A Better Way????

I visited with Erin and her family for a little while tonight.  She and I enjoyed some much needed girl talk, a few giggles about our crazy lives, spicy gossip that keeps us sane, and perhaps a foul sentiment aimed directly at the heart of cancer.  That woman simply amazes me.  She could hardly open her eyes, but had the spunk for some good old fashion girl time.  I don't know how she does it.  If I had a fraction of Erin's strength, I would be ready to take on the world.  She is absolutely phenomenal.

As far as her journey goes, today was really the manure phase.  Erin struggled with pretty severe body aches, nausea, and just generally feeling like she had been hit by a truck.  I was watching her restless legs while listening to the quiet groans she tried to sneak by me and I told her, "There has to be a better way to fight this bull shit.  We need a better way."  Without missing a beat, Erin replied, "Thank God there is a way to fight it in the first place."  How does she do that?  Erin should have full license to share her struggles, complain about the unfairness of her situation, just share a good bitch session with a friend, but through it all, she is remaining grateful.  She is grateful for the drugs that make her body ache all over and hurt too much to move.  She is grateful for the chemo that is waging war on her cancer cells and, unfortunately, some healthy cells along the way.  She is grateful for the shot that after the physical pain has worn off, causes significant nausea.  She is grateful for all of it because all of these things are helping her destroy the cancer demon that is residing within and ultimately, claim back her healthy life.  How Erin pulls that out through the storm is simply miraculous.  Honestly, her response gave me chills, humbled my foul little mouth, and made me sit back and realize that perspective is huge.  Erin's glass isn't half full, it is all the way full of strength, positive spirit, humor, humility, and above all, a deep love for her family, her sweet boys, and her friends.

Thank you for continuing to support her through cards, care packages, meals, babysitting, donations at STCU.... all of it.  Erin shared with me so many of her sweet cards, loving notes, and gifts that have ended up in her mailbox.  I am so overjoyed to see this compassion.  We all feel the bubble of love that is surrounding our sweet Erin and helping hold her hand through this.  Thank you.

Thank You!!!

I visited with Erin yesterday and spoke with her on the phone today.  I am so encouraged by Erin's strength and positive demeanor.  She is simply amazing at every turn.  I cannot tell you how much it touches both of our hearts to see the outpouring of love and kindness as Erin fights this wicked monster.  She has received cards, meals, care packages, gift cards, babysitting, etc, from so many people.  It is all so, so, so kind.  Personally, I would like to thank EVERYONE and also some of my own friends who have sent meals, cards, and gift cards to Erin, without even knowing her.  These friends have said that any friend of mine is a friend of theirs and that sentiment has honestly shown me the good in humanity.

Erin, we all love you.  We are here for you - even people who are friends through friends and haven't experienced the joy of sipping a glass of good wine with you are here for you.  We are all sending positive thoughts, prayers, and occasionally a few profanities about the vileness of cancer, in your direction.  This fight sucks.  It isn't remotely fair.  BUT, you are seriously kicking some cancer butt and we are all cheering you on through each step.  Love you, Lady!!!!

Day One of Chemo, DONE!!

Erin made it through day one of chemo like a champ.  I am so unbelievably proud of her!!!  Erin is extremely strong and positive.  She had herceptin and chemo, along with other meds to help the process go smoother.  We did learn that the amount of benadryl they gave her caused a lot of restless leg feelings.  Honestly, the poor girl was moving and stretching like crazy.  The nurses did give her something to help with that and will be giving her a smaller dose of benadryl next time.  She slept through most of the chemo portion of her treatment and was really amazingly brave and strong through the whole thing.  Truly, Erin is an inspiration to me.  She amazes me constantly.  Erin looked over at me in my chair from her recliner and said, "You know, I really feel bad that you are sitting in that chair while I am all comfy with my feet up."  I told her, "You know, I really feel bad that you have cancer and my boobs are just fine..... this chair is great."  Glad I got a giggle out of her on that one.  Nevertheless, her concern for others, even when life is throwing her a storm, is phenomenal to me.

Cancer Care Northwest is absolutely an amazing organization.  Erin had incredible care today.  Her nurse was extremely attentive and was right on top of the leg issue - which sounds minor, but was horribly uncomfortable for her.  We were offered snacks and beverages throughout the day and were treated extremely well - like guests in the home of a good friend.  She even beat me at cribbage!  We made friends with some sisters near us, discovered a new cocktail recipe with them and heard some funny stories about their grandchildren.  Highlights of our day, for sure.

