Monday, April 28, 2008

"You are the Hannah Montana of Cancer"...thanks Eason

My trip to Knoxville was fun and the wedding was beautiful. It was good change in scenery. I was really nervous about going to the wedding because it was the first time I have worn my wig "out in public" as no one knew my story what was going on. I feared people might say something about me or point fingers. I didn't see anyone doing that but it was always in the back of my mind. To be honest, I could not handle the drive 5 hours in a car up and down a mountain was not fun at all. I felt like throwing up oh so many times. I just kept eating lemonheads. My doctors said that lemonheads help with the nausea. I am extremely tired and feel out of it. I have the "chemo dark circles' under my eyes and I pray that will go away soon.

Tonight my ABC mini series aired and it was so good. Claire did a great job. Mom cried through the whole thing! Speaking of ABC, Claire called and said that Good Morning America anchor Robin wants to meet me! She is also battle Breast Cancer and heard my story! So I will be flying to New York soon and I am so excited about getting national attention to spread the word on breast cancer in younger woman! I will keep you posted on when I go.

Nothing else new with me, just more and more of my friends are getting in engaged and I am still waiting. I checked the front yard and no money tree was planted so waiting is game. I hate checking Facebook.

Well I am off to bed! Thank you everyone again for all the thoughts and prayers. With your support I am not sure I could do this!

Check the Ta Ta's

Friday, April 25, 2008

Hannah Montana

I know my little cousin Emma Grace will love this post ;) Today after my fifth interview I really feel like Hannah Montana!

My mom school held a mock Relay for Life to raise money for the real walk which is May 2-3. I was asked to come out and start the walk. I was very honored to see all these little (well not all of them are little, some where bigger then me!) 6,7, and 8 graders pay $2 to walk. I know half really just wanted to get out of class but hey that's $2 towards finding a cure! 13WMAZ came out and filmed the walk and interviewed some of mom's teachers, parents, mom, and finally me. I was not prepared for this interviewed and I am really scared I sound stupid! I hope people will catch some of the other media I am in!

For record, I am very honored on all the attention I am getting and thankful I can spread the word on young women can get breast cancer. This brings my total media appearances to 4. I have 2 news casts. and 2 newspapers under my belt. I am now waiting on NBC to call then I would have all of Macon media covered!

Pick up an 11th Hour newspaper, my article is there today. Tonight I will be on 13WMAZ at 5 or 6 pm (they are sure which time slot yet.) Next week starts the ABC special and the promo is airing now.

My Godmother told me last night that I needed an agent! Any takers?

Before I go I have another Granger story! I hear people really enjoy these: Yesterday Brian and I took Granger to the park with some friends and their new lab puppy and wore the two out. When we brought him home my dad was like "don't let that dog in this house, he is dirty and needs a bath." For the record that dog was not dirty, he did roll in mud or step in anything, he was just fine. But anyways we put him out and of course Samford J (my Boston terrier) gets to come in. Well this makes Granger mad. He is out there even at dark! Finally, I get to bring him in just to feed him. My dad takes the trash out and finds a surprise. My dad comes in yelling at me "Look what he did now" You would have thought he ate the deck. He chewed up a mat that goes in front of the grill. It came from the dollar store. I tried to tell my dad its because he sees everyone inside and he is mad. I would be to. My dad lets him stay in and Granger just slept the night away on his bed. Never made a sound. Mom and I both know that he is better in the house then he outside. But my dad will see that!

I am headed to my sister's house this weekend so I don't know if I will get a chance to write. I post the stories when I get home!

Check the Ta Ta's

Thursday, April 24, 2008

ZETA #1 (that's all I heard from my sister when she was in college)

Sorry for keep everyone waiting but, this has been a super busy week! On Monday my Godmother came from Tampa to visit me this week while I am on the "healthy" week. I am happy cause this week I have got to eaten real Italian! I have not stop at all and now I feel very tired and I am suppose to go out of town to my sister's this weekend for a wedding. Last night everyone (Dad, Mom, Brian, Linda, and I) headed to GA Tech for a "Cookout for Catherine". The ZTA's of Tech heard my story from my cousin Hallee and wanted to do something. They ended up selling over 200 tickets at just in my honor! It was amazing to meet to a group of women that are passionate about helping others! As I was riding home I thought to myself, I have attended to 2 University and not one has done anything for me, but Tech has done more then enough! Thanks Tech!

