Crushing the Cancer.....

2010-05-07T19:57:00.000-07:00

Busy, Busy, Busy......All finals went great! have three more online which I will hopefully finish on Tuesday.....Just got back from speaking at the relay for life, this is quite an experience to be a part of this, when you have people come up to you and tell you you made a difference in their outlook on life.......I had a couple people ask me about the talk wanting to be there etc....so I thought I would go ahead and "publish" it on here. Also in a way I feel that now that schol is over, etc my life is not a whole lot different than anyone elses so am thinking that I'm going to end the blog.....if you want to get in touch with me please feel free, at pruittlaura@gmail.com but I think in a way, the speech that I gave tonight is a nice closing summary to this last 1 1/2 years. Dustin and Alex were there walking and raising money as well......Dustin even ended up dressing up with two of the other friends who were there as "sexy ladies" to raise money for a contest they had at the wak.....so all I can say is I'm very proud of him and the other boys for being willing to "feel like a fool for a good cause!"

If you ever say you can’t
If you ever surrender,
Then the next time it becomes easier,
If you ever give in, you’re in trouble!
December 5, 2008 I was diagnosed with stage 2 ductal carcinoma, and stage 3 Invasive lobular carcinoma. However, this is not a story of sorrow and tragedy, rather it is a testament to faith and triumph.
At the time I was diagnosed, I had some decisions to make. I could (A) give up, give in, and surrender myself to the cancer, the treatments, and despair…..or (B) I could turn tragedy into triumph, not allow the cancer and treatments to control my life and the life of my family, and allow the treatments to irradicate the cancer from my body…..I chose B….GAME ON / FIGHT ON….THIS IS NO GAME
What has happened since this fight began? I had a double mastectomy, 7 months of chemotherapy, 30 days of radiation, another surgery, emergency surgery, and have one more surgery scheduled. My former employer dropped me like a hot potato, as soon as I started chemotherapy…..maybe I reminded them that we can’t always control what life throw at us, but we can control how we react to these challenges.
And how have I reacted? So many people told me I would’t be able to even get myself out of bed for two weeks after the double mastectomy….I started back with gentle exercise after six days. WHY? Because my body was used to doing exercise for 40 years, it was going into withdrawal from lack of activity! As soon as I started I immediately felt better, since that time I haven’t stopped, even through the chemotherapy and radiation.
I applied for and was accepted into the first of its type in the country ATC/PTA licensing program where I finished a 2 year program in one year. I asked Dr. Cody my Oncologist what he thought about me doing it. He shook his head, rolled his eyes, and said most people are happy to just function “normally” while undergoing chemo and radiation, let alone trying to complete 25 credit hours in 8 weeks, then completing the rest of the credit hours in one year. But told me he figured I would do it anyway no matter what he said. He was right, I had already applied and been accepted into the program. Hey I looked at it this way, it gave me something to do while sitting for 2 hours in chemotherapy once a week!
You are probably thinking at this point that this sounds like enough…but I had a couple more “activities” that I took on. One of my clients convinced me to write up my story and enter an Underarmour Power in Pink contest to promote breast cancer awareness…that it can happen to anyone…..I told her I didn’t believe these contests were real, but I went ahead and wrote up my story……And well, I was one of three women selected to be a power in pink representative for Underarmour! I was given the opportunity to participate in a photo-shoot promoting their power in pink line. Because of my exercise science background and Athletic training license, I was asked to participate as an expert at Underarmours huge Baltimore fitness festival answering fitness questions. I and the other two winners were also invited to be “on the field and was introduced at the Bengals/Baltimore Ravens “pink” game. All to promote breast cancer awareness!
And I did start teaching some exercise science/ athletic training classes at College of Mt. St. Joe, and have been able to transform lives of clients through exercise and lifestyle change , with much appreciation to Laura and Shane Sweat who own the SWEATSHOP in Blue Ash.
Amazing what can happen when you decide to turn lemons into lemonade, obstacles into opportunities!

None of this could have happened, however, without faith, family, and friends.
Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for thau art with me.
I as many of you did walk through that valley of the shadow of death. But I did not do it alone! I was supported , maybe even carried, every step of the way.
This has been an unbelievable journey, one which I would wager is not over,…..but I’m thinking that I am at least now on my “downhill slide”. AS I was listening to my Ipod on my 6 hour drive home from final exams Saturday evening, A cuople lines from a Greatful Dead song, seemed to sum things up amazingly well……
Sometimes the light was shining on me, other times I could barely see, lately its occurred to me…what a long strange trip its been! But you just keep on Truckin’ on……

2010-04-23T18:51:00.001-07:00

yes, yes I know its been quit awhile since I've written anything.....stress....stress...1 1/2 weeks until finals, papers and assignments are due, very busy! will be acstatic when its all over! Have my talk written for the Walk for Life event

2010-04-08T16:57:00.000-07:00

Wanted to let everyone know about and be invited to....or at least you can provide "moral support"
Myself, Dustin, and Alex will be participating in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life May 7 and 8. I have been asked to be the keynote speaker at this event....guess some people felt I had an inspirational story to tell! Anyway I am asking for your support either by sending a tax deductable donation to the following web site in either my name, Dustins name, or Alex's name www.relayforlife.org/colerain just click on here, click on donations, then put in my name Alex, or Dustin, our team is Hoosier Buddies I would love it if you are in the area and were able to attend to opening ceremonies where I will be speaking (about 6:00) Friday May 7, you can get the address on the web sight as well. Please let me know if you think you will be there, we can try to meet....will be great to have some "friendly faces" in the crowd! Thanks Again...LAura, Dustin, and Alex

2010-03-27T16:10:00.000-07:00

Just got back from "mini-vacation" for Spring Break. Lots of hiking in Turkey Run State PArk...the only "Turkeys" I saw running were Dustin Alex, and Alex's friend Dylan.....they got their legs "hiked off" they are probably wishing mom and dad had a little less energy! very neat trails there though!
Keep thinking bout a year ago compared to now....we were hiking in a different park one year ago....I probably had a little less energy however was still hiking and still running on the trails, just like this year...the main diference was one year ago we awere all much more uncertain about the future...now, however, the fusture is much clearer!

