All Kinds of News

I was lucky enough to sneak in a small visit with Erin, Claire, and Claire's sister, Susan.  They were having a cozy Valentine's Day snuggled up with Claire, who was experiencing a harder day, post-chemo.  Erin and Claire both agree that this new chemo cocktail is not very kind.  Erin has discovered that acupuncture has been helpful with the nausea and fatigue.  Hopefully that will continue to be a successful tool for her.  Although both women have been facing some unpleasant side effects, we still enjoyed some chatting, teasing,  a touch of gossip, and maybe just enough profanity to make a sailor blush.  All in all, it was wonderful to see their positive nature shine through, even on a harder day.

The gals and I did receive some fun news this weekend.  Our blog has been selected as one of the top cancer blogs by Empowered Doctor.  Empowered Doctor is a news affiliate of The Chicago Tribune, Arizona Central, and CBS New York.  To begin with, I think we are all a little shocked that our humble little blog crossed their computer screens at all.  We are just beginning to learn what this recognition means, but are so excited for the possibilities.  I keep thinking back to when Erin was first diagnosed this summer.  This blog really started as a way to communicate her updates and stories with her friends and family.  Within a couple of months, we sadly added Claire to the cancer journey.  Although the original intention was just communication with loved ones, we are all learning the vastness of our audience.  I am so, so incredibly proud of Erin and Claire for allowing me to share their stories.  Through their openness with me and their willingness to publicize this journey, they are helping to hold the hands of many other people struggling directly with cancer or supporting a loved one in the same predicament.  Thank you, Erin and Claire.  This blog might be pounded out by my fingers, but the stories belong to you.  Your courage and strength will benefit so many.  I am so, so proud of both of you.

A Phenomenal Benefit and Some Chemo Updates

Without question, Terry and Claire have been blessed with some fabulous friends in Ajo.  A few weeks ago, their Arizona family held a benefit silent auction and dance fundraiser.  All of the tickets were sold, filling their venue to capacity.  Local artisans donated all kinds of wonderful items like handmade jewelry, handmade pottery, original paintings, private in-home concerts, brunch for six, as well as many other amazing finds.  Paintings by both Claire and by Terry were auctioned off, touching off a bit of a bidding war by some friends.  The winner of Claire's painting donated it the same night to a mutual friend who loved it so much.  What a touching gesture!  It sounds to me like something Claire herself would do.  Awesome.  Thank you to everyone who donated items, purchased tickets, bid on the prizes, and helped make this event a huge success.  Special thanks to Chris Manson, Wendee Cloutier, Deborah Whittemore, and Ralph Hudson for making this the most organized event imaginable.  My apologies if I missed anyone, just know that all of the time, blood, sweat, and tears that went into this event is greatly appreciated.  Claire and Terry can feel the love, even from miles away.  I'm sure it has brightened many of their days in gray, wintry Spokane.  Thank you!

Claire returned to chemo today.  Hopefully, it will be kind to her.  This is her first taste of the "poison" since her mastectomy.  In time, she will see how her body reacts to this breed of chemo.  We are all crossing our fingers that it does the job, while sparing her the awful side effects.  Claire did receive some good news from her CT scan.  Her cancer has not spread to any other locations!!!!!  AWESOME!!!!!   She will be having chemo treatments every three weeks, with a total of four rounds of chemo in this set.

Erin had another round of chemo last week, her second since her lumpectomy.  This type of chemo is different than what she had last fall and is not treating her kindly.  Erin is struggling with intense nausea and extreme fatigue.  Hopefully, the side effects will lessen soon.  She shared with me that while she was having a particularly difficult moment, her sweet Landy Lou brought her juice, crackers, and tissues to try to console his loving mama.  What a sweet little man!  Those two boys are remarkable.

If you would like to send Erin and Claire your support, cards can be sent to:
3118 W Grace
Spokane WA 99205

Also, their meal calendar has seen very little activity since the holidays.  January is so hard for all of us!  If February is treating you kinder and you would like to sign up, please do.  Thank you!!!

Schweitzer Pictures!

Schweitzer!!!