Today I had my blood work and all my counts were up and fine so now I can eat fresh things again! I am so excited to eat a salad and fruit! I will have my 3 round of chemo next Thursday which is my half way mark and I thrilled! 3 down 3 to go! I head to Atlanta after that treatment to meet my doctors up there and talk about surgery and reconstruction!

This afternoon, I had a visitor from Ed Grismore. I was very excited to be interviewed by him! Also, got the call that the promo to the ABC interviewed will air tonight at 8:15. The story will air next week at 7 and 11.

Check the Ta Ta's

Sunday, April 20, 2008

He did it (no, not that)

This has been one of the best weekends of my life. On Thursday I had the KA Rose Court Dinner and when I got to the house all the brothers had the Breast Cancer Ribbon pins with there Chapter pins on there jackets. I felt like Sally Field, "they like me, they really like me!". On Friday some of my girlfriends came in to do the interview for ABC and they took me to dinner afterwards and it was wonderful getting out of the house and just laughing with them, telling old and new stories and I was thinking as looked at the round table how I could cry cause of the way my friends have come together. After dinner, Crystal, Caroline, Kimberly came home and Caroline baked me a my favorite cake (which my family has ate every bit!) it was like old times! Crystal is on the "I want a wig kick" and she played dress up with one of my wigs and it was so funny! I swore she looked like what she did in high school! For the ones that do not know Caroline D. she has jet black hair with dark eyebrows well put on the red wig and oh my Lord, well the pictures will explain ;) Kimberly had her fun when she went with me to get my wig!

Side note, as I was of course venting on how bad I want to be in engaged, I was stating how Brian had discuss, what do we call ourselves, we are now more then just a boyfriend or girlfriend but not yet fiance, so Crystal being the creative one, says well just call him your Beyfriend (not sure how to spell it) we all just laughed (its one of those you had to be there moments)

Saturday, I had lunch with some of the girls and Brian and then we went and played golf with his best friend and then we cookout with John Paul and Jessica. We had our own Old South!

To the point of this blog, as John Paul and Jessica were leaving last night I notice Samford (my Boston Terrier) was out sniffing the driveway. It was dark and we could figure out what he was doing. I come inside to finish the dishes and Brian comes running in "Oh My Gosh, you will not believe what Granger (our Vizsla, which is a big dog, which my dad HATES) has done!". I go outside and see feathers all over the driveway, at which point my parents are driving up. We knew my dad would go nuts, we tried to scrap the feathers which meant they flew everywhere. All we could do is just laugh! Granger was so proud of himself that he killed a bird in mid air. My dad was OK and lucky just said "well, you got your money's worth." After everyone went inside Brian gave the command to show the bird, and Granger went and got the dead bird. Brian said it was perfect, just like if they were in the woods.

Now, this is Granger game list of hunt that he has done on his own: lizard, squirrel, rabbit, and now a bird. We are waiting for him to bring us a deer. needless to say: HE DID IT!

Well today, I am off to run some errands for mom!

Check the Ta Ta's and your Ovaries (I am spreading the word Lyndsie!)

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Just call me Granny

May I first saw if this is what old is going to feel like then I AM NOT EXCITED! I feel like an 84 woman. My joints are killing me. When I walk you can hear my joints cracking. I know gross right, oh the joys of chemo! They saw this will not last long and I am waiting for it to go away.

Tonight, Brian and I went to the Rose Court Dinner for KA and it was so nice to see everyone again. I was really nervous cause it was the first social thing I have done on campus since discovery this wonderful cancer. I was just scared people would not know how to accept me in my wig. I know its silly. We took alot of pictures and I literally soaked up every minute. Everyone made me feel so welcome! Thank you KA and the lovely girls! I can tell me strenght has change just going to eat has made me tired and I can not wait to 11pm to go to bed. (thats my bedtime).

This weekend at 1pm at Stratford there will be a meeting on the Komen 3 day walk that some of my friends are raising money for me to walk in. If you are interesting in attending please let me know. It would mean so much to raise money towards research in saving my life. It will be a great to see me!!!

Because of the meeting most of my girlfriends have come home and I will get to see them! (oh i love meetings ;) Hopefully, Brian and I will stay busy and I will not get upset that I could not go to Old South this weekend!

One more week till I have chemo again and then I will be down to 3!!!

I have the Relay shirts! please let me know if you want one! I have taken some orders all you need to do is come to the house and pick one up!

