Earlier today I had my PET Scan. All went well. Not sure when I'll get results. My next doctor visit isn't until Jan 14, so I may call next week just to check.
I'm sitting in the chair getting my monthly Zometa dose right now. Don't know if I wrote about before, but if you just get Zometa it's a 15 minute drip. I didn' t like the way it made me feel the first time, so now they give it to me over an hour with a litre of saline. That's cool with me. I'd rather sit here 45 minutes longer than feel exhausted for 24 hours anyway.
Been feeling good, so nothing to really report.
On another note, please pray for a family in the loss of their matriarch......Mrs. Katherine A.'s family. She lived down the road from my parents and passed away Dec 26 at 91 years of age. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, neighbor and friend. She was actually one of my grandmother's best friends too. They certainly enjoyed each other's company after they were both widowed. I'm sure they are all happy together again.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Dec 26 Update
I am so happy that Christmas was a joyous occasion for our family this year. We stayed at our home and Jill came to celebrate with us. Many gifts for the boys from grandparents, Aunt Jill and Uncle Darren as well as mom and pop. Santa did make a stop too! I'll update the family blog with the celebration soon!
On Dec 23, I received a call from the CRC that I needed to have an EKG and MUGA scan on Dec 24 along with the blood work and doctor visit. I spent the morning at the hospital, but Jeff and Jill took care of the boys. Not sure when I'll get results, but I don't expect anything dramatic. These tests were for the clinical research I'm involved with and the scheduling of the tests just got overlooked.
I also have to have another PET scan and it is scheduled for next Tuesday before my Zometa dose. I will spend a good portion of the day at the hospital again. Jeff's working that day and Jill will care for the boys, so it's all good. I'm curious to see how much has changed since the end of October when I had the last PET scan. I know the tumor in my breast has gotten a bit smaller based on the exams I've been having at the doctor appointments, but that includes measuring the skin too. The PET will be more precise and also show if there are changes in the bones.
I still feel great and rarely am fatigued in the daytime, but I'm ready for bed by 9 pm. I'm sleeping good except when Brandon wakes us up. I think it's still teeth stuff or he's beginning night terrors like Gunner had about this age........seems worse the days his naps are short or the days he doesn't nap. That's why I'm thinking night terrors.
The other side effect I don't think I've mentioned is that my fingers around the nails are extremely dry from the chemo pills. They start to crack and bleed. It's the worst on my right hand, but I keep Udder Cream on all the time and use gloves for washing dishes. They heal up on my "week off" and right now they're OK. I just started my 3rd cycle on Christmas Eve, so I don't expect it to get bad until next week. My oncologist told me yesterday if it gets bad again this cycle to let her know and she can decrease my dose. I'm on the absolute highest dose I can take, so we have plenty of room to decrease if I need to.
I hope everyone was able to enjoy Christmas with their families or at least someone they love!
On Dec 23, I received a call from the CRC that I needed to have an EKG and MUGA scan on Dec 24 along with the blood work and doctor visit. I spent the morning at the hospital, but Jeff and Jill took care of the boys. Not sure when I'll get results, but I don't expect anything dramatic. These tests were for the clinical research I'm involved with and the scheduling of the tests just got overlooked.
I also have to have another PET scan and it is scheduled for next Tuesday before my Zometa dose. I will spend a good portion of the day at the hospital again. Jeff's working that day and Jill will care for the boys, so it's all good. I'm curious to see how much has changed since the end of October when I had the last PET scan. I know the tumor in my breast has gotten a bit smaller based on the exams I've been having at the doctor appointments, but that includes measuring the skin too. The PET will be more precise and also show if there are changes in the bones.
I still feel great and rarely am fatigued in the daytime, but I'm ready for bed by 9 pm. I'm sleeping good except when Brandon wakes us up. I think it's still teeth stuff or he's beginning night terrors like Gunner had about this age........seems worse the days his naps are short or the days he doesn't nap. That's why I'm thinking night terrors.
The other side effect I don't think I've mentioned is that my fingers around the nails are extremely dry from the chemo pills. They start to crack and bleed. It's the worst on my right hand, but I keep Udder Cream on all the time and use gloves for washing dishes. They heal up on my "week off" and right now they're OK. I just started my 3rd cycle on Christmas Eve, so I don't expect it to get bad until next week. My oncologist told me yesterday if it gets bad again this cycle to let her know and she can decrease my dose. I'm on the absolute highest dose I can take, so we have plenty of room to decrease if I need to.
I hope everyone was able to enjoy Christmas with their families or at least someone they love!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Winter's Official Tomorrow?
Tomorrow is the first day of winter. I'm so glad it's warm, but I really do miss the chill in the air and the thought of snow for Santa and his sleigh! Gunner keeps telling me he wants to move where it snows so he can build a snow fort and throw snowballs and also build a snowman. Only time will tell........
Anyway, just thought I'd post a quick update on my health as I haven't seemed to find much time for computer stuff lately. The new routine is going quite well. The initial doctor's appointments for the clinical study are slowing down. I go Christmas Eve morning for bloodwork and a visit with the oncologist and Clinical Research Coordinator.
I'm not as fatigued as I was on the other medications and I am sleeping much better. I tire easily if I do too much, but I'm still pretty much my busy little self trying to do too much anyway. As far as side effects, there's not much of anything at all. Mostly it depends on what I eat if I get stomach issues. Immodium takes care of it quickly though! :-) Most days I feel great and occasionally have some pain in my right leg, but as I stated in the previous post it is very minimal. I just never had it before.
Jill arrives this week to spend Christmas and New Year's with us. Jeff is also off from school for a month and has the holiday time as well. It will be nice to not have to keep up with everything for a little while. I hope to get caught up on paperwork and emails and Facebook!
I read an article this week in a bulletin I receive on email and the following verse really stood out to me from the text. The article was titled, "What Can I Do?" , written by Charles Box, and was an encouraging piece for us to use our talents for the benefit of God's work.
Luke 12:48 (NKJV)
"For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more."
Until next time, have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2009!
Anyway, just thought I'd post a quick update on my health as I haven't seemed to find much time for computer stuff lately. The new routine is going quite well. The initial doctor's appointments for the clinical study are slowing down. I go Christmas Eve morning for bloodwork and a visit with the oncologist and Clinical Research Coordinator.
I'm not as fatigued as I was on the other medications and I am sleeping much better. I tire easily if I do too much, but I'm still pretty much my busy little self trying to do too much anyway. As far as side effects, there's not much of anything at all. Mostly it depends on what I eat if I get stomach issues. Immodium takes care of it quickly though! :-) Most days I feel great and occasionally have some pain in my right leg, but as I stated in the previous post it is very minimal. I just never had it before.
Jill arrives this week to spend Christmas and New Year's with us. Jeff is also off from school for a month and has the holiday time as well. It will be nice to not have to keep up with everything for a little while. I hope to get caught up on paperwork and emails and Facebook!
I read an article this week in a bulletin I receive on email and the following verse really stood out to me from the text. The article was titled, "What Can I Do?" , written by Charles Box, and was an encouraging piece for us to use our talents for the benefit of God's work.
Luke 12:48 (NKJV)
"For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more."
Until next time, have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2009!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Bass Fisherman and the Balloonist
I needed to post something fun for a change.........By the way, I had my Zometa infusion yesterday and I am doing fine today. I did not have the side effects that I had the first dose in November. Thanks again and again for your prayers.
So, here's what I received on an email today and thought it was quite funny:
A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered her altitude and spotted a man in a bass boat below. She shouted to him, Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am.'
The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, 'You're in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above a ground elevation of 2346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude.'
She rolled her eyes and said, 'You must be a Republican .' 'I am,' replied the bass fisherman. 'How did you know?
''Well,' answered the balloonist, ' everything you told me is technically correct, but I have no idea what to do with your information, and I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help to me.'
The man smiled and responded, 'You must be a Democrat '
'I am,' replied the balloonist. 'How did you know?'
'Well,' said the bass fisherman, 'you don't know where you are or where you are going. You've risen to where you are, due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise that you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. You're in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but, somehow, now it's my fault.'
So, here's what I received on an email today and thought it was quite funny:
A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered her altitude and spotted a man in a bass boat below. She shouted to him, Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am.'
The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, 'You're in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above a ground elevation of 2346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude.'
She rolled her eyes and said, 'You must be a Republican .' 'I am,' replied the bass fisherman. 'How did you know?
''Well,' answered the balloonist, ' everything you told me is technically correct, but I have no idea what to do with your information, and I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help to me.'
The man smiled and responded, 'You must be a Democrat '
'I am,' replied the balloonist. 'How did you know?'
'Well,' said the bass fisherman, 'you don't know where you are or where you are going. You've risen to where you are, due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise that you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. You're in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but, somehow, now it's my fault.'
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Feeling Good
I have been taking all my new meds for over a week now and have had no side effects! YEAH
Just the past couple of days I've noticed fatigue starting again, but hopefully it won't get as bad as with the Taxotere. My "week off" of the chemo pills starts Wednesday, so just 3 more days of that.
I am still feeling mostly no pain, but have occasional achiness in a couple places. It's not enough to even want any pain medication.
Since the last update, I've been back to the doctor's office for the follow-up for the clinical trial. Very routine and more bloodwork. I go back again this Wednesday for the same all over again.
I'm nervous about my next dose of Zometa that I will get on Dec. 3. I told my oncologist how bad I felt and she has given instructions to give the next dose over 30 minutes with fluids. She said that should help. I just couldn't function the day after the first dose. It was all I could do to walk across the room and I had no appetite, plus I had chills for about 24 hours. I was glad Mom was here.....she had to take Gunner to school because I couldn't. It was just really weird because when I had the side effects, they didn't start until about 18 hours after the dose.
Well that's all about me.
Please pray for my friends from Oklahoma who are participating in the 3-day 60 mile Susan G. Komen walk in California this weekend! They raised $20,000 for breast cancer research. I pray they all have a safe walk and safe trips home to their families. I pray that they have no injuries and sleep well in their tents after their long days. I love you guys!
Just the past couple of days I've noticed fatigue starting again, but hopefully it won't get as bad as with the Taxotere. My "week off" of the chemo pills starts Wednesday, so just 3 more days of that.
I am still feeling mostly no pain, but have occasional achiness in a couple places. It's not enough to even want any pain medication.
Since the last update, I've been back to the doctor's office for the follow-up for the clinical trial. Very routine and more bloodwork. I go back again this Wednesday for the same all over again.
