots of rest and time together.  We actually came and spent the night at home on Saturday, because it was hard to sleep on Friday night without a comfortable couch to land on for part of the night.  It was perfect to grab dinner on the drive home, sleep in our own bed/couch and then go back for the morning to enjoy the sunshine and a beautiful walk at the campground.

This weekend was a big milestone...no pain in any part of my body...what a miracle.  I remember this feeling after my surgery last year...I feel "high" on regular life...it is so easy to take things for granted.

We had a wonderful taco feast from Wende on Friday and had leftovers all weekend.  Tonight we are going to my mom's for dinner.  I am getting spoiled.

Praise:
*Couldn't have asked for a better weekend
*Wonderful visit from my friend Sara

Prayers:
*Genetic counseling appointment on Tuesday
*Blood under my right chest would be reabsorbed into my body.  It limits my shoulders movement because the skin is so TIGHT.

Love you all...I am so blessed by your support and love.

Little victories

Everyday I am amazed at the little things that I am able to do by myself.

Here are a couple victories from today...
*I put on a regular T-shirt, not a button down shirt...YEAH!
*I was able to shave my legs with my right hand

I am so thankful for these little blessings..I want to remember to celebrate little things once I am back to normal.  Wouldn't life be different if we were thankful for all the things we usually take for granted.

The morning was extra special with a visit from Sophia and Gina.  I should have taken a picture..but we were too busy playing with stickers, eating a snack and doing puzzles. 

We are going to go to Riverside State Park this weekend. It is so beautiful there in the Fall and our 5th wheel is a home away from home.  The change of scenery will be nice.

Looking forward to lunch with my Mom and Dick and a special dinner from Wende.  I can't say that I miss cooking...HAHA!

Have a wonderful weekend...keep praying for my body to reabsorb that extra blood on the right side of my chest.  THANKS

Love, Rachelle

Visit with Dr. Guthrie...1 week post surgery

Hello everyone,
Today sure feels a lot like Fall...I hope we still have some sunny days before the snow flies!!

I saw my surgeon, Dr. Guthrie, today. She has been such a blessing to me...I thanked her for all she sacrifices for me and her other patients.  She was very happy about my pathology report...just having DCIS...stage 0 breast cancer is such a gift. 

My drains are doing well...I think they are almost healed.

The doctor noted that the right side of my chest has quite a bit of blood/swelling below the surface of the skin.  I had noticed it, but wasn't sure what it was. She said it is a result of something bleeding more than expected during the surgery.  We are HOPING AND PRAYING that my body will reabsorb that blood on it's own over the next couple of weeks.  Otherwise they have to try and draw it out with a needle or reopen the area in a follow up surgery.  YIKES . Please be praying that it would resolve itself naturally so no further intervention is needed.

I also got a referral today to start PT, which was recommended by my dear friend, Janis.  I hope that it will improve my range of motion, especially on my right side.  I will also be meeting with the genetic counselor and a new Ob/Gyn in the next 2 weeks.  I hope that this will give clear direction to the decision of keeping or taking out my ovaries. 

The highlight of today was having my Mom back in town.  She has been such a great support and help to me. 

Praise:
*Great night of sleep last night...hooray
*Pathology report from the surgery...what a miracle
*Soup is in the crock pot from my dear friend Charitie...thanks so much!

Prayers:
*Swelling to decrease on the right side of my chest...my body needs to reabsorb that blood
*Meeting with the genetic counselor and Ob/gyn next week

Much love to you all,
Rachelle

An outing to the Arboretum

1 week since surgery!!  Sometimes it seems like it has been a lot longer than that...but a lot of progress has been made in a week.

Curt and I dropped Margaret off at the airport(so sad...we wanted her to stay forever) and got donuts and headed to the Arboretum for a little walk in the sun.  The leaves are starting to change colors.  It was nice to be outside and have a normal outing.

We go to see Dr. Guthrie tomorrow morning...I think that all is going as planned. My left side drain has healed completely and the right side is on its way. 

Sleeping still proves to be a bit of a challenge, as my sides are so bruised that my back is the only option.  I hope that will improve as I heal.

The sunny Fall days have brightened my days...I hope that this continues throughout October.

Praise:
*Visit with Margaret...it was so helpful.
*Continued healing of my drain holes
*Putting on real clothes 2 days in a row

Prayers
*Visit with Dr. Guthrie tomorrow
*Range of motion in my right arm...it is still pretty limited. I hope to start PT soon.
*Continued patience as I heal and looking for blessings in each day

Love you all,
Rachelle

I got DRESSED in real clothes!!

It is the little things in life that mean so much and make you feel a little more "normal."

Today I am hoping to attend the memorial service of a dear neighbor and friend.  I figured that pajamas or sweats weren't appropriate for the occasion.  It is surprising how much better I feel to have showered and put on real clothes.

The two drain holes seem to be draining and healing well.  We were watching them closely yesterday and through the night.  It would be such a blessing if they just kept closing from the inside out and I didn't have any complications. 

Margaret, my college roomate, has been here the last couple days.  I am telling you...I couldn't do it without all this AMAZING help.  She has been cooking and cleaning and helping me so much.  I am SO BLESSED!