Last week, Alex and his family flew up to visit with Erin, Claire, and family.  The visit meant so much to our gals who were counting the days until the arrival of the Broughton Family from California.  They spent a long weekend up at Schweitzer together.  They rented a condo and enjoyed some time visiting.  Alex and his wife, Narumi, took the kids skiing and had a blast.  Three of Erin's aunts and one of her uncles were able to visit, too.  Erin shared that it was super relaxing and very fun.  They hung out, went out to dinner, played cribbage, and shared stories.  From all accounts, Erin and Claire enjoyed some precious time with family and will be looking forward to the next get together.

This round of chemo has been kicking Erin's buns a little, but overall, she seems to be in good spirits and coping well.  Please continue to keep both Erin and Claire in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to fight their battles with cancer.  Thank goodness the blueness of January is departing in a few short hours.  I know at my house, the excitement of the holidays has passed, the checking account is just barely in the black, homework for my little people is mounting quickly, work demands keep me hopping, and my inclination is to hibernate with a hot mug of tea and wait out these dark days.  I'm hoping that as Erin and Claire's friends, we can tap into some of the enthusiasm we felt during the holidays and keep sharing our love and encouragement with these amazing women in whatever ways we can.  Letters or cards of encouragement and support can be sent to 3118 W Grace, Spokane WA 99205.  If you are inclined to make a meal for our friends, please visit their meal calendar.  Thank you!

Life with Chemo

Chemo is really an ugly monster.  Overall, Erin is doing well, but has been fighting some nausea, sour stomach, and a headache or two.  Oh how fun.  Luckily, she has been able to enjoy some fun things, too.  She and I whisked Claire and Terry away to see Les Miserables yesterday.  Simply amazing!  Thank goodness we brought the tissues for one of us..... not saying who, but there might have been a sob or two stifled in our row.  We also stopped for lunch.  Who knew a chemo belly would enjoy some sushi after a little bit of popcorn??

Today, we met at Chuck E. Cheese to let the boys run and play.  That was three hours of solid fun!  Well, fun.... except for when that crazy critter came out to lead a dance party, much to the horror of a couple of little people.  AND, other sad news, someone needs to inform Mr. Cheese that switching to Pepsi does not make these two tired moms excited!  NOT AT ALL!!!!  What in the world?  Huge disappointment.  Oh well, the skee ball, basketballs, and slobber coated vampire teeth definitely made up for it.  

Erin's brother and his family are coming to town this Thursday.  Erin and her family are looking forward to spending the weekend with them at Schweitzer.  It sounds like everyone is crazy excited for the visit.  Hopefully the gurgling belly stuff will have run its course and Erin can enjoy some family time.

Birthday Celebrations!!!

It definitely sounds like Erin had a fabulous birthday weekend.  She started off her festivities on Friday by dining with our long time friends, Jennifer and Kerrie.  I'm sure the evening was filled with tales of their children, giggles about many old stories, and apparently some delicious clams for the birthday girl.  Sorry to miss out on this very special girls' night!  Next time!!!

On Saturday, Erin enjoyed a quiet morning at home, a massage, her first foray to Polka Dot Pottery (which she LOVED), and a birthday dinner with friends.  A million thanks to Dyanne and Su for arranging Erin's incredible day.  She shared that it was absolutely amazing, very relaxing, and exactly what she needed.  A HUGE thank you to Su's hubby for taking all the boys swimming, followed by dinner out, and video games at the McDonald home.  Brave, brave man!!!  I know Erin greatly appreciated the time.

On Monday, Erin celebrated her actual birthday at Milford's, enjoying a yummy martini and the best seafood in Spokane.  Sweet Landy Lou accompanied his mom to dinner along with another friend.  Unfortunately, Gavin was feeling under the weather and not able to join in the festivities.

I was unable to see Erin this weekend as my family was out of town visiting friends and family.  This morning, I hurried by her home to drop off her present on my way to work.  I set the package on her doorstep, knocked on the door, and got in the car.  Well, as we all know, Erin is one of the most giving, caring people ever, and showed it again today.  As I was pulling out, I saw my sweet friend, barreling down the driveway, wrapped in a blanket, wearing her pajamas, bald head completely exposed (very, very rare!!), BAREFOOT in the snow, and carrying a small package.  One of my first grade students and his family have done many things to help out Erin.... too many things to mention.  Well, sweet Erin had a small thank you for my guy and was NOT going to let another day pass without getting it to the little man.  Barefoot..... what was she thinking?  Oh yeah, like always, she was thinking of others, regardless of the discomfort to her.  On a separate note, I must say, Erin was absolutely stunning.  I don't know how she pulls it off, but she is definitely one hot baldie!!!

