The End is Just Around the Corner

On Monday I had my Seventh Treatment. There is just one more left. I am so excited that I can not stand it. As far as treatments go it was not that bad. Now I just have one more and I am done. I can not say that it is easy. Because the pain from the chemo that I get can suck big time but soon I will be done.
We went to the ward turnk or treat. That was fun. I was in a wheelchair because right after chemo I can hardly walk. But it was nice to see my ward family.

Twilight Trailer Spoof

I stumbled across this Spoof Trailer. These guys are so funny. They also have a Dark Knight trailer that is pretty funny as well.

Oct. 6th the sixth treatment of Chemo!

So, today was my sixth chemo treatment. I can not believe that I only have one more month and then I am done with Chemo. (HAPPY DANCE!!)

As you go through chemo you find the nurses that you like and enjoy working with and the ones that you would rather not. Today I found out that my favorite nurse Charles (he is a traveling nurse) is leaving and his last day is going to be on the 17th. I was so sad. He is a very funny guy, but I am sure that he and his wife are going to love Seattle and the chemo patients are going to love him up there.

Any who, I have two more chemo treatments and then I have surgery four to six weeks later. Right now I am trying to decided what kids of surgery I want. I know that I do not want a Lumpectomy because that would mean that I will have six to eight weeks of radiation every single day but Saturday and Sunday, after they take out 3.2cm or more of breast tissue out of my left breast. And when I am done lets just say my left breast will feel and look like a dried up wrinkled prune and be a lot smaller than my right. So then I will need another surgery to fix the left Breast and even then they can not promise that it will feel the same or look the same. So, I don't think so. That is so not for me.
So what you might be wondering am I going to do. Well, I am leaning on choosing a mastectomy or a bi lateral mastectomy. Either way the surgery that I am going to do is using my own tissue.
"The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap procedure is another option for women who would like a breast mound present immediately after reconstructive surgery. This procedure has several benefits — a faster recovery period than traditional TRAM flap surgery, no loss of abdominal muscle tone and the "effect" of a tummy tuck because excess tissue is removed from the abdomen to reconstruct the breast. " - quote on the type of procedure that I am going to do from Mayo Clinic. It means a 10-16 hour surgery and 7 days in the hospital. Two in ICU and five in a regular room.

After the six to eight weeks of healing time I am done. I will just have to do regular check up every six months to see if the cancer has come back for the next five years. I will also have to do hormone therapy which is taking one pill everyday for the next five years, and if the study proves that it is better to take it for ten I might be taking this pill until I am 41. WOW!!

So there you have it November 3rd is the last day of chemo. Still can not wait.
I love you all!!

School Photos

Well, it was school year photos once again. Logan wanted to make sure that his hair was just so. He is growing up so fast. Lexi wanted to make sure that everyone knew that the picture was of her.

So this is Logan's third grade photo. I think he looks very handsome. I asked him what he thought. He said, " Well, the girl's in my class said that it was the nicest smile in the class. So, I guess it is good."

When Lexi brought home her pictures she was so excited that she could not stand it. When I started to cut them up to hand out to family Lexi got all upset. "Hey, those are mine." I told her that I was giving them to family and that seemed to make her happy. If you look at the picture Lexi is wearing her A necklace. A for Alexis. She said that none of the other girls had that and so everyone would know that she was Alexis. I had to laugh. She is just getting so big and to smart.

My Fifth treatment!!

Before my fifth treatment I received a call from my genetic doctor. Her name is Katherine Hunt. She informed me that at this point in time my cancer is not genetic. Which is really good news. I was so worried for the rest of my family what the news would mean. I guess I just got the luck of the draw. I have to laugh because I guess you could if I did not have bad lucky I would not have any luck at all. But all is good. I know that Lexi is safe as well as Logan and my Nieces and Nephews.

So, my fifth treatment was yesterday. Before I went into treatment I was scared out of my mind. I was worried that I might have an allergic reaction to this type of chemo. Plus, there was a chance that I could go into anaphylactic shock. And like I said before if I did not have bad luck I wouldn't have any luck at all. So, I was worried that I would be that one part of the group of people that does that. But everything went off with out a hitch. I went into the Mayo at 8:45 am and left at 5:30pm. I felt drained but really up beat when I left. By 10:00pm I was bouncing off the walls which is weird. They told me it was probable going to happen because of all the premeds that they gave me. So, I did not finally fall asleep until about 4:00am and woke up at 8:30am. Awake but a little tired nothing unmanageable.