I'm nervous about my next dose of Zometa that I will get on Dec. 3. I told my oncologist how bad I felt and she has given instructions to give the next dose over 30 minutes with fluids. She said that should help. I just couldn't function the day after the first dose. It was all I could do to walk across the room and I had no appetite, plus I had chills for about 24 hours. I was glad Mom was here.....she had to take Gunner to school because I couldn't. It was just really weird because when I had the side effects, they didn't start until about 18 hours after the dose.
Well that's all about me.
Please pray for my friends from Oklahoma who are participating in the 3-day 60 mile Susan G. Komen walk in California this weekend! They raised $20,000 for breast cancer research. I pray they all have a safe walk and safe trips home to their families. I pray that they have no injuries and sleep well in their tents after their long days. I love you guys!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
A new phase has begun!
So, since my last post, I have had the bone scan and received the results. Nothing different than what the PET scan showed. The PET is actually more sensitive and showed more spots than the bone scan. I consider this GOOD because that means nothing additional to worry about. OOPS! I'm not supposed to be worrying......Philippians 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing........."
Anyway, I also decided to consent to the clinical study. I have been back to the doctor's office twice. On Monday, I met with the Clinical Research Coordinator (here on out CRC) and signed all the paperwork. Then we went to the lab for bloodwork and then I had an EKG. These were needed to assess my eligibility to actually participate in the study.
Today, I went back. I had to have blood drawn again, then meet with CRC again and my doctor for another physical exam. I also had to fill out paperwork regarding how I actually felt. Last, I received the trial drug that I will take. As I mentioned in the last post, I will not know if I received the actual medication or a placebo (neither will my doctor or the CRC) Mom and Brandon tagged along and although we were there almost 2 hours they both did great! Brandon entertained everyone (of course) but lightened the day for several people. Sometimes an oncologist's office can be kinda grim. Afterwards we went out for lunch.
I was instructed to start all the medications this afternoon and finish the second dose this evening. Then, tomorrow, I will take according to the schedule for morning and evening. For the first two weeks of my 3-week cycle, I will take 19 pills for my chemo, targeted therapy and the trial drug. In addition, I will take my vitamins and other supplements that I choose to take. That's another 6 pills. The third week of the cycle I do not take the chemo which is 10 pills per day. Some are small enough I can handle 2-3 at a time, but some are "horse" pills that I have to take individually! My oncologist asked again today if I was OK swallowing all the pills. I pointed to Brandon and told her I had no problem! She said that was good motivation! :-)
For the first 3-week cycle, I have to go visit my oncologist each week. Then it will be once every 3 weeks during the study.
I just made my pill diary to keep up with everything because it is very important that I take these meds on a daily basis and at about the same time each day.
So being the good patient that I am, I have taken the meds (about 2 hours ago) and so far, no nausea! As long as that continues, I think the rest will be OK. The new chemo is not supposed to cause as much fatigue as my old one. :)
Thanks for the prayers! And just keep praying not only for physical healing, but mental strength. Satan is pounding my brain to try to drive in negative thoughts. The mental battle is still the hardest for me!
Anyway, I also decided to consent to the clinical study. I have been back to the doctor's office twice. On Monday, I met with the Clinical Research Coordinator (here on out CRC) and signed all the paperwork. Then we went to the lab for bloodwork and then I had an EKG. These were needed to assess my eligibility to actually participate in the study.
Today, I went back. I had to have blood drawn again, then meet with CRC again and my doctor for another physical exam. I also had to fill out paperwork regarding how I actually felt. Last, I received the trial drug that I will take. As I mentioned in the last post, I will not know if I received the actual medication or a placebo (neither will my doctor or the CRC) Mom and Brandon tagged along and although we were there almost 2 hours they both did great! Brandon entertained everyone (of course) but lightened the day for several people. Sometimes an oncologist's office can be kinda grim. Afterwards we went out for lunch.
I was instructed to start all the medications this afternoon and finish the second dose this evening. Then, tomorrow, I will take according to the schedule for morning and evening. For the first two weeks of my 3-week cycle, I will take 19 pills for my chemo, targeted therapy and the trial drug. In addition, I will take my vitamins and other supplements that I choose to take. That's another 6 pills. The third week of the cycle I do not take the chemo which is 10 pills per day. Some are small enough I can handle 2-3 at a time, but some are "horse" pills that I have to take individually! My oncologist asked again today if I was OK swallowing all the pills. I pointed to Brandon and told her I had no problem! She said that was good motivation! :-)
For the first 3-week cycle, I have to go visit my oncologist each week. Then it will be once every 3 weeks during the study.
I just made my pill diary to keep up with everything because it is very important that I take these meds on a daily basis and at about the same time each day.
So being the good patient that I am, I have taken the meds (about 2 hours ago) and so far, no nausea! As long as that continues, I think the rest will be OK. The new chemo is not supposed to cause as much fatigue as my old one. :)
Thanks for the prayers! And just keep praying not only for physical healing, but mental strength. Satan is pounding my brain to try to drive in negative thoughts. The mental battle is still the hardest for me!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Results Are in..............
Yesterday, I received my test results from last week. It is a mixed outcome.
First, the cancer in my liver is no longer detectable! Praise God! The report actually says, "Numerous hypermetabolic lesions previously identified throughout the liver are no longer evident..." That is the most awesome news! I knew I was feeling much better. My oncologist and nurse were very pleased with this news.
Second, there is now evidence of cancer in my skeleton. Three places in my spine, my right femur and another place on my left side. I am scheduled for a bone scan on Friday.
Third, the tumor in my breast measured 2.1 x 3.0 x 4.4 cm. It's getting smaller too! :)
So, with this news, my chemotheraphy changes. I will now take it in pill form. The chemotherapy drug is Xeloda. I will also take Tykerb, which is a targeted therapy drug (it works different than the Herceptin I was on). I will take the Xeloda twice a day for 2 weeks, have a week off, then start the cycle again. The Tykerb I will take everyday. Doesn't sound too bad til you find out how many pills are in a dose......5 each time for each drug!! So the weeks I'm taking both, I will be swallowing 15 pills a day for chemo and targeted therapy. In addition, I will still be taking my vitamin supplements and additional B6 and L-Lysine.
I am also still going to go to the hospital every 4 weeks for a drug, Zometa. It is a drug that reduces bone destruction and must be given intravenously (they will use my port). The drip only takes 15 minutes, so that's a lot less time than before. I got the first dose yesterday and I feel yucky today. They told me the first dose will make me achy, fever & chills, fatigued. They got that right. (That's why I didn't get the blog updated a soon as I had hoped to). It's now been over 24 hours since I finished receiving it and am starting to feel much better.
I will also go to the hospital for bloodwork every 4 weeks starting Nov 18. This is just routine to check how I'm doing on all these drugs.
Lastly, I was also asked to consider being in a clinical research study for another drug/placebo to take along with the above. I have to make a decision by tomorrow on that. It will require additional blood work and testing. It is a double-blind placebo controlled study, so I wouldn't know which I would be receiving and neither would my doctor. I am waiting for a call back from the doctor's office now to answer some questions. I do not start the oral chemotherapy drugs until I make this decision because of the requirements of the study.
So, in a nutshell, I'm very happy with what we found out! I'm concerned that the cancer has now metastacized in my bones, but my oncologist is very positive about being able to treat it since it was found early.
I still ask for your prayers and remind you that I am still in no pain and mostly feel great (other than today). Once I start the new chemo regimen, well, we'll see what happens. The most common side effect of these drugs is diarrhea and nausea. Fatigue is not supposed to be as great a factor as with the Taxotere that I will no longer take.
Until my next update, remember God is always good! :)
(This one's for you Jeff!)
First, the cancer in my liver is no longer detectable! Praise God! The report actually says, "Numerous hypermetabolic lesions previously identified throughout the liver are no longer evident..." That is the most awesome news! I knew I was feeling much better. My oncologist and nurse were very pleased with this news.
Second, there is now evidence of cancer in my skeleton. Three places in my spine, my right femur and another place on my left side. I am scheduled for a bone scan on Friday.
Third, the tumor in my breast measured 2.1 x 3.0 x 4.4 cm. It's getting smaller too! :)
So, with this news, my chemotheraphy changes. I will now take it in pill form. The chemotherapy drug is Xeloda. I will also take Tykerb, which is a targeted therapy drug (it works different than the Herceptin I was on). I will take the Xeloda twice a day for 2 weeks, have a week off, then start the cycle again. The Tykerb I will take everyday. Doesn't sound too bad til you find out how many pills are in a dose......5 each time for each drug!! So the weeks I'm taking both, I will be swallowing 15 pills a day for chemo and targeted therapy. In addition, I will still be taking my vitamin supplements and additional B6 and L-Lysine.
I am also still going to go to the hospital every 4 weeks for a drug, Zometa. It is a drug that reduces bone destruction and must be given intravenously (they will use my port). The drip only takes 15 minutes, so that's a lot less time than before. I got the first dose yesterday and I feel yucky today. They told me the first dose will make me achy, fever & chills, fatigued. They got that right. (That's why I didn't get the blog updated a soon as I had hoped to). It's now been over 24 hours since I finished receiving it and am starting to feel much better.
I will also go to the hospital for bloodwork every 4 weeks starting Nov 18. This is just routine to check how I'm doing on all these drugs.
Lastly, I was also asked to consider being in a clinical research study for another drug/placebo to take along with the above. I have to make a decision by tomorrow on that. It will require additional blood work and testing. It is a double-blind placebo controlled study, so I wouldn't know which I would be receiving and neither would my doctor. I am waiting for a call back from the doctor's office now to answer some questions. I do not start the oral chemotherapy drugs until I make this decision because of the requirements of the study.
So, in a nutshell, I'm very happy with what we found out! I'm concerned that the cancer has now metastacized in my bones, but my oncologist is very positive about being able to treat it since it was found early.
I still ask for your prayers and remind you that I am still in no pain and mostly feel great (other than today). Once I start the new chemo regimen, well, we'll see what happens. The most common side effect of these drugs is diarrhea and nausea. Fatigue is not supposed to be as great a factor as with the Taxotere that I will no longer take.
Until my next update, remember God is always good! :)
(This one's for you Jeff!)
Psalm 103:1-5 (NIV)
Praise the Lord, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise
his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his
benefits--
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the
pit
and crowns you with love
and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with
good things
so that your youth is renewed
like the eagle's.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Update
I don't even know where to start with this post! It's been so long. It's late and I probably won't make sense. Things are going well for me. I'm looking forward to my tests in a couple weeks. I want to know what's going on inside.....
I'm watching an old episode of Seinfeld. It's such a stupid show, but I find myself laughing at it.
