Giuliana Rancic talks double mastectomy: ’It was hell’

Giuliana Rancic talks double mastectomy: ’It was hell’

It is hell and it sucks
and the immobility really never goes away
I feel so sorry for her
 I know how she feels

But this is the reality of removing your breast and having reconstruction
 it's no walk in the park!  It's a long process to be put back together

The Holidays~My Children Keep Saying... It's taking forever!

Random pictures of what we have been doing these past 3 weeks.  We started the holiday season right after Thanksgiving by putting up the Christmas tree and lights.  This is when our children become so hyper for weeks!  I remember being the same exact way as a child so I try to be patient.

We went to Lego land right after my 3day in San Diego.  It was all decorated for Christmas.  Super Cute! All the Legos were made of Santa's, Presents and Raindeer.

We have done a few cookies and will finish up Christmas Eve.  Maya is a little Betty Crocker!  She is such a perfectionist!  Every cookies was perfect!

This is my most favorite part of the holidays. My family receiving cards from old friends, family and neighbors. I love it!

I'm ready to relax and enjoy Christmas Day in my PJ's. Happy Holidays to all my readers! Hope it is a wonderful Christmas for you.

DAY 3 Will I Do This Again?

Here I am on the home stretch.  About 4 more miles to go.  It was getting cold and rainy.  I was tired and could not wait to finish.  I just kept relating this final 4 miles to my final Chemo.  Bitter Sweet.  I knew it was important to finish what I started but at the same time wanted to stop right then and there!  I found myself walking slower and slower. My feet began to feel hot spots which = blisters.
 During those last few miles walking I thought back to the day I had my mastectomy and was told that the cancer had spread to 5 lymph nodes and that Chemo & Radiation was necessary.  My whole world changed in that moment.  I never thought I'd be fighting this fight 3 years later but walking 60 miles instead.  NEVER SAY NEVER!

This lady was at every cheering station.  Starting on the 1st day. The supporters really help keep walkers staying motivated...

In the end this experience was like no other.  Words can not describe the feelings I had during those 3 days on my feet from  6am to 6pm.

Here is what I do know and will never forget!

-There were many survivors just like me! Who were there to help make a difference
-Witnessing the dedication of the walkers
-Walking with 2 great friends who I love and adore
-Walking in at the closing ceremony as a survivor and completing the 60 miles was an amazing feeling
-The other walkers cheered us on and then honored us with taking off one shoe! An incredible site to see
  very emotional for me

-San Diego community support -was incredible! The amount of people taking 3 days to follow (walker stalkers) us and cheer us on as we are walking  showed such dedication and made me feel so appreciated
-It is an amazing feeling to know that so many people are fighting the fight together

And now for the exciting news!

San Diego Raised over 9 million dollars for 2011

My team raised over 7,000 dollars
I personally raised over 2,600 dollars

So will I do this again?
I'm Not Sure Yet
I'll make that decision after my feet heal.

Love to all my friends!
Thank you for the donations and support

The End

DAY 2 EVEN HARDER= Slow Motion

Day 2: I felt like I was in slow motion. I would say that I'm physically active. I run and lift weights but for some reason walking this many miles puts a different kind of stress on the body. For me my feet were not working to well the 2nd day but I kept moving every mile! This was the morning view from leaving camp. The walkers at Mission Bay stretched back miles! Loved this view.Here I am about 1/2 way. Made it from Mission Beach to Ocean Side. I knew I only had 10 more miles to go but it was a L O N G 10 miles for me. But again, the views and the community support kept me and my team going.

The Remembrance Tent.

Each tent represents a city where the 3 day has been this year. It was a beautiful site to see this over the bay. Very touching to and sad.

Here is our tent! That morning was cold and again I could hardly walk!

The community supporters are unbelievable! People from all over come out to support walkers. They thank each of the walkers for participating. It was a great boost to your esteem! This day we walked right by Sea World. Some of the performers at Sea World thanked us as we walked by the entrance~!

Another community supporter with her owner.

Day 2 was completed. 40 miles done! I only had 20 more miles to go!

Day3: tbc

DAY 1 20 MILES=FEET HURT SO BAD

I did it! I really did it! I completed this year's 2011 Susan G. Komen 3 Day walk in San Diego. I have not had any type of shoes on except for flip flops since last Sunday

I arrived at the Opening Ceremony at 4:15 am.

When I got to the entrance. There was a tent on a table to be signed for those who have lost their lives. I walked over to the table and signed it.

