It was a week of nervous jitters as you could imagine. Wednesday couldn't come fast enough. It was test result time. I was expecting the best but preparing for the worst. Well, it was a mixed bag. Liver and Lung lesions have shrunk!!!! They did find a small lesion on my bowel but I suspect it was there and missed on last CAT. My reasoning is that with all the chemo and how the soft tissue (lung and liver) lesions have shrunk I can't see a new one popping up. My lympth nodes also came back clean which is a good sign. However, the bone lesions in my spine and ribs have grown but at a small rate. They also found a spot on my left femur. We forgot to get a scan on my brain so I was at the hospital this morning for a MRI and am hoping it turns out good. Last CAT scan after radiation showed it shrinking so I'm hoping chemo took care of the rest.
Doctor is starting me on 12 more weeks of chemo starting Wednesday but being more aggressive. Still getting Hercepton and a new "improved" Taxol. They are doubling the dosage of the Taxol hoping it will have more effect on the hard tissue lesions - the bones. Thankfully I have tolerated the 16 weeks of chemo with no side effects and am confident this new aggressive approach will be the same. MIND OVER MATTER!!! If you don't think you will be sick you won't!!!
After hearing the news I asked the doctor if I should leave feeling good or not. She said in her opinion we are going the right way and although we wanted to hear good news all around, she feels good about the progress we have made. So if she feels good - I feel good!
Last weekends golf outing was a huge success. We had 115 participants in golf and those who just came for dinner. The weather turned out great since we were worried about the rain in the forecast. I had a great group of volunteers and we couldn't have done it without them. I should have the final numbers this weekend but I'm guessing we raised over $10k benefiting Breast Cancer Network of Strength.
Thanks again for listening to me ramble on. As soon as I hear something I'll let you know. Think positive thoughts with me so I can get through this chemo on Wednesday.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Sorry for not posting earlier but its been a busy week.
I have to admit that starting last weekend I was in somewhat of a depressed mood. After 15 chemo treatments I knew that the testing to see if it was working was coming up and to be honest with you I didn't want to know. As long as I kept going back and forth each week for treatments I could stay within my little world and keep things somewhat normal. The idea of coming back to reality has me a little scared so all week I was on edge. Chemo on Wednesday went as planned and nothing out of the ordinary to report. I did see the doctor and she had me set up for an ECHO (to make sure the chemo hasn't damaged my heart), CAT Scan and Bone Scan all at the end of last week.
I was at the hospital almost all day on Friday mostly waiting (for a bone scan you get injected with a radioactive material and then have to wait 3 hours for it to go through your body). All tests were completed and now its a waiting game until Wednesday. I hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. Not more that I could do - its not in my hands. Once the results are in the doctor will decide to continue current treatments, give me a break or change what they are giving me. I'll keep you posted as I hear anything.
Saturday's Golf Outing to raise money for Breast Cancer Network of Strength kept my mind off things as we had 115 participate in golf and dinner activities. It turned out to be a great day and I think everyone had fun. Our goal was to raise over $10,000 this year and I think we may be close. This was our 7th year and we have already raised over $35,000 through golf, raffles, hole sponsors and silent auctions. We also had many other golfers on the course not with our group giving donations. It seems like everyone knows someone who has been touched by BC. I can't thank our volunteers and participants enough for making this a great day.
So I wait until Wednesday to see how this journey continues. Until then.....thanks for all your love and support.
I have to admit that starting last weekend I was in somewhat of a depressed mood. After 15 chemo treatments I knew that the testing to see if it was working was coming up and to be honest with you I didn't want to know. As long as I kept going back and forth each week for treatments I could stay within my little world and keep things somewhat normal. The idea of coming back to reality has me a little scared so all week I was on edge. Chemo on Wednesday went as planned and nothing out of the ordinary to report. I did see the doctor and she had me set up for an ECHO (to make sure the chemo hasn't damaged my heart), CAT Scan and Bone Scan all at the end of last week.
I was at the hospital almost all day on Friday mostly waiting (for a bone scan you get injected with a radioactive material and then have to wait 3 hours for it to go through your body). All tests were completed and now its a waiting game until Wednesday. I hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. Not more that I could do - its not in my hands. Once the results are in the doctor will decide to continue current treatments, give me a break or change what they are giving me. I'll keep you posted as I hear anything.
