Chemo Session #5

It was a very close call that this cocktail hour(s) was to be cancelled for another time.  My counts were low, so Nurse Tracie wanted to wait until Doc came by to review the blood results and make a determination.  The most worrisome ~  the Hgb was 9.6 and the range is 11.7-14.7. (check on the link for more information)

I began to weigh the pros and cons about cancellation:

• Herceptin would still be given and it doesn't have intense side effects.  SO, that would mean that I wouldn't be feeling  bad on my birthday this coming Tuesday.  That is a plus!
• However, postponing treatment would push my dates further and, quite frankly, I want to GET THIS DONE!

Doc Esther arrived and asked about the neuropathy in my hands and feet.  Hands are not as bad as my feet.  She suggested wearing thicker socks and thicker soles in my shoes.

Then she gave the go ahead .... and included a blood transfusion.  Now, you already know how I feel about that!  But I didn't whine .... I said LET'S DO IT!

And, a whirlwind of activity began.  Nurse Tracie was another great nurse to care for me today.  She had a college student from Malone shadow her and learn about the process.  Which is cool because I get to hear more details of what is going on.  These people are smart.

I was in a smaller section this time, which made it hard for my guests today.  Teri, Jasmine and Adam rotated, as there was only one chair.  And, like I said, the whirlwind made it hard not to be in the way.

Jazz and our favorite hand sanitizer

First to stay and experience the thrill of the port was Jasmine.  She held up very well with the needles and such.  We had a great visit together and I'm so glad she was there with me.

Then, Adam came in after getting off his 3rd shift job.  He was with me when Doc assessed the situation and gave the go ahead.  He was also there when the pre-meds were dispersed, including the Benadryl.  Wow! that stuff hits fast and hard.  But, I managed to stay awake so we could catch up on news. 

Early Photo (forgot to take my camera out when he was there)

At 11:15, they were ready for the 2nd drip of Taxol (3 hour drip and the one that causes the most side effects).  We said our good-byes as I made yet another trip to the restroom.  Remember the ice?  Yeah, so I go before the 3-hour-ice-on-my-limbs is initiated!

By that time, the girls were hungry and I talked them into finding food at the main hospital.  It was a beautiful day and Jasmine agreed to take my camera to get some photos around the grounds.  She did a great job! 

Album - McDowell Center

Teri & Jazz

I fell asleep while they were gone.

They brought back a turkey wrap for me and they decided to picnic outside with their lunch.  Great plan .... I ate what I could and fell asleep again.

Then the Carbplatin .... homestretch!  By this time, Matt picked up Jasmine and Teri came back to keep me company.  We also had a good visit. 

It didn't take long for this last chemo drug and then, BLOOD TRANSFUSION.

Nurse Tracie encouraged me to drink 64 ounces of water every day to help with all the symptoms. I know this is what I have to do.  And this time, I am really going to do it.  No more "trying".  I found my 32 ounce jug from the hospital.  Just got to fill it up twice during the day.  I CAN DO THIS!

I don't want to feel bad.  I want to take any opportunity to help myself feel better.  I was never a water drinker.  I don't drink carbonated pop.  I do drink coffee all day long and ice tea at home.  Neither will do the job.  Wish me luck!  Send me "reminders"!

Tonight

Teri left for home.  She gave me a wonderful birthday card.  Hard to believe I'm going to be the Big 5-0. 

I'm all snuggled in the "Ladies Lounge" with my new body pillow, sheets, comfy pjs and pets.

Will go to work tomorrow until 3:00, Matt is driving just in case.

Then, to the clinic for my shot.

Staying focused.

Staying on top of the pain.

Resting.

Laughter.

Daily devotionals.

And writing to you.


Stay tuned

Next blog .... how my sister spoils me rotten.

Follow Up after Chemo #4

Early Spring Flowers poppin thru

This morning was my follow-up with Dr Esther.  It was a tad frustrating as it took an hour to get from the front waiting room to the back.  It took 2-1/2 hours for everything and to get back to work.

Regardless, my blood pressure was 126/78 .... I lost 6 lbs.  I know I'm not suppose to loose weight now, but I can tell you that I'm not complaining about getting some of this chunk-a-dunka-ness off me.  They seemed satisfied with my blood count, took notice of my nose bleeds, did a breast exam and sent me off with some encouragement and hugs.

Q: When will my radiation begin?
A: Three weeks after my last treatment (estimate May 17)

Q: When will my Herceptin (only) begin?
A: I will have 11 more sessions after this chemo round, which will total 17. It will continue on the same schedule as now, every 3 weeks.  Basically, no break in treatment. (estimate Dec 13)

Q: Do I have to have another blood transfusion?
A: Not this time, count looks good. :)

Q: Do I have to continue the Neulasta shot?
A: Yep :(

Q: How is my prognosis?
A: "I plan to fire you in 5 years" says Doc with a hug. "I'm going to make sure you will be just fine."


Got to work about 11:00.  Made it through 5:45! Debbie gave me another set of "ear-bobs" as Grandma Pearl called them....pretty dangly earrings shaped as a flower.  Along with her fabulous Congratulations! Another round behind you! She has been so sweet giving me a gift after each chemo session.  I'm looking forward to the last set, as she let it slip what they are!!!!