Check the Ta Ta's

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

SweetHeart

Sorry for not writing yesterday, I had somewhat of a lazy but full day. I woke up with a very bad soar throat, to the point my dad and grandmother took me to the doctor. Basically they told this will be my illness from now with chemo is the throat and mouth problems! It hurts, but it is WAY better then in the hospital! They sent me home with some medicine that I take every 4 hours. Total that makes 8 pills for me to take! I guess you can say I know how to "pop the pills".

Last night was a good night, my roommate from Mercer came by to let me know that for the 2nd year in a row I was nominated to be on the Kappa chapter of KA of Mercer Rose Court. To some of the girls I know its not a big deal, but when you are fighting for your life and I find joy that someone today thought of someone else and not of themselves, I could not believe it. Why on earth would 27 boys want me to represent them on campus? Well I didn't believe and actually waited till midnight till I heard from 2 of the brothers that it really happened. So thank you KA for giving me something to look forward to! Tomorrow they will have a dinner honoring all the Roses and I am praying that I will be well enough to go! I know I will cry, cause its nice to see everyone again! Also, this weekend the boys will head to Tybee Island for Old South and it just tears me up because this is where Brian and I met! My girlfriends have promise they will call! This is what I was talking about it. The simply things of just giving me title gives my mind such a positive boost its (as my niece would say) amazing!

Today I am really resting I talked to some of my brothers on the phone and they excited for me to try to come. I am really sore with joint pains. I am now waiting on my dad to bring us lunch I am so hungry! (my poor dad!) My grandmother has to go today and I wish she could stay longer but she has her big trip planned to Tocca Falls with her Sunday School friends this weekend! (wish I could go).

Well I am headed back to watch t.v. and stay quiet. Sarah Ruffin is coming to visit me this afternoon along with other people. Thanks to everyone who brighten my day!

Check the Ta Ta's

Monday, April 14, 2008

Can't Sleep!

Good Morning!

Its 6:17 am and I can not sleep. Everyone in my house is getting ready for work and I am just now getting ready for my PJ day! This is week I plan to take things REAL slow and do much of anything because I do not want to be sick like last time! I feel real tired this time but not as "sick". My stomach and chest feel real tight but they saw that is just from all the medicine I have to take before and right after the Chemo. I am so thankfully I am officially at 4 to go. It does not seem it could get here fast enough!

My grandmother is here now to help me this week so I am not by myself! She also brought her good cooking so I know this will be a better time around. I am taking a steroid that makes me eat ATON because I loss to much last time. I don't want to loose to much weight cause then they lower the amount of chemo which means more later down the road and I really like this 4 number! So bring on the bacon Nanny!

This weekend I basically slept. Friday and Saturday were bad days just didn't want to move or do anything. Sunday was a good day. I went to Church and then to lunch and even went to Kroger with my mom. I am on a high protein diet so therefore, we ate a steak but don't to excited mine was dry and rubber cause I cannot have any pink throughout, but it was safe and I ate it!

Today will be a boring day, just lying around watching my TV and eating! I look forward for these days to be over!

More later!

Check the TA TA's

Friday, April 11, 2008

Chemo 2

Today's Chemo went well. I was there from 9:40 to about 4:30. I have lost some weight so therefore my doctor had to reduce the amount of chemo and added more nausea drip so that is why it took so long. Brian and mom went with me along with my fan club which included ABC news affiliate, Stephanie (the photographer who is documenting my journey), along with friends who stopped by on their lunch breaks (Molly, Alex, Mickey, and Sarah). My uncle JP brought everyone lunch which I was very grateful for because I really was getting hungry at that point. I wrote a couple of thank you cards, did a interview with the news, took some pictures, then slept most of the time since I did not sleep much last night.

Delaney Holliman came today and brought me a DVD from my "head shaving party" and WOW they are so good and mean oh so much to me! Stephanie did a GREAT job. She truly captured the moment. I will treasure this set forever. I'm going to be really brave and post a couple on-line through Facebook (it is easier that way)

I feel OK just really tired. This is an all day event. But the nurses took great care of me so I think that has made it easier for me! (thanks Jamie). It was nice to come home to a home cooked meal. Thanks to the YoungLife Committee Leaders, for taking care of me on days of my chemo and everyday you think of me! Brian and I treasures you guys so much.

Tomorrow I will start working out at the Wellness Center with the Cancer fit program at 9:00 am. Then back to the doctors office to get the "after chemo shot" Then I am being interviewed for the news. REMEMBER: this will air starting April 28 and run through May 1.