After her barefoot adventure in the icy driveway, Erin unfortunately had to set off for another round of chemo.  She has three more to go after today's dose and will finish up around April.  Her team will then discuss what the next steps will be.  I know items on the table include maybe a mastectomy, radiation, or perhaps both.  As for now, hopefully Erin will tolerate the chemo well and will be feeling awesome for a visit with her brother soon.  I know she has been looking forward to seeing him.

Thank you to everyone who made her birthday weekend extremely special.  Erin is beyond grateful for the support, the time to relax, the visits with friends, and ultimately getting to see how much she means to so many.  As Erin stares down this chemo monster once again, cards of encouragement can be sent to her home at 3118 W Grace, Spokane WA 99205.  Thank you!!!!

Enjoying the Sunshine

Last week, Claire and Terry flew out of the snowy mess in Spokane for some time with friends in Ajo.  I hear they are being quite spoiled in their desert home and haven't had to cook a single meal, awesome!  Love the pictures!

Claire with her friend, Hope

Claire in the sunny desert!  YEAH, her hand is in her pocket!

Terry and friends sipping lattes in the plaza

A church in the plaza.  Beautiful!!!!

It's About Time!!!

Finally..... some good news!  Erin met with her oncologist to review her scan results.  Her cancer has NOT spread!!!!!!!!  AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  The new plan is for her to restart chemo next week.  She will have four chemo treatments and finish that phase.  Then, the team will reconvene to decide the next step.  Thank you for all the prayers and well wishes.  It was finally Erin's turn for some fabulous news - best birthday present EVER!!!!!! 

Updates

Erin had a P.E.T scan this week to determine if the cancer has spread.  I believe the docs were specifically focused on her bones, brain, lungs, and liver, but am not positive on that detail.  At this point, Erin has not received the results and is anxious to hear from her doctors.  She thought the earliest she would hear anything would be later next week.  Based on these results, a plan will be made for her future treatment.  I will post as soon as I hear.

Claire is doing well.  I know it hasn't been all sunshine and roses, but I am amazed at how well she has handled recovery from her mastectomy thus far.  It isn't like she has been symptom free, but Claire is strong and fighting back.  She was given the green light to fly and has tickets for a trip to Arizona soon.  I am sure she is over the moon excited to see her Ajo friends and maybe enjoy some warmer temps!  Claire and Terry recently accompanied my family and some friends to a wine tasting.  I know we wore her out, but it was so awesome to see them both having fun.  LOVE it!!!!

Erin's birthday is coming up on January 14th.  I told her she shares a birthday with Benedict Arnold, but I don't think she was impressed at all.  Perhaps it would impress her more to learn her special day is also the anniversary of the birth of Andy Rooney and Faye Dunaway?  Maybe???  Or.... well.... L.L. Cool J?  Not sure.  In any case, birthday cards can be sent to her at 3118 W Grace, Spokane WA 99205.  Thanks!!!

Their benefit fund is still open for donations, and will be open until this mess is over.  Donations can be made at any Spokane Teachers Credit Union to the "Erin Broughton Hughes Benefit Fund." Also, a link to the wide open meal calendar is on the right side of the blog for any interested chefs out there.  Thank you for all the support, encouragement, positive thoughts, meals, cards, care packages, and prayers sent to these inspiring women.  I know that is what keeps them fighting and smiling.  Blessings to this new year.  May 2013 be much healthier than 2012.

Snowy Day

The guys, Erin, and I packed her van and drove off to the sledding hill, yesterday.  With screams of delight, unstoppable giggles, and maybe just a little bit of boyhood mischief, we had an unforgettable day.  I'm not sure if my favorite part was Erin rolling down the hill or perhaps, Landon walking up the hill murmuring, "My Precious," while hiding the boot he stole from the little man at the bottom of the hill.  Gotta love boys!!!!

