6/13/09 We are a pair.

I had basal cell skin cancer on my face removed one day before my son's first birthday party. Didn't stop Myra and I from partying! We are some pair.

4/30/09 From Myra: Chemo be gone!

Yesterday was my 8th and the final chemo treatment! I always believed in my spirit that after the breast surgery I was cancer-free. But, as chemo was ending yesterday I was having some type of anxieties. The nurses assured me that this type of feeling was normal. For 16 wks I was administered a cancer slayer cocktail...now what?? My spirit and my soul are rejoicing I just need to get my head to line up. I FEEL GREAT. I am in no ways afraid to celebrate.

When I arrived yesterday Joy said, "Your normal suite?" We laughed because as you know throughout my ENTIRE treatment I have always had one of the private rooms. Just worked out like that! I felt like royalty. And when the volunteers came around with offers of treats and drinks, they knew they could always count on Myra to say, yes please. LOL Please one day they brought me pizza!

During my exam with Dr. H I told him I have lots of questions about what happens next. He said I know you do, but hold off until the next visit (May 27th), and BRING ROBIN I know she will have a notebook full too! :)

I got so many hugs and kisses. It was bittersweet. They went on to tell me how they looked forward to my positive attitude each visit and waited to see what I’d wear!! I told them not to make me cry as we laughed out loud together.

Robin I am so grateful for all the loving support I received through this entire ordeal from so many and especially you. Through this journey I met those who did not have what I had, and that was so sad.

I have always enjoyed life, always tried to treat everyone right and to show myself friendly. I pray today I embrace that person even the more.

Love,
Myra

4/29/09 And there IS light at the end of the tunnel

Dear Friends and Family of Myra,

I am pleased to tell you that today marked the monumental end of Myra's chemotherapy treatments. She is a valiant, brave and courageous woman. She is a survivor. And she has inspired and blessed all of us through her journey. Though this journey is not over - today she is freed from 'chemo jail' and for that we will all raise our glasses and celebrate. Way to go Myra. WE LOVE YOU!

Robin

4/03/09 She's B-A-C-K!

Myra came back to work this week and all I can say is HALLELUJAH!! She looks sensational and has more energy than I do. This last half of chemo treatments is certainly easier than the first half but nonetheless we marvel at her attitude and mental fitness. And of course, she looks better than ever. See for yourself. 6 down, 2 to go!! Myra says she sees the light at the end of the tunnel.

3/17/09 From Lonnie Dervil Trotman

Robin,

I came across these photos of Myra on an associate’s facebook album; it’s from The 2007 Gartner holiday party at the Maritime Aquarium. I wondered if they can be posted on her blog. Those are happy times with the Myra we all know and love.


Thank you,
Lonnie

3/10/09 Article in NYT: Time Is a Trickster When Cancer Runs the Clock

Time Is a Trickster When Cancer Runs the Clock

By DANA JENNINGS
Published: March 10, 2009
Once cancer has invaded and set the new pace for your life, you’d be hard pressed to try and change it.





Click here to read the full article.

3/05/09 P-O-K-E-N-O! Submission from Linda Dozier

Hi Robin,

I am enclosing pictures from my annual slumber party. Every year in September we come together and have a grand ole time. Lots of fun and excitement as you can only imagine. The pink shirts were 2007’s slumber and the yellow ones (Myra did them herself) were from 2008.
I thought maybe these clips would bring Myra a little joy.

Sherry Jackson, OH Myra, Me, Robin Cannon, Deb Mewborn, Aquita Blount, Connie Miller

One of our funniest moments during the slumbers was teaching Myra how to play Pokeno. Will she ever learn? lol…

Note that Myra was called “NEW GIRL” that year. It was her first slumber with us. Of course she made it known her second year she could no longer be called “NEW GIRL”…..LOL

Can you say Pokeno, Myra?” Per the look on her face, she could not think of the word (Pokeno) againnnnnnn.

