Breast reconstruction surgery

Today I'm thankful for...
Family being there for both my wife and me
Knowing that my kids are safe
The expert hospital staff and doctors
My wife's incredible strength

Wow, where do I start? I'm sitting here in the hotel room near the UCSF cancer hospital watching my very strong wife recover from surgery. As I look at my watch, it has been 5 hours since she was wheeled out of surgery and into the recovery room of the Mt. Zion's cancer hospital, where she had her breast implant exchange surgery this morning. She has been resting comfortable most of these five hours, only waking to get a quick drink before nodding back off into dreamland. The surgery to take out the expanders that the plastic surgeons placed back in November and place silicon implants ( and no she didn't get the DD size that was so widely discussed), lasted a little over 4.5 hours and the surgeon said that she performed "as well as expected" (I've never understood that one? Is that good, or did he expect her to do really poorly, and she barely passed?) I know that Lulu's getting the chance to catch up on that most need rest that you don't always get when you have four active kids? I know that she is having a moderate amount of post surgical pain though, because she had asked the recovery nurse for pain medication during one of her momentary alert periods. I know that I'm glad that she is sleeping off the anesthesia, and hopefully when she fully recovers, she will feel better? The hospital released Lulu at 4 PM because they felt that she was doing so well, and we brought her groggy body to the hotel to rest for the night. I'm sure that she will be thinking about her return home tomorrow early, so see can be in her own bed, and near the kids?

I have had four great helpers caring for Lulu and our kids. Lulu sister, Doris, could take time to fly here to be with her younger sister and my sister Lori drove in from a couple hours away to assist in the emotional support. On the home front we have my aunt, Dianne, my Mom, and Lulu's Mom staying in Reno to care for our kids. It's so nice to know that the boys and baby girl are well taken care of. The piece of mind knowing that neither Lulu and I have to worry about the kids getting feed, dropped off at school, or comforted at night, has been so very helpful during this stressful time. Also, knowing you have been there thinking about Lulu and praying for her successful surgery and recovery
from this dreadful disease, is a great part of her recovery. I know that Lulu sees this surgery as a step in the process of beating breast cancer, and she has just moving one step closer to the finish line.

I just looked over at the pretty woman that I luckily get to share my life with, and she opened one eye to greet me with an "I love you" look. You know the kind that you don't need words for? As I sit here writing this I ponder all that Lulu has indured to this point in time, and I know the I have one determined wife! I'm so relieved to see her get past this surgery.

School starts and we feel like it's a new year

Today I'm thankful for...
Being home and getting back into routines
Seeing everything in a positive light
Riding my bike in the woods up the mountain
Happy family

I'm so grateful to be getting into the new school year, and it seems that our family is starting out a brand new year? I know that as every new day begins that is a chance for each of us to start fresh. I wake up each morning thinking about not only how lucky that I truly I am; but also, how I can make this day just a little better then yesterday? I'm starting to see how my attitude makes all the difference on how my day will turn out. Now everyday is more special then the last.

Our family returned from the bay area Sunday night after a long weekend of doctor appointments and family/friends bonding time. Lulu had a appointment at the UCSF cancer clinic last Friday. Lulu had the usual blood test to check her estrogen levels, white blood cells, and the effects of the Sutent drug. Then she got her monthly shot of estrogen blocking drug in the infusion center on the 5th floor (this the the same area that Lulu had the weekly chemotherapy treatments). Then she had her appointment to see the oncologist and director of the trial drug treatment. The good news is that Lulu's estrogen levels are coming down from being very high the last few months. Hopefully if this trend continues, Lulu might avoid Ovaries surgery in the near future? On the not so good side the Sutent drug trial is reducing Lulu's white blood cell counts (neutrophils), and the oncologist was concerned enough to tell her that she should avoid contact with any person that is sick or could be potentially sick. This may be a cause for concern, since we are coming into the cold and flu winter season, and Lulu works daily on sick little patients in the office. We'll have to evaluate this more in the near future, of course, we want Lulu to be protected from preventable illness. Overall, we both felt that this appointment was very positive, but the complete blood test results will not be know until later this week?

