Emelia Giovannina Byrne 7.30.10

Baby Emelia Giovannina Byrne is here! 7/30/10 11:14am 3lbs 9 ounces 16.5 inches long.. breathing on her own!! doing great!! i'm so in love!!     * Giovannina is named after my grandma Jennie DiCicco.. her Italian birth name! 

She is doing so great for 33 weeks..  3lbs 9 ounces!!  

heading down soon!!

they just told me to get ready.. they are bringing me down soon!!  yipppppeeeee  ok now im excited..  and listening to lady gaga to wake her up!!  dad is all ready.. camera, text message ready to be sent to about 60 people..  

love you!!

today is the day!! - 7 hours to vote for name- haha

i know its early and i should be sleeping.. this will be quick..   i just cant sleep!!  i couldn't eat anything after midnight... so they have me on an IV... so i am still filled with fluids!  and have to pee! and now awake for a bit.  

i think I'm still in shock it is finally happening.  I am very excited..a little emotional :)   a little nervous... not for the surgery -  just for her to come out and be ok.    I know she will be ok.. i just hope she will be ok right away!  after a quick view, my mom had to wait almost 15 hours to see Sarah after she was born.   thank god they do things a little different these days!   we had a tour of the NICU and everyone was so nice and they really want you to be involved a lot, hold her, skin to skin, feed her.  Those babies are tiny!  but so beautiful.  But I know they will take care of her and me!

Anyone would be upset if they had to wait 15 hours to see Sarah!!  And Sarah came out perfect!!  She is the best sister in the world.  I can't wait to see her and show her her niece!!   She has been by my side for this journey since we started trying in 2005!! I was really hoping I would experience some labor/contractions and she could come and see and watch and know what to look forward to!!  and also make fun of me with Larry.   They know I hate hot flashes!   But she will have to figure labor out on her own!  Hopefully with me by her side in September!! 

And my parents!!  After looking after kids for 26 years..  they will finally have a grandchild of their own to spoil!!!   Any my grandmother-  will be a great grandmother at 92!!    I just can't wait for them to see her! 

I think what will make me cry the most is seeing Larry's face!! Will he cry?  And him holding her.  He has been amazing.  reading everything, telling me everything and being by my side.  It was great to have him hang out with me today.. I hope he is getting a good night sleep at home cause it will be his last!!!  He will be a great dad!! 

Thank you everyone for helping me get thru 2010 so far!!   it has been crazy!! I couldn't have done it without you!!  

Soon all that WE ALL have been waiting for will be here!!!   And of course we will post a picture by Friday night.. I'm not promising but you know me by now! 

Love you xoxo

2 weeks?? oh no.. 2 days!!! and new poll!

Tuesday I was at 33 weeks..  thinking ok we have about 2 weeks to go.   Everyone has been telling us to get more prepared.  So I finally washed some baby clothes, finalized a date for furniture delivery, and Larry ordered the video camera.   At work, chatting with Sarah, we talked about how I will just have a date to go in and have baby.  She thought I was lucky.. no guessing when I would be in labor or wondering when water would break.  I teased her.. she could be anywhere... store, work, couch..  and Jesse would have to start timing contractions! 
Then yesterday, after enjoying a great lunch with friends, we headed back to work and pop! I wasn't sure if I peed my pants or my water broke!!  In my friend's car!!  Sorry T -Good thing for leather seats.  She drove me home to meet up with Larry and again more fluid.   (Water breaking wasn't a huge gush but many small gushes and it's a pretty gross feeling!)  
Larry and I made it to B & W hospital and had an ultrasound. My fluid was low but baby was doing well.. but she is breech.    Then we went to the labor triage.  For 5 hours I basically laid there as they monitored the heart rate, checked for contractions (none), had some blood drawn, confirmed it was amniotic fluid, and gave me 3 cervical exams.. not fun.  Oh and a shot in the ass of steroids to improve baby's lungs!
Finally a plan, admit me to the 8th floor,  hang out for a day or so and schedule a c section for Friday! This Friday!!  2 days!!  She will be even earlier then we thought and most likely will be in the Nicu for 2 weeks to help with feeding and make her gain some weight!  I'm not to worried about it - B& W is one of the best hospitals in the country.   But I will miss holding her a lot right away.

