CureSearch Children's Cancer

Researcher Looks for Link Between Protein and Hodgkin lymphoma Maxwell Krem, MD, PhD, from The University of Washington strives to treat his patients as he would want to be treated, delivering state-of-the-art medical therapy. He hopes that his research will lead to targeted therapies. Read more Little Girl's Memory Lives on Through Family's Determination Sheridan Bautista was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of seven. Doctors found a tumor located above her left knee that encompassed 75% of her femur. She immediately started chemotherapy. Read more Resilience in Adolescent and Young Adults During & After Cancer Treatment When an adolescent is diagnosed with cancer, their future is daunting, not only because of the cancer itself, but also because of the unique aspects of psychological and social development that occur during the teenage years. Read more 2013 CureSearch Walk Dates The 2013 CureSearch Walk season is underway! Join CureSearch at one of our upcoming Walks as we honor and remember those affected by children's cancer. These very special days will include prizes, music, food, and fun activities for the entire family! For a full list, click here. Save the Date – 2013 Childhood Cancer Action Day in Washington, DC CureSearch for Children's Cancer, a member of the Alliance for Childhood Cancer, is pleased to announce that this year's Childhood Cancer Action Day in Washington, DC is scheduled for June 17-18, 2013. Read more Ultimate Hike Dates Experience an adventure and help CureSearch by taking the Ultimate Hike challenge! Join CureSearch at one of our 11 upcoming hikes across the country. Each trail will provide a significant challenge no matter the level of hike experience. To find a hike near you, click here.

Strokes and Chemo

The past week has been very busy ... starting with last Friday.  On my way home from work, I received a message from my sister that mom called and wanted to go to ER.  She was having trouble with her vision.  Since I was right down the street and sis just got home from chemo treatment, I headed over to take care of the situation. 

Got mom to the ER and she was taken back pretty quickly.  She described her symptoms to different nurses who asked her the same questions.  Then a doctor came in for some eye hand motor tests.  Doc ordered an EKG, a chest x-ray and a cat scan.  About 4-1/2 hours later, they admitted her for observation.  We got her settled in her room and ordered dinner (about 9:30), as she hadn't eaten since I picked her up. 

Saturday, they ordered an MRI as the cat scan was inclusive.  The MRI showed that she had a stroke located in the back of her head behind her left ear.  It surprised a lot of us because she did not have any paralysis.  (that's good)  Mom has 100% blockage on one side of her neck and 70% blockage on the other side.  They kept her Sunday and released her Monday afternoon, with a whole list of doctors to follow up with.

During the same time, Christie was dealing with the side effects from the Taxol.  Another infection, slight fever and pain.  Stupid canzer!

Early Detection for Pancreatic Cancer

http://www.forbes.com/sites/bruceupbin/2012/06/18/wait-did-this-15-year-old-from-maryland-just-change-cancer-treatment/

A friend of mine sent this article to me.  I sure do hope this gives a big jump to early detection for pancreatic cancer.  The comments from readers are always interesting.

My Father-in-law

The one year anniversary of the loss of my father-in-law is upon us.  How did a whole year go by already?  Matt is still trying to deal with the loss and my heart aches for him.    What happens if you die on Feb 29

I heard a message on the radio that said "If you think you are in the land of the living, you got it all wrong.  We are in the land of the dying and it is in heaven where we will live for eternity." Dr Hendricks was married for 66 years and has been celebrated for his many years of service with Moody.  What a legacy ~  I hope Pa is visiting with him now

Dr. Howard Hendricks is With the Lord

---

February 22, 2013

Dr. Howard Hendricks beloved teacher, speaker and author, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013. Dr. Hendricks was the co-author with his son William of the best-selling books Living By the Book, and As Iron Sharpens Iron.

"Moody Publishers, along with the family and friends of Howard Hendricks, are saddened by the news of his passing," said Greg Thornton, senior vice president, Moody Media. "We will greatly miss Dr. Hendricks, his humor, and especially his tremendous ability to communicate truth through his speaking, teaching and writing. We mourn his loss but rejoice in knowing he’s with our Savior." 

A wonderful tribute has been developed by the Dallas Theological Seminary, which can be viewed here.

