Check out Nicole's great article discussing what Mother's Day means to her. :)
http://www.proplayerinsiders.com/mothers-day-reflections-from-nicole-cundiff/
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Dr. Setsuko Chambers is a Rock Star!!!
Billy and I have been doing quite a bit of research on ovarian cancer lately, as we are in the beginning stages of starting a foundation where we will donate to ovarian cancer research centers, as well as focus on symptom awareness campaigns.
Long story short, tonight Billy sent me a link referring to the TOP gynecologic oncologists in the country and our mom's doctor, Dr. Setsuko Chambers, is rated in the top 1%!!! I told y'all that she is a ROCK STAR!!! We highly encourage anyone diagnosed with this cruel disease to immediately seek medical care from a doctor on this list.
http://health.usnews.com/top-doctors/setsuko-chambers-gynecologic-oncologist-49CC000562
Good night!! Nicole
Long story short, tonight Billy sent me a link referring to the TOP gynecologic oncologists in the country and our mom's doctor, Dr. Setsuko Chambers, is rated in the top 1%!!! I told y'all that she is a ROCK STAR!!! We highly encourage anyone diagnosed with this cruel disease to immediately seek medical care from a doctor on this list.
http://health.usnews.com/top-doctors/setsuko-chambers-gynecologic-oncologist-49CC000562
Good night!! Nicole
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
It's WORKING!!!
Mom had blood work drawn yesterday in advance of her scheduled chemo tomorrow. She just talked with her nurse at the Arizona Cancer Center - her CA-125 dropped 100 points!!! That's HUGE!!! It went from 388 to 288. This is the best indicator we could possibly have that the treatment is working. WOOHOO!! **She is grinning from ear to ear!**
The not-so-great news is that her white blood cell count is too low so treatment for tomorrow has been postponed. Mom will go get her blood drawn again tomorrow in hopes to have chemo on Friday.
Thank you for all your support - positive energy can help to heal the mind, body, and spirit.
The not-so-great news is that her white blood cell count is too low so treatment for tomorrow has been postponed. Mom will go get her blood drawn again tomorrow in hopes to have chemo on Friday.
Thank you for all your support - positive energy can help to heal the mind, body, and spirit.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Back by Popular Demand
Wow, it's been a long time. Before jumping into the current events, I'll catch you up on the last year and a half, as briefly as I can in light of it being the best year ever! Dr. Chambers was kind and gave Mom a month or two off before starting her maintenance therapy. For this, she was grateful. She spent the time playing with Blake, traveling back to Baltimore to spend time with Nicole and her family, and getting out with friends and family.
In November 2010, Mom started Avastin. All things considered, Avastin was pretty easy on her. There were some nagging side effect such as elevated blood pressure, little ulcers in her nose, sneezing, and, hoarseness in her voice, to name a few, but she handled it like a champ. The good news is, Avastin did not slow her down. 2011 was an amazing year for all of us; filled with tons of adventure and joy.
To kick off 2011, Billy earned the honor of playing in the Pro Bowl at the end of January so Mom, Blake, and I joined the Cundiffs in Hawaii! It was amazing!
At the beginning of April, the whole family headed back to Hawaii, this time to The Big Island, for Dani and Dan's wedding. The wedding was absolutely gorgeous and we couldn't have been happier for the newlyweds!
At the end of May, Nicole, Billy, Billie, Cooper, and Mom went back east to the Preakness! They got to put on their big hats, hob-nob with the Most Interesting Man in the World, and do some pretty impressive people watching. ;)
The summer meant lots of time at the cabin, great hikes, and of course, more traveling! In June, Mom and the Cundiffs went to Boise, ID to spend some time at Boise State. They spent their time enjoying the town and the beautiful weather.
In July, Mom, Nicole, Billy, Chloe, Luke, Dani, Dan, Billie, Pete, Blake, and I went to IRELAND! Wow, what a trip. Mom had rented a Manor House in the middle of the country in a town called Shannon on the River. We were joined by our friends Kathy and Erin Kloos, as well as Kathy's sister, Peg and her daughter, Amy. We had so much fun traveling all over the country and visiting some of the best places Ireland has to offer.