Now, I am trying to get ready for Halloween and Christmas. I know Christmas is two months away but I am afraid of what the next step in my treatment might bring. I might have surgery before Christmas. If that is the case then Christmas might not happen for our family. So, I am starting now. Plus, I am in charge of the Christmas Eve party for the my side of family. They told me that I could do next year but you know I am looking forward to putting this Christmas Eve party and would not give it up for anything.

So, that is what we are up to. By the way, my sixth chemo treatment is on October the 6th. Funny huh!!!
Anyway love you all!!!!!

WE ARE HALF WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can not believe that I am able to state that I am finally half way through my treatment but I am. I can not tell you the relief that I feel that I am almost done with this treatment. There are a lot of positives to consider.

1. This is the last time I am going to half to watch them hand pump in my chemo.

2. I will no longer need to get the extra shot to keep my white blood cells up. ( I can honestly say I do not care for this shot.)

3. I AM HALF WAY! only four more to go.

4. I was scared that I was going to be flat on my back by now and so far I am still able to get around not to say that I love to take a nap. I find that I am more tired than I ever have been.

5. And although I do not care if I am Bald, I only have to be bald for just a few more months then the hair will start to grow back.

6. Plus, I have a GREAT ward, friends and a wonderful family that has helped my through this in ways that I can not even express. They are what help me get through each day. Their words of encouragement keep me smiling and help me to know that I can make it through this with a smile on my face and a bounce in my step.

To those of you have read this little blog and have stood by me as I have set out on this journey I say to you thank you. It is because of you that I am where I am right now. You are wonderful!!

Saying good bye!

About two and a half years ago we welcomed Tali into our home. She is a sweet dog that loves to bark and swim and run and run and run around the house. When I was told that I had cancer she was a bit of a comfort to me. Licking my hand and trying to be a good girl. When I was told that I should not be around outside dogs because of their poop and what not. I was sad. I did not know what was going to happen to Tali. My sister was great she offered to take Tali while I was going to go through treatment.

Now, I will be the first to admit, I think I tried to make the family fit the dog and not the dog fit the family. With Tali out of the house the kids were calmer the house seemed more pleasant, and I have to admit it was a nice change. Still, the idea that Tali was not coming back had not crossed my mind.

About a week ago, my sister called me and told me that her trainer Joe , a very nice lady, knew a guy that wanted Tali. Now, I have to say at first I was shocked. I knew the man I had met him briefly at a few PWD shows and water trails. He was a very nice man. He bought a dog named Cody from a breeder that I was going to get a puppy from but decided to wait a few more months. Cody and most of his litter mates have died from varies disease most of them being cancer. To say that Brett and his family was devastated by their loss. I had to feel bad for them. Losing a pet that you love is hard.

I guess I should say that I knew that taking Tali was hard on my sister. Nemo her PWD loved the companion, Curt did not like the new pet. I do not blame him. Tali can be difficult.

So, I started to pray about what I should do. My parents offered that when I get better that they would help me get a new dog. Buy it for me if they had to. They told me that I needed to find a more clam breed one that like just sitting in a persons lap for hours at end. I have to say I think that they were right. I mean I loved Tali but she was never really into just being still. Plus she was so energetic that it would get the kids going even Logan. And Logan does not need help getting going. I mean with his ADHD, he is always ready to go and full of energy.

I also had some pretty strong feelings that Tali needed to go and be with this family. She was meant to be with this family. I know it sounds weird. But I know I was only meant to have her in our family to help this man and his family with being able to get her.

On Sunday, all of my feelings were confirmed. The family came to see Tali and it was love at first sight. For her as well as them. I can not tell you the joy that I feel knowing that she is where she needs to be. Sure, I will miss her. But she is where she finally belongs.

Round Three

Well, on Monday I had round three of chemo. It was not the best day of my life. When I started chemo I had a port put in. For the last few times they have had a hard time getting blood from my port. This time they got no blood. so they had to stick me in my arms.
I can not tell you the fear that I felt as I thought of having to go and get a new port put in. But on Wed. I went to have it tested and the meds that they had put in my port got it working again. so maybe on time number four I will only have to get one needle in me.

First Day of School

Okay, so the first day of school was last week. But I thought that everyone would like to see the cute pictures of my kids that Jared took.

Logan is now in the third grade. I can hardly believe that he is old enough to learn multiplication and how to write in cursive. As you can tell by his alone picture he is anything but excited to start school. When I talked to him after his first day I asked him how school was he said,"It was school. Okay I guess." WOW!!! He is getting older.

Lexi is starting Kindergarden. I can not believe the day has finally come. We are so excited for her and as you can tell she is pretty excited for herself. When I asked her how her day was she said,"GREAT!!!" And then went into a play by play of what happened on her first day of school that lasted for about a good thirty to forty minutes.

