Zapped, feeling radioactive Day 1 & 2

Zapped, feeling radioactive 

My radiation oncologist leads a team that includes technicians and nurses. During each session,

I lie down on a special table. It looks like a surf board. The entire breast is given a dose of radiation. It feels like when you have X Rays taken… except at some point when I opened my eyes, it looked like fireworks where going off. Not to mention I closed them immediately, prayed and dosed off.

Each session lasts about 30 minutes. Most of this time is spent positioning your body to ensure the treatment is given exactly as planned. Treatment is given once a day, five days a week, 35 sessions.

Later I enjoyed a cup of coffee with my friend Kim Cheiken. Thanks Kim for holding my hand the first day, and bringing me magazines!

Radiation therapy is planned specifically for me, the type of cancer and the shape of my body, so sessions cannot be split between different treatment centers. The therapy plan is based on:

·        Tumor size, type and location

·        The type of breast surgery I had

·        The shape of my breast and my body

Today was the second day of treatment. As I’m going onto the machine, the hospital released a code RED on the second floor. This only happens to me! It was a fire drill.

Thank you for your prayers, well wishes, good thoughts and love. God is the head of my team. I have no doubt He is with me during these moments. Cancer cannot take away my salvation, my relationship with Him nor my faith. I rejoice in Him. I praise Him during my darkest moments, because I can feel the breakthrough, the blessings that are starting to pour down on me. His plans for me are bigger than my current circumstances.   

Let’s see what day 3 brings on.

Blessings,

Donna G. 

After Surgery Cancer Treatment via Radiation

After surgery cancer treatment via Radiation

I had my first simulation appointment yesterday. The radiation oncologist will determine the exact area that will be treated, the total radiation dose that will be delivered to the affected area, how much dose will be allowed for the normal tissues in the targeted area, and the safest angles (paths) for radiation delivery.

The staff working with the radiation oncologist (including physicists and dosimetrists) use sophisticated computers to design the details of the exact radiation plan that will be used. After approving the plan, the radiation oncologist authorizes the start of treatment. 

On the first day of treatment, and usually at least weekly after that, many checks are made to ensure that the treatments are being delivered exactly the way they were planned. Because radiation can affect healthy cells, my doctor needs to be sure of the course of treatment. I am in a waiting period again for about a week, until the team studies the simulation results.

The area selected for treatment usually includes the affected area, plus a small amount of normal tissue round it. This helps reduce the likelihood of tumor recurrence from cancer cells that have spread to the normal tissue next to the tumor (called microscopic local spread).

I have one week off until treatment begins. Prayers are always appreciated. I’m ready to get through this!

Blessings,

Donna G.

American Cancer Society Relay for Life Bartram Services

 Relay for Life Bartram at Trout Creek Marina, April 25, 2015 

Today, I met Mel Toran, Sr. Director of Commuity Engagement for American Cancer Society. Here are some tips:

Ph ACS 2345

Services
Road to Recovery - drivers available to take you to treatment

Look Good, Feel Better
Lic. Cosmetologist consultation and free make up kit

Reach to Recovery
Matches a diagnosed breast cancer patient with another

Hope Lodge #3 in Florida to open at the Mayo campus, there are 31 lodges nationwide

Share the love.

Donna G.

Relay for Life Dinner Speech, Trout Creek Marina, April 25, 2015

Relay for Life Dinner Speech, April 25, 2015

Today, I celebrate the bravery of women who have passed away and those of you who have fought or are fighting cancer. From you I learn and keep fighting.

“I heard the words no woman wants to hear: breast cancer”

Cancer, in less than two months, has impacted my life. It has brought to my attention to enjoy what’s important and who is priority right now.

I now smile about what is going well.

I have put together a team of caregivers: my family, prayer warriors, researchers, doctors and friends. I consider myself blessed and fortunate that the tumor was found early and the prognosis is promising.

I had no symptoms, no lump.

It is important to go to your annual, routine mammogram. If I had waited until age 50, as some recommended, I may not have lived to be 50.

It took a mammogram to notice anything, then an ultrasound and a biopsy to confirm that more work was needed.

I was clean one year ago. But this cancer was invasive.

If I had waited one more year, surely the cancer would have spread and become a much bigger problem. By then, a lumpectomy would not have been sufficient.

I am a woman of faith. No matter what I’m going through, I praise my

God. As a believer, you must understand that everywhere we go, we

are on the adversary’s territory. This is why we get attacked. I have

one warning to this adversary: when my God shows up, RUN!

Something amazing happens when you let go and let God take over.