I have had many people ask what can you do, or how you can help. Well there are several ways. First, a group of girls have put together a Relay for Life team and have made T-Shirts. The slogan is perfect. Fits me to the tee! its Navy shirt with a pocket on the front the says Relay for Life and on the back they put the Chanel C's with at the bottom that says "Cure Catherine" you may purchase one for $15 dollars. Please let me if you are interested and I get you in touch with the girls who are selling them.

Another way Wachovia Bank on Tom Hill Sr. has created an account for me called Cure Catherine and donations may be made. This will help with the unwanted expenses that insurance will not cover. The account number is 2000034559509. This will really help my parents out!

Thank you to everyone who has sent cards, packages, food, and all the prayers. I can not thank you enough. I promise there will be thank you cards coming soon. There just has been a lot on plate so it is taking me some time!!!

Enjoy the pics!

Check the Ta Ta's

PS: Lynn, I am updating my blogg! I just can't do it when I am on a date with the trash can or toliet!!!! love you!

PSS: 2 down, 4 to go!!!!!!

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

What I really want!

I really want to be engaged. I know that is alot to ask but really I would love to look act something else and plan something else in my life besides this stupid cancer. I am trying to be good cause i know it is tight for Brian right now. I just hard because we both want it and just can't have it right now. I found my ring and I even went back and tried it on today. And yes...I pulled the cancer card to jeweler hoping she would Brian a deal. Well she did but not enough for me to say yes, lets call the church, photographer, girls, and guys. So I will patiently wait some more and read my bride magazines and wish that the Lord will drop that money tree tomorrow (yeah right!)

Chemo is tomorrow at 9:40. I will get there and wait my turn and then the fun begins. Brian took off tomorrow so he will be with me the whole treatment this time. My mom is going along as usually.

My SHHH it a Wig (spicy is her name) came in today and really does look like my old hair. It is the same color and cut so that has made me happy! I will it tomorrow. I am going to try to put some pictures up soon.

The ABC affiliate came today and interviewed me. I will be part of a 5 day story line. I am really excited because I to get the message out there about BRAC and that young women can get cancer too! MY stories will air April 28 the week of Relay for Life. So watch out! Thanks Meghan for setting that up!

Tonight one of my best friend and her family brought food out and praying I can keep it down! It was great to tell old stories and laugh and to be care free. So thanks Caroline! P.S. I missed Oliver he is normally with us when we eat ;)

Well its late and I have a big day tomorrow!

Check the Ta Ta's

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

New Day

Today was a day like before I had the cancer. I woke up and went to class. This was the first time I had been to class since I was diagnosed. Class was fine it was good to see everyone. It is going to be tough trying to finish the semester since I have been out so much but I will do it.

My head is itching and so I have a different kind of numbing cream for my head. I am now waiting for the little pieces to fall out so I can get over the trauma of not having hair. Not going to lie it is one of the hardest I have had to deal with yet. It is hard for a 21 year old not to have hair. Today I was watching T.V. and I swear a million hair commericals came on, its hair porno for chemo patients! I hate it!

I am starting to vomit alot and it really weird cause it does not hurt I just do it and go on my merry way! Hey least I am losing weight!

Looking forward to Chemo on Thursday. This will be my second treatment and after Thursday only 4 more to go! Then surgery, then DONE!!!!! Chemo starts at 9:40.

Please pray that I do not end up in the hospital again in my Nader period. I do not want to experience that again!

Check the Ta Ta's

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Off with my hair!!

Tonight at 8 pm I had a the normal cancer patient shaving head party. I had tons of friends to come out and support me. Cay Kite buzzed what was left of my hair. It was time, my head was tingling and my hair was coming out fast and I was tired of looking in my drink and seeing hair.

Lots of people are wondering if this was a good thing and yes, it was. As Cay said it was time for it to go. I wear my wig and everyone has said you can't tell the difference. My Wig looks like my old hair before I was diagnosedwith breast cancer.

This is a road I never thought I would take. But I can already tell it is making me a more humble person.

I will put pictures up later after I have time to process it.

Check the TA TA's

PS from Sarah Mac: Catherine is the cutest breast cancer patient you have ever seen! And she was a CHAMP tonight. Britney Spears aint got nothin' on her!

Friday, April 4, 2008

so short

Sorry I has taken me forever to write but alot has happened and it makes me sick to sit at a computer. A couple of things:

  • I have been in the hospital with a fever of 104.5 and Pneumonia
  • I have the BRAC 2 gene
  • I will have a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy in August
  • My hair is falling out
  • I have my next round of Chemo April the 10 (Thursday)

More later......

Check the TA TA's