Linda

Four down....Goodbye Adriamycin-Cytoxan, Hello Taxol

Today Myra completed the first half of her ACT chemotherapy regimen and is now moving on to Taxol. Dr. H told us today that many people say this first part, the Adriamycin-Cytoxan can be the most grueling part though he reiterated that everyone is different. He told us about Taxol and that it makes you feel achey and like the flu but is not what makes your hair fall out and should be somewhat easier.


Myra told the doctor that it took longer from her to recover from the last treatment and he said 'Just wait until this week!'. He reminded us about how compounding the cumulative effect of this is. So, Myra just needs to get through the next two weeks' impact of the AC and then on to Taxol!!


Some good news! Myra no longer has to administer the nulasta shot (which if you recall is part of the awful bone pain caused by the bone marrow production!) but now she will take 5 decadron tablets the night before and morning of each treatment. The nurse suggested she take them with an ambien or tylenol pm the night before to help her sleep since it can make you a little edgy/jittery.


I also heard from a dear friend that they give you Benadryl with the Taxol and so you are sleepy and not fit to drive afterwards. The Taxol will take about 3+ hours to administer after the 45 minutes pre-work so the chemo sessions themselves will be considerably longer.

Taxol Side Effects: decrease of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, allergic-like reaction, numbness and/or tingling to fingers and toes, muscle aches, bone pain, mouth sores, hair loss, diarrhea.


Sounds great eh?


We asked Dr. H about the NYT article (cited in an earlier post 2/12/09) about the clinical trial using the drug Zometa to reduce cancer recurrence and metastases. He was so proud when he told us that it is in clinical trial and is already a part of Myra's future regimen and that they were one of the very first places to trial it. Boy did that give Myra a sense of confidence.


Here is Myra with her buddy.




Finally, Myra and I were looking at catalogs together contemplating wigs and hair coverings. Dr. H said that by the time she had picked one out, her hair would be coming back in. Patty, a nurse who had been tending to Myra said, "OH Myra! You are our poster child in regards to chemo and how well you look." That made Myra's day!


This reporter is happy to tell you that Myra still has her faith, her spirit and definitely her sense of humor.


Myra loves to read this blog in reverse chronological order to see how much progress she has made so please keep those comments, stories and photos coming.


Humbly yours,
Robin

3/04/09 Myra and the Girls!

Myra had an amazing breakfast this morning with her Gartner gang just prior to chemo. They were all postively glowing when they came back to the office. They felt good to just be with her and see her spirit first hand. When I saw Myra later at her chemo session, I saw how they had nourished her soul.

Here are some pictures clearly taken by a 'crooked' person (check out the pictures on the wall!!!)


From L to R: Back row: Josephine Johnson, Celeste Weekes, Jennifer Jackson, Cyndi Hofer- Front row: Myra and Danille Polcer

3/03/09 4th Treatment Tomorrow: In Myra's words....

Well, tomorrow is 4th treatment! This last cycle was a doozy. My energy level was so low and my stomach just would not settle down, no throwing up though and for that I am grateful. The bone aches were in my arms (close to elbows) and lower legs (near ankles) and is still as of today in right arm, but the pains are bearable. But, I typically feel back to normal self by next treatment, but I don’t know about this time.

Sophy came over on Friday night. It was a real good time. We ate some tempura shrimp and rice. She came over at 8pm and left at 9:30pm and I appreciated her visit so much but also that she stayed just the perfect amount of time. She gave me the hat. I rock it better any way! Here are two pics.

3/01/09 Gina's Spin Oddesy

Gina Formichelli participated in a 6 hour "Spinoddyssey" in Norwalk to benefit breast cancer research, honoring Myra!!

This is 2 hours in.

This gives you a view of the other 300 people on bikes.

And click here to see the last few minutes of an emotional and rewarding day. Hats off...

2/27/09 How is Myra? Directly from the horse's mouth....

Hot flashes galore today, stomach doing flips all day AND no appetite, taste very sensitive AND my right hand has these scars that resemble burn marks.