The name: Sandra Simmons. I never met her. She never met me. About 1 month before the walk I needed 135$$ to meet my goal. A person donated that amount. I didn't know this person but later found out that the donor was the son of Sandra Simmons. He lost his mom a year ago and was deeply effected by this. He wanted to "give back" and so I made sure I walked for her in her honor. I signed the "remembrance tent" which will now travel throughout the United States to different cities that will display and honor those who have past away. I was so grateful for this opportunity and I will never forget it.

My sweet friend Brianne. I love this girl! She has walked so far in 3 different cities.

Dallas, Phoenix and now San Diego. She has raised the money to walk all by herself. Her mother passed away from Breast Cancer over a year ago and so we walked in honor of her too! Love you Shelly! I know you were watching your children walk those 60 miles and were so proud of them.

I made several posters for people who died. Sandra was one of them!

At the end of the day I got to say I did 20 miles without stopping and my team did to! They were so supportive and funny! I laughed most of the time because It kept me from crying when my feet burned to the core!

The experience that day was overwhelming and exciting at the same time. Emotions that I just can't explain. Being part of the opening ceremonies were uplifting and in a sense somewhat spiritual. Meeting other survivors and having them share their stories has help validate how I have felt at times. Sitting down never felt so good.

I had no idea how hard day 2 was going to be.

Day 2: tbc

So Very Thankful

3 years ago a large needle was placed in my breast and cells were sucked out.

The results Breast Cancer. Surgeon felt that it had not spread to lymph nodes.

Cells sent to pathology during my surgery to remove my breast.

Results= Positive=5 lymph nodes affected. Surgeon was wrong.

Today I am here to say how Truly Thankful I am for my life!

I walked last week 60 hard miles with hard terrain, rain and a sprang ankle.

Worth every step. I never stopped and I had great support from my team and friends who cheered me on the entire time.

So much to say and I will post soon.

But for today I am Thankful.

3day tbc

Packing for the 3 Day

Not at all a camper.... Never really camped in my whole life! this is going to be interesting.

Been told 2 things you must have. Monkey Butt Power for everything on my body and GLIDE for anything that rubs together.

For each day I have my clothes packed in Ziploc bags so when 5 am comes around I just grab a bag and get ready for the next 20miles!

A Huge Thank You to my friends who have supported me with this! Never could have done it without you. I will keep you all posted with emails and pictures of my 60 mile Journey

Go Maya Go!

This video is 4 weeks after surgery. She was at Football practice. She stood up and said "I want to walk"

Now 2 weeks later she is:

Walking
Riding her Tricycle
Climbing up the slide
Standing on a chair
Going to the bathroom by herself
Getting down from the bar stool all by herself

No wheel Chair
No walker

Going to Preschool

and

Tells me her leg doesn't hurt "anymore"

Today we met with the Ortho Doctor. He just shook his head. He believes it's a Miracle she has recovered so quickly.

We already scheduled her 2nd surgery in March... ugh...

Greatest feeling to know my little one is doing so well.

Every 3 minutes...

A woman somewhere... is diagnosed with Breast Cancer

BE AWARE...GET CHECKED...PREVENT...

3 More Weeks! Nervous! Still Training Hard! Tired! Breaking in my shoes! Any tips? Any positive things to say? I need it right now. I'm sore. My feet are hurting and I keep telling myself..."I Can Do This!"

Giuliana Rancic’s breast cancer: do all women need mammograms before IVF?

They say breast cancer was probably not caused by her IVF treatments, as research hasn't shown any sort of link between the two.


I'm no doctor but I feel that this is why I got cancer... I did 5 cycles of IVF hard core hormones....


So glad her's was caught early!

WOMEN GET CHECKED!!!!!

Giuliana Rancic’s breast cancer: do all women need mammograms before IVF?

I Made My Goal~ I'm Walking For A Cure!

To all my friends/family
A HUGE Thank You for wanting to help me walk for a cure.
60 miles 3 days and sleeping in a tent!

I'm Strong enough to do this! Last year I could have never done it. Time really does heal the heart and physical body.

I am incredibly humbled by the friends I have not seen for 20+ years who so willingly wanted to donate. Not just because I had cancer but because they feel this is for a wonderful cause.

This money that was raised will go to help those who need mammography's, MRI, Pet Scans and Eduction/Research. I believe in this!

Again
Thank You
I'm walking because of you all. I know this will be a life changing experience!

Regards,
EC

Maya has PT with her brother

After 3 weeks post op Maya said she wanted to try the walker, not there yet but at least she wants to try... Strong Willed Little Girl

Knock Out Breast Cancer

Update on Maya Girl

Ethen helped Maya make a princess crown...

