Journal entry by Nicole Weh —
I'm thrilled to share with you that my journey of a thousand miles began with step one on Thursday with my first treatment. But, I'm getting ahead of myself, it was an eventful week.
On Friday, August 24th I received some difficult news. I found out that I have a gene mutation called CHEK2. CHEK2 causes my body not to recognize and destroy abnormal cells and DNA thus allowing cancer to grow relatively unchecked. People with CHEK2 are at significantly increased risk of developing specific cancers including thyroid, breast, colorectal, kidney, prostate, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. For those of you who know my family well, unfortunately we have had several family members who have had or have passed away because of these cancers. The hardest part of this news was knowing that my family members and my kids may have this mutation too, thus increasing their likelihood of developing one of these cancers. All of my first degree relatives are going to be checked and I have been referred for genetic counseling for further testing and to learn more about the risks. CHEK2 is a relatively new scientific discovery. I'm praying that research will lead to a way to replace the faulty gene so this mutation won't plague future generations.
I had a Power Port placed in my chest on Monday. The Power Port is necessary for administering chemo intravenously. But in my case, the Power Port is AWESOME because I have really bad veins. The medical staff can use the port to draw blood and deliver any other contrast dyes and medication. I had heard and read a wide variety of stories about people's experience with getting the Power Port implanted. Some people said it was no big deal and they were just a little sore for a day or two, others saying it was a painful procedure and it took a week or two for the swelling and soreness to subside. Unfortunately, I was in camp two. Apparently, conscience sedation doesn't really work for me. I was completely aware of everything during the procedure. I didn't really feel pain because they inject local anesthetic, but the mental stress was rough. As soon as they were done, I experienced a lot of stinging and pain at the two incision sites. That pain increased throughout the day and evening. Even with ice applied to the sites, I also had a lot of swelling which made it even more painful. Long story short, I called in for some pain medicine on Tuesday morning because the ice and Tylenol weren't cutting it. Most of Tuesday was good with the help of the pain medication, until dose three rolled around. I had started to have a reaction to the pain medication that lead into Wednesday. Unfortunately, pain medication and I don't get along. It seems that my body doesn't metabolize it at the typical rate so it builds up in my system basically causing an overdose effect. NOT FUN! It took most of Wednesday for the pain medicine to work its way out of my body. Thankfully, by Wednesday evening I was pretty much back to feeling like myself.
Thursday was the day I had been both looking forward to and dreading since this journey began...chemo day. I would like to start by saying the entire staff at Siteman Cancer Center in South County is amazing. I walked in a nervous mess and left feeling welcomed and comfortable. The nursing staff explained each step thoroughly (which I like) and told me what to expect. They provided me with a lot of tips to staying healthy and comfortable at home over the next few days. I was also very uplifted by the other patients in the pod with me. They were so encouraging. One man I met is a retired special education teacher and administrator. He was getting his last treatment. Mom and I heard him ring the bell in celebration. I know this was a reassuring sign from God. I will be that person ringing that bell in a few short months. I experienced NO PAIN with chemo. Honestly, it was the easiest thing I've done in the past six weeks. When I go back for for round two on September 13th, I won't walk in a nervous Nelly ;-)
On Friday I saw the plastic surgeon, Dr. Buck, who will do the reconstruction of my breasts after the bilateral mastectomy. Due to my CHEK2 mutation, I will require a bilateral mastectomy. This will reduce the chance for re-occurrence...I'm completely on board with reducing re-occurrence! Dr. Buck explained that my process will be a bit slower that some women who have this procedure because I have to have radiation due to lymph node involvement. Implants can't be inserted for six months post radiation. Honestly, I'm completely fine with this news. Things have been happening so fast, that pushing things back is comforting.
I'm sitting here on Saturday morning typing this. I have a little nausea and a bit weakness, but I really can't complain. I am overflowing with the love, peace, and joy that God has absolutely surrounded me in. I'm not going to sugarcoat this. I have moments of fear, pain, and sadness. But, when I'm beginning to feel dragged down, God intervenes. Sometimes it's a text or a call, a devotional, or a meditation, but HE always pulls me back. For that I am so grateful. I am also grateful to our family and friends. You guys are seriously AMAZING! My family and I feel your love and support. I've been blown away by the meal train, gift certificates, and offers to help in any way. I can't thank you all enough. We have so much to repay.
Next week is an "off" week. I'm so excited to go back to school since I wasn't able to work most of last week. Hopefully, I can stay healthy and rebound for round 2! After typing all of this, I realize this week wan't step one, it was a few more than that.