2010-03-21T12:49:00.000-07:00

So I've found out that it takes a year for the body to recover from chemo etc......numbness in fingers seems to be starting to go away, fingernails are almost back to normal, hair is getting longer! Even though I went through so much it's still hard to beleive I had to go through it at all! Still reminders obviously that I did.....but they are becoming less and less....will be starting to do more "community" stuff now that I have a little more time.....what a long.....strange trip it's been......

2010-03-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is looking forward to spring weather...thrilled I got to go skiing one last time before end of season! Ran today and actually felt "somewhat" stronger than I have since starting again after surgeries.....tough road back but I'm sure I'll make it....7 more weeks of school left for me! So far a 4.0 this semester!

2010-03-12T12:44:00.000-08:00

Saw the Oncologist yesterday....had blood work done from what they said no news is good news so hopefully no news is what I'll get. Will be on the arimidex for 5 yrs...ugh! at $395 a month that will be a killer. At least this year we will soon meet our deductable. Said the numbness in my fingertips may still go away, have to give things a year before you can know for sure......getting ready to thunderstorm, better get of the computer!

2010-03-09T09:45:00.000-08:00

Got released "officially" yesterday...healing is complete, just alot of scar tissue to work through....skin won't let me get full ROM, but hopefully can get that back....lymphedema in both arms now, but its not terrible, not stopping me from doing anything.

School is almost over! Got 100% on everything all practical exams, lowest grade was a 94% two more midterms left onThursday....starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel! Am starting to have more time to "be involved" with some cancer support/ awareness stuff. Will be a keynote speaker at an event in May, and will be speaking at a group either in April or July.....now have a article published.....this glass is definitely more than half full....not near empty!

2010-03-07T15:24:00.000-08:00

3 day lab finished, once again a day early! nice to have Sunday to relax after. Everyone in the clas is ready to see tests end but it has been quite an experience for all. See Dr. tomorrow, will probably get the OK for everything. Will see the Oncologist this week as well......

2010-03-02T12:55:00.000-08:00

Busy with school....midterm tests this weekend......Think I'm all healed up now, will probably have all restrictions lifted next week..YEAH....will get "back in shape " .... Hoping to ski just once more next week weather permitting.....

2010-02-20T11:53:00.000-08:00

got stitches out....again....hopefully everything holds this time.....looking forward to finally be able to start getting strong again.....

2010-02-14T14:23:00.000-08:00

So now I totally inderstand how the irradiated skin does not heal, and why the Docs are so concerned about doing anything to it. 2 months after the surgery where they took the port out I woke up Thursday morning and it was opened back up again....all I did was wake up from sleeping...nothing stressful! Its not deep at all, but is opened back up on the surface....will see the Doc Monday so am just keeping it covered and neosporin on it....have been doing everything right nustritionally as well as everything else, so am convinced this skin is just "tough to heal" no matter what....

2010-02-07T08:56:00.000-08:00

Healing continuing to go well....definitely less stress on the skin....no slips or slides. Wanted to sled with all the snow, obviously didn't. GO COLTS!...Happy Super Bowl!

2010-02-02T13:34:00.000-08:00

Healing I think is going well....
OK so I just did the online application for the AARP womens scholarship, should find something out by May. Its a long shot like so many other things I've done lately but hey, one long shot payed off so why not this one ...right? I'm female, over the age of 40, need the financial assistance, and have a pretty decent story of hard work and success through adversity, right? We shall see what happens......

2010-01-29T16:05:00.000-08:00

update...surgery went well, Dr. took the implant out put in one size smaller this way theres more skin to stitch...thats been my problem since day 1, not enough fat or skin....now at least I have a little more skin....just a little lopsided! She said it won't even be noticeable, at this point I just want it to heal.....

2010-01-27T18:41:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to update on what is going on, yesterday eve. I slipped on the ice on my driveway getting out of my car right before teaching my evening step class, and one of my incisions "opened back up" the month of "healing" aparently didn't do too well. Anyway it seemed like a very minor slip/catch, but it was enough to reopen the incision so I will be having surgery tomorrow morning at 8:00 in the morning. Not thrilled about it but my PT friend who helped me steri-strip it lastnight said she didn't think it looked like it had healed at all in the last month and thinks this would have happened at some point. Also the doctor said today she does feel there is a very good chance that with re-stitching and being careful all over again that it will heal, said it looks good on the inside.....anyway thats what is going on......

2010-01-27T18:41:00.000-08:00

2010-01-27T07:48:00.000-08:00

Hate to report this, but big set back yesterday evening.....once again, seems like my life is full of "ridiculous" things that happen to me just by accident....slipped on some ice when getting out of my car last night, caught myself with my right arm partly outstretched it didn't seem like a big deal, but it was a big enough deal to open the incision below my right breast. Odd thing is I didn't even feel it, the edges of the wound are perfectly straight and there was no bleeding.....Am very concerned because I have a feeling this means those wound edges never really healed to each other. Have a Dr. apt at 1:00 today....best case scenario she will either glue or restitch the incision.....am hoping all goes well......will keep you posted....say a prayer for me......

2010-01-23T18:53:00.000-08:00

So here I am a year older....happy to be celebrating a birthday! warm enough to go biking today, great 20+mile bike ride! Hope everyone else was able to enjoy the warmer weather!

2010-01-20T18:26:00.000-08:00

Stitches are out, thought it would feel significantly different....no, feels exactly the same....still somewhat painful, still tight, wonder if I will ever feel "normal" again.....did get to start running again....legs are sore today! That is a "good" pain! School I'm in starting this week....freedom is over....possibly a full time job will start soon too....hope there's time for everything.....

2010-01-16T13:29:00.000-08:00

Lymphedema is almost history......only wear a sleeve at night now.....

