Today I returned to the Oncologist for my check up. I have gained a pound and the visit went well. I will begin taking the new medication called Arimidex which I will continue taking for the next 5 years. This of course will be monitored closely due to the side effects that come with taking it. Dr. Murphy asked how my shoulder pain has been and we discussed physical therapy. He thinks that I may need to see an orthopedic surgeon to have the scar tissue broke to allow the shoulder to move and begin rehabilitation/movement due to it being so painful the way it is now. My eyes of course got as big as cantalopes when the word "surgery" was mentioned.
I have been going to Physical Therapy two times a week now for several weeks and doing home exercises in an effort to see some improvement on the shoulder. Sunday night was a clear indication that things were not "improving" when nothing I did made the angry nerve endings happy. Time certainly will tell.
Tomorrow I go for my epidural injection for my lower disc. Hoping for some needed relief on that spectrum once it's done.
Thanksgiving is just around the bend as well as Christmas. Hard to believe this year is almost over. Thank you B3 Fighters for your continued prayers.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
On Thursday, Oct 21st, I completed my 30th round of radiation treatments. After I was done, we loaded up the car and headed to Destin, FL. Two gracious friends from church allowed us to use their condo for a weekend getaway. We had previously planned the trip earlier in the year to go when chemo was done (before my surgeries), but due to blood counts, that got put on the back burner.We had to stop after several hours of traveling as my pain levels sky rocketed. We finished the trip on Friday morning and arrived at Destin early. It didn't take me but 15 minutes to have my swim suit on and beach umbrella in hand to hit the sand.
It was beautiful and relaxing and we had gorgeous weather everyday. We ended up staying one extra day and enjoyed the tranquilty all the more.
What was fantastic was being able to wake up every morning and laying in bed, you could see the ocean. The furniture was placed just right in the bedroom so that it faced the ocean when you opened the shutters. Wow and Wow.
We also had the opportunity to see our youngest daughter Skip (Carolyn) and to meet our new grandson, Camrin. She drove over from Orlando and met up with us. What a total joy it was to see them and enjoy a short time with them. We had not seen Skip in over a year.
Meeting Camrin was like drinking a fresh glass of lemonade on a hot day. He is a handsome little man and I soaked in the baby holding moments all that I could.
Grampa enjoyed the little man too. Poor Nick has gotten sick since we got home, his yearly bronchitis. The salt air was not his best friend.
What's next in the cancer trek, I have seen the oncologist this week and he is holding off starting me on the next round of drugs. My arm and shoulder are so tight and painful, he is fearful the shoulder will seize so I am off to physical therapy for a few weeks. I am hoping for some positive results with this as the pain has been unbearable at times. I will return to see Dr. Murphy mid November to start the Arimidex. I will head back to see the breast doctor in December.
B3 fighters - please continue to pray as we go into this next phase and we thank you always for your support as we move ahead.
Monday, October 4, 2010
With the beginning of October being here I find it hard to fathom that we have been in 2010 for 10 months now. Where has this year gone? As I sit here and write this update for the B3Fight, I am also thinking about the recent items I have seen in all the stores that promote Breast Cancer Awareness for the month of October. It is pretty cool to see how the marketing of these items has hit the shelves in different shapes and forms (no pun intended). When I was at Joanne Fabrics a week or so ago, I saw even a pink measuring tape and scissors that sported the pink ribbon (the avid seamstress that I am). Up until this year, I probably would not have noticed it as much as I have in 2010.
Even the Dannon yogurt container that I open every morning for my breakfast sports a pink ribbon. Today I went onto their website where you can put in your code from the cap to donate to The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. To some it may only seem like a waste of time to get 10 cents donated to finding the cure. To others, it's like donating a million bucks because it is helping to find the cure for just one human being.
To those who's lives have been touched by breast cancer the symbol represents something bigger. Maybe your mom, your aunt, your sister-in-law, even an uncle (men do get breast cancer too) have been touched by it.
Me, I am just one in the sea of many who have been there done that and still doing it. The pink ribbon does symbolize that life can go on thanks to those that support it. I am thankful everyday for the chemo, the drugs, and the researchers. I stand here today, because God gave the medical field the means to save lives and continue to find the cure.
Pink, never would have chosen it as a color for me. My favorite color is blue, but I sport pink and it's because this is what I have been called to do for now. Are you wearing your ribbon this month? I am.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Curly Locks - Maybe?
