I know I am long over due for an update with what is going on with me lately. I’ve been sending updates here and there on Instagram. Sometimes a quick social media update is much easier to share than writing a blog post. But here I am summarizing all that has been going on. If you’re new to this blog and/or have no idea what I’m talking about, I shared this post a few months ago about what I am going through.
Before I begin, I just want to send a big thank you to everyone that has been supporting me. I couldn’t be more grateful and blessed to be surrounded by so much love and support. Every prayer, positive energy, pick-me-up, and surprise gift mean the world to me. Thank you so so much from the bottom of my heart. It makes the fight so much easier. And a special thank you for all the cancer fighters and survivors who I’ve connected with. You all are amazing and brave individuals and have been a great source of inspiration.
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| My hair is starting to grow back!! 🙂 |
I just completed round one of treatments a few weeks ago. The first round consisted of 6 cycles of chemotherapy. For me, chemo had its highs and lows. The week or so after chemo is when I felt my worst. Even drinking water was such an effort! It tasted disgusting and it didn’t help that I was extremely nauseous. It helped to have visitors a few days after chemo. I put all my focus on enjoying the company and just having fun that I forgot I was feeling sick. Fortunately, as each day went by, I started to recover better and better. I was at my best the day before the next cycle. I had energy, food tasted great, and I could bare drinking water. Of course, it just sucked knowing that the following day I would have to go through the process of feeling like crap all over again.
The silver lining is, as much as I hated every bit of chemo, the treatments are working. The chemo regimen was harsh, but we’ve definitely seen positive outcomes. Even after the 1st cycle, my tumors had significantly shrunk. My oncologist would joke each time I saw her and ask if I even have tumors. Mid-way through the cycles, I had a MRI which confirmed my tumors had significantly shrunk and showed no signs of cancer spreading to the lymph nodes.
Last Friday, I had surgery. They removed 4 sentinel lymph nodes and ran a biopsy on those lymph nodes. This surgery would help my surgeons prepare for the bigger (major) surgery, determine if I can do immediate reconstruction, and also determine if radiation therapy is needed. The results of the biopsy also determine if my cancer has spread or not. Clinically, and based on test results (like the MRI), it had shown no signs of spreading. However, my doctors informed me that cancer cells can be so small that imaging tests may not be able to pick up on it. I just received the results of my sentinel lymph node biopsy from my surgeon the other day.
After having a discussion with my surgeon about the test results, I am so pleased to share that all 4 sentinel lymph nodes tested negative. This means each node contained no signs of cancer cells and my cancer is contained in the breast. This was such a HUGE relief! It is one less hurdle I would have to go through.
So now the big question, why am I going to be MIA? Well, this Friday I will be having a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. The amount of time to heal and recover is extensive. I will be in the hospital for a few days and the first couple weeks post-surgery are crucial. I really have to put my focus on recovering. Therefore, the only thing my surgeon wants me to do is binge watch on Netflix. I’m the kind of person who likes to be constantly doing something, so I have a feeling I will struggle with this a bit. I get bored so easily! So if you guys have any suggestions on TV shows and movies, please do share!
| During the mastectomy, they will run a full pathology report of all the breast tissues they will remove. They will determine if there are any dead or alive cancer cells and how well my body responded to treatments. I hope the results of this test will be in my favor. To be honest, I don’t have the energy in me to do another round of chemo. It took a lot out of me and I am still adjusting to the changes chemo has done to my body and mind. I honestly think I am seeing the effects of “chemo brain”. |
I will not be creating new content on this blog until my doctor gives me the okay. Therefore, I will not be doing any photoshoots for the blog or starting any collaborations. If I do post later this month, it is because I have prepared and pre-published the post before surgery.
For now, the treatment plan is to do targeted therapy which I actually started last Thursday. Basically, they will only use one of the drugs that was part of my chemo regimen. Even though this is taken intravenously through my port, it is not considered chemo because this drug is not attacking the entire body. Instead, it is attacking and only killing a specific receptor that has been feeding and causing my cancer to be so aggressive. I was able to tolerate this treatment. I guess anything is much better than chemo. So I pray and hope this is my treatment plan after the mastectomy.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this update. I know it is very long, but I have been open about my diagnosis from the beginning and I wanted to continue to be open. Thanks again for all your support. I look forward to reconnecting with you all soon!
