University of Michigan Breast Care Center visit

Joe and I were at St. Joes's at 8:30a.m. this morning. We were seen by Dr. Theresa Schwartz, a surgical oncologist and member of the Breast Care team. She reviewed the results of the tests I had a St. Joseph's Hospital, physically examined me, and discussed my situation with us.  Unfortunately, we don't know from the biopsy what the lymph node involvement is. The surgeon removed the tumor which because of the size  put me in stage 2 breast cancer. He did not do a blue dye, radiation test to find the Sentinal node ( the lymph node that has cancer cells) so consequently, we don't know how many  lymph nodes are involved... is it one, two or fifteen? It all has to do with the size of the tumor and because of it's size he sent me to an oncologist for chemotherapy to stop the spread. Being in the lymph nodes is Stage 3 breast cancer which is what the St. Joe's oncologist said

So U of M is suggesting the same protocol: chemo 20 weeks, surgery ( Mastectomy with axillary lymph Node Dissection)  followed by radiation and chemo.  U of M did a fantastic job of educating us.... and we like the team approach. They meet after the doctor visits with the patient to discuss the best plan.  More information more decisions on where to receive the treatment??

I'll pray for the answer..... leaning toward continuing with chemo at St. Joes ( would be the same at U of M, surgery, radiation, follow thru at U of M.  Thanks for listening. Martha

Second Opinion

On Monday, Joe and I will go to the University of Michigan Breast Care Center where they will review all my test results,  then meet with us about how they would approach my treatment. They have a tumor board that will discuss my situation. We will be there for the day. I am curious as to what they would do and if it is a different approach. I am very pleased with the care I have received at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. More information should be good.

"Out from under the Covers"

Today, Friday, I felt like getting "out from under the covers"!!
I don't know if it was the combination of getting the port, treatment and shot, but I had less energy this week.
I was very content to rest for a couple of days, I normally have lots of energy and enjoy being busy and active. The past couple of days were sleepy days. Eat a little, sleep a lot.

Community Arts of Tecumseh is a dream of Jean Lash, myself and community  individuals interested in the arts. The City of Tecumseh has offered us a wonderful builing to have classes.  We offer art and music classes for preschoolers thru adults. Today we had about 10 artists that came for open studio to draw a live model (clothed). They came from Tecumseh,Jackson, Adrian, and Brooklyn to draw for several hours. It was so exciting to see the center so active with artists having a good time together.   Going there was just the boost I needed today. Our program is growing and expanding. Just the uplift I needed!

Big Day - Jan 24

Joe and I were at St. Joe's from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. just another work day!! I really should start calling Joe, "St. Joe" because of his patience, love, and understanding. This journey affects him just as much as it does me. He is so kind and thoughtful, reassuring, and sweet. What a fantastic husband I have.

So I had a new port put in my left chest. There were 2 incisions made, it took about one and a half hours to accomplish getting it in. I did not have the Dermabond ( a liquid adheasive) which I was allergic to with the arm port. So hopefully this port will be happy and not be problematic. I then saw the doctor, who was pleased with the results from the first treatment, he said that the tumor had shrunk so the drugs are doing their job. I am very stiff, very swollen knee from the white blood platelet booster, I get that shot again tomorrow.

Now about the hair!!! It is on the bathroom shower floor, in my hand when I touch my head, falling in my face/food...... so I will probably have it shaved off either tomorrow or Wednesday. Demi Moore looked good commando, altho I don't have her pretty face, I may go command if it isn't too cold. I do have a beautiful collection of hats now, thanks to my friends and family.... just another new look for winter.

Time for bed after a big day. Love, Martha

"The opposite of Faith is Anxiety"

I am a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Tecumseh. Today's sermon was titled, "The opposite of Faith is Anxiety"...... Pastor Moritmer began with a passage from Mathew 6: 25- 34. Paraphrasing: Why worry about things, does worring add a single moment to your life? Our Heavenly Father knows what we need  and will give them to you if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to. "So don't be anxious about towmoorw God will take care of your tommorrow too. Live one day at a time.

Surprise Luncheon

Yesterday I had a wonderful "surprise" luncheon. The plan was to meet Kristin and Pam to talk about their trip to Florida over lunch. They are going in our place to Jeff's condo in Naples Florida for a month. So I was prepared with maps and Joe and I recounted the wonderful places to eat and visit. When I walked into Evans Street Station there were friends sitting at a long table. The table had a beautiful arrangement of pink tulips on it.  Kristin and Pam planned a hat party for me. As I opened the hats I realized that they had each taken time to pick out an attractive style for me to wear during my "hairless" months. Holly, my daughter in law was there with hat selections from Tess and Mia, our grand daughters. Sarah, from the Library knitting group, knitted an adorable green hat with a flower on it, but didn't attend. Earlier in the week, two others from the knitting group had given me hats they had knitted. Some hats were winter hats others thought of spring and summer styles. I will be well supplied with a variety of beautiful hats thanks to my friends.........I will wear a smile on my face when I wear "your" hat.  Thank you all. Love, Martha

"I don't believe makeup and the right hair style alone can make a woman beautiful. The most radiant woman in the room is the one full of life, friends, and experience"................Sharon Stone

You just never know

When my late husband, Cal Poppink, passed away from melanoma cancer, our family set up a scholarship in his name. The scholarship is given thru the Lenawee County Schools Foundation. It was one of the first given. I think the first year was 1990 that the scholarship was given.  Jill Schuster Kolodsick was one of the first recipients to receive the scholarship. Just a few years ago Jill reconnected with us thru Facebook.