As you can see from the pictures, my hair has been flooding back in - in waves. I am amazed though at the color of it as I would like to think I didn't have this much grey to start with the past several years. Maybe Lady Clairol has been hiding my secret all along and I just never got around to noticing it.
I always had wavy hair but managed to straighten it each day when it grew to shoulder length so unless it was wet, no one saw much of the wave. It is certainly holding true to form in keeping its curliness.
The big debate at home has been "when" to color it or to leave it grey. People have said, grey is the "new" color. I have seen young movie stars sporting the grey hair and looking quite sheik in it. Then I went to a store and they were having "senior citizen" discount day (their day was Tuesday) and the young man behind the counter gave me the discount without asking me if I was 55. When I got out to the car I called Nick and said it's time for Lady Clairol. I still have 2 years to go before I rightfully get that "discount". He laughed. You know how women can be about getting old!
It will be interesting to see though if I end up with a full head of curly hair or the wire brush look. Might be time to pull that Chi out if its the later of the two. I do have to be thankful they are not doing radiation to my head because I hear that causes permanent baldness. At this point, I will take whatever the Lord gives me to cover this head.
I always had wavy hair but managed to straighten it each day when it grew to shoulder length so unless it was wet, no one saw much of the wave. It is certainly holding true to form in keeping its curliness.
The big debate at home has been "when" to color it or to leave it grey. People have said, grey is the "new" color. I have seen young movie stars sporting the grey hair and looking quite sheik in it. Then I went to a store and they were having "senior citizen" discount day (their day was Tuesday) and the young man behind the counter gave me the discount without asking me if I was 55. When I got out to the car I called Nick and said it's time for Lady Clairol. I still have 2 years to go before I rightfully get that "discount". He laughed. You know how women can be about getting old!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Ya Had A Bad Day
Today was treatment number 5 for radiation. It was nothing out of the ordinary. The techs (all 4) were ready and waiting for me when I got there. I found myself to be extremely uncomfortable in the position I had to be in today which was not anything different from the usual, but my neck hurt having to keep it turned to the left out of the way of the beam.
For some unknown reason I began to feel weepy inside right in the middle of the treatment. I had to keep telling myself - Brenda, don't move, don't move. I wanted to yell out loud to them, TIME OUT, I need to cry here RIGHT NOW! Then a sudden hot flash came upon me and that swarmed me like bees at a hive full of honey. I kept thinking, calm down, it will be over soon. In the back ground, as always, there is music playing and I finally was able to focus on the current song that was playing which was "So you've had a bad day" by Daniel Powter. It was peppy and as I set my sights on listening to it, before I knew it, they drew the machine back and said it was done and time to get off the table.
I had to see Dr. C today and that went very well. He showed me all my "xrays" of where they shoot the beams and how they do the job they are set up to do - kill bad cells. Before I knew it he had me laughing with his wonderful sense of humor and great bedside manor and I was heading home. Another treatment done - 25 to go!
For some unknown reason I began to feel weepy inside right in the middle of the treatment. I had to keep telling myself - Brenda, don't move, don't move. I wanted to yell out loud to them, TIME OUT, I need to cry here RIGHT NOW! Then a sudden hot flash came upon me and that swarmed me like bees at a hive full of honey. I kept thinking, calm down, it will be over soon. In the back ground, as always, there is music playing and I finally was able to focus on the current song that was playing which was "So you've had a bad day" by Daniel Powter. It was peppy and as I set my sights on listening to it, before I knew it, they drew the machine back and said it was done and time to get off the table.
I had to see Dr. C today and that went very well. He showed me all my "xrays" of where they shoot the beams and how they do the job they are set up to do - kill bad cells. Before I knew it he had me laughing with his wonderful sense of humor and great bedside manor and I was heading home. Another treatment done - 25 to go!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Poster Child for Magic Markers
Today was my first day of radiation treatment at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. I was able to drive myself and got there in plenty of time with not a long wait once I arrived. I got changed into my gown and headed back to the room with the BIG machine. I settled in on the table as the technichians (3) got me into the correct position. Arm up over my head and greatly exposed, I was told to lay still.
The machine looked like something out of Star Wars with rays moving in all different positions and lots of little windows opening with beams falling across my chest at odd angles. Dr. C showed up about half way through and pulled out his magic marker and did some markings. Tape was placed on half of the marks and I will need to keep them in place so they can shoot at those spots each day when I go.
