Radiation Almost Done

So I have a single treatment left to do. I had some time in there where I didn't think I was going to make it through. I had cold chills where I was hot and cold at the same time. Miserable being. I cried the whole way up there and the whole way in the door. Chris tells me to compose myself so I can get in and outta there quickly. They have 2 machines down that day so the people are piling up. I was so glad they called me first and I was outta there. One lady had been there 2 and a half hours already. I went to my moms after that. It was a day to celebrate. I just had a radiation treatment in between time. I then went after to the house to celebrate. It was really great. Monday is my last treatment. Then I have a whole body scan before I go in for my surgery. I was not supposed to have any scans done of any kind during my radiation. I was to have no extra radiation. Only what I was prescribed to be given. So, now its time for the majors. I have to pep myself up. Fired up, Ready to Go.

Valentine's Day Poem

I ran across this the other day. Chris had it laminated at his job so we could keep it as a keepsake. Its a poem I wrote to him on Valentines Day 2008.

I have always been the one with a fight inside me
I am always the tough one, for everyone to see
You are the first and only one to get through
And really get to know me, And I got to know you
I grew up overnight, and so did you
I love you, it was meant to be; just us two
It took one night to make a son
Christopher is one of the best things weve ever done
People talking shit, every single day
Despite them, we've attained our goals anyway
Against all odds, we've pushed through
We are a family, thats what we are supposed to do
Our families always know better than we did, yours and mine
Never leaving us alone to make our own life divine
We lived and lived despite what they say
Without help, with great faith, we did it our way
Devastation strikes, we lose our pa
Christopher rememebers him, I made sure he saw
His Po-Po in all the months and days
Until "Larry" took our dad, he went his own way
Who can complain, he went to heaven above
He isnt sick anymore, and he's surrounded by love
One week later, there's a surprise about
Another baby is on the way, one life in, one life out
The way I found out was I felt a kick
The tests were negative, the one's with the little stick
Four months in, five months to go
And on March 9, we get K. Bravo
Now we have one of each, a girl and a boy
Some would say the perfect family of love and joy
Sure there have been bumpy roads along the way
I would not change one single day
The day we met, Our first kiss
Its all been a great time I would never miss
The Lord chose you and me
For the most difficult task there could be
Stage 4 Cancer is what God has given me
He has chosen me to be the miracle for all to see
No matter what, they will remember me
Dont count me out yet, the fight is ON
I will not stop until they cancer is gone
We will be at church and pray
For our family to strive for the best every day
So far it has all worked out and I will never let you go
Your are the BEST thing that has happened to me
I thought you should know
There is really only one thing left to say
Happy Valentines Day! (2008)

Author: Renee Bravo

Kicking Cancers Ass - Home

Kicking Cancers Ass - Home

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WHAT CANCER CANNOT DO

IT CANNOT CRIPPLE LOVE.
IT CANNOT SHATTER HOPE.
IT CANNOT CORRODE FAITH.
IT CANNOT DESTROY PEACE.
IT CANNOT KILL FRIENDSHIPS.
IT CANNOT SUPPRESS MEMORIES.
IT CANNOT SILENCE COURAGE.
IT CANNOT INVADE THE SOUL.
IT CANNOT STEAL ETERNAL LIFE.
IT CANNOT CONQUER THE SPIRIT.

My New Website

I have been working on this website over the past couple of months and finally found one that has everything I wanted on my site. It provides a calendar, a place for video postings, and a contact page for me. I also have in place a guestbook, and a donate page. I have been asked if I have a place set up for those who have the kindness within them to donate to my fight. I simply am answering those calls. I hope you all like it.


www.kickingcancersass.webs.com

This is a site that I also have linked back to my blog so that anyone who donates can check up on me at anytime. I still have some great news to share besides this. So Stay Tuned!

I am waiting for permission to post the letter that I recieved.

Toodles,
Renee B.