Mom and Dani spent a beautiful weekend on the beach in New Port, CA with some great friends. Thanks to Jenny, Michelle, and Will for showing them a great time!
Towards the end of the summer, the NFL Lockout ended and the Cundiffs returned to Baltimore. Mom helped Nicole and the kids move into their new place in August. This trip marked the first of Mom's eight trips back to Baltimore over the course of the season. Not only is this record number of trips to visit Nicole impressive in it's own right, but it's also impressive in light of the other major trips she took in between.
During a mid-September visit back to Baltimore, Mom and the Cundiffs went on a D.C. tour.
At the end of September, the girls (Mom, Nicole, Dani, Billie, and I) traveled to NYC to celebrate Mom's birthday. We had THE BEST TIME!! We indulged to the max - eating and drinking all day and staying out late dancing! We then traveled to Baltimore to meet up with Billy, Pete, Dan, Cooper, and the kids to go to Billy's game. All around great trip!
In October, Mom and I traveled down to Rocky Point, Mexico for her aunt and uncle's 50th wedding anniversary. We had so much fun hanging out with the Bootz, Wilkins, and Erhardt families. Wild bunch! It's clear when we are all together that the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. :)
Later in the month, Mom traveled with the Kloos family to Israel to run in a 10k. A portion of the 10k was dedicated to their son Ryan, a young woman by the name of Molly Hightower, and a Haitian man by the name of John, each of whom lost their lives in the devastating earthquake in January 2010. The event was part of the JPII Games, which is an event sponsored by the Vatican to promote peace in the region. It sounds like they had an incredible trip filled with a whole lot of adventure. And yes, they all made it through the 10k! Billie's Bootcamp deserves credit for Mom being in excellent shape. Take that Avastin and Ovarian Cancer!
November brought more adventure for Mom. Shortly after Thanksgiving, she joined her Mom, her sister Kathy, her cousin Cindy, her Aunt and Uncle Franki and Joe, as well as several of Kathy's friends on a two week trip to Bali and Hong Kong. This trip brought QT with her family, as well as shopping, and relaxing.
December was great. It was busy preparing for the holidays and spending QT with the fam.
Mom, Billie, Pete, Blake, and I joined some of her family in San Diego for the Ravens game against the Chargers. This was another great trip with great memories made.
For Christmas, Mom, Pete, Blake, Dani, Dan, and I went to back Baltimore! We had such an amazing trip! We spent Christmas Eve at the Ravens game and went back to Billy and Nicole's to celebrate the holiday. That was an eventful evening, full of laughter...and vino.
New Years Eve was spent at the cabin with good friends. We spent the day playing Slosh Ball (kickball with a keg on second base) and sledding with the neighbors. That night, we rang in the New Year playing games...I, for one, spent the evening cleaning house in some rather competitive games of poker.
The new year brought Mom a new house!! It's perfect for her (and Billie for the time being) and she LOVES it. Gorgeous view of Camelback from her dining room and back yard!! It's everything she needs.
January also brought several more trips back to Baltimore and one trip to Boston. We were so bummed when the season ended (what are Sundays without football?) but Billy had a great year and we are so proud of him!! The upside, of course, was the Cundiffs being home for the past few months. I personally take advantage of having regular wonderful (and healthy) home cooked meals prepared by Nicole. I'm not sure what I'm going to do when she leaves!
At the beginning of February, Mom took off for nearly four weeks in India. Yes, nearly a month in India. We were going NUTS without her! Mom went with a long-time friend, Susan, as well as several of Susan's friends from college. I think it will be best if Mom blogs about her trip because I could never do it justice. One thing is for sure, she had such an incredible time that even after four weeks, she did not want to come home! Her children, on the other hand, were missing her like crazy and counting down the hours until her plane landed! Blake and I met her at the airport and our hearts filled with so much joy when she realized we were standing there waiting for her.