The need we may face is great, but His grace is GREATER!

In the middle of darkness there is a miracle.

In the middle of darkness others may be listening.

In the middle of darkness God shows up!

I have been tempted and tested. See, the enemy may poke all he wants, but he has no discernment, so he waits for me to react; he waits for my confession.

“I declare the enemy knocked out. I declare this decease knocked out.

I declare my Commander-in-Chief has won the fight.”

Devil, bow down!

“Fear can keep us up all night, but we do not have a spirit of fear.”

2 Tim 1:7   For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.

My family and I did not adopt a spirit of fear. We told friends and family that this was not a sad moment, but one for action.

I acted to defend against the adversary's attack. I went to experienced friends, lined up top-flight medical help, gave others roles as prayer warriors, I established a blog to communicate widely instead of using these crucial hours in countless conversations. The blog inspired others and brought me here. Thank you Tonia for asking me to speak.

Others said I was strong.

Others said I was courageous.

But what I am is faithful.

I put God at the head of my team, I gave Him my trust and relied on my personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The result was no fear.

The result was confidence.

The result was peace.

Today, I would not change a thing. Because I am even closer to God and I learned so much in so short a time.

Protect yourself from toxic friends, seek out the hopeful ones. Don’t be sensitive to what people may say to you. Some responses might be:

 “Oh, no” or “I knew someone who didn’t fare well”

OR even Christian friends may say…

“Your cancer is part of God’s plan.” Really? That makes me want to say, First of all, it’s not my cancer, I do NOT take ownership. Second, what does God have planned for you? (Actually, I wouldn’t say this back…) God’s plan is bigger than my current circumstance. 

Don’t be offended when people offer their help. Don’t be afraid to accept the help. My friends know if they offer to help I will put them to work. Don’t feel obligated to make contact, or return calls. Find ways or a support system where you can post or blog or have someone blog for you.

Cancer does NOT define us. Repeat after me…

It cannot silence courage

It cannot corrupt faith

It cannot steal eternal life

I know I have a challenge ahead of me in this journey and you do, too. Let’s choose to inspire others, to encourage them, to give hope.  Let’s pledge to take action, to spread awareness, to support research, to support treatment and prevention.

I want to dedicate this bible verse to you, Isaish 53:5  

He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; and with His stripes we are healed.

Choose Hope.  Fight in Faith.  Live to Win.  

Be blessed. 

In the middle of the storm I confess peace

In the middle of the storm I confess peace

Some of you have asked, why I have not blogged lately. This is a waiting period for me, (2 weeks).

I have met with the radiation and chemo medical team.  I recently had an Ecotype DX test done. This test is a genomic test that analyzes the activity of a group of genes that can affect how a cancer is likely to behave and respond to treatment. The results of the Ecotype DX test, combined with other features of the cancer, can help me make a more informed decision about whether or not to have chemotherapy to treat early-stage hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer or radiation therapy.

I continue to be overwhelmed with your love and support. Thank you Kim Cheiken, (my lawyer friend who took excellent notes) and for driving me to Mayo for this important consultation.

I received beautiful flowers from a former student and his family. This touched my heart.

My gratitude to Switzerland Community Church-Sunday class for your generosity in providing meals for my family during this week, Terry Sharkey, Connie Davis and Nancy Justus. May God bless you seven times more.

Thank you Janet Robles for your continued support of love, more flowers and meals. (My biology-guru and researcher).

Cards continue to arrive, and I must admit I’m loving it. Moments like these, it is therapy for me to read the messages, and feel your love! I received your cards Ann Breidstein, Sonja Willets and Jessica McQuaig who gave me pink gifts! xxoo

For now, I covet your prayers for God’s Will. I pray for peace not only for me, but for all those affected by this interruption in my lie. It is easy to pray during difficult times; it is not easy to praise in darkness. To believe what you don’t see is faith; continuing to see “that” which is not there is faith. I choose to stay faithful. I choose to praise my God!

Blessings, 

Donna  

I Receive Life Through the Word of God. (John 10:10)

Apart from Me, you can do nothing – with God all things are possible. (John 5:5-6) (John 16:23) (Matthew 19:26) (Matthew 18:18-19)

Today, the incision got drained again and antibiotics got switched. I feel much better now.  On my second appointment, I had a Radiation Oncology consultation. Seems to me, radiation is the way to go. It will be aggressive, six or seven weeks, 5x per week; side effects fatigue and sunburn.