So here I am.. in my room hanging out.  It's not to bad.. better then most hotels! Private room and shower.  Free Internet and tv.  Room service from 7am to 8pm.  Quiet for a hospital.   And my nurse is great so far.  (breast cancer survivor of 10 years) Except for the 5:30am wake up call.  But I'll nap later!

I added a new poll.  We are curious what name you like best.  Don't worry-  we will still pick what we want! And probably wait until we see her!   But take the poll on the top left anyways for fun!
I'll keep you updated.. since I'm on bed rest til Friday!

Walk this road together

So as you read in the news articles etc..  about 1 in 3000 pregnancies are complicated by breast cancer.  Not too rare.  Before me I didn't know anyone until I met my inspiration angel Rebecca.  But I wasn't looking either.  This week has brought so many new people into my life.   Whether it's from facebook, emails, the wontlaydown2cancer.com site or this blog, people have reached out to share their stories with me.   I am not rare.  I am not alone.  And they also are not alone.  

At age 32, 33, 34, 37, 38, 41, no family history, some family history,  months after having a baby, 11 weeks pregnant, 14 weeks pregnant, 27 weeks pregnant, 7 months pregnant, first child, 3rd child, chemo, mastectomy, radiation.   While our journeys may be slightly different..  they are all related.  We have hope, we have fight in us, we have friends and family for support.  In some ways our children or soon to be children saved our lives; through an early detection, giving us a positive distraction or giving us more determination to survive. 

I was hesitant to do the article at first, everyone would see me bald, everyone would see me scared and emotional.  But then I did the article and news video for 2 reasons: to raise awareness of breast cancer; it can happen at any age, any family history, any time in your life;  so remember... feel your boobs!   Second to promote our 1st Annual race to raise money for all cancer research because even though I am lucky to afford treatments, I can't afford to  not be there for my daughter, or to have to watch her go through this in 20 years.   Better research has to continue.   But after this week of sharing emotional stories a 3rd reason appeared.   Just as Rebecca was able to make me feel comfort and hope, I hope this media attention has allowed me to help others know there are options, they are not alone and this is hope for a wonderful future with a healthy child and mom!

This weekend I spoke with a woman who has just started this unchosen journey. At 11 weeks pregnant, in early July, she was diagnosed Her2+ breast cancer. After first being told to terminate, she also made it to Dana-Farber for a better treatment plan. Just now going through the weeks of confusion, meetings with doctors, reading, questions, she has the exact path to take as I am; lumpectomy, chemo, early delivery, more chemo...
While I appreciate and love all the "you are so strong and amazing"  I know many moms would do anything for their children.   And I know all of these new moms I have communicated with have fought cancer just as strongly as I am, for their children.   And together we should inspire and help those now facing cancer to be strong as well. 

As you pray for me, please keep these women in your hearts, as their journey continues, and please think of this new woman that she also is lucky to have the support I have, to make her positive and strong,  and trust her baby will be ok.  

So of course I found a music quote to go with this!   And I used to dislike Eminem!  I know this song isn't about cancer but his own strength to overcome a struggle. But when I heard the lyrics it made me think of the women who have reached out to me recently.

I’m not afraid to take a stand
Everybody come take my hand

We’ll walk this road together, through the storm

Whatever weather, cold or warm

Just let you know that, you’re not alone

Holla if you feel like you’ve been down the same road

Thanks for all the love and support  - xoxo

Going to be on Channel 4 news!!

Great news!!   Today I was interviewed by Channel 4 news!!  Literally as I was typing this!!  I think we will be on the news tomorrow night at 11pm.. channel 4 Boston!  Be sure to tune in!!  It will be about my story,  our journey, and our race!   And of course about my baby!! Crazy how this has just taken off!   But again this is an important way to share my story, raise awareness, raise money for Dana-Farber and to again remind people to give yourself regular check ups!!  And click on promisetome.com ! 

You have all been so supportive of me!   I couldn't have been this positive without you!   And in 3 weeks our little girl will be here!!   Are you excited??   We are!!  

And don't forget about the race!!  August 7th!  Join us and  make a difference! http://www.wontlaydown2cancer.com/

Thank you xoxoxo

We made the paper!!!!

http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/features/x999357435/Framingham-mom-to-be-fights-breast-cancer-while-pregnant

Last week a woman from Metrowest Daily News stopped over to interview Larry and I about our journey.   She also was able to speak with Amy about her journey.   The atricle is in today's newspaper and online!!  It also talks about our race!  

even you were mentioned in a quote: "Byrne said friends and family have helped her through her difficult time and been there for everything from a baby shower to wig shopping."