This is going to be a good week.  Feeling stronger. Got some "plans of attack" in life.  Looking forward to Easter Sunday service.

Blessings to you ~

Follow-up from Chemo #3

Matt took me to Doc Esther this morning.  I had it in my mind that if she couldn't tell me if the chemo was working, then I was done.  I'm weak and just not really feeling like doing this anymore.  After they took my blood, I sat and waited ... lost in thought.  A few times, the tears flowed of everything that has happened over the past few months.  Then, I began to think about the women I know whose stages are more advanced than mine.  How much more they are going through and I had absolutely no right to sit there and whine.  I'm just tired. No, it's more than just tired ... fatigued.  Not quite right either ... what is a word that can describe being absolutely exhausted?

To her credit, she didn't try to sugar-coat it.  She gave me her full attention and listened.  Because we are not shrinking a tumor, she can not give me the answer to "is the treatment working".  She can only tell me that based on my HER2 protein that statistics say that what treatment I'm getting now can help prevent it from coming back.  Hmmmm, not quite the reassurance I needed to make a decision.  Then, back to the women I have in my mind and in my heart....and back to my daughters and my husband and my family.... ok, I'll stick with it.....

Doc said that there may be a time before all this is over too when I won't be able to go back to work for awhile.  Reduced hours still might be too much.  Ok, looks like I will have to cross that road when I get there.  I reminded her that I'm the only paycheck in the house right now.  She understood.  I was also denied my cancer policy because it became effective Jan 1 and I was diagnosed Dec 7.  She said she would help me appeal it (although I don't know how to change their minds).  Do you?

The blood counts came back and she liked the numbers.  So, the Neulasta is working.  She said that I'm a tad dehydrated, but not bad enough for fluid IV.  (that's good) Doc also told me to eat more junk food (now what doctor would tell you that?) Guess I dropped a few pounds.  She said junk food tastes good and it has calories. ahhhhhh

I asked her again the details for the rest of my treatments.  She is going to adjust next week's chemo .... last chemo should be end of April.  Then 6 weeks of daily radiation.  Then 11 treatments of Herceptin.  Basically, treatments for the remainder of 2012.

What a year ~

Tomorrow, it is my plan to make it to work.  I'm praying for the courage and the strength.

Patchwork of life

The Day After - Chemo #3

Last night after getting ready for bed, I made the decision not to go into work today.  The first Friday I missed after chemo.  I was just too exhausted to think about getting up early and putting in a full day.  I'm ever so glad I made that decision.

I slept on & off most of the day with the company of all my animals (boy, they can sleep A LOT!)  Watched a John Wayne comedy (yes, he made a comedy) called McClintock. Loved it!

Took off for the cancer center for my shot of Neulasta. We braved the high winds today and I wore my leopard hat that is snug fitting ... so windy my hair would have blown off my scalp, if I had any!  The nurse was "petting" my hat because it's soft as a kitty.  Nurse Bev, from yesterday, left a magazine for me of photographs of extreme sports.  Awesome photos from exotic places .... oh, how I wish I could go to places and capture everything breathtaking.  Anyway, (back to the shot) .... nurse had me hold the syringe to warm it up while she was getting things ready.  It was cold and she said it burns going in if the fluid is cold.  Did my best to warm it up!  Easy-peazy, no pain going in!  Continue taking the Clairton to ease the bone and muscle pain that is suppose to last 3-4 days.  Hoping to feel like a new woman!

We stopped by mom's to pick up dinner she made for us.  It was good to visit .... as I haven't seen her much since all this started.  Little sister is picking her up next weekend and taking her south for a few months.  She is so excited and I know that it is definitely time for her to get out of the 4 walls and do something different and in warmer climate. 

Debbie sent over this video that is very worthy of sharing.  Hope it moves you

Test Results for #2 Session

Today was my follow-up appointment with my oncologist.  Doc Esther came back from vacation and was running about an hour behind schedule.  Don't you just hate it when you have to wait at doctor appointments?  But, I try to relax and not get overly anxious. 

My INR for my coumidine is 1.7 (needs to be between 2-3).  So, she wants me to go up 1/2 a pill (1-1/2 pill per day).

My white blood cells are low.  So, I will need to get a shot of Neulasta 24 hours after my chemo (Friday).  I'm not liking the side effect list .... man, oh man.  Hoping insurance pays a good chunk of it.

My blood pressure was good :)

I asked her to write a 90 day script for my nausea medicine.  She had only been writing them for 15 pills at a time and it cost $38.50.  I explained our discount plan that it would be $15 for 90 day supply.  I dropped off the script on the way to work only to discover that it had been written for 30 days for $232 dollars.  Oh boy.... it took lots of phone calls to get that all squared away.  Mission accomplished.

Tired ....

It's been nice having Jasmine spend the night yesterday and today.  She made chilie for dinner and has been helping around the house.  I'm glad she has been able to lend a helping hand!

Good night ~

South Carolina