Thursday, December 22, 2011

Hi ~ Just wanted to give you a quick update after meeting with the doctor yesterday. We reviewed the PET and CT scans for the year and she feels we have made positive progress. Even though I did have a minor set back in the summer, the scans either showed stable or slight improvement throughout the year. I walked out feeling a little more at ease which has given me new energy to fight! Next CT Scan is set for January 24 to see if this new chemo regiment is doing its thing!

A great Christmas present! Thanks to all of you for hanging in there with me and for all your support. Together we can move mountains!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and let's all keep on Dancin"!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Merry Christmas!!! Notice I didn't say "Happy Holidays"??? We have gotten so politically correct that the holidays we have grown up with are being diluted for the sake of not offending anyone. True, the USA is made up of all different nationalities and religions but I reserve the right to be able to wish anyone a Merry Christmas without being crucified just as my Jewish friends can wish me a Happy Hanukkah, my Muslim friends can wish me a Happy Ramadan and my African American friends can wish me a Happy Kwanzaa. At the end we are all wishing each other the best for the holidays.

Things are progressing well medically wise. I'm into my 3rd week of the new chemo pills with little side effects. I also am feeling a little more energy. Potassium and calcium are still teetering back and forth so hopefully today's blood test will show progress. Also need to carefully monitor my liver enzymes as this chemo is hard my the liver. My only issue with this new regiment is I'm am not able to drink grapefruit juice (I love grapefruit juice and usually drink a gallon a week) as it intensifies the drug effects in your blood stream (which results in worse side effects). I just read an interesting paper written by two physicians at the U of C Medical Center on the very subject. In a nut shell the drug company that developed this chemo and wrote the protocol for trial testing states you have to wait one hour before or after eating when taking the pills as well as no grapefruit juice. I take five 250mg pills or 1250mg at a time. If I would be able to take them with grapefruit juice or a high fat meal I would probably be able to only take between 250mg and 500mg and have the same coverage with less side effects (i.e. diarrhea, etc). But since the drug cost $5,000/month for 150 pills reducing it to 30 - 60 pills would greatly decrease their PROFITS!!! So unless they run another trial with a different protocol (which you know they won't) we pay the price.

I wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope you all have magical holidays whatever you do.

Until next time keep those feet moving and KEEP DANCIN'!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Hope this finds all of you not too stressed and enjoying the holiday season. I must confess this is my favorite time of year. Those who know me best know I LOVE giving gifts. Through the years I've tried to come up with special gifts meant for the person it is given to instead of just buying anything. Lately it has been hard since I'm not as mobile as I use to be but I have a few things I've picked out that have meaning.

Started the new chemo last week and hope this does the trick. Of course it wasn't without drama. I had the usual IV chemo last week and am also on two different pills. One is a chemo pill and the other a hormone pill. I had asked for a prescription of the chemo pill that I could have filled at Walgreens and another I could mail. I called Walgreens and they did not have this drug in stock but were able to order it and get it in the next day. So the next day I get a call from the pharmacist who advised me my co-pay would be $1,000!!! For 2 weeks of pills the retail is $5,000!!!! I politely told him I would call my insurance and get it straightened out. Instead I called the pharmacy warehouse (Trissent) where I received the last chemo drugs (2 weeks of those were $3,300). If anyone has to work with this pharmacy they are FANTASTIC! I have dealt with them several times in the past have not once got anyone who wasn't friendly and very helpful. They told me to take my precription to Walgreens and have the pharmacist fax it to them. Trissent is owned by Walgreens. HMMMM......so if I get it from a Walgreens retail store it's $1,000 and if I use the mail order service it's $50. Makes a lot of sense to me???? Anyway, Trissent rushed it through and called me 7:00 that night to let me know they received the OK from my insurance company and would set it up for FedEx next day so I could start immediately. So I am now in my 4th day of the new pills. This is a new chemo pill still in the trial stage that only targets the bad cells. Current chemo's cannot determine between good and bad cells and just attacks them all. This is why you can get hair loss, skin cracking and peeling, nails falling off, etc. It still has a few side effects but not suppose to be as severe as the last chemo I was taking. Let's all hope for the best. I go back next week for a follow up and chemo. We need to watch my liver functions since it can be hard on the liver.

Try not to get to wound up with all the activity Christmas brings. Take time to sit back, relax and enjoy the season. My favorite thing to do is to sit with a hot chocolate (use to be wine!), turn off all the lights except for the Christmas tree and enjoy the lights on the tree.

