posted Wednesday, 24 August 2005
Comments:
MOM MADE THIS COMMENT,
Nice do! I knew you'd have a perfectly shaped head. You look very cute (just don't go getting all tatooed and pierced!) Love you.
comment added :: 24th August 2005, 22:16 GMT-05
SARAH MADE THIS COMMENT,
Wow, how is it that you look HOT with a shaved head? Only you could make chemo look like an adventure. Glad you didn't keep the mullet (though you could always move to Georgia...) Miss you much.
comment added :: 25th August 2005, 03:20 GMT-05
MAURA MADE THIS COMMENT,
I mean, you have to have a pretty face.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Chemo #2
posted Tuesday, 23 August 2005
So Michael picked me up yesterday morning and we headed off to Virtua for treatment #2. We stopped for breakfast at "Cosmo's" - my new favortie breakfast place (well, besides Java Moon Cafe on Quakerbridge Rd- but that's a different kind of breakfast place... Cosmo's = fried egg sandwich... Java Moon Cafe = french toast with peanut butter, banana and pecans)... but anyways, I digress.
Same drill as last time, except this time, the nurse didn't hold my hand... so I had to keep going back to the front desk saying "ok I got my labs done... do I just go back to the chemo room now?" I've lost 4 pounds since last time... which I first found surprising, but then realized that 3-4 days of <1000 calories could do that to a person... plus, I think I am starting to lose some of my muscle mass, which kind of stinks, but what can you do?
I thought about sitting in the big room this time, but chickened out and went and sat in the exact same chair as last time. Something about forming a routine I guess. Hilary (Nancy's buddy from RU) is a pharmacist in the hospital and she stopped by to visit briefly. Michael had run out to Target to get headphones for my new DVD player (thanks again Abby!) This time, the "quiet room" really was quiet. The 3 other people pretty much slept the whole time. Meanwhile, Michael and I talked, giggled and watched Friends. He came back to my house and got me settled. Watched Princess Bride - since MJ had never seen it (!) and hung out for a while.
I got my dr to write me a new Zofran prescription. The first one he wrote was for only 6 pills, which means I need to refill it every 2 weeks (I take it 2x daily for 3 days after chemo) ... so he wrote one for 24 pills and I filled it at CVS. I noticed, however, that the new bottle said take one every 6 hours... which seemed odd. I took a pill at 8pm and unfortunately didn't quite give it time to absorb into my bloodstream. Michael started chatting with me about how friends wanted to bring over food for me- what was good, what was bad... and my stomach started to rumble... hmmm... I guess the stories about chemo are actually true... so anyways, after I showered and cleaned up, I called the pharmacy - they didn't even look it up and just said that the Dr must have written the new script differently - but I went on line and looked at the dosing info and it says every 12 hours... hmmm.. so I called my dr... he told me to a) take only one every 12 hours... b) take another one immediately and c) take a compazine (my backup med, which I had already done). Good thing I know a few things about pharma or I could have been OD'ing on anti-nausea meds!
Matt came over that evening and brought me some groceries (essentials-milk, butter, cottage cheese & melon).
I felt much better today. I ate a little fruit & cottage cheese for breakfast. Nancy came over this afternoon. I gave myself my shot today and didn't even chicken out! Then she made me some mac & cheese and broccoli florets... I had two servings! Granted, each serving was like two spoonfuls, but hey - I'm not complaining. Hopefully the nausea will stay at bay and we'll be done with 25% of the chemo!
Tune in tommorow to check out my new look - Nancy is planning to practice her barber-shop skills (and I'm not talking about the quarter kind of skills) tonight , once Crash gets here (for moral support)... My scalp started to feel funny last night (like when you've been wearing your hair in a ponytail all day and you take it down and your head feels kind of sore) and today it's starting to shed - I don't feel like dealing with the mess everywhere, so somethings got to be done!
I hope you are all well!
Same drill as last time, except this time, the nurse didn't hold my hand... so I had to keep going back to the front desk saying "ok I got my labs done... do I just go back to the chemo room now?" I've lost 4 pounds since last time... which I first found surprising, but then realized that 3-4 days of <1000 calories could do that to a person... plus, I think I am starting to lose some of my muscle mass, which kind of stinks, but what can you do?
I thought about sitting in the big room this time, but chickened out and went and sat in the exact same chair as last time. Something about forming a routine I guess. Hilary (Nancy's buddy from RU) is a pharmacist in the hospital and she stopped by to visit briefly. Michael had run out to Target to get headphones for my new DVD player (thanks again Abby!) This time, the "quiet room" really was quiet. The 3 other people pretty much slept the whole time. Meanwhile, Michael and I talked, giggled and watched Friends. He came back to my house and got me settled. Watched Princess Bride - since MJ had never seen it (!) and hung out for a while.