Another contest? Well maybe, one of my clients was watching Doctors Tv on mornings at 9:00, apparently they are having a "contest" along with prevention magazine to find the most inspiring "Healthiest people" stories...she said I jsut have to enter since I was healthier and doing more during cancer and chemotherapy than most people who have nothing going on...I looked at it need to figure out how to download a video onto their entry form....technicologically challenged.....thats me....if you go to Doctorstv.com you can find the info....

Anybody have any suggestions.......
....will get stitches out this week.....temps in the 40's,some awsome exercising outside, so get out there...!

2010-01-14T18:55:00.000-08:00

Started teaching this week, will start my school next week....have had a couple very promising job interviews....how will I have time to work full time, go to school, do 8 clinical hours a week, and still teach, plus see my family once in awhile? Am not sure but will have to figure it out! Figure if I did 25 credit hours in 8 weeks while on chemotherapy, this should be a piece of cake....right? Hope it will all work.

2010-01-12T18:14:00.000-08:00

Starting to feel back to normal after the last surgery......anxious to get the stitches out. Finally less pain! Did some skiing on Sunday....felt great!

2010-01-09T11:38:00.001-08:00

Everyone keeping your New Years Resolutions! Its been cold, snowy but no reason not to work out! I've managed it every day!

2010-01-06T17:04:00.000-08:00

Saw the Doctor, she said the incisions are healing very well, I thought she was going to take the stitches out....nope....she's leaving them in two more weeks, she said irradiated skin you have to be very careful because you can't tell if its healed underneath. Its VERY DIFFICULT for me to continue no skiing, no running, obviously no lifting weights using any chest muscles.....Doing my best to continue following Drs orders Actually she didn't say I couldn't ski but am thinking I probably shouldn't UGH!

Skiing wouldn't be the problem, just falling would be a problem. Skin still bruised, still alot of "prickling pain" obviously healing.....

Will just keep doing "non impact" stuff, minimal weight training.....I'm getting weak......nows the time for many of you to catch up with me! So better start working out hard!

2010-01-03T10:19:00.000-08:00

Incisions I think are healed......still some pain, but not too bad....really wanted to snow ski today, but doing my best to follow my own advice.....will find out tomorrow about my next (and final) surgery! Will be happy when it is finally all over......"What a long.....strange...... trip it's been.....

2009-12-31T10:34:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! What an intersting wish this year compared to last! Makes one think twice how lucky we all are to be saying that, and meaning it! This year again will be a year of many changes, many things we still cannot predict, all I think are positive, all should be good......

So everyone needs to be keeping their New Years exercise resolutions.....I missed one workout day due to surgery....slowly recuping getting less and less sore.....Hope everyone is not using excuses to be lazy!

2009-12-29T12:34:00.000-08:00

Surprised I am still sore, after all its been a whole week! I have found one scholarship that I think I'm eligable to apply for....AARP womens scholarship....old womans scholarship! Guess I'm an old woman, the applications start in February and close in March, I figure its worth a try.....

2009-12-26T11:09:00.001-08:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas,its amazing to think of all the things which have changed in the last year.....saying 2009 was a year of trials, tribulations, changes, accomplishments, and and "victories " fought and won would be putting it mildly......2010 I have a feeling will have many changes as well........

Have had about all I can stand of "not doing much: pretty sure my body is ready to start gearing up again after suregery....after all it's been 5 days, plenty of time to heal, am doing a little more every day graduallyall feels good.....

2009-12-24T07:20:00.000-08:00

Pretty sore, did easy workouts yesterday and today though.....everything seems to be healing well......

2009-12-22T18:24:00.000-08:00

Had surgery today, all in all not feeling too bad this evening after a 3 hour nap. Folded laundry, dishes, dinner....Oh ya, I'm supposed to take it easy...will get around to that. Wondering if tomorrow I will be real sore (kind of like what you feel like the day after a tough workout)...we shall see! Guess I may take a day off working out tomorrow, will see how I feel.....Everyone else needs to make sure you're not taking too many days off! It's always easy to find excuses.....you need to stop looking for them and start looking for opportunities!

2009-12-21T13:55:00.000-08:00

Dec. 21....Mine and Daves 24th wedding anniversary....who would have thought...24 yrs....plus who would have thought I'd be the one of all of our friends to get cancer...strange how things end up. Have to look at it this way....I am the strongest, healthiest, and most in shape (well probably) so therefore I am the one who could conquer it the best! Besides conquering it, I've received e-mails, and thank yous from so many people who have in one way or another been inspired, driven, or helped in some way by my fight......this is all good! Hopefully many others have benefitted from my experience!
Surgery tomorrow.....am most definitely on the downhill slide!

2009-12-19T13:08:00.000-08:00

First Day of Ski season today....felt awsome to get back on the slopes since last year the season was cut short with surgery Jan. 15......The muscle memory was pretty good....feel fortunate to have the health/ strength to go on the ski slopes (after a workout of course) and have such a great day!
One more surgery on Tuesday.....am hoping to recover quickly so as not to interrupt another ski season.....so if you didn't exercise today...whats your excuse? Not many very good ones out there!

2009-12-15T18:46:00.000-08:00

All finals Finished! (100,100,100,100,98,96,95,90) not too shabby considering I didn't know If I would make it through this summer! A few days to get Christmas stuff done, finish first half of clinical rotation notes, then surgery on Tuesday......

2009-12-13T15:41:00.000-08:00

I KICKED A__! 100% on all practicals, 98% on the final! Only three more finals to go! Amazing how well a person thinks when there's no chemicals in the body!

Lymphedema survived the weekend and the drive as well......is about the same

2009-12-08T19:41:00.000-08:00

Study....study...study...and now freaking out about the weather forcast for Thursday since I'm driving to "the North Pole"...will be ecstatic when finals are over Tuesday.......

Lymphedema is "softening up with massage and cold laser therapy.....studying makes it worse.....I knew this school stuff was bad for you!

Found out today that at least I'll be getting a student loan....this will help....sure wish I could find some scholarship or granted reciprocity, but things are looking doubtful for all of these....anyone have any ideas let me know.....Actually now that all treatments are over, at least a "steady even part time job" would help....oh well, lots of people out there saying that same thing.....