Erin will have chemo again on Thursday, September 6th.  Her doc has shared with her that her hair will probably begin falling out by that time.  We are hoping and praying that the next week and half is good for her and she handles things well.  Please continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers.  Cards are greatly appreciated - 3118 W Grace Spokane WA 99205

Good News!!!!!

Erin received her scan results. The cancer has NOT spread to her brain or her bones!!!!  YES!!!!!!!!!!!!  Now on to chemo. Keep sending the prayers and positive thoughts.

Thought For Today

Here we go!!!  Erin and I are stocked up with crackers, magazines, mints, candies, i-pad, cribbage board, and ready to start...

I'll try to post more tonight about how today went.  Please keep Erin in your thoughts and prayers.  Five and a half hours of chemo ass kicking is on tap today.

Treatments, Scan, and Christmas!

I visited with Erin and her mom for a little bit last night.  They both looked fabulous and were quite cheerful and positive. LOVE seeing Erin like that.  Thank you to all of her sweet friends (and some of mine too!!) for sending food, prayers, positive thoughts, wine!!!, care packages, etc.  Every bit of it is hugely appreciated.  On this post, I included some pictures of Erin's guys with my guys from the Santa Cruise last Christmas in Coeur d'Alene.  Last night, Erin said she was thinking about this health journey and her oldest had said he just wanted it over.  She told him that it will take at least until Christmas before the chemo is completed.  I guess that gives us all an extra reason to be excited for the holidays this year.  I'm hoping to have awesome, awesome news by the time we take the Santa Cruise again.

Erin had a CT scan this morning to see if the cancer has spread to her brain.  Hopefully, that will come back negative.  As soon as I hear, I will post an update.  Erin has been facing a dual battle, though, with fighting the big C and fighting for medical coverage.  Thank you to Cancer Care Northwest and Inland Imaging for helping her declare war on her provider.  It is sad and appalling that someone who should be focused on nothing but getting healthy has to take this on as well. 

Next week, Erin will begin chemo and herceptin treatments.  Her first treatment will be on Monday and should last about five hours.  I've volunteered to go with her and am hoping she will let me crash the chemo room.  Granted, my mouth is foul, my humor dry, and my sarcasm deep.  Hopefully I won't embarrass her too much!!!  I'm thinking of packing some games, books, and smutty magazines, along with snacks and beverages.  Sounds good, right?  If you have suggestions for me of things that would help pass the time, please let me know.

I had mentioned a hat/scarf party this weekend.  Unfortunately, my friends and I need to postpone that.  We will be looking at a weekend in September to meet at Audubon Park and collect hats and scarves for Erin.  I have told Erin that she is going to be a hot baldie and to just go with it, but I think she is more into hats, scarves, and her wig.  If you are anxious to get something to her sooner than our party, you can send packages to her house - 3118 W Grace, Spokane WA 99205 or drop them off with me at 3228 W Alice, Spokane WA 99205.  I teach at Prairie View Elementary on Five Mile and will be in and out between now and the start of school, so if it is easier to drop things off there, please do.  The secretaries can leave things in my mailbox if I am not up there when you go.  Thanks!!!

Please keep in mind the meal calendar (link at the bottom of the blog) and the benefit fund at STCU.  Every little bit helps.  Thanks!!!

Sad News

Erin heard from her doctor today that the cancer has spread to her lymph nodes.  She will go in tomorrow for a bone scan and will have a CT later to determine to what extent it has spread.  Please continue to pray for her and send her your positive thoughts.

If you would like to send cards, her address is 3118 W Grace Ave, Spokane WA 99205.  Her parents, Claire Bistline and David Broughton, have been there throughout this and would probably love your positive thoughts and prayers, too.  Her boys, Gavin (11) and Landon (5) are sweet guys who are into legos and getting ready to start a new school year.  Keep them in your thoughts, too.

Please consider donating to her benefit fund at Spokane Teachers Credit Union.  The account is entitled, "Erin Broughton Hughes Benefit Fund."

So.... Any News???

Erin had her appointment with the oncologist on Friday.  To be certain the cancer has not spread, Erin needs to have a few more tests/scans done.  Unfortunately, her insurance provider is causing some issues with these extra scans.  Erin did share that the people in the finance department at Cancer Care are helping her battle her insurance company.  Keep praying for good news soon!!! 