I got my dr to write me a new Zofran prescription. The first one he wrote was for only 6 pills, which means I need to refill it every 2 weeks (I take it 2x daily for 3 days after chemo) ... so he wrote one for 24 pills and I filled it at CVS. I noticed, however, that the new bottle said take one every 6 hours... which seemed odd. I took a pill at 8pm and unfortunately didn't quite give it time to absorb into my bloodstream. Michael started chatting with me about how friends wanted to bring over food for me- what was good, what was bad... and my stomach started to rumble... hmmm... I guess the stories about chemo are actually true... so anyways, after I showered and cleaned up, I called the pharmacy - they didn't even look it up and just said that the Dr must have written the new script differently - but I went on line and looked at the dosing info and it says every 12 hours... hmmm.. so I called my dr... he told me to a) take only one every 12 hours... b) take another one immediately and c) take a compazine (my backup med, which I had already done). Good thing I know a few things about pharma or I could have been OD'ing on anti-nausea meds!
Matt came over that evening and brought me some groceries (essentials-milk, butter, cottage cheese & melon).
I felt much better today. I ate a little fruit & cottage cheese for breakfast. Nancy came over this afternoon. I gave myself my shot today and didn't even chicken out! Then she made me some mac & cheese and broccoli florets... I had two servings! Granted, each serving was like two spoonfuls, but hey - I'm not complaining. Hopefully the nausea will stay at bay and we'll be done with 25% of the chemo!
Tune in tommorow to check out my new look - Nancy is planning to practice her barber-shop skills (and I'm not talking about the quarter kind of skills) tonight , once Crash gets here (for moral support)... My scalp started to feel funny last night (like when you've been wearing your hair in a ponytail all day and you take it down and your head feels kind of sore) and today it's starting to shed - I don't feel like dealing with the mess everywhere, so somethings got to be done!
I hope you are all well!
Hey! Feel free to leave a comment or question back for me! (1)
1. Katie left...
Wednesday, 24 August 2005 8:59 pm
Hey baby, Thanks for the updates. It is so good to be able to read this and be many miles away. It sounds like you have many pals taking care of you, I am glad. I know exactly what you are talking about with that whole ponytail left in to long thing, eck. congrats on 25%.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
[EVENT] CHEMO: ADRIAMYCIN + CYTOXAN TREATMENT #2
posted Thursday, 18 August 2005
Date: Monday, 22 August 2005 , 08:45 AM — 01:00 PM
Duration: 4 hrs 15 mins
event Chemo: Adriamycin + Cytoxan Treatment #2
Comments:
MOM MADE THIS COMMENT,
Think positive thoughts!
comment added :: 19th August 2005, 12:12 GMT-05
SARAH MADE THIS COMMENT,
Miss you and thinking of you... Wish I could be there to help out. Or come and whisk you off to St Simons with me. Mom, Dad, Graham, Mama, Dada, Nancy (your you-know what), Lee, Marshall, Tyler, Kaitlyn, and everyone else (ie, all your boyfriends) on St Simons are thinking of you and sending good thoughts! love,sarah
Date: Monday, 22 August 2005 , 08:45 AM — 01:00 PM
Duration: 4 hrs 15 mins
event Chemo: Adriamycin + Cytoxan Treatment #2
Comments:
MOM MADE THIS COMMENT,
Think positive thoughts!
comment added :: 19th August 2005, 12:12 GMT-05
SARAH MADE THIS COMMENT,
Miss you and thinking of you... Wish I could be there to help out. Or come and whisk you off to St Simons with me. Mom, Dad, Graham, Mama, Dada, Nancy (your you-know what), Lee, Marshall, Tyler, Kaitlyn, and everyone else (ie, all your boyfriends) on St Simons are thinking of you and sending good thoughts! love,sarah
MAILING LIST
posted Thursday, 18 August 2005
When I get really good at updating my blog and then life gets boring again, I tend to get frustrated calls from friends "when are you going to update your blog????" Well, some days there just isn't much interesting to talk about... I could tell the truth (I spent today watching tv and surfing the web...) or I could just not publish anything that day...
Don't fret though! I have the perfect solution for you. Sign up for the mailing list and you will get an email every time I update my blog. Just enter your email address at the right and that's it. I promise that I won't sell your email address to spammers or tele-sales-people. One request though - when you sign up, please uncheck the box that says "keep my address private". I'd like to know who is on my mailing list, just so that I know who I am emailing...
Thanks!
LC
Comments:
AUNT MARYE MADE THIS COMMENT,
Hiya Linda; FYI, I've been on yr mailing list for a couple of weeks now -- I didn't realise that they would "keep my email private" from YOU. I love getting the updates and I love being informed automatically.
And I'm glad you had a good time in PA with the younger set. It's good to hear that you seem to be responding to chemo without the worst of the side effects. Stay strong -- and as soon as I can, I want to come see you.
Love, Aunt Marye
When I get really good at updating my blog and then life gets boring again, I tend to get frustrated calls from friends "when are you going to update your blog????" Well, some days there just isn't much interesting to talk about... I could tell the truth (I spent today watching tv and surfing the web...) or I could just not publish anything that day...