I had to chuckle when I looked at the finished product because it looked like I had run into a kid holding a handful of magic markers with all the lids off in a dark room.
The machine looked like something out of Star Wars with rays moving in all different positions and lots of little windows opening with beams falling across my chest at odd angles. Dr. C showed up about half way through and pulled out his magic marker and did some markings. Tape was placed on half of the marks and I will need to keep them in place so they can shoot at those spots each day when I go.
I had to chuckle when I looked at the finished product because it looked like I had run into a kid holding a handful of magic markers with all the lids off in a dark room.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Well, today was my consultation with the radiologist to begin 6 weeks of treatments. My new doctor is "Dr. Cmelak" and I will refer to him as "Dr. C" from here on out. For those of you that attend OPC in Florida, he could pass as a brother to Jeff Jakes in both looks and personality. He has a great sense of humor and during the middle of the visit answered his cell phone and talked to his dad while we were sitting there. Both Nick and I laughed at that one.
Lots of information came our way today. Dr. C discussed side effects and remedies for those side effects. My area of radiation will be broader due to the nodes being involved and the risk of lymphedema were discussed again. We walked away with another armful of brochures and paperwork. My "cancer" notebook gets bigger and bigger everyday.
Once the initial exam was done, they did a CT of my breast/chest and taped me up with metal wires to place the "x's" (5) that will guide them when they begin shooting the rays. My first treatment will be next Wednesday the 8th and every weekday till October 19th. My main task for the next week is to keep the marks on they placed with the magic marker and tape. I will be showering gingerly for the next week to say the least!
Fortunately the cancer center is close to the apartment. I will be able to drive myself to and from and Nick will not have to go with me for the visits.
Onto phase three - it's a good thing.
Lots of information came our way today. Dr. C discussed side effects and remedies for those side effects. My area of radiation will be broader due to the nodes being involved and the risk of lymphedema were discussed again. We walked away with another armful of brochures and paperwork. My "cancer" notebook gets bigger and bigger everyday.
Once the initial exam was done, they did a CT of my breast/chest and taped me up with metal wires to place the "x's" (5) that will guide them when they begin shooting the rays. My first treatment will be next Wednesday the 8th and every weekday till October 19th. My main task for the next week is to keep the marks on they placed with the magic marker and tape. I will be showering gingerly for the next week to say the least!
Fortunately the cancer center is close to the apartment. I will be able to drive myself to and from and Nick will not have to go with me for the visits.
Onto phase three - it's a good thing.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Post Op Update
Today we returned to see Dr. Whitworth for my post-op appointment. It has been two and half weeks since my second surgery and things are progressing well. We received the final pathology report that showed that the margins are clear and no further tissue will need to be taken at this time. Now that we are at this point, it is ok to begin radiation. I am scheduled to meet with my new doctor at Vanderbilt on Wednesday this week to begin the process.
According to Dr. Murphy,(my oncologist) due to the size of my tumor, I will need to have 6 weeks of radiation and the area of radiation will be larger with the lymph nodes being involved. In other words I will get two tatoos rather than one!
I also met with the physical therapist today to continue to monitor my arms for lymphodema. My arm on the side where my surgery was did not show any swelling but the left one showed a slight bit of swelling. She said this may increase once radiation begins but will be managable with a special sleeve I can wear. She was also able to give me lots of exercises to do and techniques to do to help with the pain that I have been experiencing since they cut lots of nerves in my arm during surgery.
Wednesday will be another big day and the beginning of another hurdle to jump. B3 Fighters, we ask your continued support and prayers and thank you for all the praying and supporting you have already done thus far.
According to Dr. Murphy,(my oncologist) due to the size of my tumor, I will need to have 6 weeks of radiation and the area of radiation will be larger with the lymph nodes being involved. In other words I will get two tatoos rather than one!
I also met with the physical therapist today to continue to monitor my arms for lymphodema. My arm on the side where my surgery was did not show any swelling but the left one showed a slight bit of swelling. She said this may increase once radiation begins but will be managable with a special sleeve I can wear. She was also able to give me lots of exercises to do and techniques to do to help with the pain that I have been experiencing since they cut lots of nerves in my arm during surgery.
Wednesday will be another big day and the beginning of another hurdle to jump. B3 Fighters, we ask your continued support and prayers and thank you for all the praying and supporting you have already done thus far.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Five Days Out
It has now been 5 days out from surgery number two and I am up and moving about. I have intermitent pain associated with the different healing processes at the incision site. This is different from the last surgery as it is stabbing at times and quickly bothered by the heat of the day. An ice pack is my best friend, not to mention medicine!