I was thinking about what can I eat? (stop laughing!) What comes to mind that doesn’t make my stomach flip at the very thought of it? And ROBIN to my surprise, after naming all my favorites I said Chinese? So, I walked inside this Chinese joint and thought I might throw up, but I didn’t!

I got veggie lo mein and the fried chicken wings and prayed all way back home that I’d be able to eat it, since I DON’T EAT Chinese food. I got it home and it was sooooooooooooooooooo good! I was so happy I cried!! I am drinking ginger ale and it feels good in my tummy too. :)

Ok I am going to watch American Idol now and hopefully eat an Oreo???!!
Love you and I am holding it down!

Myra

2/27/09 From Robin Gaetani & Rob England

I first met Myra when I was working at Gartner, geez, had to have been back in 2001 that we met?! It was instantly that we began laughing together; I made her first birthday countdown that she so proudly hung on the outside wall of her cube, right under her name!!! I’d not known what I would have done if she wasn’t just a few cubicles away from me…many days, more than I could count, she lifted my spirits. Most beautiful thing about it was that she knew exactly when I needed it; without me even letting on I needed a boost. Now, we all are to return the many “liftings” I’m sure she has done for so many more peeps…for those days, I am forever indebted to you Myra; and I know you know how much it meant to me. When I left Gartner in 2002 we kept in touch; I lost my mother during that year and Myra was there for me…and now, me for her, for always. Myra always successfully tackled any task she started, with poise, positivity and ease. The generosity and love exude from her beautiful soul, I can’t remember a day that I didn’t see her gorgeous pearly whites, (have you ever seen such perfect teeth by the way???) never to let anything get her down and persistent with instilling that same attitude in to as many blessed individuals as possible. I know, with all I have in my heart, that this battle she is facing now will end even more successful than any endeavor brought to her. Strong will and natural positivity beat anything that comes in its way; love and devotion keeps us sane during tough times, friends keep us laughing…may you look at that “rose angel” and find strength. I love you Myra! Keep on keepin’ on…
Love, peace & hair grease!!!! I’m out!
Robin

2/23/09 Tough Times Don't Last....

Tough Times Don't Last....But Tough People Do!

Momma said there'd be days like this. This is the hard part of the journey. The fatigue is cumulative, the mouth sores persist, metallic taste, loss of appetite. Myra is just muscling through but these aren't the easiest of days, quite frankly. Now is the time to make her laugh in spite of the pain and fatigue.

I am happy to post any story or sentiment to add some cheer. This is a friend and colleague, Aquita Blount who sent these pictures to brighten Myra's day and remind her to lean on us. If anyone else has anything to post for Myra, please send my way!

2/18/09 Three down, 5 to go! Me and My Buddy

Myra is doing amazingly well. Felt pretty good this last cycle, not so nauseous and just a little joint pain but none of that horrible bone pain from before. This is not to say she does not have some down moments where she has a hard time picking herself up. That is where your support has made a tremendous impact.

Myra had her 3rd chemo treatment today. Today during chemo, Myra was sitting next to a woman, Josephine (also Jo!) who was at the end of her treatment and Myra was talking about her huge network of support and all the things we are doing to support her. I could see the envy written plainly on Jo's face, "You're so lucky" she said. And Myra said quietly, "I know".

This is Myra - me playing the part of annoying paparazzi - cracking her up in the process.

And Myra insisted that this photographer post a picture of us together so here is a picture that Laurie the nurse took of us this morning.

How KICK ASS does she look in this ball cap??? Who could look so good with a perfectly round ripe bald head but Myra. Made me hungry for an apple afterwards!! :)

2/12/09 Bald and Bodacious!

From Myra:

Here I am with a head shaved that I did myself!

Put on a little mascara and lip gloss and felt CUTE! LOL

2/12/09 Happy Half Birthday Myra!

As most of you inevitably know, Myra loves her birthday. Judy Perugini came up with a master plan to celebrate Myra's half birthday in style....