Once Mom was home from India, she managed to stay in Phoenix for the month of March. That's not to say the month wasn't eventful.
Unfortunately, despite all of the adventures and blessings she (and we) experienced, Mom's CA-125 was steadily rising over the past six or eight months. Dr. Chambers ordered a CT back in November which was clear, but numbers continued to rise and so did our suspicions. On March 23rd, Mom had another CT performed at St. Joe's. Within a few hours we received the preliminary results which were later confirmed by her doctor. Her ovarian cancer has metastasized to her lungs and several of her lymph nodes. I realize this is jarring news. It took a minute, day, week, or perhaps a month to absorb.
The good news is, Dr. Chambers was very encouraging about the quality and effectiveness of numerous drugs available, but ultimately recommended a combination of Cisplatin and Gemzar. Mom started her first round on April 11th. A round is three weeks and consists of Cisplatin and Gemzar on day one (a Wednesday), then Gemzar the following Wednesday, and then a Wednesday off. Repeat process. Cisplatin is a chemo drug she received when she was first diagnosed back in 2007. It's not exactly her favorite. It comes with numerous side effects which include flu-like symptoms for a few days after receiving it. Frankly, it knocks her down for a good day or two, but that won't stop her from walking her new handsome man, a terrier/shih tzu mix, named George! It's not clear yet what the side effects of the Gemzar are. After receiving only Gemzar last week (April 18th), she broke out in hives over the weekend. She looked miserable, but at least it didn't make her too ill. In fact, our crazy mother went on a "round-up" on Saturday with her friends in Young, Arizona. Yes, she was roping and herding cattle despite this recent news and treatment...hives and all, shocking, right? Not for anyone who knows her. She's amazing. Dr. Chambers is aware of the hives and other side effects and will try to adjust her pre-meds (the numerous drugs they give her to counter-act the side effects) to address those issues.
We are very encouraged about this treatment, as Mom has responded well to all of her previous chemo drugs and this combination has been shown to be very effective for many women. We will know more on Wednesday when we are back in Tucson.
Frankly, we wanted to get the blog up and running again for two reasons. 1.) We know many people care and are concerned. We know you share our love for our Mom. But we also know people don't often want to pry, but would like to know what's happening so they can know how to be there and support her. 2.) We strongly believe in the healing power of prayer and positive energy (whatever you may call it). So, if you are wondering what you can do, please send your positive healing energies. Our Mom is strong, stronger than her children and most people we've ever met. However, with your help, she will stand on a pillar of strength which is greater than that she has ever known. When her courage is tested, we collectively will be there to lift her back up. That gift is worth its weight in gold. Let's get her through this so she can get back on with her life!
Thank you for your love and support!
Michelle, Nicole, Danielle, and Billie
.JPG) |
| Mom's Birthday - October 2010 - with Brothers Bob, Tim, Corky and Kevin |
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| Christmas - 2010 |
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| Blake's First Christmas |
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| Christmas...at the Coach House |
To kick off 2011, Billy earned the honor of playing in the Pro Bowl at the end of January so Mom, Blake, and I joined the Cundiffs in Hawaii! It was amazing!
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| Colleen (GiGi) and Chloe |
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| Randy, Colleen, Trish, Nicole, Chloe, Morgan, Lauren, and Katie |
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| Nicole, Luke, Billy, Michelle, Blake, Colleen and Chloe |
The spring was good to us. Mom spent quite a bit of time putting some miles on her new ride with her brothers and friends - it's the Bootz gang. :)
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| Colleen (center bike), Kevin, Bob, and friends outside Christopher Creek, AZ |
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| The Drury women at Dani's bridal shower - March 2011 |
At the beginning of April, the whole family headed back to Hawaii, this time to The Big Island, for Dani and Dan's wedding. The wedding was absolutely gorgeous and we couldn't have been happier for the newlyweds!