My sister Barb left today to go back to Atlanta so we are back to managing life on our own. She has been a wonderful source of help and comfort for us in this time of recovery. We would have her move in, but her family back there needs her just as much so she had to hit the road this morning. She starts back to work as a clinic aid tomorrow for Fulton County schools. They are very lucky to have such a good aid! They need to have her cook for them too!
We are waiting patiently (sort of) for the pathology report that should be in sometime later this week. These results will tell us whether or not I will have to undergo another surgery if the margins are NOT clear from the surgery last Thursday. Dr. Whitworth was very "clear" the day of surgery that this past one was our "last" opportunity for NOT having to take the entire breast and if the margins are NOT clear, we will be going back for the whole thing - yikes! He did not have to take anymore nodes this time because they had already taken the sentinel node along with 4 others my first round of surgery. This explains why my armpit continually feels like it has an innertube feeling under it. Hopefully physical therapy next week will help me to deal with that side effect!
Once we have the green light on this time around, we will move forward on scheduling radiation for a 6 week period.
Continue to pray for the Lord's will in all of this and our patience as we take each day as it comes. Meantime, I can float in the pool without a problem, just a little more on the right, than the left :-). Brenda
My sister Barb left today to go back to Atlanta so we are back to managing life on our own. She has been a wonderful source of help and comfort for us in this time of recovery. We would have her move in, but her family back there needs her just as much so she had to hit the road this morning. She starts back to work as a clinic aid tomorrow for Fulton County schools. They are very lucky to have such a good aid! They need to have her cook for them too!
We are waiting patiently (sort of) for the pathology report that should be in sometime later this week. These results will tell us whether or not I will have to undergo another surgery if the margins are NOT clear from the surgery last Thursday. Dr. Whitworth was very "clear" the day of surgery that this past one was our "last" opportunity for NOT having to take the entire breast and if the margins are NOT clear, we will be going back for the whole thing - yikes! He did not have to take anymore nodes this time because they had already taken the sentinel node along with 4 others my first round of surgery. This explains why my armpit continually feels like it has an innertube feeling under it. Hopefully physical therapy next week will help me to deal with that side effect!
Once we have the green light on this time around, we will move forward on scheduling radiation for a 6 week period.
Continue to pray for the Lord's will in all of this and our patience as we take each day as it comes. Meantime, I can float in the pool without a problem, just a little more on the right, than the left :-). Brenda
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Update
"After the check-in process, prep, and speaking to the doctor and staff; surgery began just shortly before 10a.m. and finished about 45 minutes later. Dr. Whitworth was pleased with the surgery. He removed more tissue to give pathology enough to find clear margins. The lymph nodes needed no further pathology. Barb and I sat with Bren in Recovery for about another 30 minutes before being released to go home at 1:00pm. She is heavily sedated due to extreme amount of pain and is experiencing nausea as well. As of this email she has not kept down any food and is resting. Once again, we find ourselves thankful for you; our extended family who has continually offered support and encouragement. We love and appreciate you!" Nick
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Upcoming Surgery this Week
I wanted to get the blog updated before I embark upon the week ahead. Wednesday the 18th we will walk back into surgery at 7:30 a.m. Since the pathology report showed the need to take node(s) and uncovered some cells under my arm that the MRI did not, the dr will be going back in to accomplish taking what he needs to.
Are we ready for this, no would be an appropriate answer, but realistically who is. The news of all this has taken us a few steps back. We are processing it and moving forward by the grace of God.
Radiation will be postponed now for another 3 weeks if all goes well with this surgery.
I am still experiencing pain from the first surgery and some swelling so the thought of a new incision(s) is not heartwarming. We are both tired mentally and emotionally and appreciate everyones prayers and support. We will get an update to the blog as soon as we can once surgery is over on Wednesday (through Sarah.)
We ask for the B3 supporters to continue to pray.
Are we ready for this, no would be an appropriate answer, but realistically who is. The news of all this has taken us a few steps back. We are processing it and moving forward by the grace of God.
Radiation will be postponed now for another 3 weeks if all goes well with this surgery.
I am still experiencing pain from the first surgery and some swelling so the thought of a new incision(s) is not heartwarming. We are both tired mentally and emotionally and appreciate everyones prayers and support. We will get an update to the blog as soon as we can once surgery is over on Wednesday (through Sarah.)
