Surgery a Success!

Family Portraits!

Thanksgiving was celebrated at our home in Plano. My mom (mormor) came to be with us and so did Mike and Imelda Hopps. It was fun seeing them and being thankful for a wonderful family.

The weekend before surgery we took advantage of the nice weather and visited some local Christmas festivals! Lila saw Santa, reindeer and so the Holiday season begins!

Finally, Nov. 30th came and went. Surgery was long (7 hours), but a success. I stayed in the hospital for two nights and we were very pleased with the service. On the second day there we got to look out the window and see Plano covered in white! Yes, it was snowing! Oh, we were sad not to be with Lila on this morning, but she was so fortunate to be with her Mormor who was taking care of her at home. Apparently, this is Lila's reaction to the snow " Wow! where is it coming from? Is it Christmas now?" ...precious moments...I have included some pics. Thank you Mom for being with us.

I am now recovering and healing. I am soo thankful for the network of friends (Mommies from school and Mom's group) for all the meals they have provided for us. I keep thinking I can cook up a meal, unload the dishwasher and do laundry...but as soon as I reach and tug I am reminded that I must take it slow....so thank you Beto, Lila and Mormor!

The Holidays are upon us. Lila is super excited about Santa and Christmas. We decorated the house, put up the lights and have managed to do a little shopping! I still have a couple drains (which should be taken out early next week) and my incisions slowly feeling better each day.

As the Christmas Season quickly approaches us I realize that we need to take time to enjoy it. Lila is looking forward to "Jesus' Birthday" and so are we! It is hard to believe I have nearly reached a year (January 14)since this bumpy road began...but I have to continue believing and having a PMA (postive mental attitude). I am able to accomplish this with the help of my loved ones that surround me each day.

Happy Holidays!!!

Hurray! It is Fall!

Wow! I cannot believe I have not writen in the blog since September. I will try my best to catch up. After radiation was over my incentive and goal was to schedule my reconstruction surgery. It was a heavy decision to make, meet with Dr. and decide which kind of surgery to have. And then the WAIT~! Oh, we really learned about patience these last couple of months! I finally made the decision for Dr. Meade to do the Lattisumus Dorsi with implant surgery. On Nov. 30th surgery would be done at Baylor Hospital in Plano.

Meanwhile we continued to live and enjoy the Fall acitivites with Lila and family. Pumpkin patch, trick or treating, and Thanksgiving were all part of it. Here are a few pictures from the Fall.

Tada! One step closer!

Hurray, Lila is 3!

Tio Albar jr. and Lila

My wonderful hubby keeps me strong! (pic. taken by Lila!)

Our Virgencita from Bo and Perla has kept us safe.

Tia Laura, Wela and Lila

It is September 16..a day to celebrate Jeanne's Independence from radiation! (oh, of course it is Mexico's Independence day too..)..so all I have to say is "que viva Jeanne y que viva Mexico!!"
It seemed like 6 weeks was a long time when I first began my treatments, but after awhile it was routine and part of my day. All went well..no major side effects, my skin looks good so I have no complaints:)

Thanks to our wonderful families for coming up to Plano and helping us out with our schedules and Lila. It was such a blessing to have you all in our home and we know Lila treasured each and everyone of you.
The next step for me will be my final reconstruction surgery. This will probably take place at the beginning of November. I will meet with my Dr. in a month to schedule. I also will continue recieving treatment every 3 weeks thru a 90 minute IV to make sure those aggresive cancers NEVER come back. This will continue until February.

Soooo, we continue to enjoy every minute of life here in the Elizondo house! Lila turned 3 last month and started preschool. She continues to learn and appreciate her surroundings. Her latest quotes are: " Mommy (or Daddy I missed you today. Thank you for taking me to ......I love you".

With that said I end by saying --Thank you to all of you for your continued love and support..it has been a bumpy 8 months, but one that has made me appreciate life, family and friends EVERY day!

Chapter 3 !

Happy 4th of July!

