Before I get to some of the latest news, there was someone that was a little upset over not being included in my previous post with all of the other 3 Day cheerleaders. I apologized repeatedly but he said he would only forgive me if he was featured front and center in this weeks post..... A big thank you to our pup for being the sweetest, furriest Team Malley supporter. This guy always knows how to make us smile and brighten our day. The Thursday before the amazing 3 Day For The Cure weekend, I went to chemo bright and early in the morning just as I always do. I was a little excited this time because I had been waiting for a couple weeks to see my oncologist and show him the shirt I proudly ordered online. I cracked up when I saw it one day and had to buy it! Well, Dr. F loved it too, and thought it was hilarious. He even had Mike take a pic with his personal iphone, and you know I had my camera on hand to capture a shot too! As a little gift, I gave Dr. F one of our Meghan Malley Rally t-shirts. I chose the green one because I figured as a breast cancer specialist, this guy probably owns more pink than he cares to admit. Dr. F really liked his shirt - he thanked me and we parted ways so I could head over to the infusion side of the building to begin chemo. Well, I couldn't believe it when about 10 minutes later, Dr. F showed up on the infusion side (which he NEVER does) and he was sporting his Meghan Malley Rally t-shirt over his shirt and tie! He said, "We have to do this right and get another pic!" All of the nurses and some of the other patients came around the corner to see what all the laughter was about and they got a total kick out of it too! We took some more pics and then I found out later from one of my nurses, that Dr. F wore his t-shirt all day long under his lab coat! What an awesome guy. So, when you say your prayers for me - please throw in a few extra ones for my homeboy, Dr. F! :) Speaking of my visit to Chemoland, I actually got some exciting news that week. Dr. F informed me that I don't have to make up the one chemo I missed earlier this summer due to my low counts. So...I will be done on September 1 as originally planned! YAY! I was very surprised and super excited because we had already planned our little family getaway to Florida for Labor Day weekend and it just wasn't going to be the same "end of chemo celebration" if I had to come back and have my last treatment on September 8. It just seems so crazy that I only have two rounds left - it is so odd how it seems like it's been a lifetime since this journey started, but somehow at the same time it has flown by in the blink of an eye. Not sure if that makes sense, but it's somehow the way it feels. We discussed a lot of other issues with Dr. F at chemo that week, most importantly the fact that all of my testing needs to be redone now that we are reaching our conclusion of the first line of attack against this monster C. Dr. F ordered a CT scan of my chest, abdomen and pelvis for Monday, August 29 and an MRI of my spine and full body bone scan on Tuesday, August 30. To say that I am anxious and nervous regarding what these tests will tell us, is putting it very lightly. You guys know me - I am optimistic, upbeat and very hopeful. But this will be the first time we have checked back on the status of these crazy cells, and it is nothing short of terrifying to think of the possibility that they have further infiltrated my body-which is always our #1 fear. Please start storming the heavens with prayer that this chemo has worked wonders for my body and that the tests do not reveal any further spread of this disease. I will go back to see Dr. F on September 8 to get all of my test results and will definitely update everyone at that time. Later that same day, I go back to see Dr. B, my breast surgeon at the Beaumont Breast Care Center. She will have all of my test results as well which will further guide some of our decisions during the mastectomy process. I haven't had the chance to update you all on another new doc who was recently added to our cast of characters. Dr. M is going to be my plastic surgeon and we met with him a few weeks ago. I will save all of that info for a later time to dedicate an entire post to what that process entails, but he will be the one initiating the reconstruction process on the day Dr. B performs my mastectomy. Anyways, on September 8 we will again meet with Dr. B to go over all the final details leading up to surgery and hopefully nail down a date for when my bilateral mastectomy will be taking place. Lots of important news, big decisions, and major surgeries coming up in the very new future! Aside from the great news about concluding chemo a week early, I was also over the moon with excitement that Brinley, Andy and Andrew came to visit for an entire week, from August 10-17. Of course, Brin was just a "little" busy with walking 60 miles over the weekend - so it was so nice to have them here for a few days before and after the 3 Day so Mike and I could spend some extra time with them. It is so amazing how someone can come into your life and you just instantly click with them - it doesn't take any effort - there are no awkward "getting to know you" moments - you just hit it off right from the start. That's exactly what happened between Brinley and I in the beginning of 2008 as we started our professional careers together at the Rehab Institute of Michigan. Even as I type the year "2008", it surprises me because it feels like we have been such close friends for so many years. Brin, Andy, Mike and I became fast friends and the time flew by so quickly before they moved back to Florida. Since they have moved, we have always made an effort to take trips to see each other, we spend countless hours on the phone each week, and text each other at least once every day. Since Brinley and Andy welcomed sweet little Andrew into their lives in February, Brin was home on maternity leave throughout the weeks leading up to my diagnosis - when I was having appointment after appointment, and test after test. I was so grateful that I knew I could call Brin after those appointments and she would be willing to take precious time out of caring for her newborn, listen, talk & try to calm my fears. I will never forget sitting alone in my car in the Beaumont Hospital parking deck after my breast biopsy, and sobbing on the phone to Brin telling her Dr. B just told me that she was worried I may have breast cancer. Or when I got the call at work the very next day, and Dr. B informed me that she was right, it was cancer. After calling Mike and my mom, I called Brinley and we cried together as I shared the news. Then again, a few weeks later when Dr. F called me at work to let me know the spine biopsy was positive and I did indeed have Stage IV cancer. I tried to stay at work to see my patients, but I just couldn't do it. I drove home and talked to Brin most of the way - telling her I didn't want to die - asking her to please watch out for Mike. These are not the type of conversations you share with just any friend, or someone you just happened to work with for a couple of years. I am so grateful to be blessed with so many amazing friends, but I just don't know how I could have gotten through all of those moments without Brinley. Although Brin lives in Florida, it has felt like she has been right here next to me, holding my hand, throughout each and every moment of the past five months. She is an incredible listener and knows exactly when I need to just vent without someone giving me answers or telling me everything will be okay. She has taken time each and every single day since I was diagnosed to send me a quick picture message - usually of adorable little Andrew. Receiving a picture message on your cell phone is usually no big deal to most people, but to me that single gesture means so much more. For five straight months those daily messages have always made me feel like Brin is always thinking of me, and is supporting me through this battle and that always brightens my day! Brin, there is no way I can possibly thank you enough for your incredible friendship over the years, and especially over the past few months. You have been there for me through it all, every single day, no matter what, no matter how busy your life might be. You have supported me 110% throughout this entire journey, during a time which is supposed to be the happiest and most exciting time of your life - as you became a mother to your beautiful son. During these first six months of Andrew's life, you have never made me feel like you didn't have time to be there for me or that you were too busy or overwhelmed as a new mom to listen - even though I know there were plenty of times when you could have easily felt that way. I cannot thank you and Andy enough for taking a week off from work and coming back up to Michigan to spend time with us. Mike and I absolutely loved having you guys here and I miss you so much already! Your friendship means the world to me and I love all three of you so very much! I was so excited to be able to capture some family pics while the Johnson's were here. These are a few of my faves from our afternoon at the park... Thank you Andy for capturing this beautiful image of Brin, Andrew and I. I absolutely adore it! What trip back to metro Detroit would be complete without a visit to Slows downtown?! Just think guys, if you move back we can go to Slows all the time!....and no 100⸰ humid weather in the summer, we can go to all the great concerts you miss, and Zumba's, and the gorgeous sand dunes in western Michigan, and.....I could go on and on. Just let me know when you want me to start the house hunting for you! ;) "Wherever we are, it is our friends that make our world." ♥
Well, things have continued to move at a non-stop pace in true Malley form since Brin and Andy left. Last weekend our good friend, Zak came to stay the weekend as we all went to celebrate a college buddy's wedding. Congrats Mike and Annita - we had a fabulous time at the wedding! This Thursday is Mike's birthday! I can't wait to spoil him for the day like he truly deserves....although the poor guy will have to start his bday party with me at chemo that morning. If you see my lovely hubby jogging through the neighborhood (like so many of you do), or run into him somewhere else this week, please wish him a wonderful happy birthday because no one deserves a little extra love and attention like he does! I love you so much Michael John Malley! xoxo, Meghan
23 Comments
Patty L
8/23/2011 04:04:11 am
That pup is so adorable! Thank you Brin for always being there for Meghan. Incredible and amazing people have amazing and incredible friends-that's you Meghan-amazing, incredible, courageous, kind, loving, thoughtful, inspiring, too many too mention. Stay strong and keep the faith-we are praying for your full recovery everyday!!! Happy Bday Mike!!! Love to you both. P.S. Congrats walkers-amazing job!!! xo
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Patty L
8/23/2011 04:22:00 am
Me again..forgot to mention one thing. Meghan-your raw emotion and honesty are extremely moving and admirable. I applaud your ongoing strength and as always, I want to thank you for providing me with ongoing inspiration to stay hopeful in life and enjoy the smallest blessings in life. Thank you for letting me a part of this journey...I only wish I could do more. All my love to you and Mike. XOXO!
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Barb A
8/23/2011 06:00:28 am
Hi Meghan! SO happy to hear you do not have to make up the missed chemo dose! Have a wonderful, relaxing weekend in Florida! Love, Barb
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Laura
8/23/2011 06:28:13 am
Meghan - Thanks for all the updates. So thankful you have such a great support system. Good, positive energy attracts good, positive energy. You are solid proof of that. I'm thinking of you all the time. Good luck over the next few weeks.
