Well, I didn't have to be glued back together today. The surgeon that looked at the port site said that it looks like it is trying to heal up. It doesn't have any fluid under it and the tagaderm (like an adhesive "skin") the nurses put on it yesterday has kept it together. So he cleaned it with iodine and put a new tagaderm on it. I also got some new tagaderm sheets for later use. I am to use the tagaderm and then see my regular surgeon before I start radiation. (Oh, could I, hope against hope, get that stupid port out before radiation?)
Let's hope and pray this solution works! The tagaderm that I got yesterday didn't hold throughout the day. My skin is so dry that it is like putting cornstarch on your skin and then trying to get a bandaid to hold. I'm just really flaky right now. [grin]
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
A Few Stones in the Road
Well, this journey has been anything but boring.
Christmas was low key and sweet. We took turns opening gifts; no rip-n-run at our house! When everyone was happily absorbed with their gifts, I went upstairs and took a 90-minute nap. In the afternoon, Spiff helped me make cheese fondue and we enjoyed a good meal. Entropy Boy said it was the best Christmas he'd ever had.
The next day (Friday) I had blood drawn and a Neupogen shot. The shot brought bone pain, so Friday night and Saturday were spent quietly. Entropy Boy is *still* needing his inhaler, and my immune system was low, so the two of us stayed home from church on Sunday.
On Sunday night Joe gave me a big hug. The skin that had been stretching so tightly between the two sides of my port scar finally gave way. The scar opened up a bit and you can see the white edge of my port. I hopped on Sonlight's forums and asked the nurses/medical people on there what I should do. I ended up putting antibiotic ointment on it and covering it with a gauze pad. I put on one of my post-surgery bras to keep it in place.
Today I had an oncology appointment anyway, so I showed the nurses there. They got on the phone, and now I have an appointment tomorrow at the surgeon's office to get the scar glued back together. I also got a Rx for Keflex and another shot of Neupogen. The boys were with me for the whole appointment, so they got to sit in the chemo room and play Nintendo DS. They really take it all in stride and talk to the other patients easily if asked a question. I love those little guys!
The bone pain from the Neupogen has started up again, so I took some Percocet. Thank goodness for spell check! The boys are in bed listening to an Arthur book on CD and Joe is downstairs folding laundry. He will get some uninterrupted time to watch a movie again tonight. He's working his way through the series Rome.
Have a good night, everyone!
Christmas was low key and sweet. We took turns opening gifts; no rip-n-run at our house! When everyone was happily absorbed with their gifts, I went upstairs and took a 90-minute nap. In the afternoon, Spiff helped me make cheese fondue and we enjoyed a good meal. Entropy Boy said it was the best Christmas he'd ever had.
The next day (Friday) I had blood drawn and a Neupogen shot. The shot brought bone pain, so Friday night and Saturday were spent quietly. Entropy Boy is *still* needing his inhaler, and my immune system was low, so the two of us stayed home from church on Sunday.
On Sunday night Joe gave me a big hug. The skin that had been stretching so tightly between the two sides of my port scar finally gave way. The scar opened up a bit and you can see the white edge of my port. I hopped on Sonlight's forums and asked the nurses/medical people on there what I should do. I ended up putting antibiotic ointment on it and covering it with a gauze pad. I put on one of my post-surgery bras to keep it in place.
Today I had an oncology appointment anyway, so I showed the nurses there. They got on the phone, and now I have an appointment tomorrow at the surgeon's office to get the scar glued back together. I also got a Rx for Keflex and another shot of Neupogen. The boys were with me for the whole appointment, so they got to sit in the chemo room and play Nintendo DS. They really take it all in stride and talk to the other patients easily if asked a question. I love those little guys!
The bone pain from the Neupogen has started up again, so I took some Percocet. Thank goodness for spell check! The boys are in bed listening to an Arthur book on CD and Joe is downstairs folding laundry. He will get some uninterrupted time to watch a movie again tonight. He's working his way through the series Rome.
Have a good night, everyone!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Cancer Had its Own Plans
"The house is clean, Mexican food is in the crock pots, and I'm going to wear the red wig." Whoo Hoo! I couldn't have asked for a better afternoon check-in report. "She's wearing the red wig" I told the guys, and received a round of thumbs-up. It has been a while since we've had a good family night, but it looked like we were going to have one on Christmas Eve.
By late afternoon, however, the news wasn't so good: "Entropy's not doing so well. He needs the inahler every 3 hours until it clears up, so he'll probably be too miserable to go to church," Sandy told me, "and I'm not feeling so great either. I think I tried to do too much today and wore myself out. Can we just have a night at home?" I tried to reassure her, but we were both disappointed because it's been weeks since we've been able to attend church as a family.
When I got home, Spiff greeted me at the door: "Mom's in bed with a migraine so we're supposed to be quiet and have dinner without her. Can you make something different, we don't like Mexican". Well, so much for the evening she'd planned.
That's one of the things you get accustomed to when you live with cancer: you can set your sails, but the illness blows where it will. The key is not to let it beat you, or as gamers would say, you can't get owned by it. Don't think about what you can't do, but figure out what you can do and get doing it. Own it by owning your attitude.
Out came Mario Kart and I challenged Entropy Boy to see if he could unlock a new level while Spiff and I focused on dinner. We decided to heat up a pizza; by the time we were done EB had unlocked a level and a new car. "Mom said we can open the presents from Grammy tonight" Spiff announced after dinner. I didn't quite trust, but didn't dare verify, that story, and we dug in. Yea! New videogames all around! Sandy eventually joined us and we kept the boys' tradition of watching the Grinch.
Every Christmas Eve Sandy plays a trick on the boys: she buys new pajamas and puts them on the boys while the sleep. It's so funny when they wake up and realize what happened. This year, however, she gave them to the boys because she was too sick and weak to undress them in their sleep.
Altogether, we had about an hour of family time before she needed more medication and I put all three of them to bed. The boys couldn't have been happier. With pizza, new PJ's, and early presents they were already saying this was a great Christmas. Tonight I owned cancer.
And for tomorrow? Tomorrow can worry about itself. I'll be chasing the cat with Spiff's new robot, no matter what cancer does.
By late afternoon, however, the news wasn't so good: "Entropy's not doing so well. He needs the inahler every 3 hours until it clears up, so he'll probably be too miserable to go to church," Sandy told me, "and I'm not feeling so great either. I think I tried to do too much today and wore myself out. Can we just have a night at home?" I tried to reassure her, but we were both disappointed because it's been weeks since we've been able to attend church as a family.
When I got home, Spiff greeted me at the door: "Mom's in bed with a migraine so we're supposed to be quiet and have dinner without her. Can you make something different, we don't like Mexican". Well, so much for the evening she'd planned.
That's one of the things you get accustomed to when you live with cancer: you can set your sails, but the illness blows where it will. The key is not to let it beat you, or as gamers would say, you can't get owned by it. Don't think about what you can't do, but figure out what you can do and get doing it. Own it by owning your attitude.
Out came Mario Kart and I challenged Entropy Boy to see if he could unlock a new level while Spiff and I focused on dinner. We decided to heat up a pizza; by the time we were done EB had unlocked a level and a new car. "Mom said we can open the presents from Grammy tonight" Spiff announced after dinner. I didn't quite trust, but didn't dare verify, that story, and we dug in. Yea! New videogames all around! Sandy eventually joined us and we kept the boys' tradition of watching the Grinch.
Every Christmas Eve Sandy plays a trick on the boys: she buys new pajamas and puts them on the boys while the sleep. It's so funny when they wake up and realize what happened. This year, however, she gave them to the boys because she was too sick and weak to undress them in their sleep.
Altogether, we had about an hour of family time before she needed more medication and I put all three of them to bed. The boys couldn't have been happier. With pizza, new PJ's, and early presents they were already saying this was a great Christmas. Tonight I owned cancer.
And for tomorrow? Tomorrow can worry about itself. I'll be chasing the cat with Spiff's new robot, no matter what cancer does.
Happy Christmas Eve!
It is raining, so we are staying inside today. Entropy Boy was up coughing last night, so I ended up pulling him in bed with me. It is much easier to care for him when I just have to roll over to do it rather than walking across the house to see if I really heard him.
He doesn't have pneumonia (he had a chest x-ray on Monday) but has a cold that is affecting his lungs. We are using the inhaler every 3 hours (per doctor's orders) until he starts to get over it. Meanwhile, I'm trying to keep his brother from making him laugh; laughing always sends him into a coughing fit.
On the baking front, I made krumkake and rosettes yesterday. They were a lot of work, but quite tasty. We gave them to the houses surrounding us in the neighborhood. In return we got cookies, a Charlie Brown Christmas candle, and a pine wreath. Our little street only has 6 houses on it, so we all interact and watch out for each other. It's so nice to have good neighbors!
Today I have pozole soup in the crockpot for tonight's dinner. I also have the tamales we made cooking in the crockpot. I found a crockpot website that has a recipe for making them that way instead of steaming them. It saves me some work! We're having Mexican food for dinner tonight and cheese fondue for Christmas dinner tomorrow. Our traditional meals for Christmas are for us to pick what we like to eat and serve that. [grin]
Tonight we have the children's Christmas Eve service at church, followed by a cookie buffet. We get home late enough afterwards that the boys just want to go to bed. Tomorrow will be homemade cheese danish, coffee, cocoa, and PRESENTS! The boys are just a bit excited. . .
He doesn't have pneumonia (he had a chest x-ray on Monday) but has a cold that is affecting his lungs. We are using the inhaler every 3 hours (per doctor's orders) until he starts to get over it. Meanwhile, I'm trying to keep his brother from making him laugh; laughing always sends him into a coughing fit.
On the baking front, I made krumkake and rosettes yesterday. They were a lot of work, but quite tasty. We gave them to the houses surrounding us in the neighborhood. In return we got cookies, a Charlie Brown Christmas candle, and a pine wreath. Our little street only has 6 houses on it, so we all interact and watch out for each other. It's so nice to have good neighbors!
Today I have pozole soup in the crockpot for tonight's dinner. I also have the tamales we made cooking in the crockpot. I found a crockpot website that has a recipe for making them that way instead of steaming them. It saves me some work! We're having Mexican food for dinner tonight and cheese fondue for Christmas dinner tomorrow. Our traditional meals for Christmas are for us to pick what we like to eat and serve that. [grin]
Tonight we have the children's Christmas Eve service at church, followed by a cookie buffet. We get home late enough afterwards that the boys just want to go to bed. Tomorrow will be homemade cheese danish, coffee, cocoa, and PRESENTS! The boys are just a bit excited. . .
Monday, December 22, 2008
Mario Kart RULES!!!
Can I just say how much we love playing this game? We have the GameCube version and play it on the Wii with Gamecube controllers. We have 4 controllers, so everyone can play.
We have a level playing field, from Entropy Boy on up to Joe. Well, ok . . .Entropy Boy can skunk all of us some days. But it is such a fun game for the whole family! We have had it for almost a year now and it is by far one of our most favorite games. Joe wants to get the Wii version so the boys can play online with their cousins in MN.
It is a game that we all enjoy playing and takes a lot less time than Monopoly. Remember the endless games of Monopoly?
We sometimes play all against each other; other times we group up in teams with intricate strategies (or as strategic as you can get with a 6 yo). It has the added fun of being able to throw things like bananas and bombs at each other while racing, so it can get very silly.
So if you're ever at our house, you might get invited to play a game. Join in--it's fun! Just watch out for the 6yo. He's really good.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
It Snowed Again
We received another inch or two of snow today. It started about 9:00 a.m. and ended mid-afternoon. Sandy needed a nap, so I sent the boys to play in the back yard while I started clearing the driveway. For me the snow just means more work, but for the boys it's a whole world of adventure. After about fifteen minutes, the boys came around the side of the house:
"Hey dad," yelled spiff, "can you give us a hand? We're trying to build the biggest snowball in the world." I helped them push for a while and then recruited the boy next door to help us get it into its final position.
With the snowball done, it was time for Entropy Boy to dig a fort.
They ran and played and built their forts until it began to sleet and we had to go inside. They played outside for over an hour with no complaints because a snowstorm is still a lot of fun, even if you've got a sick mom.
"Hey dad," yelled spiff, "can you give us a hand? We're trying to build the biggest snowball in the world." I helped them push for a while and then recruited the boy next door to help us get it into its final position.
With the snowball done, it was time for Entropy Boy to dig a fort.
They ran and played and built their forts until it began to sleet and we had to go inside. They played outside for over an hour with no complaints because a snowstorm is still a lot of fun, even if you've got a sick mom.
That Tingles!
The pain isn't as bad this time around. I've been mindful of not doing too much, and I have some Percocet to keep ahead of it. I only take the Percocet if Joe is going to be around because I don't trust myself alone with the boys while I'm on it.
My fingertips are numb this time around. The numbness comes and goes in my toes. The tips of my ears are occasionally numb too, which is an odd feeling.