Lulu's preparing herself for the Breast surgery next Thursday. She has said that she is excited to get the expander's replaced with the softer implants, but has some reservations about having the surgery. I can tell that she's worried, but is looking forward to getting this next phase of the recovery (implant surgery) over with. Who can blame her? I'm just glad that I can be there for her, and hold her hand through whole thing. We will be driving down to SF on Wednesday afternoon for her early Friday morning surgery time, and she is to discharged by Friday afternoon. We are hoping to be able to return to Reno on Friday night? I think that some of Lulu's family will be flying into SF to join her in the time that she needs us the most? I know that having as many friends and family around is very comforting for her, so I'm glad to have them. I know as the day approaches I will be even more concerned about the surgery and it's success (if that's possible, because it's continuously on my mind?). She knows that her praying network is vast, and that everyone will be saying a little prayer for her, or sending positive thoughts before, during, and after her surgery. There's comfort knowing that so many people will be with her in spirit.

Two birthdays, and a trip to San Francisco

Today I'm grateful for...
Soon getting back to the routing of kids in school
Watching my youngest do wonderful new things everyday
See my oldest celebrate his 10 birthday
Sunshine

Lulu had her 42 birthday this last Sunday, and it seems that all went well? Early in the morning Carter and I snuck out of the house for the store to get a cake, candles, and flowers (we got there so early that the store wasn't even open yet). I truly love the bonding time with each child that I occasionally get. Any of you that have more then one child, I'm sure, can relate? That solo time that you get to get bond with that one child is sacred. Carter is such a good boy, so thoughtful, and concerned about doing the right thing. Sometimes you wonder if you're raising your kids properly, and when you see them in action, you get validation. Carter picked out the flowers, birthday card, and then the cake for his Mom. I was thinking the whole time how much I would love to have my kids pick all the special items that go along with a birthday. That want makes the day so special. After picking up some really good looking (who knows how they going to (taste?) donuts, I was so excited to get back home and share the day with Mommy.

Later on Sunday I had the chance to spend the afternoon with my wife alone, and we shared a very nice dinner and movie. Though I think that the movie was one of the worst that I've seen in years? Lulu and I have a tradition of going to Sterling's restaurant in the Silver Legacy. They have a dessert that is to die for, Bananas Foster. Both of us love how they cook it up at your table, and the whole restaurant is looking at you as the flames bast the bananas golden brown. We thought that we might have a difficult time eating the confection, after the meal, but we seemed to finish off most of it? I really thought the whole day was great and if it was my birthday, this would be exactly what I would have loved my special day to be like. However, since this was Lulu's birthday, not mine, I was hoping that this is what she had in mind?

Carter also had a birthday this past week. He turned 10 on the 15th. We told him that we would take him out for the dinner of his choice, and he really wanted to go the the Melting Pot. I think that all the kids love to cook their own food in the garlic oil? So after work on Wednesday we meet at the restaurant and had a family birthday dinner to celebrate a decade for our oldest. Such a nice time had by all of us. We will be having a birthday party for him with his friends next month once school has started.

Tomorrow the Molina-Wilkerson family will be taking a trip to San Francisco so Mom can get some treatment at the UCSF cancer center. Lulu is getting a shot of Estrogen blocking medication, and blood tests to check the effects of the Sutent cancer medication. They might be doing a whole body scan to evaluated the pain that she's having in her hips? This is the first time since last Winter that we've taken the kids down during Lulu's treatment. I'm glad that they have a chance to see what their Mom must go through each month to fight the cancer. I think that it's good the boys see that Mom has more treatment to better her condition, but also see that she is healthier and improving daily. At least we are down to once a month trip to the clinic. Down from the once per week (and sometimes twice per month) they we made last year. One day this will be just a memory of the past, and I'm not sure that we will look back on 2010 fondly, but we will have memories of the recovery that Luz DeLourdes Molina made from Breast cancer.