Until next time put on those fancy Christmas shoes and "Keep on Dancin"!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Time to take things a bit more seriously! It's Thanksgiving week and this is the time of the year when we should all reflect and give thought of the things we are most thankful for. No, I'm not talking about being thankful for a great vacation or a new car. These are "things"! I'm talking about being grateful for events in our lives that have happened over the year that we cannot put a price on. So I've come up with what I am most grateful over the last 12 months.

1. Mark, my husband who is my rock. He is always there by my side during tests and chemo even if it means getting up at 5am to get to the hospital for a CAT or PET scan. He holds my hand when the IV's are being put in or I'm given an injection. He has picked up what I can't do anymore due to fatigue such as laundry, dishes, etc. He has NEVER once in the 1.5 years complained about doing these extra chores.

2. My family who is always there to give me support when I need it most. Whether it's a phone call, card or visit they are always there when I need them.

3. My friends who have stuck with me all this time. Your emails, thoughts and prayers lift my spirit. I have a memory box filled with your cards that I go through when feeling down. How can I not keep going with all your well wishes.

4. My "work family" at Designcraft. You guys are the best and I love you all. You keep me focused and don't let me dwell on my minor aches and pains. You're always there to keep me going and when things are bad and I have trouble walking, opening packages, etc you guys are always there to help me. I couldn't do it without you!

5. The doctors, nurses and staff at U of C Medical Center. I know I have given you a lot of grief over the past 1.5 years but you always come back with a smile and comforting words. I don't know how you do it putting up with all of chemo patients but you all are special and have a gift of caring. You all are the best and I appreciate all you do.

6. The people I come across in my day to day life. In stores, restaurants, at the gas station, etc. Even when I looked terrible being bald, bloated from steroids, etc you were kind and looked past the outside and saw what was inside my heart.

7. Life in general. I take each day as its last and try to make the most of it. I try to not take anything for granted. What a gift it is to wake up each morning. Life is precious and we should all live our lives to its fullest.

8. I'm thankful to all of you who read my blog. This is one way I have to relieve a lot of stress of side effects, chemo days, tests, etc. I appreciate you reading my words. I hope some day what I have related about this experience will help some one in some small way.

9. Ok - I have to be a little less serious for a moment and say I'm thankful for Thanksgiving dinner! I missed lasts years dinner due to being in the hospital and not being able to eat. Anyone who knows me knows I love turkey, dressing and everything that goes with it. So this year I'm thankful I'll be able to enjoy dinner with family and friends.

So I challenge you all to reflect this week and come up with things you are most thankful for.

Until next time - Keep Dancin'!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Well the news wasn't bad but not what I wanted to hear. After going through 7 month of the chemo pills and all the side effects the CAT scan showed stable. No growth but no shrinking of the tumors. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy the tumors haven't increased in size or quantity I just was hoping for better results considering all I've read about the drug. So starting November 23 I will be taking a new trial drug that is suppose to make the chemo adhere to the cancer cells instead of roaming around and taking the healthy cells with the cancer cells. I realize that if I wasn't on the chemo pills it could have been the opposite so I'm not upset.

It's a good thing too because I have been obsessing with the whole thing the last week and came up with the following:

Why I Can't Die!

1. I have too many family and friends that I would miss dearly and hopefully would miss me.
2. I have too much work to do yet and don't want to disappoint anyone
3 My babies (cats) would miss me terribly.
4. I love life too much.
5. The pale look just doesn't suit me.
6. I haven't found the right pajama's to be buried in.
7. I haven't reached my goal weight yet!
8. The hospital staff would miss my witt and humor espcially when they are putting in an IV
9. I still have some great books I need to read.

and ........

10. Seriously, I believe this happening to me for a reason and there is still something I need to do and accomplish that will help others. Not sure what it is but I'm sure it will come to me.

Until I have news - Keep Dancing my friends!

Tuesday, Novemeber 1, 2011

I hope you all had a great Halloween and didn't consume too much candy!

Not a stellar weekend! Saturday was a funeral for Grandma Pat who was a wonder lady. Although she was 83 years she had so much life and energy which faded in the last few months. She will be missed by all who knew her.

I woke up Sunday morning and my feet burned so bad I could hardly walk. Spent the day in the recliner with Mark putting cold clothes on my feet. Felt better Monday except a cyst I've had on my tailbone for about a year opened up and is infected so I started an anti-biotic today. Of course as soon as I took the first pill my hands rashed up and I have a blister forming. Not sure if it's from the chemo (since it happens often) or the new meds. Struggling today with my feet bothering me and just very tired. The good news in all this is that I did wake up this morning so I shouldn't be complaining!

Getting ready for the CT scan next week. As soon as I get the results I'll let you know.