Because of being sick there is this super nice mom that has been taking Lexi to school and bringing her home everyday, because her son goes to Lexi's school as well. On the first day as Lexi was getting out of their car and walking in the gates the office lady greeted Lexi and asked if the boy next to her was her brother. Her reply was, " NO, HE IS NOT MY BROTHER! And my Dad forgot my plant you got an extra one?!" We only later that day found out that she said this as Jared took her plant to school and the same lady started to laugh as Jared told her who the plant was for.

So that is how the kids did and what they wore to their first day of school for this year!!!

HAIR?!?!

Well, I guess it was only a matter of time really until the day came that my hair would fall out. I can not say that I am surprised. I will admit that I cried a little. It started the other night. I was laying in bed when all of a sudden my head started to hurt. Hurt does not really describe what it felt like it was more of a burn. Anyway I got up and ran my fingers threw my hair and out came clumps of hair. Once again I was sad but knew it was coming. It had already sort of started that morning. So, I guess I should have know that it would only be a matter of days for it to really start coming out.
By the time I could not stay awake for another second I had a garbage can full of my hair. When I go up the next morning I told Jared and my parents I wanted to go to super cuts to get my head shaved.
I can not help but to smile every time I think of the boy that thought he was watching the coolest thing ever. And then asked his mom if they could shave her head.
So now I wear hats, scarves and wigs and am waiting for the rest of the hair to come out. I guess I should say stubble. but it is what it is.
And as I wait for the chemo to be over I am still smiling!!!

Fun with the cousins!!!

When we decided to have Logan's baptism after Chase got home from his mission. We knew it would be great to have it with as many of Jared's family as posible. We were really lucky that everyone was able to come but Blair's family.

This is Logan with his cousin Hunter. Hunter is the son of Craig and Christine. They live in Nevada.

Here is Jared, Brit and Logan with the Bishop of the Anthem Ward. He is the GREATEST!!!!!! Our family just loves him and his beautiful wife.

Jared and I could not have been happier for Logan. Although I was tired after having just had surgery and getting ready for my first round of Chemo it was nice to have something to celebrate.

Alanna, Lexi and Brandon at Grandma Smart's house. They were having a blast playing together.

Here are all of the Smart grandkids. Well almost all of them. Stephanie is pregant with number four. But this is all of them for the time being.

Brandon, Lexi, and Amanda swimming with Stephanie. They had a blast swimming from the steps of the pool into her arms.

I Belong....

Logan was baptized today. I was so proud of him. Chase spoke on Baptism and did a wonderful job. He gave an example of a paper boy and that before the boy was baptized the boy was able to be tempted and so he could get burned by the flame or temptation in this case. after the boy was baptized he was new again and was not easily tempted so the flame did not harm him. The kids loved watching him talk about it. Terry spoke about the conformation and her talk was sweet and the kids loved it. She had a beautiful wrapped boxed with different things in it to give to Logan. the Kids all squealed when the walkie talkie spoke back to Logan. Jared baptized and confermed Logan. He was all smiles. It was wonderful to see him follow the teaching of the church . This was a special day to me. I could not help but think back to my baptisim and smile. I am sure that Lexi's will be just as nice and hers will be in just three years. That is a scary thought.

A Week that is FULL!

I can not wait for Thursday. Logan is going to be baptized on Thursday. I am so excited for him. What a neat treat. I remember getting baptized and how neat I thought it was. When I have some pictures I will post them of that. Jared is going to be baptizing Logan and Jennifer and McKenzie are going to be singing. Chase and Terry are going to give talks. I think it will be so nice for Logan plus how many kids get so say that they were baptized on Pioneer Day.
Then on Friday I will start chemo. So, only time will tell how that works out. But I do know that my last day of it will be on Halloween. So, that is cool to think about. Plus, that means I should be all done by the first of the year which is what I am looking forward to. What is it that people say, a new year a new start? Well, I am excited for that. I now know that the trials that we receive while we are here on the earth are not only given to us to help us to grown as a person but can prepare us for new obstacles that might come our way.
Anyway hugs to all of you.
Brit

New Doctor News

Yesterday, Jared and I went to go see the doctors to decided what was the best course of action to take. We had already had our minds made up about what we were going to do. And then after talk with the wonderful doctors there we have decided to do chemo first, then we will be doing genetic testing while I am doing that for the next 16 weeks, and then we will do surgery.
We feel really good about the decision.
After being at the Mayo for about 3 hours we went to go have a birthday party with the family. It was a blast. we went to sweet tomatoes and the went bowling.