Erin will begin herceptin treatments this week, which hopefully will have few side effects.  Chemo treatments will begin on August 27th.  Due to Erin's heart reaction during surgery, there are no anti-nausea meds that are safe for her.  Keep Erin in your hearts on the 27th and pray that nausea is minimal.

Erin felt well enough to go with her family to Sandpoint and is considering a jaunt to the Shakespeare festival in Montana.  She is hanging out with her boys and enjoying the beautiful area while healing from surgery.  Sounds like a good plan!!!

Home!!!

Erin is at home and resting in her own bed.  She is struggling with pain management at this point.  Glad her folks are taking such great care of her!!!!

Donating Tips and Gift Ideas

I am learning that Erin has friends who love her all over the country!  It is so awesome to see.  If you are not in the Spokane area and would like to make a donation to her account, please check out this link: http://www.cuswirl.com/  It is about shared branching through credit unions.  If there is a location near you and you would like to donate, please e-mail me.  (kimleighty@comcast.net)  You will need the member number to access Erin's fund at Spokane Teachers Credit Union.  Thanks!!!  And, thank you Jennifer Holm, our banking expert!!!  I could not figure this all out without your help!!!

During the chemo class, the nurse had several great tips for this process.  Erin will need to take good care of her skin.  The nurse recommended aveeno bath, aveeno lotion, and cetaphil.  She said to steer clear of scented lotions, so no fancy bath and body works stuff.  She will need sunscreen (30-50 spf) every time she goes outside.  Of course, Erin will need hats and scarves - we are working on a hat picnic at Audubon Park in Spokane on Sunday, August 26th.  At this point, Erin has purchased a wig and has shared that she does not want another one.  I'll let you know if that changes.  The nurse encouraged the patients to keep a journal about their reactions to chemo - typically each cycle is similar.  (i.e. if day two is difficult in the first cycle of chemo, it will probably be hard in the second cycle, etc.)  She also was encouraged to keep a journal of her feelings.  So, journals or purse sized notebooks would be great.  She will need shirts with buttons or v-necks for access to her port.  I think zip up sweatshirts or button up sweaters might be helpful as the nurse recommended layers.  Also, she said bringing a blanket might be a good idea, too.  I have heard from breast cancer survivors that they eventually get quite tired of the color pink.  So, some pink is ok, but other colors are good, too. 

I posted yesterday, but ginger lozenges, tart candy, mints, natural ginger ale, etc, would be helpful, too.

I'm sure her boys will need some pick me ups, too.  Gavin is definitely a lego lover.  Landon is creative and likes to draw and make things.  Gavin is 11 and Landon is 5.  I wish I had more tips for them, but I'll post if I get some.

Thank you for thinking of our sweet Erin!!!
Kim

Update from Today

Erin had her chemo port surgically put in today and her lymph node test.  The team used dye in the lymph nodes to track if and where the cancer might have spread.  At this point, I have no information on that part of today.  Due to Erin's rare heart condition, the anesthesiologist had to be very careful with the medication given.  Both anesthesia and anti-nausea medications can aggravate her specific heart condition.  Near the end of the surgery, there was some trouble with her heart rhythm.  The team and her really amazing doctor had anticipated this being a possibility and were ready to fight it.  They gave her medication to reverse that effect and are now watching her overnight at Sacred Heart in Spokane.  Her doctor told her dad and I that keeping her overnight is really a precaution to watch Erin and make sure the anesthesia is completely out of her system before she returns home.  Her doctor also said she was fairly certain Erin could have returned home tonight and be fine, but both she and Erin's cardiologist thought this would be the safest choice.  Additionally, this will get the on-call cardiologist to check in on her tonight and make sure she is recovering safely.

A disappointing new development from today's heart incident is that the team will have to be fairly conservative with anti-nausea medication and will need to be extremely careful with anesthesia.  We were all heart broken to think that Erin might be facing chemo treatments without the optimal anti-nausea meds, but are hopeful her team can keep coming up with ideas to try.

We attended a chemo class before surgery this morning and learned many tips about how to cope during the process.  I'll post more later, but I know things like natural ginger ale (the fancy stuff from Huckleberry's), mints, hard candies, tart candies, and juices may be helpful.  It truly sounded like things one would try to battle morning sickness during pregnancy.