Keep warm and keep Dancing!!!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

I'm sooooo tired. In fact I'm tired of saying how tired I am! But I keep on going just like a timex watch. I take a lickin and keep on tickin!

Chemo was yesterday (unfortunately it was Mark's birthday and he got to spend it in the hospital with me. At least we were together!). Didn't get to see the doctor as planned but did see the nurse practitioner (Danda) who I really like. She wasn't too concerned with my hands and feet so I continue on 8 chemo pills a day. She must see a lot worse than I have. I attribute keeping it in bay due to constant applying of cream to my hands and feet. Stock tip - buy stock in the company that makes Gold Bond Ultimate. I go through a tube a week at $9.oo a pop. But it works great! I am all set to have another CAT scan on November 8 to see how the chemo is working. I'll have the results November 9 so stay tuned.

Funny story - after 1 1/2 years of this I am immune to needles as long as I don't look at them. So yesterday the nurse was preparing my chemo shot that I get along with the IV (I don't know why they just can't but in the IV but that's a good question to ask). Anyway for some reason I glanced over at the nurse and she was filling the syringe with the biggest needle I've seen. Not only long but thick. Well I almost took a header right on the floor when I saw it. I asked if that was the needle she was planning on using to stick in my arm and she laughed. She uses a larger needle to fill the syringe so she doesn't dull the needle she is putting in my arm. WOOO! I almost was half way out the door when I saw the size of the needle.

Not much happening. Every day is a challenge but I know I can do it with all your support.

I hope you are all well and getting ready for the holidays.

Keep on Dancing!

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Things have been going as normal. Hasn't been much to report. My hands and feet continue to peel and crack. My toe nails are falling off and I noticed my finger nails are starting. But it will all be worth it if this chemo is working. I have a doctors appointment next week before chemo and we will evaluate and decide the next CAT scan. In a way I want to find out but in another way it's a scary and anxious time waiting for results.

Just returned from West Palm Beach for a few days to recharge the batteries. It was nice to finally be able to get away Had a few days that walking was a struggle due to the burning but I managed to work may way through it. If I've learned one things it's that it is OK to slow down. I don't always have to feel like I need to be the first in line or the first to the finish line. Met my cousins Carol and Ken for a nice lunch and afternoon. Just relaxed and talk. THIS is what it's about - enjoying time with family and friends and not worrying about the small stuff. Life is good!

I share some words of wisdom sent to me:

laugh when you can, apologize when you should
and let go of what you can't change!
Life is too short to be anything but happy
Enjoy life ....... It has an expiration date.

Remember - when one door closes another one opens

I hope you choose to DANCE!

JUST DANCE!

Until next time - I hope you all are happy and healthy!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

I'm Mad and Upset!

Why????

I was talking to a friend the other day and she shared with me that a friend of hers tried to commit suicide. She was upset because "her life was falling apart". Didn't like her job, broke up with her boyfriend, etc. Here is a healthy person with her life ahead of her ready to throw it all in. What is she thinking? What I'd like to do is to bring her (or anyone thinking of throwing the towel in ) to the chemo treatment room for one afternoon to see all the men and women fighting for their lives. These are people of all walks of life both old and young there for the purpose of extending the time they have left. These are courageous men and women willing to have chemicals flow through their bodies knowing that they will have side effects. But they are willing to go through vomiting, loss of appetite, loss of hair, hand and feet numbness, etc. It's so sad and frustrating to here of healthy people willing to end it all because they don't like the way things are going. How sad.

PLEASE, if you know anyone who is thinking of taking their life - share this info with them. I know I'd be willing to trade places with them for a clean bill of health!

Keep on dancing my friends.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Enough said! Have a great day and keep dancing (but with good looking guys)!

Friday, September 9, 2011

It's been a long stressful week as you can imagine. It's hard not to show how stressed you can be during test week.

CAT scan was Tuesday morning and went well. IV went in first time. They need to use a larger needle then my veins are use to because they need to shoot in the contrast quickly and the thinner needles wouldn't handle the pressure. I was actually out before my appointment. It's worth getting the at 7:00AM an be the first appointment.

Wednesday was a stress day waiting for the results. My doc appointment was 2:00 and we were there at 1:45. Due to a few emergencies we didn't see the Doctor until 3:45 (45 minutes past my chemo appt). The news is good, at least to me. Scan showed slight improvement in all areas. Doctor thought it should have better but I'm taking this as good news. Because my hands and feet are peeling, cracking and burning she wanted to reduce the dosage of the chemo. I persuaded her to keep it the same since we have some progress being made and I don't want to change anything up. She agreed as long as I call her if it gets worse. Of course her comment to me was that I never complain and she didn't trust me to call her so she told Mark to call if it got worse. LOL - like I tell him the whole truth when it comes to side effects. Chemo went well although because we were late we didn't get out until after 6PM. A long day.

