Connie M. Hicks: 2011/10

Welcome & Thank You for Visiting

Welcome & Thank You for Visiting

On August 16th, 2011, three days before her 44th birthday, Connie was diagnosed with "Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma, Grade 3". In other words, breast cancer.

Battling cancer, no matter what form, is a difficult and frightening time for both those with the disease and their loved ones. Having strong moral support is important for everyone involved.

As the reality sinks in and we adjust to the new landscape, we realize we can't do this alone. We're reaching out to ask you for your moral support as Connie prepares to do battle with breast cancer.

Through this blog, we'll post updates on Connie's progress and offer a place for you to send words of encouragement and messages of support.

The burden of added medical expenses on top of day-to-day living expenses is mountainous. As a family, we're doing everything we can, but still it isn't enough. We're calling all angels who might consider donating to a fund for Connie and her family to relieve some of the stress so that Connie can concentrate on her recovery and get back to doing what she does best as loving mother, partner, sister, caregiver and friend.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Chemo Update from 10-11-11

Hi All,

Accompanied by Robert, Connie had her first chemo appt Oct 11. The procedure took about 4 hours. First a saline solution, then anti-nausea meds, then two chemo drugs were administered. When I spoke to Connie that evening she had a nagging headache, was tired, but otherwise feeling okay. Since then Connie has been back to work and has felt relatively well with the exception of a few side effects from the chemo. Because the chemo meds can be hard on the heart Connie had that checked out this week and should get those results back today or tomorrow. Chemo treatment #2 is scheduled for next week.

Thanks again for your support. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Please join us in the fight!

Kelly

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Chemo begins

Hi Everyone,

After discussing the next steps with a surgeon from the University of Wisconsin hospital and her current oncologist, it's been decided today that Connie will begin chemotherapy treatments right away. Tomorrow is the first one. Surgery will follow unless radiation is deemed necessary at that time. At this point it's more important to stop the possible spread of the cancer than it is to remove the tumor. Genetic testing will also be done at some point prior to surgery in order to determine if Connie is predisposed to the cancer gene. If so, a double mastectomy will be performed in order to eliminate any chance of having to revisit this whole scenario at some future point. Per the oncologist today, the first few chemo treatments are mega doses. She'll have one tomorrow and another in three weeks. From there they will occur more frequently. This chemo phase will last approximately 6 months and brings with it a whole host of possible side effects; one being the reduction in her white blood cell count, increasing her susceptibility to additional illness.

The primary focus has been to get Connie into treatment. Secondary to that, is helping to relieve some of the costly burden which is going to continue well beyond original expectations. A benefit to help with this burden is in the planning stages. If you have any input, advice or firsthand experience you can offer in this respect please let me know. This is uncharted territory for us and we need all the help we can get.

Please keep Connie in your thoughts and prayers for strength as she begins the real fight tomorrow.

Kind regards,
Kelly

About Connie

Connie is my little sister and the youngest of five girls in our family. She is a devoted and loving mother to now three-year-old Chloe Mae, the light of our lives. Along with her partner and soulmate, Robert, they have made their life and home together, along with Rudy, their rescued westie and their four cats, Greta, Tikka, Jasmine and Lucy in the beautiful community of Spring Green, WI.

As the Activity Director at Greenway Terrace, a local assisted living center in Spring Green, Connie organizes daily activities to name but a few: daily exercise, community field trips, spirited bingo games, country drives, evening happy hours and holiday family gatherings for her second family, as they have come to be known. For the past six years I have witnessed first hand the difference she makes in the lives of the residents through her loving care, sense of humor and endless compassion. My visits for morning coffee, when I'm able to attend, have made a difference in my life as well. Whether it's hearing Connie read the inspirational quotes for the day or discussing any range of topics from jelly making, to the height of the corn, to politics, I know the residents agree, Connie makes a lasting impression.

When she's given so much to others and has asked so little in return, it doesn't seem fair. I know that she'll handle this though with the same character strengths she is known by; love for her family, compassion for others and her signature sense of humor.

Kelly Hicks-Landes, along with
Kathy Miller,
Carol Engel &
Karla Hicks