Dear Friends of Myra,

Many of you know that Myra is going through a challenging period in her life right now. After her diagnosis of breast cancer at the end of the year, came surgery followed by two of eight scheduled chemotherapy sessions completed thus far.

Her spirit continues to be resilient, and is tested daily by the side effects of her
chemo treatments. Knowing she has the love and support of all her “Peeps”
continues to help her through some tough days.

To continue our joint love-fest for Myra, we can do something special and collective to cheer her along while she wins her battle with cancer. We’d like to ask you to write down your favorite ‘Myra Moment’. The plan is to collect your personal Myra stories via email, print them out and bind them in a scrapbook for her. Since we all know how Myra LOVES her birthday, it will be nice to surprise her and present the scrapbook to her on her HALF Birthday which is Feb. 12!

Everyone has a Myra story they remember: The one that made you laugh out loud.
That embarrassing moment she couldn’t wait to tell you about. The song she couldn’t get out of her head.

There’s not much time so please send an email to Penny Gunn with your favorite Myra memory no later than Monday, Feb. 9th. Please make it easy on yourself and feel free to write your thoughts/stories down in the body of an email and send. Your input will be printed out on appropriate paper. Or if you want to design your own page, you can attach the file to your email.

Thank you for helping give Myra this great big hug wrapped up in the form of a birthday present!

Let us know if you have any questions.

Love,
Robin, Judy Perugini and Penny Gunn

What can I say about Myra’s half birthday scrap book? It surpassed any expectations we all had. Not only was the input from so many people amazing, loving and beautiful; it was HYSTERICAL. The stories made you feel like you were experiencing them yourself. The key themes were love, faith, laughter and singing and singing and singing. Myra’s got her groove back!

Here are a few photos and Myra's response!!

OMG

I got the most precious, crafty, beautiful gift delivered to me today.
HAPPY HALF BIRTHDAY TO ME!? YOU ALL KNOW HOW
MUCH I LOVED THAT!!!! :)

I can not even express how wonderful it is. I am reading them all and admiring the smart little quote stickers, it’s great. I swear I have been laughing out loud reading so many family and friends stories! I am a trip huh?? LOL

I am so floored! Tears of laughter and joy are over my face.

Thanks to you all for such a thoughtful gift and
surprise!
Love, Love, Love,
Myra

2/12/09 Interesting article in NYT this morning

Health / Research
Bone Drugs May Help Fight Breast Cancer
By GINA KOLATA
Published: February 12, 2009

A drug of a class commonly used to combat bone loss may reduce by a third the chance that some breast cancers will spread or recur, a large study has found.

Read full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/health/research/12bone.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

We will ask Dr. Hollister about this on Wednesday.

2/10/09 Hair today, gone tomorrow.

This morning was difficult, but Myra says she is trying to smile through it.

Here is how Myra described it in her own words:

"Well it is DEFINITELY a GRAY DRESS moment but it is time to take the chemo bull by the horns and ride this baby!!! I have something funky going on with taste buds now--can’t seem to taste flavor, but you know I am still eating!! LOL. My lips are this freaky pale like pink and I have some mouth sores. Stomach does flips every now and then but nothing major THANK GOD. I have an appt with Dr. Atkiss today to do some breast work….hey its something :)

I know this picture makes your heart ache but don't feel pity. Instead feel so BLESSED and lucky that we live in an age and country with the very best medical treatment imaginable."

2/07/09 Hair starting to fall out and I am doing good

2/05/09 Buzz Cut (Notice the outfit!!)

2/04/09 2nd Chemo Today

Hi FOM’s….

Well, Myra made it through her first 2 week chemo cycle. The first few days after were deceivingly ‘easy’. Of course, easy is an extremely relative term. Myra was tired but able to eat three square meals a day and was feeling pretty good. Then Day 6 came. And Myra got hit by the chemo bus. It knocked her out. Literally. She was too tired to eat or drink and not being hydrated properly she did her best Humpty Dumpty imitation. I will save the precise details about where she was and what she was doing when it happened for later but suffice it to say, this is something we will laugh about later. We think it scared her silly and a case of Diet Snapple and a few straws later, Myra was back to a rigorous hydration regimen.