Tomorrow Joe goes back to work and the boys and I begin "vacation school." We have Story of the World vol. 3 on CD, so we can get in some history time. Michael has to work on his 3, 4, 5, and 6 multiplication tables (we'll play multiplication BINGO) and his handwriting. Peter has handwriting to work on fine motor skills, so I'll give him some crafts. Between the school work and the snow, they should be pretty well occupied so we can avoid cabin fever!
My fingertips are numb this time around. The numbness comes and goes in my toes. The tips of my ears are occasionally numb too, which is an odd feeling.
Tomorrow Joe goes back to work and the boys and I begin "vacation school." We have Story of the World vol. 3 on CD, so we can get in some history time. Michael has to work on his 3, 4, 5, and 6 multiplication tables (we'll play multiplication BINGO) and his handwriting. Peter has handwriting to work on fine motor skills, so I'll give him some crafts. Between the school work and the snow, they should be pretty well occupied so we can avoid cabin fever!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
The Big Storm
The Friday after chemo is normally a quiet day for us. Sandy usually feels pretty well during the morning and afternoon and starts feeling the side-effects of the drugs during the evening and over the next few days.
Yesterday, the boys' school was cancelled because a winter storm was forecast for our region. So mom and the boys were able to enjoy a day together watching movies, baking cookies, and playing games.
The snow started around 11:00 and was soon falling at a rate of an inch or more an hour in parts of the county. We received a total of 8 inches in our town before it ended in the early evening. Even in Minnesota, where we've spent most of our lives, that's a lot of snow; here in Connecticut, because of the inadequate/overtaxed infrastructure, it's paralyzing.
By 1:00 there were already couple of inches on the ground. The Merritt Parkway was closed in Greenwich and near the Sikorski bridge because of unsafe conditions. I was concerned about making it home safely so I decided to leave work early. On a normal day, if I get a head-start on the rush, it's about a half-hour drive home. Yesterday, using a combination of the Merrit parkway, county roads, and residential neighborhoods, it took over two hours. For the poor souls stuck in the evening commute, things were even worse. According to the traffic reports, both the Merrit Parkway and I-95 were averaging 6 to 8 miles an hour and had occasional closures due to hazardous conditions.
When I got home, Sandy let me open one Christmas present: a Power Shovel! While I cleared the driveway, the boys played with their sleds and tried to build a fort. I had to clear the driveway twice yesterday and again this morning. The boys are loving the snow. Entropy Boy was out at least 4 times today and he enlisted my help in building a fort in the front yard.
We're supposed to get more snow tomorrow and I'll probably have the boys out again a few times during the day to give Sandy a break. She's starting to feel the bone and muscle pain from the chemo today and has been napping a bit more.
Yesterday, the boys' school was cancelled because a winter storm was forecast for our region. So mom and the boys were able to enjoy a day together watching movies, baking cookies, and playing games.
The snow started around 11:00 and was soon falling at a rate of an inch or more an hour in parts of the county. We received a total of 8 inches in our town before it ended in the early evening. Even in Minnesota, where we've spent most of our lives, that's a lot of snow; here in Connecticut, because of the inadequate/overtaxed infrastructure, it's paralyzing.
By 1:00 there were already couple of inches on the ground. The Merritt Parkway was closed in Greenwich and near the Sikorski bridge because of unsafe conditions. I was concerned about making it home safely so I decided to leave work early. On a normal day, if I get a head-start on the rush, it's about a half-hour drive home. Yesterday, using a combination of the Merrit parkway, county roads, and residential neighborhoods, it took over two hours. For the poor souls stuck in the evening commute, things were even worse. According to the traffic reports, both the Merrit Parkway and I-95 were averaging 6 to 8 miles an hour and had occasional closures due to hazardous conditions.
When I got home, Sandy let me open one Christmas present: a Power Shovel! While I cleared the driveway, the boys played with their sleds and tried to build a fort. I had to clear the driveway twice yesterday and again this morning. The boys are loving the snow. Entropy Boy was out at least 4 times today and he enlisted my help in building a fort in the front yard.
We're supposed to get more snow tomorrow and I'll probably have the boys out again a few times during the day to give Sandy a break. She's starting to feel the bone and muscle pain from the chemo today and has been napping a bit more.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Taxol #2 is DONE
I had my second dose of Taxol today. The nurse was chatty, so it went a bit more slowly and I didn't get out of there until 3:30 pm. However, she promised me recipes on how to make my own pirogies and some seafood recipes. I, therefore, forgive her happily and willingly.
I also got a flu shot today. Last time I didn't start feeling the effects of the Taxol until more than 48 hours afterwards. Any side effects I may have from the flu shot should cover the first 48 hours. [grin] I'm getting used to feeling yucky after chemo, however, and I'm learning to conserve my "spoons" for what is really important.
One of my "chemo friends" was there again today. She comes in for one hour each Thursday for Heparin, so we chat then. We, and others, talked about hats, wigs, hair loss, scarves, work, children, food, treatment, doctors, side effects, etc. We completely lose track of time and I don't have little ones saying "Mom! Mom!" while I'm talking. If it weren't for those IV poles getting in the way when we get up to get another cookie or a bag of fish crackers, we'd almost forget why we were there.
Joe took a picture so we could show you the quilt I got in the mail from one of my mom's friends. (THANK YOU!!!! to RM for the beautiful quilt!) It was nice and warm and just the right size for the chemo chair. It is a better picture of the quilt than it is of me.
I also got a flu shot today. Last time I didn't start feeling the effects of the Taxol until more than 48 hours afterwards. Any side effects I may have from the flu shot should cover the first 48 hours. [grin] I'm getting used to feeling yucky after chemo, however, and I'm learning to conserve my "spoons" for what is really important.
One of my "chemo friends" was there again today. She comes in for one hour each Thursday for Heparin, so we chat then. We, and others, talked about hats, wigs, hair loss, scarves, work, children, food, treatment, doctors, side effects, etc. We completely lose track of time and I don't have little ones saying "Mom! Mom!" while I'm talking. If it weren't for those IV poles getting in the way when we get up to get another cookie or a bag of fish crackers, we'd almost forget why we were there.
Joe took a picture so we could show you the quilt I got in the mail from one of my mom's friends. (THANK YOU!!!! to RM for the beautiful quilt!) It was nice and warm and just the right size for the chemo chair. It is a better picture of the quilt than it is of me.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Another Treasure From This Past Weekend
One of the things Joe's dad saved for me was Nanny's sewing machine. He said Nanny rarely used it, but had saved everything that came with it.
I opened up the case today to find a circa 1953 Singer 301 Featherweight in mint condition. The foot pedal doesn't even show any wear.
I oiled it and gave it a good going-over. There isn't even any lint anywhere inside of it! I am amazed; it is like the machine was in a time warp. The little piece of paper with "Inspected by" is still in the case.
It sews like a dream--much better than the machine I've used for the last 15 years. I could not afford a comparable modern machine of this quality. I am in love!
I opened up the case today to find a circa 1953 Singer 301 Featherweight in mint condition. The foot pedal doesn't even show any wear.
I oiled it and gave it a good going-over. There isn't even any lint anywhere inside of it! I am amazed; it is like the machine was in a time warp. The little piece of paper with "Inspected by" is still in the case.
It sews like a dream--much better than the machine I've used for the last 15 years. I could not afford a comparable modern machine of this quality. I am in love!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Retro-Rama!
Tamale Day was wonderful! We chatted for a bit and finally got started around 2 pm. By 3 pm we had made 9-10 dozen tamales using all the chicken and beans and most of the pork. We had quite an assembly line going and everything got done very quickly. We steamed up the black bean tamales in a lobster pot and they were yummy.
While there, a number of us noticed that RP had a lovely Christmas tablecloth on her kitchen table. She said it was her mother's and was probably from around the 1950s. It was very retro and very nice.
Today Joe, the boys, and I went to Albany, NY to go see Joe's grandparents. Joe's father is in town to clean out Joe's grandmother's apartment because she has now moved into the nursing home with Joe's grandfather. It was good to see the two of them at the nursing home, and they were in good spirits to see all of us. But Joe's father has had a TON of work cleaning out the apartment. He asked if there was anything we wanted of Nanny and Poppy's. I asked (thinking of RP) if she had any old table linens, etc. Look what I came home with!
I also was able to bring home several aprons from that era. They are so fun; I love the fabrics from the 40's and 50's.
We also brought back a number of kitchen items: retro Tupperware, an old egg beater that Joe's dad used when he was a child, some enameled stock pots, and a fruit dish that Joe's dad made in shop class in junior high. It will be nice to use the items and think of the history behind them.
A quick update on Entropy Boy: we went to his regular pediatrician on Friday and she checked him over again. The steroid and the inhaler had not cleared up his lungs. She said that he does not have asthma because, if he did, the drugs would have worked better. Since he is in a new school, she said, he is probably just getting illnesses back to back. She put him on antibiotics because there is enough going on with him that he is starting to need them. He is to continue the inhaler because it does help his lungs. If he gets sick again this winter, we may have to dig the inhaler out again, but asthma it is not.
The boys have one more week of school left before a two week Christmas break. I have chemo again on Thursday, so I won't have to take them to school during my bad days. I ordered Story of the World vol. 3 on CD so they can listen to that while I am resting. They have started CD 1 already and are begging to listen to it each night before they go to bed. They LOVE history!
Friday, December 12, 2008
The Rains Came Down and the Floods Came Up. . .
I woke Joe up at 4:30 this morning to tell him that the water alarms were going off in the basement again. He got up to vacuum up the excess water (he figures about 20 gallons worth) that was leaking in the back door, the back corner, and the door between the garage and the basement. Most of it is up now, but it wasn't the most excellent way to start the day for him, I'm sure. I made sure to repay him with lots of hugs and kisses just to offset the unpleasant wakeup call.
On the cancer front, I have been given leave to eat fresh fruits and vegetables whenever I want now! The Taxol doesn't hit my immune system as hard, so my counts were good even though I didn't have any shots last week. I'm rejoicing over small blessings!
So far the Taxol hasn't affected my fingers and toes. I don't know what will happen with successive treatments, but for now I'm counting my blessings. My eyebrows and eyelashes were thinning at a rapid rate before the Taxol, so now they are looking really sparse. I definitely look like a cancer patient now. But since I *am* a cancer patient, it's ok.
My skin is thin and dry, and it sloughs off at the slightest provocation. Washing my face in the morning becomes an exfoliation extravaganza, so I have to be really careful. I'd like to have a face when this is all through and not rub it off before I'm done with treatment.
Entropy Boy is back in school and will have his re-check today on his lungs to see if the steroids and the inhaler are helping. He's been complaining of not feeling well again. The complaints started up right when he started back to school. I think he's trying to get to stay home some more, just to see if he can. He's my fence rattler and really needs to know that the boundaries in his little life are strong and secure. So I sent him back to school with the charge that he is *not* to see the nurse. He will be going to the doctor today and the doctor will check him over, so there is no reason to go down to the nurse's office today.
Tomorrow is tamale-making day! I'm getting together with some friends to make tamales for Christmas Eve. We'll make up a bunch and then freeze them until they are needed. We'll be making three kinds: pork colorado, chicken chile, and black bean/cheese.
On the cancer front, I have been given leave to eat fresh fruits and vegetables whenever I want now! The Taxol doesn't hit my immune system as hard, so my counts were good even though I didn't have any shots last week. I'm rejoicing over small blessings!
So far the Taxol hasn't affected my fingers and toes. I don't know what will happen with successive treatments, but for now I'm counting my blessings. My eyebrows and eyelashes were thinning at a rapid rate before the Taxol, so now they are looking really sparse. I definitely look like a cancer patient now. But since I *am* a cancer patient, it's ok.
My skin is thin and dry, and it sloughs off at the slightest provocation. Washing my face in the morning becomes an exfoliation extravaganza, so I have to be really careful. I'd like to have a face when this is all through and not rub it off before I'm done with treatment.
Entropy Boy is back in school and will have his re-check today on his lungs to see if the steroids and the inhaler are helping. He's been complaining of not feeling well again. The complaints started up right when he started back to school. I think he's trying to get to stay home some more, just to see if he can. He's my fence rattler and really needs to know that the boundaries in his little life are strong and secure. So I sent him back to school with the charge that he is *not* to see the nurse. He will be going to the doctor today and the doctor will check him over, so there is no reason to go down to the nurse's office today.
Tomorrow is tamale-making day! I'm getting together with some friends to make tamales for Christmas Eve. We'll make up a bunch and then freeze them until they are needed. We'll be making three kinds: pork colorado, chicken chile, and black bean/cheese.
Monday, December 8, 2008
And the Aching Continues. . .
Well, here I am again, trying to distract myself from the aching. It wasn't as bad today as it was yesterday, but perhaps that was because I had too much else to think about. Entropy Boy has been sick on and off for the last month, and went to the nurse's office at school a couple of times last week. I took him to the doctor today. The diagnosis was allergy-induced asthma. It doesn't sound like it is something that he will have to deal with the rest of his life, but for now he needs a round of prednisone and an inhaler.