All and all I'm doing well. Just very tired in the evening. It's hard not to be able to do what I did in the past. Am I the same person who use to run 30 miles and week??? But I'm accepting it and doing as much as I can. I just hate being a drain on anyone and its not my nature to ask for help. I use to be the one helping everyone else. I hope on day to get back it being that person.

Until anything comes up I leave you with two words - JUST DANCE!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

As you all have read we had our 8th annual golf outing supporting Y-ME. Every year I get up and give a short talk about who Y-Me is and how the money is used. Since we have a good following and 85% of the people who attend have been with us for several if not all 8 years I decided the message was getting a little stale. So as usual I was driving and thinking about what to say. So thinking about the Y-ME message that "no one faces breast cancer alone" I realized that they not only help the patient but everyone around them. So here's my message to you which (God forbid) you are ever in this situation or anything like it, I hope you remember these words or can pass them on to someone you know who may learn from them.

IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT ME!!!!!

What I've come to learn (through experience) is that yes, I am the one who has this terrible disease and going through treatments, rashes, diarrhea, aches, exhaustion, etc but everyone around me is also affected. I have some control over what happens as far as treatments, eating right, resting enough, etc. but you as friends and family are sitting on the outside looking in helpless. This not only affects me but my family, friends, co-workers and caregivers. You are the ones who do not know what to do. You are affected emotionally which is why Y-ME is out there not only to help the patient but anyone who surrounds them with information and support.

WHAT I LEARNED IS THIS IS NOT AN "ME" DISEASE BUT A "WE DISEASE".

Until I come up with more profound words - Remember - JUST DANCE !!!!!

Friday, August 26, 2011

What a great turnout for our 8th annual golf outing to raise money for Y-ME. The weather did not start out that good but it turned out to be a beautiful day. Thanks for all who participated and hung in there with us. Thanks goes out to our great volunteers - Carol Lucht (thanks for keeping me sane) , Wendy Shahriakian (you rock), Roxanne Klingenmeyer, Jamie (matthews girlfriend), Kathy Huro, Courtney Huro, Megan Huro, Kevin Michelini and Cindy Michelini. We couldn't have done this without your help. Thanks to all our sponsors and supporters especially Jewel/Supervalu and Designcraft. Your support every year keeps us going.

It was great to see all our old friends as well as make new ones this year. We were especially excited to have 14 alumni there from our (Glen, Mark and mine) grammar school (St Robert Bellermine). Thanks for showing up and giving us your support. Even those who could not make it from SRB sent us donations.

Not sure what we were able to raise until all the bills come in from St Andrews Golf Club. I'll make sure I let you know as soon as I get the numbers together.

Otherwise things are progressing as usual. My hands and feet are peeling like crazy despite all the lotion and salve we are applying. My nails are so soft I have to keep them very short otherwise they just rip off. Looks like I'm losing most of my toe nails too. Some days are good and others I'm so tired I could hardly make it through the day. I'm like the Energizer Bunny and keep on going. Or for all us oldies I'm like a Timex watch - I take a lickin and keep on tickin! Potassium issues being low but we are dealing with it and hopefully next blood test will show good results.

Next CAT scan to see how the chemo is working is Sept 6. Let's keep everything crossed that it will show tumors shrinking or at the least no change.

Until then my friends I wish you all good health and happiness. Remember - Just Dance!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Things are progressing normally. I seem to have a 3 week cycle of how I feel. First week after chemo is good. I seem to have a good appetite and energy. Second week I tend to get more fatigued and appetite is so-so. Also my stomach starts to bother me and everything I eat goes right through me (if you catch the drift). Third week is when everything seems to fall apart. Can't eat, always tired, stomach issues, etc. At least I know the drill and can try to plan around it. It helps to keep busy.

I'm staying positive and although I know there is no cure (yet) I'm hoping all these drugs will keep me going until there is one. Got to stay positive - I truly believe 50% of this is mental. Once you give up your body has no reason to fight and that's when things start happening. I'm sure (positive) that I will have issues down the road and reasons to want to give up but as my family and friends its your job to keep me going. As you know I am very stubborn and I REFUSE TO DIE!!! ( BTY - that was my New Years Resolution).

Looking forward to our 8th Annual Golf Outing to benefit Y-ME Breast Cancer Org. Looks like a record year with 101 golfers and 12 attending for dinner (to date). Last year we raised a record $10,600 and a total of over $50,000 over the course of 7 years. It's a labor of love and we work hard to make sure everyone has a great time. We have attendees who have made all 7 events as well as newbies. Friends from the past (grammar school if you can imagine), co-workers, friends and family all coming together for a great cause. Hope to see you there.

