Ladies and Gentlemen...in our left corner is the creepy, sneaky, no good "C word"....and in our right corner, weighing in at...(nice try, still not going to reveal that much!) is the fierce, Irish, stubborn, red-headed Meghan Kathleen Malley!!! Round one of chemo has been completed and I think it's safe to say, I came out on top! To catch you up to speed after the last post...Mike, my mom, Doug, and I met with Dr. F on Thursday morning to discuss the latest turn of events...the dreaded positive spinal biopsy. This is definitely a game changer since my cancer has metastasized so we needed to discuss goals, treatment options, side effects, expected outcomes...all that super fun stuff. After some discussion, we decided to continue full steam ahead with the most aggressive plan which includes some tough chemo drugs for the next 5 months, most likely followed by a double mastectomy, radiation, reconstruction, and hormone therapy. I will most likely have some radiation to my spine thrown in the mix too, depending on my symptoms and if I am in a lot of pain. This entire plan could change at any time depending on how I respond, what my imaging results look like, how I am feeling, etc. So, my first round of chemo started right away yesterday morning after talking with Dr. F. My port was accessed successfully and my blood can now be drawn through there (I swear, I heard my veins cheer a big, "Thank You!"), and my chemo drugs can be administered through the port as well. Dr. F, the clinic nurses, and the chemo infusion nurses were all great! Super friendly, compassionate, and caring which made the entire process much easier. I am going to be seeing a lot of them from now on, so I am glad we are all on track to becoming BFF's ;) Of course I wanted to document the day through pictures - must have looked like a huge weirdo to everyone else as I excitedly said, "oh yay chemo! take my picture!" I know it might sound bizarre, but all of us felt so relieved and truly excited to start chemo. Who would have thought a few short weeks ago, that I would be so thrilled to start pumping toxic chemicals throughout my body that will not only kill bad cells, but also a tremendous amount of my good ones! We were just so fearful that Dr. F would not want to be as aggressive as we did, and it feels so good to know that I am truly waging war on these monstrous little demon cells now! Chemo Day #1 Posse...how can you have a bad day when you are looking at these three smiling faces? Isn't the one in the blue so handsome?....hands off ladies, he's taken! So, my first chemo treatment went great - no complaints. I actually found out that there are four of us receiving chemo on Thursday's that are all Dr. F's patients, and all have breast cancer, and we are all under the age of 35! So crazy. One of those other women was there when I was and was willing to chat with me. It was so great to talk to her - she is awesome, optimistic, and upbeat! We talked for over a half hour or so and it felt so nice to have someone to relate to that was my age. She is receiving the same regimen of drugs that I am and she is two treatments ahead of me, so she could offer a lot of advice and heads up on how I may feel. I loved having the chance to talk to her and I immediately feel better knowing there will be a familiar face receiving chemo with me on Thursday's! After "Chemo Land", as Dr. F jokingly calls it, we went to lunch and ran a few other errands which ultimately revealed to be a little too much for post-chemo Day 1. I have come to realize that the true Meghan fashion of running around and doing a million things at once is not always possible at this point. Needless to say, I was exhausted for the remainder of the day and stayed in bed. Today I have felt great, aside from just general fatigue. Luckily, I have the most amazing caregiver in town..and the cutest too! I can get through ANYTHING with this guy by my side ♥ This afternoon, I met with a wonderful friend that I went to school with since we were in the first grade. Unfortunately, she has been battling cancer for 12 years. I knew right away after I was diagnosed that it would bring me great comfort and insight to talk with her. We chatted away today for 3 1/2 hours and it was just what I needed! I can't thank you enough for all of your guidance, words of wisdom, and support as I join this club with you - although no one wants to be a member, I am grateful to have you on my team as I embark on this journey!
I am looking forward to another wonderful weekend ahead - this crumby disease can't ruin my social life :) All but one of my wonderful Beauts will be home for Easter weekend (we'll miss ya Jen!) and we are all getting together tomorrow night. Sunday will be spent celebrating Easter with the fam, and I couldn't be happier to see many of my aunts, uncles, and cousins! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. As always, thank you for your constant outpouring of love and support for myself, and my family! It truly means so much to all of us and we can't thank you enough! xoxo, Meg
54 Comments
Brother
4/22/2011 03:57:30 pm
You're gonna beat this c@ncer's ass so bad meghan, I almost feel bad for it.
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Sally
4/22/2011 04:14:04 pm
Hear, hear Meghan! I am with Jeff's above comment!! I've seen your Mom kick ass a few times through the years so I know that your cancer ain't seen nothing yet! So batten down the hatches as this cancer is going to have a bumpy ride....right over a cliff! You look wonderfully fit and totally in love and that is the best combination for the coming battle. You have a lot of followers down here who are totally cheering you on. Never underestimate fierce friends and followers from afar....we are a strong bunch of Meghan supporters!! xoxoxo
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Niche
4/22/2011 05:46:11 pm
I'm also with Effy on this one, "c" is headed out of your life, one small step at a time! Can't wait to hug you tomorrow!