Please pray God’s comfort on Howard’s wife Jeanne, four children including son and co-author Bill Hendricks, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren

http://www.moodypublishers.com/pub_newsDetail.aspx?id=104910

Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Surgery

Denise shared a very interesting post regarding Lymphedema http://denise4health.wordpress.com/2013/02/11/learning-to-live-with-lymphedema/#comments

So, I’m on the path of learning what I can about it.  This is from WebMD.com

 

Save This Article For Later

{fontSizerContenLymphadema is related to the functioning of the lymphatic system, which helps the immune system fight off infection and clears debris from the body. Here's how the lymphatic system works:

·       Excess fluid is collected from the space between tissues in the body and moves through the lymph vessels. The fluid (now called lymph) isn't pumped through the body like blood, but instead is "pushed" through the lymph system as the vessels are compressed by surrounding muscles.

·       Filters called lymph nodes remove certain harmful substances from the lymph fluid, such as bacteria and debris. The fluid from most tissues or organs is filtered through one or more lymph nodes before draining into the bloodstream.

What Is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is an abnormal buildup of fluid that causes swelling, most often in the arms or legs. The condition develops when lymph vessels or lymph nodes are missing, impaired, damaged, or removed.

There are two types of lymphedema: primary and secondary.
Primary lymphedema is rare and is caused by the absence of, or abnormalities in, certain lymph vessels at birth.

Secondary lymphedema occurs as a result of a blockage or interruption that alters the flow of lymph through the lymphatic system. It may develop from an infection, cancer, surgery, scar tissue formation, trauma, deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in a vein), radiation, or other cancer treatment.

Results From The Family Doctor

Yesterday I had my follow-up visit with my family doctor to discuss the blood work he ordered.  He was so pleased with the results that I could hang it on my refrigerator! Well, I won't go that far ....

The iron, vit D, vit B12, all good - no issues with thyroid, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and a bunch of other items from the panel were good.  The only thing I need to work on is my cholesterol.  Not bad enough to control with medicine, but I need to make changes to my diet, get more exercise. 

 

Everything all of us need to do.

The changes he made in my blood pressure meds seems to be doing the trick.  Not getting those crazy dizzy spells, flashes and stuff now.  Still adjusting the depression meds.  It's hard for most people to tell that I am on that stuff because I don't show most people that side.  I don't even know if I'm really truly depressed (if that makes sense) because I've worked through a lot of issues the past 13 months.  My sadness is what he called "situational".  That is true. 

I brought up the issue of the lump at the back of my knee.  Had it since last November.  He is convinced that it is ligament related. An MRI would tell.  He recommended anti-inflammatory and overall gentle exercise.

Follow-up in two months ~

Update on Christie

I would like to request prayer for my sister, Christie.  She spent a long time in ER Saturday night and today is no better.  This evening, it was difficult to gauge whether or not to get her back in ER again. 

She is fighting an infection and has a slight fever.  However, those slight fevers are just brimming below the mark 100.9 ...... the mark of when we are told to seek medical attention. 

Their experience with the ER on 2 other occasions were horrible.  I can't believe that as a cancer patient, she had to stay in the ER where all the germs are!  That is NOT what our oncologist told us.  We are to be whisked straight up to the oncology floor!

Please pray for healing, comfort and that the fever and infection are controlled.

Thank you ~

The Friendly Family Doctor

I have finally made an appointment to see my family doctor ~ scheduled for tomorrow.  I have only seen him once since my diagnosis of bc.  I thought it would be a good idea to have him look at my blood count to see if I'm lacking in iron or any other deficiencies.  Trust me, I'm tired of doctors, tests and needles. But that's just it, I'm tired. 

So, I plan to start with a blood work up and then discuss all the aches and pains I have been experiencing before cancer and after.  Starting from my feet to the top of my head.  Sound radical?  Nope. Not really. 

Remember when I got the MRI on my back and Doc said I had a pinched nerve and some degenerative stuff going on?  Well, nothing as been done for that and I can't stand long enough to wash my dishes or shop the grocery store without tremendous pain.

Remember the pain behind my knee and pea sized bump?  Gonna ask about that too.

I had a terrible episode the other night that brought me to my knees.  My blood pressure was sky high, so I'll be talking to him about my meds........ALL my meds.  Hope to discontinue what my body doesn't need anymore.

So, that's the short list! 

In other news, my Uncle Bobby went home to be with the Lord yesterday.  My heart breaks for my Aunt and my cousins.  Rest in Peace ~

I want my brain back!

 

I'm extremely curious about http://www.lumosity.com/

I want to get back in the game!  back in life! back in work! 

 

I want my brain back!