Until I have more to report - remember - JUST DANCE!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Saw the doctor yesterday before chemo. Found several new small lesions in lung area and a new lesion in the right breast. However, the liver had no change which is what we are more concerned about so I'm taking this as good news. I continue on the IV hercepton, injection Abreva and Xeloda pills for the next 6 weeks and then another scan. Hopefully it will show better progress.

Until then I continue my usual schedule and get on with my life. I'll keep you updated as I get more info.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Hi ~ Today started out early as I was at the hospital at 6:15AM for my CT scan on my liver. I have had this tech before and he is very good with a great demeanor. Everything went well as far as the IV. I decided that after 8 years of not having IV's in my right arm that enough is enough. I made an executive decision that chemo is in the left arm and tests in the right arm. It's my arm and I'll do what I want to (do what I want to - do what I want to). Sorry got carried away there. After the test was complete I had a sense of peace if that makes any sense. Almost like I could feel all the positive energy coming from my family and friends. Let's hope it a good omen.

Test results tomorrow afternoon before chemo. Depending on the results they may change the drugs I'm getting.

Until I hear more - keep those positive energy vibes coming my way!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Hope everyone is surviving the heat. I for one like it. Just remember February 1st (the snow storm - not my birthday). Compared to that this is heaven.

Feeling better today. The weekend was a bust. Spent most of it sleeping. Yesterday wasn't any better but managed to get through the work day. Thank God I have wonderful people who surround me and try to make my day easier to get through.

Next week Tuesday (July 26) is the big day. CAT Scan on the liver. Hopefully is will show improvement or stable. Let's all keep our fingers (and toes) crossed. I expect to have the results when I see the doctor before chemo the next day and will let you know as soon as I hear something.

Until then remember my new motto - JUST DANCE!

Wednesday, July 6

Once in a while a thought will hit me and get me starting to think and in most cases over analyze things. Driving home last night I was listening to the radio and a song came on that started me thinking of my life and current situation. I realized in a strange perverse sort of way that my diagnosis is a gift. Ok, before you thinking I've really gone over the edge let me explain.

We are all going to die sooner or later. That's a given we just can't get away from. But when I was told last year of my cancer I was given a hour glass filled with tiny particles of sand. I don't know how big that hour glass is or how fast the sand is falling but I know its there. I look at every day as a gift. So many of us look at living in the past or future. What we should be doing is looking at living in the present and taking advantage of everything put in front of us. It's so easy to say that we will eventually get to it and in some cases that time never arrives. Problem is we think there is always time and until you're in a situation like I am you don't think that that time could be shortened in a heart beat. So my gift to you my friends is to tell you to DANCE. Don't put things off you want to do because that time may never get here. Take those art lessons, travel to that spot you always wanted to go, make that new friend, be with your friends instead of worrying about cleaning the house. Remember for every door that closes another one opens. Your have a choice - you could just sit it out or dance. Just DANCE!

Monday, June 20, 2011

Hi - Hope you all had a good weekend. I don't know why Mondays are so hard. You would think after resting all weekend I should be running around yet its the hardest day of the week.

Wednesdays Dr appt and chemo was OK. Dr. decided to wait until July 26 to send me for a CAT scan on the liver to see what's going on with it. Until them I'm on the daily chemo pills and IV every 3 weeks.

Chemo was a trip. New (to the unit) nurse - Dora (the vein explorer -I just made that up). For some reason she decides to put the needle in the inside of my wrist. Not a fun place for an IV needle to go in - OUCH!!!!!!!! So now it's in this awkward place and she advises me I have to keep my arm at an angle so not to disturb it. Of course this is not a comfortable angle and she has blankets stacked up under my arm to keep it in place. So she starts the IV with the saline solutions with no problem Then hooks up the chemo and so far so good. Now she decides she wants to give me the chemo injection for my bones which has to go in the same arm as the IV. So what does she do after telling me not to move the arm is to twist it around so she could inject me at the top of my arm. Sure enough the IV starts stopping and it was finally determined it came out of the vein. AAAARRRRRRR!!!!!!!! Excuse me but what a dumb ass! So now we have to put in another IV and she decides she doesn't want to attempt another IV and has another nurse (who I've had before and is pretty good) put it in the top of my wrist - OUCH!!!!!! Now the best part is that they are afraid to take the other IV needle out because I may bleed out and they would have to put pressure and disturb the other IV. So I'm sitting there for over an hour with two needle sticking in me. The joys of trying to stay alive! LOL And you all thought I was having fun on Wednesday afternoons.