Thank you all and always for your love and support.  xoxo

Insomnia... 2 am.. 4 am... 6 am..

Insomnia!!!   5 am... been up for an hour and that's not counting going pee every hour and sleeping in between!! ... last night I was up from 2am til 4am and then again at 6 am.  I'm not sure if it's because of the nausea meds I take have steroids that keep me awake.. or  just anxious about having the baby too.  My body is tired and just wants to lay still...  but my head is awake!  Eyes wide open.     And then at 7am I typically fall asleep...  when I should be showering for work!   Why is it the best sleep is right before the alarm goes off?? or when you hit snooze? 

Any ideas to fall asleep?  Last night Larry suggested I count from 300 backwards by 3s.  Ok I did that and was still awake!   I try to come up with a dream to think about..   You know... I'm a hot skinny girl on a beach and a hot sexy guy comes along..  and then I cant roll over because of my belly or I have to pee again and that dream is over before he even bought me a drink!   Music maybe.. if I go into the other room.  But then I would need to take my 10 pillows with me!   Hopefully tomorrow.. well today I guess it is already I can catch up on sleep!  Last day of meds too. 

Maybe this is just adjusting me to when the baby is here!  Up all night!  Quick 15 min naps in between!

Well I'm heading back to bed... try again.  And I will rest all weekend!   Hope everyone enjoys the weekend.. but stay cool!  It will be a hot one!

xoxo

Live from Boston! Last chemo before Baby!!

Today has gone well.  I was able to clean the house this morning..  Larry helped too!  and then off to Boston.  I quickly had blood drawn and then saw the nurse.. .thinking this was going to be a quick day.. but then it was 45 mins til I was able to see the doctor..    then eventually made it up to chemo at 2:30.. and they got me start at 3:30.   But my chemo nurse is great.  The red stuff got pushed through so fast and now I am on the IV bag.  Hoping this will go by fast too! 

So last chemo for the baby!  Bring on the prunes!   The good news is I don't start my next chemo until August 30th!  So I get over a month off!!    The bad news is I will be getting taxol and herceptin every week for 12 weeks!   My weekly trips to boston continue! These drugs also will take about 2 - 3 hours but they say the side effects are less...  which would be great for me since this chemo wasn't bad at all.   But I will have a great distraction anyways!  And I can bring the baby to chemo!  Probably not the first few weeks!

She is doing great.. moving around a lot!   4 weeks to go!   It is coming up so fast!  Ok back to downloading some labor music!   Thanks everyone!  xoxo

Music Help!!! Give me a song!

So it's Sunday morning.. and lately I have been up at 6am and in bed at 9:30.. Today I am watching VH1 top 20 countdown and thinking about music!   With less then 5 weeks to go..  And knowing I will be in the hospital for maybe 2 days before the baby comes from when I am induced...  I need to make a labor and delivery playlist!!   And since my mind is clueless lately.. I need your help!!

Give me some great songs you love or ideas you have!!  Any style, from any year.. some to relax, some about having a baby, some to forget the pain, and some for pushing! Anything from "Push It" by Salt n Pepper to "You're having my baby" from Paul Anka or "Baby Love" from the Supremes to "I wanted to be sedated" by the Ramones...

With the wide variety of people that read my blog - you all could create me a great mix playlist! I like all music..  except maybe country... but if you suggest it..  I will probably add it - at least you tube it! 

Get creative or share your favorite song!

xoxo Becky

Help me Help others!! Run, Walk or Crawl 5K Aug 7th

If you haven't heard yet....
So many of us have been affected by Cancer. My sister Sarah, my friend Amy, and myself are organizing our 1st Annual Run, Walk, or Crawl 5k- we will NOT lay down to Cancer! It will take place August 7th, 2010 in Franklin, MA, benefiting research and services at Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund in Massachusetts! No one should have to deal with Cancer. I am doing this for many people close to me, but mostly so my daughter will not have to go through this! Join us!

Check here for more details! http://www.wontlaydown2cancer.com/

This is a great event to get outside with family, friends and coworkers, have fun and raise money for a good cause!  The race will be professionally timed!!   Food and Fun afterward!!

If you cannot participate this year you can still help by making a donation!