Chemo was earlier today and I saw my friend Carl. He was in a different pod, but I stopped to visit. He's still holding on to his great attitude. He always smiles when we talk and I find that so encouraging! Keep it up Carl.....we're going to win our battles!! :) "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Oh yeah, my Hemoglobin was 12.1 today (normal range)! My white blood count was a little low, but it's never been extremely low. I just know when my hemoglobin is in the normal ranges I feel great.
This past week I found out about a 5 year old boy who was diagnosed with leukemia at the end of September. He has been undergoing treatments. Shawn is the son of a former coworker of mine when we lived in Louisville. See his blog at http://www.shawnbowen.net/. I could not imagine watching one of my children go thru that. I think that would be 100 times worse than what I'm going thru. Remember, currently I do not get sick from my chemo, nor am I in any pain. I just get fatigued because I don't sleep well on chemo days. There are so many who have it so much worse.....
Ok, now Malcolm in the Middle is on. I've never seen this show and it's well, shall I say, very interesting.
Hooray to all my friends in OK who participated in RFC this month. Thanks for sharing the photos on your blogs. I think of all of you often and am so proud of you for continuing to remember Melinda and walking in her name. Go Team Melinda!
My mom will be here tomorrow and I'm so excited. She hasn't been to visit and help since the beginning of August. My church family and neighbors have done a fantastic job of helping us out in the meantime. It will be so good to see her! We have a community yard sale this weekend and I've been preoccupied preparing and pricing items. There's so much to get rid of with Brandon outgrowing so much of the "baby" stuff. Plus the fact we just have too much stuff. It's supposed to cool off a bit this weekend so it should be a good weekend for shoppers!
I'm tired. I need sleep. Maybe I'll do better writing next time. Until then, adios mi amigos! (did I spell that right?)
I'm watching an old episode of Seinfeld. It's such a stupid show, but I find myself laughing at it.
Chemo was earlier today and I saw my friend Carl. He was in a different pod, but I stopped to visit. He's still holding on to his great attitude. He always smiles when we talk and I find that so encouraging! Keep it up Carl.....we're going to win our battles!! :) "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Oh yeah, my Hemoglobin was 12.1 today (normal range)! My white blood count was a little low, but it's never been extremely low. I just know when my hemoglobin is in the normal ranges I feel great.
This past week I found out about a 5 year old boy who was diagnosed with leukemia at the end of September. He has been undergoing treatments. Shawn is the son of a former coworker of mine when we lived in Louisville. See his blog at http://www.shawnbowen.net/. I could not imagine watching one of my children go thru that. I think that would be 100 times worse than what I'm going thru. Remember, currently I do not get sick from my chemo, nor am I in any pain. I just get fatigued because I don't sleep well on chemo days. There are so many who have it so much worse.....
Ok, now Malcolm in the Middle is on. I've never seen this show and it's well, shall I say, very interesting.
Hooray to all my friends in OK who participated in RFC this month. Thanks for sharing the photos on your blogs. I think of all of you often and am so proud of you for continuing to remember Melinda and walking in her name. Go Team Melinda!
My mom will be here tomorrow and I'm so excited. She hasn't been to visit and help since the beginning of August. My church family and neighbors have done a fantastic job of helping us out in the meantime. It will be so good to see her! We have a community yard sale this weekend and I've been preoccupied preparing and pricing items. There's so much to get rid of with Brandon outgrowing so much of the "baby" stuff. Plus the fact we just have too much stuff. It's supposed to cool off a bit this weekend so it should be a good weekend for shoppers!
I'm tired. I need sleep. Maybe I'll do better writing next time. Until then, adios mi amigos! (did I spell that right?)
Saturday, September 20, 2008
"research"
What's your favorite scripture(s)?
I'm preparing something at church and I want more than just my favorite scriptures. Your name will not be used and I may get some new favorites from you!
All I need is just the book, chapter and verse, unless you want to express yourself.......
BTW - Sharon shared a website, www.Bible.com, with me. You can pull up scriptures in several versions. I used 21st KJV and compared to my NKJV. There were some differences. I did not compare any other versions to my Bibles at home. It's a neat website though............
I'm preparing something at church and I want more than just my favorite scriptures. Your name will not be used and I may get some new favorites from you!
All I need is just the book, chapter and verse, unless you want to express yourself.......
BTW - Sharon shared a website, www.Bible.com, with me. You can pull up scriptures in several versions. I used 21st KJV and compared to my NKJV. There were some differences. I did not compare any other versions to my Bibles at home. It's a neat website though............
Friday, September 19, 2008
Quick Update
Tuesday I had an follow-up appointment with my oncologist. Everything was looking good, PRAISE GOD! :) Before doctor visits, they draw blood and analyze cancer antigens in my blood. They had plotted the progress of these on a graph for me which showed that the tumor markers show that things are apparently shrinking. I already "knew" that based on the fact I feel so much better and the fact that you are praying for me!
Anyway, the basic conversation was that I will continue on chemo thru the year (end of Feb). I have tests scheduled at the end of October. I have another MUGA scan and a PET scan. The PET scan will give the true "inside information". So, the appointment was very positive and I got the feeling that they plan to keep me on the same chemo drug (Taxotere). I will also continue the Herceptin (biological drug) as long as it doesn't affect my heart. I am not good at telling you exactly what these drugs are supposed to do and what they are for specifically.....I just know that they are my route to getting better.
Since I am still not having major side effects from these drugs, Tuesday's visit was good news for me. I am able to be "normal" while going thru this and that means so much to me. I talked to a lady in the lab waiting room Tuesday and she thought I'd just started chemo because I had my hair! I told her I'd been coming for 7 months. She had just finished her chemo and was back for blood work and talking about her hair starting to grow back. I am so blessed!
I do lose handfuls of hair at a time, and it got really thin in the spring, but it's growing back and every now and then my scalp really hurts if I touch it. When I touch my head it feels like I've worn a pony tail too tight for a long time. If I don't touch my head, I don't notice it. It's just really weird. The other thing that's weird about my chemo is that my muscles twitch a lot, in places that it feels really weird. Sometimes even my scalp twitches, but it's mostly my abdominals, eyelids and arms. Then, sometimes it feels like bugs are crawling all over me and that creeps me out. I don't like bugs on my skin and to feel like they are there, well, it's just creepy. Other than that, I physically feel better than a year ago. The weight I lost when I was diagnosed in Feb. has stayed off and I think that has helped somewhat. I had a lot of pulled muscle feelings last year -- my back was sore, my arms and legs would hurt and I don't have that now. I don't know if it was the extra weight I had or the cancer causing it. I just know that I feel good. I still try to do too much........it's hard to stop.
Thanks again for your prayers, calls, cards, emails, etc. I try to answer the emails, but sometimes I have to ban myself from this computer to get other things done that really need my attention!
Anyway, the basic conversation was that I will continue on chemo thru the year (end of Feb). I have tests scheduled at the end of October. I have another MUGA scan and a PET scan. The PET scan will give the true "inside information". So, the appointment was very positive and I got the feeling that they plan to keep me on the same chemo drug (Taxotere). I will also continue the Herceptin (biological drug) as long as it doesn't affect my heart. I am not good at telling you exactly what these drugs are supposed to do and what they are for specifically.....I just know that they are my route to getting better.
Since I am still not having major side effects from these drugs, Tuesday's visit was good news for me. I am able to be "normal" while going thru this and that means so much to me. I talked to a lady in the lab waiting room Tuesday and she thought I'd just started chemo because I had my hair! I told her I'd been coming for 7 months. She had just finished her chemo and was back for blood work and talking about her hair starting to grow back. I am so blessed!
I do lose handfuls of hair at a time, and it got really thin in the spring, but it's growing back and every now and then my scalp really hurts if I touch it. When I touch my head it feels like I've worn a pony tail too tight for a long time. If I don't touch my head, I don't notice it. It's just really weird. The other thing that's weird about my chemo is that my muscles twitch a lot, in places that it feels really weird. Sometimes even my scalp twitches, but it's mostly my abdominals, eyelids and arms. Then, sometimes it feels like bugs are crawling all over me and that creeps me out. I don't like bugs on my skin and to feel like they are there, well, it's just creepy. Other than that, I physically feel better than a year ago. The weight I lost when I was diagnosed in Feb. has stayed off and I think that has helped somewhat. I had a lot of pulled muscle feelings last year -- my back was sore, my arms and legs would hurt and I don't have that now. I don't know if it was the extra weight I had or the cancer causing it. I just know that I feel good. I still try to do too much........it's hard to stop.
Thanks again for your prayers, calls, cards, emails, etc. I try to answer the emails, but sometimes I have to ban myself from this computer to get other things done that really need my attention!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
DON'T GROW WEARY MY FRIENDS......
Hello my friends. It has been a while and my apologies for not updating. As you know, things have been crazy -- Tropical Storm Fay, finally a full week of school and homework, Election news, Labor Day weekend -- you know, the crazy things that happen in your own lives.
This battle is long and I'm still fighting as hard as I can. I couldn't do it without my support from all of you. This email is dedicated to some very special people locally.
I give a SHOUT OUT to some of my local helpers/supporters (this is definitely NOT everyone - I would never get to bed tonight):
Jeff
Where would I be without you? You are my soulmate, my number one supporter and my life. Thank you for all the hard work you do for our family and your dedication to us. I am so honored to be your wife! Thanks for standing by my side since Feb and for the last 15 1/2 years.
Rovenia
You are a wonderful woman and I thank you so much for being there on the early mornings when I've needed you. I'm so glad we've become friends although I would have rather picked better circumstances! I'm so glad we're practically neighbors too. It's wonderful having you so close by. You've been there since the first doctor's appointment and the bad news, the tests and all of it. Thanks for sharing my burden.
Amy S.
Girl you continue to amaze me with your ability to do so many things and still have time to help me and continue to ask to do more. You have so much on your plate and you just give and give without asking for anything. Thank you for being my friend and taking care of my guys, especially Brandon. I think he missed you this afternoon. Thanks for all your support since February too and sharing my burden.
Armillda
Your weekly notes are awesome and I appreciate them so much, especially knowing the trials you have in your life these days. Thank you so much for your encouraging words and wisdom. Thank you for taking the time to write me a note each week and for keeping me in your prayers. Know that you and H. are in mine. I'm so glad he's doing better and I saw you at church, but didn't get a chance to say hello.
Gail T.
What can I say? You're a super mom! When your girls can't make it, you fill in. When I need help, you're there. Thanks so much for being there. I've enjoyed our newly formed friendship and I think your girls are great too (Please tell them that). I'm happy your house sold and that you're getting settled -- are ALL those boxes unpacked yet? he he Thank you for your willingness to help us out before we got to know each other very well.