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Mom
4/22/2011 11:24:20 pm
You are so right,Honey, who would have thought we would be high fiving each other when Dr. Flaherty said "chemotherapy". What a difference a few weeks makes! I am so proud of your determination and spirit. I love you to pieces!!!
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Kiki
4/23/2011 12:38:17 am
Get it girl! Your bravery astounds me over and over...youre my hero. Keep it up, love you!
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Elizabeth
4/23/2011 12:51:05 am
Meghan,
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Melanie
4/23/2011 01:14:37 am
Well Meg, if I was cancer, I'd be running away scared!!! And can I say, I'm not sure there has ever been another woman to look so beautiful while getting a chemo treatment! As a friend, I am happy too to hear that you have started treatment, and make a friend while there....I can only imagine how good it feels to take a step forward in the efforts to beat this thing! Which I KNOW you will do! I know how hard it is to slow down (I too am guilty of running around like crazy, doing a million things at once) but try to realize that YOU are the #1 priority right now! So take it easy! I will be thinking about you, and I have a whole contingent of family and friends throwing up prayers for you and your whole family! LOVE YOU!!!!
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Kara
4/23/2011 01:19:31 am
meg,
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Jeanne Kerby
4/23/2011 01:51:14 am
All of the Kerby's are praying for you, Meghan! You are going to win this battle! Enjoy your family and friends this Easter and know that you are loved by so many.
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Doug
4/23/2011 02:00:45 am
Go get 'em, girl! You are loved by many and we'll all be with you every step of the way!
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Aunt Erin
4/23/2011 02:04:40 am
What an amazingly attrative "chemo team" you make!!!
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aunt erin
4/23/2011 02:08:39 am
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Jenny Hoekstra
4/23/2011 02:18:42 am
Have a wonderful night tonight with all the other beauts, I'll miss you guys! Love always, Jen
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Mama Gina V.
4/23/2011 02:27:37 am
May you have a blessed Easter weekend with your family! Again,I am so impressed with your honesty and beauty!
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Laura
4/23/2011 03:05:40 am
I love your necklace - it's a great mantra I am going to say, and think of you when doing yoga. Be Brave. You look beautiful with that big smile on your face. Keep it up Meg!
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Diane Daley
4/23/2011 07:42:39 am
I must admit I was relieved when I heard that you began chemo as well because those little cancer buggers have got to go! They came uninvited and going to get their buts kicked out!
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Tracy A.
4/23/2011 10:16:39 am
I'm so glad you were able to get your treatments started! I was thinking about you all day yesterday, hoping it wasn't too bad on you. I know I've told you before, but I'll say it again - - you're amazing! There you are getting chemo & looking AWESOME!! Also, thank you so much for thinking about us with your "thank you card" last week. Although, we should be the ones sending you a thank you for inviting us to share in the "Love Fest" with you and your entire fam. Have a great weekend with friends & family. Love ya girl! Hugs,
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Melissa Borg
4/23/2011 01:16:53 pm
I am so proud of you, you are amazingly strong and determined.
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Emily Henry
4/23/2011 01:23:46 pm
Hi Meg,
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aunt mary
4/23/2011 01:46:09 pm
YES-let the battle begin. the fughin' shite C word WILL BE DEFEATED!!!
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Aunt Carol
4/23/2011 03:53:31 pm
It is so ironic that we are all so excited (as you so beautifully put it) to know that toxic chemicals are being pumped into your veins! You are such a strong woman Meghan. This is forcing you to slow down but it will not stop you!
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Dana
4/23/2011 05:29:15 pm
One step closer to kicking cancer's ass! HELL YEAH!!! xoxo
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Future_Mom-in-law-Diane
4/24/2011 12:49:14 am
You are amazing Meghan...we were praying that they would start chemo ASAP so that at least that helpless waiting period was over, as you keep saying -now the fight is on! We will be here for you, let us know what little or big thing you need to take whatever steps are needed!You are constantly in our prayers!
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Aunt Erin
4/24/2011 12:52:00 am
Megs & Mike,
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Becca J
4/24/2011 03:14:02 am
Meggie
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Usha Ramaprakash
4/24/2011 08:00:04 am
Hi Meghan,
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Aunt Carol
4/25/2011 03:55:22 am
It is the beginning of a new week & new season, for all the world & for you too! You have made it through the misery of your first post chemo weekend and you will make it through each of the remaining ones!