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xo RD
Oh sweetie, you are a hero for so many! That smile warms my heart and I know you got this! Cancer will NOT win and the outcomes are so encouraging!!!! I am going to storm heaven right now with prayers that everything goes ok with surgery and healing time. As for binge watching, our favs lately have been Prison Break, Billions, Boardwalk Empire and Justified!!! Love and hugs and can't wait to see you back here in your sweet lil space and hear the positive news and see your beautiful face!!!
You are so kind and sweet Andrea! Thank you so much for your words for encouragement and your prayers. They mean a lot to me! And thank you for your suggestions! I am keeping a list so I will be constantly occupied haha!
You are such a beautiful girl. Inside, outside, every single bit of you! Your strength is so inspiring and literally makes me step back and look at my life and appreciate all the bad days I have. You are such a fighter and your body is proving that! I truly believe your spirit and love has caused your to come so far. You WILL continue to fight and to come out on top. I know you will! I eagerly await an update and to hear how you're progressing.
As for passing the time… (;
If you have Netflix: Stranger Things is fantastic. As well as Scandal!
Also, send your husband out to pick up some new movies! The new Batman Vs Superman was actually fantastic and I went into that movie thinking it would be terrible. I'm drawing a blank, but if I think of anything else, I will write more. (: <3
Thank you so much for the sweet words Kiki! The support I get from my blogging community (like you) is amazing and couldn't be more grateful! I wasn't so sure about Batman Vs Superman, but now I need to check it out! Thank you for the suggestions!
I'm so happy the results were negative in the nodes. I'll be praying for you this Friday. I'm sure you'll have tons of visitors but if you ever need another one I'd be happy to bring you coffee or whatever. 💙
Thank you so much Melissa!! Your prayers means a lot to me! I am always open to any visitors and coffee of course haha! Thank you for everything you've done. You have been an awesome source of inspiration!
You are such an inspiration! The fact that you continue to work so hard in so many areas of your life is amazing! You are beautiful inside and out and I am so grateful I have been able to connect with you through the digital world. I will be thinking about you and sending you love and positivity! We will miss you but look forward to having you back again, soon! xo Bryn
Thank you so much Bryn! You are a sweet person and I am so glad we connected. You are definitely talented and I can't wait to see more of your post. Thanks for all the love and positivity!
Rach, thank you so much for sharing your story. You are brave and beautiful inside and out. I have been so impressed by your courage and determination. Not to mention that you don't complain and have continued blogging. So impressed! I am so happy for your news that the cancer hasn't spread. I will be praying for your surgery and an easy recovery. You definitely need to Netflix and chill! Take care of yourself.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thank you so much Amy Ann! I am so glad we are friends and can't wait for your next visit in Chicago! Thank you so much for the prayers and support! This means a lot to me! I look forward to re-connecting when I'm all recovered!
Sending you so much love, light and positive energy love! Hope that your surgery will perform well and that you'll recover quickly! Just take your time and focus on life, taking care of yourself and do let yourself watch Netflix and just unplug! We'll be here when you're back, so do take time for yourself now! Lots of love, Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Aw thank you so much for all the positive energy!! Your support means the world to me! I can't wait to reconnect with you as soon as I am recovered!
You are such an inspiration, you just have so much positivity! I have been thinking of you and continue to prayer for your health and recovery!!!!!!! Sending all my love! Take care xoxo – Rachel
Thank you so much Rachel for your kind words and prayers!! You are too sweet! Good luck with all the wedding planning and can't wait to hear more when I am back to the blogging world!
You are so beautiful inside and out, so strong, and such an inspiration to me. I am so glad that your outcomes have been pointing to the positive. Good luck on your surgery, you are constantly in my prayers and I wish you all the best! Recover well and stay courageous. <3
TV recommendations: Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine are my favorites for a good laugh- they are absolutely hilarious! And Grey's Anatomy is addictive.
Lots of love
Julia // Little Miss Haute Couture
Thank you so much Julia! You're kind and sweet words mean a lot to me! Thank you for your positive vibes and prayers! Also, thanks for sharing your recommendations. I've actually started getting addicted to Grey's Anatomy ever since I was diagnosed haha. Now I need season 11 and 12 haha!! I look forward to re-connecting soon!
Dear Rachel, this post truly touched my heart. YOU are such an inspiration to me, and I'm glad you shared your story with us! Chemo is indeed hard but I'm to relived to hear that it worked for you! Sending you much love, and I will be praying for you that your surgery goes well! Please, do rest, and as far as movie goes…I don't really watch much TV but there are a few shows I do enjoy, like, Homeland, etc. Dunno if you like but I thought I give at least one recommendation! Anyhow, SENDING YOU A BIG HUG and please, let's get together when you're feeling better!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Thank you so much Vanessa! You've been such an awesome friend throughout and I am so grateful we met through this thing called blogging. Thank you so much for all your prayers and positive vibes! Haha I don't watch much TV either (Hence, why I ask), but I did heard great things about Homeland. I'll add that to my list! I can't wait until we get together!