Saturday's Golf Outing to raise money for Breast Cancer Network of Strength kept my mind off things as we had 115 participate in golf and dinner activities. It turned out to be a great day and I think everyone had fun. Our goal was to raise over $10,000 this year and I think we may be close. This was our 7th year and we have already raised over $35,000 through golf, raffles, hole sponsors and silent auctions. We also had many other golfers on the course not with our group giving donations. It seems like everyone knows someone who has been touched by BC. I can't thank our volunteers and participants enough for making this a great day.
So I wait until Wednesday to see how this journey continues. Until then.....thanks for all your love and support.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Friday, August 13
Well this week started good but ended sad. Let me explain.
Tuesday went for my weekly blood test. Thank God D was back and ready with the needle. His new nickname is "One Stick D"! As usual the the Lab's came back Wednesday morning very good (Platelets 350 and White at 7). Not bad for 14 weeks of chemo!!!
I was ready for the Wednesday having hydrated myself for 3 days. I was ready to float away from all the water I had consumed. This week I had Angel for a nurse and although she had gotten my IV in one time, after she heard about last week she didn't want to take a chance. So who does she call - Roxanne. Now Roxy is our favorite nurse but after last week I wasn't very confident - but she was. Well, she did a great job. One stick and she was in. Between hydrating and keeping my arm warm my veins didn't go into hiding. We have learned (and it only took 14 weeks) that the chemo room is so cold that even Mark's bulging veins go into hiding. So the first thing I did was grab a blanket and keep the arm warm.
Treatment was uneventful except I have developed restless legs (which I think is being caused by the Benedryl) which makes relaxing difficult. Wednesday was worse then it has been in the past. Need to talk to doc if this is going to continue.
Because you never get in at your appt time and the time it takes to get the IV in (most of the time I think is due to them not wanting to do it and waiting until they know it has to be done) I'm usually one of the last out (around 6:30PM). Well three of us were left in the room - but only two of us walked out. Yep, one of the patients went into cardiac arrest during chemo, coded and died right there. The nurses pulled the drape around us but that doesn't make it sound proof as we got a step by step of the action. As you could imagine the staff was a little freaked out. I don't think this is a regular occurrence (at least I hope not). I did talk to my girlfriend Vicki who is a doc on staff the next day and found out she was actuality there at the code.
I have an appointment next week after chemo with my doc. I'm guessing she will send me for a CAT scan to see if this stuff is working. I'll let you all know as I will need super duper energy and positive thinking so that I get some good results.
Our 7th Annual golf outing is next week and I think it will be one of our biggest and most profitable to date. A lot of sponsor checks pouring in thanks to all by friends, family and business associates. It's going to be a long day but I have many volunteers this year who are helping.
So it was a great week for me - not so good for Walt, may he rest in peace. Until next week thanks for all your love and support.
Tuesday went for my weekly blood test. Thank God D was back and ready with the needle. His new nickname is "One Stick D"! As usual the the Lab's came back Wednesday morning very good (Platelets 350 and White at 7). Not bad for 14 weeks of chemo!!!
I was ready for the Wednesday having hydrated myself for 3 days. I was ready to float away from all the water I had consumed. This week I had Angel for a nurse and although she had gotten my IV in one time, after she heard about last week she didn't want to take a chance. So who does she call - Roxanne. Now Roxy is our favorite nurse but after last week I wasn't very confident - but she was. Well, she did a great job. One stick and she was in. Between hydrating and keeping my arm warm my veins didn't go into hiding. We have learned (and it only took 14 weeks) that the chemo room is so cold that even Mark's bulging veins go into hiding. So the first thing I did was grab a blanket and keep the arm warm.
Treatment was uneventful except I have developed restless legs (which I think is being caused by the Benedryl) which makes relaxing difficult. Wednesday was worse then it has been in the past. Need to talk to doc if this is going to continue.
Because you never get in at your appt time and the time it takes to get the IV in (most of the time I think is due to them not wanting to do it and waiting until they know it has to be done) I'm usually one of the last out (around 6:30PM). Well three of us were left in the room - but only two of us walked out. Yep, one of the patients went into cardiac arrest during chemo, coded and died right there. The nurses pulled the drape around us but that doesn't make it sound proof as we got a step by step of the action. As you could imagine the staff was a little freaked out. I don't think this is a regular occurrence (at least I hope not). I did talk to my girlfriend Vicki who is a doc on staff the next day and found out she was actuality there at the code.
