Dr. Carlton's Journey to Health
April 13, 2024
Dr. Carlton's 6 month scan results are in... no CT evidence of metastatic disease! Dr. Carlton and her husband Ben celebrated her SURVIVOR status and being cancer free. 16 months and counting!
"Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise." Jeremiah 17:14
March 11, 2024
We're so excited to announce that Dr. Carlton is back in clinic this week after surgery last Wednesday, although as expected she is moving a little slower than normal! We appreciate our patients for being so understanding that some March appointments are having to be rescheduled to allow for her healing! We are happy to report that she is still rocking her cancer free status, so no worries there! This unplanned surgery was a result of her previously radiated tissue not wanting to cooperate! Keep the prayers going for her as she tries to finish this part of her journey!
December 7, 2023
What a year! I finished 30 radiation treatments in March and completed 14 cycles of Kadcyla infusions in September! Yesterday I completed my plan of care with surgery for reconstruction and port removal! The silver lining for my type of cancer is that active treatment is now complete! I have crossed the finish line! No maintenance medicines or infusions, only screening tests/labs and scans to rule our recurrence. For so long I called myself a fighter, I am so thankful to now be able to call myself a SURVIVOR! Our family will forever be grateful for all the prayers, encouragement, and support from everyone! We know God will continue to use my journey for His glory! Lastly, please be an advocate for yourself, do self exams, schedule that mammogram! Early detection could save your life just like it has saved mine!
"Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me." Psalms 30:2
Sharing this victory with our wonderful patients and families as they were so understanding when I had to be out of office for treatment over the last 18 months! I can't thank you enough for all your prayers and support! We made it to the finish line!
September 21, 2023
We have been waiting for this day for 15 (long) months. Today, Dr. Carlton walked into Woman's Cancer Pavillion to get her LAST chemo infusion! We are so happy to celebrate her being in her SURVIVOR era!
"The Lord your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love." Zephaniah 3:17
March 28, 2023
Hooray, Hooray! It was my last day!
Celebrating every victory…Radiation is complete! My infusions will continue every 3 weeks until September!
Thanks so much to my sweet team for surprising me this morning! They have been by my side for this entire journey and I am so grateful for their love and support!
I know there is a greater purpose for my walk through cancer and that this journey is bigger than me! I pray that sharing my story will continue to lead others to early detection! Be your own advocate, it could save your life!
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
February 15, 2023
After some unexpected delays, Dr. Carlton was finally able to start radiation today! This was her first of 30 radiation treatments. She will go to Woman's every day for 6 weeks to complete this portion of her treatment plan. She started Kadcyla infusions (HER2 targeted therapy combined with a molecule of chemotherapy) in December. These will continue every 3 weeks for a total of 14 infusions ending in September.
She has been able to be back in the office since January 2! She is loving getting to see all of your smiles again! We are so thankful to all the doctors that covered our practice in December while she was out recovering from surgery!
Dr. Carlton has been feeling pretty good, making it through the expected infusion side effects! Now we are praying that she can tolerate radiation with minimal discomfort or complications! Taking this journey day by day…so thankful for all of you that continue to pray for her! 💜
We want to thank you for your understanding and support, especially with last minute appointment changes due to her treatment schedule! Our patients really are the best!
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
January 9, 2023
Guess who's back? Our lovely Boss lady is back in action! We are so excited and can't wait for you to see her smiling face at your next appointment!
December 7, 2022
To God be the glory…the battle was fought…and now we can declare that Dr. Carlton is CANCER FREE!! 🙌🏼
The final pathology report from surgery showed that the tumor is gone with clear margins and all lymph nodes tested were negative! Praise be to God! She is following doctor's order and her recovery from surgery is going well! She will be out of the office through the end of December. She is seeing her oncologist on Friday to get the specifics of what it will take to finish her treatment. We are expecting 6 weeks of daily radiation starting in January and continuing HER2 blocker injections every 3 weeks through the summer! The journey is not over but we are so thankful for how far she has come!
"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 3:20
October 28, 2022
Peace Out Chemo! ✌🏼🥊💪🏼🎉 Yesterday was Dr. Carlton's last chemo treatment! What a great day it was watching her ring that bell! We are so happy this leg of the race is done! Next up is surgery on November 30 then radiation will start in January!
We want to thank all of our awesome families for your understanding and support as she navigates this journey to being a Survivor! 💗
July 8, 2022
At Carlton Orthodontics, we consider our patients family, and, as such, we wanted to share some news and ask for your prayers. Dr. Carlton was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. While she is still undergoing tests and preparing for treatment, the cancer was detected early and it is contained. She has a great team of doctors in place guiding her through all of this! Dr. Carlton is one of the strongest women we know and she is ready to fight! Her great faith in God, as well as the prayers of family and friends, will get her through this difficult time!
There will be times in the next days, weeks and months that Dr. Carlton may need to be out of the office based on her treatments. Some of these dates may occur last minute. We appreciate your understanding as we do what is best in consideration of her care.
Dr. Carlton wants to make sure that all of her patients are in great hands when she has to be out of the office. Her amazing LSU Orthodontic family of colleagues have offered to cover the office as needed. This group is highly trained in the same techniques as Dr. Carlton. She has complete trust in them and she knows that the decisions they make will be in the best interest of her patients' care. There also may be specific instances that Dr. Carlton feels it necessary to reschedule your appointment so that she can see you personally.
Dr. Carlton loves her patients and staff as one can see with the care she shows through her daily practice. Let's cheer her on and show her how much we care because we know she's got this!
Dr. Carlton's plan of care has been completed. She will be treated with chemotherapy followed by surgery and finishing with radiation treatments. She is ready to start the fight to WIN this battle!
Thank you for your understanding, support, and prayers! Our staff is prepared to help you with any questions and all of your orthodontic needs. Please do not hesitate to call if you need us.
💗 Carlton Ortho Team