Nancy
I'm so glad we've gotten to know each other better recently. You're a true sweetheart and I look forward to your help at the house in the next few weeks. It's awesome when Gunner can come by and play with A. It makes him feel like such a big boy. Give A. a shout out from me as well! I so appreciate your thoughtfulness and willingness to help us.
Sharon
Thank you for all you do. You lifted me up in my first dark hour after the call with the initial diagnosis. You've helped a lot with the boys and you continue to encourage me. I know you carry many people's burdens with your responsibility and you and J. amaze me with your ability to do as much as you two do. Just know I pray for you too.
Ginny
I'm so glad we've become friends! I enjoy your emails and phone calls. Thanks for helping with the boys as often as you do. You're a super sweet lady and I love your smile! Thanks for your prayers and know that you're in mine too.
All of you keep me encouraged (as well as all my family and friends in cyber world). Thank you so much for being so generous with your time and your selflessness to come over, help with the boys, or just call. You are all wonderful Christian women and I know that my family is in good hands when you come over to care for us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I only hope that I can return the favor to you or someone else in the future.
I don't know if any of you understand how hard it is for me to call you and ask for help when I need it. I am much better at calling to ask how I can help someone else! I have always been very self sufficient and proud. It's hard to be humble and accept help, even when it is needed. I have learned so much from this experience. Thank you for being my friends and for being able to sacrifice time away from your families to help mine. God bless all of you!
I dedicate this verse to you and everyone who has sent a card, email, called, spoke to me or prepared/furnished a meal for us since February.
Galatians 6:9-10 (NKJV)
"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."
LOVE YOU!!
This battle is long and I'm still fighting as hard as I can. I couldn't do it without my support from all of you. This email is dedicated to some very special people locally.
I give a SHOUT OUT to some of my local helpers/supporters (this is definitely NOT everyone - I would never get to bed tonight):
Jeff
Where would I be without you? You are my soulmate, my number one supporter and my life. Thank you for all the hard work you do for our family and your dedication to us. I am so honored to be your wife! Thanks for standing by my side since Feb and for the last 15 1/2 years.
Rovenia
You are a wonderful woman and I thank you so much for being there on the early mornings when I've needed you. I'm so glad we've become friends although I would have rather picked better circumstances! I'm so glad we're practically neighbors too. It's wonderful having you so close by. You've been there since the first doctor's appointment and the bad news, the tests and all of it. Thanks for sharing my burden.
Amy S.
Girl you continue to amaze me with your ability to do so many things and still have time to help me and continue to ask to do more. You have so much on your plate and you just give and give without asking for anything. Thank you for being my friend and taking care of my guys, especially Brandon. I think he missed you this afternoon. Thanks for all your support since February too and sharing my burden.
Armillda
Your weekly notes are awesome and I appreciate them so much, especially knowing the trials you have in your life these days. Thank you so much for your encouraging words and wisdom. Thank you for taking the time to write me a note each week and for keeping me in your prayers. Know that you and H. are in mine. I'm so glad he's doing better and I saw you at church, but didn't get a chance to say hello.
Gail T.
What can I say? You're a super mom! When your girls can't make it, you fill in. When I need help, you're there. Thanks so much for being there. I've enjoyed our newly formed friendship and I think your girls are great too (Please tell them that). I'm happy your house sold and that you're getting settled -- are ALL those boxes unpacked yet? he he Thank you for your willingness to help us out before we got to know each other very well.
Nancy
I'm so glad we've gotten to know each other better recently. You're a true sweetheart and I look forward to your help at the house in the next few weeks. It's awesome when Gunner can come by and play with A. It makes him feel like such a big boy. Give A. a shout out from me as well! I so appreciate your thoughtfulness and willingness to help us.
Sharon
Thank you for all you do. You lifted me up in my first dark hour after the call with the initial diagnosis. You've helped a lot with the boys and you continue to encourage me. I know you carry many people's burdens with your responsibility and you and J. amaze me with your ability to do as much as you two do. Just know I pray for you too.
Ginny
I'm so glad we've become friends! I enjoy your emails and phone calls. Thanks for helping with the boys as often as you do. You're a super sweet lady and I love your smile! Thanks for your prayers and know that you're in mine too.
All of you keep me encouraged (as well as all my family and friends in cyber world). Thank you so much for being so generous with your time and your selflessness to come over, help with the boys, or just call. You are all wonderful Christian women and I know that my family is in good hands when you come over to care for us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I only hope that I can return the favor to you or someone else in the future.
I don't know if any of you understand how hard it is for me to call you and ask for help when I need it. I am much better at calling to ask how I can help someone else! I have always been very self sufficient and proud. It's hard to be humble and accept help, even when it is needed. I have learned so much from this experience. Thank you for being my friends and for being able to sacrifice time away from your families to help mine. God bless all of you!
I dedicate this verse to you and everyone who has sent a card, email, called, spoke to me or prepared/furnished a meal for us since February.
Galatians 6:9-10 (NKJV)
"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."
LOVE YOU!!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Oh Fay
So, this week has been really weird. School started Monday. Gunner missed Tuesday and today because of Ms. Fay - school was cancelled. You know, growing up we longed for snow days from school in the midst of winter. But cancelling at the beginning is just weird. I understand why, but it's like tomorrow will be the first day AGAIN.
Anyway, Jeff was off work on Tuesday (FAY), so he kept the boys while I went to chemo. I called first thing to see if I could come earlier than scheduled because I didn't want to get caught out in the midday storms from Ms. Fay. It was nice to go earlier, but I was there forever. They had trouble drawing blood from my port, then the lab was running behind, then the pharmacy was behind. At least I had my computer and the TV to catch up on the Olympics. I left at 8:10 and got home about 12:40; my appt. was at 9 am. I expected to be home around11:30. Oh well, at least I didn't have to reschedule for a different day and throw off my week. I'm just thinking if I'd gone at my regular time of 11:30, I may not have gotten home until about 4!
I know I shouldn't be complaining. Shame on me.
So far, we are safe from Ms. Fay. Tonight we are actually having wind and rain. All we've really had so far is just rain where we live and not the record rainfall some places are having. I just want to see the sun again. For the past 10 years, we have lived in places with drought conditions. We prayed for rain and now it seems it's coming and coming. We have had a lot of rain this summer and with this tropical storm, the aquifers are actually getting replenished. I think I like rain better than fires. I've never been thru a flood or a direct fire, but at least rain smells better than fires! I just wonder when it quits raining if things will start to smell soured?
On a sad note, my friend Kathy in Montana lost her mother this week. Please keep her family in prayers. I met Lauretta while we lived there and she was just a beautiful Christian woman. She had a long beautiful life and we know that she is in the arms of Jesus now.
May you all have a wonderful week.
Anyway, Jeff was off work on Tuesday (FAY), so he kept the boys while I went to chemo. I called first thing to see if I could come earlier than scheduled because I didn't want to get caught out in the midday storms from Ms. Fay. It was nice to go earlier, but I was there forever. They had trouble drawing blood from my port, then the lab was running behind, then the pharmacy was behind. At least I had my computer and the TV to catch up on the Olympics. I left at 8:10 and got home about 12:40; my appt. was at 9 am. I expected to be home around11:30. Oh well, at least I didn't have to reschedule for a different day and throw off my week. I'm just thinking if I'd gone at my regular time of 11:30, I may not have gotten home until about 4!
I know I shouldn't be complaining. Shame on me.
So far, we are safe from Ms. Fay. Tonight we are actually having wind and rain. All we've really had so far is just rain where we live and not the record rainfall some places are having. I just want to see the sun again. For the past 10 years, we have lived in places with drought conditions. We prayed for rain and now it seems it's coming and coming. We have had a lot of rain this summer and with this tropical storm, the aquifers are actually getting replenished. I think I like rain better than fires. I've never been thru a flood or a direct fire, but at least rain smells better than fires! I just wonder when it quits raining if things will start to smell soured?
On a sad note, my friend Kathy in Montana lost her mother this week. Please keep her family in prayers. I met Lauretta while we lived there and she was just a beautiful Christian woman. She had a long beautiful life and we know that she is in the arms of Jesus now.
May you all have a wonderful week.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Feeling Good and More Prayer Requests
Wow, it's been since July since I posted anything. Sorry for those of you "checking in" to see how things are going. Gunner being back from my parents and working to prepare everything (nap schedule for B, supply shopping, clothes shopping, etc) for the start of Kindergarten has been very time consuming. Computer time gets sidelined first and most of the time........
Healthwise, things have been going very well. I feel great other than the fatigue that hits on Thursdays after treatment Tuesdays. I think I've been overdoing it a bit, but I'm not one to sit around waiting for something to happen. I like to be busy. To help you realize how good I really feel, we obtained a bicycle from a couple at church and bought a trailer for Brandon. Jeff or I take a ride with Gunner almost every day. Yesterday, Gunner and I (with Brandon in the trailer) rode about 4 miles on the paved trail near our home. We headed out toward his school and then decided to ride to the high school. It was great! I was definitely tired by the time bedtime rolled around, but the bicycle has been a great way for me to get some exercise in a few days a week. We usually only ride a couple miles.
I want to ask for prayers for a friend (Graylan P.) of a friend (Jeff S.). Graylan P. was diagnosed with cancer earlier this summer and it was very advanced. He has recently lost a parent and a sibling to cancer in the past year or so. From what I understand, he elected not to have chemotherapy and is now in hospice care. His doctors have said about 6 weeks. He has a positive attitude and is ready to meet our Lord. I still pray for him every day and hate that I failed to add to my prayer list on here.
Also, a former co-worker of mine, Cindy, wrote to tell me her sister (Theresa) has recently started chemo for lung cancer. I've added her to the prayer list too. It's so amazing how many people have had, are fighting or personally know someone with some type of cancer. I try to remember to pray for everyone, but sometimes it's just overwhelming. If anyone has asked me to pray and you're not on my prayer list, just email again. I do tend to suffer from "chemo brain" at times.
On a positive note, I must mention that I saw my friend Carl at chemo last Tuesday. We were in one of the "pod" rooms. Although he was across the room, we had a couple chances to walk over to each other and chat. He was looking fine and said he was feeling good too. He said the fatigue is what he has the hardest time with as well. He is such a nice person! His wife sent a JESUS pin for me in case he saw me that day. It's beautiful and I carried it my hand all the way to my truck. I showed it to Gunner and he told me to wear it to church Wednesday night, so I did. Carl.....thanks again so much!