I have an appointment next week after chemo with my doc. I'm guessing she will send me for a CAT scan to see if this stuff is working. I'll let you all know as I will need super duper energy and positive thinking so that I get some good results.
Our 7th Annual golf outing is next week and I think it will be one of our biggest and most profitable to date. A lot of sponsor checks pouring in thanks to all by friends, family and business associates. It's going to be a long day but I have many volunteers this year who are helping.
So it was a great week for me - not so good for Walt, may he rest in peace. Until next week thanks for all your love and support.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Friday, August 6
Well this was not a stellar week when it came to needles. Tuesday morning I show up for my weekly blood test to find that my super blood sucker D was called for jury duty! Nurse Aurora (yes - like the princess) to the rescue!! Didn't hurt but did take 2 sticks to get the job done!
On to Wednesday and chemo. Before I forget the hot dog routine does continue with our informal picnic before we go up to Infusion. Anyway, we got Roxanne (our favorite nurse) again this week. Since last week she did such a good job of getting the IV in I wasn't feeling panicked at all. Unfortunately after 2 tries she had to call in reinforcements! Stage left Nurse N arrived to safe the day - NOT! At one time I had two IV needle in me because she was afraid I'd bleed out if she removed them. The third time she fianlly was able to get it in (so we thought). So banaged up and ready to start. Roxanne comes back and starts the Benydril IV. So as I'm waiting to go into LaLa Land I feel something wet on my arm. Yep - my IV was leaking. So Roxanne runs to the rescue and carefully unwraps everyting and repostions the needle without having to take it out. I have to tell you this is the first time I had tears in my eyes and ready to loose it. NOT because it hurt because between you and me it wsan't bad. It was the fear of them sending me home and not being able to give me the treatment. It's also the first time I saw Mark really looking like he was going to loose it although I must say he sat right there letting me squeeze the hell out of this hand. Now, I have to also say that I do not blame the nurses as I know both are very good at their jobs. It's just my veins and all the abuse from chemo (it does eat up your veins because its so caustic) between 7 years ago when I went through this and now. I have been asked why I just won't get a port. Here's the facts. I have had two very close people in my life who had one put in and die shortly afterward. It's a mental thing.
So you think the story ends here. If you know me you know nothing is ever that simple. So we are done with chemo (very late since my appt was 3PM and they didn't even get the IV in until 4:30PM) and waiting for the valet to bring the car when I feel something wet on my arm. I look down and the bandage is soaked with blood and now dripping down my arm. Well, there was NO WAY I was going back into the hospital. So I covered it so Mark didn't see and once we got in the car I grabbed the towel I keep in there and wrapped it around my arm and applied pressure. I figured there were a lot of hospitals between there and home in case something major happened. Luckily this did the trick and I didn't bleed out!!!
On a brighter note - Thursday was a fantastic day!!! Had dinner with my cousin Carol and it was a wonderful evening. Feeling good today and hope it lasts.
Keep your fingers crossed next week will be less exciting and more routine. Until then.....
On to Wednesday and chemo. Before I forget the hot dog routine does continue with our informal picnic before we go up to Infusion. Anyway, we got Roxanne (our favorite nurse) again this week. Since last week she did such a good job of getting the IV in I wasn't feeling panicked at all. Unfortunately after 2 tries she had to call in reinforcements! Stage left Nurse N arrived to safe the day - NOT! At one time I had two IV needle in me because she was afraid I'd bleed out if she removed them. The third time she fianlly was able to get it in (so we thought). So banaged up and ready to start. Roxanne comes back and starts the Benydril IV. So as I'm waiting to go into LaLa Land I feel something wet on my arm. Yep - my IV was leaking. So Roxanne runs to the rescue and carefully unwraps everyting and repostions the needle without having to take it out. I have to tell you this is the first time I had tears in my eyes and ready to loose it. NOT because it hurt because between you and me it wsan't bad. It was the fear of them sending me home and not being able to give me the treatment. It's also the first time I saw Mark really looking like he was going to loose it although I must say he sat right there letting me squeeze the hell out of this hand. Now, I have to also say that I do not blame the nurses as I know both are very good at their jobs. It's just my veins and all the abuse from chemo (it does eat up your veins because its so caustic) between 7 years ago when I went through this and now. I have been asked why I just won't get a port. Here's the facts. I have had two very close people in my life who had one put in and die shortly afterward. It's a mental thing.