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| Luke and Blake (collectively, "Bluke") |
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| Kathy and Colleen - can you tell these two are sisters? |
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| Here comes the bride! |
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| I do. |
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| Kathy, Donna (Grandma), Colleen |
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| Cousins are the best!! Luke, Chloe, and Blake (left to right) |
At the end of May, Nicole, Billy, Billie, Cooper, and Mom went back east to the Preakness! They got to put on their big hats, hob-nob with the Most Interesting Man in the World, and do some pretty impressive people watching. ;)
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| Nicole and Colleen |
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| Colleen, Cooper, Billie, Billy, and Nicole |
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| Nicole, Colleen, and Billie |
The summer meant lots of time at the cabin, great hikes, and of course, more traveling! In June, Mom and the Cundiffs went to Boise, ID to spend some time at Boise State. They spent their time enjoying the town and the beautiful weather.
In July, Mom, Nicole, Billy, Chloe, Luke, Dani, Dan, Billie, Pete, Blake, and I went to IRELAND! Wow, what a trip. Mom had rented a Manor House in the middle of the country in a town called Shannon on the River. We were joined by our friends Kathy and Erin Kloos, as well as Kathy's sister, Peg and her daughter, Amy. We had so much fun traveling all over the country and visiting some of the best places Ireland has to offer.
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| Touring castles - Chloe, Nicole, Luke, Colleen, Billie, Michelle, and Blake |
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| Playing the park - Shannon on the River |
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| Pub crawling in Dublin |
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| Cave touring |
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| Mullaghmore, Ireland |
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| More castles... |
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| Having Tea...or Champagne - Dublin |
Towards the end of the summer, the NFL Lockout ended and the Cundiffs returned to Baltimore. Mom helped Nicole and the kids move into their new place in August. This trip marked the first of Mom's eight trips back to Baltimore over the course of the season. Not only is this record number of trips to visit Nicole impressive in it's own right, but it's also impressive in light of the other major trips she took in between.
During a mid-September visit back to Baltimore, Mom and the Cundiffs went on a D.C. tour.
 |
| Chloe's first trip to the White House |
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| The Drury Women |
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| Girls Night Out! |
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| Happy Birthday, Mom! |
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| Colleen and Dan - Pre-game |
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| Pete and Cooper - Tailgaiting |
In October, Mom and I traveled down to Rocky Point, Mexico for her aunt and uncle's 50th wedding anniversary. We had so much fun hanging out with the Bootz, Wilkins, and Erhardt families. Wild bunch! It's clear when we are all together that the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. :) |
| Colleen, Kathy, Julie, and Corky |
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| Kathy, Franki, Donna, and Colleen |
Later in the month, Mom traveled with the Kloos family to Israel to run in a 10k. A portion of the 10k was dedicated to their son Ryan, a young woman by the name of Molly Hightower, and a Haitian man by the name of John, each of whom lost their lives in the devastating earthquake in January 2010. The event was part of the JPII Games, which is an event sponsored by the Vatican to promote peace in the region. It sounds like they had an incredible trip filled with a whole lot of adventure. And yes, they all made it through the 10k! Billie's Bootcamp deserves credit for Mom being in excellent shape. Take that Avastin and Ovarian Cancer!
 |
| Blake and GiGi - Halloween |
November brought more adventure for Mom. Shortly after Thanksgiving, she joined her Mom, her sister Kathy, her cousin Cindy, her Aunt and Uncle Franki and Joe, as well as several of Kathy's friends on a two week trip to Bali and Hong Kong. This trip brought QT with her family, as well as shopping, and relaxing.
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| Thanksgiving at Dani's |
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| GiGi walking Blake home |
December was great. It was busy preparing for the holidays and spending QT with the fam.
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| Gingerbread House Decorating |
Mom, Billie, Pete, Blake, and I joined some of her family in San Diego for the Ravens game against the Chargers. This was another great trip with great memories made.