How everything can change with one word.

On July the 7th I went in for my yearly exam with my doctor. After the exam was over. the doctor started to tell me that she was going to do a breast exam on me. Something that I try to do once a month or once every other month. About half way the doctor looks at me and asks if I knew I had a lump on my left breast. I honestly did not know what to say to her.
From there it was a mad search trying to find out if I could get into to get a mammogram. Something I thought I would not have to endure until I was at least 40. But there I was the next day July the 8th. I was standing in front of the machine and then place in an ultrasound room from there and then back into another room where they then did a Biopsy of my left breast. After about two days of no sleep and worry. I got a call telling my that I had Infiltrating ductile cancer Grade 3.
All I could think was WOW!!!!
For that word caner could change my life so fast.
So Here I am at the beginning of my journey. Scared but optimistic. I feel calm that the outcome will be good. But scared out of my mind, like the guy in the scream painting.
I will trying to keep everyone posted.
Brit

Fun time in San Diego!!!!

After driving for six hours. We arrived in San Diego. After checking into the hotel we took the kids swimming in the pool and then got ready for Dinner. We decided to eat in Old Town San Diego. Greg, Jennifer, Tyler, Blake and Carter met us there. We ate a neat Mexican restaurant.

Here is Kent, Barbara, and Margret. They were hanging out while we waited for a table.

After dinner we walked around the shops near the restaurant. Tyler found a Nacho Libre mask. He had to get it. It was so funny to see him posing as Nacho.

Our first full day in San Diego was spent in Sea World. Everyone was enjoying the time that we spent there. There was a new area and it was the Sesame Street area and movie. Lexi thought that area was great.

She loved that area almost as much as she loves the two different Shamu shows.

We all enjoyed the the Dolphin show.

The rides at Sea World are fun. Jared and Madison and Maggie rode on all the rides. and Enjoyed getting wet.

Here is Jared, Maggie and Madison on the Journey to Atlantis ride. The girls loved it and they got really wet.

Lexi loved every stuffed animal that she saw. Even the Penguins. She wanted to hug every stuffed animal that she saw.

Here are Logan and Lexi in front of the Penguin enclosure.

The kids loved the star fish. they thought it was so neat to hold them. I think that we went to the enclosure about four times while we were there. The next day we went to Legoland and the kids thought it was neat to see everything built with Legos.

Here is Jared and his Officer Lego twin.

Logan wanted to get his picture taken with the Bionicle statue. He thought they were really neat.

This ride was like a really fast merry go round on water. Jared and Maggie rode together. As you can see Jared was having a blast.

Lexi and Madison rode together. Lexi though the ride was neat.

As we were walking around Logan found a Thomas the Tank Engine statue. We had to get a picture of it.

Here is Maggie, Madison, Lexi and Jared on the Beetle Bounce. Lexi was so sure that she wanted to go on this ride. I asked her about four times if she was sure that she wanted to do it. As I took this picture I asked her one last time was she sure. She said yes.

As you can see she did not like the ride very much. In fact I would say she hated it.

Chase came HOME!!!!!

Logan, Lexi, Paige and Cole made signs as we waited for Chase to get off of the plane. The could not wait to see him.


Here they are waiting for him to get off the plane.

Here is Chase and Logan. Logan and lexi were so exctied to see him. Lexi kept looking at him to make sure that he was really there and was not going to get back on a plane.

We all were glad to see Chase. He is just a sweet and happy as he was before his mission and now he can say he servied his mission and Returned with Honor.

Logan's Photo shoot

This is first picture that I took when I took the pictures for Logan's photo shoot.

Logan wanted his picture taken on the Train tracks.

Logan is so excited to get Baptized. These are some picture for his invitation. I think that I will use the top photo for it. I still have to touch it up a bit but I think it is the best one.

My Little Boy Scout

I can not believe that Logan is now a boy scout. He has passed being a bobcat and is now working on becoming a wolf. He loves working on everything in his book. I am so proud of him. Logan loves it and can not wait to be like his Dad, Grandpa Hansen, Uncle Greg, Cousins : Chase and Tyler, His Uncle Blair and Uncle Craig and get his Eagle scout award.

The Five Love Languages

This is a book that I am reading. it is titled "The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate" by Gary Chapman. I think this is an amazing book that everyone should pick up and read. It helps you to understand what you need in your life.

To check out this book go to Barnes and Noble to check out this book.

After reading it I found that I am a Time oriented and service oriented person. These are the things that I need to fill my love tank.
I think that Logan is a Time oriented person and Lexi is a touch oriented person. If I had to guess I would say that I think that Jared is also a touch and time oriented person.