Last Radiation & This Radiation

Having radiation again cant help but make me think of the first time I had radiation. I have been getting my second round and after my surgery I will getting almost 7 more weeks of radiation. I know that with both I have been very very tired. I don't know what it is about it that makes me tired. I am surprisingly strong when it comes to all of this. I don't expect myself to be super sick with burn marks and heaving over the toilet until the sun comes up. I refuse to put myself through even the thoughts of that. I got sick pretty much every day the first time. I also was getting the treatments through my stomach so I don't know if that had alot to do with it. I was taking all this medicine as well. The first radiation treatments were for my lower back (sacrum,S1,S2 area) but they did the radiation from that round of treatments through the front. It went through my abdomen including my stomach and uterus and ovaries. I was made baron because of it. I also needed doses that would have basically fried my spinal cord and paralyzed me to completely eradicate it. They gave me as high a dosage as they could. This later resulted in me getting a hysterectomy at age 31. Unable to have anymore children. Thank God I have a son because he is the last of the name. I had a responsibility to my father in law to provide a son. I have a daughter as well. When she came along my thoughts were that I already had a son, I would love another one to carry the name. I also would love a daughter which means I would have one of each. Best of either world I say. Anyway, I held on to that, and I had so much more on my plate that was more major than that. I never really have been able to mourn my future children. I have been busy enough fighting for my life.
It was funny because I was talking to my grandmother about it. She just had a hysterectomy herself a number of years ago. The doctor said she would be a good source of info for me when it comes to questions about the side effects. His thoughts were that there is good chance that you and your close family members would experience the same side effects. My mother and my grandmother have both had a hysterectomy so I was able to ask them both. I talked to them both about it and luckily they both didn't have many side effects at all. Hot flashes would be the main thing that we all 3 experienced. I had one of those comical moments in life while I was talking to my grandma about this. You see, she has 13 children. 8 boys, and 5 girls. Out of all the children including the wives of all my uncles, no one has had to seek out my grandma about this subject. I of all people was the one talking with her about it. Out of all the people in the family, I, her 2ND eldest grandchild, was the one seeking her guidance. I am now considered post-menopausal. When I heard that I kinda instantly for a moment felt like an old lady. I know mental thoughts are very powerful in influencing ones actions, whether you realize it or not, so I didn't let myself go there for very long. I did however have this instant flash of myself as an old lady with all gray hair all knotted up in a bun. Society has our minds trained that the stereotypes of every situation is what comes through as your first thoughts. I felt out of place because society never prepares young people to deal with those types of surgeries or situations. I know I wasn't mentally prepared for it. Most people are just planning their first child around my age.
I also experienced pain on a maximum level with the radiation. It is what started the seizure in my legs. It stated the nerve pain. The area where the tumor is located on my spine is intertwined with my spinal cord and wrapped up in my nerves. So no matter what, I knew I would be dealing with one pain or the other. It seemed to most intensive during the radiation. I feel like its putting up a fight. It doesn't want to die. I look at it like this, its going to get worse before it gets better. I am winning and its the last stand. That's the way I see it. So I will deal with the pain. It shows me I am winning!
I draw strength from not only myself, but from my husband Chris, and my kids. Trust me, we are a family unit that sticks together no matter what. Every family has ups and downs. We have really leaned on each other when needed and its a great feeling.

That's all for now...peace and love,
Renee B.

Only 4 Radiation Treatments Left

There are only 4 radiation treatments left in this round for my leg. I couldn't be happier about it. I have been handling it like a trooper if I do say so myself. I saw the doctor today as I see him weekly for him to check on up on me and see how I am doing. He asked me how I was and how was everything going. I basically told him that I do have the same pain. I am very achy in my whole back and down my legs. I know from my last radiation treatments on my lower back that it did hurt more during the time of the radiation. That's when my legs also started seizing up and also was the trigger that made me not able to walk during the beginning of my diagnosis. I look at it like this, its going to get worse before it gets better. It is putting up a fight. I am winning and its the last stand. That's the way I see it. So I will deal with the pain. It shows me I am winning!
It seems that the way I have been dealing with certain areas of going through having Stage 4 cancer is to put things in perspective. Its very hard to deal with this no matter how you look at it. I have noticed that I cant deal with everything at once. I can only do one thing at a time. I can only deal with one thing at a time. I have to put things in order. Whether its order of importance, or order of urgency, or the orders of the doctors which can override my thoughts if necessary. This way I can make sure that I do my tasks thoroughly, with all the strength within me. I have to draw strength from not only myself, but from my husband Chris, and my kids. Trust me, we are a family unit that sticks together no matter what. Every family has ups and downs. We have really leaned on each other when needed and its a great feeling.