Don't fret though! I have the perfect solution for you. Sign up for the mailing list and you will get an email every time I update my blog. Just enter your email address at the right and that's it. I promise that I won't sell your email address to spammers or tele-sales-people. One request though - when you sign up, please uncheck the box that says "keep my address private". I'd like to know who is on my mailing list, just so that I know who I am emailing...
Thanks!
LC
Comments:
AUNT MARYE MADE THIS COMMENT,
Hiya Linda; FYI, I've been on yr mailing list for a couple of weeks now -- I didn't realise that they would "keep my email private" from YOU. I love getting the updates and I love being informed automatically.
And I'm glad you had a good time in PA with the younger set. It's good to hear that you seem to be responding to chemo without the worst of the side effects. Stay strong -- and as soon as I can, I want to come see you.
Love, Aunt Marye
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
THE HIDEOUT
posted Wednesday, 17 August 2005
Aptly named, I spent the past few days at "The Hideout" in the Poconos. My Aunt Deb & Uncle Billy own a house on Roamingwood Lake, in a community in the Poconos. For two weeks, Aunt Mary & Uncle Charlie rented a house on the same lake, so I wanted to make sure that I got a chance to visit. With the oppressive heat we've been having, it seemed like just the place!
Of course, the few days that I was there were on the wet/rainy side... but oh well - that wasn't going to stop our fun. We spent a day at the "art center", painting pottery. I taught my cousin's "frickits" (aka "cups"), which worked surprisingly well - even Diana (who is 8 years old) got a 3-pointer (of course, she was throwing from the "ladies tee"). But Alyssa and I took the game, winning 11-8 over Hannah and Diana ( I guess the teams may have been a wee bit lopsided, since it was the two oldest vs the two youngest... but oh well... a good game played by all!). We ate lots of Oreo ice cream (which is so much better than regular cookies n cream) and watched "whose line is it anyway" and "HGTV".... we finally got a good beach day on Wed and I spent some time watching Alyssa, Hannah, Diana, Jessica & Brian build sandcastles and play in the lake. Below is a picture with my cousins Hannah & Alyssa (daughters of Deb & Bill), with whom I stayed.
I'm really pleased that I got to enjoy this week so much. I've been run-down & tired and this cold is still nagging... but I was pleasantly surprised how well I felt. I go back on Monday for my next treatment. My friend, Michael Jackson, is taking me this round... that's right! Michael Jackson is taking me to chemo! (ok- so he is not *the* Michael Jackson, but this one is way better anyways!)
For those of you looking for ways to help, I would love a few low maintenance visitors next week. I will probably not be much of an entertainer, but I do like to have people around to keep me company when I am down. We even offer high-speed internet these days... So far, the only visitor (other than MJ) I have booked is Nancy (bff) for Tuesday afternoon (I need help with my shot!).
Also, I know that folks have offered to bring food... based on my first run through this, I expect that for Monday - Wednesday, I will not have much of an appetite. Cut up melon, juice and toast were about the extent of it... but then from Thursday on, I started to get an appetite back (mild, bland stuff, like chicken & vegetables, mac & cheese, etc). This week, I pretty much ate what I wanted, so I am fairly certain that the Cassels family recipe for mushroom-less veggie lasagna will hit the spot in approximately a week and a half... I can't wait!
Hope you are all well. Thanks again for the cards, messages & emails. I feel like I am starting to play the Kevin Bacon game (6 degrees of separation), as more people hear about my story and venture on to my blog, but I really do appreciate hearing from you... even if our connection is several times removed. I've always been a people person and I feed off of positive energy from others...
Comments:
MOM MADE THIS COMMENT,
You are really getting good at this. I especially like the links to people's pictures when they arte mentioned. I wish I was closer so I could be there to fix you all your feel better foods but I am comfortable knowing that all your wonderful friends will be taking care of you. Stay strong. I love you kid.
Aptly named, I spent the past few days at "The Hideout" in the Poconos. My Aunt Deb & Uncle Billy own a house on Roamingwood Lake, in a community in the Poconos. For two weeks, Aunt Mary & Uncle Charlie rented a house on the same lake, so I wanted to make sure that I got a chance to visit. With the oppressive heat we've been having, it seemed like just the place!
Of course, the few days that I was there were on the wet/rainy side... but oh well - that wasn't going to stop our fun. We spent a day at the "art center", painting pottery. I taught my cousin's "frickits" (aka "cups"), which worked surprisingly well - even Diana (who is 8 years old) got a 3-pointer (of course, she was throwing from the "ladies tee"). But Alyssa and I took the game, winning 11-8 over Hannah and Diana ( I guess the teams may have been a wee bit lopsided, since it was the two oldest vs the two youngest... but oh well... a good game played by all!). We ate lots of Oreo ice cream (which is so much better than regular cookies n cream) and watched "whose line is it anyway" and "HGTV".... we finally got a good beach day on Wed and I spent some time watching Alyssa, Hannah, Diana, Jessica & Brian build sandcastles and play in the lake. Below is a picture with my cousins Hannah & Alyssa (daughters of Deb & Bill), with whom I stayed.