2009-12-06T17:28:00.000-08:00

Some one asked (Tony) why I don't use face book...I simply don't have time....barely have time to do this.....anyway...

....It was one year ago today that I was diagnosed officially with cancer, and what a year it has bee! Whocould have thought in their sildest dreams that things would be so different in so many ways.
1. who would have thought that I'd be representing Underarmor power in pink be on the Baltimore Ravens Football field during a game and be introduced to a roaring crowd. Be an expert at a festival, and have my picture in several magazines and sports stores.
2. Who would have thought I'd be in school AGAIN can't beleive I've made it this far.....all on chemo brain, and radiation.....hopefully it will all be worth it
3. Who would have thought my "former employer" would be such jerks (OK guess I could have guessed that one) not even returning phone calls and e-mails when I offered to come back to work....Their loss, they could have goten quite a bit of "good" publicity instead of what they've gotten.
4. Who would have thought, surgery, chemo, radiation, and everything else would have barely slowed me down....still working out and staying strong!
5. And who would have thought I'd be on TV not once but twice!
Through all of this I have to say it's shown me who friends and professionals are and who was "fake"(you all know who I'm talking about), using me for their purpose at the time. .....Not quite finished yet.
Reconstructive surgery Dec 22, have lymphedema in my right arm, am trying to "control" it....all in all though, can't complain!

Hope everyone got out and worked out today!

2009-12-04T17:58:00.000-08:00

Finals coming up next weekend....stress level is increasing! Lymphedema is better, but still there, after 1 massage and 2 cold laser treatments. have some things I'm doing on my own as well.....lets hope the weather cooperates for the drive up to Astabula next Thursday...as well as the drive home......am a little nervous about this......as if I don't have enough to worry about with finals, just hoping I get there!

2009-11-30T18:09:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone enjoyed Sundays weather (25, mile bike ride for me!)Sounds like tomorrow (Tuesday) will be our last nice day...SO GET OUT AND DO SOMETHING! Figure with lymphadema the more my own muscles pump the fluid, the better I'll be......How fortunate I am that I have been able to keep those muscles strong and working well through all of this...OK maybe not quite as strong as before all of this began, but not too shabby.....

2009-11-24T17:24:00.000-08:00

Continuing to learn......more than I ever wanted to know....

I do (unfortunately)have lymphedema in my right forearm and upper arm...its not terrible, but definitely there. I'm totally ticked that I have to deal with this (actually for the rest of my life) but one of my clients remined me that at least I have a "life" to be dealing with it...yes...its all perspective........but still irritated I have to deal with it. Hopefully I will be able to learn from this....hopefully will ultimately be able to help other people with this....after all, I will be getting the PTA license.....

I was just lucky asking one of the PT's who teaches at Mt. St. Joe who has done alot of lymphatic massage who gave me alot of info on it, she's actually going to do the lymph massage on me....this is awsome, I had a hard time even finding anywhere in Cinci, once I found some places, called, couldn't even get call backs or numbers were out of service.......So maybe this is all"in the plan" we shall see....One thing this therapist told me is people who have medicare who end up with this problem are only permitted 6 massage sessions total.....this is crazy...I will learn more......

2009-11-22T14:44:00.000-08:00

More "strange" things....a learning experience.......Over the last couple weeks have noticed that it seems like my pec muscles and upper arm muscles are getting tighter? Doesn't make since considering all treatments are finished. Have been aggressively stretching (surgeon said I could) and am noticing bruising (like theres's possibly scar tissue being stretched) in the chest and underarm area.....will have to ask about this.....Trying to keep any lymphadema at bay, tightness in the R forearm and upper right medial biceps area.....will have to keep a watch on this.......

2009-11-20T17:09:00.000-08:00

Got a new "hair dew" today....a big thank you to Terry Jamie Murphys mom) I'm thinking the wig is history......will have the "short cut" for awhile, but the hair is golden blond.....maybe a tint of red in the right light.....no gray...that's good!

For what its worht I'M PISSED at the "council" who made the ridiculous recommendations on mamograms, breast cancer, self exams etc....If I or the other two girls were to follow that advice, all three of us would be DEAD! Hopefully insurance companies will not use this as an excuse to stop covering tests for women.....I'm awfully busy with school, but if this looks like something that is happening I may need to become ""more politically active".......we shall see.....

2009-11-18T17:53:00.000-08:00

Next on the check off list.....Reconstructive surgery will be Dec. 22, (Merry Christmas) have to be there at 6am....gees will have to get up at 4:00 am just to work out before surgery! Sounds like I'll "be down" about a week -2 wks...(I'm thinking no more than 5 days....)we shall see......will be able to get my port out as well so I'll save myself a surgery....

2009-11-13T11:56:00.000-08:00

More updates....Looks like I will be able to get surgery scheduled after my final exams Tues.. the 15th and before the end of the year......will have 2-3 "down days" possibly a week where I can't drive this will be determined, and 3 weeks of "taking it easy....moderate workouts......looks like things will work out!

2009-11-06T09:33:00.000-08:00

> I just wanted to give everyone an update on things. I finished radiation> treatments on Thursday Oct 22.....right in time to go to my three day lab at> Kent State Astabula. I survived radiation fairly well(actually really well)> only receiving a couple minor burns and being way too busy to think about> getting too tired. Yesterday, Wednesday I saw the Oncologist, THE SCANS> ARE 100% clean! (no cancer anywhere). My white blood cell count is almost> back to normal (9.6, 10-14 is normal) and red blood cells and hemoglobin are> back to normal ! The Physician assistant and physician said said they> never have taken care of anyone who withstood all of the chemo,radiation,> surgery, etc. as I did since I got the maximum of everything.> All that I have left is a surgery (probably in December) and taking some> type of medication (yet to be determined ) for the next five years, plus of> course follow up scans periodically.>> I can now officially say I am a CANCER SURVIVOR....I didn't just survive> it, ERADICATED it! With the prayers, good wishes and help of so many of> you!>> All I can say is thank you once again to everyone I (and the family)> couldn't have done this without the support of all of you! Now that this is> almost over I can now admit, when this all started (after being diagnosed)> I have probably never been so terrified, and so stunned. From that day> until I had the surgery, it was hard to focus, hard to function, and a> whirlwind of "unknowns". (sorry to anyone who didn;t receive full attention> from me back then). Once I had the surgery, however, it was "GAME ON", and> this was one "competition" that I decided my body and mind would WIN! It's> been a long process (it will be a little over a year by the time I have> surgery), and at the start of it all seemed overwhelming, but as with so> many big challenges you just take things one step at a time......and just> keep checking things off the list.>> So again thank you to all of you who have given your support in so many> different ways. If I can be "of assistance" to any of you, please let me> know....also if you or a loved one or friend are faced with an> insurmountable challenge, let me know if I can help you get through it. You> just take things one step at a time, and look at that glass as half full> instead of half empty.