Whoopee. Two of us on steroids.
I think he's kind of looking forward to feeling mean. In reality, the combination of the two drugs will likely make him hyper. And since he will have more energy than I will in the next couple of days, I plan to set him on washing dishes (he likes that one) and putting away laundry. I'd rather channel the energy than fight it.
I'm off to bed to see if I can make it through the night without Vicodin. Joe plans to give me a break in the morning and will take Spiff to school. That way Entropy Boy and I can sleep in.
Whoopee. Two of us on steroids.
I think he's kind of looking forward to feeling mean. In reality, the combination of the two drugs will likely make him hyper. And since he will have more energy than I will in the next couple of days, I plan to set him on washing dishes (he likes that one) and putting away laundry. I'd rather channel the energy than fight it.
I'm off to bed to see if I can make it through the night without Vicodin. Joe plans to give me a break in the morning and will take Spiff to school. That way Entropy Boy and I can sleep in.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Sunday post-Taxol Update
Oh my. This is not fun. I ache all over from the Taxol. I'm not nauseous and the reflux is under control, but the body aches. . .the Vicodin I took an hour ago isn't touching the aching.
Hoping and praying today was the worst of it.
Hoping and praying today was the worst of it.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
One Taxol Down
Well, the first dose of Taxol is done. I didn't have any bad reactions yet--no flatlining or anything. Cheryl the nurse checked my bp every 15 minutes the first hour and every 1/2 hour for two hours after that and everything was good.
I don't have a picture of today, but I was wearing all black. The oncologist asked if they were supposed to be intimidated by my skull and crossbones head scarf. I told her that I was wearing it to show my displeasure at being there for chemo today. It was my rebellion outfit. Joe asked why I wasn't wearing Goth makeup. [grin]
Tomorrow I get to look forward to looking like I have a sunburned face. That is a side effect of the steroids. Then around Sunday or Monday the bone pain should kick in. Another patient there said that the bone pain, while not pleasant, was easier to deal with than the fatigue of the A/C chemo. She said "You ache, but you can get out of bed." That works for me.
It was interesting to sit there and have conversations with the other patients. We compared notes about surgeons, hospitals, chemo side effects, decisions about reconstruction--everything. Joe was there for some of the conversations, but we all talked very openly. He's been with me every step of the way, so knows what they are all talking about. And those of us going through cancer see our breasts (or lack thereof) in a very detached, medical way. It is hard to think of your breasts as a thing of beauty when they are trying to kill you.
I don't have a picture of today, but I was wearing all black. The oncologist asked if they were supposed to be intimidated by my skull and crossbones head scarf. I told her that I was wearing it to show my displeasure at being there for chemo today. It was my rebellion outfit. Joe asked why I wasn't wearing Goth makeup. [grin]
Tomorrow I get to look forward to looking like I have a sunburned face. That is a side effect of the steroids. Then around Sunday or Monday the bone pain should kick in. Another patient there said that the bone pain, while not pleasant, was easier to deal with than the fatigue of the A/C chemo. She said "You ache, but you can get out of bed." That works for me.
It was interesting to sit there and have conversations with the other patients. We compared notes about surgeons, hospitals, chemo side effects, decisions about reconstruction--everything. Joe was there for some of the conversations, but we all talked very openly. He's been with me every step of the way, so knows what they are all talking about. And those of us going through cancer see our breasts (or lack thereof) in a very detached, medical way. It is hard to think of your breasts as a thing of beauty when they are trying to kill you.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Photo from Round 4
We never posted the picture from the 4th round of chemo. Her hair has been gone for a while now and "normal clothes" have replaced the pink outfit:
It's my favorite so far. I had it printed that day, as I waited for her prescriptions, and have it hanging on my desk at work. Something ineffable makes me happy ever time I look at it.
It's my favorite so far. I had it printed that day, as I waited for her prescriptions, and have it hanging on my desk at work. Something ineffable makes me happy ever time I look at it.
Monday, December 1, 2008
My Taxol Starts This Week
I will have my first round of Taxol this Thursday. I'm a bit nervous about all the steroids I have to take--I don't like myself when I'm on steroids. I don't like anyone else when I'm on steroids. [sigh] Only 4 rounds to go. Only 4 rounds to go.
We had a lovely Thanksgiving--good food, good friends, and a lot of fun. The boys had a 5 day break so we had 5 whole days without the alarm clock. It was wonderful. Joe said I was almost like I was last June, before the diagnosis. I thought that was interesting, because *I* can certainly tell that there is a difference. I just can't do as much as I used to.
I recently read a piece called The Spoon Theory that talks about living with an illness. It is an apt explanation of what life is like for me now. I'd love for you to follow the link and read it.
We had a lovely Thanksgiving--good food, good friends, and a lot of fun. The boys had a 5 day break so we had 5 whole days without the alarm clock. It was wonderful. Joe said I was almost like I was last June, before the diagnosis. I thought that was interesting, because *I* can certainly tell that there is a difference. I just can't do as much as I used to.
I recently read a piece called The Spoon Theory that talks about living with an illness. It is an apt explanation of what life is like for me now. I'd love for you to follow the link and read it.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Dress Up Day at School
Since they boys are going to a private school this year, they have to wear school uniforms (khaki pants and collared shirts) most days. But today they were given the option to dress up in costumes for Thanksgiving.
Entropy Boy chose to be a pilgrim. Please ignore the silly face. He's been making that one for all photos lately:
And Spiff wanted to be an Indian:
Spiff's costume isn't very historically accurate, but it was easy to make and will double as a Davy Crockett costume somewhere down the line. We already have the coon-skin cap and the rifle for that one.
The classes will be having Thanksgiving feasts today and then they are off until December. What fun!
Entropy Boy chose to be a pilgrim. Please ignore the silly face. He's been making that one for all photos lately:
And Spiff wanted to be an Indian:
Spiff's costume isn't very historically accurate, but it was easy to make and will double as a Davy Crockett costume somewhere down the line. We already have the coon-skin cap and the rifle for that one.
The classes will be having Thanksgiving feasts today and then they are off until December. What fun!
In a Cooking/Baking Mood Lately
I'm feeling festive and ready for the holidays to begin!
Saturday was the day of the annual cookie fair at the Episcopal church down the street. Every year they put up a sign that has Sesame Street characters riding a train with peppermint wheels. Well, this year Joe didn't want to go. Oh no! Where will we get our fudge?
I hopped on the computer and pulled up some recipes from allrecipes.com. I then beknighted Spiff as our official fudge maker for the family. He did a great job! We have Peppermint Chocolate Fudge and Coffee Shop Fudge cut up and stored away for gift giving and snacking. They are both YUMMY! Click on the recipe names and you'll be directed to the recipes.
Today I made my friend Tigger's Jezebel Sauce. We had it on my weekend at Mystic and it is sooooo good! It's got that sweet/spicy thing going on and is like honey mustard on steroids. I LOVE it! I'm bringing it to the P's house for Thanksgiving.
Tiggerific Jezebel Sauce
1 c. apricot preserves (may use orange marmalade or peach jam)
2/3 c. apple jelly
5 TBSP Creole or prepared brown mustard
1/4 c. prepared horseradish sauce (I used prepared horseradish, not the sauce kind)
1 tsp (or more) freshly cracked ground pepper
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Chill in the frig for 1-2 days for best taste (although it is still good right away). Ladle 1/2 to 3/4 c. over softened cream cheese and serve with crackers.
Makes 2 cups. Would also be amazing with ham and biscuits or on sandwiches.
Saturday was the day of the annual cookie fair at the Episcopal church down the street. Every year they put up a sign that has Sesame Street characters riding a train with peppermint wheels. Well, this year Joe didn't want to go. Oh no! Where will we get our fudge?
I hopped on the computer and pulled up some recipes from allrecipes.com. I then beknighted Spiff as our official fudge maker for the family. He did a great job! We have Peppermint Chocolate Fudge and Coffee Shop Fudge cut up and stored away for gift giving and snacking. They are both YUMMY! Click on the recipe names and you'll be directed to the recipes.
Today I made my friend Tigger's Jezebel Sauce. We had it on my weekend at Mystic and it is sooooo good! It's got that sweet/spicy thing going on and is like honey mustard on steroids. I LOVE it! I'm bringing it to the P's house for Thanksgiving.
Tiggerific Jezebel Sauce
1 c. apricot preserves (may use orange marmalade or peach jam)
2/3 c. apple jelly
5 TBSP Creole or prepared brown mustard
1/4 c. prepared horseradish sauce (I used prepared horseradish, not the sauce kind)
1 tsp (or more) freshly cracked ground pepper
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Chill in the frig for 1-2 days for best taste (although it is still good right away). Ladle 1/2 to 3/4 c. over softened cream cheese and serve with crackers.
Makes 2 cups. Would also be amazing with ham and biscuits or on sandwiches.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Eat What You Want. Go See People. Happy Thanksgiving!
I went to see my oncologist this morning for a blood draw. All my counts are good. She said "Eat what you want. Go see people. Happy Thanksgiving!"
Yaaaaaaaaaahhhhoooooooooooooooo!
I don't start up chemo again until the Thursday after Thanskgiving. It will be a welcome break.
This last round of A/C was hard--primarily due to the shot of Neulasta (sp) that I got the day after chemo. Instead of 4 Neupogen shots, I got one shot of Neulasta to boost my immune system. I was able to get the Neulasta because I was going to have 3 weeks in between chemo treatments. However, the Neulasta gave me more bone pain than the Neupogen did. I was on the couch with a heating pad on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday and Thursday I battled reflux. Oy. I'm glad to be feeling better now.
I'll update more later. I've got to go pick the boys up from school and get their costumes ready for "dress up" day tomorrow--they are allowed to dress like Native Americans or Pilgrims.
Yaaaaaaaaaahhhhoooooooooooooooo!
I don't start up chemo again until the Thursday after Thanskgiving. It will be a welcome break.
This last round of A/C was hard--primarily due to the shot of Neulasta (sp) that I got the day after chemo. Instead of 4 Neupogen shots, I got one shot of Neulasta to boost my immune system. I was able to get the Neulasta because I was going to have 3 weeks in between chemo treatments. However, the Neulasta gave me more bone pain than the Neupogen did. I was on the couch with a heating pad on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday and Thursday I battled reflux. Oy. I'm glad to be feeling better now.
I'll update more later. I've got to go pick the boys up from school and get their costumes ready for "dress up" day tomorrow--they are allowed to dress like Native Americans or Pilgrims.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Last A/C Chemo is done--I'm half way through!
My mom called and said I should update. Well, I'm tired. No news there. I'm really tired.
I'm half way through with chemo now. I'll rejoice when I have more energy. The Taxol part of the chemo comes next. It won't wear me out as much, but it will have different side effects, like my eyebrows and eyelashes falling out and my fingers and toes going numb.
I'll let Joe tell you about the flooding in the basement. [sigh]
I'm half way through with chemo now. I'll rejoice when I have more energy. The Taxol part of the chemo comes next. It won't wear me out as much, but it will have different side effects, like my eyebrows and eyelashes falling out and my fingers and toes going numb.
I'll let Joe tell you about the flooding in the basement. [sigh]
Monday, November 10, 2008
Another Good Weekend
Cara from SL said she's been blog-stalking me (Hi Cara!) so I thought I'd give an update so she has something new to read. ;-P
Boy, did I need this off week! I have been baking for Christmas (lemon bars, strawberry cookies/candies, and cranberry oatmeal bars) and freezing everything. I made pizza for Friday Night Movie Night and we watched The Gods Must Be Crazy.
On Saturday we baked the meal given to us by the mom of one of Spiff's school friends. We also made some meatballs in marinara sauce. Between the two we had meals for the weekend and were able to just relax and have some good family time. Joe has been a little confused because he doesn't know what to do with me when I'm feeling well and up and around. Like I said, I really needed this week. It has been good to be nearly normal again.
I took the boys in for their dental appointments (no cavities were seen) and hair cuts. Spiff got some new jeans this weekend because he is wearing holes in the knees of all of his jeans. Hopefully he won't wear holes in these until he is closer to outgrowing them.
The Keflex (antibiotic) doesn't seem to be doing much of anything for my port scar. I'm beginning to think it is just red because I started chemo so soon after it was put in. It just hasn't had the ability to heal nicely without interruption. I'll see the surgeon on Thursday morning before I have my last A/C round of chemo. I'm going to have to talk to the oncologist about my chemo schedule--my week break means that I'm supposed to start Taxol on Thansgiving Day. It would also put me on schedule to have chemo on Christmas. Maybe she'll delay an extra week between A/C and Taxol so that I won't be hitting holiday days? I don't know; we shall see.
I see the plastic surgeon tomorrow to talk more about reconstruction. I have all sorts of thoughts swirling around in my mind about it. He called me today and we spoke briefly--he said the radiologist wants me to have the surgery after radiation. That is not the impression I got from her. I will let the two of them work it out; it all has to be done at some point or another. They are the experts at when everything needs to be done.