The Big Boys taking care of Willow.

Look carefully.... Erin is rolling, rolling, rolling.....

Landon hauling down the hill.

The True Meaning of Christmas

People are absolutely amazing.  As much as this struggle has been hard to watch, from my perspective, and hard to live from Erin and Claire's perspective.... it is so astounding to see the good in people.

Duncan and Bennett, high school students and athletes coached by Erin's brother, Alex, started a fundraising campaign with some friends and fellow runners.  Duncan has shared that the money was donated from other cross country families, other students, as well as families from the school that do not know Coach Broughton.  Additionally, members of a local running club donated funds, too.  They received donations from people as young as 10 to senior citizens.  Awesome!  The guys collected numerous donations ranging from $5 to $1000 by one generous family.  AMAZING!  Duncan and Bennett presented Alex with gift cards to Amazon.com and Walmart, as well as a very substantial check.  I love seeing kids take the initiative to give back.  Alex, you must mean so much to these boys!!  Duncan, Bennett, and crew, thank you for looking out for your awesome coach.  This is the very essence of the Christmas spirit.  Your Spokane friends are so extremely proud of you!!

I called Erin yesterday and asked if I could come crash her house.  (Truthfully, I had some good news for her and a bottle of wine I was given, with the caveat I drink it with Erin and Claire.)  Luckily, Erin said to come on over, but that she needed a couple of minutes.  She said within seconds of hanging up the phone with me, the doorbell rang.  She wasn't quite dressed yet and went running to the door, throwing on mismatched sweats and a marines knit cap.  Erin's guests were a local boy scout troop that "adopted" Erin, Claire, and the family for Christmas.  The boys delivered presents and a meal.  That is so incredibly awesome!  I just wish I had been a little faster and could have seen it, too.

Yesterday, a friend of mine, Ginger, texted me to say she wanted to pick up a ham for the family for Christmas.  What a fabulous idea!!!  Well, she called the "Honey Baked Ham" company near North Town Mall in Spokane, to order a ham.  In talking with the owner, she shared a bit about Erin and Claire's story.  The owner, Shawna, said that she rarely watches television, but caught the interview on KXLY a couple of weeks ago.  She was moved by the story and is donating an entire Christmas dinner from her company to Erin and family, complete with side dishes and all the fixings.  AWESOME!!!!!  It is heartwarming to see companies going above and beyond to help support friends in the community.... or in this case, to support complete strangers.  Thank you so much to Shawna and Jeff with Honey Baked Ham.  Your dinner will make their Christmas extra special and a whole lot easier to prepare.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

So.... how are they?  Claire is really doing well - at least from my naive perspective.  We shared some wine and laughs yesterday.  I was surprised to see her up and about, just like normal.  She has found that staying on top of the pain med regimen really is the key, as well as being gentle with her arm during this healing process.  With the help of Erin and Terry, she is making it work.  She also was planning on braving the stores and doing a little Christmas shopping yesterday.  Unbelievable.  I guess I never really thought about the recovery time for a mastectomy, but I never would have imagined she would be up and at 'em this quickly.  I know she is tired and sore, to say the least, but I am encouraged by how active she is.

Erin is in very good spirits, actually acting a touch goofier than me at times, shocking, I know!!!  She was truly a sight yesterday, in red, sock monkey pajama pants, a bright pink sweatshirt, a blue-green nightgown hanging out of the sweatshirt, and alternating hats between the marines cap and a penguin hat.  Although, my favorite was the platinum blond wig, pushed waaaaaayyyyy back on her head, leaving a monk-like forehead.  Awesome.  And, the best news of all, wine finally tastes good to Erin again.  Whew.  I was worried our friendship wouldn't make it through that little speed bump.

A Great Day!

Miraculously, Claire came home from the hospital last night.  She is resting in her own bed, with her family doting on her.  She has had some soreness, but Erin is making sure she keeps on top of her pain med regimen.