2009-11-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

Hoping everyone had a fun Holloween.....Skin has peeled and burns are gone....all is well, should have a great Dr. apt. Wednesday.....

2009-10-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

Beautiful weather...feeling great! Thanks to all who participated in the HVL Zoombathon we raised $ 1200 for cancer research!

Burns pretty much gone! Now getting a "tan". tough way to get a tan! Qouldn't recommend it.
Hair is growing back pretty quickly...thinking another month and the wig may be history!

Everyone enjoy.........we won't have this weather for long!

2009-10-25T16:32:00.000-07:00

Weekend lab is over....amazing how well a person can think when there are no chemicals in the brain! Burns are going way.

What beautiful weather today......28 mile bike ride today.....leaves are looking spectacular...hope everyone is getting out and enjoying this.......

2009-10-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

LAST DAY OF RADIATION! One more thing checked off the list and completed! The Physician today said he is amazed at how well I withstood everything compared to any other patient he has had especially since I had both sides radiated. I did have to remind him that I am not like any patient he has had....he agreed!

Even though I am burned, with one area close to blistered, he said my symptoms are much less than any he has seen...,,all I can say is I'm sure happy that if this wasn't much, I didn't see anyhting severe!

Wed Nov. 4 will see the Oncologist. not sure whats after that hopefully NOTHING! Except the last surgeries. which won't be until early December.

I certainly know how to celebrate being done with radiation....will leave tomorrow for the next three day lab at Kent State, take lots of tests, midterms etc....oh boy, can hardly wait!

Everyone needsss to get out and enjoy this weather, hopefully I can get on my bike next week hopefully a little more time!

2009-10-18T19:42:00.000-07:00

Ravens game was really neat......was fun that the Bengals won, but since I worked with John Harboughs wife, I often root for whatever team he is coaching!

Only 4 more radiations....good thing I think my body has taken just about all it can handle, Have alot of red burns, and itchy skin,,,,still not as bad as chemo, but happy its soon to be over.....actually will get my last radiation then take off and drive to the 3 day lab.....what a way to celebrate!

2009-10-14T20:58:00.000-07:00

school is once again getting almost overwhelming with everything else going on. 7 more radiations to go! Skin is starting to get "burned" but its not terrible, itchy as well.......hopefully this will be about the worst!

2009-10-11T07:59:00.000-07:00

Race yesterday went pretty good......I'm 10 minutes slower than college cross country........29 minutes for 5 K.....guess I'm gettinf old or something! guess it could have something to do with chemo, etc.......we'll see if I get it back! Getting ready to go to the Baltimore/ Bengals game......see everybody...I'll wave to you!

The festival Sat. was really awsome....lots of awareness and education going on out here! Under Armour is awsome! POWER IN PINK!

2009-10-09T18:20:00.000-07:00

So here I am in Baltimore......must have been some kind of mistake. I'm in a suite, nice dining room table, couch, the whole shibang....maybe I'm having a party in my room and don't know it yet! Tomorrow is the run (I'm just doing the 5 K), also the festival.....weather here is supposed to be nice hopefully no rain.

Starting to get some mild reactin to radiations, red itchy skin, and feeling tight...not too bad though......

2009-10-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

Another radiation down.....Only 12 more to go....so far no side effects. This will be quite a big weekend! Flying out to Baltimore for Under Armour festival Friday and Saturday. Sunday myself and the two other girls will be down on the football field....sounds like we will be on NAtional TV......wow who would have thought! They said I can't wear a Bengals jersy though.....Oh well, Jim Harbaughs wife is actually a friend I used to work with, so I end up cheering for the Ravens quite a bit anyway!

A friend said our pictures were in another magazine. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could spread the education of this didsease to everyone! Wouldn't it even be better if a vaccine were discovered to irradicate the disease! Maybe someday!

2009-10-03T19:50:00.000-07:00

Found out that once you go to this link, ( the one listed in the last blog) then in the upper right hand corner you need to put "power in pink" in the search engine, once this page comes up click on the video which is on the left hand side of the page (its about the third one down).

Ch 19 did a wonderful job on the video.

Another 5 mile run today.....the weather has been outstanding for workouts....if you can't do alot, do just a little.....5 minutes four times a day adds up to 20 minutes.......20 minutes is better than no minutes.......pretty soon you'll get to 10 minutes!

A neighbor brought over Shape magazine today. A full page add with myself and the two other girls the whole issue is about breast cancer.......

2009-10-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

http://www.fox19.com/Global/story.asp?S=11235851

So here's the link to the Ch. 19 story....I'm not exactly a computer wiz, I can't find it on this link? Don't know if anyone else can?

Had a CAT scan today.....I am sure it will come out great!

2009-10-01T14:37:00.000-07:00

Things definitely on the upswing for endurance, fitness, etc.....Ran a 5 milr route that's a slight downhill for the first half, but when you turn aroun it's obviously a slight uphill the whole way back....today is the first time I have done the whole thing with no break during the uphill! All this while having radiation daily, having a cold and very little sleep.......Coming back! Hope you are doing things to "keep up!

2009-09-29T18:22:00.000-07:00

All big tests are finished,,,,96% on one...have to "argue "some questions on the other but all in all went well! Happy this is over....on to more homework!
Will be on ch 19 10:00 on Thurs. evening (past my bedtime) but hopefully will have a link.
Caught a cold yesterday....hopefully it won't materialize into anything more! Not feeling the best, but radiation is still going fine!