So, those are the latest updates. All incredibly, wonderfully B O R I N G !!!
Boy, did I need this off week! I have been baking for Christmas (lemon bars, strawberry cookies/candies, and cranberry oatmeal bars) and freezing everything. I made pizza for Friday Night Movie Night and we watched The Gods Must Be Crazy.
On Saturday we baked the meal given to us by the mom of one of Spiff's school friends. We also made some meatballs in marinara sauce. Between the two we had meals for the weekend and were able to just relax and have some good family time. Joe has been a little confused because he doesn't know what to do with me when I'm feeling well and up and around. Like I said, I really needed this week. It has been good to be nearly normal again.
I took the boys in for their dental appointments (no cavities were seen) and hair cuts. Spiff got some new jeans this weekend because he is wearing holes in the knees of all of his jeans. Hopefully he won't wear holes in these until he is closer to outgrowing them.
The Keflex (antibiotic) doesn't seem to be doing much of anything for my port scar. I'm beginning to think it is just red because I started chemo so soon after it was put in. It just hasn't had the ability to heal nicely without interruption. I'll see the surgeon on Thursday morning before I have my last A/C round of chemo. I'm going to have to talk to the oncologist about my chemo schedule--my week break means that I'm supposed to start Taxol on Thansgiving Day. It would also put me on schedule to have chemo on Christmas. Maybe she'll delay an extra week between A/C and Taxol so that I won't be hitting holiday days? I don't know; we shall see.
I see the plastic surgeon tomorrow to talk more about reconstruction. I have all sorts of thoughts swirling around in my mind about it. He called me today and we spoke briefly--he said the radiologist wants me to have the surgery after radiation. That is not the impression I got from her. I will let the two of them work it out; it all has to be done at some point or another. They are the experts at when everything needs to be done.
So, those are the latest updates. All incredibly, wonderfully B O R I N G !!!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Update: No surgery, no chemo--stronger antibiotics
It's a good thing I'm a go-with-the-flow kind of girl. 
I went to the surgical center directly--they wanted me there at 1:30 and the surgeon couldn't see me until 2 pm. So, they did all the intake stuff and got me in my little paper warming gown. I just needed to meet with the surgeon and the anesthesiologist before I walked down to surgery.
My surgeon walked past in the hallway (on the way to go find out where I am) and saw me waiting in my gown, so he stopped in. He looked at the port site and said he didn't think it needed to come out--no swelling, no puss, the red isn't spreading to the surrounding skin. So he called my oncologist and consulted with her on the phone.
The result: I am on a stronger antibiotic and will see him again in 7 days. I will have to reschedule chemo, but for now I have A FREE WEEKEND OF FEELING GOOD!!!
God is so good! This weekend is a gift I really needed. I was dreading feeling yucky again, so I am happy dancing here!
I went to the surgical center directly--they wanted me there at 1:30 and the surgeon couldn't see me until 2 pm. So, they did all the intake stuff and got me in my little paper warming gown. I just needed to meet with the surgeon and the anesthesiologist before I walked down to surgery.
My surgeon walked past in the hallway (on the way to go find out where I am) and saw me waiting in my gown, so he stopped in. He looked at the port site and said he didn't think it needed to come out--no swelling, no puss, the red isn't spreading to the surrounding skin. So he called my oncologist and consulted with her on the phone.
The result: I am on a stronger antibiotic and will see him again in 7 days. I will have to reschedule chemo, but for now I have A FREE WEEKEND OF FEELING GOOD!!!
God is so good! This weekend is a gift I really needed. I was dreading feeling yucky again, so I am happy dancing here!
Change of Plans: No Chemo Today--Surgery Instead!
My port site has been looking ugly, and the antibiotics haven't been helping. So the oncologist today decided that it needs to come out and I won't be having chemo today. She called the surgeon and I am scheduled for surgery at 2:30 pm Eastern time.
While this messes with my chemo schedule, on the bright side, the recovery from the port surgery is pretty easy and I will get some extra "good" days on this cycle before I start chemo again.
I'm packing my overnight bag in case they decide to keep me at the surgical center for IV antibiotics instead of oral ones.
Please pray for quick recovery for me and no lung issues. I began to have a cough after the port was put in, so I'm hoping I can avoid a relapse of my lung issues.
While this messes with my chemo schedule, on the bright side, the recovery from the port surgery is pretty easy and I will get some extra "good" days on this cycle before I start chemo again.
I'm packing my overnight bag in case they decide to keep me at the surgical center for IV antibiotics instead of oral ones.
Please pray for quick recovery for me and no lung issues. I began to have a cough after the port was put in, so I'm hoping I can avoid a relapse of my lung issues.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
We Need a Little Christmas
I've decided that on good days, I'm going to work toward getting ready for Christmas. Slow and steady makes the race, right?
Today I'm listening to a CD called Christmas Cocktails. I love hearing Lou Rawls and others belt out Christmas tunes. (Christmas Hint: I don't have the other two CDs in this series.) While I'm dancing in the kitchen, I'm making Kelly's Cheery Red Strawberries. They freeze really well and look great on a plate of cookies for gift giving.
Kelly's Cheery Red Strawberries
4 small boxes strawberry jello (not sugar free)
4 tsp red food coloring
2 tsp vanilla
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups finely chopped nuts (I'm using pecans because I have them)
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Red and green colored sugar
Place first 4 ingredients in mixer. Mix thoroughly. Stir in nuts and coconut. Chill for at least 30 minutes or until mixture stiffens.
Scoop out mixture with small melon baller or scoop and roll into ball. Flatten one end and taper the other end to look like a strawberry. Place on wax-paper lined cookie sheet and keep forming strawberries. Roll 3/4 of strawberry in red sugar. Dip flat end in green sugar.
These freeze wonderfully! Layer them in a container with waxed paper between the layers.
Yield: about 100 strawberries.
Today I'm listening to a CD called Christmas Cocktails. I love hearing Lou Rawls and others belt out Christmas tunes. (Christmas Hint: I don't have the other two CDs in this series.) While I'm dancing in the kitchen, I'm making Kelly's Cheery Red Strawberries. They freeze really well and look great on a plate of cookies for gift giving.
Kelly's Cheery Red Strawberries
4 small boxes strawberry jello (not sugar free)
4 tsp red food coloring
2 tsp vanilla
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups finely chopped nuts (I'm using pecans because I have them)
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Red and green colored sugar
Place first 4 ingredients in mixer. Mix thoroughly. Stir in nuts and coconut. Chill for at least 30 minutes or until mixture stiffens.
Scoop out mixture with small melon baller or scoop and roll into ball. Flatten one end and taper the other end to look like a strawberry. Place on wax-paper lined cookie sheet and keep forming strawberries. Roll 3/4 of strawberry in red sugar. Dip flat end in green sugar.
These freeze wonderfully! Layer them in a container with waxed paper between the layers.
Yield: about 100 strawberries.
Medical Update
My last round of A/C will be tomorrow if my MUGA scan (I had one Monday) comes out showing no heart damage. Two weeks after the last A/C treatment, I will begin Taxol, which will take 8 weeks to do 4 rounds. That is the one that will make my eyebrows and eyelashes fall out. 
My white blood cell counts rose from 1.7 on Friday to 6.1 Monday. That means I didn't have to take Neupogen shots this week.
I'm fighting some sort of infection. I was on Cipro over the weekend, but it was switched to Keflex Monday because my port incision is looking unhappy. It is itchy too. The Keflex is a better abx for skin stuff, so I'll take it for a while to help my body with whatever is going on.
After my weekend away (and a few days of Cipro) I am feeling really good today. Too bad I have to have chemo again on Thursday. I like having good days!
My white blood cell counts rose from 1.7 on Friday to 6.1 Monday. That means I didn't have to take Neupogen shots this week.
I'm fighting some sort of infection. I was on Cipro over the weekend, but it was switched to Keflex Monday because my port incision is looking unhappy. It is itchy too. The Keflex is a better abx for skin stuff, so I'll take it for a while to help my body with whatever is going on.
After my weekend away (and a few days of Cipro) I am feeling really good today. Too bad I have to have chemo again on Thursday. I like having good days!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
I Had the Most Amazing Weekend
I have had the most amazing weekend with some of the best friends a girl could have. Tigger came to pick me up on Saturday and she, her husband and I chatted the whole way back to her house. We arrived about 5 minutes before MA'AM pulled in with Java Junky and Lizzytish in her car. MA'AM had left Maryland at 5:30 am for our weekend away.
Tig had her home set up like a B&B. She had gone to the Lindt factory store and bought a HUGE assortment of chocolate bars. (Chili/Pomegranate was wonderful, as was the one with creme brulee filling.)
She had sent her men off to a hotel for the weekend and it was an all women's event, with the exception of Dulce the cat. We talked and laughed and laughed and talked. And drank lots of coffee and tea. And ate lots of chocolate.
We went to Mystic Pizza (of movie fame) and had a great lunch. Then we walked around Mystic and saw the sights, watched the boats on the river, and ate homemade ice cream at a shop by the drawbridge (because the Sandys wanted ice cream). Oh, and we visited a yarn shop and they saw me pet the yarn.
I did refrain from drooling too obviously.
Back at Tig's house we ate some *more* and tried to build a fire. We talked and talked and talked some more. Then we slept and got up and drank more coffee and talked some more while we knitted or cross stitched or just hung out.
When it was time to leave (all too soon) we prayed and parted ways. Tig and her dh drove me back to my house, but Beastie Girl (Tigger's SUV) wanted to make a detour to the LL Bean Outlet and Trader Joe's first.
Tig and her husband came in and met my husband and boys and Hank the Cowcat quickly before they had to head home with their purchases.
It was a wonderful weekend. I feel refreshed and energetic and the best I have felt in more than a month.
Good friends are God's gifts to us. Cherish them.
Tig had her home set up like a B&B. She had gone to the Lindt factory store and bought a HUGE assortment of chocolate bars. (Chili/Pomegranate was wonderful, as was the one with creme brulee filling.)
She had sent her men off to a hotel for the weekend and it was an all women's event, with the exception of Dulce the cat. We talked and laughed and laughed and talked. And drank lots of coffee and tea. And ate lots of chocolate.
We went to Mystic Pizza (of movie fame) and had a great lunch. Then we walked around Mystic and saw the sights, watched the boats on the river, and ate homemade ice cream at a shop by the drawbridge (because the Sandys wanted ice cream). Oh, and we visited a yarn shop and they saw me pet the yarn.
I did refrain from drooling too obviously.Back at Tig's house we ate some *more* and tried to build a fire. We talked and talked and talked some more. Then we slept and got up and drank more coffee and talked some more while we knitted or cross stitched or just hung out.
When it was time to leave (all too soon) we prayed and parted ways. Tig and her dh drove me back to my house, but Beastie Girl (Tigger's SUV) wanted to make a detour to the LL Bean Outlet and Trader Joe's first.
Tig and her husband came in and met my husband and boys and Hank the Cowcat quickly before they had to head home with their purchases.It was a wonderful weekend. I feel refreshed and energetic and the best I have felt in more than a month.
Good friends are God's gifts to us. Cherish them.
Friday, October 31, 2008
(Sigh) How LOW Can it GO???
I got my white blood cell count checked today. I am at 1.7; that is LOW. I had my third shot of the week to try and kick my bone marrow into production. I have another round of antibiotics to take to try and help my immune system. I have to take *another* Neupogen shot tomorrow. If it works, I will have bone pain.
I am allowed to go to Tigger's house and meet up with MA'AM, Lizzytish, and Java Junky. I am NOT allowed to eat any fresh fruits or vegetables. :tears: Everything must be well cooked; no cold cuts or soft cheeses either.
Death by deli meat. Suicide by salad.
I'm tired. And I'm not even half way through yet. At least Pad Thai is cooked through.
I am allowed to go to Tigger's house and meet up with MA'AM, Lizzytish, and Java Junky. I am NOT allowed to eat any fresh fruits or vegetables. :tears: Everything must be well cooked; no cold cuts or soft cheeses either.
Death by deli meat. Suicide by salad.
I'm tired. And I'm not even half way through yet. At least Pad Thai is cooked through.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Getting Ready for the Weekend
I'm taking longer between updates. I'm sure you all are just hanging on my every word, huh? [grin]
Joe was gone this week for a conference in Gulf Shores, Alabama. He left on Monday and returns tonight. I have been "single parenting" this week, including taking Spiff to the doctor on Tuesday. The doctor spent a lot of time listening to his chest; I think he got my bronchitis. He was home from school on Tuesday and Wednesday, and returned today. He has been on antibiotics (the Z one--he's allergic to amoxicillan) since Tuesday and the cough seems to be getting better quickly now that he is taking them.
RP stopped by on Tuesday with a meal (amazing pork medallions with cranberry chutney and some yummy roasted potatoes) and LH brought Entropy Boy home from school for me that day. Then LH brought fresh bread and split pea soup to our house today. Add that to the great chicken tetrazinni that MB handed to Joe on Sunday, and I have been well taken care of in the food department this week. And I am so glad--I have been tired this week.