Erin and David took the boys out today for a little lunch, and perhaps to give Claire and Terry some blissful quiet.  My guys and I joined them for a crazy fun time at Chuck E. Cheese.  The boys scampered through the restaurant with coins weighing down their pockets and tickets flowing behind them.  And, when the tokens were spent, they ran about playing some type of imaginary fighting game, all while dodging each other and hiding behind machines.  Their silliness was absolutely contagious.

Brief Claire Update

Erin shared with me that Claire is out of surgery.  The doctor said it went well.  Terry shared that there were no surprises during the surgery.  Definitely a good sign!!!  I will post more as I hear it.  Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Claire's Turn for Surgery

Some of the time, I covet the strength, stamina, and tenacity of this amazing family.  Most of the time, I feel really guilty to be blessed with great health while others have so much on their plates .... this experience really does give me pause.  All of the time, I know how extremely lucky I am to be friends with such fabulous people like Claire, Erin, and their families.

Stamina and endurance will be gracing this family as they take another big step (or leap!!!!) this week.  Claire's surgeon felt moving up her mastectomy would be the best plan.  Claire has had a minor, but annoying, complication since her lymphnodectomy last month, that could eventually lead to infection.  Unfortunately, chemo compromises the immune system and leaves Claire at a disadvantaged state to battle that possibility.  So, Claire's surgery (single mastectomy) is scheduled for this Wednesday, December 19th, first thing in the morning.  At this point, she is scheduled to spend one night in Sacred Heart Hospital.

When we knew that she would definitely be facing a mastectomy, I tried to think of the positives.  I made *genius* comments about how Claire has a great husband who will love her no matter what the surgeon has to take from her, and that she won't be having any more babies, so nursing isn't an issue.  I was truly trying to find the silver lining to a cloud that really should just be allowed to be a bitter, dark, ugly cloud.  Claire said to me, "Well, this is the first body part I have ever had to say goodbye to."  To me, that statement was so, so powerful.  I needed that perspective.

This absolutely sucks and will not be easy.  And, regardless of her love and support system, Claire is so absolutely allowed to feel this loss and mourn it.  If I had to walk in her shoes, I know I would share those sentiments.  Thank you Claire, for showing me that side.  It used to be in our society, that we were allowed to mourn.  Widows and widowers wore black ribbons on their arms for a year following the loss of their beloved spouse, trauma was met with love, support and understanding, etc.  Those things still happen in some ways, but all too often, geniuses (like me) just want to make everyone feel better, to take away the pain, and to get back to just being happy.

Claire, you are allowed to mourn the loss of your breast.  You are allowed to be angry.  You are allowed to grieve.  You are the one who will face the scars each and every day.  I am angry, too.  I am at a loss as to why this has happened.  Truly there is no reasonable explanation that I can fathom.  The silver lining for your family and friends is that YOU will still be here and that YOU are not defined by your breast.  I think I will just have to tie a black ribbon around my boob....  wait.... that won't work.  Maybe just a black bow on my bra each day?  I don't know.  Just know that you are loved and that yes, this completely sucks but is so worth it, to save YOU.

Terry has returned to Spokane and will be holding Claire's hand through this process.  Thank you to the many families and friends in Ajo who took great care of him.  Terry has shared with me only a portion of all the amazing things that have happened in your awesome community.  I know he appreciates the sale, the caring conversations, the meals, everything!!  Claire is so grateful that while he wasn't by her side, he was feeling the love and support of so many in Ajo.  I will try to update you via this blog as soon as I know anything.  Thank you for keeping Terry and Claire in your thoughts and prayers this week.

Happy Birthday, Gavin!!!!

Gavin will be turning 12 on the last day of the Mayan Calendar - talk about a bummer of a present!  He has joked and laughed about that prediction.  This weekend, he had a Mine Craft birthday party at his home.  I'm sure he celebrated early because of the imminent doom to our world.  Gavin enjoyed time with friends, video games, a crazy pillow fight, pizza, and the most original "cake" I have ever seen.  Erin has always amazed me with her incredible creativity.  She made a Mine Craft cake out of brownies and green rice krispie treats.  My boys said it looked just like a "creeper," some type of a monster on the video game.  I'm sure Mine Craft fans will know exactly what that means.

Happy Birthday, Gavin!!!  I hope you enjoyed every minute of it.  AND, thank you for not singing "Gangnam Style" too many times while your mom's irritable friend with a slight aversion to that song was around.  Next year, teenager!!!!