San Antonio with Mormor!

Well, it has been awhile since my last entry and there is lots to say. I had my surgery in June and the best news since then is that the path report was good news. My lymph nodes were not affected and the rest is gone, gone , gone! I recovered from surgery fine. Thanks to all who wrote, called, emailed and sent all that PMA my way. We really really do appreciate it and feel it. I don't think I would have bounced back as quickly as I did if the support was not there.

We managed to get away and drove to San Antonio to visit my mom (Mormor) and brothers and families in July. It was a nice trip and so much fun to see everyone. Lila enjoyed getting to know her "primos" (cousins).

We are now back in Plano and back to our routine. Lila is still enjoying her summer filled with playdates , swim classes, tumbling and vacation bible school. Her pre-school starts up again at the end of August.

I am getting used to my new daily visit to Texas Oncology for my daily dose of radiation. Since my original tumor was large I was told I still need radiation even though I had negative path reports. I will be going everyday Monday thru Friday. It is painless and easy...seems like it takes longer to get there, change and drive home...but I am not complaining. We have to juggle our schedules a little to try to accomodate my appointments and have someone watch Lila so she doesn't have to go with me.

So, this is chapter 3 .... it seems like my road to recovery is ongoing, but that is a good thing as I look forward to many many more chapters full of happiness, excitement and togetherness. Soon this will all be behind us:)

By the way Lila is proud to announce to everyone that she will be 3 this August!! She keeps us busy each day as we celebrate her fabulous twos.

More later...xoxox

Medical Center of Plano Web Address Correction

Correction to web address below:

www.medicalcenterofplano.com

Surgery's Done and Waiting for Room!!!

Jeanne is out of surgery and in the Recovery Room. Both Dr's said she made it through both procedures like a champ. Lymph node exams were negative for any cancer cells but were still removed for safety sake. Plastic surgeon said that everything went very well and that she will be a little uncomfortable for a few days but that she will be very happy with the end result once everything heals in place.

Thanks to all of you for your calls, texts, email, prayers and support!

It means the world to me and Lila.

God bless you all and will keep the updates coming.

Con todo corazon,

Beto

Jeanne is in Medical Center of Plano, Room 420A, ph# 972-596-6800
www.medicalcentercenterofplano.com

The Wait!

Having fun in the sun!

I am finally back to writing. after a couple tests and Dr. visits we have determined that the tumor has shrunk and overall the area with cancer has decreased including near lymph nodes. So, we are happy that the chemo. treatment did work. After consulting with surgeons we have decided to move on with surgery. Surgery will be on June 26th. (Please keep us in your thoughts on this day). Following surgery will be rest, recovery and then radiation. Meanwhile I have a couple weeks of NO Dr. appts. or treatments...what a nice break!! So, we wait and get prepared for this next bump in the road.

Lila and I are busy each day enjoying summer activities with our friends:)

One of our highlights was participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure this past weekend. Beto, Lila and I walked in the Family walk with friends and thousands of other survivors!

Chapter Two!

Well it is hard to believe that 18 weeks ago I started this road..here we are onto chapter 2! This past Tuesday I had my final BIG round of chemo. I started the morning being greeted at the doors of the oncology center by a bunch of my dear Mommy friends and their children. It was quite a sight all with a bunch of flowers for me. It was such a nice gesture and a great way to celebrate the END of chapter 1 !

My day went well considering I had to still go to my appointments. Dr. is very pleased with response. My surgeon also feels positive about the chemo response to tumor. I will go in tomorrow for a mammogram and next Wednesday is my MRI. These tests will determine what surgery course we will take, which will occur in 3-4 weeks. Following surgery we will start radiation. So, meanwhile we continue to stay positive, eat healthy, drink LOTS of H2O and pray.

Thanks for all the PMA (positive mental attitude)...keep it coming. Lets hope this darn tumor has shrunk away!!!

The above picture are of Lila enjoying the day at the park with her Daddy!

Hip hip hooray, it is May!!