Yesteday, I received a notice from Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a gift in honor of Martha Melcher from Jill Kolodsick.  All I can say, is that I am honored that Jill thought to make a donation in my name toward finding a cure for cancer, and that as a young adult she  thinks about giving back.  What she received as a scholarship when she was a high school senior meant enough to her to continue giving to others in her adult life.  Thank you Jill!!

Wednesday, January 19

Well, today I missed out on breakfast with the Maxe's and lunch with my book club. My port sight is still troublesome. I had a Dopler this morning to rule out a blood clot..... no clot, and to see the oncologist. He said that the port was not put in deep enought so the skin wasn't getting a good blood supply, and I am allergic to Dermabond, a liquid adhesive. I get another port put in on Monday in my chest. I will be using the port for a year, so I am crossing my fingers for a good result on this one.

 Lesson for the day-  Be Patience and perservere~~~~~
Martha

Emergency room visit

On Saturday night we enjoyed Tess and Holly's piano recital and dinner with the family. Tess played White Christmas, Song for a Scarecrow and Holly played Clair De Lune. They played their songs beautifully.  On the way to the recital I developed a severe back ache, from the lumbar area up my neck. We had planned on going to the emergency room anyway to have them look at the removed port area which was very red, the  red area was spreading, throbbing and a concern.  I didn't have a fever which was good. So about 7 oclock we arrived at the ER of St. Joe's Hospital in Ann Arbor. They have a "Senior" section..... a beautiful area with 10 rooms, quiet, fully staffed, very pleasant even if you are there because of a health concern. So I had all the tests, even xrays for the spine, neck pain. I was taken to xray via a  $9000Stryker gurney ( I asked about the bed) on the way back the tech ran into a metal tray that crashed with a big bang so everyone looked at our dammage from the impact..... anyway a few minutes after getting back to my room about 4 nurses came to my room and said "You can't be a "Senior" you look too young".... a feel good moment, new hair cut!!

I was given an antibiotic, for the infection/cellulitius, the spine and neck didn't show any cancer concern (whew) just artheritis.
I know that I will have complications to the treatment and this was the first. With good doctors and nurses I will work through them.  Martha

Before the "Fall"

January 14, 2011

Today I had my hair cut really, really short...... so that when it begins to fall out there won't be so much on my pillow. I look like a brunette version on Jamie Lee Curtiss. My head is cold with out the insulation of my longer hair.  The doctor said that my hair should begin coming out 18days after my first chemo, that makes it Jan 28th.  since my first treatment was Jan 7th.  I have hats and scarves to wear too. We are going to our grandaughter's piano recital today so I forwarned them that "Mimi" will look different...... just the beginning of the different Mimi looks.  I just hope I don't frighten them. Tess said that pale people look scarry the other day, so face paint is what I'll do when I am going to see her.

We just Skyped with our California family, so they were the first to see the new look, they didn't run or turn off the camera, so I guess they will all handle it.  Enjoy your weekend. Love, Martha

January 12, 2011

January 12, 2011

Michigan is in a blanket of snow. The snow fell yesterday and today the sun is out and the air is crisp.
I am feeling good, because of the snow yesterday, I relaxed and rested so today I feel good...... maybe resting is a good thing.

Our art center is looking into the possibility of putting in a clay studio, so our community could have a place, other than the schools to do ceramics. We have a meeting today to investigate costs, interest, etc. There is a garage that could be transformed into the clay studio. Sounds like a great thing if we can support it financially.

I found this quote on a card at Whole Foods ( when I was buying dark leafy greens-- dandilion greens, collard greens) I will eat anything that gets this cancer our of here. 

"Life isn't about waitng for the storm to pass. It's about learning how to Dance in the rain".... Vivian Greene

Enjoy your day!! Love, Martha

January 10, 2011

I was expecting to have my first chemotherapy treatment today but was surprised on Friday with the first treatment. Probably a good thing it happened that way. Today, Jan. 10th I had a shot of Neuleusta, a white blood cell booster.

St. Joe's has a full service beauty salon that caters to cancer patients. So I picked out a wig or two. Kay Smith has loaned me one too..... so I am ready when it is time to wear a wig.

My next treatment is Jan 24th so I have a few days to enjoy home, sunshine, and friends.

The Community Arts of Tecumseh: www.tecumseharts.org is getting underway for Winter classes. I am taking a calligraphy class on Wednesday, so look for some fancy writing when your next letter comes!!!
We are planning lots of great classes for the Winter and Spring, also a fundraising announcement coming soon!!! 

Joke from the Hammonds

When Jim and Jan Hammond asked what they could do for us...... we said keep us laughing!!
Today we received a card, letter and funny story from Jan.