I'm really pleased that I got to enjoy this week so much. I've been run-down & tired and this cold is still nagging... but I was pleasantly surprised how well I felt. I go back on Monday for my next treatment. My friend, Michael Jackson, is taking me this round... that's right! Michael Jackson is taking me to chemo! (ok- so he is not *the* Michael Jackson, but this one is way better anyways!)
For those of you looking for ways to help, I would love a few low maintenance visitors next week. I will probably not be much of an entertainer, but I do like to have people around to keep me company when I am down. We even offer high-speed internet these days... So far, the only visitor (other than MJ) I have booked is Nancy (bff) for Tuesday afternoon (I need help with my shot!).
Also, I know that folks have offered to bring food... based on my first run through this, I expect that for Monday - Wednesday, I will not have much of an appetite. Cut up melon, juice and toast were about the extent of it... but then from Thursday on, I started to get an appetite back (mild, bland stuff, like chicken & vegetables, mac & cheese, etc). This week, I pretty much ate what I wanted, so I am fairly certain that the Cassels family recipe for mushroom-less veggie lasagna will hit the spot in approximately a week and a half... I can't wait!
Hope you are all well. Thanks again for the cards, messages & emails. I feel like I am starting to play the Kevin Bacon game (6 degrees of separation), as more people hear about my story and venture on to my blog, but I really do appreciate hearing from you... even if our connection is several times removed. I've always been a people person and I feed off of positive energy from others...
Comments:
MOM MADE THIS COMMENT,
You are really getting good at this. I especially like the links to people's pictures when they arte mentioned. I wish I was closer so I could be there to fix you all your feel better foods but I am comfortable knowing that all your wonderful friends will be taking care of you. Stay strong. I love you kid.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
WEEKEND
posted Sunday, 14 August 2005
I'm feeling much better and had quite a busy weekend so far. I went to "wicked" practice yesterday (my women's ultimate frisbee team). I ran the warm-up and a few drills with the team and then retreated to the shade to heckle... I mean... cheer on the girls from the sideline. It's so frustrating to be on the sideline, but I hope I can at least contribute from there.
Julie, one of our captains, brought out pink sweatbands for everyone to wear to support me. This meant so much to me. First, it is practical - so many people wear sweatbands to play ultimate. Second - they don't necessarily scream BREAST CANCER!!!! (It would be ok if it did, but it is kind of nice to have this little symbol that we know about that won't make everyone else question). This action totally touched me and made me feel totally loved by my team.
She also brought out seasons 1 & 2 of the gilmore girls on dvd. This will be perfect with my new portable dvd player that my dear friend abby & her husband sent me. Plus, it has two earphone jacks, so I can bring it along to treatments and watch gg with my friend! Thank you so much!
After practice, I stuck around for the mcudl playoff picnic. MCUDL is the ultimate frisbee league that I run and play in. The picnic was great. For the first time in years, I didn't lift a finger in organizing, which was truly a blessing. Thanks to those who picked up the slack! After much deliberation, I decided to don my running shoes and defend my "fastest woman in the league" title... without running full speed since late June, I probably should have warmed up a bit better, but alas, I hadn't decided until the last minute. No fear - I still hold the honors... but I am totally sore this morning! Whatever- I am not going to sit back and let life pass me by. It's a delicate balance, but I am going to live each day...
I am off to Lake Ariel, in the Poconos for a few days for some relaxation & family time. With all the little cousins running around, I fear it may be more the latter than the former, but you won't hear me complain! I won't be on the web for a few days, so no new posts... but I will talk to you all soon!
Comments:
KIBBLES MADE THIS COMMENT,
Hey baby, I've been thinking about you often. It is good to be able to check in like this, you are a smartie. (I have barely mastered email). Let's talk soon and make a tentative plan of when the girls and I can come down. Keep taking lots of naps and go to bed early. love, your sista
comment added :: 14th August 2005, 12:33 GMT-05
JESSICA MADE THIS COMMENT,
Hi honey! I've been reading along and keeping up with things. I've been traveling like crazy for the last few weeks but things have finally settled down. I'm going to give you a call this week to catch up. I wish I were half as brave as you.
Love - Jessica
I'm feeling much better and had quite a busy weekend so far. I went to "wicked" practice yesterday (my women's ultimate frisbee team). I ran the warm-up and a few drills with the team and then retreated to the shade to heckle... I mean... cheer on the girls from the sideline. It's so frustrating to be on the sideline, but I hope I can at least contribute from there.
Julie, one of our captains, brought out pink sweatbands for everyone to wear to support me. This meant so much to me. First, it is practical - so many people wear sweatbands to play ultimate. Second - they don't necessarily scream BREAST CANCER!!!! (It would be ok if it did, but it is kind of nice to have this little symbol that we know about that won't make everyone else question). This action totally touched me and made me feel totally loved by my team.
