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!!