There really wasn't anything else that people could help *do* this week. Spiff couldn't go to Kid's Club at church because he was sick, so we had to turn down offers to drive the boys there. The things that were wearing me out this week were just life things: emptying the dishwasher, making sure the boys' backpacks were ready for school, trying to keep a handle on the mail and the steady supply of paper that the boys bring home. On top of that, Spiff was sick and sometimes needed help in the night because he was coughing. I just don't have the energy I had at the beginning of this.
I drive the boys to school and come home and take a nap. I get up and do a bit around the house and then go and get them from school. I monitor homework and then take another nap while the boys watch a movie or play on the Wii. Then it is time to make dinner, get stuff together for school the next day, and herd the boys into bed. Once they are quieted down, I go to bed myself. The next day, it starts all over again. I miss having Joe around to help. I'm glad he's coming home tonight.
Joe was gone this week for a conference in Gulf Shores, Alabama. He left on Monday and returns tonight. I have been "single parenting" this week, including taking Spiff to the doctor on Tuesday. The doctor spent a lot of time listening to his chest; I think he got my bronchitis. He was home from school on Tuesday and Wednesday, and returned today. He has been on antibiotics (the Z one--he's allergic to amoxicillan) since Tuesday and the cough seems to be getting better quickly now that he is taking them.
RP stopped by on Tuesday with a meal (amazing pork medallions with cranberry chutney and some yummy roasted potatoes) and LH brought Entropy Boy home from school for me that day. Then LH brought fresh bread and split pea soup to our house today. Add that to the great chicken tetrazinni that MB handed to Joe on Sunday, and I have been well taken care of in the food department this week. And I am so glad--I have been tired this week.
There really wasn't anything else that people could help *do* this week. Spiff couldn't go to Kid's Club at church because he was sick, so we had to turn down offers to drive the boys there. The things that were wearing me out this week were just life things: emptying the dishwasher, making sure the boys' backpacks were ready for school, trying to keep a handle on the mail and the steady supply of paper that the boys bring home. On top of that, Spiff was sick and sometimes needed help in the night because he was coughing. I just don't have the energy I had at the beginning of this.
I drive the boys to school and come home and take a nap. I get up and do a bit around the house and then go and get them from school. I monitor homework and then take another nap while the boys watch a movie or play on the Wii. Then it is time to make dinner, get stuff together for school the next day, and herd the boys into bed. Once they are quieted down, I go to bed myself. The next day, it starts all over again. I miss having Joe around to help. I'm glad he's coming home tonight.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Saturday Update
I made it through without a migraine on Thursday. Hooray! I've been napping a lot more this round. I've been a slug all day today, and plan on doing the same tomorrow, in the hopes I will have more energy on Monday and Tuesday.
I've been taking the Compazine (anti-nausea med) more this time around. That helps make me sleepy as well. I've found that while I can't knit in my sleep, I can do it while I'm half asleep. I got the base portion of a BrainMonster hat done in about 4 hours today. I just have to put on the teeth and the ear flaps.
It was drizzly outside for most of the day today, so we all had a lazy day. Entropy Boy carved a pumpkin that he got on a field trip at the beginning of the month. We roasted the pumpkin seeds at EB's request. They were good! It was the first time I've made them that they turned out right.
Spiff found that the Pumpkin Fairy (aka Mr. Mike from across the street) dropped off a few wee pumpkins on our front steps. They will be decorations because they are too small to carve. I love having pumpkins around the house. I love autumn. I wish you all could see what we see when we drive around town. The colors are just stunning and the views around every corner are just incredible. I feel so blessed to live here!
I've been taking the Compazine (anti-nausea med) more this time around. That helps make me sleepy as well. I've found that while I can't knit in my sleep, I can do it while I'm half asleep. I got the base portion of a BrainMonster hat done in about 4 hours today. I just have to put on the teeth and the ear flaps.
It was drizzly outside for most of the day today, so we all had a lazy day. Entropy Boy carved a pumpkin that he got on a field trip at the beginning of the month. We roasted the pumpkin seeds at EB's request. They were good! It was the first time I've made them that they turned out right.
Spiff found that the Pumpkin Fairy (aka Mr. Mike from across the street) dropped off a few wee pumpkins on our front steps. They will be decorations because they are too small to carve. I love having pumpkins around the house. I love autumn. I wish you all could see what we see when we drive around town. The colors are just stunning and the views around every corner are just incredible. I feel so blessed to live here!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Third Chemo is Done
My counts were 13 today, which is a good number. I was good to go for my scheduled chemo. When my oncologist told me the number, I said "Yeah! I get to eat a salad today!" She responded "It's the little joys in life that keep us going, isn't it?"
I have been getting migraines the night after chemo. The doc offered to give me a 1/2 dose of something like Valium to see if that would help. (I can't remember the name of the actual drug right now.) So far, so good! It makes me pretty sleepy. Joe asked as we were leaving if I was "able to operate feet." I could walk, but driving was out of the question.
We got home, and a short time later LH delivered the boys and some dinner for us. She is an amazing friend, and I appreciate her as a gift from God. I made sure that all homework was done and put into backpacks for tomorrow, and then I went and took a nap.
So, round three of the poisonings is over. I finished a hat I was knitting (not for me this time--a Christmas present) and then played Word Jong on the DS.
I have been getting migraines the night after chemo. The doc offered to give me a 1/2 dose of something like Valium to see if that would help. (I can't remember the name of the actual drug right now.) So far, so good! It makes me pretty sleepy. Joe asked as we were leaving if I was "able to operate feet." I could walk, but driving was out of the question.
We got home, and a short time later LH delivered the boys and some dinner for us. She is an amazing friend, and I appreciate her as a gift from God. I made sure that all homework was done and put into backpacks for tomorrow, and then I went and took a nap.
So, round three of the poisonings is over. I finished a hat I was knitting (not for me this time--a Christmas present) and then played Word Jong on the DS.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Woot! Ka-ching!
My counts white blood cell counts were 2.4 again yesterday. And I have bronchitis. My voice sounds like Kathleen Turner's. I'm on Avelox for the bronchitis, and had to have a 4th Neupogen shot today.
Good news on the shot front though! I asked the nurse if I could administer them myself. We pay a $45 co-pay each time I walk in for a 5 minute shot. Ouch! The nurse checked with the doctor and left me a voice mail saying my prescription for Neupogen is waiting for me at my local pharmacy. They called it in already! It will be a $30 co-pay for a box of 10 shots. Compare that to $450 I would be paying for 10 office visits to have them give me the shots. They'll walk me through administering myself the first one, but don't anticipate me having any problems at all with doing it myself.
I saw the radiologist for the first time today. It was mainly a meet and greet, but I was there for nearly 2 hours. It sounds like they are thinking 5 weeks of radiation treatment instead of the 8 weeks I had initially heard. Three weeks less sounds great to me! The doctor also wants me to have the reconstruction surgery before the radiation. I need to meet with my plastic surgeon and discuss all the options with him. I'm beginning to toy with the idea of not having implants at all. . .
Good news on the shot front though! I asked the nurse if I could administer them myself. We pay a $45 co-pay each time I walk in for a 5 minute shot. Ouch! The nurse checked with the doctor and left me a voice mail saying my prescription for Neupogen is waiting for me at my local pharmacy. They called it in already! It will be a $30 co-pay for a box of 10 shots. Compare that to $450 I would be paying for 10 office visits to have them give me the shots. They'll walk me through administering myself the first one, but don't anticipate me having any problems at all with doing it myself.
I saw the radiologist for the first time today. It was mainly a meet and greet, but I was there for nearly 2 hours. It sounds like they are thinking 5 weeks of radiation treatment instead of the 8 weeks I had initially heard. Three weeks less sounds great to me! The doctor also wants me to have the reconstruction surgery before the radiation. I need to meet with my plastic surgeon and discuss all the options with him. I'm beginning to toy with the idea of not having implants at all. . .
Sunday, October 19, 2008
I Saw a Couple of Double-Takes on Friday
When I go to pick the boys up from school, I don't wait in the "van line." Entropy Boy is in K and gets out about 10-15 minutes before Spiff is released. I park the van (not an easy feat--the parking lot is packed!) and go get EB. We get some time to quietly talk about his day before his big brother comes bursting out of the building, talking a mile a minute.
On Friday, for the first time, I did not wear a hat. I had on black boots, blue jeans, a red turtleneck, and my black leather jacket. On my head, I wore a black bandanna, biker-style. It is pretty obvious when I wear a bandanna that I have no hair underneath. I thought it was pretty funny the number of double-takes I saw. A bald woman in leather is not something one sees every day at school!
Spiff was not phased at all. My head was covered and that is his only concern. He is getting used to seeing me without a hat or bandanna at home. My baldness doesn't embarrass me and I hold my head high.
I wonder what will happen if I wear my red wig? [grin]
On Friday, for the first time, I did not wear a hat. I had on black boots, blue jeans, a red turtleneck, and my black leather jacket. On my head, I wore a black bandanna, biker-style. It is pretty obvious when I wear a bandanna that I have no hair underneath. I thought it was pretty funny the number of double-takes I saw. A bald woman in leather is not something one sees every day at school!
Spiff was not phased at all. My head was covered and that is his only concern. He is getting used to seeing me without a hat or bandanna at home. My baldness doesn't embarrass me and I hold my head high.
I wonder what will happen if I wear my red wig? [grin]
Hooray for Cheap Gas!
On the way to get some Mucinex to quiet Sandy's cough I found gas for $2.65 at BJ's. Compared to the peak prices of about $4.25 we were paying earlier this year, this will save me about $26 per fill on the van and about $16 on my car. That's enough for a copay or two :-). I'm hoping these prices continue for a while because it takes about a gallon of gas to take the van to YNHH, so we'd have been looking at about $45 a week in gas alone to go for radiation this winter.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
This is the Cough That Never Ends, It Just Go On and On, My Friends
Well, I'm feeling much better than I did on Tuesday. If I go to bed when the boys do, I can go the entire day without a nap. I'm not doing a whole lot during the day, but at least I don't *have* to take a nap.
But this lingering cough is driving me crazy! Between the Neupogen shots that lower my resistance (in order to kick my bone marrow in to high gear producing white blood cells) and my yearly fall allergy extravaganza, I have a lovely hacking cough. Robitussin is my friend today.
I'm thinking today will be filled with Jane Austen movies, lots of tea, and knitting. My boys are getting tired of Jane Austen. "Are you watching Miss Woodhouse again?" It is a good thing for them that the weather is fine, if a bit brisk, and they can play outside. They both also have some homework to do for the weekend, so it will be easy to keep them busy.
I have been doing a lot of knitting lately and will likely be making many of our Christmas gifts for extended family. Since everyone else lives in Minnesota, hats and scarves are always in good order. I have some angora in my yarn stash, so they won't be scratchy, ugly things either. We'll see how many I get done!
Good heavens, the town's 9 am whistle just blew. My boys have been up for 2 hours and haven't had breakfast yet. It's time to go be Mommy again.
But this lingering cough is driving me crazy! Between the Neupogen shots that lower my resistance (in order to kick my bone marrow in to high gear producing white blood cells) and my yearly fall allergy extravaganza, I have a lovely hacking cough. Robitussin is my friend today.
I'm thinking today will be filled with Jane Austen movies, lots of tea, and knitting. My boys are getting tired of Jane Austen. "Are you watching Miss Woodhouse again?" It is a good thing for them that the weather is fine, if a bit brisk, and they can play outside. They both also have some homework to do for the weekend, so it will be easy to keep them busy.
I have been doing a lot of knitting lately and will likely be making many of our Christmas gifts for extended family. Since everyone else lives in Minnesota, hats and scarves are always in good order. I have some angora in my yarn stash, so they won't be scratchy, ugly things either. We'll see how many I get done!
Good heavens, the town's 9 am whistle just blew. My boys have been up for 2 hours and haven't had breakfast yet. It's time to go be Mommy again.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I've Come to the Conclusion that Tuesdays Stink
At least the Tuesdays after chemo stink. Badly.
Yesterday was a bad day. A "I want to hide under the covers and never come out again" day. I got the boys to school, came home, and took a nap. The housecleaner came (God bless L and her mom!) and I napped while she was here. I picked the boys up from school and napped again. And then I went to bed at 7 pm after taking migraine medicine.
Next time, I'm having someone pick up the boys from school on the Tuesday after chemo. I just can't do it. The whole day is a mess of neurological craziness (tingling, numbness, etc.), fatigue, and acid reflux. I've been taking Prilosec, but it doesn't really start to work until day 7 post-chemo. Day 6 (Tuesday) is the worst. I am now dubbing it "Stay in Bed Day."
I had my shot of Neupogen today at 8:30 am. Karen, my favorite nurse, gave me a hug when I said I'm tired of having a good attitude. I'm sure I'll rally again, but for now? Cancer sucks.