She also brought out seasons 1 & 2 of the gilmore girls on dvd. This will be perfect with my new portable dvd player that my dear friend abby & her husband sent me. Plus, it has two earphone jacks, so I can bring it along to treatments and watch gg with my friend! Thank you so much!
After practice, I stuck around for the mcudl playoff picnic. MCUDL is the ultimate frisbee league that I run and play in. The picnic was great. For the first time in years, I didn't lift a finger in organizing, which was truly a blessing. Thanks to those who picked up the slack! After much deliberation, I decided to don my running shoes and defend my "fastest woman in the league" title... without running full speed since late June, I probably should have warmed up a bit better, but alas, I hadn't decided until the last minute. No fear - I still hold the honors... but I am totally sore this morning! Whatever- I am not going to sit back and let life pass me by. It's a delicate balance, but I am going to live each day...
I am off to Lake Ariel, in the Poconos for a few days for some relaxation & family time. With all the little cousins running around, I fear it may be more the latter than the former, but you won't hear me complain! I won't be on the web for a few days, so no new posts... but I will talk to you all soon!
Comments:
KIBBLES MADE THIS COMMENT,
Hey baby, I've been thinking about you often. It is good to be able to check in like this, you are a smartie. (I have barely mastered email). Let's talk soon and make a tentative plan of when the girls and I can come down. Keep taking lots of naps and go to bed early. love, your sista
comment added :: 14th August 2005, 12:33 GMT-05
JESSICA MADE THIS COMMENT,
Hi honey! I've been reading along and keeping up with things. I've been traveling like crazy for the last few weeks but things have finally settled down. I'm going to give you a call this week to catch up. I wish I were half as brave as you.
Love - Jessica
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Chemo Days 3 & 4
posted Thursday, 11 August 2005
Other than the fact that my mom says "I look tired", I feel pretty good. The nurse said that after this, it should be just tired... so it looks like cycle 1 has been relatively non-eventful... far better than I imagined it would be. I didn't have much of an appetite for a few days, felt a little off my game and have been pretty tired, but it was nothing like the sterotypical chemo experience. Wonders of modern day medicine, I suppose.
My mom was here for the week, which was nice. I spent most of it sleeping, but I did enjoy having her here. I wish I could figure out a way to let her know how greatful I am.
Thank you to everyone who has been checking in on me and sending me positive vibes... it has definitely been helping! It means a lot to have the support of my friends and family.
My mom was here for the week, which was nice. I spent most of it sleeping, but I did enjoy having her here. I wish I could figure out a way to let her know how greatful I am.
Thank you to everyone who has been checking in on me and sending me positive vibes... it has definitely been helping! It means a lot to have the support of my friends and family.
Comments:
1. Grammy & Grampy left... Sounds like you're handling things pretty well. We think it's amazing that you're accepting it as well as you are. We know it isn't as easy as you try to make it sound. Hang in there, and we're praying constantly for you.
Friday, 12 August 2005 10:17 pm
Sounds like you're handling things pretty well. We think it's amazing that you're accepting it as well as you are. We know it isn't as easy as you try to make it sound. Hang in there, and we're praying constantly for you. - Love,
- Grammy & Grampy
Tuesday, August 9, 2005
Chemo Day 2
posted Tuesday, 9 August 2005
So far so good.... Heather stayed over-night last night to keep an eye on me. I had a restless, but uneventful night. This morning, I finally got up around 9am and found Jaeger asleep on my couch. What a blessing to have a revolving door of friends here making sure I am doing well.
The Comcast guy came this morning and I finally have cable & a cable modem. I have officially joined the 21st century technology! Afterwards, I was feeling well enough that Jaeger & I ventured out to Best Buy to pick up a wireless router & the first season of 24...
The Comcast guy came this morning and I finally have cable & a cable modem. I have officially joined the 21st century technology! Afterwards, I was feeling well enough that Jaeger & I ventured out to Best Buy to pick up a wireless router & the first season of 24...
Did I tell you about the 24 debacle? Since I had no cable TV, I had been watching the shows left-over on my Tivo. One of which was 24. I had a season pass for 24, but had never really gotten into it. I started watching it last week and became hooked. The season started at 6am. I finished watching the episode of 11pm-12am... and noticed that 4 episodes were missing. You can't just watch 18 episodes and then skip 4....
Anyways, my wireless router is all set up and Jaeger and I watched the first episode of 24. It's a bit different from season 4... we'll see how it goes. After he left, I took a nap, until Nancy called. She came over around 4pm to help me with my Neulasta shot. I thought at first that I was going to be able to do it myself, but when push came to shove, I chickened out and she had to do it for me. Thank goodness for my "medic van"... Heaton - send the bill my way.