Please continue to keep Erin and her family in your thoughts and prayers.  I will touch base with her family and post as often as I can in the next few days. 

This Week

I spoke with Erin yesterday.  She is so grateful for the outpouring of support, the meals, the fund, the babysitting, etc.  I am learning she has an amazing group of friends and is quite lucky in that way.  Erin has some additional tests and scans this week, followed by surgery on Wednesday.  I'll post updates as I get them.  Erin is a strong woman who is going to fight this all tooth and nail.  Thanks for lifting her up in prayer and positive thoughts.  She shared with me that she absolutely knows the prayer and positive thoughts helped her through her son's health scare years ago.  So, I am asking you to lift her up again.  Anytime works, but especially send her your mental love and prayers on Wednesday.  Thanks.

Also, I am considering throwing a hat party for Erin.  She doesn't need to come if she isn't up to it, but I thought we could share some drinks and appetizers, but entrance to the party would be a hat, wig, or scarf for Erin.  Her doctor said her chemo treatments will be very aggressive and her hair will go quickly.  Party planning isn't exactly my strength, so please contact me if you would like to help out.  kimleighty@comcast.net   Thanks!!!

Meal Calendar

If you are interested in delivering a meal to Erin and her family, please sign up at
http://www.TakeThemAMeal.com/meals.php?t=KCNY3794  

The password is: erin  

I have a few people signed up for a couple of the early days after her surgery.  I didn't add those to the calendar, but please still plan on your date for a meal.  Erin does like fresh fruits and veggies, too.  It is completely not necessary, but if you are like me and love to share vino, she and her mother prefer red wine.  Another thing to consider is frozen meals that Erin can store and cook later. 

I have spoken to Erin, and she would prefer that people deliver the meals to me.  Her mom will come get them from  me.  Please know she loves you all dearly, but would prefer privacy through her fight and desperately doesn't want to be sick in front of friends. I am so proud of her for asking for this and for taking care of herself.  Now she doesn't have to worry about the house or herself looking presentable.  My address is 3228 W Alice, Spokane, WA 99205.  The google map is posted on the TakeThemAMeal website.  Thank you so much for your understanding. 
Kim

Benefit Fund

A benefit fund has been established through Spokane Teachers Credit Union to help Erin cover her medical expenses.  Donations can be made at any STCU branch.  The fund name is: "Erin Broughton Hughes Benefit Fund."  STCU branches can be found all over Spokane, one in Post Falls, one in Newport, and one in Bonner.  To find specific addresses click here: stcu branches.  On behalf of Erin and her family, thank you for your care and love as this beautiful woman fights this wretched disease.

Thoughts

I have heard from a dear friend of Erin's who would like to share that Erin works so hard and is always caring about others over herself.  She typically buys things for herself secondhand in order to take care of her boys first.  She is an amazing mother who is always sacrificing for her family.  She and her boys all have heart conditions and could use your prayers and support.  I am not sure what her guys know, so please be sensitive with what you communicate with them.

If you would like to send her a card of support, her address is 3118 W Grace Ave; Spokane WA 99205.  Her mother, Claire Bistline, is staying with her until this nightmare is over.  Please consider sending her a note of support, as well.  For those of you in Spokane, I'd like to work on providing meals for them, especially once chemo begins.  Please let me know if you are interested in participating.  My e-mail is kimleighty@comcast.net.  I don't know of any dietary restrictions, but will look into that.

As soon as I get a donation fund set up to help offset her medical expenses, I will post that information on here as well.  If that is something you can do, thank you in advance for your support. 

And so it begins

Erin and I have been friends for a long time.  We worked together when her dad called her on her birthday, teasing her about turning "a quarter of a century."  She was a bridesmaid in my wedding and I was one in hers.  We were pregnant with our second sons together, having them exactly a month apart.  I simply love her like the sister I always wished for.

Erin is very private, kind of secretive, and simply amazing.  I love her dearly and am praying for peace for her and her amazing children through this horrid journey through hell and back.  The quick version is that Erin has a rare form of breast cancer.  Her oncologist said it was the "you are too friggin' young for this" kind.  Typically it is seen in women in their 80's.  Erin will go in for lymph node surgery and will get her chemo port, both on August 15th.  I know few details, but will post as I get them.  Please keep praying for her. 

I will see if I can set up an account for donations tomorrow.  I know her medical bills will be an extra burden we can help her with.  I will post as soon as her fund is set up.