Yesterday was a bad day. A "I want to hide under the covers and never come out again" day. I got the boys to school, came home, and took a nap. The housecleaner came (God bless L and her mom!) and I napped while she was here. I picked the boys up from school and napped again. And then I went to bed at 7 pm after taking migraine medicine.
Next time, I'm having someone pick up the boys from school on the Tuesday after chemo. I just can't do it. The whole day is a mess of neurological craziness (tingling, numbness, etc.), fatigue, and acid reflux. I've been taking Prilosec, but it doesn't really start to work until day 7 post-chemo. Day 6 (Tuesday) is the worst. I am now dubbing it "Stay in Bed Day."
I had my shot of Neupogen today at 8:30 am. Karen, my favorite nurse, gave me a hug when I said I'm tired of having a good attitude. I'm sure I'll rally again, but for now? Cancer sucks.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Whew! I'm tired!
Well, I'm much more tired this round.
On Saturday, a New York friend texted me that she was in our town picking apples. Entropy Boy and I met with S and her family to pick apples. We got some *great* apples, had a wonderful time, and then I went home and took a nap for two hours. ::yawn::
I still ended up in bed by 9 pm and slept straight through for 8 hours. Hank the Cowcat curled up by my legs and kept me warm all night. He's a good buddy.
Today Joe and the boys went to church and then to IKEA for lunch. I stayed home and rested. Today has been a work for 10 minutes, rest for 20 minutes kind of day. I've gotten some laundry done, some dishes washed, and a bit of decluttering in. But really, I'm not good for much right now.
Joe says he can tell I'm on steroids because I'm showing signs of 'roid rage. My temper is a bit shorter. I'm trying to be patient, but it is hard! Stupid drugs. Tomorrow is the last day for the steroid pill, and then they will be leaving my system again until the 23rd. I should even out again soon.
Tomorrow the boys have the day off of school for Columbus Day. Spiff has a book report and a diorama to keep him busy, and Entropy Boy and I will play UNO or Monster Maker card games. If I have the energy, we may make it over to the pumpkin patch.
On Saturday, a New York friend texted me that she was in our town picking apples. Entropy Boy and I met with S and her family to pick apples. We got some *great* apples, had a wonderful time, and then I went home and took a nap for two hours. ::yawn::
I still ended up in bed by 9 pm and slept straight through for 8 hours. Hank the Cowcat curled up by my legs and kept me warm all night. He's a good buddy.
Today Joe and the boys went to church and then to IKEA for lunch. I stayed home and rested. Today has been a work for 10 minutes, rest for 20 minutes kind of day. I've gotten some laundry done, some dishes washed, and a bit of decluttering in. But really, I'm not good for much right now.
Joe says he can tell I'm on steroids because I'm showing signs of 'roid rage. My temper is a bit shorter. I'm trying to be patient, but it is hard! Stupid drugs. Tomorrow is the last day for the steroid pill, and then they will be leaving my system again until the 23rd. I should even out again soon.
Tomorrow the boys have the day off of school for Columbus Day. Spiff has a book report and a diorama to keep him busy, and Entropy Boy and I will play UNO or Monster Maker card games. If I have the energy, we may make it over to the pumpkin patch.
Friday, October 10, 2008
What Was That Again?
It is the second day after the second chemo treatment.
The boys got off to school after Spiff made sure a hat was firmly on my head before we left the house. I did get him to concede that I can go hatless in the house. This is the same boy that cried and hid from me when I got my hair cut short when he was 15 months old. Mom is supposed to be unchanging, so I'm sure this rocks his world a little bit.
Chemo brain is in full force today. I have brain fog. I nearly forgot to shut off the stove top. The clicking of the heat element reminded me to shut off the oven. I guess I'll be sticking to the crock pot for a while if I can remember to turn it on and plug it in.
I'm more tired this time than I was last time. But I think that is because they only gave me 1/2 dose of the steroids. I didn't eat like a horse today and had no hummus at all. I'll put up with more tired if it doesn't make me gain 20 lbs. and stay up half the night.
Today I made chicken wild rice soup for dinner and apple crisp for dessert. The boys, of course, won't eat the apple crisp. They prefer their fruit raw and won't eat it cooked. All the more for me! It is wonderful with vanilla yogurt on top.
With my hair only 1/8 of an inch long, I can't really tell how much is falling out now. I don't have any big bald patches yet. Entropy Boy likes to pet my head. He rubs against the grain and giggles that it is prickly. Then he rubs with the grain and says it is soft like the cat. He is dealing with it well.
[yawn] I think I need to get ready for bed. It is nearly 9 pm and I'm beat.
The boys got off to school after Spiff made sure a hat was firmly on my head before we left the house. I did get him to concede that I can go hatless in the house. This is the same boy that cried and hid from me when I got my hair cut short when he was 15 months old. Mom is supposed to be unchanging, so I'm sure this rocks his world a little bit.
Chemo brain is in full force today. I have brain fog. I nearly forgot to shut off the stove top. The clicking of the heat element reminded me to shut off the oven. I guess I'll be sticking to the crock pot for a while if I can remember to turn it on and plug it in.
I'm more tired this time than I was last time. But I think that is because they only gave me 1/2 dose of the steroids. I didn't eat like a horse today and had no hummus at all. I'll put up with more tired if it doesn't make me gain 20 lbs. and stay up half the night.
Today I made chicken wild rice soup for dinner and apple crisp for dessert. The boys, of course, won't eat the apple crisp. They prefer their fruit raw and won't eat it cooked. All the more for me! It is wonderful with vanilla yogurt on top.
With my hair only 1/8 of an inch long, I can't really tell how much is falling out now. I don't have any big bald patches yet. Entropy Boy likes to pet my head. He rubs against the grain and giggles that it is prickly. Then he rubs with the grain and says it is soft like the cat. He is dealing with it well.
[yawn] I think I need to get ready for bed. It is nearly 9 pm and I'm beat.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
I Scratched My Head This Morning and a Bunch of Hair Came Out
The nurse told me that my hair would start to fall out in week 3. Today is the first day of week 3 and guess what! The fallout started today. 
I went to my chemo appt and everything went well there. The doctor told me the red sunburned look I got last time is from the steroids. They only hit me with a 1/2 dose of steroids today, and she is having me ramp down instead of just stopping them on day 4. Hopefully that will help the raving hungries, the sunburned look, and the sleepless nights.
We got home about 15 minutes before the boys did--LH picked them up from school and brought us dinner as well. I asked her if she had ever run a clippers before. She had, but had been banned from ever doing so again after she cut her son's hair. Since my hair is going to fall out, it doesn't have to look perfect and she agreed to cut it. Want to see the pictures? (Of course you do!)
You can still see my little round bandaid from my port access today. Spiff says my face looks fatter without hair. Gee, thanks sweetie!
Oh, and my oncologist has heard of the henna tattoos, but has never seen it. She's ok with it since we are getting the henna off a site where other chemo patients have used it. She said to make sure to let her see it when it is done because she thinks it is a cool idea. [grin]
I went to my chemo appt and everything went well there. The doctor told me the red sunburned look I got last time is from the steroids. They only hit me with a 1/2 dose of steroids today, and she is having me ramp down instead of just stopping them on day 4. Hopefully that will help the raving hungries, the sunburned look, and the sleepless nights.
We got home about 15 minutes before the boys did--LH picked them up from school and brought us dinner as well. I asked her if she had ever run a clippers before. She had, but had been banned from ever doing so again after she cut her son's hair.
Since my hair is going to fall out, it doesn't have to look perfect and she agreed to cut it. Want to see the pictures? (Of course you do!)
You can still see my little round bandaid from my port access today. Spiff says my face looks fatter without hair. Gee, thanks sweetie!
Oh, and my oncologist has heard of the henna tattoos, but has never seen it. She's ok with it since we are getting the henna off a site where other chemo patients have used it. She said to make sure to let her see it when it is done because she thinks it is a cool idea. [grin]
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Neupogen Aftermath
I've had three shots of Neupogen in five days. My long bones ached last night, and Advil wasn't touching it. I took a Vicodin and went to bed at 9 pm. I dreamed I was being chased by giant syringes with hypodermic needles for heads. [shudder] I'm glad I'm done with Neupogen for the rest of the week.
The Cost of Cancer: Part 1- Pre-Mastectomy Care
It looks like all the bills from the period before the surgery are now finalized with our insurer, Connecticare. I should now be able to give a reliable total of the costs of medical are from the time Sandy was diagnosed on July 3, 2008 until the surgery on August 27, 2008.
So far, here's what the billing looks like:
A few notes:
- The physician's billed charges are high because the biopsy was done during an office visit to the surgeon. All of the Doctors' visits are "specialist" visits and subject to a $45 copay with Connecticare.
- Lab costs include blood work and pathology on the biopsy tissue. Connecticare covers them without a copay.
- Radiology and imaging costs included all the scans and imaging, they have a $75 copay.
Pharmacy costs are mainly the prescriptions we picked up before the surgery. They're high because there's one $315 bill for a chemo-related drug (it's over $100 a pill).
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
I'm Beginning to Feel Like a Pincushion
I had another shot of to boost my white blood cells yesterday. But my counts were only 2.4 before the shot. (No, I don't know what 2.4 means, other than it is a low number.) So, I had to go back today for another shot. Today's white blood cell count was 6.1 before the Neupogen, so I am now in good enough shape for my second dose of chemo on Thursday. I didn't think I would be so antsy to make sure I got that next dose, but I have a life to live and plans already made for my "good" weekends. I want to LIVE with cancer, not merely exist with it.
Hat #2 is Finished!!!
I finished up hat #2 over the weekend while my parents were here. Of course, I didn't think to have anyone help me take a photo then. No, I had to think of it when there was no one to help me but the cat (and he's not helpful).
So, excuse the bad photo. This one was made with 3 colors of Rowan's Wool-Cotton. I knitted it on larger needles than the blue one because I wanted it to be more of a bucket style.
Only a week or so left, and I will no longer have hair!
So, excuse the bad photo. This one was made with 3 colors of Rowan's Wool-Cotton. I knitted it on larger needles than the blue one because I wanted it to be more of a bucket style.
Only a week or so left, and I will no longer have hair!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Things You May Want to Know For After a Mastectomy (a list for patients and caregivers)
I started this post a few weeks after my surgery and decided to finish it up today. Some of it is information I really wish I wish I had known.
Bathroom issues:
Bathroom issues:
Assistance—I didn't need someone to assist me in the bathroom. I needed someone to help me get out of the bed because I wasn't allowed to push myself up with my arms. Being pulled up by your arms is also painful, so the best thing seemed to be someone pushing from behind my shoulders. My abs got quite a workout. Your assistant also needs to hang around to make sure you don't fall over in a drug-induced stupor and to help you back in bed.
Toilet Paper—it needs to be in reach. What is easy to reach before surgery is not so easy to reach afterwards. Oh, and tearing off the proper amount can be painful. Those little perforations between the sheets of tissue suddenly get amazingly strong.
Laxatives—take them. The effect of the pain medications is way stronger than the effect of the antibiotic. Keep taking them until you've ramped down the pain medications. If the nurses won't let you take some from home, request them if you are in the hospital for any length of time.
Washing up—Reaching for the faucets to turn on the water is painful. The push-in-the-lever soap dispensers at the hospital are really painful because you have to reach and push at the same time. At home, move the soap dish to near the edge of the sink so you can grab the soap without passing out from pain. The same goes for the hand towel. It will hurt to bend and reach forward to rinse your hands. Have plenty of hand sanitizer around.
Drink lots of water—it will help the laxatives, and will flush out your system so you don't get an infection after the catheter. Plus, if someone asks if you have been up at all today, you can talk about all the times you got up to go to the bathroom.
Wound dressing supplies:
Gauze bandages—my plastic surgeon recommended I buy two boxes of 4”x4” gauze bandages and a tube of Neosporin. I would recommend doubling that amount. Make sure you have them on hand because the drug store shelves can be mysteriously empty of things like that when you really need them. Other sizes of pads are useful for providing extra padding on sore spots where your compression bra rubs or to provide extra compression under the bra if needed.
Scissors—have a sharp pair and sterilize them the best you can. My drain tubes were the most painful part of the dressing process, and cutting a slit into a gauze pad and putting the tube in the slit (to have gauze all the way around the tube) helped me be more comfortable.
Alcohol wipes—we used these to clean the spouts of the “grenades” each time we emptied them, and for other general clean up purposes.
Sleeping:
Location: I had to sleep on the couch at first—the bed just wasn't comfortable. My husband bought me a wedge pillow that was a 45 degree slope. Laying flat was just too uncomfortable.
Pillows: I had a LOT of them. My favorites were the therapy pillows—the tube shaped ones with micro-beads in them, and a neck pillow with the same filling. You need pillows that you can squish to form where you need them.