Papi and Lila enjoying the view of the trees!

I remember thinking back in Febraury when I started my 1st round of chemo. that May was far away. Well, here we are into the 1 st week of May. I had my 5th round of Chemo last week and have had very mild side effects. I am counting down to May 19th which will be the final round of chemo. Of course I will still need to continue with my other therapy (herceptin) every 3 weeks..but has no major effects so I can handle that! In 3 weeks I will also meet with my surgeon and probably have some tests done to determine what kind of surgery to have done---I will keep everyone posted on this.

So, meanwhile we continue to cherish life and count our blessings. I am so thankful I have been feeling well all things considered. Our little Lila keeps us on our toes. Her latest move is showing us how she climbed out of her crib during naptime! Yep, she is a big girl....I was so surprised when she met me at the staircase instead of her crib! "I did it all by myself!" she said. I wasn't sure how to respond except not to get to histerical. So, our crib days are officially over. Papi converted her crib to her big girl toddler bed yesterday. Lila is very proud of it and seems to be handling the change okay. She did roll off last night, and when we tried putting her back on the bed she wanted to be on the floor. This morning she came down the stairs and greeted us with "good morning" Mami, Papi....what can I say....our baby Lila is growing up!!

Texas Bluebonnets!

Enjoying easter with Mormor!

"Eggsciting" times! Lila dyes eggs for the first time!

Update:

I have been feeling so good that I have not been updating my blog. A few friends have been concerned, but there is nothing to worry about. --No news is good news, right?!

It seems like April has buzzed by. We are now into our last week of April and of course here in Plano there are plenty of April showers to shout about. We are looking forward to the May flowers that are around the corner. Lila has been a great helper in the garden. We planted some wildflower seeds in our flower beds and we are anxiously waiting for them to pop out. Everyday we have to go look and see the new growth and of course have to look for worms! "Lets go find worms" is Lila's way of convincing you to go dig!

Tomorrow, Tuesday the 29th, I will get my 5th round of chemo...We are on the homestretch and counting down the weeks! 5 weeks to go.

Here are some favorite "therapeutic" playtimes for Lila, Mami and Papi..something you might want to try if you are having a stressful day !:

1. Playing and building towers with Legos.

2. Digging for worms!

3. Playing with playdough..we love making tortillas!

4. Coloring...with crayons and markers.

5. Putting together puzzles.

6. Arts and crafts of any kind.

7. Playing w/ Lila's train as she challenges us to build a new track.

8. Cuddle up in Lila's tent and read books!

9. Listen to Papi play trumpet and Lila hum along.

10. Going for a walks with Lila, Papi, and Polka!

April Showers!

Circus time! Elephant ride!

Lila with easter bunny!

Papi and Lila in front of Thomas the Train!

I cannot believe it is April and March is past us. Finally Spring has sprung, hopefully our last freeze is behind us. It has been a busy couple weeks. Most importantly is that I have been feeling well. I had my 4th round of chemo on Monday and Dr. was very pleased with my progress as are we.

We are delighted to have Mormor with us again this week.

Lila has been showered with all kinds of fun and new adventures. At the end of March she got to see Thomas the Train and take a train ride. Wow she was so excited.
On Sunday we got to meet the Easter rabbit and went to the circus with Papi and Mormor. Lila and Papi rode on an Elephant for the first time!

We are now getting ready to celebrate Easter and thinking about how grateful we are to have eachother and share these special times together. Lets continue to "shower" each day with laughter, love, life, hugs and gratitude. Thank you for making my journey to recovery a smooth ride.

xoxoxo, J

Photos from Marcia's visit

Madrina Marcia and Lila

Can you believe we've been friends since 1st grade??!!

Jeanne, Beto and Lila at Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch!

Best Buddies! Oscar, Lila and Molly!

Half way there!