Take advantage of the cool weather!

2009-09-25T12:29:00.000-07:00

Actually got out in between rain, studying, radiation, and clients to run today....if you haven't done anything what's your excuse? So far radiation isn't affecting me much in fact ran the whole 5.5 mile route today without stopping! Feeling stronger every day......maybe this radiation is something they used on Superman!

Will be on TV again with Under Armour power in pink promo ch 19 not sure when it will air!

2009-09-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

yes....I know its been a week since I checked in. Things are getting busier with school, teaching at Mt. St. Joe, seeing clients, clinical rotations, Dustins soccer, and radiation. Radiation is going fine, no side effects, as of yet! Probably the biggest "side effect" trying to fit it into my schedule! I told the Radiation Tech, that the Doc will have to wait for me onWednesdays since his "late day" he stays until only 3:00...they didn't quite know what to think of that....Was there by 3:15 today....he was there! SAid skin and everything looks good. 10 radiations down.....18 more to go!

2009-09-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

SO far so good with radiation....not getting tired at all yet. School is causing fatigue due to lack of slep more than radiation at this point!

So leave it to me to once again have something totally unusual occur. I actually had an allergic reaction (itchy red bumps) from the prescription cream I was given to put on the areas where I'm having radiation....of course the Doc/techs have never seen this before.....once again more unusual occurances with me.......now I'm just using aloe vera.....

Beautiful exercise weather continues....GET OUT THERE AND DO IT!

2009-09-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

It has been a few days since I've "checkedin" am sorry school has started again and so I'm starting to get busy....teaching college as well as being a student. Weather has been wonderful for workouts! Hope everyone is taking advantage!

Seem to be getting stronger every day, two radiations down 26 to go! so far so good! This will probably be cumulative as well, just like the chemo....still have 9 purple finger nails....haven't lost any yet....we shall see.......

2009-09-06T18:14:00.000-07:00

2 weeks after chemo ends with decadron and I finally slept last night....am hoping this is the beginning of a streak. Strange that I'm still having side efects from chemo.....almost all my finger nails are purple underneath and still painful to pressure....still not sure if I'll lose them....finger tips still numb, and toes and the bottum of my feet are still numb. Hoping all of these side effects will go away soon. Amazingly powerful drugs.......Will probably start radiation next week......one more thing to "fit into the schedule"......

2009-09-05T19:27:00.000-07:00

still waiting for sleep.....it surely will come soon......

2009-09-02T23:00:00.000-07:00

www.underarmour.com/powerinpink

So here's the web site.....I'll have an article published on their site in about 3 weeks because I am one of their Fitness and Health experts......If only I could sleep......insomnia is getting rough....all from the chemo after effects......

2009-08-30T11:49:00.000-07:00

weather is awsome, get out and do something! Workouts are going better, getting my energy back.....will be up to everybody else's speed soon, hopefully, radiation won't "knock me down" Will let everyone know when I see something on the Unerarmore WEb site.

2009-08-26T17:22:00.000-07:00

Saw the Radiology Oncologist today, I have an appointment on Monday to have Measurements for radiation....It will start by the end of that week, or the next week. Every day for 5 weeks (M-F) what a pain....trying to figure out how it will fit into my schedule. Guess I'll have to make it work somehow! He thinks I will only need radiation on one side, not both. He's going to consult with my other two Doctors. We shall see......

2009-08-23T13:37:00.000-07:00

hope all of you are enjoying this cool workout weather! Sent my article in for the Underarmore web site. They seemed to like it so hopefully it will sound good when published. One more chemo. Classes that I teach start Tuesday. Will be a little rough the first week with the insomnia chemo causes.....oh well will survive.....

2009-08-21T18:58:00.000-07:00

hope everyone has enjoyed the mild weather for their workouts.....am hanging in there, had to go back to sleep this morning after getting up....nights of no sleep are catching up....only biked an hour this morning instead of the planned 2 hours.....hey give me credit for "listening to my body"

2009-08-19T17:37:00.000-07:00

ugh! The decadron in the chemo is keeping me up all night and wearing me down...will be happy when I can sleep again. Am losing toenails and probably fingernails as well.....Guess if that's the most I lose battling cancer that's not too bad.....hope everyone else is doing well......

2009-08-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

Went into chemo today...saw the Oncologist, he was amazed and impressed the the completion of the 25 credit hours! Apparently the nurse miscounted a couple weeks ago and I still have one more left next week (UGH) hopefully my fingernails, tremaining toe nails will hang on.......I can tell they are all being affected.

Looks like I will have the featured article for the Underarmour fitness expert web sight, will post the web site on the blog so all of you will be able to get to it. Start teaching classes at Mt. St. Joe next week.......never any down time here....

2009-08-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

Sure was awsome this weekend to not be studying......had forgotten what a normal weekend/ life was....oh yes normal except for cancer! anyway had a chemotherapy is over/passed my classes celebration over the weekend hwhat fun...and what wonderful supportive people I have behind me through all of this....I thank all of you. LAst chemo is Tuesday.

Got stung by a little yellow jacket wasp this morning...ugh! As many of you know I'm allergic to the stings...no I don't die, just swell like a ballon. It literally chased me down for no reason and stung me on the back of the thigh. Was hoping I had enough chemo drugs in me that it wouldn't swell....wrong was the size of a softball within 45 min. of being stung. I even took bendril immediately, plus have had ice on it the whole time.....One good thing about seeing the Oncologist so much I was able to call in and they immediately called in a step down predazone pack.......hey lemonade out of lemons right!