So you think the story ends here. If you know me you know nothing is ever that simple. So we are done with chemo (very late since my appt was 3PM and they didn't even get the IV in until 4:30PM) and waiting for the valet to bring the car when I feel something wet on my arm. I look down and the bandage is soaked with blood and now dripping down my arm. Well, there was NO WAY I was going back into the hospital. So I covered it so Mark didn't see and once we got in the car I grabbed the towel I keep in there and wrapped it around my arm and applied pressure. I figured there were a lot of hospitals between there and home in case something major happened. Luckily this did the trick and I didn't bleed out!!!
On a brighter note - Thursday was a fantastic day!!! Had dinner with my cousin Carol and it was a wonderful evening. Feeling good today and hope it lasts.
Keep your fingers crossed next week will be less exciting and more routine. Until then.....
Monday, August 2, 2010
Monday, August 2
Why are Monday's so bad???? You would think with resting over the weekend by Monday I'd be full of energy but it's probably the worst day of the week.
Last weeks chemo went as planned - nothing really exciting to report. It's just a waiting game right now until they take a CAT scan to see if this stuff is working. Not quite sure when they will schedule it for but hopefully I'll know this week. So far my chemo schedule runs through the end of the month.
I've been putting a lot of energy into this years golf outing which is Aug 21. We already have 90 golfers and 14 just coming for dinner. Usually we get a big push at the last two weeks so I'm expecting that we will have a large crowd this year. I've already gotten over $3000 in hole sponsors, 20 silent auction items and many raffle prizes donated. All our volunteers are in place (thanks) and have their assignments. I of course am not playing this year (but I hadn't planned on it after last years and how big it has gotten) so I'll have time to visit. I just need to pace myself since I'm usually exhausted by the end of the day at the past events.
The last and hardest part before the outing is going to my dad's and having to let him know what has been going over the last 4 months. I've kept it from him since he has so much going on and didn't want to worry him. However, his showing up and seeing me wouldn't work so I need to find time to get over to him. Not going to be fun on my end.
Last week I shared with you that I was angry. This week I'm just MAD! Not not crazy mad (although I'm sure the juries out on that one), just mad when I see people in cars or walking down the street smoking (sorry to my smoking friends). It just drive me nuts to see. Here I am fighting for my life (and have never smoked) while they just tempt fate. I just wish they could spend one afternoon in Infusion Therapy (fancy words for chemo center) and see everyone sitting there hooked up to toxic chemicals fighting to stay alive. Maybe that should be the next treatment for those wanting to quit smoking. Just one chemo treatment should do it! Sorry for getting on the soap box but just think about it!
Until next week.......
Last weeks chemo went as planned - nothing really exciting to report. It's just a waiting game right now until they take a CAT scan to see if this stuff is working. Not quite sure when they will schedule it for but hopefully I'll know this week. So far my chemo schedule runs through the end of the month.
I've been putting a lot of energy into this years golf outing which is Aug 21. We already have 90 golfers and 14 just coming for dinner. Usually we get a big push at the last two weeks so I'm expecting that we will have a large crowd this year. I've already gotten over $3000 in hole sponsors, 20 silent auction items and many raffle prizes donated. All our volunteers are in place (thanks) and have their assignments. I of course am not playing this year (but I hadn't planned on it after last years and how big it has gotten) so I'll have time to visit. I just need to pace myself since I'm usually exhausted by the end of the day at the past events.
The last and hardest part before the outing is going to my dad's and having to let him know what has been going over the last 4 months. I've kept it from him since he has so much going on and didn't want to worry him. However, his showing up and seeing me wouldn't work so I need to find time to get over to him. Not going to be fun on my end.
Last week I shared with you that I was angry. This week I'm just MAD! Not not crazy mad (although I'm sure the juries out on that one), just mad when I see people in cars or walking down the street smoking (sorry to my smoking friends). It just drive me nuts to see. Here I am fighting for my life (and have never smoked) while they just tempt fate. I just wish they could spend one afternoon in Infusion Therapy (fancy words for chemo center) and see everyone sitting there hooked up to toxic chemicals fighting to stay alive. Maybe that should be the next treatment for those wanting to quit smoking. Just one chemo treatment should do it! Sorry for getting on the soap box but just think about it!
Until next week.......
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