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Lauren Phillips
8/23/2011 06:58:05 am
Meghan - Your writing moves me, and constantly reminds me how much there is to be thankful of. Joe and I pray for you and Mike almost daily. So glad to hear you have so many friends and family that are providing you time during this time in your life. Thank for the updates. Wrigley is the cutest pup!!
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Lauren Phillips
8/23/2011 06:59:36 am
I need to learn to proof what I write before I hit submit ;) "providing SUPPORT during this time in your life"...
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Andria Trumble
8/23/2011 08:30:19 am
I think you are one very strong incredible women and I think of you constantly. Your light shines on so many people and once again I thank you for sharing this journey with SO many. Prayers and love are always coming your way.
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Andria Trumble
8/23/2011 08:31:02 am
Cute pup by the way! Super cute!!
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Sally
8/23/2011 10:29:11 am
Dear Meghan, What a wonderful tribute to your friendship with Brinley! Your writing just draws me in and I feel like I almost know your friends! I am so looking forward to seeing you and meeting Mike over Labor Day....not to mention your Mom and Doug! I can't even imagine what it feels like waiting for all your test results to come in but with all the prayers you have going for you I am very sure you will have good news. Just hang in there until then and thoroughly enjoy your get away! See you soon!
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Melissa Borg
8/23/2011 12:45:28 pm
Meg~
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Niche
8/24/2011 04:48:05 am
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful friend! I'm so happy that you only have 2 more rounds, and though there may be anxieties about the next battle ahead, the thing that remains the same is the entire crew of love and support that stands with you! We are all always with you, praying all the time! I hope you guys have a wonderful b-day celebration on Thursday (happy bday Mike!) and a wonderful upcoming trip!
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Aubri
8/24/2011 07:30:54 am
Sending tons of positive healthy energy and prayers your way Meghan!!
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Courtney
8/24/2011 09:47:50 am
You and Mike are always in our prayers. We think and pray for you daily:) love you guys!
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Brinley
8/25/2011 03:30:23 am
Oh Meg, I'm not sure I even know what to say. Reading that brought me to tears. To me, I simply feel that I'm returning the same friendship that you offered to me when we first met in 2008. At a time when I knew no one, you were there. You welcomed us into your life with open arms and made Michigan feel like home. I know our paths crossed for a reason and I cannot imagine my life without you in it. Near or far, I'm always here.
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Aunt Clare
8/25/2011 06:34:10 am
Happy Birthday Mike! Meghan, I am attending an healing service tonight in Charlotte, North Carolina, pleading your case! Praying for a powerful healing intercession. I love your smile, your courage, affection, and radiance! Oh and your sense of humor! Your photography makes me smile and allows me to feel close to you and Mike! Thanks to your
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Aunt Carol
8/25/2011 09:30:18 am
Seems like it has been forever since this journey began yet it's hard to believe that you are down to just one more treatment. Congrats on that milestone!!
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Mary Somers
8/25/2011 01:43:37 pm
Dear Meg------Loved this entry----your oncologist/homeboy looks great in your green Rally for Malley t-shirt ! Glad you are moving right along with your treatment---continued prayers and support for what is ahead of you. HAPPY---HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE! I still remember the day your Mom went into labor with you :-) -----she credited my spaghetti dinner the night before being totally responsible for it ! Love you both so much ------ Aunt Mary and Bill
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Erica
8/28/2011 04:13:40 am
I love your shirt Meg!! That is hysterical and I'm sure your doctor appreciates you brightening up his day! I always wonder about what kind of person you have to be to be an Oncologist! Brin sounds like an amazing friend and you're lucky to have her in your life. If nothing else, this experience shows you a level of kindness and generosity in people that we rarely see on a daily basis. As always, thanks for sharing this journey with all of us. Every time I read your blog I am amazed by your courage, writing skills, and wonderful friends and family in your life.
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Mark & Carolyn
8/28/2011 02:16:10 pm
Meghan,
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Mark & Carolyn
8/28/2011 02:21:22 pm
PS- Have a great relaxing time in Florida!!:)
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Janine
8/29/2011 03:55:34 pm
See Meghan - you & Brinley thought that RIM bus was crappy, but it was actually designed to create very special & unique bonds:) ... Yay 3 day & raising boku bucks to kick some cancer bootay! You are well worth it!!!! ... Happy belated to Mike:) ... Awesome pics - love all of Baby Andrew's shirts ... And that's one cool oncologist:) .... And prayers, prayers & then maybe some more prayers coming your way.
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David Haas
9/6/2011 08:33:22 am
Hello,
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10/27/2011 03:34:24 am
Hi Meghan,
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