2009-08-12T21:43:00.000-07:00

Life after 25 hrs in 8 wks is hectic but, happy to be a part of it! Found out not only did I pass, but got a B in all the classes.......not too bad for chemo brain! This just goes to show everyone out there that if you dig deep (and I did have to dig really deep) you can do just about anything you put your mind to! How many times I wanted to give up, but decided to just dig the heels in deeper! Am actually looking forward to telling the Oncologist about this, since he was somewhat hesitant about the whole thing saying most people are just happy to "function" through chemo.......hasn't he figured out yet I don't think I'm "most people?"
And oh yes......still "fighting the cancer"....I really think I've totally won that one...ready to move on to something else. 1 more chemo left then hopefully I will be able to sleep some normal hours. while undergoing daily radiation treatments.
I will be a fitness/ health expert for the /underarmour web site, will try to put this site on the blog. They are flying me out to Baltimore in October for a Health/fitness festival where they want me to be one of their "experts". Check out Dicks sporting goods or other stores featuring power in pink starting in Sept......my picture along with the two other girls (Ugh they are much younger than me) will be there with the merchandise.......hope I had at least one good picture......

2009-08-10T18:09:00.001-07:00

Only one more chemo left!

2009-08-09T17:03:00.000-07:00

NO I have not fallen off the face of the earth! I just completed my 2nd three day intensive lab with the ATC-PTA program I'm in.....I am thrilled to say that I PASSED everything! I am "in the program now"....it's hopefully a downhill slide from here! I have been studying "non stop" been out of town twice for three days, four days, and three days in the last three weeks so things have been busy! Will have more classes but hopefully not as intense (25 credit hours in 8 weeks).

2 more chemo's to go....they have not been bad except the decadron keeps me awake for 2-3 days/ nights at a time. This is tough when trying to have a functional brain....but I DID IT!

Beleive me I thought about quiting more than once but guess QUIT is not in my vocabulary! All I need to do now is pay for the school if they won't grant me in state tuition.

Will find out about radiation tomorrow...will stay tuned!

2009-07-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

......ohhhh "what a long strange trip its beeeeeen......" Just back from a spinning class with Shanna (from Underarmour) in Baltimore...... THey've treated all three of us girlss and our spouses fantastically....had a thousand pictures taken in the photo shoot.....hopefully O will look decent in one of them......if you go into Dicks sporting goods or Nordstroms or anyplace else where they feature the Underarnour Power in Pink product line, you will see the picture of all three of us! They have asked me to be an expert health professional on their web site! They also are interested in having me appear at different educational events to talk about the benefits of exercise, eating right, nd how that helps with fighting cancer and dealing with chemotherapy....how exciting is this? Something I've always wanted to do.....just had to get cancer to do it I guess! Making an opportunitity out of an obstacle! Detter go take a shower now!

Everyone get in a workout today!

2009-07-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

Can you beleive the cool weather! Good for working out...not so good for swimming and boating....so you may as well work out...Right! If you get in the water, you better swim just to stay warm! Swimming laps has been a much harder experience than I could have imagined after the surgery.....Oh well, guess I have to look at it from the standpoint that at least I'm doing something....just not as well as I used to! THis I think will be better by next year.....

2009-07-17T12:03:00.000-07:00

Have had no more problems with clots, etc....all is good! 4 weeks down (and passed) 4 weeks to go for this accelerated ATC/PT bridge program, .....my life is now studying and more studying. Will leave onThursday for the Underarmour contest winners photos, etc. THis should be an experience. Dave and I are looking forward to it. Bummed I will miss Alex's play in Batseville though.

Chemos have been relatively uneventful, almost no side effects....except they make your brain a little fuzzy and keep me up the night after. Other than that it's just one more thing to fit into the schedule.....

2009-07-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

Soooo hope everyone is hanging in there.....I certainly am. and its been much harder than I could have imagined.
On a good note, I the Docs thought I had a blood clot Monday my knee. lower leg swelled, had to wait until Wed to get chemo, didn't have the blood clot, but now the swelling has moved down into my ankle.......oh well things could be worse!

2009-07-04T21:46:00.000-07:00

hope everyone had a wonderful 4th....it rained here all day so at least I didn't mind studying as much. I have decided studying and chemo don't mix too well....but I will persevere.

I continue to barely be phased by the chemos except for the fact I can't sleep. hopefully this will change soon. Noticing however, I'm more tired in workouts. Whether from lack of sleep, or chemo I don't know but lets face it if this is all I have to complain about....I'm doing great!

everyone keep up your own workouts!

2009-06-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

BUSY...BUSY......BUSY......Chemos are making me "hyper" the night after can't sleep at all but can't think or study either....not a good combo! Other than that so far so good.....will find out more about the underarmour thing I guess this week......

2009-06-23T13:57:00.000-07:00

Having a harder time finding time now for the blog...will do my best to keep up.......OK am pretty much "done" with this whole cancer thing.....what do I mean....OK I am convinced I have it beat and all of this chemo and the radiation I'm going to have are just "icing on the cake", right! Have started an accelerated Physical Therapy license program two yrs of schooling in 11-14 months....I will have no life other than books for quite awhile.....

2009-06-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

Chemo again tomorrow....hopefully it will take less time, and there will be minimal side effects like last time!

2009-06-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is taking advantage of this awsome exercise weather! Was very tired Friday night after a full day and Thursday chemo slept 10 hours but woke up Saturday to an 18 mile bike ride!
PA said this chemo may be cumulative so have to take advantage of feeling good when I can!

2009-06-11T18:15:00.000-07:00

First chemo od the new series today....so far so good, was a stroke judge at a swim meet immediately after, will see how I feel tomorrow.....

Got some big news on another fron....I've been admitted into the ATC-PTA bridge program at Kent State Astabula which means I'll be able to sit for PTA license in about 1 year. Frankly irritates me I have to do this, but the way the health care lobbyists and laws are I frankly can't get a decent job without this license....if only I had been able to foretell the future 20 yrs. ago.....so if anyone has any ideas of "older woman" scholarships, financial assistance, how I can get them to give me reciprocity so I don't have to pay out of state tuition let me know.....hope this is worth it....

2009-06-10T14:12:00.000-07:00

So I guess most of you by now saw the interview on TV. All in all I didn't sound unitelligent, and didn't look too bad (although I agree T.V. does add 10 lbs.....I am not quite that "bulky" as I looked). Anyway I am a little dissapointed that they didn't include any of my message about the importance of proper nutrition, keeping the body in an alkaline state, the need for water, etc, oh well. can't have everything.