Maya's cousin Logan playing playdough with her...

It will be 2 weeks this Monday that Maya had her 1st surgery on her left hip. I'm happy to say she is off Pain Meds and is tolerating the discomfort amazingly. She is in a wheel chair and sleeps with me because I have to move her a lot to get her comfortable.

We are so blessed at her remarkable recovery. We will meet with the

Orthopedic Doctor this week. I'm hoping for some great feedback. It's not easy but, I feel a little more a peace that we can go through this again in the upcoming months. I have to say that my friends and family have been so good to Maya. They all love her so much and check on us continually. I love you all I will keep you posted soon!

PS... I had 2 friends donate last week! I only need 135.00 so I can walk.... Remember... I had Stage 3b Breast Cancer. I am alive because of the research that has been done and the medical attention I recieved. That is why I am walking 60 miles in 7 weeks blisters and all! Donate Donate Donate PLEASE!!!!

Cluff Family-KTAR Radiothon Interview at Phoenix Children's Hospital

Day3

Maya made it to the PCH stroller. She was able to let her leg hang down for several hours. Really a huge milestone. The doctors did not feel this part of recovery would come til 2 weeks post op. She is well. Sore. But such a spit fire! She is not to nice to the doctors poking and checking vitals but I dont blame her. We are truly blessed tonight. We are truly grateful. Life is good after many trials. Love to everyone!

Day 2 at Phoenix Children's Hospital

Long Night! She had a hard time with moving in bed to get comfortable. Lots of doctors coming in to check on her which kept her sleep broken. She met with the PT today and she tried her hardest to get the courage to move to a wagon and be taken around the 6th floor. Her spirits started to change after she was out of her room. She began to talk more and actually ask me questions. I really believe that their was a part of her today that thought she was going to be in the hospital bed forever. I came into the room from talking with the nurse this morning and found her favorite blanket over her head crying her eyes out. She said she didn't hurt. I think she truly was sad. So tonight Maya was moved out of ICU and is trying to cooperate and take some of her meds orally. Morphine tends to cause other issues and the doctors want her to try and move or sit up and they feel Tylenol will allow her to be a little more alert. Lets just say that is not working.... So for now she is good, I am good and again Thank You friends for all your loving support.

Maya's 1st Day at Phoenix Childrens

Maya's surgery was a success! Her left hip was repositioned and put in place for it to grow properly and allow the muscle to grow as well! She is a strong one! This will be a long road for her. . She is in quite a bit of pain especially when they move her. Hard to put into words the sadness I have felt. My heart just broke when she begged me to not leave her. Life is such a Challenge... And I have tons of them. But I sure love the friends and family that come to my rescue when I need the support. I will post day 2 tomorrow. Love to you all

Another Trial in My Life

I mentioned a while ago in my previous post that my little Maya will have several surgeries within the next year. Next Monday she will have her first surgery on her left hip to help repair the hip and muscle that is not growing properly. This is her today getting another xray of her hip before the surgery date...

Sad to say this will be a 3 hour surgery with a long recovery followed by a metal plate to be removed months later.

I thought I could handle my issues that I've experienced but this is killing me more that I ever thought it would. As the days get closer I can hardly process my thoughts.

Today she had her preop. We went over all the things that will take place. She will have a wheelchair delivered Saturday. This will be quite a Journey. Have I mentioned before that I am so tired of Doctors/ Appointments/ Doctors/ Doctors/ Doctors????

One Day at a time...

This is a Hard One!

(I'm Gonna Love You Through It) click on this





I have a friend...




She was in my life at the time I got the news I had Invasive Breast Cancer...




I was 37 and had 3 little children...




When we had to make a plan to figure out surgery, recovery, chemo treatments, recovery again, my children, my home, my husband and the next 6 months of my life she did it for me...



I got a text the other day from her. She was a little chocked up stating I had to hear this song.
So I went to itunes. Found the song and just had No words... Really! This song is written for all the Women who have experienced Breast Cancer.


For me the lyrics are exactly how I remember my experience.

Love you my friend...

I'm not there yet for the 3Day... Please help me get there! I only need $300.00 Bucks

ONCOLOGIST APPOINTMENT COMPLETED....

Today was a milestone. No oncologist appointment til December! Eeeeeek!!!!

