October 2, 2018 by Tammy Carmona

Beyond Time for An Update.

I have been home a few days now. I’ve spent the last 10 days or so in the hospital. Unknowingly, In the hospital. I honestly thought I had been kidnapped. I know it sounds crazy but it’s not. My Mom and my husband were trying to get me up from my bed at my house. I would vomit every time they tried. I couldn’t speak to them. I couldn’t walk. I was completely unaware. They called an ambulance, if they hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here today. It seems to be the chemo therapy I was on caused Cancer-Related-Hypercalcemia. My calcium levels were so high, I was literally out of my mind. I’ll follow up on this later. Right now I’m just trying to give you an idea of what’s going on.

Though my brain looks better, I’m actually doing worse than I’ve ever been. I now have leptomeningeal metastases which have spread to my meninges and spinal fluid. It can’t get much worse for me. I have two more days of radiation. I don’t know what’s after that. So far I’ve heard there is nothing else to do.

Right now my plan is to rest and get through my last two radiation appointment’s. My doctor has said I can have no visitors until she sees me next week. The least little germ could kill me right now.

I’d love to see you guys, I just can’t. I saw my kiddos the other day, so I have a few pictures. For now that’s really all I know. I have to give this to God right now. I’m serious when I say I can’t even walk alone. My mama and my Javiee have been doing everything for me. Stop and think about that. It’s so hard, but I’m so blessed to have them here right now. I will update you all as soon as I know more. I love you all! Thank you for the love and prayers. Get out and make some memories!💕💕

September 30, 2015 by Tammy Carmona

On The Heels Of Pinktober….#iamsusan

On the heels of Pinktober I ask all of my friends living with Metastatic Breast Cancer to support my friend, Kelli Parker (find her on Facebook), in her efforts to raise awareness to the fact that of the billions of dollars raised in the name of ” the cure” less than 7% of non-administrative funds went to metastatic research last year. Susan G Komen died of Metastatic Breast Cancer. Her sister pledged to find “the cure”. You represent her efforts when you “run for the cure”. Yet only 7% went to metastatic research. We ask Susan G. Komen to stand by their word. We deserve more.

Raise your voice and bring awareness to metastatic breast cancer. Share your picture with #iamsusan. It’s time that the Susan G. Komen organization remember their slogan “For The Cure”.

I am Tammy Carmona and #iamsusan

We Are All Susan.

September 24, 2015 by Tammy Carmona

It Is What It Is!

We had this sign made for our house recently. It is what it is. This seems to be our family motto. We don’t look at it in a negative way. To us it means exactly what it says….it is what it is! I live with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer and all the side effects from treatment. Now, I also live with treatment induced diabetes. The key word here is live. As long as I’m living, there is nothing I can’t handle. There is nothing that will break me or take away my smile. I go with the flow and keep on keeping on. Because it is what it is, there’s no changing the hand I’ve been dealt.

I’ve spent the last few weeks finding my new normal. I’m feeling good again! My diabetes is now under control. I’m taking Levemir, a long acting insulin, every morning. I’m also taking 8 units of Humalog for every 10 carbs I eat during the day. My diet is still very strict. The only day I really use the Humalog is on Sunday, my cheat day. I really use it on Sunday! There’s no denying how much I love my cheat day!

T.J will turn 13 the first week in October! I am absolutely extatic! I don’t take these milestones for granted! Speaking of T.J., I have to tell you all that he went to Camp Kesem this summer. It was such a great experience for him. Camp Kesem is a summer camp for children that have a parent with cancer. It’s funded by donations and no child has to pay to go. It’s a week long camp. It was so good for T.J. to spend time and bond with children that have to deal with some of the same things he does. He will go back for a reunion in November and return to camp next summer. If you need a tax write off or just want to help a child dealing with a parents cancer, donate to Camp Kesem North Carolina. They are doing wonderful things for children! Of course I have to show pictures!