Healthy lifestyle changes for the Molina-Wilkerson family

Today I'm thinking about:
My family, and how very lucky I am
Having enough resources to make decisions about how to spend my life
Watching my daughter learn to walk
More beautiful summer weather

Today Lulu went early to the office to start the week caring for the kids teeth at the office. She seems pensive going out the door? I know that Monday's can be a little stressful (will everyone be in the office ready to go, how many kids fell during the weekend and now need emergency care, will all the equipment, computers be working properly, not to mention the stresses of looking for a new Director of Administration for Dentistry for Kids). Monday's just have more stress inherently built into them, so hopefully this is all that was on my wonderful wife's mind? Sometimes I think that she just can't wake up not thinking about her life and how cancer has changed it? Who wouldn't be consumed by the fact that just one year ago (before the cancer diagnosis) life so very different. Before cancer one of the biggest worries in our life was are the boys prepared for school, do we employ the right mix of staff at the office, is everything with the partner dentist working out, and what the family plan for the next year was going to be? Now were consumed with when is the next appointment for Lulu in SF, how she is tolerating the various treatments, and not what we're doing in the next year, but more about what we're doing the next month? Today is the most important day. Tomorrow is just not as important as today, and what happens next week can wait. I know that we have discussions about our feelings today, because we have control over today and how we feel and act. Every morning I give thanks to God for today, and tell him that I will be the most positive, construction, and loving person that I can be. I know that when I do this the day's we be fruitful and happiness will find me!

Both Lulu and I are really committed to the healthy, anti cancer, diet. We only drink blended juices for breakfast and dinner, and a healthy solid lunch. Salads are a large stable of the lunch menu, but occasionally we will eat something as bad as Sushi. The organic celery, carrots, kale, cucumbers, tomatoes, spinach, you get the idea. At first the dietary changes were a little tough to swallow; however, we have managed to be in the position of not having the cravings for other foods that we would have been partial to six months ago. I know that Lulu's been trying exercise regularly, but he is limited by the painful feet that she is plagued with. I mentioned to her that she might want to try swimming (its so low impact), but Lulu isn't a real big swimming sort of person. I have been training for a August Xterra event in Incline Village, and my new found hobby, mountain biking, has been my passion for the last two plus months. The beautiful trails that we have access to are so much fun, and the exercise is pretty great also. I have been riding as many times a week that I can (averaging 3 times/week). I'm not super keen on the running and swimming part of the Xterra, but unfortunately they're part of the whole event. I know that I'll keep looking for more inspiring trails to ride, and new mountain biking challenges to seek out. I have been feeling better then ever, and now trying to get my wife into something that she can not only improve her health, but also enjoy enough to stay at it for years to come?

Lulu's feet hurt

Today I'm grateful for:
Motivational stories to guide me
Four inspiring children
Feeling better then I have aright too
A long, warm, sunny summer

I can't believe that it has been over a month since my last journal entry? Where has the month of July gone? The Wilkerson family has had a great summer and August promises to be even better. We have two birthdays to celebrate this month, both mommy, and Carter. It's beyond comprehension that I have raised a soon to be 10 year old boy. I look at Carter and see many attributes of not just myself, but of Lulu too. I'm really not sure where he got his voice though? Neither Lulu or I can sing, but Carter can carry a tune and he is interested in singing. Lulu will be celebrating her 42 birthday on August 15. I'm not sure how she feels about the big day, but I now from experience that she really enjoys the excitement of the birthday event (whether it's her own or others). I just feel lucky to be there to see her 42 birthday.

The family spent a few days in San Francisco while Lulu and her older sister, Doris, were seeing the doctors at UCSF cancer center. Doris just wanted the same doctors that are treating Lulu to follow her heath. She had them look at her mammograms, blood tests, and do an exam. Nothing can motivate you more then seeing a loved one go through preventable cancer treatment? Doris' heath was found to be excellent. Lulu's appointments were a little more eventful.