Sleepwear: I bought some double front-closure hospital gowns online (pretty pink floral ones) for right out of the hospital. They were easy on, easy off and I didn't mind anything that got on them. I pinned my drains right to them and didn't worry about pin marks, etc. Plus, when you are wandering around in a hospital gown you remember that you aren't supposed to be doing much of anything besides healing.
Position: If you are a stomach sleeper (I am) you are out of luck for several weeks. More than six weeks out, I still can't sleep on my stomach.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Weekend Update
My parents arrived on Friday, so I haven't been online often enough to update.
Friday I had another injection of Neupogen. I had only slept about two hours the night before, so it was kind of a rough day. Joe went to pick up my parents at JFK airport and then went to go pick up the boys. We had pizza and then the boys and I went to bed early.
Saturday was spent as a work day. Joe and my dad took off the trim around the garage door because Joe knew the wood underneath was rotting. My dad assessed the situation (he knows carpentry well) and decided it was a job too big for them to handle reasonably. So Joe went across the street to see if our neighbor, who is a mason, knows a good carpenter. The neighbor wasn't home, but his new roommate was. His new roommate is . . . a carpenter. (Isn't God amazing?) My dad talked with him and says he is confident in the guy's ability to do the job--he knows his stuff. So Joe has a supplies list to fill today and the carpenter will start the work this week. Check one big item off the to-do list.
While the guys were tearing off the outside of the front of the house, Mom and I were in the back putting my square foot garden beds to rest for the winter. I have a pop-up greenhouse that will go over one garden bed. I'll plant some lettuce seeds in there and have enough time left to get in one more crop of baby greens yet this season. The bulk of the garden debris went in the compost bin, and the rest went into the compost pile in the woods. Check another item off the to-do list.
Joe decided that since they couldn't do any more on the house exterior, it would be a good time to put up the ceiling fan in the living room. We bought a new Hunter fan in June (the only brand I like--they are so quiet!) and the box had been sitting in the basement. Joe and Dad made quick work of that project, so another item was checked off the to-do list.
We had tacos for dinner, the boys had baths, and then the adults got to hang out and talk on Saturday night. I snuggled under a knitted prayer shawl that Mom had brought from someone from the church I grew up in (Thanks ML!) I'm going to have to fight the boys for the prayer shawl--it is soft and wonderful and they love it too.
This morning we went to church. I was soooo happy to be there. I miss it when I can't go. KL handed me the softest bundle before church--she had knitted some socks for me!! They are a beautiful dark green and are long and lacy. They are *so* nice!
Now the boys are playing Mario Galaxy on the Wii and my dad is watching them. Joe has just arrived home from Walmart and Mom is playing solitaire on the laptop. It is a quiet, rainy Sunday. Life is good.
Friday I had another injection of Neupogen. I had only slept about two hours the night before, so it was kind of a rough day. Joe went to pick up my parents at JFK airport and then went to go pick up the boys. We had pizza and then the boys and I went to bed early.
Saturday was spent as a work day. Joe and my dad took off the trim around the garage door because Joe knew the wood underneath was rotting. My dad assessed the situation (he knows carpentry well) and decided it was a job too big for them to handle reasonably. So Joe went across the street to see if our neighbor, who is a mason, knows a good carpenter. The neighbor wasn't home, but his new roommate was. His new roommate is . . . a carpenter. (Isn't God amazing?) My dad talked with him and says he is confident in the guy's ability to do the job--he knows his stuff. So Joe has a supplies list to fill today and the carpenter will start the work this week. Check one big item off the to-do list.
While the guys were tearing off the outside of the front of the house, Mom and I were in the back putting my square foot garden beds to rest for the winter. I have a pop-up greenhouse that will go over one garden bed. I'll plant some lettuce seeds in there and have enough time left to get in one more crop of baby greens yet this season. The bulk of the garden debris went in the compost bin, and the rest went into the compost pile in the woods. Check another item off the to-do list.
Joe decided that since they couldn't do any more on the house exterior, it would be a good time to put up the ceiling fan in the living room. We bought a new Hunter fan in June (the only brand I like--they are so quiet!) and the box had been sitting in the basement. Joe and Dad made quick work of that project, so another item was checked off the to-do list.
We had tacos for dinner, the boys had baths, and then the adults got to hang out and talk on Saturday night. I snuggled under a knitted prayer shawl that Mom had brought from someone from the church I grew up in (Thanks ML!) I'm going to have to fight the boys for the prayer shawl--it is soft and wonderful and they love it too.
This morning we went to church. I was soooo happy to be there. I miss it when I can't go. KL handed me the softest bundle before church--she had knitted some socks for me!! They are a beautiful dark green and are long and lacy. They are *so* nice!
Now the boys are playing Mario Galaxy on the Wii and my dad is watching them. Joe has just arrived home from Walmart and Mom is playing solitaire on the laptop. It is a quiet, rainy Sunday. Life is good.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Pretty Near Normal
So today was pretty near normal, or at least new normal. Prilosec took care of any reflux. I slept at least 6 hours before waking up, and was able to get back to sleep again. I didn't need a nap. I count that as a good day.
LH came over and brought dinner for us to reheat. It is a double blessing because she doesn't have a kitchen right now due to a remodel. Making dinner was harder for her than it would have been for me! She made an amazing beef burgundy in the crockpot and a loaf of bread in the breadmaker. Add some carrots steamed in the microwave and we had a wonderful meal tonight.
Even better was her company. We had a little lunch, some green tea, and then sat and knitted and talked, and talked and knitted. I had *such* a wonderful time and I'm feeling happy and blessed. What a great day!
LH came over and brought dinner for us to reheat. It is a double blessing because she doesn't have a kitchen right now due to a remodel. Making dinner was harder for her than it would have been for me! She made an amazing beef burgundy in the crockpot and a loaf of bread in the breadmaker. Add some carrots steamed in the microwave and we had a wonderful meal tonight.
Even better was her company. We had a little lunch, some green tea, and then sat and knitted and talked, and talked and knitted. I had *such* a wonderful time and I'm feeling happy and blessed. What a great day!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Neupogen Day
Today I got a shot that tells my bone marrow to kick white blood cell production into high gear. It's my oncologist's standard procedure when you are on high doses of chemo. From what I can glean from the info sheet, it's derived from e. coli bacteria. Lovely! I thought I wasn't supposed to eat some raw fruits and veggies because of the risk of e. coli, and now they are giving it to me on purpose. Oh well. As my SL friend Sooz said "Die, cancer! Die!"
The main side effect of Neupogen is bone pain, which I'm feeling a bit in my back. I guess it is better than feeling it in my rib cage and sternum, which is the other option. Advil is taking care of the pain pretty well. The nurse said Tylenol would not likely touch it. I love it when nurses are open and practical--it is so much more helpful to know what to expect and what options I have to do something about side effects.
I also found out that over the counter antacids like Prilosec are the best solution to the reflux I've been having. So now the reflux is coming under control as well. I'm starting to feel almost normal again. Sort of.
The main side effect of Neupogen is bone pain, which I'm feeling a bit in my back. I guess it is better than feeling it in my rib cage and sternum, which is the other option. Advil is taking care of the pain pretty well. The nurse said Tylenol would not likely touch it. I love it when nurses are open and practical--it is so much more helpful to know what to expect and what options I have to do something about side effects.
I also found out that over the counter antacids like Prilosec are the best solution to the reflux I've been having. So now the reflux is coming under control as well. I'm starting to feel almost normal again. Sort of.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
And. . .the crash
Evidently I'm not following the typical crash-day schedule for chemo. Supposedly, days 3 & 4 are the most tired, followed by steadily getting stronger after that.
Um, nope. Yesterday (day 5) I went to bed at 7:30 pm and got up at 5 am this morning. Today (day 6) I dropped the boys off at school, came home, and canceled the day's appointments. I was wrung out, but couldn't sleep. I couldn't focus well enough to knit--I'm working on a complicated hat. My brain was all fuzzy and I didn't want to mess up the pattern.
Netflix Watch Instantly is going to be my new best friend for a while. Anyone want to help me fill up my queue? I watched A Good Woman with Helen Hunt and Scarlett Johanson, followed by The Weeping Camel or something like that. It was in Mongolian, with subtitles. I'm not sure how much I actually retained.
By the time both movies were over, I was awake and alert enough to drive safely to pick up the boys. We stopped by the store and bought corn dogs for dinner and called it a day. They've finished their homework, eaten their dinner, and are listening to Joe read a chapter of Hank the Cowdog. I'll probably go to bed early tonight (I'm yawning already) but not as early as last night.
Um, nope. Yesterday (day 5) I went to bed at 7:30 pm and got up at 5 am this morning. Today (day 6) I dropped the boys off at school, came home, and canceled the day's appointments. I was wrung out, but couldn't sleep. I couldn't focus well enough to knit--I'm working on a complicated hat. My brain was all fuzzy and I didn't want to mess up the pattern.
Netflix Watch Instantly is going to be my new best friend for a while. Anyone want to help me fill up my queue? I watched A Good Woman with Helen Hunt and Scarlett Johanson, followed by The Weeping Camel or something like that. It was in Mongolian, with subtitles. I'm not sure how much I actually retained.
By the time both movies were over, I was awake and alert enough to drive safely to pick up the boys. We stopped by the store and bought corn dogs for dinner and called it a day. They've finished their homework, eaten their dinner, and are listening to Joe read a chapter of Hank the Cowdog. I'll probably go to bed early tonight (I'm yawning already) but not as early as last night.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Fourth Day Post-Chemo--So Far, So Good
Joe's dad, who lives in Minnesota, called last night to say he was visiting his parents in Albany, New York. Since it's only about two and a half hours away, he was able to drive down and visit us today. We stayed home from church so that we could have more time with him; we always have a great time when he comes to visit.
We visited for a while here at home, and then Joe and his dad took the boys out to play mini-golf and bumper bowling at the local sports center. They eventually stopped counting strokes for EB while he was playing mini golf. [giggle] He beat everyone at "Fun Bowling", though. It's a kid's version of bowling with short lanes, small pins, and small three-pound balls with no finger-holes. Joe and his dad couldn't get the hang of using them, but EB just pitched them down the lane as if he were playing bocce.
I stayed home and rested a bit, although I didn't fall asleep. I just wasn't tired enough. W & AS stopped by with a delivery from church. P & MM had read that I was enjoying hummus and made some for me. It is soooooo yummy! Thanks, guys! I dove in as soon as W & A left the driveway. [grin]
As the guys drove back from their afternoon out, EB and Spiff were fighting in the back seat over who had cheated at thumb wrestling. It had escalated to tears and blows by the time they got home. We got them calmed down, and then Joe and his dad went to pick up my favorite pizza from a local bowling alley. Meatball pizza--I ate two pieces with no nausea in sight. In fact, I'm having a piece of cold cheese pizza as I write.
I think they gave me steroids with my first chemo treatment to help make sure I didn't have a bad reaction to the drugs. They're probably behind the sleep problems and food obsessions--the last time I was on steroids the same thing happened. I slept little, ate often in small amounts, and planted an entire 8 ft x 16 ft garden plot in one morning. Joe still groans at the mention of that period in our lives. Hopefully these will be out of my system soon and I can go back to sleeping normally.
Here are some photos from today:
We visited for a while here at home, and then Joe and his dad took the boys out to play mini-golf and bumper bowling at the local sports center. They eventually stopped counting strokes for EB while he was playing mini golf. [giggle] He beat everyone at "Fun Bowling", though. It's a kid's version of bowling with short lanes, small pins, and small three-pound balls with no finger-holes. Joe and his dad couldn't get the hang of using them, but EB just pitched them down the lane as if he were playing bocce.
I stayed home and rested a bit, although I didn't fall asleep. I just wasn't tired enough. W & AS stopped by with a delivery from church. P & MM had read that I was enjoying hummus and made some for me. It is soooooo yummy! Thanks, guys! I dove in as soon as W & A left the driveway. [grin]
As the guys drove back from their afternoon out, EB and Spiff were fighting in the back seat over who had cheated at thumb wrestling. It had escalated to tears and blows by the time they got home. We got them calmed down, and then Joe and his dad went to pick up my favorite pizza from a local bowling alley. Meatball pizza--I ate two pieces with no nausea in sight. In fact, I'm having a piece of cold cheese pizza as I write.
I think they gave me steroids with my first chemo treatment to help make sure I didn't have a bad reaction to the drugs. They're probably behind the sleep problems and food obsessions--the last time I was on steroids the same thing happened. I slept little, ate often in small amounts, and planted an entire 8 ft x 16 ft garden plot in one morning. Joe still groans at the mention of that period in our lives. Hopefully these will be out of my system soon and I can go back to sleeping normally.
Here are some photos from today:
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Third Day Post-Chemo
Well, this was supposed to be one of the days that I crashed. So far, it hasn't happened. I had a hard time sleeping last night--sleep for three hours, be up for two, all night long. Today has been a flip-flop of that--up for three hours, go try and lay down for a few minutes. But I haven't felt exhausted--more of a need for a quick nap.
