Yeah! My tubes came out today. I am a new woman. FREEDOM!!!! Many might not understand how annoying and bothersome some plastic tubes could be but those who have had them are celebrating with me. There were no tears today only one really BIG smile.
Have I told you before how much I love my surgeon? I know I have yet I believe it needs to be repeated. She is absolutely wonderful. She makes you feel like you are the most important person she has to see that day. She takes the time to care and answer all your questions. I don't know what this experience would have been like without her and I'm so glad I don't have to find out. She asked me today if I would be willing to talk to young girls who are going through breast cancer. I was touched. I told her, "Yes!" I don't want to go through this if I can't turn around and help someone else through it.
Before my doctor's visit I went to get my hair washed and styled because my left arm can only go up to my ear (big improvement) and my right hand is only a little better. I asked Jackie where to go to look for wigs and one of her co-workers gave me a catalog to look through that you can order from. I really didn't think I wanted to order one from a catalog but there on page 14 was the perfect wig...a Jacklyn Smith wig. I always wanted to be one of Charlie's Angels and now I can fulfill my dream and look just like Kelly Garret. Well, at least the hair. I told my cousin she can get one that looks like Farrah. I hope you are laughing as hard as I am. I told Jim I have to laugh through this stage. I was so dreading losing my hair and now I can't wait. I think I might get a couple different styles depending on which case...I mean mood I'm in.
Katie and Matt spent the day with the Ehinger's so after the doctor's visit Jim took me to lunch to celebrate. We then stopped to get me a few button up tops because of the whole arm thing. We were only out for an hour and I felt like I had run a marathon. I was exhausted. I was so excited to get home and see if I could actually lay down now that the tubes were out (I've been sleeping in a recliner for 12 days). Well, not yet. I'm not sure why but it just hurts. At least I think I'll be more comfortable in the chair without having to worrying about laying on one of the tubes.
I have to do exercises with my arm to get the movement back. My surgeon said I have two weeks and if she doesn't see any improvement than I would have to go to physical therapy and she said I don't want to do that. You know I'll be doing my exercises. I had a great idea to try the Wii Mario Cart because I would be moving my arms. Now, I've never played this before and after 3 rounds I was miserable. My back, arms, and chest were burning. What was I thinking? I'll have to wait a couple more weeks. It just looked like a lot of fun.
If you haven't checked out any of the comments to the blog you need to check out my cousin Steph's from yesterday. It was way too cute. I loved the verse too!! I haven't mentioned how much your comments have meant. I never thought anyone would leave one. They mean a lot to me.
My friend Deena left a card for me today with a quote that needs to be shared. "When things get tough, always remember...faith doesn't get you around trouble, it gets you through it." What a great quote!!
Traci
"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous (victorious) right hand." Isaiah 41:10
During Treatment-Aug 2011
During Treatment - Aug. 2009
December 2008
A Wonderful Gift
As soon as I realized I was going to have surgery I knew I wanted to have family pictures taken. This was the best gift I could've been given. We had so much fun. If I ever doubt what I am fighting for it is for more days like this one. I encourage you to go and check out the following link to see a slide show. Turn up your speakers to your computer and enjoy the music. It is very fitting.
http://www.balboaphotography.com/Slideshows/MurphyFamily/
You can select the shopping cart icon and see more of the photos.
http://www.balboaphotography.com/Slideshows/MurphyFamily/
You can select the shopping cart icon and see more of the photos.
4 comments:
Hey Girl!
I am so glad to hear how great God has been to you and your family...thanks for being a committed servant of the Lord and sharing your story with us!
I am truly blessed to have crossed paths with you many years ago and I know it is no mistake to still have a connection with you...your testimony is a true blessing to me and our family.
We would love to do something for your family (like bring a meal, help with house chores, etc...), however I know you probably have many offering...so if you need something please let us know or when the dust settles let us know when we can visit with you.
You are in our prayers...
Love,
Tracey
Hello Tracey(Theresa) and fellow bloggers I am Dr.W and I am not very computer literate but I am gonna try this. Tracey told me about her blog and initially my daughter ruined the paper she wrote it on, but I reaquired the address from Tracey and am happy I have reviewed it. Tracey has been a blessing to as a physician. I never intended to be a breast surgeon but we never know where God is gonna take our life. I will not review my life, but tell you I am exactly where God intends me to be. Many ask how I do this job with my husband and family at home, but it is a joy going to work everyday and interacting with patients such as Tracy. She and her husband strengthen my faith every time I interact with them. God has put a peace in them that is just infectious. I wish all blessings and God's grace to shower them through this journey. I pray that God get the glory. I AM LIVING PROOF-that all things happen for a reason. His word tells us to count it all joy-not the good, not the bad, COUNT IT ALL JOY...and let patience have its perfect work.
God Bless You Sweetheart,
Dr.W
It's a new year and one that is going to be very busy for you and your family, I'm sure.
I don't think I left the Url to the cause site I started for you Traci.
Hope this works and you can get to it without having a facebook account.
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/176876?m=febcd8fb
Let me know if you can get to it or not.
I am so impressed and encouraged by your faith and when I read your blog I have to look up the scriptures you are talking about.
Thank you for that!
I continue to think of you and pray for strength for you and your lovely family.
Dawn Ziegler
Hi Traci,
Tony, Carole, Hannah and Sam here in New Zealand - we send you, Jim, Matt and Kati all of our best wishes for 2009. We are all fine here - I am still home-schooling Sam plus working part-time on our special needs company, Tony also works on our business plus has nearly finished his business degree, Hannah is working in a vineyard over summer and Sam is currently at a Sacred Music Classical Church music summer school in Australia (he has also got a place in the NZ Secondary Students choir and goes for a weeks rehearsal with them at the end of January so will be quite hoarse by then!)
Traci, we have been reading your blog and have you all in our prayers. Your story and faith are an inspiration to others and it is wonderful that you have taken the time and effort to share it with others - thank you.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Carole here - I have not had cancer myself but Traci I just wanted to tell you a little bit about my sister Denise - she had breast cancer over 10 years ago and is still doing really well. A saying that she found really helpful was "cancer is a word not a sentence" as so many people automatically assume the worst and that need not be the case.
Denise was a stage 3 diagnosis - she had a partial mastectomy and removal of lymph nodes then had to have the full courses of chemo and radiation but made a complete recovery. She also found the loss of arm movement to be quite difficult but did make sure she did her exercises as the physiotherapists sound to be as much fun as bootcamp commanders!!!
Denise did not lose all her hair but it became very patchy. As she already had short hair, she just had it even shorter then wore a hat if needed but your new wig sounds very glamorous (at the time, I said to Denise that, as the cancer gene has been found in our family, if I ever have to have treatment, I am going to contact Dolly parton for one of her old wigs as I love the styles!).
About 4 years ago, Denise lost a lot of weight very rapidly and we feared the cancer had returned so I went back to the Uk to look after her sons whilst she went back to hospital. She did have further surgery but all the tests came back negative and the weight loss was actually put down to hormonal changes affected in part by the cancer treatment. Since that time she has been absolutely fit and well and now only needs yearly check-ups.
Denise did not have many side effects from chemo, although did suffer from some nausea, but I am sure In the 10 years since she had her treatment the drugs will have improved even more and that will be getting the best available. Denise had a great surgeon and that was really crucial for her physical and emotional wellbeing and it sounds like you also have an equally wonderful surgeon so we are happy to hear that.
You have great fath Traci and I trust God will keep you and your family in his hands at this difficult time - God Bless you all.
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