Tomorrow morning is worship and I always look forward to going. Our minister delivers wonderful messages from God's word that always seem to have an application to me for that week. Thanks Walt! You are blessed to be able to share the Word in such a positive and uplifting manner.
I'll leave you with some verses. I haven't done that for a while. Paul's writings in the letter to the Phillipians is so encouraging!
Phillipians 2:1-4 (NKJV)
"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."
Healthwise, things have been going very well. I feel great other than the fatigue that hits on Thursdays after treatment Tuesdays. I think I've been overdoing it a bit, but I'm not one to sit around waiting for something to happen. I like to be busy. To help you realize how good I really feel, we obtained a bicycle from a couple at church and bought a trailer for Brandon. Jeff or I take a ride with Gunner almost every day. Yesterday, Gunner and I (with Brandon in the trailer) rode about 4 miles on the paved trail near our home. We headed out toward his school and then decided to ride to the high school. It was great! I was definitely tired by the time bedtime rolled around, but the bicycle has been a great way for me to get some exercise in a few days a week. We usually only ride a couple miles.
I want to ask for prayers for a friend (Graylan P.) of a friend (Jeff S.). Graylan P. was diagnosed with cancer earlier this summer and it was very advanced. He has recently lost a parent and a sibling to cancer in the past year or so. From what I understand, he elected not to have chemotherapy and is now in hospice care. His doctors have said about 6 weeks. He has a positive attitude and is ready to meet our Lord. I still pray for him every day and hate that I failed to add to my prayer list on here.
Also, a former co-worker of mine, Cindy, wrote to tell me her sister (Theresa) has recently started chemo for lung cancer. I've added her to the prayer list too. It's so amazing how many people have had, are fighting or personally know someone with some type of cancer. I try to remember to pray for everyone, but sometimes it's just overwhelming. If anyone has asked me to pray and you're not on my prayer list, just email again. I do tend to suffer from "chemo brain" at times.
On a positive note, I must mention that I saw my friend Carl at chemo last Tuesday. We were in one of the "pod" rooms. Although he was across the room, we had a couple chances to walk over to each other and chat. He was looking fine and said he was feeling good too. He said the fatigue is what he has the hardest time with as well. He is such a nice person! His wife sent a JESUS pin for me in case he saw me that day. It's beautiful and I carried it my hand all the way to my truck. I showed it to Gunner and he told me to wear it to church Wednesday night, so I did. Carl.....thanks again so much!
Tomorrow morning is worship and I always look forward to going. Our minister delivers wonderful messages from God's word that always seem to have an application to me for that week. Thanks Walt! You are blessed to be able to share the Word in such a positive and uplifting manner.
I'll leave you with some verses. I haven't done that for a while. Paul's writings in the letter to the Phillipians is so encouraging!
Phillipians 2:1-4 (NKJV)
"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
6 Rounds Complete!
Jeff took this photo after dinner and family walk thru the neighborhood tonight. I don't usually post photos on this blog, but it didn't have those awful "red eyes" that look evil! lol
Today I completed 6 rounds of chemo! (18 treatments in my schedule--every 3 treatments is a round, then I get a week off) I am scheduled for chemo thru January 13 for now.
I saw my oncologist this morning as well. Things are going well. The tumor in my breast is continuing to show softening and shrinkage in the physical exam! PRAISE GOD!!
I also asked her if I should be worried about feeling so good while going thru chemo. She said "NO!" She said that we are attacking the disease in my body and I should be feeling better. The cancer has been using my energy to grow and now that the cancer is shrinking, I'm able to gain energy back! :-)
I scheduled my next 2 visits with her in September and November as well as my next MUGA scan and a PET scan in late October. Otherwise, I'll be continuing the same chemo regimen.
I had a new nurse today and was in a "private" room, so I didn't run into anyone I usually see. Jeff wasn't able to go today, so I got a lot of old emails read, listened to CD's and paid bills while sitting in my little room. I always take things to get done because it definitely helps the time to pass by. I don't care to just sit and read during the day.....it makes me sleepy. I like to utilize my "alone" time without kids to knock out tasks that are almost impossible to get done at home!
Just want to say THANK YOU again to my "readers" that are my prayer warriors. I appreciate so much your thoughts, cards, prayers, calls, etc. We are continuing down this road and so far the journey has not been what I expected. I thank God everyday that I feel good for what I'm going thru and that I can take care of my family and only have to ask for help with the kids on chemo days at this point. That is a wonderful blessing!
I hope you are uplifted knowing that God is always good. He has plans for us that we can not imagine! We must let him take control and guide us. He did not give me cancer, it just happened, but He knew I would have it and He is helping me utilize it for good things.
I think one thing I have learned is that God wanted me to know how many friends I have and that people are loving and kind. I also think he wanted to teach me that I have to learn that I can depend on others (they can be capable!) and not always be the control freak I seem to be about all the minor details of my life. I truly believe in the power of prayer and that He answers each and every prayer we pray in faith. His answers may not match the ones we want, but we have to continue to ask in faith.
God bless all of you! And AMY S. - you rock!! Thanks so much for taking care of Brandon on this long, long day! He seemed to have had a great time with your boys and dog. He definitely needed to get out of the house and have a new "scene". I appreciate your help so very, very much! Hugs to you!!!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Treatment #17
Today is treatment #17. That's just unbelievable to me. Amazingly, I feel better now than I did a year ago. It's crazy to say that, but I know that the prayers on my behalf are working and I know that my attitude helps. I have a checkup appointment with my oncologist next Tuesday before chemo.
This past week has been a little hard. Gunner's been away at grandparent's since last Wednesday and I miss him a lot more than I expected to. I've enjoyed time with Brandon all alone with no interruptions. Jeff made it home safely on Sunday and it's good to have him home too. I'm looking forward to next week and seeing my little Gunner! He's having fun though.
Today as I sit here in my chair, my friend Carl is across the room. I wrote about him back in May and he seems to be doing well. We chatted a moment, but it's hard to talk from that far away. He said that I'm still on his prayer list and I told him he was on mine. He's the Carl I have listed on my prayer list at the left.
There's not much to write about concerning me today. Thanks again for all the prayers, cards, emails and such. I never realized how many people I know and how caring others really can be. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!
This past week has been a little hard. Gunner's been away at grandparent's since last Wednesday and I miss him a lot more than I expected to. I've enjoyed time with Brandon all alone with no interruptions. Jeff made it home safely on Sunday and it's good to have him home too. I'm looking forward to next week and seeing my little Gunner! He's having fun though.
Today as I sit here in my chair, my friend Carl is across the room. I wrote about him back in May and he seems to be doing well. We chatted a moment, but it's hard to talk from that far away. He said that I'm still on his prayer list and I told him he was on mine. He's the Carl I have listed on my prayer list at the left.
There's not much to write about concerning me today. Thanks again for all the prayers, cards, emails and such. I never realized how many people I know and how caring others really can be. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Feeling Much Better!!
After a few days of antibiotics, I'm feeling so good. I still have my cough which will probably last another week or so, but hey, it sure beats feeling lousy.
Chemo went well on Tuesday. I haven't been blogging much, but I have a new time waster.....Facebook.
When Jill was here in June, she introduced me to it, so I signed up. Can you believe I have found tons of people I know out there! Also, several friends from college are planning a reunion and we're all getting in touch thru Facebook too. Unfortunately, I can't make the reunion this year, but it's still been great to chat with friends, write on their walls and all that fun stuff. I even found my friend Pam on there.....she got me hooked on a word game. I stayed up last night playing for about 2 hours. Got to set time limits or I'm not going to get back into scrapbooking!
Oh well, I'm having fun. We all deserve just a little, right???
So, if you want to be on my friends list, just look me up! www.facebook.com
Later
Chemo went well on Tuesday. I haven't been blogging much, but I have a new time waster.....Facebook.
When Jill was here in June, she introduced me to it, so I signed up. Can you believe I have found tons of people I know out there! Also, several friends from college are planning a reunion and we're all getting in touch thru Facebook too. Unfortunately, I can't make the reunion this year, but it's still been great to chat with friends, write on their walls and all that fun stuff. I even found my friend Pam on there.....she got me hooked on a word game. I stayed up last night playing for about 2 hours. Got to set time limits or I'm not going to get back into scrapbooking!
Oh well, I'm having fun. We all deserve just a little, right???
So, if you want to be on my friends list, just look me up! www.facebook.com
Later
Sunday, June 29, 2008
I've Added to My "Things I've Done" List
Well, I can now add a trip to the Emergency Room to my "Things I've Done" list! I've only been to the ER once and that was to take Jeff when he dislocated a finger playing basketball when we first got married.....................
My whole family (including my mom who is helping us out) has come down with a very nasty cold over the past week. I sprayed Lysol everywhere, didn't kiss on the kids much, slept on the couch to avoid Jeff, washed pillow cases and covers every day, and washed my hands all the time.....I still got it. Friday I felt icky, just like a cold. Then the coughing started......
Saturday, I woke up with chills and took Tylenol. I felt fine until about 3 or so and laid down for a nap. When I woke up about 6 pm, I knew I had a bad fever. Yep, 101.4. Not good, not good at all for a chemo patient - supposed to call the dr. anytime you reach 100.5 or higher. So, Jeff called the dr.'s office to find out what to do. The on call dr. never called back. Jeff called back and finally got to talk to him. This was about 8:30. He said he had attempted to call and no one answered.....we were here. I had the phone right beside me in the bed. Anyway, he told us to go to the emergency room, so I quickly packed a bag in case they decided to keep me. I had taken Tylenol again about 6:30, so my fever had come down and I was feeling much better.
Upon arrival at the ER (about 9:30 pm), they took vitals, then we met with the triage nurse who said she wanted us to wait for a private room. So we waited a while. Then we got to our room. The nurse came in and talked to us and then we waited to see the dr. I ended up having a chest x-ray to see if I had pneumonia and then they accessed my port to draw blood. I did not have pneumonia, but they treated me as if I did. I got an IV of antibiotics and took Zithromax while there. I finish up the Zithromax this week and have to visit my oncologist for a follow up. My fever never came back the whole time we were there. I'm so glad they didn't admit me!!!
Jeff and I got home at 4 am........I can't remember the last time we pulled an all-nighter together, and this one wasn't even fun! The nurse did laugh at us because Jeff laid on the bed with me in the ER so we could rest! (The chairs were so uncomfortable.) He told us no funny stuff was allowed........like after 15 years of marriage something would take place THERE anyway. ha ha
I feel great today, but Mom is feeling really yucky today. Jeff and the boys are about done with this. I sprayed Lysol all over again today...........I'm beginning to wonder if it really works.