That's all for now...peace and love,
Renee B.

Enough is Enough

I am curious when you think enough is enough when it comes to letting someone go or trying to keep them in your life. I know how it is to want something or someone to go the way you want it to go and people to feel the way you want them to feel. All I know is that its no shame to put a good effort into something you believe in. Dont go overboard. Give someone a chance. Leave it in their court on whether they want to participate in growing as a person or becoming closed off and not learning anything. One thing you have to accept is that some people are stuck in a rut where they may not want to learn anything. They may want to be difficult and thinking they are trying to control the situation by not responding. Funny thing is that isnt how we look at it from our side. We are trying to purge bad feelings and grow from the times that are there for us to grow from. Its a lesson that the person will have to learn again and again if they dont take the time to learn it when it presents itself. You cant force someone. All you can do is know that if they choose not to be a part of it dont worry about it. You have made your peace and left it in their court to deal with. Make it a place in your heart where its all good and no bad. It takes work. It does. Dont let someone else dictate your feelings and what you feel. Dictate what and when its time to love or leave. I personally have decided to try with everyone I love. Its not something I will do repeatedly. I have too much to do. If its not time and the universe says no, then hey, maybe the universe will let you let it go...never to think of the bad times again. You are all good. Your force is nothing but strong and true. Its a great time to be alive!

Oct. 27th

This is the big day guys. Its the day of the surgery. The major surgery day. I am actually coming to terms with the whole thing. I thought all my tears were gone. I have pretty much cried about every aspect of this whole thing. It was another slam to me that I am going to get a piece of me cut off. I know it has to be done. It is going to be the first day of the rest of my life. I honestly started feeling like my Mt Everest is coming to the top. I have been climbing and climbing and I am reaching the top soon with nothing left to do but come down. I need to do this. I don't know what else to do. I trust my doctor. I know she wouldn't steer me wrong. I told them to prepare me if they think I am going to need more radiation after the surgery too. So I am glad the doctor was being honest that day. I need complete honesty. Its amazing how hard it is for some people. Well not for me. I am not afraid of the truth. I would much rather prefer the truth. I speak the truth for I give what I expect. It doesn't always work out that way. The fact is you have to stick to what you believe in. Push forward. Keep your head up. Like Obama says, "Fired up, Ready to go!" Its on baby, its on!

Radiation Day 2

Today's radiation was in the evening as I said yesterday. It was actually ok. Today was a busy day. Christopher got his braces on today. Well they started anyway. Its a process over several trips. I did well on today's treatment though. It wasn't to bad at all. It took around 45 minutes with the waiting. The actual treatment took only 5-7 minutes. I was only dizzy for a bit. We ended up going to my mothers house for dinner. She cooked chicken n dumplings and rice crispy chicken. My mom makes it all. It is so good. Christopher was so upset because he could not eat well. We warned him all day. We even went to get him his last hamburger earlier in the day. Its a trip. We truck on as a family. Supportive of each other no matter what. I am still climbing my mountain. I feel I am close to the top. I know that I am going to make it through this. Its not even a question. Its just a matter of time. I have so much more to catch you up on. And some exciting news. I was so flattered and I cant wait to share. Love all!

Radiation Day 1

It was my first day of radiation. I have had to go to several previous visits to meet the doctor, then for the first visit for them to line everything up. They also had to take x-rays. The doctor had to approve the x-rays. They use the tattoo marks and the pen marks they drew on me to do this. I have had pain from my leg and the doctor told me that he hopes it subsides about a month after the treatment. Its takes that long. I am of the same hopes. I went around 4pm today due to scheduling of the place. Its extremely busy right now. Its kinda scary to think that it is so busy with people getting radiation that I have also been scheduled as late as 7pm. So 9 more treatments to go. I had 16 last time so it is a few less. I am only allowed to get so much in one area. I was immediately sick from the treatment and when I got home I was sick not long after. This is what I usually go through. I say that it is worth going through instead of being burned and having red marks from the radiation. I didn't have that last time and I don't expect it this time. I will only be sick for a bit when I come home. I will deal with it.