"And He said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you." Matthew 17:20
On Friday, August 24th I received some difficult news. I found out that I have a gene mutation called CHEK2. CHEK2 causes my body not to recognize and destroy abnormal cells and DNA thus allowing cancer to grow relatively unchecked. People with CHEK2 are at significantly increased risk of developing specific cancers including thyroid, breast, colorectal, kidney, prostate, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. For those of you who know my family well, unfortunately we have had several family members who have had or have passed away because of these cancers. The hardest part of this news was knowing that my family members and my kids may have this mutation too, thus increasing their likelihood of developing one of these cancers. All of my first degree relatives are going to be checked and I have been referred for genetic counseling for further testing and to learn more about the risks. CHEK2 is a relatively new scientific discovery. I'm praying that research will lead to a way to replace the faulty gene so this mutation won't plague future generations.
I had a Power Port placed in my chest on Monday. The Power Port is necessary for administering chemo intravenously. But in my case, the Power Port is AWESOME because I have really bad veins. The medical staff can use the port to draw blood and deliver any other contrast dyes and medication. I had heard and read a wide variety of stories about people's experience with getting the Power Port implanted. Some people said it was no big deal and they were just a little sore for a day or two, others saying it was a painful procedure and it took a week or two for the swelling and soreness to subside. Unfortunately, I was in camp two. Apparently, conscience sedation doesn't really work for me. I was completely aware of everything during the procedure. I didn't really feel pain because they inject local anesthetic, but the mental stress was rough. As soon as they were done, I experienced a lot of stinging and pain at the two incision sites. That pain increased throughout the day and evening. Even with ice applied to the sites, I also had a lot of swelling which made it even more painful. Long story short, I called in for some pain medicine on Tuesday morning because the ice and Tylenol weren't cutting it. Most of Tuesday was good with the help of the pain medication, until dose three rolled around. I had started to have a reaction to the pain medication that lead into Wednesday. Unfortunately, pain medication and I don't get along. It seems that my body doesn't metabolize it at the typical rate so it builds up in my system basically causing an overdose effect. NOT FUN! It took most of Wednesday for the pain medicine to work its way out of my body. Thankfully, by Wednesday evening I was pretty much back to feeling like myself.
Thursday was the day I had been both looking forward to and dreading since this journey began...chemo day. I would like to start by saying the entire staff at Siteman Cancer Center in South County is amazing. I walked in a nervous mess and left feeling welcomed and comfortable. The nursing staff explained each step thoroughly (which I like) and told me what to expect. They provided me with a lot of tips to staying healthy and comfortable at home over the next few days. I was also very uplifted by the other patients in the pod with me. They were so encouraging. One man I met is a retired special education teacher and administrator. He was getting his last treatment. Mom and I heard him ring the bell in celebration. I know this was a reassuring sign from God. I will be that person ringing that bell in a few short months. I experienced NO PAIN with chemo. Honestly, it was the easiest thing I've done in the past six weeks. When I go back for for round two on September 13th, I won't walk in a nervous Nelly ;-)
On Friday I saw the plastic surgeon, Dr. Buck, who will do the reconstruction of my breasts after the bilateral mastectomy. Due to my CHEK2 mutation, I will require a bilateral mastectomy. This will reduce the chance for re-occurrence...I'm completely on board with reducing re-occurrence! Dr. Buck explained that my process will be a bit slower that some women who have this procedure because I have to have radiation due to lymph node involvement. Implants can't be inserted for six months post radiation. Honestly, I'm completely fine with this news. Things have been happening so fast, that pushing things back is comforting.
I'm sitting here on Saturday morning typing this. I have a little nausea and a bit weakness, but I really can't complain. I am overflowing with the love, peace, and joy that God has absolutely surrounded me in. I'm not going to sugarcoat this. I have moments of fear, pain, and sadness. But, when I'm beginning to feel dragged down, God intervenes. Sometimes it's a text or a call, a devotional, or a meditation, but HE always pulls me back. For that I am so grateful. I am also grateful to our family and friends. You guys are seriously AMAZING! My family and I feel your love and support. I've been blown away by the meal train, gift certificates, and offers to help in any way. I can't thank you all enough. We have so much to repay.
Next week is an "off" week. I'm so excited to go back to school since I wasn't able to work most of last week. Hopefully, I can stay healthy and rebound for round 2! After typing all of this, I realize this week wan't step one, it was a few more than that.
"And He said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you." Matthew 17:20
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