So, I'm guessing since I feel better, I'll still have chemo on Tuesday. My blood counts were good for a chemo patient last night, so I doubt I'll get out of it! July 1 will be treatment #15 and July 8 is my "off" week.
Thanks for keeping me (and my family) in your prayers!
My whole family (including my mom who is helping us out) has come down with a very nasty cold over the past week. I sprayed Lysol everywhere, didn't kiss on the kids much, slept on the couch to avoid Jeff, washed pillow cases and covers every day, and washed my hands all the time.....I still got it. Friday I felt icky, just like a cold. Then the coughing started......
Saturday, I woke up with chills and took Tylenol. I felt fine until about 3 or so and laid down for a nap. When I woke up about 6 pm, I knew I had a bad fever. Yep, 101.4. Not good, not good at all for a chemo patient - supposed to call the dr. anytime you reach 100.5 or higher. So, Jeff called the dr.'s office to find out what to do. The on call dr. never called back. Jeff called back and finally got to talk to him. This was about 8:30. He said he had attempted to call and no one answered.....we were here. I had the phone right beside me in the bed. Anyway, he told us to go to the emergency room, so I quickly packed a bag in case they decided to keep me. I had taken Tylenol again about 6:30, so my fever had come down and I was feeling much better.
Upon arrival at the ER (about 9:30 pm), they took vitals, then we met with the triage nurse who said she wanted us to wait for a private room. So we waited a while. Then we got to our room. The nurse came in and talked to us and then we waited to see the dr. I ended up having a chest x-ray to see if I had pneumonia and then they accessed my port to draw blood. I did not have pneumonia, but they treated me as if I did. I got an IV of antibiotics and took Zithromax while there. I finish up the Zithromax this week and have to visit my oncologist for a follow up. My fever never came back the whole time we were there. I'm so glad they didn't admit me!!!
Jeff and I got home at 4 am........I can't remember the last time we pulled an all-nighter together, and this one wasn't even fun! The nurse did laugh at us because Jeff laid on the bed with me in the ER so we could rest! (The chairs were so uncomfortable.) He told us no funny stuff was allowed........like after 15 years of marriage something would take place THERE anyway. ha ha
I feel great today, but Mom is feeling really yucky today. Jeff and the boys are about done with this. I sprayed Lysol all over again today...........I'm beginning to wonder if it really works.
So, I'm guessing since I feel better, I'll still have chemo on Tuesday. My blood counts were good for a chemo patient last night, so I doubt I'll get out of it! July 1 will be treatment #15 and July 8 is my "off" week.
Thanks for keeping me (and my family) in your prayers!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
GOOD NEWS!!
As I sit here in my "chair" receiving my toxic drink for the week, I am on cloud 9 this afternoon after a good report at the oncologist's office this morning! :)
First, I'd like to thank all of you for your prayers. God has worked wonders for me in the short 4 1/2 months since my diagnosis. God is good and I am so fortunate to have such loving support from so many people - family, church families, friends, and friends of friends.
It's hard to tell you what I have learned so far about myself and others. I'll have to write that another day. Just know that I feel very strong and very grateful today.
So, here's the news:
There are several spots on my liver. They only actually measured the large ones. In February, the largest was 2.2 cm and today we found it had shrunk to 2 cm! The second largest was 1.5 cm and today we found out it had shrunk to .5 cm!!!!!!!! :) The nurse called this one an A+.
The lymph node in my neck started at about 1 cm and is now about 4 mm!!!!! :-)
The tumor in my breast was not measured on this round of tests, but the physical assessment in the office today showed that not only is it getting softer (breaking down), but shrinking as well. The original measurement was between 7 & 8 cm and today about 5.5 - 6 cm.
My treatments will remain the same until the next round of tests in a few months. The MUGA scan which looks at my heart showed no significant changes. The Herceptin will continue as well. The doctor told us that as long as Taxotere is working, it will not change. She also said that the next round of tests will be a better indicator of where we are and where we're going.
I do not take credit for any of this..........I do not pray for myself because I do not know how. I have left this all in God's hands and yours. YOU are praying for me and knowing that, I am at peace with whatever happens. Yes, I have changed some things in my diet, but that does not cure me. My hope and faith in God and your prayers is doing that. THANK YOU
Just keep up the prayers and encouragement. I still feel great for what I'm going thru and there are many, many others that have it much worse than me.
***Please remember to pray for our troops in Iraq and Afganistan, as well as around the world.
First, I'd like to thank all of you for your prayers. God has worked wonders for me in the short 4 1/2 months since my diagnosis. God is good and I am so fortunate to have such loving support from so many people - family, church families, friends, and friends of friends.
It's hard to tell you what I have learned so far about myself and others. I'll have to write that another day. Just know that I feel very strong and very grateful today.
So, here's the news:
There are several spots on my liver. They only actually measured the large ones. In February, the largest was 2.2 cm and today we found it had shrunk to 2 cm! The second largest was 1.5 cm and today we found out it had shrunk to .5 cm!!!!!!!! :) The nurse called this one an A+.
The lymph node in my neck started at about 1 cm and is now about 4 mm!!!!! :-)
The tumor in my breast was not measured on this round of tests, but the physical assessment in the office today showed that not only is it getting softer (breaking down), but shrinking as well. The original measurement was between 7 & 8 cm and today about 5.5 - 6 cm.
My treatments will remain the same until the next round of tests in a few months. The MUGA scan which looks at my heart showed no significant changes. The Herceptin will continue as well. The doctor told us that as long as Taxotere is working, it will not change. She also said that the next round of tests will be a better indicator of where we are and where we're going.
I do not take credit for any of this..........I do not pray for myself because I do not know how. I have left this all in God's hands and yours. YOU are praying for me and knowing that, I am at peace with whatever happens. Yes, I have changed some things in my diet, but that does not cure me. My hope and faith in God and your prayers is doing that. THANK YOU
Just keep up the prayers and encouragement. I still feel great for what I'm going thru and there are many, many others that have it much worse than me.
***Please remember to pray for our troops in Iraq and Afganistan, as well as around the world.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Where did the month of May go?
Well, I haven't written on this blog for a while, and I thought I would catch it up a bit. We've had quite a few crazy days (see the family blog) and unexpected happenings.
Most of you read to find out about me, so my news is no changes. I still feel good and made it thru the 2 weeks of chemo without overnight help! I got really tired a couple of days, but my "angels" from church and friends took care of me. I went to chemo today and had no issues. My blood counts were a little lower than last week, but I have next week off, so maybe they'll come back up. I haven't been sticking to my "diet" much lately, but have avoided caffeine, ate as little sugar as possible and very little cheese. I did indulge in chocolate a couple times, so I guess I had a teensy bit of caffeine? Anyway, it's back to the veggies this week! :)
******
We received very sad and shocking news on May 24. Gunner's Bible class teacher unexpectedly passed away. Melinda M. had a heart of gold and loved teaching that class. Although I didn't know her very well, I knew her enough to say I will definitely miss her smiling face and her spirit. She was a beautiful person and her extended family and church family are going to dearly miss her. Melinda - I hope you know how loved you were on this earth! I know that you are in the most beautiful place that God created. You are missed so much!
Several other members at our church have lost loved ones recently as well. It has been a very sad couple of weeks and I pray for them and their families during these difficult times.
*******
Both boys had well child visits last week. Both are doing great!
Gunner is in the 97th percentile on height and 80th percentile on weight. He got two of his 4 shots required for Kindergarten. The other two are live viruses and he cannot get them and be around me because of my chemo treatments making me susceptible to diseases. Anyway, we're working out a plan for him to visit grandparents for two weeks in late July/August so he can go to kindergarten!
Brandon is finally above the 3rd percentile! Yipee! He was in the 25th percentile for weight, 15th for height and 10th for head circumference.
I had to take Brandon to the after hours pediactric office on the Sunday night of Memorial Day weekend. He had a rash around his mouth....I thought it was due to teething (all the slobber) and sucking on the pacifier. By Sunday afternoon the rash had spread to neck, hands, arms, legs and feet. I called the pediatrician and they told me to go to the after hours office. The dr. there said he seemed to have a viral rash, but the part around his mouth was infected. He gave me two handouts, one for Hand, Foot & Mouth disease and the other for Impetigo. He didn't make a clear diagnosis, but prescribed an antibiotic cream for impetigo. I waited at the pharmacy for about 45 min! Mind you, it was bedtime for Brandon. Not fun. Just not fun. Finally we got home and I got him to bed. We were gone about 3 hrs for this little deal. The rash has since dried up and gone. Just had to take lots of disinfecting precautions so no one else got the ugly mess. Also had to boil the pacifiers all the time.
******
We've had the opportunity to visit with friends from afar the past couple weeks as well. Our Oklahoma friends came for vacation and we spent a day with them at DW. See the family blog for photos. Also, my best friend from high school senior year is here this week. She and her family members (her hubby, parents & brother & his family) have rented a house in the area. The boys and I took the short road trip to visit them yesterday and swim in the pool. It was great to visit (although it was too short). I hadn't seen Melissa since 2000, so it was really good to "see" rather than just email. Hope y'all have a great week Melissa!! :)
******
Jeff's dad found out recently that he has an incurable disease himself. I do not know all the details to write about it, but he will be on lifetime medications to control it. Please continue to keep him in your prayers as well.
******
Jill arrived here safely yesterday afternoon. She is going to be my helper for a couple weeks. We're HOPING to find some time to scrapbook. he he With both boys here and the things I must get done, who knows if we'll ever get to it. We are HOPEFUL..........
******
I can't think of anything else to update. I've mostly had good days. I had a what I call a "self pity" day not long ago, then unexpected things and sad things happened to other people. I felt terrible for being so self-centered and am now back on track! Thanks again and again for all the prayers, emails, cards, etc. Thanks for sharing my blog with others....many of you say it is an encouragement and I appreciate that. I use it for the convenience of letting you, my prayer warriors, know what I need prayers for and for the fact that writing out my feelings helps me feel better.
We've continued studying I John in Bible class on Sunday. Chapter 5 is so encouraging!! These verses are what's been on my heart lately:
I John 5:13-15 (NIV)
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us -- whatever we ask -- we know that we have what we asked of him."