Tomorrow, I have an oncology consultation to determine treatment options. Every organ and tissue of my body sanctions in the perfection that God created it to function.  (Mark 9:23)

I pray and ask you to join me in prayer to make the right decision for my treatment. Kim Cheiken, a dear friend, will be driving me tomorrow and will take notes for me.  Did I mention she lives an hour-plus north from me? The blessings just keep pouring down on me!  

Terry Sharkey, my Sunday class teacher drove 2 hours to get us a meal yesterday. My church family is amazing. We live far from our chosen church. We don’t ask, we don’t expect, but God moves people’s hearts and so the ministry begins.  Rumor has it Sharon M. also from church class, is delivering a meal tonight. Wow!

Renee Pinsky, thank you for the gift you made to Children’s Concert Society Remembrance Fund in hopes of a speedy recovery. What a great way to honor someone by supporting the CCS efforts to enrich music education in Summit County. (This is one of the first boards I sat on when I got married and moved to Akron, Ohio in 1994).

Friends: I am blessed to feel your love, your prayers and to have your help.

My family is overwhelmed with your LOVE; what an awesome support system we have.   

Donna Guzzo

The Name Jesus Carries Weight / I had a setback

The Name Jesus Carries Weight.

The name Jesus begins to do the work. If cancer wants to move in, it doesn’t have the right to move in. It doesn’t have the authority in my body. Jesus does!

Since Monday, April 6 in the evening, I’ve had a setback. I ended up at Mayo today. The result: Fluid collecting around the operation site (seroma)

Sometimes fluid continues to collect near the wound after your wound drains have been taken out. This is called a seroma. It causes swelling and pain and can increase the infection. My Surgeon’s P.A. had to drain the fluid off with a needle and syringe. She may need to do this a few times in the next few days. I was placed on antibiotics and asked to rest. The downside, no pain medication!  I must rest the arm affected to avoid further complications.

By Saturday I start arm exercises. In the flesh I say, “Joy” – not.  

In the spirit, I know I am a product of Grace. I heard it from Jesus, in the New Testament.  Here I go again, speaking to the cancer: I refuse to let you sit on my throne of emotions. I walk in abundance, favor, overflow, healing and miracles.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

Donna Guzzo

P.S. Thank you Ruth for raising to the occasion on your sick day to bring me soup. 

Easter 2015

Happy Easter

He is Risen Indeed!

Today I give thanks to my Lord and Savior for His sacrifice for me. John 3:16

Religion is cosmetic. Jesus is internal.

Many of you have asked me, what’s next? I don’t know yet. This week, I return to Mayo for a radiation oncology consultation, and a general surgery postop visit. It is best for me to take it an appointment at a time, otherwise the information becomes overwhelming. I don’t have one doctor, I have eight.

What I do know is the attack of hell is, because the breakthrough of Heaven is right behind. It cost more to worship when it doesn’t make sense. I choose to stay faithful. Tragedy is triumph wrapped in tears. Even though I have not had a chance to shed any tears, I know I will shed tears of joy!

It has been helpful to talk to some of you that have ran the race, survivors that have shared their stories, scars that show victory.

We are victorious people, serving A Victorious God.

Blessings,

Donna Guzzo 

It's a Celebration

It’s a Celebration

Today, I celebrate the bravery of women who have passed away and the survivors of breast cancer. From them we learn and keep fighting.

I am a woman of faith. No matter what I’m going through I praise my God. As a believer, you must understand everywhere we go, we take the adversary’s territory. This is why we get attacked. I have one warning, when my God shows up, RUN!

Something amazing happens when you let go and let God. The need we may face is great, but His grace is GREATER!

My pathology report is in:  

Negative margins mean that no cancer cells can be seen at the outer edge of the tissue that was removed. This is the best way to ensure that all cancer was taken out.

Lymph Nodes – negative, no cancer found, nodes are clear

Praise the Lord! Under the authority of the blood of Jesus, I have two words for the adversary, bow down.

In the middle of darkness, God has a miracle. Darkness came to develop my character. Darkness happens in a moment. Acts 16:16-25

God may not reveal His reasons, but He has revealed His character to me.

Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

I walk in His favor. I fight in Faith.

Blessings,

Donna Guzzo 

It's Recuperation Time

I'm recuperating slowly but surely. Am gaining speed when walking; eating better, moving my arm; all the things I suppose to be doing. What I seem to do best is sleep! I serve a Supernatural God. All glory to Him. I find myself rejoicing as I go through this journey. 1 Peter 1:18 I was not bought with silver or gold.

