Well, the first piece of news is that my eldest daughter, Victoria, upon turning 21 last October, decided that she wanted to get tested for the BRCA gene to see if she inherited it from me. There is a 50% chance that she could do so. We went to Dana Farber mid-December and decided to do the most complete panel of genetic testing available which goes far beyond the BRCA gene. Yesterday we heard that she has no gene mutation that could give her a greater risk of cancer (not just breast) than a ‘normal’ person. I can’t tell you how relieved I am and this has made my year. I feel that this news is bigger than me. It transcends my particular situation and allows for her to experience her life without this weight on her shoulders, without the weight of wondering about having a prophylactic mastectomy, what to do about having babies, etc. It makes my heart smile, biggly!
As for me, January was a tough, tough month. I had my new IV Chemo, was diagnosed with the flu and then anemia. No wonder my poor ass was a draggin’. Had a good time at Universal and then with family in Clearwater but just felt achy and exhausted the whole time. I was the happiest person at the hospital when they told me I was anemic as I knew the blood transfusion would perk me right up and it has. So I had my second round of IV Chemo and the blood transfusion on Thursday and was at the hospital for 9 hours!! Had a little mishap with blood pint number two when I suddenly had a reaction and everyone came running. Two very puffy eyes and a cough. The picture Steve took and which I am posting here is a little unfortunate as it looks like I am in some intimate relationship with the plastic pipe in my mouth, which for enquiring minds is actually a sophisticated nebulizer.
So I say, here’s to a better February.
Love to all,
Amanda
Well, damn! Very kind of Steve to take a picture…….I am so happy to hear that Victoria tested negative. I can’t even imagine the relief you feel. Yay!!!
Oh honey! To a much better February. And yes, such good news about V! xoxo
You gusty lady.. I love that you just face forward – I am thrilled for you and Victoria about her gene status. Onward you bright light.. sending love.
You, my dear, are amazing! But first, Praise the Lord about Victoria!! It is wonderful news. As for yourself, I’m happy to hear about anemia. Sad to hear about your reaction though. Why do our hubby’s always take pics of us looking the worse for wear😜. Cheers to a healthy February for you!!
Wishimg you a speedy recovery and great news on Victoria ❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈
My heart smiles when your heart smiles.
Thank you xxx
Thoughts and prayers for a much, much better February. Loads of love, Diane
Hi Amanda,
Have been thinking of you a lot lately.
You are very inspiring and have a great and positive attitude. God is blessing you, but you are a trooper in what you are going through. I know it’s not easy and no one knows what you have to endure unless they have gone through it. I can only imagine.
Do you need anything? Do you want anything?
I can help you out if you need me. Please let me know.
I am doing another fundraiser for Epilepsy in memory of Matthew. But I want to let you know that that I do always send money to Dana Farmer. This is one of my regular places to give to.
God bless you and your family!
Prayers and thoughts are with you!
Sharon Bonica
Thank you so much Sharon for your heart felt note and thinking of you too xxxx
Such wonderful news about Victoria!! I’m sure it was a big decision for her to make…..how relieved you all must be. I think it’s a sign that February will definitely be a much better month. I look forward to our tennis girls lunch in a few weeks. Your strength amazes me my friend. Sending hugs and positive thoughts. Noreen xo
Hey Amanda!
Great news about Victoria’s status! Sorry to hear about the January Butt kicking you took but guess who won that round!!! You Go Girl!!!
Thinking of you always!
Blessings!
Wendy
What a relief on the outcome of Victoria’s test, and sorry January was such a tough month for you, Amanda. Here’s hoping for better outcomes with your anemia and future treatments, warrior-lady! xoxo
F S T February is the month of Love and we are sending ours to you OOOO
January is in the past on onward and upward in February. So HAPPY to
hear about our Victoria’s results and know all the Millers are also.
Thank you xxxxx
I am so happy for you and Victoria for the awesome news! I can’t imagine how elated you must feel.
Sounds like January was really tough. You are a strong and determined lady. But so happy you and Steve were able to spend time with family in Florida.
Keeping you in my prayers and hope February is a kick butt month.
Sending you lots of love. Lori
We did some deep-dive cultivation today at the Healing Garden. Your presence, your experiential shares and your very British humor are all so appreciated by this fellow gardener. I too have the GREAT good fortune of not having passed the BRCA gene mutation to my two daughters. I share in the absolute relief and pure joy of your news.
What a meaningful Wednesday meeting we experienced ‘cultivating our gardens’ together at the Healing Garden. I always look forward to your wisdom, honesty and very British humor as we dig deep, find that illusive ‘present moment’ and exhale together. I share in your GREAT good news about your daughter. I too feel your absolute joy and relief. My two daughters are not carriers of the BRCA gene either. With that fact alone, we have much to be grateful for.