March 31, 2009

New word on the surgery, it has been moved up to 9 am. I went for pre-op this morning and I can only hope that the surgery day goes better than this cluster! I had to be at the hospital by 7:30 am, and believe it or not, I was early(for those of you that know me know that I am not a morning person and I am always late). I sign in, and when they call me back to register me, the lady asks for my orders. Orders?!? I don't have orders, and I have no clue I was suppose to have orders. She tells me I can just come back later today when I have them, because you don't have to have an appointment for this.....WHAT!!!! The rooster woke me up at the crack of dawn for my 'appointment' that I don't need because I can come anytime I want?! When I tell her that this is ridiculous and I'm not coming back she tells me that I can wait til 9 am when my surgeon's office opens and they can phone in the orders. Wrong again lady!! Long story short, she calls my doctor on the after hours line and gets the orders phoned in. Okay, looking back as I write this, I guess it not that big of a deal, but it reminds me that I have cancer.
I also have an update on the fundraiser. There has been an account set up in our name at the 'Louisville Metro Police Credit Union' at 900 West Market Street Louisville, KY. 40202 (502)584-7134. They said you can drop off donations or mail them. Please make checks payable to 'The Chad and Alicia Ledington Fund'.
T minus 3 days til the 'Boobie BonVoyage'. We are really looking forward to it!!

March 30, 2009

Okay, this is going to sound cliche, but when people say 'Until you have cancer, you don't understand', they may be onto something. When mom was diagnosed and going through treatment, I was beside myself. I felt out of control, helpless, scared, the heartache was indescribable. I wanted to be at every appointment, and see her everyday. Now, I know I'm still at the begining of this whole process, but I feel more at peace. There isn't that fear that I felt with mom. I'm not blaming God, or anyone else that I got cancer. It is what it is, and I'm ready to take it on. It doesn't feel like the emotional burden that I felt with mom. Don't get me wrong (and no, I'm not on any meds yet!), I know how much this year is going to stink. I'm not looking forward to the pain associated with the surgeries I'll be having, or how sick I'll be with chemo, but I'm not afraid. Although physically I may feel panicked, mentally I give myself two thumbs up. I said it when mom was going through it and I'll say it again...I will gain something from this. I may not know til years down the road, but there is a lesson to be learned. And I can tell you this, Chad and I are BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE to have such supportive family and friends by our side!!!!!!! Mom used to tell me everything was going to be okay, to keep living my life, and that we'll make it through it, so I'm gonna do that. Speedbumps may slow us down, but they can't stop us!

May 28, 2009

There's been alot of intrest in the 'Egg's for Egg's' fundraiser, so I'm gonna post the info for those people who are interested in donating (Thank You!!!). If you would like an egg, or basket of eggs(plastic eggs that have a pink breast cancer ribbon inside), e-mail me (alicial.impa@yahoo.com), or leave me a comment and I will arrange a delivery and pick up (alot of people are taking them to their office, church, small groups, etc). You may also send your donation to: 10714 Vine Hill Dr. Louisville, KY. 40299 (make checks payable to Alicia Ledington), we are working on getting a bank account set up in our name, when this is complete I'll update everyone. We are also having a 'Boobie BonVoyage' on April 3rd at O'Connell's bar. This will serve a dual purpose, one last night out with friends, and a fundraiser (we will be selling eggs containing pink breast cancer bracelets for $5.00 and have a basket raffle for several choices of baskets. Tickets will be 1/$2.00 or 3/$5.00) Check out the link for the flyer. Hope to see you there, it's going to be a great night out for a great purpose! There has been some talk of a progressive dinner in the next month or so as well, let me know if you would be interested.
Not much has been going on in the 'cancer world'. It's a waiting game right now. I was doing a really good job of being positive, but I think I'm losing steam. I'm not good at waiting.

March 26, 2009

Okay, the final word on surgery is April 7th 10am at Norton Suburban. Let's get this show on the road. Today was a long day, I feel like I'm trying to cram everything in before the chaos breaks loose. Again, I want to thank everyone for their support!!! Chad and I keep calling each other shocked that another person has called or e-mailed, or that more money has come in for the IVF. It makes me a little misty eyed.
I wanted to say thanks to my patient today, I really enjoyed talking to you. It is so reassuring that I'm not the only one going through this. This is real life, whether I want to accept it or not.

March 25, 2009

UGH!!!! I hate gloomy days. Its raining and cloudy. I've decided that the weather plays a huge part in the mood I'm in. Today wasn't a great day...for a number of reasons. Chad and I went to the hospital last night to see a friend who just went through the same procedure that I'll be going through (bilateral mastectomy with expanders placed for reconstruction). She looked great, and seemed like she was in good spirits, but it was a huge reality check for me. I haven't really bounced back yet. On the other hand, I've really enjoyed having someone to share the experience with.
Oh, I also saw another plastic surgeon yesterday, Dr. Brian Thornton. The appointment went great, I felt really comfortable with him and he'll be able to start the reconstruction immediately. For all you other 'breast cancer club members' I totally recommend him. Needless to say, he'll be doing my surgery. My surgery date was scheduled for April 7th.
Tonight I'm meeting with some friends to finish planning the 'Going Away Party' for my boobs. I bet you guys are on the edge of your seats. Everyone is welcome, its going to be on April 3rd (that's a Friday). Trust me.....your gonna have fun!!!
Thanks to everyone who has given donations to the 'Eggs for Eggs' fundraiser. We can't thank you enough! It never ceases to amaze me how generous people can be.

March 23, 2009

I am sooooo blessed!!!!!! I spent the evening with the girls from the office, a bunch of kiddo's, my mom and my sister. They have made it their mission to raise money for Chad and I so we can harvest my eggs before treatment (IVF). Tomorrow they will debut 'Eggs For Egg's', where they will sell Easter eggs that have breast cancer ribbons inside for donations. The amount of support that I have received is unimaginable, it gives me hope. It lets me know I don't have to do it alone. Thank you so much!
Our friend made it through her surgery this evening. All of her nodes were negative (YEA!!!!!!!!!!), your in my prayers girl!
Tomorrow I meet with another plastic surgeon, I hope we can get this show on the road, I'm ready to get surgery scheduled.

March 18, 2009

Today I have an appointment with a genetic counselor. My mom went with me, we thought it would be a good idea since she was also a breast cancer patient. The counselor went over our family history as far back as we could remember and did a full genetic workup, including testing for BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 gene mutations. We should have the results back in about 2 weeks. She did comment that she would not be surprised if the test came back positive.

March 19, 2009

I had an appointment with my oncologist today, Louisville Oncology-Dr. Seeger. Chad (my husband), my mom and my sister went with me. I was really proud of myself. I made it through the entire appointment without getting emotional or upset. Dr. Seeger spent alot of time going over my treatment options and answering questions that we had. I felt more clear after the appointment, even though I walked out with even more information to process. I think the game plan is going to be....have my surgery, then do chemo. She said I will have to have three types of chemo, but that they can be given together in one treatment. I'll have 7 rounds three weeks apart (that equals 21 weeks), then I'll have to take a hormone called Tamoxafen for 5 years after chemo to help minimize the risk of reoccurance or metastasis.

March 22, 2009

Yea!!! I got my webpage up this weekend. I have a feeling that it is going to take me a while to catch up on previous dates, but I plan to blog everyday during my journey. I don't have any plans today, thank God! I 'm planning on catching up on some research and cleaning the house, which has been neglected since diagnosis (lets be honest, its not my favorite thing to do).