I'm starting to have these appointments with a 4 month break in between! I will follow up with a Mammogram in November. What a relief for me. Life is funny though. I get over my medical issues begin to heal mentally and physically and now have a long Journey ahead with Maya my 4 year old.
Today she accompanied me to the doctor. Best companion to take anywhere! She is an angel... Have I mentioned that before? Because she is...
Next month she will begin her 1 of 4 surgeries on her hips. (more on her to come)

my friends love you and appreciate your donations! Please help me! 300$$$ left then I will be walking in NOVemBer!!!!!

HAD TO HAVE AN MRI BECAUSE...

RESULTS: NO SIGNS OF CANCER CELLS!
Great News For ME!
I meet with my Oncologist next week to
set up the next tests to be done.

Every 3 months it's either a
Mammogram, Pet Scan, Ultra Sound, MRI....

But without these WONDERFUL tests.... I wouldn't be here!

16 weeks til the 3 day.... (go to my donation page on my blog)I need only 300 bucks to complete my fundraising. Please help so I can concentrate on my training.

xoxo...
E

SURVIVOR

I WORE MY SURVIVOR (LIVESTONG) SHIRT TODAY FOR MY DOCTOR APPOINTMENT.





MY ENDOCRINOLOGIST...A NEW DOCTOR THAT I'VE BEEN SEEING... LONG STORY SHORT WHEN A PERSON GETS BREAST CANCER MANY OTHER ORGANS CAN BE EFFECTED.


* MY THYROID HAS BEEN. *DUE TO CHEMO AND RADIATION.





THEY ARE KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON ME! SO TODAY WHEN THE DOCTOR WANTED TO MEET WITH ME I WAS WONDERING WHAT NOW!




THE OUTCOME: THYROID MEDICATION IS GOING TO BE INCREASED. MORE THAN I EVER THOUGHT ID NEED TO TAKE HOWEVER, THE DOCTOR THINKS MY PAST TREATMENTS HAVE CAUSED MY THYROID TO BE COMPLETELY OUT OF WACK!
2 YEARS LATER AND THIS POISON IS STILL CAUSING ISSUES????CRAZY.



BY WEARING THIS SHIRT TODAY I MET 3 WOMEN WHO ARE SURVIVORS!





BREAST CANCER OCCURS: 1 IN 8 WOMEN! THAT STATIC WAS PROVEN TODAY.







NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO HAVE THIS DISEASE IN COMMON.









THAT'S WHY I'M STILL TRYING TO RAISE MONEY FOR MY 3 DAY... $300.00 LEFT TO GO! PLEASE HELP!









CLICK HERE 3DAY

H A I R

2 YEARS AGO TO THE DATE JULY 1ST WE WERE PLANNING A TRIP TO GET AWAY FROM ALL LIFE'S STRESS. Ending Chemo, Radiation and beginning Oxygen Therapy
"the 3 hour tank"

I REMEMBER WISHING MY HAIR WOULD HURRY AND GROW~ I CAN REMEMBER THINKING MAYBE BY DECEMBER I'LL HAVE HAIR TO WORK WITH. THE REALITY IS... WHEN YOU LOOSE YOUR HAIR FROM CHEMO IT WILL TAKE APPROXIMATELY 730 DAYS TO GET TO THIS LENGTH!!! BOY THAT'S A LONG TIME...

Training is going... Hot Hot Hot right now in AZ but I'm excited to meet my goal for the 3 dAY... ANY READERS WANT TO DONATE? pLEASE pLEASE pLEASE? CLICK ON THE DONATION ICON AND IT WILL TAKE YOU TO MY SITE.

LOVE TO YOU

XOXO

17 Years...

I wanted to begin my writing by saying "17 years of full Bliss!" However to be honest it hasn't been. Lots of challenges during these 17 years of marriage. I guess the key to making it 17 years are these challenges, disappointments and heartache and how we have handled it.

Mitch,,, great person, kind person, understanding person and most of all he loves me!

I can remember after one of my surgeries it left me so disfigured that my doctor mentioned I might want to let Mitch dress the womb and clean the drainage. I thought how can I do that? How can I let him fix me! He did... with such calmness and sweetness that I knew I'd get through this living "hell" I was in.

So love to you Mitch/ for being with me for 17...

It's getting Hot...170 Until the Event!

I swear I'm not obsessed with the 3 Day even though my blog seems to be posting a lot of this lately. However, I just have to say that I truly have amazing FRIENDS... They have come though 100% in my fundraising. I'm not there yet but I'm getting close!





I'm going to continue training at night. The Arizona weather in the evening is still great. But when July hits I'll be hitting the gym.