We ask for the B3 supporters to continue to pray.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Pathology Report
In my last blog I mentioned that I would be returning to the surgeon on Monday, August 9th for my post op appointment and at that point we would get the pathology report. We got home from running errands last night and there was a message on my phone from Dr. Whitworth himself asking for me to call as he had the report and there was more work that needs to be done.
Nick and I talked to him on speaker phone and he said the margins were not clear in the report and they did find the cancer in the sentinel node so we have to go back to surgery
to get the spattered cells that remain and take the nodes. He was going to call his nurse when we hung up and have her begin to get scheduling it which will no doubt be this upcoming week. No definite time or date as of my typing this but post op appointment is no longer needed - just going straight onto surgery again.
When we hung up with him, our heads were spinning and still are. Hopefully come Monday we will know what day it will be to go back for round two of phase two all over again. I will update the blog as I know more details. THanks to all who continue to pray and send meals and support us with your friendship and just being there when we need it the most.
Brenda
Nick and I talked to him on speaker phone and he said the margins were not clear in the report and they did find the cancer in the sentinel node so we have to go back to surgery
to get the spattered cells that remain and take the nodes. He was going to call his nurse when we hung up and have her begin to get scheduling it which will no doubt be this upcoming week. No definite time or date as of my typing this but post op appointment is no longer needed - just going straight onto surgery again.
When we hung up with him, our heads were spinning and still are. Hopefully come Monday we will know what day it will be to go back for round two of phase two all over again. I will update the blog as I know more details. THanks to all who continue to pray and send meals and support us with your friendship and just being there when we need it the most.
Brenda
Monday, August 2, 2010
Surgery and Recovery
I am writing this update the Sunday after having my surgery on Thursday. I am able to lift my right arm to utilize it for limited things, but I am coming along well on this road to healing.
Surgery was Thursday, July 29th and I have been well taken care of since discharge by my honey and sister. I have been able to take the bandages off and got one shower so far. And that felt good!
Everything went well with surgery and they were able to keep from taking any lymph nodes. This allowed me to go home the day of surgery. We will have the pathology report back when I return for my post-op visit on August 9th to the surgeon.
I am still taking the pain meds, but not as often and sleep has been in whatever position I can get in and be comfortable with.
With having the partial mastectomy (lumpectomy), I did not have to have drainage tubes which makes the healing go faster. I have two pretty good size scars at this point and hopefully over time those will fade.
Onto radiation Monday August 16th where they will do the markings and I will go everyday for treatment for six consecutive weeks. I have heard the side effects are "tiredness" so I am hoping for the best when that time rolls around. Nick will have to come up with hobbies while I sleep to keep himself occupied. It would be nice to think I could go back to work at that time, but am looking to get through phase three of this journey and finish the battle in good standing. I may need reconstructive surgery after the radiation and we will cross that bridge when the time comes.
We appreciate your continued support and prayers as we plug on. I am up to visitors (short visits though) and have enjoyed seeing familiar faces and friends during this recovery time.
Brenda
Surgery was Thursday, July 29th and I have been well taken care of since discharge by my honey and sister. I have been able to take the bandages off and got one shower so far. And that felt good!
Everything went well with surgery and they were able to keep from taking any lymph nodes. This allowed me to go home the day of surgery. We will have the pathology report back when I return for my post-op visit on August 9th to the surgeon.
I am still taking the pain meds, but not as often and sleep has been in whatever position I can get in and be comfortable with.
With having the partial mastectomy (lumpectomy), I did not have to have drainage tubes which makes the healing go faster. I have two pretty good size scars at this point and hopefully over time those will fade.
Onto radiation Monday August 16th where they will do the markings and I will go everyday for treatment for six consecutive weeks. I have heard the side effects are "tiredness" so I am hoping for the best when that time rolls around. Nick will have to come up with hobbies while I sleep to keep himself occupied. It would be nice to think I could go back to work at that time, but am looking to get through phase three of this journey and finish the battle in good standing. I may need reconstructive surgery after the radiation and we will cross that bridge when the time comes.
We appreciate your continued support and prayers as we plug on. I am up to visitors (short visits though) and have enjoyed seeing familiar faces and friends during this recovery time.