Today I've been munching down more hummus (it's good on toast!) and eating a mango Joe picked up for me. Oh, lovely, lovely mangoes! I don't have any sores in my mouth yet, so I'm going to eat them while I can. I also had some pizza leftovers from the boys' dinner last night. So I guess I'm not really affected by nausea with all these wonder drugs. I do have cravings, however, and sometimes things just don't sound good at all. I just eat what and when I want to and call it good. I'm just going to listen to my body for a while and see what it wants to eat. So far my cravings have been for fruit and protein and my aversions have been to sweets.
My brain does feel "full" today. I can only knit a one or two rows at a time before I worry about losing the pattern and put it down. I'm hopping from one task to another and just doing what I can. Hopefully I won't crash on Monday--I have a follow up with the plastic surgeon that day.
Today I've been munching down more hummus (it's good on toast!) and eating a mango Joe picked up for me. Oh, lovely, lovely mangoes! I don't have any sores in my mouth yet, so I'm going to eat them while I can. I also had some pizza leftovers from the boys' dinner last night. So I guess I'm not really affected by nausea with all these wonder drugs. I do have cravings, however, and sometimes things just don't sound good at all. I just eat what and when I want to and call it good. I'm just going to listen to my body for a while and see what it wants to eat. So far my cravings have been for fruit and protein and my aversions have been to sweets.
My brain does feel "full" today. I can only knit a one or two rows at a time before I worry about losing the pattern and put it down. I'm hopping from one task to another and just doing what I can. Hopefully I won't crash on Monday--I have a follow up with the plastic surgeon that day.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Second Day Post-Chemo
Well, so far, so good. I had a migraine last night, which really gave the anti-nausea medicine a work out. But, I didn't throw up, even though I didn't take my migraine medicine. One day down.
Today, the boys were home from school due to a teachers' workshop. They watched Wallace and Gromit on DVD, played Wallace and Gromit on the Game Cube, watched The Bee Movie, played Luigi's Mansion, and watched the first episode of Johnny Quest when the Netflix envelope came in the mail. Not a lick of exercise was to be seen except for getting up to get snacks. But we were all together. I knitted a bit, Peter advised Michael on Luigi's Mansion (much to Michael's chagrin) and Michael did take an electronics break to make a comic book.
One thing I have noticed is that some food sounds completely unappetizing while other foods sound delicious. Someone on the Sonlight forums mentioned hummus today and so Joe picked some up for me at the grocery store tonight. It. was. wonderful. I had it on a flour tortilla with one of our garden tomatoes. I have to be careful about produce now, so it is nice to know that our tomatoes are safe. In fact, now I'm craving hummus again.
So, while I haven't felt completely "normal" today, I haven't felt exactly queasy either. I do look like I have a sunburn on my face and upper torso--a side effect of one of the drugs. But since it doesn't hurt or itch like a sunburn, it is a minor thing. I haven't even crashed yet. It's 8:30 pm and I haven't fallen alseep in my chair.
Today, the boys were home from school due to a teachers' workshop. They watched Wallace and Gromit on DVD, played Wallace and Gromit on the Game Cube, watched The Bee Movie, played Luigi's Mansion, and watched the first episode of Johnny Quest when the Netflix envelope came in the mail. Not a lick of exercise was to be seen except for getting up to get snacks.
One thing I have noticed is that some food sounds completely unappetizing while other foods sound delicious. Someone on the Sonlight forums mentioned hummus today and so Joe picked some up for me at the grocery store tonight. It. was. wonderful. I had it on a flour tortilla with one of our garden tomatoes. I have to be careful about produce now, so it is nice to know that our tomatoes are safe. In fact, now I'm craving hummus again.
So, while I haven't felt completely "normal" today, I haven't felt exactly queasy either. I do look like I have a sunburn on my face and upper torso--a side effect of one of the drugs. But since it doesn't hurt or itch like a sunburn, it is a minor thing. I haven't even crashed yet. It's 8:30 pm and I haven't fallen alseep in my chair.
One Chemo Down, Seven More to Go
My first chemo appointment was at 9:45 yesterday. They checked my blood cell counts and I was given the go-ahead to receive my first treatment. They tapped my port to draw blood, so I was ready to go by the time I got into the chemo room.
The room is long, and has a bunch of reclining chairs in it. Each chair has a pillow and an afghan on it, and two little arm tables attached for your reading, water bottle, etc. Across from some of the recliners are regular chairs for your visitor (in my case, Joe). At either end of the room is a TV with built-in DVD and VCR. There is coffee, water, and juice available. A table holds a basket of head scarves/turbans, a basket of saltine crackers, and some literature on cancer. There is also a bookcase with novels that you can read.
They first gave me an IV bag full of anti-nausea medicine. I had also taken an anti-nausea pill at home prior to arriving, so I had two on board by the time the first chemo arrived. The first one was red in a HUGE syringe. It looked like it was for giving horses shots. The nurse had to slowly inject the medicine into an IV line (saline was running with it) over the course of 5 minutes. She warned me that it would make my pee turn orange and not to worry when it happened.
The next drug was in an IV bag and took more than an hour to drip into me. They could have done it in as little as an hour, but it sometimes makes people have sinus issues--runny nose, sneezing, stuffiness--so they run it more slowly for at least the first time.
I had my knitting with me, and a lot of people struck up conversations with me about that. I think there must be something about yarn arts that just make people seem more approachable. "What are you making?" is such an easy way to strike up a conversation. Although, I had to recast on 4-5 times because I kept messing up. I finally started correctly though and was on my way.
About half the room was younger women and half was older. Joe and I were a bit surprised at how equal the distribution was. After listening to conversations floating around the room, he decided that if he were a playwrite, he would write a play entitled "The Thursday Morning Chemo Club." It would be about six women going through chemo and their lives. He thinks he's not creative at all, but I am always amazed at the ideas he comes up with.
The room is long, and has a bunch of reclining chairs in it. Each chair has a pillow and an afghan on it, and two little arm tables attached for your reading, water bottle, etc. Across from some of the recliners are regular chairs for your visitor (in my case, Joe). At either end of the room is a TV with built-in DVD and VCR. There is coffee, water, and juice available. A table holds a basket of head scarves/turbans, a basket of saltine crackers, and some literature on cancer. There is also a bookcase with novels that you can read.
They first gave me an IV bag full of anti-nausea medicine. I had also taken an anti-nausea pill at home prior to arriving, so I had two on board by the time the first chemo arrived. The first one was red in a HUGE syringe. It looked like it was for giving horses shots. The nurse had to slowly inject the medicine into an IV line (saline was running with it) over the course of 5 minutes. She warned me that it would make my pee turn orange and not to worry when it happened.
The next drug was in an IV bag and took more than an hour to drip into me. They could have done it in as little as an hour, but it sometimes makes people have sinus issues--runny nose, sneezing, stuffiness--so they run it more slowly for at least the first time.
I had my knitting with me, and a lot of people struck up conversations with me about that. I think there must be something about yarn arts that just make people seem more approachable. "What are you making?" is such an easy way to strike up a conversation. Although, I had to recast on 4-5 times because I kept messing up. I finally started correctly though and was on my way.
About half the room was younger women and half was older. Joe and I were a bit surprised at how equal the distribution was. After listening to conversations floating around the room, he decided that if he were a playwrite, he would write a play entitled "The Thursday Morning Chemo Club." It would be about six women going through chemo and their lives. He thinks he's not creative at all, but I am always amazed at the ideas he comes up with.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Here Comes the Judge
Sitting in waiting rooms is one of the less pleasant parts of my "being there" for Sandy because I have to endure hours among the hoi polloi on their cellphones with loud daytime TV in the background.
During today's chemo visit (more on that from Sandy) Paris Hilton was on the View, all cleaned up to look like the girl next door. After it ended the Judge shows started. Another husband and I compared notes on all the Judge shows we'd seen in the waiting rooms. Here's my list:
Judge Mathis
Judge Hatchett
Judge Joe Brown
Judge Judy
Judge Maria Lopez
Judge Mills Lane
Judge Jeanne Pirro
I feel like I'm ready to sit for the Bar.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Chemo Begins Tomorrow
For me, the cancer treatment is a play with five acts: diagnosis, mastectomy and recovery, chemotherapy, radiation, and finally, back to life again. Tonight the curtain falls on recovery. In the morning it rises again on chemotherapy.
Sandy's first chemotherapy session begins at 9:45 a.m. tomorrow in Hamden. She's facing a total of 8 sessions of chemotherapy on a two-week schedule. The first week she'll receive the drugs and the second week she'll visit the doctor for follow-up care. Treatment begins with 4 doses of Adriamycin and Cytoxan (combined), followed up with 4 doses of Taxol.
My manager is letting me work from home tomorrow so I can go with her and be there to help in the afternoon. The first session will take over two hours, so I'll probably pass the time writing training materials (and giving the evil eye to anyone on a cellphone) but if I'm lucky enough to have wireless access, I'll try to update the blog.
Sandy's first chemotherapy session begins at 9:45 a.m. tomorrow in Hamden. She's facing a total of 8 sessions of chemotherapy on a two-week schedule. The first week she'll receive the drugs and the second week she'll visit the doctor for follow-up care. Treatment begins with 4 doses of Adriamycin and Cytoxan (combined), followed up with 4 doses of Taxol.
My manager is letting me work from home tomorrow so I can go with her and be there to help in the afternoon. The first session will take over two hours, so I'll probably pass the time writing training materials (and giving the evil eye to anyone on a cellphone) but if I'm lucky enough to have wireless access, I'll try to update the blog.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Answers to Some Questions I Received
Someone emailed me today and asked some questions about how/why I went in to get my lump checked in the first place. I thought I would share them here as well.
I didn't even consider that the lump could be cancer because, other than having my children after the age of 30, I don't have any risk factors. I'm proof that it can strike anyone.
Had you had any mammograms?No. I was told to go get a baseline in December of 2006 after my regular GYN appointment, but I put it off. There was no indication at a that time that there was anything wrong.
My grandmother had it in her 80s after her colon cancer spread to her entire body. From what I've gleaned, that doesn't really count.
Any history of breast cancer in your family?
How old are you if you don't mind my asking?I turned 40 a few weeks after I was diagnosed.
Did you notice the lump before you found it in June?I knew that there was a change in my breast earlier in the spring, but I was hoping it was just a cyst that was changing during my period. I monitored it for a few months. When I realized that it was pretty large and not getting smaller after my period, I called. It was not a small lump.
Was it sore? big? hard?It got sore the week of my period, but sore breasts were part of my normal life during my period.
Did they biopsy it right away or had you found it earlier and they told you to wait?I had the lump checked out at the GYN office. There was a mammogram office right down the hall, so I stopped in to set an appointment. Since it was close to 5 pm and they didn't have an appointment, they did it right then. It was pretty obvious from the mammo that it was cancer. I got a biopsy within a week.
I have migraines that hit during PMS week, and sometimes other times. Any ill feelings were usually chalked up to one of them.
Were you having any other symptoms like feeling really tired? Immune system not working correctly?
Were you on any type of hormone replacement?No hormone replacement. I tried natural progesterone cream for a few months, but quit because it wasn't helping my PMS symptoms. My general practitioner and my GYN knew I was using it and were fine with it. (I think they thought it was about as strong as a placebo.)
I guess the main question is: Did you have any idea before July that something might be wrong with your health?I had no idea that something was wrong other than my migraines. No feelings of dread, no foreboding sense that something was wrong in my world. In fact, I was immensely pleased with my life and how it was going.
I didn't even consider that the lump could be cancer because, other than having my children after the age of 30, I don't have any risk factors. I'm proof that it can strike anyone.
I Finished a Hat Today
LH loaned me some of her back issues of Interweave Knits and Vogue Knits to read after surgery. Of course, I found a ton of patterns that I want to knit up right away.
This is one from Interweave Fall 2003. L laughed at me on Sunday when I showed her and said "You go straight for the hard stuff, don't you?"
Anyway, the best part about the pattern is that it used up the last bit of two balls of yarn that had been used for other projects. How cool is that? Plus, it combines Fair Isle methods with Scandinavian motifs and Estonian braid. What is not to love? I bought yarn on Saturday for another one. The next one will be 3 colors.
It will keep my bald head warm this fall. I already know which sweaters it will match.
I also knitted up a couple of cabled caps. They look like this in the green shown, and then a cranberry red. Oh, and that's not me--it's just a picture of the hat I grabbed off the web.
This is one from Interweave Fall 2003. L laughed at me on Sunday when I showed her and said "You go straight for the hard stuff, don't you?"
Anyway, the best part about the pattern is that it used up the last bit of two balls of yarn that had been used for other projects. How cool is that? Plus, it combines Fair Isle methods with Scandinavian motifs and Estonian braid. What is not to love?
I bought yarn on Saturday for another one. The next one will be 3 colors.It will keep my bald head warm this fall. I already know which sweaters it will match.
I also knitted up a couple of cabled caps. They look like this in the green shown, and then a cranberry red. Oh, and that's not me--it's just a picture of the hat I grabbed off the web.
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