Playing Catch-Up

I have so much to catch you up on. I will be doing so all week pretty much...TTYSoon

Charger Craziness

I finally got my charger for my laptop. I have been waiting FOREVER! I first had an issue with my internet. Something to do with the wiring, and then the day I got it fixed my charger broke. URG! So I am back on now, and able to catch everyone up on the latest. I went to see the Radiation Oncologist. He decided on 10 treatments for my leg. Each treatment will take 5-10 minutes. I go during weekdays. I also had to go for the initial visit that they do to line everything up. They actually have to tattoo you for the procedure. It is how they line up the machine. I was stupid last time like ok, you can poke me to tattoo me. That dang lady poked me with that needle so hard just to leave a dot. A tattooed dot in which they used to line up the machine. Its a crazy thing. They have to tattoo both sides of my hips and right above my belly button. I told those ladies that I was already tattooed from my first radiation and I didn't need it again. I told her they can use the same dots from last time. They are still there..lol.. I know it doesn't seem like much, but any bit of pain I can avoid I will avoid. I actually had nights where I cried myself to sleep because my leg hurt so bad. The pain in my bone is indescribable. It is bone pain, and nerve pain, and it sucks major. I have been handling it though. I am ready to get this radiation over with. It is supposed to help with the pain and that is a big proposal. I take all the pain like a professional like always. Its a gift by this point. I want to have something else for my gift. Pain pain go away, come again another day...LOL! I say bring it on. I am going to do this with my hands ties being my back. I declare that I will have no side effects when it comes to the radiation. I may be a little tired. I can accept that. With my head held high, I am ready to get this step over with and move on to the next hurdle. Soon enough it will be over... I just have to keep moving, keep pushing forward. Never forget to keep pushing forward. You don't even have to think. Just get out there and see what the world has to say. Love you all!

Leg Update

I haven't spoken much about my leg and how I have been when it comes to walking around, and handling day to day. I really let myself heal, I listened to the docs as well. When they told me to walk with a walker or cane till my stitches came out I did. I did all I was supposed to do. Which is good. Before when I couldn't walk I basically told the doctors where they could shove that cane. So I think I have made an improvement when it comes to that...lol.. I go from day to day when it comes to the pain. I also have days when there is no pain. They are here and there. Usually never for more than a day or 2. Boy today and yesterday have just been like heck! Major pain. I feel it in my bones and my knee. The medicine has done nothing over the past couple of days. I even took so much medicine yesterday that I got sick. I made myself sick with it. I go see my pain management doctor next week so I will find out what they want me to do and what medicine they will want to keep or change. I have liked my doctors so far when it comes to pain management. The nurse was pretty rude to me the last time so I'm not looking forward to her. I also find out my radiation schedule too so maybe that may help with the pain as it goes on. The lady that my oncologist introduced me to from the American Cancer Society is my friend now. I happen to end up with appointments on Wed. which is the day she volunteers up there. She was Stage 3C. Now she is healed. She just told me that there are peaks and valleys to it and that I will make it... just keep up the fight. I see her now when I go up there and fill her in on the latest. And I also have her number if I need it or want to talk. She is nice. I am glad to have met her. But oh yeah, my leg hurts like a b... Annual Family Camping trip is coming up, I am trying to take it easy because we are planning on going. I can do it., I think I can, I think I can, I know I can, I know I can. I know, I'm a dork. LOL. Talk soon, Renee

It Inches Closer

Boy have the feelings been flowing about this surgery. It so tough. More and more everyday I know its something that I have to do. I go back and forth everyday. Chris just basically layed it on the line and asked me if he had to beg me to stay with him. It hit me so hard. So many people are right with me, hurting with me, happy with me, or just there to talk if I need it. I always have to be conscious of the fact that I not only go through this for myself, I go through this so I can be here for the people around me on the other end of this. So many tears. So many anxieties about what is yet to come. I am in charge of my fate, and I am not going anywhere. I remind myself that the fight is in me, and I have to stand up to the challenge. I don't care how many times I get knocked down, I WILL get back up. I will be battered, bruised, crying, clawing, and out of breath, and as long as I am still breathing I have to remember that. This is why I scheduled my leg surgery so quick. The time is what gets to me. Waiting. More waiting. I have to know that this is right for me. I am ready to begin healing. I am ready to reach the top of my mountain. I am tired of the climb. I am ready to start climbing down now. I made it through another day. Thats all that matters.
RB

In this special moment in life...