Most of you read to find out about me, so my news is no changes. I still feel good and made it thru the 2 weeks of chemo without overnight help! I got really tired a couple of days, but my "angels" from church and friends took care of me. I went to chemo today and had no issues. My blood counts were a little lower than last week, but I have next week off, so maybe they'll come back up. I haven't been sticking to my "diet" much lately, but have avoided caffeine, ate as little sugar as possible and very little cheese. I did indulge in chocolate a couple times, so I guess I had a teensy bit of caffeine? Anyway, it's back to the veggies this week! :)
******
We received very sad and shocking news on May 24. Gunner's Bible class teacher unexpectedly passed away. Melinda M. had a heart of gold and loved teaching that class. Although I didn't know her very well, I knew her enough to say I will definitely miss her smiling face and her spirit. She was a beautiful person and her extended family and church family are going to dearly miss her. Melinda - I hope you know how loved you were on this earth! I know that you are in the most beautiful place that God created. You are missed so much!
Several other members at our church have lost loved ones recently as well. It has been a very sad couple of weeks and I pray for them and their families during these difficult times.
*******
Both boys had well child visits last week. Both are doing great!
Gunner is in the 97th percentile on height and 80th percentile on weight. He got two of his 4 shots required for Kindergarten. The other two are live viruses and he cannot get them and be around me because of my chemo treatments making me susceptible to diseases. Anyway, we're working out a plan for him to visit grandparents for two weeks in late July/August so he can go to kindergarten!
Brandon is finally above the 3rd percentile! Yipee! He was in the 25th percentile for weight, 15th for height and 10th for head circumference.
I had to take Brandon to the after hours pediactric office on the Sunday night of Memorial Day weekend. He had a rash around his mouth....I thought it was due to teething (all the slobber) and sucking on the pacifier. By Sunday afternoon the rash had spread to neck, hands, arms, legs and feet. I called the pediatrician and they told me to go to the after hours office. The dr. there said he seemed to have a viral rash, but the part around his mouth was infected. He gave me two handouts, one for Hand, Foot & Mouth disease and the other for Impetigo. He didn't make a clear diagnosis, but prescribed an antibiotic cream for impetigo. I waited at the pharmacy for about 45 min! Mind you, it was bedtime for Brandon. Not fun. Just not fun. Finally we got home and I got him to bed. We were gone about 3 hrs for this little deal. The rash has since dried up and gone. Just had to take lots of disinfecting precautions so no one else got the ugly mess. Also had to boil the pacifiers all the time.
******
We've had the opportunity to visit with friends from afar the past couple weeks as well. Our Oklahoma friends came for vacation and we spent a day with them at DW. See the family blog for photos. Also, my best friend from high school senior year is here this week. She and her family members (her hubby, parents & brother & his family) have rented a house in the area. The boys and I took the short road trip to visit them yesterday and swim in the pool. It was great to visit (although it was too short). I hadn't seen Melissa since 2000, so it was really good to "see" rather than just email. Hope y'all have a great week Melissa!! :)
******
Jeff's dad found out recently that he has an incurable disease himself. I do not know all the details to write about it, but he will be on lifetime medications to control it. Please continue to keep him in your prayers as well.
******
Jill arrived here safely yesterday afternoon. She is going to be my helper for a couple weeks. We're HOPING to find some time to scrapbook. he he With both boys here and the things I must get done, who knows if we'll ever get to it. We are HOPEFUL..........
******
I can't think of anything else to update. I've mostly had good days. I had a what I call a "self pity" day not long ago, then unexpected things and sad things happened to other people. I felt terrible for being so self-centered and am now back on track! Thanks again and again for all the prayers, emails, cards, etc. Thanks for sharing my blog with others....many of you say it is an encouragement and I appreciate that. I use it for the convenience of letting you, my prayer warriors, know what I need prayers for and for the fact that writing out my feelings helps me feel better.
We've continued studying I John in Bible class on Sunday. Chapter 5 is so encouraging!! These verses are what's been on my heart lately:
I John 5:13-15 (NIV)
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us -- whatever we ask -- we know that we have what we asked of him."
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
A New Friend
Yesterday I went to chemo alone for the first time. Jeff was unable to go with me due to a meeting at work. It was no big deal, since I have no reactions and none of my medications make me sleepy so I can drive. It's just kind of nice to have someone sit with you to talk to.
Anyway, I was in one of the rooms with 4 chairs and I chose the window seat. The chair next to me was taken, but the patient was away when I arrived. After the nurse got me started, the other patient returned. We struck up a conversation. Carl was quite a bit older than I as we talked I found out about his cancer and his grandchildren. We didn't talk the whole time during our treatments, but just pieces of conversations thru the couple hours we were there together. He said his wife accompanies him to doctor appointments, but not chemo.
Carl recently was diagnosed with esophagal (spelling???) cancer that has spread to his stomach and liver. His chemo regimen is much different than mine. He not only comes to the hospital for treatment, but has to get treatments at home thru a home health nurse.
As our conversations continued, we began to talk about our attitude and our faith. We promised to pray for each other and to put each other on prayer lists. So here is my request to you, my faithful prayer warriors out there.......please pray for Carl too.
Maybe I'll see Carl at the hospital again sometime. I'll let him know I kept my promise.
Anyway, I was in one of the rooms with 4 chairs and I chose the window seat. The chair next to me was taken, but the patient was away when I arrived. After the nurse got me started, the other patient returned. We struck up a conversation. Carl was quite a bit older than I as we talked I found out about his cancer and his grandchildren. We didn't talk the whole time during our treatments, but just pieces of conversations thru the couple hours we were there together. He said his wife accompanies him to doctor appointments, but not chemo.
Carl recently was diagnosed with esophagal (spelling???) cancer that has spread to his stomach and liver. His chemo regimen is much different than mine. He not only comes to the hospital for treatment, but has to get treatments at home thru a home health nurse.
As our conversations continued, we began to talk about our attitude and our faith. We promised to pray for each other and to put each other on prayer lists. So here is my request to you, my faithful prayer warriors out there.......please pray for Carl too.
Maybe I'll see Carl at the hospital again sometime. I'll let him know I kept my promise.
Attitude
ATTITUDE
By Charles Swindoll
"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than the past, than educations, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company....a church....a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past....we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude....I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you....we are in charge of our Attitudes."
Jeff had me type this quote for him and frame it for his office when we lived in Montana. We have carried it with us through the years. Mr. Swindoll is a Christian writer best I can find out. I have not read any of his books, but I do think this quote of his says a lot. Attitude is a choice. I choose every day to be who I am, no matter what happens. I've always lived by the thought that no matter what happens to me today, someone else out there is worse off than I am. I am blessed beyond measure and should not complain.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
THANKFUL
I am thankful for so many things!! These are the first twenty things I thought of (not in any order):
1) My family has not been to the doctor in the past few weeks!
2) Being a mom
3) Having a loving husband
4) Great Health Insurance (the charges for cancer treatment are very expensive and I thank God every day that we are blessed with good benefits with Jeff's job)
5) Family/friends that are willing to do anything to help us
6) Family/friends that love us
7) Family/friends just because
8) Prayer
9) Computers
10) Sunshine & rain (we really need rain!)
11) Good health (other than cancer)
12) House
13) Clothes, shoes
14) Children's smiles
15) Sight
16) Ability to read and write
17) Electricity
18) Running water
19) Ability to provide healthy food choices for my family
20) My Bible
Psalm 72:12-14
"For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight."
1) My family has not been to the doctor in the past few weeks!
2) Being a mom
3) Having a loving husband
4) Great Health Insurance (the charges for cancer treatment are very expensive and I thank God every day that we are blessed with good benefits with Jeff's job)
5) Family/friends that are willing to do anything to help us
6) Family/friends that love us
7) Family/friends just because
8) Prayer
9) Computers
10) Sunshine & rain (we really need rain!)
11) Good health (other than cancer)
12) House
13) Clothes, shoes
14) Children's smiles
15) Sight
16) Ability to read and write
17) Electricity
18) Running water
19) Ability to provide healthy food choices for my family
20) My Bible
Psalm 72:12-14
"For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight."
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
This week
Yesterday was my long day at chemo since I also got Herceptin. My appointment wasn't until 1:30 pm, so we didn't get done until after 4. Everything went well and I feel great today.
I mentioned to the nurse that even though I had tried Tylenol PM one week and Simply Sleep another week, I still couldn't sleep more than about 2 or 3 hours the night of chemo. She called my oncologist, who called in a script for Restoril to help. IT DID! Yeah! I took it at 8 pm last night and fell asleep sometime before 10. Only awoke once around 1 am, but was awake for good about 4:30 am. I didn't get up til 5:45, but still, about 7 hours sleep is much, much better than 2 or 3!! My doctor also decreased my dosage of steroids so I think contributed a lot as well. I wasn't as hyper when I got home as I usually am.
Still no side effects other than fatigue so I have no complaints. I still pray that everything on the inside is working like it should. I think I mentioned on the previous blog that we'll get the results of the CT Scan and MUGA scan on June 17. The scans will be done on June 10.
Thanks again and again for your prayers, emails, blog comments, cards, etc.
My dear friend Kathy in Montana cited this one for me back in February. It's always been a favorite, but took on new meaning during that time. I don't remember which Bible version I copied this from in my notebook of favorite scriptures. It's either NJKV or NIV.
So, the scripture for today:
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
I mentioned to the nurse that even though I had tried Tylenol PM one week and Simply Sleep another week, I still couldn't sleep more than about 2 or 3 hours the night of chemo. She called my oncologist, who called in a script for Restoril to help. IT DID! Yeah! I took it at 8 pm last night and fell asleep sometime before 10. Only awoke once around 1 am, but was awake for good about 4:30 am. I didn't get up til 5:45, but still, about 7 hours sleep is much, much better than 2 or 3!! My doctor also decreased my dosage of steroids so I think contributed a lot as well. I wasn't as hyper when I got home as I usually am.
Still no side effects other than fatigue so I have no complaints. I still pray that everything on the inside is working like it should. I think I mentioned on the previous blog that we'll get the results of the CT Scan and MUGA scan on June 17. The scans will be done on June 10.
Thanks again and again for your prayers, emails, blog comments, cards, etc.
My dear friend Kathy in Montana cited this one for me back in February. It's always been a favorite, but took on new meaning during that time. I don't remember which Bible version I copied this from in my notebook of favorite scriptures. It's either NJKV or NIV.
So, the scripture for today:
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
More Good News!
Jeff and I saw my oncologist yesterday before my chemo and got more good news. The lump has gotten even softer than the last visit and she found it hard to measure since it was not as defined. She said it was a teensy bit smaller too! She could not feel the small lumps in the lymph nodes under my left arm anymore either. Also, since I didn't realize I had a small lump in the lymph nodes on my neck I know I haven't mentioned it before. That lump was originally about 1 cm and it measured 6mm yesterday! Now, if the liver looks as good when we run the CT Scan! YEAH BABY!!!