Lulu has been taking the bone marrow treatment medication Sutent for just over 40 days now, and one side effect has been plaguing her since the first few dosages. Her feet became pain full at the end of week one, and until she stopped the medications they weren't getting any better. Lulu and been dealing with the foot issue for two weeks, but was having a difficult time walking more then one hour a day, so when she just couldn't handle it any more she called the oncologist for advice. The doctors recommended that she stop the Sutent and see if her symptoms don't improve? I think they both her and I were surprised that she could stop the drug even for a day or two. Would this cause a decreased effectiveness for the trial? Luckily, lulu's feet issues cleared up within a day period and she was able to start back on e drug soon after. Three weeks later, she still having foot pain, but not enough to interrupt her taking the drug. The doctors did recommend that the original drug dosage to be reduced by half. At the last doctors appointment (July 27), Lulu had her blood tested, examination done, and consultation on mostly the side effects of the drug treatments. As of this date she was taking Sutent, oral chemotherapy drugs, Hypothyroid drug, Synthroid, and daily Ibuprofen. Besides the feet issues, Lulu has been having hip pain, and she was describing the symptoms (severity, length of time, and when it gets worse)? After hearing Lulu's explanation the oncologists was concerned enough to recommend that she has a full body scan. This took me by surprise, because I thought that the foot issues were the biggest problems that she was facing, but now I learned that her hips were equally painful?

Lulu's reconstructive surgery is just a month away. On September 2nd. Lulu and I will be traveling down to SF for the "put Lulu back together surgery". Though she's not as concerned about this surgery as she was about the cancer surgery in May, there's still some apprehension approaching September 2 date. The surgeons will be replacing the expansion appliances with breast implants during the 3 to 4 hour surgery. We will be staying there for 2 nights and most of 3 days for the whole thing. Coordination of the whole surgery date has been a big deal. Who cares for the kids, coverage of the office, where to stay for the surgery, the recovery period, and such have been the topic of discussions lately. One thing that I have really learn to do with all that Lulu and I have faced this last year is to allow my wife time to plan and the ability to change her mind without getting upset. She deserves a lot of support and understanding form me, and it's asking very little to give it to her. This next month (maybe more), will be just another step in the recovery process from breast cancer, and closer to being cancer free for life.

I have just finished another fun, inspirational, and motivational book on my iPhone. I just have to share with you. The author Tony Hsieh is one of the founders of Zappos.com an online shoe and merchandising company that Lulu and I have admired his ability to motivate and inspire his Zappos employees. We have been influenced to role parts of our dental practice to follow the culture, core values of a billion dollar company known more for the care for it's employees then for the shoes it sells. Delivering Happiness, is well written and a very interesting read even for people that are running a business. I learned that happiness is greatly varied among different people, but we all need to find our pursue and passion. I highly recommend you to read this (or download it you have a iPad, iPhone), you might just find your passion for life, or re-visit that purpose for being placed on the face of the earth?

Once again, I want to thank everyone for the seen and unseen support that you have all given our family. The prayers are helping Lulu improve daily and we can't imagine life without them.

Lulu's been taking Sutent for 2 weeks now

Today I'm thankful for:

Warm, long days to spend with the family
My healthy back, my wife's improving health, and the kids great health
A very cute little baby to love
Jacklin LaLanne fruit juicer

I know it's been a couple of weeks until I have written in the blog, but it always seems that the summer time is a very busy time? Lulu has been taking her Sutent chemotherapy medication for two weeks now, and she's had only minimal side effects (like mouth sores, fatigue, forgetfulness). But as long as the drug is reducing the bone marrow cancer cells, these are a small price to pay? The thyroid medication is working wonders to improve Lulu's hypothyroidism, and the Tamoxifen is going to improve the chances that the cancer does end up somewhere else.