Think freely. Practice patience.
Smile often. Savor special moments.
Live God's message. Make new
friends. Rediscover old ones. Tell
those you love that you do. Feel
deeply. Hope. Grow. Be crazy. Count
your blessings. Observe miracles.
Make them happen. Discard worry.
Give. Give in. Trust enough to take.
Pick some flowers. Share them. Keep
a promise. Look for rainbows. Gaze
at stars. see beauty everywhere.
Work hard. Be wise. Try to
understand. Take time for people.
Make time for yourself. Laugh
heartily. Spread joy. Take a chance.
Reach out. Let someone in. Try
something new. Slow down. Be soft
sometimes. Believe in yourself. Trust
others. See a sunrise. Listen to rain.
Reminisce. Cry when you need to.
Trust life. Have faith. Enjoy wonder.
Comfort a friend. Have good ideas.
Make some mistakes. Learn from
them. Celebrate life.

Jan Michelsen

Too Many Minds

I go through the week and the weekend both up and sometimes down. Most people including my family don't even know when I am down. I sometime cry in private. I cry with Chris. I cry with my mom. I am so tired of the crying, but it does good. It helps me to feel better sometimes. I know one thing is I have spent the past couple of days skimming a book called "The Secret"...the secret by the way is the law of attraction. It states in the book that our thoughts are things, they are what we are intending to do, want to do, don't want to do, and it leads to the things we attract to us through our thoughts. Its such a powerful thing that no one thinks about. No on thinks that their thoughts mean much, and its all going to happen how it happens anyway. I don't believe that. I do believe that we have a lot of control around what happens to us, or we try to make the best choices with what we have. We can not control the people around us. And if you sit around and wait for someone to do the right thing, well you will be waiting a long time my friend. Maybe your idea of the right thing is different from what someone else thinks. You align yourself with the people that you think will take care of you in a hard time. Someone that you can call in the time of need. I can say one thing. Chris is a good man. Christopher has a good heart. Kristen has a good mind. All of us are good at something, and all together we can become great if we choose to. Its our thoughts and actions that take us there. Most of the time people who do good are the silent ones in the back. No one knows that they do good. No one knows because they don't do it for the recognition. They do it because they are good people. I have spent many days here forced to be home everyday dealing with an illness that I did not choose to deal with. I gave up control. I gave up trying to map the way everyday. I try to just go with the flo. I cant change myself, I just try to adjust certain moments and actions to better myself or the relationship of whomever is in the moment with you. You cant force them though. So many times I have put myself out there to try to let the other person meet me halfway. You cant control the moments in their life either. They may be at a difficult moment in their own lives. I try to remember that as well. Maybe they are not at the same point of learning and growth that you are. Maybe your not on their level either. I put myself out there and was left dangling at times, and I have put myself out there and been pleasantly surprised of who steps forward to meet you halfway. Its never who you think it will be either. Its easy to forget other people have lives too, they have problems too, they have difficulties just as anyone else. One thing that has been hard for me to understand is when people are presented with the opportunity to do good, or help, or be called to give a hand, why people don't take advantage of it. Most of us work, and come home and have the same thing go on everyday, just waiting for an opportunity to do good because we are all so busy with life. When that time comes, its the ones learning, the ones that get it, that answer the call. I have been caught up in the hierarchy that is supposed to be in place. The brothers watch out for the sisters, the oldest watches over everyone, and we all get together as much as we can and bond. I have had very rude awakenings when it comes to family. Thoughts that I used to have, have completely changed. I almost feel naive talking about how it is "supposed" to be. There is no cookie cutter way for every family. The sooner you learn that the less heartache you will have. Believe me on that. The less tears, the less disappointments , the less down feelings that you will experience. Now it goes back to my thoughts are things. You control what you feel and think. So don't let yourself go there. Acknowledge it as a lesson learned, and don't think about it again. Think of fluffy marshmallows if you want, you can, they are your thoughts. Why sit around and be miserable all the time. Think about what you want, think about what you need, think about good times, think about how you can better yourself. Never take it to the negative place. Think about your goodness, and you will be surprised how much the goodness will multiply. Its a pleasant surprise. Prayers, Love, Hugs, to each and every one of you.