Day 7-8 brought the bone pain we had heard about but couldn’t begin to understand. The pain was unbearable and she called Dr H to be reassured that this was from the Neulasta shot, which I affectionately refer to as neu-NAST-a. The Neulasta stimulates and essentially encourages the bones to overproduce white and red bloods to ensure Myra is strong enough for the treatments. The net effect is you feel extreme pain in your bones, mostly in your hips and spine (areas of lots of bone marrow).

Myra’s words during those tough days….”My body aches and I can't figure out how to describe it. Feel in back, hips and makes me close my eyes and pray for it to pass.”

I checked out a lot of the cancer patient blogs for insight into how it would feel and tips for coping. I thought some of their words described it best.

“The doctor told us it'd feel like you'd been kicked by a mule.”

“It’s hard to appreciate how many bones you have in your body until they all start hurting at once. It’s over now, but yesterday my bones screamed out like a wicked choir in a clench-your-teeth-and-wait-for-it-to-pass kind of pain. I’ve heard it said that if ever you wanted to forget your troubles, you should just wear shoes that are too small. I can say that by yesterday evening my mind was completely clear, save for the total focus on my over-producing skeleton.

Myra discovered for herself that heating pads, a hot bath and Tylenol regularly are the best you can do until it passes. We also hear that the pain lessens as time goes on; although other patients don’t know if it is because they got used to it or that over time your body doesn’t need to produce so much.

Today, Myra had a port installed.

Here is a picture of Myra just before her port went in. Lively as usual, befriending all the medical staff and cracking jokes. She has such an indomitable spirit and people fall in love with her and want to take good care of her which makes us feel good.

We had to be at the hospital at 6:45 AM with chemo following directly after. She received a ‘power port’ which is basically the “mac-daddy” port by which she can also have PET scans, MRIs and blood work done. She underwent local anesthesia but said she felt a little out of it anyway. And though she had some discomfort-- don’t worry-- she was able to eat toast and drink juice afterwards and says the pain is manageable.

As I write this, she is now receiving her second of 8 chemo treatments, and is doing well. Remember the effect of this nasty chemo is cumulative so the fatigue will be 2x this time. The good news is Myra knows what to expect. Also, Myra’s hair will begin falling out in clumps likely day 2 following chemo. The hair loss occurs because the follicles are weakened by the chemo. I am told that you just can not be mentally prepared enough for this and it is unsettling when it happens. All in all, our brave Myra continues to a warrior.

Think warm thoughts for Myra and thanks for everyone’s continued support and prayers. I’ll keep you posted.

Robin

1/23/09 One down, seven to go.

Myra completed her first chemo treatment on Wednesday. As Doctor H told us before chemo began, it is sort of anticlimactic. He told us that her PET Scan, taken the day before, was ‘gorgeous’ meaning it was clear and he doesn’t see anything on it (not that he expected to). And he reminded Myra to Chill Out.

Joy was our chemo nurse and she was really wonderful explaining everything in detail for us. Here is a picture of her (notice Myra’s new do!)



She began by putting an IV in Myra’s arm. Myra has had a long standing history of troublesome veins and yesterday was no different. The nurses finally got it in but it caused Myra a lot of anxiety and everyone, nurses, Myra and Dr H included, agreed that installing a port would make the treatments much less stressful for Myra since the only part she was concerned about was getting the IV in each time. Once the IV was in, it was relatively straightforward.


Many of you have asked me what it is like. You basically sit in an recliner and let the IV drip! The first 4 cycles (8 weeks) are of the Adriamycin and Cytoxan and are the tougher drugs. For the second 4 cycles, she will receive the Taxol. She starts by taking an anti-nausea pill (Emend) 30 minutes before treatment and then they flush a bag of saline through her system. First she got a small syringe of the adriamycin. It is red (like a merlot or zinfandel) and Myra was warned that it would come out of her the same color (and it did!). She is simultaneously given a steroid (decadron) to help with nausea. After another bag of saline, and then Myra received the cytoxan.
She will have to get (or give herself) a shot of nulasta 24 hours after each treatment to stimulate white blood cells. She is so brave.