I guess I can't complain too much since I now know every nurse on the floor and they know me. All afternoon they stop by to chit chat and see whats going on. I could see the other patients looking to see who I am since they all ask personal things about my life, etc. I guess I'm a ROCK STAR in chemo. WOO HOO At least it keeps my life exciting - LOL!

Until I get more info I wish you all a warm and happy summer!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Hi - Nothing much to report. Chemo continues with daily chemo pills and IV which I'm getting every three weeks due to the strength. A few aches and pains but that could be old age! LOL

The worst was last week when I started with a sore throat Sunday night. It turned into a fullfledge head cold Monday with coughing, sneezing, stuffy head, sore throat, etc. I was miserable by Monday night and it lasted all the way to Friday. Of course I was too busy to stay at home and rest so I just pushed right through and figured if I ignored it it would go away. Then Friday afternoon by stomach started bothering me and it was the stomach flu through Monday. I finally relented and worked out of the house Monday since I didn't want to be too far from the bathroom. Feeling a little better today so hopefully I will be 100% for chemo tomorrow.

I'll know more of what the game plan is tomorrow and will let you know.

Until then - stay healthy!!!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

It's been a week of nerves. I had PET scan Tuesday morning to see if the new chemo regiment was working. Everything went well test wise although some day they are doing to use me to light the city. For those of you not familiar with PET scans (Positron emission tomography) you are hooked up to an IV and they inject radioactive (tracer) solution into your body which attaches itself to the tumors and basically highlights them. Once you are injected you must relax (in a recliner) and not exert yourself (they won't even let you read because holding the book tenses up your upper muscles) for about 1.5 hours while the tracer circulates within your body. Once that is complete they pull the IV and you lie on a table and scans for 30 minutes on a machine that also does CAT (Computerized Axial Tomography) and it gives them a 3D image of what is going on. (Don't you all feel real smart now?) The reason my doc does a PET Scan vs. a CAT Scan is that a PET shows both hard (bones) and soft tissue whereas a CAT only picks up soft tissue. In my case I would have to have both a CAT and a Bone Scan in order to see what's happening. BTY - a PET scan is Approx $9,000 and a CAT is $3,000. Thank God for insurance! So anyway - the test went off as usual and it was a waiting game until yesterday afternoon when I had a doc appt before chemo.

As you could imagine it was a long 24+ hours waiting to hear the results. Well it wasn't bad news but it wasn't exactly good news. Just OK news. The scan showed that the bone lesions are reducing in size but the liver tumors increased slightly. Best news is that no new tumors were detected. After talking to the doctor it was decided to stay on this chemo regiment of the "industrial strength" chemo IV as well as the 8 pills a day chemo for two more rounds.

All and all I feel good except for fatigue. Not complaining - I could live with being tired.

As soon as I get more info I'll keep you all informed.

Thanks all for your prayers and support!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Happy Anniversary! I just noticed I started this blogg one year ago today. How time flies.

Doing OK on new chemo pills (Xwloda). It's a real pain to swallow 8 pills (12 counting all my other meds) a day but you have to do what you have to do. Beats a needle in my arm. No major effects except I noticed I'm a lot more tired lately. I'm also having a problem with heart burn so I'm being careful what I eat. I had the "industrial strength" chemo on Wednesday. Made it through OK. They also gave me Xgeva for the bone lesions so I have a real chemo cocktail going on in my body.

I am having another PET scan on May 24 to see if all this stuff is doing its thing. Keep your fingers crossed. Not sure what is next if this isn't working (beyond the obvious).

I can't believe it's been a year already. Time just flew by or so it seems. I've had a lot of ups and downs (mostly ups). The worst parts is having this constantly on my mind. I think that's why I try to keep busy so I don't have to think about it. But its always there. The worst is when I'm driving, especially when I'm caught in traffic and there's not much to do (I keep getting yelled at for doing my emails in the car). Imagine what it feels like to know you may not be around in a few months, a year or whatever time you have left. I know none of us know that answer but its different when you actually have a reason to know its very possible. It's very scary and nothing I wish on anyone.

An upside is that I've been reconnecting with all my old friends from SRB. We are planning a 40 year reunion. Some of us have been trading stories on Facebook and its fun to see who remembers what.

So keep healthy my friends and lets grow old together. Until I have more news to report I wish you all the best and hopefully we will have good weather soon.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Will spring ever get here??? I'm trying very hard not to wish the days away. It's funny how time is passing by so fast and all I want it to do is slow down. Next week is one year since I started this journey and it seems like yesterday in a way. Last year a year seemed so far away and its here already. I just want to take each day at a time and enjoy it to its best and not try to rush my way through it if that makes sense.

