Tonia’s Story

Site created on May 31, 2018


Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

As many of you know, Tonia was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer. Invasive means the  cancer has spread from the duct and has invaded the surrounding breast tissue.
In March I noticed a small lump in Tonia's left breast and convinced her that she needed to get it checked out. We made an appointment with a physician in the area and had a mammogram scheduled the following day. the lump didn't register on the mammogram ( kind of a scary thought).  The diagnostic center also did an Ultrasound that did pick up the lump.
They scheduled a biopsy on May 4th and got the results back on May 8th confirming that it was indeed cancerous. 
We had a great friend that got us in to Texas Oncology later that week so we could meet with  the surgeon and figure out the best course of action to get her treated.   After meeting with the surgeon, the recommendation was Genetic testing ( to see what if this was something we needed to be concerned about with Sydney) and an MRI. The surgeon recommended a double Mastectomy with reconstruction and Hormonal Therapy. The do not know at this time if Chemotherapy will be needed until they fully remove the tumor and send it to a pathologist .  

Newest Update

Journal entry by Mike Swartzer

Well, I know it has been a long time since I last updated, but it was for good reason.
I had promised my amazing wife I would lay off of the updates.
Tonia has never liked being the center of attention and these updates made her very uncomfortable. 
Today I feel like it is time for an update! today Tonia finished her 6th and FINAL round of the two horrible forms of Chemo. Every time she has received Chemo, the side affects have gotten worse each time.  
Watching her go through this has been hard. You wish you could take away the pain, the zap of energy and the sickness that comes with these harsh treatments. but as hard as it is to watch, I know it is far worse being the person that is going through it.
I am so proud of Tonia! she has been able to continue being a great mom, a great wife and an amazing friend to everyone she knows. She has been able to battle through the complete depletion of energy, and still be productive and positive. I am amazed by her strength!

I love my bald headed beauty, and I know she will be knocked down for the next 3-4 days. She will be sick and have zero energy. but the great news, this is the LAST TIME!!
She will still be receiving a maintenance dose of Herceptin for the next year, so for her this is a bit bittersweet, but she will start feeling better and get back to her normal energetic self. Soon she will be racing up and down the streets of Keller and she will be back to 100%

There are so many people that have helped us in so many ways. Friends have taken her to doctors appointments, sat with her during Chemo, helped with the kids, provided meals, provided wigs and hats, sent prayers and well wishes. There is no way we can every repay you all for everything you have done, or even properly thank you all. But please know, she couldn't have gotten through this without each and every one of you!

We are truly blessed to have you all in our lives!
   
 
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