Volunteers come in and bring snacks and drinks (Myra had a protein bar and hot chocolate for those of you wondering!) and the entire staff is incredible…smart, funny, warm.


Her hair should fall out in the next ten days. The doctor and nurses told us that the 2nd and 3rd days after chemo tend to be the roughest. And that the nausea medications are pretty darn good (emend, compazine and decadron) now but the fatigue is the biggest factor. She is recovering at her Mom’s with lots of TLC and today continues to feel reasonably well. She is eating three ‘square meals’ a day and has bouts of nausea but if she sits very still she says it passes. She intends to work if she can but is taking this treatment one day at a time to see how her body reacts and how she feels.


The morning of her next cycle (February 4th) she will have the port installed across the street at the hospital and then come in for her treatment.


So far, so good. Keep the prayers coming

1/16/09 Getting in front of the hair loss...

Myra decided to cut her hair short so the hair loss would not feel so drastic. Here are pictures of her before and after and with Tanisha- dear friend and stylist! She's simply stunning.

1/13/09 Treatment time!

As I reported, the surgery went very well – and Myra is recovering nicely. She is feeling good, and is very much looking forward to (hopefully!) getting the drain, which collects fluid from her breast, removed tomorrow at a follow-up appointment with Dr. Atkiss, the plastic surgeon, then being able to take her first “unencumbered” shower of 2009!

Yesterday, Myra and I went for a post-surgery appointment with the oncologist, Dr. Hollister. With surgery behind her, we are faced with the reality that Myra’s battle with cancer really begins now. The truth, we know now, is that surgery was the pre-work and the road ahead will be hard, long and uphill. Two of her 17 lymph nodes came back positive, which means her cancer can and has traveled. Myra will begin aggressive treatment consisting of hormone therapy and chemotherapy to eradicate the cancer cells and give her the best chance to prevent the cancer from reoccurring. The chemotherapy regimen is a combination or ‘cocktail’ of drugs used to destroy the cancer cells. The Hormone therapy is used to block the effect or to lower the levels of estrogen, a hormone that promotes the growth of breast cancer cells.

Because she is in such good health and is physically strong, the doctor feels she can handle the strongest and most aggressive chemotherapy and so Myra will be receiving “Dose Dense” chemotherapy which is a chemo regimen administered on a condensed schedule. Her particular regimen is called ACT which stands for A-Adriamycin, C-Cytoxan, T-Taxol. Here is a link to more about the ACT Chemo Regimen for those of you who want to understand this a little more.

Every two weeks, for the next four months, Myra will get chemo at the The Bendheim Cancer Center at Greenwich Hospital which resides in the same building as Dr. Ward, the surgeon who removed her tumor. We are fortunate to live so close to an outstanding facility that will treat her disease ruthlessly while treating Myra with the utmost humanity, respect and care.

These treatments will become increasingly difficult over time and the effect, particularly the fatigue, is cumulative. She will get medication for the nausea, but our electric Myra may lose her spark temporarily in the process, oh yes and also her hair!. She is planning to cut it short this weekend in preparation as Dr. H said her hair will come out very quickly following first chemo.

Myra asked that I take a picture of her with “Uncle Dickie” yesterday. Please keep this image fresh in your mind.

This is the new power couple who will together conquer this disease and restore Myra’s health and vitality. Dr. H was very direct with us and set our expectations that Myra would be in “chemo jail” over the next 16 weeks. He is very optimistic about her recovery, but wanted Myra to go into this difficult protocol with open eyes. Despite yesterday’s straightforward conversation, Myra is doing exactly what we would expect - she has her sword out and is boldly marching towards her enemy. She never ceases to amaze me.

As I mentioned, Myra’s first chemo treatment starts next Wednesday. Everyone reacts differently and we will see how she responds to the treatment and will have a better idea of what to expect.