So far I've been tolerating the new chemo pills pretty well. Not found of swallowing 8 of them a day but you do what you have to do. Better then getting stuck daily so no complaints here. One of the side effects is very dry hands and feet so I bought two large containers (thank you Costco) of Cetaphil lotion and probably apply it 20 times a day. The only issue I have been having is a soreness in my right shoulder joint. Not all the time but if I'm in one position for too long a time and then try to reach for something I have a sharp pain. I think this may be from the new bone chemo I started several weeks ago because I've had it before the new chemo pills.

All and all no complaints. Just trying to keep busy and not think of the "bad" stuff.

Hope you all are doing well.

Friday, April 15, 2011

It's taken me a few days to get my head in order before I could sit down and write. As many of you know the results weren't what we expected nor wanted to see. Not only have the existing tumors increased in size on my liver and bones but there are more of them. I could tell the doctor was very disappointed in the results. She immediately started me on a chemo pill (Xeloda) which I take 8 (YES 8!) a day. Thank God for (good) insurance. She was a little hesitant in prescribing this med due to the cost and even offered the assistance of her nurse to help me get it through a pharmacy broker if my co-payment was too high. I was a little nervous at the pharmacy and asked what my co-pay was and it turned out to be only $50. HOWEVER, the prescription retail cost is $3,440 for a month supply. Unbelievable. How do people without insurance do it???? Side effects are what I would call typical - nausea, diarrhea, tiredness. Another problem is very dry hands and feet - so bad that there is a lot of cracking of the skin. I've already started rubbing lotion on my hands and feet to ward it off. Today is my second day and so far so good. I would expect in a week once I get a few doses down that I may see some changes but I tolerated the other chemo's so well I'm not that worried. This by the way this is in addition to the IV chemo I've been getting so no getting away from the hospital. I did ask why she wouldn't put me back on the Taxol since it seemed to do so well but her protocol is not to go back to something that she has used in the past until she tries something new first. I have trust in her so we'll see what happens. I am of course trying to keep my life as normal as possible. It helps that work is busy and I get to talk to a lot of people who don't know whats going on so I can act "normal" and pretend all is good. I really don't feel that bad to be honest with you. I do have some aches and pains but who at this age doesn't. My biggest complaint is my left ankle which some days feels fine and others I could hardly walk on it. I'll try to check in more often and let you all know whats going on. Until then - Thanks for listening! Doreen

Monday, April 11, 2011

What a wonderful weekend in Chicago. The weather was unbelievable - sunny and warm. It felt renewing to get outside and soak up some of the warm from the sun. This is the week..... I keep telling myself that I can't get all bent out of shape when I know a scan is coming but its hard not to worry. It's hard to explain but things in the past I took for granted and didn't think twice about, like twinges, aches and pains, are now amplified because I don't know if its the cancer growing and spreading. My left ankle hurt so bad Saturday night I could hardly walk on it. Even when I was off it it throbbed. Thankfully by mid-morning Sunday it was better. However, this morning my left knee was bothering me and it was hard to get up the stairs. Of course this could all be caused by the added chemo they put me on two weeks ago. Wednesday morning is my PET scan to see is the chemo is working. Please keep me in your thoughts. I'm hoping that by the time I have my chemo Wednesday afternoon that they will have the results. I'll let you know as soon as I know. Until then - Doreen

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Hi - Time is sure flying by quickly. I hadn't realized I haven't posted for a month. One reason is that there wasn't much to report. Chemo changed yesterday - they have now added a new drug to my regiment which is more aggressive on bone tumors. They name escapes me so I'll have to report on it in my next posting. So far the only reaction I have seen is more tired then usual (if that's possible) and a slight rash on both of my hands. I have found that when a new drug is introduced it takes a few weeks for my body to adjust and then it kind of settles in and I'm back to normal. Big news is that I'm scheduled for and ECHO (just a check on my heart to make sure its strong from all the crap they have been pumping into me) and a PET scan (to check tumors) on April 13. As you can imagine I'm starting to get a little nervous. Part of me wants to see whats going on and the other just wants to stick its head in the sand like business as usual. I'm of course hoping for the best but preparing (if that's possible) for the worst. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers - I need all your super powers to get me through this. I've been pretty depressed this week. My good friend of 30 yrs, Phil Venticinque, passed away last week Saturday of small cell lung cancer. He fought for almost 8 months and his body just couldn't take it anymore. Phil and I had many adventures over the years in both Mexico and China and I have many good memories. He will be missed. Until I have more news - Doreen

Friday, February 25, 2011

I'm sorry for the long lapse in making a post. My life is out of control with too much to do. Chemo has been rolling right along. Not much to report. We seem to have the IV/needle situation under control with several nurses I now trust. I can't believe its been almost 10 months since I started this journey. I asked one of the nurses if I have a record yet for how long I've been coming. I was told that they have patients who have been coming ten years (although not weekly). My reply - I wouldn't mind coming for ten years considering the alternative!