Your prayers are keeping me uplifted and positive throughout this whole process. I feel better than I have in months. I didn't get very tired last week at all and I'm not sure how I'll feel tomorrow. Thursdays are usually the "down day" for me.
We scheduled the CT and MUGA scans for June 10. I will continue my chemotherapy as scheduled thru June 3. We will see the oncologist again on June 17 and based on the test results, continue as we are or she could change my chemo drug. It's just wait and see. We're taking things one day at a time, one treatment at a time and enjoying the week off each cycle.
Thanks again from the bottom of my heart for your cards, emails, thoughts and prayers!
Hugs to all! Have a great day!
Your prayers are keeping me uplifted and positive throughout this whole process. I feel better than I have in months. I didn't get very tired last week at all and I'm not sure how I'll feel tomorrow. Thursdays are usually the "down day" for me.
We scheduled the CT and MUGA scans for June 10. I will continue my chemotherapy as scheduled thru June 3. We will see the oncologist again on June 17 and based on the test results, continue as we are or she could change my chemo drug. It's just wait and see. We're taking things one day at a time, one treatment at a time and enjoying the week off each cycle.
Thanks again from the bottom of my heart for your cards, emails, thoughts and prayers!
Hugs to all! Have a great day!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Tomorrow
Tomorrow:
I feel great today. Haven't done much other than paperwork (bill paying, filing and such) and sorting laundry. Daddy and I went to Lowe's and PetsMart this morning after taking Gunner to school. I did take Brandon with me to pick Gunner up this afternoon. He hadn't been out since Friday and I thought Mom and Dad could use a little "peace" for about 30 minutes!
As far as the appointment with the Dr. tomorrow, I'm just expecting a checkup and asking questions. We will get the orders to schedule a CT Scan and MUGA scan. From what I understand, these are done every 3 months while I am taking chemo and Herceptin. The CT Scan will show the effect the chemo is having on the cancer. The MUGA scan will look at my heart muscle to determine if I am having damage from the Herceptin.
We have been studying I John in our Sunday Bible Class, and unfortunately we missed yesterday since I was ill. Anyway, one of the scriptures has been with me for a couple of weeks and I just wanted to share. I really need to be more like this!
I John 3:17-18 (NKJV)
"But whosoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth."
- Bloodwork
- Appointment with oncologist
- Chemo
I feel great today. Haven't done much other than paperwork (bill paying, filing and such) and sorting laundry. Daddy and I went to Lowe's and PetsMart this morning after taking Gunner to school. I did take Brandon with me to pick Gunner up this afternoon. He hadn't been out since Friday and I thought Mom and Dad could use a little "peace" for about 30 minutes!
As far as the appointment with the Dr. tomorrow, I'm just expecting a checkup and asking questions. We will get the orders to schedule a CT Scan and MUGA scan. From what I understand, these are done every 3 months while I am taking chemo and Herceptin. The CT Scan will show the effect the chemo is having on the cancer. The MUGA scan will look at my heart muscle to determine if I am having damage from the Herceptin.
We have been studying I John in our Sunday Bible Class, and unfortunately we missed yesterday since I was ill. Anyway, one of the scriptures has been with me for a couple of weeks and I just wanted to share. I really need to be more like this!
I John 3:17-18 (NKJV)
"But whosoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth."
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
STILL FEELING GREAT!!
At last! I finally have a chance to write. This past week was quite busy since I didn't have a chemo treatment and I wasn't ill. I felt GREAT and spent time playing with the boys, getting things done around the house and preparing for the "parental units" arrival. They got here safely on Sunday afternoon and Daddy knew I was planning some projects, but I don't think he realized I really planned some projects! I have to keep him busy for 3 weeks, so I just hope we get to finish these projects!
As far as treatment and such, I am sitting in the chair at this moment. I did find out today why I have insomnia the day I get chemo! The steroids I receive cause that. Now I know to plan for this. Also, the nurse told me that breast cancer patients tend to GAIN 15 to 20 lbs. while undergoing treatment. So far, I haven't gained. I think my "diet" has helped with that. I lost around 15 lbs. when I was diagnosed because the anxiety just was too much and I couldn't eat. I have kept that weight off so far. I'm not sure if the weight loss or the diet changes have made me feel so much better! This past week I actually felt better than I have in months!
I really dreaded coming today know how tired I will be by week's end, and knowing it is just going to keep making me more fatigued over the course of my treatments. I do rejoice that we (as a family) FINALLY had a week without a doctor's appointment! :) I also rejoice that my treatments do not cause any other complications and I have no pain. Some of the cancer patients we see in the hallways on the days of treatment you can tell they are hurting and sick. I am so blessed to not have those complicatons.
I didn't bring my Bible to find a scripture for my thoughts today, but I always keep in mind Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Have a blessed day! :)
As far as treatment and such, I am sitting in the chair at this moment. I did find out today why I have insomnia the day I get chemo! The steroids I receive cause that. Now I know to plan for this. Also, the nurse told me that breast cancer patients tend to GAIN 15 to 20 lbs. while undergoing treatment. So far, I haven't gained. I think my "diet" has helped with that. I lost around 15 lbs. when I was diagnosed because the anxiety just was too much and I couldn't eat. I have kept that weight off so far. I'm not sure if the weight loss or the diet changes have made me feel so much better! This past week I actually felt better than I have in months!
I really dreaded coming today know how tired I will be by week's end, and knowing it is just going to keep making me more fatigued over the course of my treatments. I do rejoice that we (as a family) FINALLY had a week without a doctor's appointment! :) I also rejoice that my treatments do not cause any other complications and I have no pain. Some of the cancer patients we see in the hallways on the days of treatment you can tell they are hurting and sick. I am so blessed to not have those complicatons.
I didn't bring my Bible to find a scripture for my thoughts today, but I always keep in mind Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Have a blessed day! :)
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
The new blog about me
Well, I have decided to break out the details of my battle with breast cancer on its own blog and leave the Rev It Up! for our family information. I have a plan for this blog and I hope you will want to keep coming back! The next entry will be more of how I'm going to be journaling. This is just an update since I haven't written for so long.
So far this week has gone well for me! I had Treatment #6 on Tuesday. I'm still feeling GREAT although the fatigue is beginning to build a little. The more treatments I have, the more fatigue I will have. My "diet" is going well. I think I started cutting things out around the beginning of March. I can not remember the last time I had a soft drink or chocolate! I don't really miss those as much as I thought I would. I'm still having issues with stopping the dairy. I LOVE cheese! I have had a little, but I try not to dwell on it. Jill got me an early birthday gift.....a stir fry pan. It's really fun to fix veggies and come up with combos. I now have a new hobby. Just glad Jeff's along for the ride with me. I also found an Unsweetened Almond beverage at a health food store and had cereal for the first time in over a month! I really read labels now too. I look at the sugar content and look for MSG. Anyway enough about that stuff, it's making me hungry and it's too late to eat!
So what else is going on?
If we could just get our family WELL it would be a blessed event. We have been to a doctor's office of some kind every week since mid-January! I'm talking Brandon's casts, Brandon's ear infections, well-baby checkups, my issues, Gunner's been sick, Jeff's checkups, and dental appointments. This past week has been the worst. Spring Break week, Gunner had a fever for 5 days! I took him to the doctor on Day 3. He had a dry cough and fever. They listened to his lungs and he was wheezing. We did a breathing treatment in the office and it seemed to help, so we got a prescription for an albuterol inhaler and antibiotics. He is finally doing much better, but we have to use the inhaler until his coughing stops. Could be up to two weeks. Then, on Saturday, Brandon started the same symptoms. I had an appointment scheduled for him on Monday morning for a follow up check on his ears. Now he is on antibiotics AGAIN and a nebulizer for breathing treatments. We go back to the doctor on Friday to see how he is doing. Hopefully we'll be done with the nebulizer then. Jeff is now getting the stuff so he may be headed to the doc himself! UGH And by the way, Jill finally got home after getting stuck in the Atlanta airport overnight. She wasn't feeling well when she left. A visit to the doctor Monday....she has bronchitis! She's starting to feel better. Fortunately, I haven't gotten this round.
I'm still overwhelmed by all the support I'm receiving thru cards, emails, etc. Your prayers continue to keep my spirits high and I can never thank you enough for helping on my journey.
Today's scripture:
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
"Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
So far this week has gone well for me! I had Treatment #6 on Tuesday. I'm still feeling GREAT although the fatigue is beginning to build a little. The more treatments I have, the more fatigue I will have. My "diet" is going well. I think I started cutting things out around the beginning of March. I can not remember the last time I had a soft drink or chocolate! I don't really miss those as much as I thought I would. I'm still having issues with stopping the dairy. I LOVE cheese! I have had a little, but I try not to dwell on it. Jill got me an early birthday gift.....a stir fry pan. It's really fun to fix veggies and come up with combos. I now have a new hobby. Just glad Jeff's along for the ride with me. I also found an Unsweetened Almond beverage at a health food store and had cereal for the first time in over a month! I really read labels now too. I look at the sugar content and look for MSG. Anyway enough about that stuff, it's making me hungry and it's too late to eat!
So what else is going on?
If we could just get our family WELL it would be a blessed event. We have been to a doctor's office of some kind every week since mid-January! I'm talking Brandon's casts, Brandon's ear infections, well-baby checkups, my issues, Gunner's been sick, Jeff's checkups, and dental appointments. This past week has been the worst. Spring Break week, Gunner had a fever for 5 days! I took him to the doctor on Day 3. He had a dry cough and fever. They listened to his lungs and he was wheezing. We did a breathing treatment in the office and it seemed to help, so we got a prescription for an albuterol inhaler and antibiotics. He is finally doing much better, but we have to use the inhaler until his coughing stops. Could be up to two weeks. Then, on Saturday, Brandon started the same symptoms. I had an appointment scheduled for him on Monday morning for a follow up check on his ears. Now he is on antibiotics AGAIN and a nebulizer for breathing treatments. We go back to the doctor on Friday to see how he is doing. Hopefully we'll be done with the nebulizer then. Jeff is now getting the stuff so he may be headed to the doc himself! UGH And by the way, Jill finally got home after getting stuck in the Atlanta airport overnight. She wasn't feeling well when she left. A visit to the doctor Monday....she has bronchitis! She's starting to feel better. Fortunately, I haven't gotten this round.
I'm still overwhelmed by all the support I'm receiving thru cards, emails, etc. Your prayers continue to keep my spirits high and I can never thank you enough for helping on my journey.
Today's scripture:
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
"Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
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