My mom showed up around 5:30. We had a lovely dinner (mac & cheese and broccoli) and then went for a short walk around the neighborhood. Other than the fact that my body feels really heavy (my arms & legs feel like bricks), and I am a bit tired, I feel surprisingly well. I don't really feel nauseaus... just don't really feel like eating either... just a little off...
Rosemary (the oncology nurse) called today to check in on me. I told her that I felt pretty well. She said that usually the first 3 days are the worst, so if that's the case, I'm in pretty good shape... days 1 & 2 weren't that bad...
Comments:
1. Kathy left... Just to let you know- thinking of you today & everyday. Hang tough kid! Love ya, your favorite aunt
Wednesday, 10 August 2005 8:47 am
Just to let you know- thinking of you today & everyday. Hang tough kid! Love ya, your favorite aunt 2. Jaeger left... I'm looking forward to hearing the unfolding of the first season of '24.' The first episode was pretty interesting, so you'll need to keep me in the know for the next time I get down for an episode. I hope you're feeling well!! Susie and I are thinking of you...
Wednesday, 10 August 2005 9:16 pm
I'm looking forward to hearing the unfolding of the first season of '24.' The first episode was pretty interesting, so you'll need to keep me in the know for the next time I get down for an episode. I hope you're feeling well!! Susie and I are thinking of you... 3. Aunt Mary & Uncle Charlie left... We have been keeping up to date with your progress and are glad to hear that you are feeling ok. we are thinking of you and praying for you everyday. We hope to see you in PA. We love you!
Wednesday, 10 August 2005 9:46 pm
We have been keeping up to date with your progress and are glad to hear that you are feeling ok. we are thinking of you and praying for you everyday. We hope to see you in PA. We love you! Monday, August 8, 2005
Chemo Day 1
posted Monday, 8 August 2005
It's time... the day is finally here. No turning back now...
Heather and Nancy and I had a fantastic dinner at Prospectors Grille & Saloon (and country night club) last night... but to our dismay, the night club was closed (sorry Jess - I couldn't dance with your man again!). The biscuits, however, were fantastic, as always... and Heaton brought over a delicious peanut butter pie (one of my favorites). Then, Susie came over and stayed overnight with me.
A ginormous thunder storm rolled through the area at 6:40am, shaking me out of bed. I showered, dressed (I've decided that my hair must look good for the next few weeks... even if that means actually using the blow dryer) and had some breakfast, before shuffling off to Virtua (the hospital where I get my treatments). For those of you at ZS, the clinic is *in* the hospital, but is a separate clinic, so I am sure they have their own DDD ID. And I contributed to their sales today!
I first saw the doctor... I let him know that I had been feeling a little under the weather, but he didn't fall for that and said we needed to get started anyways... actually, that's fine with me - rather start and get it done with than delay any longer.
Then it was off to the lab for bloodwork - a #2 & a #12 (basically a complete blood count or CBC and something to check on kidney or liver function - I forget which). I went back to my recliner that I had picked out (in the corner of the "quiet room", which has only 4 chairs, as opposed to the "party room", which has 8 chairs & 2 TVs, usually on different channels). The room filled up quickly -
Before I go...
Heather and Nancy and I had a fantastic dinner at Prospectors Grille & Saloon (and country night club) last night... but to our dismay, the night club was closed (sorry Jess - I couldn't dance with your man again!). The biscuits, however, were fantastic, as always... and Heaton brought over a delicious peanut butter pie (one of my favorites). Then, Susie came over and stayed overnight with me.
A ginormous thunder storm rolled through the area at 6:40am, shaking me out of bed. I showered, dressed (I've decided that my hair must look good for the next few weeks... even if that means actually using the blow dryer) and had some breakfast, before shuffling off to Virtua (the hospital where I get my treatments). For those of you at ZS, the clinic is *in* the hospital, but is a separate clinic, so I am sure they have their own DDD ID. And I contributed to their sales today!
I first saw the doctor... I let him know that I had been feeling a little under the weather, but he didn't fall for that and said we needed to get started anyways... actually, that's fine with me - rather start and get it done with than delay any longer.
Then it was off to the lab for bloodwork - a #2 & a #12 (basically a complete blood count or CBC and something to check on kidney or liver function - I forget which). I went back to my recliner that I had picked out (in the corner of the "quiet room", which has only 4 chairs, as opposed to the "party room", which has 8 chairs & 2 TVs, usually on different channels). The room filled up quickly -
- Bob (with the hat on that read "If I had known that I would live this long, I would have taken better care of my body")
- Mr Potter (who claimed his recliner and then disappeared for 30 minutes, while people were lined up outside, waiting for a seat)
- Sandy (who was a bit grumpy, but warmed up a little bit by the end)
- Me (fantastic me, with Susie by my side)
- The first bag she hung was a small one filled with Aloxi & dexamethasone. Aloxi is a new, long-lasting anti-emetic "Say no to nausea... say yes to control". Dex is a cortico-steroid, which is also used to counter the nausea. This took about 20 minutes to drip into the IV.