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| Ravens vs. Chargers |
For Christmas, Mom, Pete, Blake, Dani, Dan, and I went to back Baltimore! We had such an amazing trip! We spent Christmas Eve at the Ravens game and went back to Billy and Nicole's to celebrate the holiday. That was an eventful evening, full of laughter...and vino.
 |
| Christmas Eve - Tailgaiting |
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| Post-Game - In the "Family Room" |
New Years Eve was spent at the cabin with good friends. We spent the day playing Slosh Ball (kickball with a keg on second base) and sledding with the neighbors. That night, we rang in the New Year playing games...I, for one, spent the evening cleaning house in some rather competitive games of poker.
 |
| Slosh Ball |
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| Happy New Year! |
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| Moving Day |
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| The Celebration Crew |
January also brought several more trips back to Baltimore and one trip to Boston. We were so bummed when the season ended (what are Sundays without football?) but Billy had a great year and we are so proud of him!! The upside, of course, was the Cundiffs being home for the past few months. I personally take advantage of having regular wonderful (and healthy) home cooked meals prepared by Nicole. I'm not sure what I'm going to do when she leaves!
 |
| Foxborough Bound |
 |
| Ravens vs. Pats |
At the beginning of February, Mom took off for nearly four weeks in India. Yes, nearly a month in India. We were going NUTS without her! Mom went with a long-time friend, Susan, as well as several of Susan's friends from college. I think it will be best if Mom blogs about her trip because I could never do it justice. One thing is for sure, she had such an incredible time that even after four weeks, she did not want to come home! Her children, on the other hand, were missing her like crazy and counting down the hours until her plane landed! Blake and I met her at the airport and our hearts filled with so much joy when she realized we were standing there waiting for her.
Once Mom was home from India, she managed to stay in Phoenix for the month of March. That's not to say the month wasn't eventful.
 |
| Kevin, Colleen, Tim, and Dani - Bike Week |
 |
| Colleen, Kaytie, Jeff, Dan, Dani, Michelle, Kathy - St. Patty's at the Coach House |
 |
| Colleen and George |
Unfortunately, despite all of the adventures and blessings she (and we) experienced, Mom's CA-125 was steadily rising over the past six or eight months. Dr. Chambers ordered a CT back in November which was clear, but numbers continued to rise and so did our suspicions. On March 23rd, Mom had another CT performed at St. Joe's. Within a few hours we received the preliminary results which were later confirmed by her doctor. Her ovarian cancer has metastasized to her lungs and several of her lymph nodes. I realize this is jarring news. It took a minute, day, week, or perhaps a month to absorb.
The good news is, Dr. Chambers was very encouraging about the quality and effectiveness of numerous drugs available, but ultimately recommended a combination of Cisplatin and Gemzar. Mom started her first round on April 11th. A round is three weeks and consists of Cisplatin and Gemzar on day one (a Wednesday), then Gemzar the following Wednesday, and then a Wednesday off. Repeat process. Cisplatin is a chemo drug she received when she was first diagnosed back in 2007. It's not exactly her favorite. It comes with numerous side effects which include flu-like symptoms for a few days after receiving it. Frankly, it knocks her down for a good day or two, but that won't stop her from walking her new handsome man, a terrier/shih tzu mix, named George! It's not clear yet what the side effects of the Gemzar are. After receiving only Gemzar last week (April 18th), she broke out in hives over the weekend. She looked miserable, but at least it didn't make her too ill. In fact, our crazy mother went on a "round-up" on Saturday with her friends in Young, Arizona. Yes, she was roping and herding cattle despite this recent news and treatment...hives and all, shocking, right? Not for anyone who knows her. She's amazing. Dr. Chambers is aware of the hives and other side effects and will try to adjust her pre-meds (the numerous drugs they give her to counter-act the side effects) to address those issues.
We are very encouraged about this treatment, as Mom has responded well to all of her previous chemo drugs and this combination has been shown to be very effective for many women. We will know more on Wednesday when we are back in Tucson.
 |
| Gigi and Her Minions |
Thank you for your love and support!
Michelle, Nicole, Danielle, and Billie
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