Last Monday I had my 3rd round of Chemo and Dr. visit. All went well. This time around I got some benadryl to offset the allergic reaction I had last time. It seemed to work as it was only minor. I also got my shot on Tuesday with less meds...and it also seems to be working. It is Sunday now and I am feeling good. I had a few aches during the week, but nothing major.
My highlight this past week was having my dear friend, Marcia, and her two children, Oscar and Molly, come visit. They drove from McAllen and stayed with us for 4 days. Lila was in heaven...thinking she had a big brother and sister watching out for her and having unlimited playtime. I think her favorite time was convincing Molly to put on some gloves so they could go find worms...and boy they found some big ones!
I continue to find strength as I am surrounded by lots of caring people near and far. Lila continues to find new life in all the little things Spring keeps delivering to us. Hooray for Spring! Beto makes sure all of his "girls" (Lila, Polka-our dog, and Me!) are taken care of...I just want to say Thank you to all of YOU reading this. Stay Positive in all you do I know I will. xoxox.

Going, Going, Gone!

Before I begin info on Photos: The two right pictures were taken by Lila. Left pic. of me taken by Beto--my new "hair"!

As I mentioned in the Top 10...we know the meds. are working because the tumor is shrinking! The Dr. was very pleased last week with the progress we are making. We are going to adjust a few meds so I will not feel so achy next chemo round.
It has been a good week. My hair was rapidly falling and was a little stressful watching it fall out. So yesterday I decided to go for the new "look" and had it shaved off completely. My friend, Wendy , met me at the salon and assured me it will be ok. And it was. I feel better, my head has no surprises...just white! oh well. I can now show off my new "doos": bald, hats and scarves and stylish wig!
Tomorrow, Monday I have another 30 minute round of meds...and on the 16th we go in for Round 3..

We will continue to try and eat healthy, stay hydrated and celebrate each day as it comes. xoxoxo.

TOP 10 celebrations in the Elizondo home!

It has been a really good week. We are all feeling good. The only downer was saying "bye-bye's" to Mormor on Thursday....but we know she will be back! I have been admiring Lila and enjoying her zest for all lifes little treasures. So here is a list of our TOP 10 daily celebrations :

1. Life!
2. Laughter...Lila's daily giggles with Papi!
3. Determination: hearing Lila say "No, I can do it all my self !"
4. Success: Lila cheers and says " I did it!".....-Lo logre!-
5. Lila climbs up and sits on her chair and successfully gets down:)
6. Admiring the movements of worms and Rolypoly's.
7. Listening to nature: birds chirping!
8. Going for walks and seeing tiny flowers.
9. Family and friends that have kept us in their thoughts and prayers.
AND.....number 10 is......
10. Treatment is working: Tumor is shrinking !

This list could go on and on. Lila has put a new perspective on Life..enjoy every moment in each day!

Finally Marching into March!

It seems like Winter is never ending...we were back into the 20's this past weekend, which is chilly for us. For all of you in the NE...sorry! Hang in there Spring is around the corner.

Well, we are marching along..leaving February behind us and receiving March! This past weekend I did feel some side effects, I was very achy on Sat. and did have a little nausea...it was over by the time evening rolled in, but not a good feeling. So, it was a quiet weekend for us.

Today, Monday, I am feeling even better.. I am trying to get used to my new "look" as I wear my hats and scarves. My hair is continuing to fall out..Lila is trying to understand why I wear my hat indoors...she asks" Your head cold. Mami?"....she then tries them on too!

Tomorrow is another appointment with Dr., labs and 30 minutes of meds...so we keep on marching to the road of recovery.

Thank you ALL.

Thumbs Up! Round 2 Good!

Well, on Monday I went in for my second round of Chemo.. All went well, it was so much easier this time around since I have the port now. It still took a good 5 hours between appointments and waiting..but no complaints.
I am feeling well, I did have a slight reaction and woke up pink and flushed all over the next day...but it seems to have gone now.
My hair is another story...it is rapidly dissapearing. It is a little sad and has made me face the fact that I am dealing with some powerful meds...however it is the only way we can beat this darn BC. So, we will continue on the road with a Postive Mental Attitude (PMA)...I know my Dad would want that and I will not let him down.
It has been an UP Up week ...my Mom/Mormor/Anita is back in town (yeah!)...Lila is so excited to have Mormor take her to school and play with her! Thank you for being with us Mom!