A huge thank you to Laura and Shane Sweat for the use of their awsome training facility they own the sweattshop right off Cornell Rd. in Blue Ash. go to their web site for more info!

If anyone is reading this and has gone through surgery, cancer, etc. and would like more info, help with exercise, or words of encouragement feel free to let me know. After all we are all in this together!

New chemo tomorrow, hope it goes OK.....

2009-06-08T05:27:00.000-07:00

sooooo....rode about 20 miles both Saturday and Sunday, the great weather was too much to miss. Hope you did something.

Anyone see the ch 19 news? Its on again between 8:30-9 and sometime on the 10:00 news. Seemed prettty decent, although they didn't include anything about the nutrition part that I talked about for a good 5 min (I thought the reasons for keeping your body in an alkaline state and how raw veggies and water do thatbiologically was pretty interesting...guess they didn't), but all in all not bad.....

2009-06-06T08:57:00.001-07:00

Could we ask for more perfect weather for exercising outside? I don't think so! Get your shoes on and go for a walk...or hike...or bike.....there's never been a better time thatn today to get started.....

2009-06-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

Hello all...think I got the ch 19 times slightly wrong,it will be this Monday 6:30-7 am then again 8:30-9 am, then 10:00 news sometime.....Hopefully it will be edited so that any who see it will realize that no matter what they are facing they can do things themselves to make things better, even if its just a little bit, that nutrition is vital in this whole process, and that all women are at risk for breast cancer, even if they do all the right things just because they are women, but doing all the right stuff will make them stronger to fight it if they get it......

2009-06-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

The 24 hour walk for life....how inspiring, yet touching this was....once again you think you've got it bad...you can always find people with stories much worse than your own.

As my younger son Alex and I walked the survivor/caregiver lap he announced it would take alot more than cancer to bring his mom down....and he is RIGHT! So the fight goes on....

On a more positive note, channel 19 in Cinci interviewed me today, they also interviewed the reconstructive surgeon. Am not sure how it will be edited, how I will sound, or look...hopefully I will sound somewhat intelligent, and look halfway decent . It will air this coming Monday from 7-7:30 am, again between 8-8:30 am, then again on the 10:00 news.....hopefully there will be some people out there inspired that they can do more than they ever thought possible, and there will be a little education as well.....we'll see what gets edited.....

2009-05-29T12:54:00.000-07:00

Will soon be leaving to walk in the American Cancer Society 24 hr. walk for cancer (no I'm not walking 24 hrs). Figure this is the least I can do considering my circumstances....we have a big team, the boys and several of their friends are walking too so it should be fun, yet eye opening for all.
What a wonderful thing it would be to be able to detect cancer at it's most minute form, then be able to irradicate it before it happens so people won't have to deal with what I'm going through.....as the saying go's "when the going gets tough the tough get going"....so we will be going now to do some walking!

2009-05-27T17:58:00.000-07:00

Am continuing to feel better......Hope all of you have been getting your workouts in. Wrote an article for the Cancer survivor stories the Lawrenceburg Journal is doing, figured I could inspire some people who might be feeling down and out about their situation. Will also be participating with the boys and "Hoosier Buddies" in the American Cancer association walk which starts on Friday and ends on Saturday.......no I'm not spending the night but figure the least I can do to beat cancer is walk some laps...maybe run quite a few on Sat morning for my workout......

2009-05-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

my e-mail

pruittlaura@gmail.com

Hope everyone is hanging in there....I've been doing my best, but I do have to say the combination of chemo, a cold, more chemo then (almost)bronciitis with a bad cough at night has really thrown me a 1-2 punch. This last week I have probably been more tired, than I have ever been sice this whole thing began...too tired to even write this blog....anyway, now on antibiotics (how any germs can live in my body I have no idea). I even missed a couple workouts because I needed to sleep......the whole rest thing is isn't in my nature....thinking I'm finally starting to get better.....

2009-05-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

So far so good with last chemo,,,not even tired yet! Have some big opportunities possibly in the horizon if things work out right.....will keep you posted but once again.....turning obstacles into opportunities!

2009-05-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

Last chemo of the 6 tomorrow! Incase you didn't get an e-mail I'm going to participate in the American Cancer Society Walk SoooooIf you want to sponsor me let me know!

2009-05-17T14:33:00.000-07:00

Hope all of you are exercising in this weather......cold is getting better......

2009-05-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone has enjoyed the nice weather! I've either come down with a touch of a cold or am suffering from some allergies....either way it sure does make one tired while on chemo....."rest" seems to be the bst medicine (with a little exercise that is!)

2009-05-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

Feeling better every day just a little fatigue left from the chemo......did a bike ride out past North Dearborn Library today (1 hour 15 min round trip) had to take it a little easy still...hope you did something today!

Different subject...my parents will especially get a kick out of this...so last night there I was trying to check my 4th graders adding and subtracting unlike fractions, and story problems....first of course he has to remind me how to do this, then I'm checking his answers and I'm asking him why he doesn't show his work, his answer,"well mom I do it all in my head it's easier that way. What's up with this...I can't even do this in my head, I have to write it...at that moment I've decided that this is ALL the fault of the chemo..it's affecting my brainpower, Right? Irregardless....that's my defense and I'm sticking to it....P.S. I made him go back and write out several anyway!

2009-05-03T18:54:00.000-07:00

Awfully rough Saturday.....probably the worst one yet! Happy that one is over with. Hope everyone got out to enjoy the weather this weekend, wish I could have on Saturday and Sunday but the chemo "got me" this time.....on the downhill slope now!

2009-05-01T17:53:00.000-07:00

Am I worn out.....Chaperoned Alex's 4th grade class on a field trip to "Friendship" it was pretty good, kids seemed to have a good time...did this two days after chemo....and oh, I did wake up at 5:20 this morning, couldn't go back to sleep, so decided I may as well get up at 5:45 and do a workout before the day started...no use wasting time laying in bed mad because I couldn't go back to sleep.....it was an easy workout though!