Sending prayers your way!
Thank you Frannie for your prayers! This means a lot!
That's awesome news, Rach. Hoping this surgery goes well and that you'll be back on your feet in no time. In the meantime, watch Stranger Things on Netflix. You'll love it and it will keep you entertained during this down time.
Thank you so much Cheryl I hope so too and can't wait for the day to share all the great news! Oo I've never heard of it and I will definitely check it out! Thank you!
I will be praying for you Rachel! I went through this with my mom. She had a double mastectomy and reconstruction as well. She recovered faster than she expected. But that women is a busy body. She had triple negative breast cancer. They took tissue from other areas of her body and reconstructed her breast. She said if she could go back in time, she would have just did the implants, and changed them out every 5 years. Probably because of having to heal from the areas they took tissue from. Anyway, I will be praying for you every night in my prayers and I am so happy that they found no more cancer cells. You're beautiful and strong babe! Love ya!
Lesley
Thank you so much Lesley! I remember you mentioned about your mother and so so sorry for what she had to go through. That is reassuring that she recovered much faster than expected. She's a fighter! Unfortunately, I was not candidate for the tissue reconstruction, and will be getting implants. I will let you know what I think of them. Thank you for your prayers! You are the best!
So proud of you for sharing this! I am always thinking of you, and sending you love. I know you're so strong, and will continue to get through this. I'm so happy you have such a wonderful support system, and fantastic husband. (Hi Tre!) You look beautiful, and I can't wait to bring you some goodies and cheer you up soon. <3
You have been incredible Ashley. Thank you so much for everything! You are so sweet! Girl, you don't need to send me anything. You've done enough! 🙂
Sending much love and encouragement your way!
Thank you so much Melissa!! You are the best!
You are such an inspiration and a hero in my eyes, your positive outlook towards life helps remind me of what is important in life. My thoughts and prayers are always with you and wish you a speedy and healthy recovery. Take care. You are so strong and that is just absolutely admirable.
Aw thank you girl for your kind words! You are too nice! Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers – they will definitely come in hand! So glad to I got to know you!
You're a gorgeous brave soul! So courageous of you to share this tough part of your life with us! I'll be sending you lots of positive energy and sunshine throughout this time. I'm sure you will only grow stronger and more beautiful (body and soul) after this is all over! Stay strong gorgeous!
XoXo,
Tamara
Thank you so much Tamara! Especially for your kind words and positive thoughts. This definitely helps give me the motivation to continue to have strength!
This is such an inspiring story Rachel. You are so strong and I wish you the best of luck on your surgery. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
~Samantha
Thank you so much Samantha and for the well wishes! I will definitely reach out if I need anything. And congratulations again on the baby news! You are one cute mama to be!
Oh, Rach, I am SO happy to hear that things are moving along in a positive direction! I was really worried when I saw your post on Instagram about taking a break, but it sounds 100000% like the right thing to be doing right now. You are such an incredible fighter and obviously, it's paying off! Sending so all of the love and positive vibes!!!
– Jackie <3
Thank you Jackie! Oh no,it was not my intentions to sound like something was wrong. I had to keep it short on Instagram because let's be honest, some people don't read the caption haha. Thank you so much for your support. You were one of the few that knew before I announced it on my blog! Your support means a lot to me!
You are such an inspiring woman, thanks for sharing something so personal with us, you are in my thoughts and I wish you a super speedy recovery ! You go girl ! Kisses
Aw thank you so much Vale! I really appreciate the sweet and kind words! Thank you for the positive thoughts and wishes! Can't wait to be back!
Rach, thank you so much for being so open and sharing your story with us. In doing so, you are helping so many that may also be going through this. You are such a strong woman. I am praying for you and wish you a complete recovery. Just focus on getting better. We will still be here when you get back! Hugs and kisses. #TeamRach
Thank you so much Ivete! You are so sweet and your support means so much to me! Thanks so much for your prayers, I'm sure they will be answered and before you know it I will be back!
I am so, SO amazed at your strength, girlfriend. You are an absolute warrior. I am thinking about + praying for you in this next phase; wishing you a speedy recovery! You're going to rock this!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Aw thanks Ashley!! Thank you so much for your prayers and positive thoughts! Can't wait to beat this!