Praise:
*Drain holes are draining well and healing..pray that this continues.
*I took a shower and got dressed...HOORAY!
*Pain and discomfort are very manageable with Tylenol and ice packs
*Slept fairly well last night

Prayers:
*Night time rest and comfort...sleeping on my back is uncomfortable
*Healing day by day and strength to be patient

I was reminded yesterday in my devotional of this...
"God will call you to do what you cannot do, but he will provide everything you need to do it."
I rest in that truth today and I pray that you will too!

Love, Rachelle

Sprung a leak

Hello friends,
We had an unexpected bump in the road this morning when I discovered that one of my drains had started leaking.  Basically the blood got too thick and clogged the narrow tube.  So we made a trip down to Dr.Guthrie's office.  Her nurse decided to just remove both drains as the drainage was fairly minimal.  They would have removed them on Thursday if we hadn't needed to go in early.  It was only a little scary and uncomfortable.

We will be watching both sites carefully and going back in if needed. 

Praise
*Rebecca's amazing help... She really was an angel.
*Huge thanks to the Tucker family for taking care of Abby for the first few days I was home.
*Margaret is here to help... What a blessing to have her here.
*Curt is an absolute trooper...I truly am so thankful!
*We were able to get in to Dr. Guthrie's office quickly this morning.

Prayers
*My two drain sites would continue to drain properly and will naturally heal on their own without infection.
*Comfort while sleeping... Sleeping on my back is a real drag.
*Emotional perseverance... Taking each day moment to moment and not getting overwhelmed by the time it takes to heal.  I'm not very patient.

Love you all!

Rachelle

CANCER FREE!!!

Yes...it is true!!  I just got a call from Dr. Guthrie with the great news that there was no cancer in the lymph system.  That means I am officially cancer free and will not have any more treatment. 

It is such an incredible blessing not to have to do chemo or radiation.

My healing has been going very well.  I am down to just taking Tylenol for pain and can get around the house easily. I am taking it easy and relaxing a lot to help with the healing.  

Feeling stronger each day

Hello friends,
We all slept most of the night, which was so GREAT!  I really feel so good. I'm so thankful. I even took a shower!! Rebecca h
helped to wash my hair because I can't lift my arms up that high.

I'm thankful for the sunny days.  It is nice to sit outside and rest.

The boys made a straw invention so I could drink my tea and not have to lean over.

Praise  goodGood for sleep, reduced pain, having Rebecca here to help, and new pajamas.

Please continue to pray for healing and that the boys can stay healthy.

Love,
Rachelle

Healing...day 2

Hello everyone,

I continue to be amazed by your generosity, kind words and prayers.  I am one LUCKY lady!!

Rebecca was my night nurse last night and she did an AMAZING job. It took quite a while to get the correct dosage of pain medication on board.  I sadly did throw up a few times and  pass out once due to the pain.  I truly think that God sent some angels to catch my fall, as I was walking from the bathroom and the next thing I knew I had fallen on the wood floor.  I don't have a single mark from the fall...again God is before me, with me and behind me. 

I have two drain tubes that have to be emptied every hour, and I can't do it myself.  So...Rebecca and Curt to the rescue.  I cannot thank them enough.

I was so touched by all the "stand with you" texts and people wearing both pink clothes or pink socks.  It is these little things that really brighten a difficult day.

Praises
*The surgery is now in the past...no more waiting. 
*Dr. Guthrie and all the amazing nurses were so good to me yesterday.
*Soft socks and ice packs
*Abby(our dog) is playing at our friend Kathleen's house..as she was too hyper to have around
*Rebecca and Curt...I would be lost without the help.

Prayers
*Continued healing and comfort while I rest
*That the lymph nodes would come back clear..they only removed one node on the right side and none of the left.  That is by far the most painful part.
*Rest for all of us..especially for Rebecca and Curt.

Thank you for signing up to bring meals to our family...here is the link if you are interested in signing up.(no pressure) https://mealtrain.com/8y3k28

Much love to you all.

Rachelle

Resting at HOME

Hello sweet family and friends,

I came home about 6.

  Resting on the couch while my amazing husband and sister are helping with everything!  I could not have been more blessed with all the love that was poured out to me today. I will update with pics tomorrow .

I love you all

Successful surgery

Hey everyone, Curt here. 

Just wanted to let everyone know that Rachelle is out of surgery and I am with her in the recovery room.  Surgery went well and she is in good spirits.  My brave girl.

Doctor said everything was as expected.

Thank you all for your amazing support.  I'm sure Rachelle will be updating the blog soon. 

Standing TOGETHER

OH my GOODNESS...I just LOVE all the messages of hope and encouragement.  I am trying not to cry with each one I get. 

The idea of all of you STANDING with me gives me so much strength.  The image that comes to mind is God in the middle holding my hand and all of you holding hands beside me on both sides.  We are a POWERFUL team...cancer doesn't stand a chance with this team.  I have been on so many teams in my life, but this team is full of my MVP's.  THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

Curt and Rebecca will update the blog as they are able...we will check in at 9:30...surgery at 11:30...if all is on time.  I think the surgery will be 2-3 hours.

I even took a picture of sweet Sophia's feet last night in her new birthday shoes without any knowledge of STANDING TOGETHER.(God is good..all the time)