Home Again!!!

Landon made it home today!  I'm sure he and his weary parents are appreciating some time to rest away from the hospital.... that family has spent more time at Sacred Heart in the last five months than any family should in a lifetime!!!  In any case, I bet they are all so glad Landy Lou is home and doing well.  Thanks for the continued prayers and positive thoughts.

Christmas Wish Pictures

It feels a little strange to post the happiness from yesterday while Landon is in the hospital.  In any case, it helps to see the joy and excitement that surrounded our Christmas Wish experience yesterday.  Thank you so much to 92.9, the Dave, Ken and Molly morning show, KXLY, Yokes, Avista, Sharleen, the elves, Down River Grill, the list goes on..... Thank you to all of you!  OH, and a huge, huge, HUGE, thank you to our photographer, Jennifer Holm.  As always, great pictures!

Waiting for the big surprise!

Taking it all in, watching her boys and my boys enjoying the surprises.

Part of the Christmas Wish crew and friends.

An amazing moment.....

Erin chatting with Dave on the radio.

Erin and Claire.  Amazing, amazing women.

Landon Update

I don't have a lot of information, but I have heard that Landon is out of surgery and doing well.  He is at Sacred Heart, with both parents by his side.  Landon is a strong, sensational boy and will no doubt sail through his recovery.  Thank you for the continued thoughts and prayers for this sweet family.

Landy Lou

Well, life just keeps going, one way or another.  Tomorrow will be another big day on this family's roller coaster ride.  Landon is scheduled for heart surgery.  When he was just a few weeks old, sweet baby Landon was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for his heart.  While there, he received an internal pacemaker.  His situation was scary and grim.  His family was told to "enjoy your baby."  I'm not sure exactly what that statement meant, but Erin remembers it was made in response to her questions about what to expect in the future.  Landon turned six years old last month and is doing extraordinarily well.  Tomorrow, in many ways, is a celebration.  Landon made it. Landon's little heart is doing better than ever anticipated and his pacemaker is coming out.  He will be in Sacred Heart hospital overnight, but should come home on Thursday.  I will post updates as I hear them.  Please keep sweet Landy Lou in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow, along with his brave, strong family.  Just like his mama and his grandma, Landon is a fighter.

Christmas Wish!!!!!

Today was incredible, absolutely, positively incredible.  Year after year, one of our local radio stations, 92.9 ZZU, grants fabulous holiday wishes to families who have come upon hard times.  Through a letter, I shared Erin and Claire's unbelievable story and nominated them to receive one of the generous Christmas Wish deliveries.  About two weeks ago, the call came sharing that their wish would be granted.  It took some creativity, a touch of conspiracy, and a whole lot of lying to actually surprise this family, especially savvy Erin.  With many friends in tow, and Nik staged at the house getting the kids ready, we followed the KXLY camera crew and our head elf to Erin's door.  The looks on their faces will be in my heart forever.  Erin thought I was bringing a high school journalism student by to interview her... um.... not quite.  I can only imagine her surprise.  It was so awesome.  ZZU Christmas Wish blessed them with many wonderful surprises as so many friends and my own family watched on.  The sight of Erin's boys snuggled on the couch with my own little men, digging through the gifts cannot even be described.  That moment truly was what Christmas should be about - crazily happy children, enjoying a perfect, cancer-free morning.  Erin's living room positively overflowed with pure holiday joy that could be felt by all.  Thank you so much to Christmas Wish, ZZU, all of their sponsors, and KXLY News.  After the surprise, the news crew stayed and interviewed Claire, who literally woke up in the middle of the mayhem, and Erin.  I'm excited to see their fighting spirit shine through in their segment.  

Once all of the elves and crew were on their merry way, we broke open some champagne and shared mimosas and donuts.  What an incredible, unbelievable morning.  I feel so, so fortunate to share in all of this with my wonderful friends.  Ladies, I just love you and am glad today was a bright spot in this difficult journey.

The recording of Erin and Claire's surprise can be found here: Christmas Wish.  Their wish is #6.  Enjoy!!!!  Pictures to follow soon!