Thank you all for your offers of support – I will come back to you in the next weeks to let you know exactly what she needs. Please forward this message to those I might have missed or send me their names to add to my list.

Love,
Robin

12/30/09 Myra resting comfortably

Myra came out of surgery with flying colors. In the recovery room, the nurses asked her if she was in pain. Myra’s response was "Well I am very HUNGRY". She is resting comfortably and is so blown away by all of your messages of support. She asked me to convey her appreciation and tell everyone she is doing great. Here is proof.





With love,
One relieved Robin

12/30/09 Surgery is complete

Myra underwent surgery this morning at 7:40am to remove the cancerous tumor and to have a mastectomy on her right breast. We met early (6am!) at the Greenwich hospital with a small group of friends and family to support her. Myra (adorned in that gray dress you all know how much I love!) was in great spirits. We laughed, we prayed, and of course took pictures with her entire medical team! The folks at the hospital are exceptional; knowledgeable, competent, friendly, and compassionate. They all commented on how great Myra was and how that would help her through the surgery.


I have just spoken to Dr. Ward, the breast surgeon (see attached photo) who has successfully removed the tumor. There was also a small amount of tumor removed (only visible by microscope) in the sentinel node which merely tells us that the cancer is capable of traveling and will require chemotherapy, which we already knew. The occurrence of the cancer in the sentinel node does not change the staging (still stage 2) nor the prognosis. Dr. Ward reiterated that it was very straight forward, that she is extremely optimistic about her long term prognosis and that Myra is rock stable and in excellent general health and should recover nicely.


Myra will be in surgery for another hour now with Dr. Atkiss who is putting in a tissue extender to prepare for the eventual implant and breast augmentation. We expect her to be out of surgery at about 11:30, in recovery for one hour and hope to see her by 1pm or so this afternoon. I will send another update once we get our hands on her. Thanks for everyone’s prayers, support and good wishes. Our girl is doing great!

12/30/08 Loved by so many

12/04/08 Diagnosis and Prognosis

Dear Friends and Family of Myra,

Myra and I had a sensational visit with Dr. Dickerson Hollister (aka Uncle Dick!). He is the chief oncologist at Greenwich hospital and works extremely closely in the same building (cancer center) as Dr. Ward, the breast surgeon. We had heard through the grapevine that he was the best of the best but that his bedside manner left something to be desired.

We knew that he was a very busy man with time scheduled in 15 minute increments and so we expected a brisk, fast, in-and-out session without a lot of commentary and care. Boy were we mistaken. He was just incredible and spent nearly an hour with us, examining Myra, answering our questions and recommending a course of treatment. He fell in love with Myra. She had him cracking up and he teased her and also told her to ‘chill out’. He was eager to get started with the plan we developed together and personally called Dr. Ward, who referred us, to bring her up to speed on the case and treatment plan. Best of all, he even hugged Myra goodbye!

First, the medical facts.

Myra’s diagnosis and prognosis are terrific. Her PET scan is clear-- meaning the cancer has not spread outside the breast. There is no evidence of it in lymph nodes or other areas outside her right breast though we can’t know that for sure until the tissue is removed and biopsied. There does, however, appear to be a second site within same breast so we are opting for a mastectomy right away – we are trying to schedule for end of the month. Her hormonal indicators thus far are very positive which means she will respond well to some drugs as part of the treatment.

Myra’s treatment will consist of the breast surgery to remove the right breast (mastectomy), followed by chemotherapy (approx 16 weeks). She will then do hormonal therapy (which is administered by drugs for approx 5-10 years). Dr. Hollister felt it was very ‘garden variety’ and imminently curable and treatable. Though it is a large tumor, it is a slow growing one. All in all, it was a VERY good prognosis and we left very comfortable with diagnosis and treatment and oddly somewhat exhilarated by the news as we had prepared for the worst case scenario.

Thanks for your support and for your prayers! They are working. We will continue to keep you posted.
Lots of love,
Robin and Myra