- Next came the Adriamycin (or Red Devil, as I heard another woman refer to it). Adria is administered in syringes that are pushed into the IV tube, mixed with sugar water (it would damage the veins at full strength). I had 2 1/2 syringes. It looked like red Kool-Aid. It's red going in and it's red coming out (I peed bright red several times so far!) Again, good thing they gave me a heads-up on that or it could have been quite disturbing. The Adria didn't hurt, but since it had been refrigerated, it was cold, and I could feel my hand & arm get cold.
- Last step... the cytoxan. This was another IV drip. It can cause sinus headaches, and since I am already congested, I had them put it in slower than usual (1.5 hours vs 1 hour).
Before I go...
- I've gotten super-good at blogging and now, the links can be found embedded within the comments above...
- I was hoping to share the website for Prospectors, but they aren't really that high tech out in the country.
- PS- Be sure to click on the Princess Bride link above to figure out which character you are... I am apparently THE CLERGYMAN... "mawidge, the bwessed awwangement, that dweam wiffim a dweam..."
- PS - Heaton is INIGO MONTOYA... "My name is Inigo Montoya... you killed my father... prepare to die"
Comments:
1. Aunt Marye left...
Hey girl, I did try to leave u a message before, I guess I'm one of the unable ones: nerdy but not geeky enough.. Want you to know you're in my thoughts & prayers. You continue to amaze me- but then again, the best of the best is in your heritage! I love you, and thanks for keeping us posted.
Tuesday, 9 August 2005 12:15 am
Hey girl, I did try to leave u a message before, I guess I'm one of the unable ones: nerdy but not geeky enough.. Want you to know you're in my thoughts & prayers. You continue to amaze me- but then again, the best of the best is in your heritage! I love you, and thanks for keeping us posted. 2. susie left...
oh my god--i'm Fezzik (the giant). how scary. what does that mean???
Tuesday, 9 August 2005 11:44 am
oh my god--i'm Fezzik (the giant). how scary. what does that mean??? 3. matt left...
if you see bob again, can you find out where he got his hat?
Tuesday, 9 August 2005 11:59 am
if you see bob again, can you find out where he got his hat? 4. John left...
Naturally, my sister got the lisp, and I got the intelligence. Vizzini is clearly the only possibility for me.
Tuesday, 9 August 2005 12:50 pm
Naturally, my sister got the lisp, and I got the intelligence. Vizzini is clearly the only possibility for me. 5. Sarah left...
I'm the Albino?!? Obviously I've been in England too long... Miss you loads. Wish I could be there with you. I'd bring an IKEA catalogue. -sarah
Tuesday, 9 August 2005 5:29 pm
I'm the Albino?!? Obviously I've been in England too long... Miss you loads. Wish I could be there with you. I'd bring an IKEA catalogue. -sarah 6. ultichick left...
I am Prince Humperdinck. Don't know if that is good or bad as I never saw the movie. My quote as a prince: "That may be the first time in my life a man has dared insult me." You figure it out. (and be sure to get back to me).
Tuesday, 9 August 2005 8:16 pm
I am Prince Humperdinck. Don't know if that is good or bad as I never saw the movie. My quote as a prince: "That may be the first time in my life a man has dared insult me." You figure it out. (and be sure to get back to me). 7. Grammy & Grampy left...
Keep your chin up. We're still praying really hard for you.
Tuesday, 9 August 2005 10:01 pm
Keep your chin up. We're still praying really hard for you. 8. Jaeger left...
I'm also the Clergyman! Dang it, I was really hoping to be Wesley or Inigo Montoya -- life imitates art I suppose...
Off to a monastery for my apparent calling.
Wednesday, 10 August 2005 5:13 pm
I'm also the Clergyman! Dang it, I was really hoping to be Wesley or Inigo Montoya -- life imitates art I suppose... Off to a monastery for my apparent calling.
9. Aunt Mary & Uncle Charlie left...
This is quite the Blog ! Please do keep us posted. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you. Hope to see you in PA.
Wednesday, 10 August 2005 9:16 pm
This is quite the Blog ! Please do keep us posted. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you. Hope to see you in PA. 11. brian left...
you know, i got caught up on whether my best asset was my intellect or my good looks =P
intellect makes me Vizzini, but good looks makes me the Ancient Booer. "Bow to the Queen of Slime, the Queen of Filth, the Queen of Putrescence." i have to admit though, i've said those exact words before.
Friday, 12 August 2005 5:07 pm
you know, i got caught up on whether my best asset was my intellect or my good looks =P intellect makes me Vizzini, but good looks makes me the Ancient Booer. "Bow to the Queen of Slime, the Queen of Filth, the Queen of Putrescence." i have to admit though, i've said those exact words before.
12. J left...
Mellen did my PB test for me and I came out as Vizzini. Yeah, superior intellect ... that's me.
"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."
Thanks for the blog and for keeping us in the loop. We love you and know you'll fight your way through this and be stronger on the other side.
