Sunday, September 25, 2011

Today was much better!

I'd like to take back everything written on previous post . . . today was much better. John came home and we worked together in the yard. I was able to do a lot of things I'd been wanting to do. And when my energy gave out, he was there to finish for me!

Beautiful day! And I'm so thankful I felt great!!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Cancer stinks!

Today was gorgeous! Unfortunately, I felt bad and couldn’t enjoy it the way I wanted.

If I didn't have cancer, here's what I would like to have done . . .

1. Worked in the yard, cleaning and making it look pretty
2. Transplanted and re-designed my flower beds
3. Cleaned out the garage so I could park in it once again
4. Taken Penny to the dog park
5. Gone on a bike ride with the girls
6. Gone on a hike to Sawnee Mtn.
7. Practiced Caroline's dance routine with her
8. Practiced karate with RR
9. Went grocery shopping
10. Vacuumed the living room
11. Fixed the curtain rod that has been hanging crooked for months
12. Had a bonfire and roasted smores

I did make it outside to sit on my deck and enjoy the warm sun and crisp breeze. I love fall.

I really don't mean to be a downer and focus on the negatives. Because I am thankful for the blessings I have. I just miss some of the things I used to be able to do without even thinking about them. I pray and hope that very soon, I will be rid of this cancer and able to do all these things again.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Radiation

Today I had my first radiation treatment. I'm having these done to my entire pelvis to zap the spots in my hip bones. Apparently, there are 3 spots leftover and 2 new ones. I'll go every day for 10 days. Of course there is the possibility of damage and side effects, bladder and bowel issues, so we'll see how it goes. I've had good results from radiation in the past, so I'm expecting good things!

My endoscopy showed no cancer in my gastro system, which is wonderful! But I still have inflammation and gastritis, baby ulcers, he called it. He explained to me that the chemo could be causing all the upset. Since chemo works on rapidly growing cells in the body (cancer, hair, nails, etc.), it affects the stomach because - I didn't know this - the stomach lining is constantly renewing itself. So it's made up of rapidly growing cells. I'll probably have tummy problems until I get off chemo. And who knows when that will be!!! Ugh!!!!

I had blood drawn today, incuding a CA125. Maybe tomorrow I'll find out the results. In the meantime, I'm just keeping on keeping on. Life is hectic around here, so there's always plenty to keep my mind of myself. And that's a good thing!

Monday, September 12, 2011

Chemo #6 begun

Today I had my first infusion of Doxil. This will be my 6th chemo drug that I've been on. It's given once every 28 days for a total of 6 treatments. I have to go to the Lawrenceville office because the Northside location is all out of the drug. I've been to the L'ville infusion suite before, back in 2007 when I was on Chemo #1. It's just one big room with chairs all facing each other in a circle and within arms' reach of each other. Cozy. They do have a TV now, so that's an improvement. But it's not the same as my VIP room at Northside, no privacy and no personal perks like a remote control! If Northside does get the drug in, I can start going back there. But I figure once every 28 days is doable. The nurses at L'ville are super nice and friendly and I'm able to see Dr. S while I'm there for my monthly appts. I shouldn't complain.

The Doxil went fine today. It's a bright orange liquid (looks like Kool-Aid) and it takes 2 hours to infuse. Plus the pre-meds, we were there a total of 4 hours. John stayed with me this first time, in case I had a reaction to it. But it all went fine.

I've just been super tired lately. Falling asleep while standing up practically. Yesterday was my mom's 70th birthday and we all went over for dinner. I fell asleep on her couch for about 2 hours! "Happy Birth . . . zzzzzz!"

I did get the biopsy results on my stomach taken during the endoscopy - everything was benign! So I don't have cancer in my stomach for certain!!! The results just show gastritis which is a common result of chemo. And heavens knows, I've had enough of the stuff to eat through my stomach, intestines, and all!!! Seriously, though, I have heard of this happening, eek! Let's hope this Doxil is the magic bullet that rids me of all cancer entirely! Bang!!!

A friend on Facebook sent me this song and I've made it my new theme song. I just love it! And I hope you do, too!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvIEJ_PmqJ8

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Endoscopy today

The gastro dr did an endoscopy this morning to see if there was anything going on in my stomach to explain the extreme pain. It just showed inflammation, nothing major stood out. He did take some biopsies and I go back in a week for those results. But I already had the PET scan and it didn't show anything suspicious in my abdomen. So, I'm thinking there's nothing there, just gastritis. When I got home, I had some yogurt and it settled fine. Then later, I had some strawberries and the pain was horrible!! It lasted most of the afternoon, even after taking Pepcids, Nexiums, and half a bottle of Maalox! It could be my stomach is just irritated from all the chemo. Maybe changing the drugs will help. For now, it looks like small, bland meals for me!

I also had an echocardiogram after the endoscopy to get a baseline score before starting the Doxil. In some cases, the drug can cause heart problems. All was good and I will start the Doxil on Monday. Since there has been a shortage of this drug, I will have to go to Dr. Salmieri's office in Lawrenceville for the infusion. The Northside office is out at the moment. This means no more luxury suite anymore. I'll be back in the one giant room with too close chairs in a circle and no TV. Once the Northside location gets the Doxil in, I can go back there. But since the treatment this time is only once every 28 days, it's not that big a deal. It's going to be so much nicer not to have to be in that chair every week like I have been for the past 7 months!!!

I also plan to see Dr. Levitt for a radiation consult. We're going to see if the spot in my pelvic bone can get radiation. More on that later.

In other news, we have a new addition to our family . . . Lily, the kitten. She is wonderful and we are loving having her. I have really missed having a cat since Chloe passed away last summer. Lily is the best medicine!

I hope everyone had a great Labor Day and is enjoying this cooler weather. Thanks for reading!!

Saturday, September 3, 2011

The beautiful quilt


I want to thank the wonderful lady who sent me the quilt. She did not sign her name, instead she just wrote a note saying that God had moved her to give it to me. So, in essence, it is from Jesus! It's an amazing quilt and so beautiful. Embroidered on various patches are inspirational scriptures. I love to cuddle up with blankets and this one inspires me as well as gives me comfort. I don't know who you are, but you are an angel. I hope you know how much I love the quilt, and how much I appreciate you! God bless you!