So happy everything is going well for you! Hope your surgery all goes well and it's as easy recovery as possible <3
The Quirky Queer
Thanks Izzy! I'm so excited too! Hoping all goes well going forward!
Glad to hear that everything is going well. Wish you a speedy recovery <3 <3 <3
Have a great day!
Kisses
New post: http://www.milanotime.net/birthday-girl/
Thank you so much!!! Looking forward to being well!
You are such an inspiration as you are a very strong soul. I should let my mom's friend read this as she just had her mastectomy and is very scared. Thank you for sharing this.
Xo, Christianne
http://simplychristianne.com
Sending so much encouragement your way! Stay strong, get healthy – you will beat this! <3
Sending love and big hugs! You can do it! You are so strong and inspire others xo
You are one of the strongest and bravest people I know! Thank you for sharing your journey, you're an inspiration to so many! You are in my thoughts and prayers girl. And I would definitely recommend Bloodline on Netflix:):)
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
I got goosebumps looking at these pictures, the one of your hair growing back and the next one of you smiling so big, wow! So glad to hear the good results about the lymph nodes, sending you love and positive vibes to get you through this next phase!
Hugs to you my dear!! You are one of the strongest people I've ever met… and you have been so positive and smiling… your story is a journey of an output of hope and positive energy… so I am hoping that the positive energy is returned to you. I am humbled that you have been so open about your trials and I believe you have made an impact of a reminder of gratitude upon the lives of others. I am thrilled for all of your victories and triumphs… you've been through so much and I hope plenty of goodness blesses you.
Sending well wishes to you on your surgeries tomorrow and girl, you get all the rest and recovery time that you can. Keep shining bright and beautiful!!
Xo,
Amber
All the Cute
Everything about this post is amazing. You are such a strong young lady and I am so happy that we met and you answer all my crazy questions I ask you without hesitation. You are such an inspiration to many and I hope surgery and recovery goes really well. I agree that you need to rest your body and mind and do things slowly. You got this! Can't wait to see you back in action.
http://www.naturallyfarout.com
-Kierra
You are an incredibly strong woman and are so beautiful in and out. It's very humbling to read about your experience and I'm inspired by how strong your mind and body are. You can do this. Keep your mind in focus and stay positive! Sending you lots of love and vibes. Will definitely send in a prayer for you. Will be thinking of you.
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
You are so gorgeous & such an incredible inspiration!! Thank you for sharing! xo
http://publiclivessecretrecipes.com/2016/08/friday-favorites-2.html
You are so beautiful and courageous; God bless you. I am a new reader, so I missed your previous announcement, but I'm all caught up now. I never knew your hair was a wig. It looks so natural. One of my 26 year old friends was diagnosed with breast cancer and it broke my heart. It made me happy to see her remain so positive and encouraging to others as she has always been! She reminds me of you. Continue to stay strong and keep God as the head and you will continue to receive many blessings! Praying for you 🙂
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
You are fighter! Keep goin!
NEW BLOG ! please follow me : YOUNG BLOG
This is so inspiring! I love the post:)
http://www.irenethayer.com
Rach, thanks so much for sitting down and taking the time to share your journey with all of us here. It's so inspiring to see all of your positivity even during what I can only imagine to be a difficult and draining time in your life. I had no clue that your hair had been a wig all this time because it looks so stunning! You radiate beauty inside and out and I'll be thinking of your and praying for your recovery. I'm a big Netflix fan and have been really enjoying The Fosters lately. It's easy to watch and has a very strong family vibe going on. You also can't go wrong with Friends or How I Met Your Mother.
xoxo Rina
http://www.andshedressed.com
I hope everything goes well for you! Your in my thoughts! Praying for you, xo
xo, mikéla / simplydavelyn.com
I can't even imagine going through something like this. You are amazing. Prayers and thoughts will be with you while you go through surgery. If you haven't seen it yet I really liked The Making of a Murderer on Netflix. I watched it while on bedrest earlier this pregnancy, it is a ten segment documentary each one is an hour long, so I never would have watched it if I wasn't confined to the bed! It is SOOO interesting though. Good luck babe.
xoxo, ❤︎ rach ❤
RachaelBurgess.com | Instagram
Although it will be difficult facing more surgery and more recovery, it's wonderful the news leading up to it is so good for you! 🙂
Please rest and relax as much as you can, my friend had a mastectomy last year and it took a lot out of her – she likes being active to so resting was hard but she got through it.
Hope you are back to normal soon!