Moving forward...

I have been feeling great this week, but was reminded that there is still work to be done. On Thursday I had my Port surgically placed. It was a short outpatient surgery, but still had to have anesthesia. Everything went well with no complications. The highlight was seeing Beto and Lila come pick me up and Lila holding a balloon that said "Get Well Mom"! We went home and took it easy the rest of the day. Lila has been so careful not to bump me, she knows I have a "band-aid" and a boo-boo. She reassures me everything is okay. Now that I have the Port in, treatments will be so much easier..no more needles and IV.

The other reminder that the Chemo meds. are doing their job is that the one side effect the Dr. said would occur has began. I thought that maybe, I would be lucky and it wouldn't happen to me..well I was wrong. Hair loss has begun. It seems like everyday more and more is falling out. Oh well or as we say in Spanish.."nimodos"..life goes on and so will treatment. I know it is only temporary so I must move forward and start showing off my hats and new hair.

On another note....Beto and I are sooo proud of our Lila. Today we took her to get her first Haircut. She was awesome. We have been talking to her about getting earrings just like Mami...so today she got her ears pierced too!!! Yes, she did cry ..but quickly got over it. She looks adorable. Will post pics. soon.

Thank you all for your positive thoughts and prayers, notes and phone calls. Thanks to my wonderful Moms group for the meals this week---they are awesome. I will start Round 2 of chemo on Monday ...will post more then. xoxoxo

Everything will be Okay!

It has been a great week for me healthwise. I am feeling really good. Day 14 since my 1st Chemo round will be tomorrow that means hair loss will begin this week. I am trying to be positive about this, afterall this will not be a permanent thing and who knows maybe I will have blonde wavy hair once it grows back!! Lila and my mom came with me to the wonderful wig shop a couple weeks ago. It was a good visit and I actually found something. Since then, I cut my hair a little shorter and Lila has asked me a couple times " Mama, cut your hair? Take it off " --meaning take off the wig as she saw me try them on at the shop! It's pretty cute and she encourages me that it's only hair and it will grow back! Lila says " It's o.k. Mama "...and I agree with her ...yes everything will be okay.
This past week Lila came down with Croup. One night out of the blue she woke up coughing and gasping for air. We quickly tried to calm her down but had no luck. We took her to the ER and they determined that it was croup. She sounded horrible (very hoarse/bark cough)..she got some meds. and mist and quickly got better. Of course none of us got any sleep that night but our little girl was going to be alright and that's what counted . We can't wait for all of these winter colds and flus to go away. Is it Spring yet?
Lila is better and has not had another incident. Everything will be okay!

Feeling Good!

On Tuesday I went in to visit my oncologist, got some bloodwork done and had my 30 minute IV of med. (which will be weekly). Everything went well, and Dr. was pleased on results and how I did overall after first week of chemo.. Apparently after about 10 days since the chemo round my energy starts to go back up and I will start feeling my best. So I must say this is true. The last couple of days I have been feeling really good..almost doesn't seem like anything is wrong (wishful thinking!)....At this point I am enjoying life, and my hair! According to Dr. hair loss starts after about day 14 -17 since 1st round of chemo. ...we are getting to the half way mark.

Enjoying all the little things!

It is Sunday evening nearly one week ago since my 1st Chemo round. We had a really nice relaxing weekend at home; we took walks, enjoyed a cup of coffee at the park and just enjoyed eachothers company.

I have been feeling good with minimum aches....the only big test we had this weekend is with Lila trying to push Mami and Papi buttons to see if she can get her way...she won a few battles, but we had to stick to our guns on others. Boy, parenthood has new challenges each day!

Take time and enjoy all the little things !