Got this from my new found blogging friend Denise http://denise4health.wordpress.com/


I'll keep you posted :)

Chronic Fatigue

Have you ever been sick and tired of being sick and tired?  Have you ever wondered if people are sick and tired of you complaining about being sick and tired? 

 

Well, that's me in a nutshell. 

You would think that after declaring that I'm "cancer-free", it would all be "okay" by now.  After all, the treatments are done.

And I'm still not feeling 100% and I'm still really, really tired.

There are probably things that I should be doing to help myself through this process of recovery. 

Eating better
Exercising
Do I need more iron?
I could use some sunshine for sure
Less stress?

What the heck is WRONG WITH ME?

Introduction to Breast Cancer

Article from Health Monitor Fall 2012

Learning that you have breast cancer can, quite literally, stop you in your tracks. You may feel frozen in time, replaying over and over again in your mind the moment your doctor told you the news. It's normal to feel a wide range of emotions—fear, shock, depression, anger and even guilt.

Slow down, take a moment and breathe. The emotions you are feeling are completely understandable. And if you are feeling nothing, that's OK, too. Oftentimes, when a woman hears the diagnosis "breast cancer," she goes temporarily numb.

Take comfort, though, in knowing that, as of 2010, there are more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. Experts report that the death rate from breast cancer has been decreasing since 1991, due to public awareness, earlier detection and advances in treatment.

The truth is, there is nothing fair about breast cancer. But you can find plenty of help and reasons for hope. Turn to your family and friends. Choose a healthcare team you trust. Prepare for a battle and be strong.

http://www.healthmonitor.com/womens-health/breast-cancer/living-breast-cancer

Names of Survivors

My sister has a wonderful idea for a project.  She is asking for a list of names of breast cancer survivors.  I got side tracked, like I normally do, and read a few of these googled articles .....

Pink Warriors

Kate Jackson

Celebrities - Breast Cancer

Simplifying My Life

January 15, 2013 was my appointment with Doc Esther, my medical oncologist.   This was to be my official parting of the ways.

I was reading a book as I waited to be called in.  Something not cancer related.  The nurse took me to one of the exam rooms to take my vitals.  As she did so, she asked me what the numbers 316 meant that was written on my bracelet. 

"It's a Bible verse."
"Can you tell me what it says?" she asked.
"Are you sure?" She said she was.

I then spoke the words ~

John 3:16

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Mind you, this was the first time a stranger asked me point blank about the bible or anything related to God.  My heart was overflowing to be able to say that out loud to a person who actually gave me permission to tell them words from the bible.

Then, she was gone .... and in walked Doc Esther.  She booted up my medical records on the computer and said

I'm going to simplify your life

She said my team of doctors collaborated and decided that patients only needed to get the final clearance from one of them (not all 3).  She asked me if I had appointments to follow up with my surgeon and I said yes, March 5.  And my radiologist?  I said yes, March 6. 

"Cancel them, you don't need to see them."

After the exam, I followed her to the nurses station as she wrote a script for me and instructions for my next visit in 3 months.

I gave her a hug and said "thank you for saving my life" and she said

I was just the recipe maker

As I left, I decided to walk thru the treatment area to find some angel nurses .... I found nurses Karen and Regina and got some heartfelt hugs.  I came to a stop in the waiting room as a woman caught my attention.  She was wearing a hat and holding her husband's hand.  I laid my things on the chair near them and put my coat on.  I wished I could just sit down and talk to her. Instead, I said "I just finished a year of treatment.  I'm all done!" She smiled and said "congratulations".  I replied, "There is hope."

My journey is done ..... now, I just need to focus on gaining my strength back and getting my body cleansed of all the chemo drugs.  This will take some time, I'm sure.  Isn't that a thought? 

Time is what I now have back.


Thanks to my heavenly maker and my recipe maker ~

Unapologetic

I've spent the last week concerned about my sister, Christie.  Now, I just got my hair back and she is gonna turn it gray! 

We are all keeping a sharp eye on missy now!

I think this was a lesson to all of us, but especially for her.  Each of us knows our own bodies best and when it is feeling bad, especially chemo patients, we got to recognize it for what it is and get help. 

Unapologetic

 

 

For patients everywhere:

 

• Are you worried about being a nuisance?
• Think you are calling the doctor's office too many times?
• Feeling like a hypochondriac?
• Don't want to rock the boat?

 

 

 

Get over it!

Call the doctor!!

 

You have my permission ....

ok, ok, give yourself permission!