Everything is moving along. Today I feel good. I have been a little tired though. I think as the Taxol accumulates you don't recover as fast. I can't wait to get my energy back. Tomorrow is treatment #9 I skipped an update on #8. I was feeling a bit depressed and sad about my situation. It's normal to feel that way this is not easy.

I am getting my surgeries done in San Francisco at UCSF. I have my consultations the week of the 20th in August. I meet with four doctors. The breast surgeon, the reconstruction doctor, the microsurgeon and the gynocology doctor. They will all be operating on me at the same time. I will be in surgery for 8-10 hours I expect to have my surgery the first or second week in September. I will be having a double mastectomy with diep flap reconstruction (they take my stomach fat and make new breasts out of it, thats the micro surgery part). I am also getting a hysterectomy and oopherectomy (uterus and ovaries) all at the same time. I have talked to a few doctors and all say this is the best way to go. I was going to get my hysterectomy and oopherectomy at another time but for me the thought of two different surgeries didn't sit well. Since my diep flap gives me a scar across my tummy It wouldn't be wise to reopen that incision. I just want it all over with.

For the consultations my friend Michele will be with me and for the surgeries my sister Angie will there. This is going to be expensive! I feel so bad. I don't know why because its out of my hands but I just do. Jon and I talked about it and we both agree that he needs to be here for the kids and our house that only he knows how to fix. My mother in law Diana will also be staying with Jon and the kids durning my surgeries. (phew!) This is a big relief for me. It would be very difficult for Jon with school, work and all. As far as taking care of me during my surgeries Angie will be the best. She is great and should have been a nurse. It would be hard for Jon. Everything is working out the way its suppose to.

If anyone has any tips for me reguarding San Francisco please email me I have already got my hotel for the consultations and hear that its cheaper to take cabs and such to places I need to get to because the parking is very expensive. During my first visit I will look at hotels near UCSF for my stay during the surgeries. I want to be as close to the hospital as possible. I will probably be in the hospital for 4-5 days but be in SF for around 8-10 days for follow ups etc. I need the hotel to be as clean as possible since I will be there after my surgeries. I wish I felt well enough to get a little job before my journey. Spending money Oh well.

I should be somewhat back to normal around Thanksgiving. That is exciting. I can't wait to get my health back. I am going to change everything about how I eat, exercise and stress control. My goal is to make myself as healthy as possible to keep this dreaded disease away! I know I can't control the genetic part of this but I can keep myself as healthy as possible to keep it from planting itself anywhere else in my body.

Oh! these darn hot flashes They are aweful! I just had one and had to say something 

I had an appointment with my oncologist Dr. Livingston yesterday. He say's I am doing great. I did ask him about a few changes. I am getting some breakouts and my face has some fuzz on it. He said the breakouts are from the steroid and the fuzz is because my estrogen has been zapped. In the next year I will work on balancing all that out. Dr. Livingston is amazing. If you ever need an Oncologist or advice about treatment he is the best. God has really blessed me during this journey.

I want to thank Shelby Everson and family for the very generous gift certificates to Chuy's. God bless you! That was so kind of you

Mrs. Harmon and Mariah~ Jordyn had a great time at your home. She loves mariah and I hope they have the same teacher this year. Thank you so much for the delicious chili and cornbread dinner! That was so thoughtful of you We will see you soon!

I am serious about San Francisco tips and advice. I really need it. I have never been there. Even if there is a restaurant I should try or a place to see. I am sure I will have  a little time to see a bit of the city.

"You will never know that God is all you need, until God is all you got."

-Author unknown