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Chelsea
4/25/2011 04:06:55 am
It was so wonderful to spend Saturday night with you and all the other girls. Friends, love and laughter is the best medicine. Your attitude and inspiration constantly gives me more strength. So very proud of you! I wish all of us could tuck you into bed every night, but remember we are all ALWAYS with you in spirit! :)
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Deb & Bob Hart
4/25/2011 04:31:46 am
You are an amazing woman. It is inspirational to read your blog. Glad your treatment went well and that you have started the "kicking butt" phase
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Liz
4/25/2011 08:11:20 am
You are so brave and beautiful! --Liz
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Don and Cindy Hart
4/25/2011 08:49:21 am
Go get 'em, Girl! I know that you will beat this thing and when you've knocked the crap out of the "C", we'll come and cheer at your celebration party!
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Diane P.
4/25/2011 10:43:32 am
Hey Meg...
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Ree
4/25/2011 12:43:33 pm
Hi Megga and Mike..Want you to know I am thinking of you guys..love looking at all your pictures. sure hope you are feeling better today. kiss kiss hugg hugg
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Heather W.
4/25/2011 01:38:05 pm
Meghan!
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katie sheridan
4/25/2011 02:22:25 pm
How is it possible that you look SO beautiful receiving your chemotherapy?!? Love you lady. xoxo
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Katie shea
4/25/2011 02:54:00 pm
May the road rise to meet you,
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Janine
4/25/2011 03:29:32 pm
Yup - totally with Becca & had to chuckle at you chattin it up, makin new friends wherever u go, including "chemoland"! Makes me think of that line in an Aerosmith song "life's a journey, not a destination" - so you just keep on with fun & faith on your journey & surrounding yourself with smiling (& for sure handsome:) faces! Everybody hands in & GO TEAM!!!
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Mike Fern
4/25/2011 04:16:22 pm
Hey champ
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Mama Gina V.
4/26/2011 01:59:19 am
Thinking of you and hoping your spirits are positive! I am here to talk to~ anytime Meg! Remember, everyday is a LOVE FEST! Love you~
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Erica VandenBerg
4/26/2011 03:31:13 am
Meg-I love that necklace you have on! Congrats on the first round of chemo! Are you at Beaumont? The nurses there were all amazing in the Chemo department. I'm thinking about you and wishing you and Mike the very best! Like your necklace says, be brave! xoxooxoxoxox
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tbutterfield
4/26/2011 04:28:44 am
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tbutterfield
4/26/2011 04:31:07 am
Hi Megan,
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Aunt Carol
4/26/2011 08:53:38 am
Thinking about you, my beautiful, battle ready, & very courageous family!
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Girl<Aunt Erin
4/26/2011 10:23:58 am
Hello My Sweet
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Aunt Erin
4/26/2011 10:51:14 am
Oops, I messed up! That's what happens when you try to type and eat cool ranch doritos at the same time!
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brad
4/26/2011 12:25:05 pm
You are so inspiring. Your blog helps me and I am sure everyone else realize how great life is and how a positive outlook can beat anything we are faced. Thanks
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Ree
4/26/2011 01:09:59 pm
hey my little boo..how are you doing today i have been wondering bout you guys,..sun is shinning and have happy thoughts headed your way.. out to get your grandmother in couple days..she can't wait to give you tons of huggs. Love you love you love you !!!! Sleep restful beautiful one..xoxxooxxoxo love aunt lori
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Mary Somers
4/26/2011 01:11:44 pm
Dear Meg and Mike ----------We love you so-------and continue to support and pray for you each and every day. We ask God every day to wrap his arms completely around you ! xxxxxoooooxxxxx Aunt Mary and Bill
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Janice Quigg
4/26/2011 04:13:45 pm
Hi Meghan,
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Diane Daley
4/26/2011 07:03:43 pm
Just returned from visiting John, Sandy and little "Jim". Wanted you to know that you continue to be in all our thoughts and prayers as well as Mike, your mom, Jeff and Doug.
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Zak Renzetti-Voit
4/27/2011 03:18:43 am
Just wanted you & Mike to know that my family is praying for you. During our pre-meal prayer for Easter (everyone was updated on your status) all 18 of us stood in a circle, hands held and prayed for you and Mike. With my faith, I'm a firm believer in the power of prayer and just want you & Mike to know that you are continually being prayed for in Ohio. Love you guys & see you soon.
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Sheri
4/27/2011 06:56:35 am
Hey Meghan...been out of the loop for a couple of days, but I wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you always. I continue to be inspired by your positive attitude and your courage. I'm looking forward to the day when we have another "love fest" for you, but this one will be because you won the war.
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Katie Ceci
4/27/2011 07:39:13 am
Meg-
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stacy
4/27/2011 01:06:12 pm
heard this song recently and thought of you, your family, and friends...
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