My heartfelt gratitude to my family, Pastor Wes & Bev, all my prayer warriors, and friends.
Thank you Naomi and Julio for visiting on surgery day and for bringing food from Don Juan's.
Thank you Cheryl for visiting yesterday and bringing delicious Italian food. Your company is always good for my spirit.
Thank you Janet for the beautiful flowers and your Puerto Rican spaghetti. I love your sazon!
Thank you Maria Medina, former LEE supervisor for the books and pink T-Shirt. I miss you!
Thank you Laurie C. and Melissa for walking with me through this journey - you both are my inspiration!
Thank you Kristy for not only taking care of me, but taking care of Scher to give us a stress free moment.
Thank you Community Relations staff for helping Cheryl during the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.

Cards are arriving. I look forward to mail time. It is soup for the soul to read your well wishes and receive your blessings. Thank you for reaching out.

Love and blessings,
Donna G.

Today is the day... Surgery

 

 

Today is the Day....

Donna had surgery at 7:30am.She is home resting. The doctor said that the lymph nodes weren't affected by the cancer. The pathology results will take a few days.
Thank God for all the blessings in Donna's life that includes family and friends.
She wants you to know that she is doing well.
Now begins the recuperation.

Radioactive & Nuclear = I am on Fire

Radioactive & Nuclear = I am on Fire

It’s been two weeks since cancer impacted my life. It’s been two weeks of claiming healing, praying for my doctors and having a spiritual experience like no other.

Since then, I have spent numerous hours at Mayo Clinic for a breast clinic evaluation; met the surgeon; chose my medical team; had lab work; had an MRI with sedation; more lab work and had another evaluation to be cleared for surgery. All tests, praise God have come back good. Lab work shows normal red and white cell count. The MRI does not show any spread of cancer. PTL

Today, I had an ultrasound for radiation seed placement with sedation, followed by more mammogram images; and had radiation nuclear medicine lymph injection and scan with NO sedation. (I got lightheaded and fainted) during the mammogram following the procedures. Unbelievable – the mammogram, really? The seed placement process uses a thin needle to place a tiny radioactive seed directly on the cancerous lump. It acts as a beacon on which the surgeon can hone in; removing the lump, the seed and potential cancerous tissue in the margins around the lump.

The last appointment was with a radiologist named Robert who had warmed up the room temperature before my arrival. The nuclear section of the hospital is amazing. I felt like an Avatar! Robert talked so much, and was so much fun, I ended up dreaming of being on a fast ride at Disney. The Radioisotope Injection for Sentinel Lymph Node Identification uses a dye or isotope which moves from the tumor to the lymphatic system. The first node to turn blue or contain the radioactive material is the sentinel node. During surgery, the sentinel node is then removed and immediately examined by the pathologist. The results of the test help to determine the next steps in my treatment.

The amount of radioactive material injected is very small and poses no threat. I am full of energy today.

Thank you Glenn and Scher! Thank you Ruth. Thank you Jessica M/IT. Thank you Naomi, Sunny and Denise H. for your blessing today. Laurie Clarcq, I always saw you as the best speaker ever, now I see you as my angel on earth, giving me tips and a heads up of what is yet to come. You prepare me well. You are my inspiration!

I am now at home, in awe of how much love and encouragement I am receiving from my family,  friends, my local church and even my LA church. Get Well cards are arriving; more and more I hear about my name being placed on several prayer chains. Thank YOU!

Tuesday, March 24 is the big day. I will meet with my surgeon very early in the morning. I have prayer warriors in place from all over the world. Angels are on call and God Himself will guide the doctors from the throne. Dear Cancer, there is simply no room for you here. I serve a Victorious God. I am on Fire!

Blessings,

Donna Guzzo 

I'm worth fightin' for; He told me so

I’m Worth Fightin’ For; He Told Me So

The past two days have been a blessing spending time with family and friends. I have received many encouraging bible verses, and messages. I celebrate and honor each and every one of you. I respect your time and appreciate you reaching out.  

Today I woke up feeling apprehensive. I recognized this feeling was not from God. See, the enemy needs space to operate. Since I recognized what was going on, I spoke to it, and said: “You cannot have my joy.”

Sometimes when we are faithless, God is faithful. He whispered in my ear, I’m worth fighting for. I belong to Him. What started with a feeling of fear, turned into LOVE.

As I meditate on today’s church-service message of death, (which by the way, was awesome), and my encounter with fear… the message I keep hearing and receiving is the following: I will go from surviving to thriving. He made me to excel as His daughter, a wife, and a mother. Everything that I do reflects Him and my beliefs.  