I've really enjoyed training alone and have had lots of time to reflect on the past 2 years of my life. Having Breast Cancer for some reason never leaves your memory. It's a good time to think, process and reflect my thankfulness that I'm a live







Love to all my dear friends and readers.





EC

186 days Left

When I raise 2,300 for the 3 Day this is where the funds will go:

Research (for better medications, and genetic links to this disease)

Prevention (Free screenings in Rural areas that do not have local Breast Centers)

Education (for those that are younger than 40 and are more likely to have dense breast= no signs or symptoms)

Complex Imaging to detect early breast cancer (such as an MRI which is just as good sometimes as a Mammography)

THINK ABOUT IT... WHY DO WE WANT OUR DAUGHTERS, GRANDDAUGHTERS TO GO THROUGH THIS IF WE CAN PREVENT IT. Donate if you can.

EC

xoxo

I'm Still There Mom!

This Mother's Day I was spoiled by my sweet children. The letters they wrote and the gifts they made are priceless! They were really aware that it was a Special Day for me and they really tried to make that happen.

After all the issues I've had at least I'm alive to say "I'm Still There Mom"!

Life is special and I need to continue to remember that.

xoxo

IT WILL ALL PAY OFF IN THE END!

That's what I keep saying to myself! Some day's "I'm just not feeling it" I have to tell myself "it will all pay off in the END". I do feel good. I'm stronger than I've ever been. So it's worth it. With all life's challenges this is one thing I can control and allow me to feel like "I'm really doing something worth while". If anyone is interested our 1st FUNraiser: Team Bras for A Cause is having a HugE Back Yard BBQ dinner. See blog site for more details.

email if interested in attending....





xoxo

Bras For A Cause...

This is our Team Name for The 3 day. Bras For A Cause ! I have 5 Fabulous friends that are going to begin training with me. I'm doing great on my own. My endurance is getting better each week and I can not begin to tell you about the generous donations that have come in on my behalf. I have a friend who had a garage sale (in the rain) and said it was the most successful one she has ever had! She said that people who didn't even buy anything donated to her Breast Cancer Jar! $600 bucks for my Team!

Our Team created a blog to begin raising money. Our 1st fund raiser will be a huge dinner in Gilbert. The Backyard Mexican is going to cook the most amazing Mexican Food and a portion of the proceeds will be given to: Bras For A Cause. Visit the web site often. I have the link on the side of my blog. We will be posting all our Auctions/Fundraiser/Bake Sales etc. for you to help if you want!

What a Great time to be able to raise money for Breast Cancer. We have wonderful access to Internet, facebook, and Blogs that only make raising money for a CuRe even easier!

xoxo

The Simplest Things

TODAY I WAS PUTTING ON MY MAKEUP AND THOUGHT TO MYSELF "I'M SO GLAD I HAVE EYEBROWS"! I WAS SO HAPPY! I CAN REMEMBER WHEN I GRIEVED FOR THEM. THEY WERE SUCH A PART OF MY FACE. SIMPLE BUT IMPORTANT TO ME. THAT'S ALL FOR NOW. PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO DONATE TO MY 3DAY I HAVE RECEIVED DONATIONS FROM PEOPLE THAT I HAVEN'T SPOKEN WITH IN YEARS BUT THEY SURE DO LOVE ME!

LOVE TO YOU ALL

Pet Scan + Results

It all Started Last week with the PET SCAN. Had to be there early in the morning. The day before I had to eat a low carb /high protein/ low sugar diet so my blood sugar would be perfect for the test. Let's just say that was a LONG Sunday for me. I love comfort foods! After the blood sugar levels were checked I was ready for the tech to inject me with Radio Active Die so that the Scan could read my body! I was sitting in the room a bit nervous wondering could I actually have a cancer cell hanging out in my body just waiting to attack me again! So I kept saying... "think positive thoughts" "think positive thoughts"

I was instructed to not talk or move around for 1 hour so I text a little and then took a nap... tech took picture... funny guy

Hello Big Machine with a little hole! Little less than an hour in that capsule!

So this week I arrived at Chandler Hospital. Oncologist office is right next door. At 8:30 I drive in and park for my 8:40 appointment.... Nervous for results

9:00 put into a room

9:25 decided to get off that stupid bed with the paper sheet!

9:42 Decided to read the flip chart on Breast Cancer Risk Factors for the 1,000 time!

9:51 Still waiting...

9:53 Results= CLEAR!

so happy and relieved. what a blessing in my life. what a blessing to have modern technology to detect this. I- am- grateful there are just no other words.

love to you

keep those donations coming I'm almost at 1,000 dollars.