Are you part of or know a business that would like to be a corporate sponsor?  Their name will be on our T shirts and website!

Check the website for details to register for the race or to make a donation!  Or email me if you have any questions..    http://www.wontlaydown2cancer.com/

Thanks!!
P.S. had ultrasound today!  Baby is about 3lbs 5 ounces!  doing great for size and weight for 30 weeks!!!  xoxo

Week 30!!

Today I hit week 30 of my pregnancy!  Scary huh!!  I'll be a mom before the summer ends!! I'm amazed at how well I feel after 3 doses of chemo..  But I'm in shock at how fast this is all going and how soon my little girl will be here!   Possibly 5 weeks!!
The mural on the baby room wall will be started soon.   The crib and furniture will be delivered soon...  and then we will put it all together!  Probably last minute but Larry and I work good under pressure!

Are there any last minute things I need to do?  or buy?  I'm sure I am forgetting something!!

Tonight we take our first birthing class..  should be interesting!  Thursday we have another baby check up! And then an infant CPR class. 

I will keep you posted!  And stay tuned for tomorrow!  Exciting news coming to the blog!

P.S.  Happy Birthday to my great friend Anne!!

xoxo

Happy Anniversary Larry! 7 years!

4th of July weekend has always been so special to Larry and I.    7 years ago we had an amazing wedding weekend in Newport.  Friends, family and so much fun!  My favorite day in my life - so far!   This year we were able to go to Newport on Saturday, July 3rd.  We had such a fun and relaxing day at the beach with Sarah, Jesse and their friends.  Later we relaxed at the rooftop bar of the Viking and then a group of us went to dinner at The Mooring! 7 years ago we had our rehearsal dinner there with friends and family.. and lots of lobster!  This time we were able to sit outside and view the harbor and luckily while dining we also caught the Jamestown fireworks!  It was a perfect day and evening!   Sunday and today Larry and I just relaxed together; sitting outside, grilling and watching movies!  My perfect weekend!   I hope you all enjoyed this wonderful long, hot weekend! xoxo

Larry;  It's so hard to believe we have been married for 7 years.  We have done so much together and been through a lot.  I always new you would love me forever and we would share so much joy together in our lives.   And I knew you were supportive and caring.  But these last few months have really made me fall in love with you more.   You and your love amazes me!  This next year will have more ups and down, good times and hard times, but I know we will handle it all, with love, tears and laughter, we will walk through it together.  I can't wait to see you as a Dad.  I know you will be amazing and we will learn so much together.   I love you. 

From our wedding dance, Indie Arie:

Can I walk with you through your life

Can I lay with you as your wife

Can I be your friend 'till the end

Can I walk with you through your life

Week recap and 3D baby photos!

June has just flew by! I can't believe July is almost here..  and then August and baby!  I'm at 29 weeks today which means if I get induced at week 35, I only have 6 weeks left! Am I ready?? To hold her yes, her bedroom and all the supplies ready... Nope! But we will figure it out in July.

This 3rd dose of chemo went well also.  Only side effect - tired!  But that could also be from being pregnant and being so busy the last 3 weeks with 2 baby showers and lots of family time!   Debbie leaves today after 3 weeks! She was a great help and will be missed until August!  Who will watch the bachelorette with me? Then again, in 6 weeks, who will have time for reality tv shows!

Yesterday was an exciting afternoon.  I took grandmas and great grandma to a 3D ultrasound experience of our baby.   My grandma was just so amazed -  at 92 - the first ultrasound she has seen! I think we were all amazed.  It was a little freaky to see her looking so real in there!  Moving around and yawning, all snuggled up.  She has more hair then me! (maybe that explains the heartburn!) And a cute nose and round cheeks.   And all 5 toes!  Crazy how much they are developed in there and only at 2.6 lbs!   xoxo

Here are some pictures!

Sarah's Baby shower recap!

Sarah's baby shower was another fun filled baby event! Lots of family and friends and of course presents! I had a lot of help from the moms, Auntie Susie, Debbie, Sarah's sisters in law, and her girlfriends!  She looked great!  One of the highlights was the "make a onesie"!   So many people made some adorable onesies for baby Shibley!  Check out some pictures!   Thanks to everyone who baked and helped out that day!   I'm so excited for Sarah and Jesse!  Now have fun organizing all those great gifts!! 

Baby Shibley's 3 Great Grandmothers!