Peas, J & ME or ME & me but definitely not ME & I
13. Carissa left... Thursday, 18 August 2005 9:13 pm
Mellen did my PB test for me and I came out as Vizzini. Yeah, superior intellect ... that's me. "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."
Thanks for the blog and for keeping us in the loop. We love you and know you'll fight your way through this and be stronger on the other side.
Peas, J & ME or ME & me but definitely not ME & I
Monday, 22 August 2005 10:31 am
Buttercup, baby
Sunday, August 7, 2005
NOT THE BEST NEWS... THOUGH I SUPPOSE IT COULD BE WORSE...
posted Sunday, 7 August 2005
I got the pathology results back from my last surgery. Apparently, there are still DCIS (ductal carcinoma in-situ) cells on the anterior margin... in English... there are still early, non-invasive cancer cells along one edge of the tissue that they took out, suggesting that there are likely additional cells still left in the breast.
The good news - the cells are DCIS, which is different from invasive cancer (it hasn't spread outside of the duct).
The not so good news - most likely we'll need more surgery. And there isn't a whole lot more tissue left in that area, so I don't think they'll be able to just go in and take out more tissue. What does that mean? Well, likely a mastectomy will be the only option, unless, the radiation takes care of the remaining DCIS (though I think I would rather lean toward the more aggressive treatment and just have the surgery, so that I won't have to deal with this again 5 years from now). A mastectomy is a bit more involved surgery and typically requires a few days in the hospital.
It's interesting... this latest setback was more frustrating and upsetting to me than the initial diagnosis. I guess I just felt like I could handle this and am doing what was needed, but new roadblocks keep shooting up. Or perhaps I am just moving through stages and actually allowing myself to be upset, which is probably healthy. For a while, I was frustrated, thinking that this 2nd surgery was a waste. But really, this 2nd surgery confirmed the extent to which the DCIS has spread within my breast. While they have tried to conserve what they could (which was my choice from the beginning), we now know that there is more DCIS than we initially thought and that more drastic surgery is needed. If we had settled with the 1st surgery, we wouldn't have known this and we would not have been as aggressive as necessary.
It's been frustrating this past week - my oncologist has been out of town, so my "team" has not been able to get together and review the results from surgery and refine our plan. Dr D (my surgeon) and the oncology NRP both think he will want to stay with the current plan and start the chemo tomorrow, and then do the surgery afterwards. As you know, I hate not having a *plan* so the uncertainty has been frustrating.
I'm in the process of loading my mp3 player with songs for tomorrow. Contents: a little bit of everything (are these artists all allowed to be on the same mp3 player?):
• Bob Marley
• Indigo Girls
• Dixie Chicks
• Joni Mitchell
• Sara Evans
• Beatles
MASTECTOMY: http://www.breastcancer.org/tre_surg_mastectomy.html
I got the pathology results back from my last surgery. Apparently, there are still DCIS (ductal carcinoma in-situ) cells on the anterior margin... in English... there are still early, non-invasive cancer cells along one edge of the tissue that they took out, suggesting that there are likely additional cells still left in the breast.
The good news - the cells are DCIS, which is different from invasive cancer (it hasn't spread outside of the duct).
The not so good news - most likely we'll need more surgery. And there isn't a whole lot more tissue left in that area, so I don't think they'll be able to just go in and take out more tissue. What does that mean? Well, likely a mastectomy will be the only option, unless, the radiation takes care of the remaining DCIS (though I think I would rather lean toward the more aggressive treatment and just have the surgery, so that I won't have to deal with this again 5 years from now). A mastectomy is a bit more involved surgery and typically requires a few days in the hospital.
It's interesting... this latest setback was more frustrating and upsetting to me than the initial diagnosis. I guess I just felt like I could handle this and am doing what was needed, but new roadblocks keep shooting up. Or perhaps I am just moving through stages and actually allowing myself to be upset, which is probably healthy. For a while, I was frustrated, thinking that this 2nd surgery was a waste. But really, this 2nd surgery confirmed the extent to which the DCIS has spread within my breast. While they have tried to conserve what they could (which was my choice from the beginning), we now know that there is more DCIS than we initially thought and that more drastic surgery is needed. If we had settled with the 1st surgery, we wouldn't have known this and we would not have been as aggressive as necessary.
It's been frustrating this past week - my oncologist has been out of town, so my "team" has not been able to get together and review the results from surgery and refine our plan. Dr D (my surgeon) and the oncology NRP both think he will want to stay with the current plan and start the chemo tomorrow, and then do the surgery afterwards. As you know, I hate not having a *plan* so the uncertainty has been frustrating.
I'm in the process of loading my mp3 player with songs for tomorrow. Contents: a little bit of everything (are these artists all allowed to be on the same mp3 player?):
• Bob Marley
• Indigo Girls
• Dixie Chicks
• Joni Mitchell
• Sara Evans
• Beatles
MASTECTOMY: http://www.breastcancer.org/tre_surg_mastectomy.html
Wednesday, August 3, 2005
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