Even the Energizer Bunny needs new batteries sometimes!

October 2, 2008

Dear Friends,

Even the Energizer Bunny needs to take time off and get new batteries, a new source of energy. I think that is where I have been at lately; running low on juice and needing to replace the old source of energy with new.

I am starting October with an update. Today I had my 14th chemotherapy treatment. If you remember, I was taking part of a clinical trial, which was testing the effectiveness of using Avastin with early treatment of breast cancer. This was a double blind trial and was unblinded for me today; I found out that I was getting the Avastin and not the placebo drug and am not part of the arm that would require an additional 10 treatments of Avastin. From some of the side effects I was experiencing I a was pretty sure I was getting the Avastin, frankly I am glad to not have to go in for those additional 10 treatments that would have lasted an additional 30 weeks. So I have just two more chemotherapy treatments with Taxol to go. I have learned that chemotherapy is a cumulative treatment; the side effects become more apparent as time goes on. I am beginning to experience pain/numbness in my fingers and my toes from the Taxol as well as peeling skin on my hands and feet from the Avastin. Therefore, I will be very glad to be finishing this stage.

The next stage of my journey will be radiation treatment, starting in mid to late November and lasting for about 6 weeks.

For those of you who are not exposed to the media, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month ( It is a good thing I like pink) ! John Stoddard Cancer asked me to be a part of their campaign to help promote Breast Cancer Awareness and the Breast Cancer Care Coordinator, Edra Fouts, who have guided me through this journey. So, if you live in Des Moines, do not be surprised when you see my smiling face on a billboard, in the newspaper or TV! For my friends not here in the Des Moines area, I will post pictures on my blog site or send you a link if you would like as I get the proofs!

As always I cannot express enough how much your prayers and support have meant to me. Thanks so very much!

Love,
Lynn