All and all I have no complaints. I'm still very tired by the end of the day and weekends are filled with catching up on rest. My friend Debby from Colorado sent me info on an organization "Cleaning for a Reason". They offer FREE housecleaning services for women currently undergoing chemo - once a month for four months. The service is provided by local cleaning services across the country. I registered but haven't used the service yet. If you know anyone who can benefit the website is www.cleaningforareason.org

I hope to post more in the next few weeks. My last scans were Jan 5 so I expect to be sent for more the end of March or sooner. I'll keep you updated so you can send me all that positive energy you all have going.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Just wanted to write a short blurb letting you all know I'm doing well. Tomorrow will be my 36th week of treatments. I actually am feeling pretty good. I'm sure a lot of it is mental knowing the treatments are working.

I find myself being able to stand for longer periods of time. Believe it or not there was a time a few months back that I had to sit to brush my teeth! I now find it's getting easier in the morning to get ready and I'm getting faster. My legs are still bothering me and ache in the evening but I see a light at the end of the tunnel.

I actually find myself planning to do things in the future where as before I hated to plan anything because I never knew how I would feel. This is a good thing.

Surprisingly the only issues I am having (health wise) is this darn gallbladder. Seems no matter what I eat (or don't eat) I have a stabbing feeling. It's not all the time but enough to be an annoyance. Per the doctors instructions I'm taking Advil which seems to help.

Until I have more to report I hope you all are doing well.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

It was a long day yesterday. Left for the hospital at 8AM and got home at 7PM. Most of the day was spent waiting. Arrived in Infusion Therapy at 9AM to have them insert the IV for test, etc. Unfortunately the tests require a larger gauge needle then I usually get for chemo. Took two nurses and two tries but we finally got it placed. Part of the problem is that they don't want you to eat or drink before tests and I was dehydrated so it was even harder to get the needle in my arm. Needless to say my arm still hurts.

Once the needle was inserted headed down to nuclear medicine for PET scan. They inject you with a radio active substance and then you have to sit for 1.5 hours while it circulates through your body. Mark was able to be in the same room but was behind a lead screen to protect him (so what does that mean for me???). Then its on to the scanning room where you lie on the table for about 45 minutes while they insert you into a tube (similar to a CAT scan) and take pictures.

Then on to Radiology for the Brain MRI. Had to wait 1.5 hours because they were backed up so by the time they were ready for me I was in rare form. Fortunately the Tech was really nice and funny so I calmed down quickly. 45 minutes of being shoved into a tube and I was done and ready for chemo.

Back up to Infusion Therapy where we waited another 60 minutes before a chair opened up. Chemo went well (even the two injections in my butt). Talked them into letting me have the Zometa (bone strengthener) next week. I had too much stuff running through my system already!

By the time I was done with chemo the doctor came in with my results. Nice thing about U of C is that they get the reports almost instantly so no waiting. The PET Scan showed "significant reduced activity" from the last scan. Looks like the cancer is shrinking and the treatments are working!!! Brain Scan showed nothing up there (ha ha). Actually showed "evidence of medical treatment" i.e. scare tissue, but no active cancer cells!!!! This good news however brings the fact that I will continue the current chemo regiment for the next 12 weeks when they will do more testing to see if any progress.

All and all I am excited about the results. I'm trying not to get too excited as I know how quickly things could change. I credit the progress in part to my great doctors but more importantly to my family and friends who have stood besides me and sent me tons of positive energy, prayers and good thoughts. I thank you all! I couldn't do this without all of your support.

Monday January 3, 2011

Happy New Year! Hope you had a good holiday. Christmas weekend was spent in bed with a terrible head/chest cold, cough, sore throat, etc. Still have a little bit let in my chest.

This week Wednesday is the BIG day! I will be at the hospital all day for a PET scan, Brain MRI, chemo and doctors appt. A little nervous about results of scans. I hope after 9 months of chemo we will see positive results. I'll let you all know as soon as I get the results. PLEASE send me positive energy on Wednesday to get me through this.

Beside that feeling OK - just tired and have this pain in my side that won't go away. I'm hoping its a muscle pull but will know more this week.