Away From The Blue Blog
You bring tears to my eyes! I am truly sorry that you are going through such a terrible period! I can't imagine your pain! I will pray for my dear and hope you will be in a much better place soon! Be positive!
xo Yvonne
http://www.aproposh.com
Rach,
I hope everything went smoothly on Friday and I am thinking of you.
You are so brave to share your story and I know you will come out of this stronger.
If you are ever in the mood for a laugh The unBreakable Kimmy Schmidt always does the trick for me 🙂
-Andréa
A.Viza Style
Rach, after reading this post it just left me thinking in "she is so strong". I love your smile in all of the pictures because they show a true fighter inside of you and you let everyone know it! My best wishes go to you love.
My Vogue Style | http://www.myvoguestyle.com
Wow your post brought tears to my eyes, I had no idea, you are so brave and so beautiful! I hope everything went well on friday, will follow you on social mediia in case you get a chance to let us know how you are doing…
Thinking of you mwah xxx
http://www.fashionjazz.co.za
You are an amazing fighter. I will keep you in my thoughts and look forward to seeing you on the other side of this fight. I just know it will be nothing but good news going forward!
Kisses,
La Joie de Vivre
This post made me break down. You are such a strong soul dear and I commend. I know what you are going through because my aunt is going through the same right now and my mum also suffered from cancer but she beat it and so will you my darling, don't give up. Stay positive and have a successful surgery and amazing recovery. Lots of love from Nairobi, Kenya!
http://www.fashionstylemogul.com
Rachel, you are one of the strongest people I know. And it was my pleasure I got to connect with you through blogging. I can't begin to understand what you're going through but I know you are so strong, and such a beautiful person inside and out. And so you can fight through anything! My love, support and prayers are with you. I hope you recover real soon and we get to see more amazing blog posts from you. Cheers!
-Lily from With Love Lily Rose
Girl I found you blog rencently and I'm amazed with your strength. I hope you get rid of it quickly and you can enjoy the rest of your life happy 🙂 I have a tattoo with "hakuna matata" and was wonderful to see that in your post. Big kisses *
http://ohmaria.pt
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!!
http://www.loveolia.com
God, you are so strong. I am so happy to hear everything has been good so far, and that the results were negative. Take all the time you need to take care of yourself and focus on your health. Good luck and I wish for all the best <3
xx BASH | go say H E Y B A S H
Wow, you are a Woman really STRONG and BEAUTIFUL outside and inside. All the best for you, be strong and positive.
Good luck <3
DadieB. ~
dadiebradshaw.com
You are so inspiring! I love the way you see the silver lining in the treatment. It's so aggressive but if you have a fighting spirit that is the best cure. My mother is a survivor as well. After all is said and done, it's the spirit that helped her through it and you will too! Sending you prayers my dear. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!
Xo
Jeanie
http://www.thefashionlotus.com
Thank you for sharing your strength and your story with us. I had no idea you were going through this and I wish you the best in your recovery! I'm so happy to hear that they tested negative and that you've been able to maintain a positive outlook. You're graceful and beautiful inside and out! As for some show recommendations I hear great things about Stranger Things, I also liked The Magicians, Pretty Little Liars, How to Get Away With Murder and Game of Thrones. I threw in a few genres to mix it up!
-M
Violet Roots || Instagram || Twitter
I know you are taking a blogging break and I already commented on this post, but I had to check back and see if there were any more updates. Hope you are doing well and just relaxing and pampering yourself through the craziness that your life must be right now.
xoxo, ❤︎ rachael ❤
RachaelBurgess.com | Instagram
I've been MIA, but I'm so glad to hear that the tests came back negative. Your strength throughout this has so been so amazing and inspiring to me. I hope your surgery went well also!
I don't know if you still need show recs, but I really liked Mozart in the Jungle, Peaky Binders, Narcos and the movie the Big Short.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Nicole
Nicole to the Nines
Oh sweetheart..my heart breaks to hear about this news and I wish I hadn't missed your earlier Hakuna Matata post. You are such an upbeat & energetic soul that I never knew you are going through a very difficult time. I will pray for you. Keep fighting babe, I know you will succeed in kicking cancer's ass <3
xoxo Eva | http://www.evakindles.com
Hi! I just came across your blog and I have to say that you are very strong and amazing. I pray that you get completely healed and use this tough experience to help others. May you continue to let your light shine bright, remain positive, rest and surround yourself with all the love you have. By the way your can check out shows like Suits, Scandal, Game of Thrones, Blacklist, Criminal Minds, all very good shows.
Sending you lots of love, hugs and kisses.
Chigi
http://www.ChigisWorld.com