Baby Shower for Sarah!!

Today is Sarah's Baby shower!!  I am so excited for her!  I hope she has so much fun and we take more pregnant sister belly photos!   I love Sarah so much!  She does so much for me and everyone in her life - she deserves the best day ever!  Have fun opening all your presents! Check back later for a recap and photos!   xoxo

Chemo dose 3!! Live from boston

Here we go again!  Sitting in my recliner, 10th floor, getting the red stuff now!  Today was an afternoon appointment so I was able to work a half day then we came out.  Blood work and meeting with NP was quick and everything looked good.  Then we waited about an hour an a half to be taken in.   Larry had to leave for Colorado at 4pm but luckily I have Debbie with me!   Just finished the red stuff and now I'm on to the IV.  This place is much quieter this time, probably because it is so late.  At least we will be missing traffic since we will be here for a while!   My plan was to write out my thank you cards but my IV is right between my thumb and index finger on my right hand... so i'm not sure how that will work.. I'm typing with my left hand and one finger! 

Other than that.. not too much new.  The other day I was so sick of my peach fuzz falling everywhere and itching.. so Larry and I shaved my head more; almost down to the skin in some places... I think now I need to take a hand razor to it and shine up my head!  And my eye glasses fall off if I look down!

Hope everyone is well!
xoxo

Weekend recap! Happy Father's Day

Hi everyone.. sorry I haven't written much.. it has been busy!  Thursday was Larry's 36th Birthday and we celebrated by seeing our baby again!  We had an ultrasound and took his Mom Debbie with us! Her first time seeing an ultrasound!   Baby is doing great.  Just where she should be for 27 weeks..  2 lbs, 2 ounces.  The appointment took so long, I was exhausted just from sitting all morning.   So we came home and took a nap,  then went to Blue Ginger (Ming Tsai's restaurant) for dinner!  Delicious meal!  
Friday we worked and made some homemade pizza on the grill and Saturday we ran errands and cleaned the house.   Finally got some tomatoes planted in the garden and planted basil again (hopefully this time the rabbit wont eat it)!  I also finished getting the last few things for Sarah's baby shower..  I cant wait -it is coming up this weekend! 
Sunday stayed busy as well. My friend Jasmine was visiting from California and we went to breakfast at the Tower Hill Botanical Gardens.  It was so pretty and peaceful there, I need to go back.  But it is always great to spend time with her!   Then I came home and had the family over for Father's Day.    Even tho Larry is a soon to be dad.. he did all the cooking! 
This week will be busy as well.  Tuesday we have our first baby class!  I think it's on how to change diapers and make babies stop crying! haha.. I'm pretty sure Larry picked this class! I told him he could just practice on my friends' kids -  but it will be fun to get us ready for our little gift.   Wednesday I have chemo #3, hopefully it goes as well as the second one did.   And then Larry is off to Colorado for a few days.  

I hope everyone had a great weekend and all the Dads, new Dads, and soon to be Dads had a great Father's Day!   xoxo

Baby Shower!! June 13th, 2010

My baby shower was just amazing!   My mom, sister and friends did such a great job, nothing was missed!  It was a Vintage Theme and they had all my old toys and dolls as centerpieces! And a candy buffet with all  my old favorite candy... including buttons!  So many family and friends came, I really feel so loved!  I have to say my favorite gifts are the homemade ones!  Esp the crib bedding from my Aunt Susie and blanket from my Mom. It's just so beautiful and more than I could imagine. Also the huge doll house bookcase by my friend Don.  Now I need the furniture to arrive and to set up the room!  It was a great day and just made everything seem so real... and that our little girl will be here soon!!   Here are some pics!  Thanks to everyone!! Love you all!  You keep me going!

Getting ready for the Big day!

This week went well.  Worked, kept busy with things for Sarah's shower and enjoyed dinner at my grandmothers! I really wish the rain would stop and the sun would come out so I could sit outside.   But instead we are relaxing in the sun room.   Really relaxing.  I don't think Larry has left the couch yet - too much soccer on tv.  I stepped out to get a manicure and pedicure for tomorrow!  Now I'm back on the couch too. Tomorrow is coming soon!  Makes the delivery date seem so much closer. I am very excited to have a whole day dedicated to just the baby and to see all my friends and family!   As Sarah and I always joke...  "No Boobie talk!  Just Baby talk!"
xoxo