The other night I was invited out for a night with the 'Girls'..
I told Jim that I would be home by midnight, "I promise".  (he had heard that before!!)
Well, the hours passed and the margaritas went down way too easily.... again! So around 3 a.m.,
a bit tipsy, I headed for home.

Just as I got in the door, the cuckoo clock in the hallway started up
and cockooed 3 times!! Quickly, realizing Jim would probably wake up
I cockooed another 9 times. I was really proud of myself for coming up
with such a quick-witted solution.

I thought it through on my own.... 3 cuckoos plus 9 cuckoos equals 12 cuckoos.... perfect

The next morning Jim asked what time I got in, I simply replied in the sweetest voice.... " Midnight, I was home by midnight".

He hugged me and said, "We  need to go shopping at Martin's today for a new cuckoo clock?
In my same, sweet voice, I replied... "Really, why?"

He said, "Well, last night our clock cuckooed three times, then said "Oh Shit", cuckooed 4 more times, cleared it's throat, cuckooed another three times, giggled, cuckooed twice more, and then tripped over the coffee table and farted.  All I could say was, "Whoops"

Love, Jan

Thanks Jim and Jan for a really good laugh.... I just had to share it!!!

January 7, 2011

A very busy day. It was a snowy day in Michigan today. We had an educational meeting to learn what to do, what not to do, etc. Joe, and Kevin were both there for a meeting with Dr. Krauss. He gave us feedback on the diagnostic tests. CT, MRI, bone scan, results look good. From Dr. Krauss I went for my first chemotherapy treatment.( I thought it was going to be on Monday, Jan 10)  which took about 3 hours. Then on to the Radiology Department to have the doctor look at the port ( had treatment with an IV). Dr. Sorci decided to remove the port, it wasn't looking good. So I will get another port put in when I go back again for treatment, Jan. 24th.  All in all it was a full day from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Thanks to everyone for the prayers, cards, food, support and love, Martha

January 6, 2011 - El Salvado, California, Michigan Prayer Meeting

Today, Andy and Laura arranged an internatioal prayer group call. Their childcare giver, Ana, is from El Salvado where she prays  long distance with her friends in a prayer group.  They have had me in their prayers and wanted to hear my voice and talk with me.  They are Spanish speaking so an interrepter was there to translate. Alexandra, was the leader, and has the gift of proficy. She quoted from Corinthians 14 verse 1. Let love be your greatest aim: nevertheless, ask also for the special ablilties the Holy Spirit gives, and especially the gift of prophecy, being able to preach the messages of God.  They prayed for healing , peace, faith, and preparing my soul.  I took this to mean, that this experience has been given to me to grow and share my growth in my faith.  Martha

Wig attempt

January 5, 2011

Today Kay and Kristin went with me to pick up the wig I had selected. It just didn't look right- too dark and long so we started over again. We found one that was more like my current hair style  and color ( I sure don't want to frighten anyone if they should see me as a blond or redhead.)  Then I worked with a makeup artist to help put some color in my face...... this whole experience seems to be draining and it shows on my face.

Joe and I topped of the evening with dinner with friends. Joanne is a cancer survivor so she shared her experiences. She is my "hero"  I want to be just as healthy as she is 10 years from now.

Tomorrow I have a conference prayer with Ana, my grand children's Nannie in California. Ana's prayer group is in El Salvador, they have been praying for me and want to hear my voice and pray together. They speak Spanish but there will be an interrupter. I think I will call my friend from Adrian High School who speaks  Spanish to be on the line too She lives in Tenn. So Michigan, El Salvador, Tenn, California  conference call...... modern technology!!!

January 3, 2011

Everyone must be getting back to their routines after Christmas break. Today I have heard from friends that have called, emailed, or stopped by.  I enjoy hearing about new marriages, babies recently born, travel, concerts, and the happenings in my friends lives. Because of these connections the power and energy of healing prayers are being offered up as well. Thank you for your friendship....... your voices, emails, smiles make me happy.

" There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy. By being happy we sow anonymous benefits upon the world." -- Robert Louis Stevenson

Wonderful experience at Target

On New Years Eve I was shopping at Target in Ann Arbor...... looking for hats.
I put my purchases on the conveyor when I looked behind me where a clerk had her head wrapped with a scarf, a stylish look..... so I scooped up my purchases, put them in the cart and got in her line. No one was behind me.  I put the hats down and explained to her that I liked the way she had her scarf wrapped, that I was preparing to loose my hair because of chemotherapy, and how did she do the scarf wrap? She checked me out, turned off her light, and said come with me to the ladies room and I will show you how you do it. She probably wrapped her head 3 or 4 times to show me. She said, "My name is Ashley, and if you have trouble just come back and I'll help you." She was a sweet angel that day, gave me some encouragement that I could look stylish too.  I have some more practice to do and maybe I'll go back to Target to get the wrap just right..... but her kindness and willingness to show me how she did her wrap was wonderful.

Laura Bilotta's said she would keep me laughing...... her joke for the day. How do you make a scarf dance??
put a boogie in it!!!!!  Thanks Laura