Moving Mountains for Michelle
Donation protected
Living the Rollercoaster! That's how we describe this year!
Lots of Ups and Downs...and a few corkscrews! I wouldn't change any of them as they have made me a stronger person. I am so thankful for everyone and everything in my life. From the start of things in September, we had decided to remain quiet about what was going on, but soon realized we needed the support of our family/friends to get us through this. I decided to start sharing parts of my story publicly on Facebook and have received amazing support, well wishes, and meals from many of you.
In September, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. At this time, the decision was made to have a double mastectomy with reconstruction. I underwent surgery on September 14th where they found and removed multiple cancerous lymph nodes. I have since recovered from this surgery and started my 16 cycles of chemotherapy. After my second round of treatment, they found an infection in one of my expanders. I had to return to surgery to have this removed until I am done with my treatments. I was then referred to infections disease to put me on a six month antibiotic plan. Because of the antibiotics they decided to change my treatment plan to Taxol (a different chemo plan) which I began on January 11th. This is a 12 week program. I am happy to say as of this week I am past the half way point and doing well thanks to the awesome oncology team I am working with. I will be done with these treatments in March. At this time I will be traveling daily for 6 weeks to Rochester, MN for radiation treatments (144 miles round trip daily). Six months later I will undergo the start of reconstruction surgery.
I have been out of work since my diagnosis in September. I am a Gifted and Talented Teacher for grades K-5 and do to risking illness in this setting I have been unable to return. Rylee (our 12 year old daughter), has adjusted to mommy being sick and is patiently waiting for my hair to grow back. Scott and my family have been my rocks!!! Thank you for taking the time to read our story and support in any way you can. Love to everyone!
~Michelle
Lots of Ups and Downs...and a few corkscrews! I wouldn't change any of them as they have made me a stronger person. I am so thankful for everyone and everything in my life. From the start of things in September, we had decided to remain quiet about what was going on, but soon realized we needed the support of our family/friends to get us through this. I decided to start sharing parts of my story publicly on Facebook and have received amazing support, well wishes, and meals from many of you.
In September, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. At this time, the decision was made to have a double mastectomy with reconstruction. I underwent surgery on September 14th where they found and removed multiple cancerous lymph nodes. I have since recovered from this surgery and started my 16 cycles of chemotherapy. After my second round of treatment, they found an infection in one of my expanders. I had to return to surgery to have this removed until I am done with my treatments. I was then referred to infections disease to put me on a six month antibiotic plan. Because of the antibiotics they decided to change my treatment plan to Taxol (a different chemo plan) which I began on January 11th. This is a 12 week program. I am happy to say as of this week I am past the half way point and doing well thanks to the awesome oncology team I am working with. I will be done with these treatments in March. At this time I will be traveling daily for 6 weeks to Rochester, MN for radiation treatments (144 miles round trip daily). Six months later I will undergo the start of reconstruction surgery.
I have been out of work since my diagnosis in September. I am a Gifted and Talented Teacher for grades K-5 and do to risking illness in this setting I have been unable to return. Rylee (our 12 year old daughter), has adjusted to mommy being sick and is patiently waiting for my hair to grow back. Scott and my family have been my rocks!!! Thank you for taking the time to read our story and support in any way you can. Love to everyone!
~Michelle
Organizer and beneficiary
Jessica Abnet
Organizer
De Pere, WI
Michelle Beahm
Beneficiary