I was tempted and tested. See, the enemy may poke all he wants, but he has no discernment, so he waits for me to react; he waits for my confession.

“I declare the enemy knocked out. I declare this decease knocked out. I declare my Commander-in-Chief has won the fight.” 

1 Corinthians 10:13

Blessings, 

Donna Guzzo 

Becoming Radioactive

Becoming Radioactive

It has been a productive and happy week. MRI results came in as expected, praise God. Thank you Janet Robles for keeping me busy and calmed prior to the procedure. We even did a little get away from the hospital to Bahama Breeze.

I have spent the last two days having lunch and/or dinners with friends. Today, my dear friend Denise Gaitanzis took half a day off from work to take me shopping to my favorite boutique in Ponte Vedra, J. McLaughlin. Major damage in the name of surgery.   

I am mentally and physically as prepared as anyone can be facing breast cancer surgery.

Pre-Op on Monday: A radioactive seed localization, or RSL will be inserted in me. The process uses a thin needle to place a tiny radioactive seed directly on the cancerous lump. It acts as a beacon for the surgeon; making it easier to remove the lump, the seed and surrounding tissue in the margins around the lump.

Surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24. No time yet.

I am grateful for the long weekend off from work. Am looking forward to spending time with my family.

Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding” 

Love and Blessings,

Donna G. 

Igniting My Faith

Igniting My Faith

Today is about real passion; a real encounter with my Maker.  I see the love of Christ through each and every one of you. Thank you for the outpouring love and support.

As strange as this may sound, I would not change a thing, because this experience gives me a different perspective of my God. I have chosen a great team of doctors who have demonstrated love, care and yes… patience with my questions.  Notability app has become my number one tool to write, record and even take pictures. Remember, I have been married to a journalist for over 20 years. I have learned a thing or two, about getting answers.

As I prepare for a long day of more testing and sedation, I am not apprehensive. I am confident and energized to spend part of the day with my husband and my dear friend, Janet Robles. 

At work, I am having fun planning a fashion show called 450 Years: Tracing St. Augustine’s Roots; “A Night in Spain,” a fundraiser for RSVP of St. Johns County. We will train and equip volunteers to match student’s needs. It doesn’t get better than that!

I appreciate each and every prayer. I thank you for your obedience; where science ends, the Supernatural begins.

Love and Blessings,

Donna G. 

Feeling Grateful

Today was a great day of  friendship and encouragement.

• Thank you prayer warriors; Wes, Bev, Julie and Raleigh!
• Thank you Janet and Ruth for delivering food, and for keeping in close touch. 
• Thank you Yohanna for the daily youtube songs. 
• Thank you Ruth for the assurance of taking over my blog, once I go for surgery. 
• Thank you Naomi for the Christian CD's - all downloaded on my iPad.
• Thank you Cheryl and Christina for your support and understanding. 
• Thank you Cheryl & George Freeman for your ministry. 
• Thank you Linda V./RSVP volunteer extraordinaire, for helping me at the office. 
• Thank you Kristy and Julianna for your generosity at Panache treating me to a Swedish massage and haircut/toner. 
• Thank you friends for your words of encouragement via Facebook, text, calls, etc. 

Love you all. Happy Spring break everyone!

Donna G.

"I heard the words, no woman wants to hear; breast cancer"

“I heard the words, no woman wants to hear; breast cancer”

Cancer, in less than a week, has impacted my life. It has brought to my attention to enjoy what’s important and who is priority right now. Each day I now smile about what is going well.   

I have put together a team: my family, prayer warriors, researchers, doctors and friends. My family and I have found the best course of action by interviewing/consulting doctors. Over the weekend, within 24 hours of finding out the news, I had a surgeon lined up, referred by two different sources; and was accepted as a patient at Mayo Clinic. We are taking the necessary steps to treat this. I am a strong and determined woman. Cancer will have to deal with me and my God. I consider myself blessed and fortunate that the tumor was found early and the prognosis is promising. As a Christian, I do not have a spirit of fear, and I firmly believe some good will come out of this.

My focus is:

#1 My God, “So be truly glad.  There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.  These trials will show that your faith is genuine.  It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold.
 (I Peter 1:6-7).

#2 My Family & Friends / Team of Doctors – I am thankful for my husband and daughter. I am blessed to have the support system I have.

#3 My Work and Civic Duties – I will always be planning the next event.

I share my faith and love with all of you who have been supportive throughout my life journey and decisions. I thank you for the texts, the messages, the research, the referrals, the meals, the books, the CD’s, but most of all, I thank you for who YOU are! 

God bless.

Donna Guzzo