Renee B.

Breast Surgeon Follow Up

We had a follow up with the breast surgeon after we saw the plastic surgery doctor. It was to discuss what the next step was. On the bright side, even though I wont have immediate reconstruction it wont be long after. They are going to run tests to make sure they got it all. It will be those test results that determine if I have radiation on my left chest armpit area. If they are able to get it all then I will be cleared to get reconstruction. They talk about it so matter a fact like oh its just another surgery. That's the point. Another surgery. I am so sick of surgery I cant even say. Although I do not mean to sound like I am complaining. I know there are people who have to have many more than I do. Its never easy no matter what kind of surgery it is. I still am not happy about the situation. I am having a hard time giving up control of this thing. I don't want to be butchered. That's what it feels like. I am having a mental breakdown when it comes to thinking about this. I have been told that it wont make my life longer and it wasn't a cure, so why the hell are they telling me to do this. I want to be a whole person. I will essentially heal and then get cut again. Its a year of adjustments and they have to take skin from somewhere else to make it complete. I am having a very difficult time with this one. Anyway, I am supposed to find out about the radiation on my leg next Wed. After I know the plan from the radiation oncologist then I am supposed to call the surgeon back and let them know the plan. Then they can schedule my surgery. I am not thrilled about any of this. When I was told about this surgery they said nothing about any of this. I was not prepared for any of it. I think that is why I am having a hard time swallowing this pill. I still don't know what to do. Its torment. Its torture. Funny that I don't think about it all day. But when I do, the waterworks start. And I wont cry in front of my kids so I have to really get a hold of myself. I have to watch where they are and make sure they never see that part. Hopefully, I will not have to make the decision. The Lord will guide me without me having to do a thing. I have faith. Through it all I still have faith. Its all I have to hold onto.

Taking it All In

As I sit here working on a couple of websites I am doing, I think about the heavy decisions that weigh on my mind. I have so much invested in this life, I refuse to miss out on the good stuff. I am so pissed that they make me go on this roller coaster. I would have been better prepared for hearing the actual no. I know its for the best. I was just kinda hoping that I could combine 2 surgeries if I could. I have to get another, and another, and another surgery is what is alot for me to handle. We have gone along pretty well where my kids arent effected by what happens around them. I dont let them see me cry. Under any circumstances. I want them to always know I am a fighter, and I am fighting as best I can. If it takes saying good bye to the parts of me that need to go, then that is what it takes. I am scared to death, dont get me wrong. I am more nervous on this surgery than any other I have had. I dont know how to feel about it. I will be different. This is too much for me to wrap my head around. I am shaking in my skin. What am I going to do now?

Plastic Surgeon Visit

I had my visit yesterday with the plastic surgeon. It did not go well for me. I come away from the visit not liking this doctor, and I am going to relay those feelings to the breast surgeon tomorrow when I see her. I have a feeling she wants to schedule my surgery. I was told I would not be reconstructed at the same time they remove the left breast and armpit. There are so many variables that they don't know if it will actually be a bad time to do the reconstruction. For example, if they decide to radiate that area, they would have to remove the implant and I would start all over. It would be a step backwards. There is an issue with the chemo to affecting it. I don't know and I am so confused right now. I know I need this thing out of me, but they are going to remove pieces of me and I don't know how to feel about that. I can get reconstruction at a later time. It is a long process to reconstruct. It takes a year of expanding and adjusting and I would have to commit to a year of appointments on top of all my other appointments. Its best if I wait...
I am devastated, I am OK with it, I have been crying ever since I left there. I know it has to be done. Its more difficult than you could imagine. More later.. I cant do this right now......