Lulu and I have been drinking juice from our juicer machine for the last month or so, and both of us have given up the high fat foods we once ate. I know that we've both feel better now with our new diet and have each have lost some weight along the way. I don't have cravings for the types of food that I used to love; pizza, steaks, hamburgers, and other high calorie fatty foods. It's amazing how changing your diet can have such a healthy impact both physically and mentally on a person, but I'm here to tell you that it's true. I haven't felt better since I was in my 20's, when I was know to ride my bike to school and play lots of tennis or basketball daily. I've even noticed that Lulu had been making an effort to exercise regularly too. I'm proud of both of us, and just today was thinking about this is another opportunity for us to look at Lulu's breast cancer not solely as a unfortunate circumstance, but one that positively changed our life's. It's really how you look at these things, and what you make out of them. I'm so grateful that the future looks so bright for my wife, and that we are living a healthier, conscientious life style.

We're praying for the drugs to do their jobs and eliminate all the residual cancer cells that inhabit Lulu's body? She's on her way to being cancer free and raising to the distinction of "Cancer Surviver".

How Iced Tea opened my eyes

Today I'm grateful for...
Having time to enjoy my life
Sharing moments that seem little with my loved ones (every moment is huge to me)
Bret Michael's Trop.A.Rocka diet Snapple iced tea (this is good)
Sharing my bed with a compassionate wife

Lulu's had a drug regiment that seems to increases weekly? I think that she's on four medications now all related to treatment of the cancer or relieving the side effects of the cancer? From Tamoxifen to Centroid and she tells me that she needs to take Ibuprofen daily for the headaches and body aches that she is experiences. I remember many years ago my grandmother at the end of her life showing me her daily pill regiment and the drug organizer that she needed to keep the medications straight. My grandma, Grace, had nothing on Lulu's pill organizer, the thing is big, long, and filled up with many vital drugs. I haven't mentioned the fact that seeing the numbers and types of drugs she needs to down daily has me thinking about not just her mortality, but often all human beings life cycle.

The future is quite uncertain for us? Until Lulu's hyperthyroidism is cured, we have been told that she can't start the trial drug treatment on the bone marrow cancer cells, so we hope that the drugs will quickly stabilizer her thyroid and we can make plans to start treatments at the UCSF cancer clinic? In the mean time we struggle with trying not to think about "what next", and only concentrate on what we can control like what we do with each other, how much time we spend with the kids, and holding little Lourdes as much a possible. I know that both of us with be feeling more confident about Lulu's beating this disease when we get the OK to start this next phase of treatment.

I have a new obsession, Bret Michael's Trop.A.Rocka Iced Tea. Funny how I came acrossed this delightful liquid refresher. One night when I came to the family room to give my beautiful wife a "good night kiss and hug", I was intrigued by the TV show she was watching, and I just had to sit in on the action. I had heard of the TV series, The Celebrity Apprentice, but I had never really know anyone that had been following the show? I had never been a fan of Bret or the band Poison, but I just had to know what an aging, long haired, bandanna wearing rocker was doing on a TV show? I really thought that he was there as the Celebrity Apprentice we could all get a laugh out of because they were as out of place, and isn't fun to laugh at other's that we might have once idealized (or maybe still do)? Bret Michael's had substance. He impressed me with his creativity, ingenuity, leadership, and I dare say a Celebrity role model? After the show, I really wanted to test the diet Snapple flavor that he and his co-apprentice's touted as "tropical mango with a touch of peach flavor". Well, it took me a week of searching local stores to find the drink, but I'm sure glad that I finally found it. I can't really explain how the whole experience effected me, but I think about the show, the singer, and the drink daily. I guess the fact that anyone of us where we are famous or not can accomplish anything if we take chances, surround ourselves with the right people, and work hard at achieving our goals. Thanks Bret for opening one more creative space in my life (you can never have enough).