Brenda
Surgery Schedule
It has been a tough few weeks with the decision making process. Seeing the Dr. and coming to a final decision on what surgery to choose has been agonizing. All of the what if's and what for's and unanswered questions were not fun. I finally came to my decision on Friday and told them to put me on the roster to schedule me. Today I received the call that my set date is Thursday, July 29th. I will have lots of pre-op appointments between now and then.
I will see the oncologist on Monday as well and he will begin his preparations for lining me up for radiation treatment once I am a few weeks out from surgery.
I feel at peace about my decision and glad that we are moving ahead and jumping another hurdle
I will see the oncologist on Monday as well and he will begin his preparations for lining me up for radiation treatment once I am a few weeks out from surgery.
I feel at peace about my decision and glad that we are moving ahead and jumping another hurdle
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
MRI and Surgery Plans
This will be a two part series with more updates later in the week.
After an hour wait in the waiting room and about 20 minutes in the exam room we were able to see Dr. Whitworth and get the low down on what 8 treatments of chemo has resulted in and how we will move forward to step two.
Dr. Whitworth is a very patient, great bedside manner doctor. He told us the tumor has shrunk to nothing showing and that was great news. We discussed several choices which put me of course into a whirlwind thinking I only had one option. We discussed all the "what if's" and case scenarios and were able to determine I will see the plastic surgeon as soon as possible and prior to my surgery (in two to three weeks) and then make the final decision of what route to take. It all has to deal with the final reconstruction once I make my surgery choice, which in turn will affect my radiation option.
We drove home from the office in silence. Every time Nick talked to me I would burst into tears. The wait is the worst through all of this and now making a decision is another hurdle. Bottom line as well is either decision will not change my survival rate.
Dr. Whitworth said that I need to go with what my gut is telling me and right now my heads so confused that all it says is "feed me".
I came home and took a nap to settle the brain cells and will know wait for my next two appointments - Plastic surgeon and surgery date
After an hour wait in the waiting room and about 20 minutes in the exam room we were able to see Dr. Whitworth and get the low down on what 8 treatments of chemo has resulted in and how we will move forward to step two.
Dr. Whitworth is a very patient, great bedside manner doctor. He told us the tumor has shrunk to nothing showing and that was great news. We discussed several choices which put me of course into a whirlwind thinking I only had one option. We discussed all the "what if's" and case scenarios and were able to determine I will see the plastic surgeon as soon as possible and prior to my surgery (in two to three weeks) and then make the final decision of what route to take. It all has to deal with the final reconstruction once I make my surgery choice, which in turn will affect my radiation option.
We drove home from the office in silence. Every time Nick talked to me I would burst into tears. The wait is the worst through all of this and now making a decision is another hurdle. Bottom line as well is either decision will not change my survival rate.
Dr. Whitworth said that I need to go with what my gut is telling me and right now my heads so confused that all it says is "feed me".
I came home and took a nap to settle the brain cells and will know wait for my next two appointments - Plastic surgeon and surgery date
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Chemo Treatment Number 7
I must admit I was quite nervous going to the Oncology Dr. yesterday because I was fearful that my white counts were not going to be back up (feeling extremely fatigued) to where they were needed.
The routine is weight, vitals and then finger stick before going in to see the dr. I had lost the 2 pounds I had gained back and I was surprised with that news after eating almost an entire box of candy my sister Joanne had sent to me.
Temp was good, bp was good. Finger stick showed the white count was up, but because I wasn't bleeding enough from the stick, the platelet count was off. She decided to go in through the vein in the left arm to get a full tube. Once she did that, it showed they were ok.
Onto the room for questions and answers from dr. and exam. I felt even more nervous when the PA came in without her computer. I was thinking the worst that she was gonna tell me it was a no go. She asked how I had been and we determined there was a "non" hormone medicine (my breast cancer is hormone positive- meaning it can grow from taking hormones) I could take to control my body hot flashes. These have been severe over the past two weeks. It is a big deterant to getting restful sleep having to take the covers off and on alllll night long.
She then consulted with Dr. Murphy and he determined I should have my chemo dose changed up a little to avoid my having to get a shot the following day to combat the white count dropping.
The ward where they administer the chemo was FULL. Although my appt was at 9:15, we never got to leave there till after 12:30.
I was unable to rest as I had hoped once I got home due to the steriods. Nick fixed leftovers for supper but as soon as I had finished I knew I was in trouble. I pretty much spent several hours on the bathroom floor. Chemo and salad DO NOT MIX. This is what happened to me after my first round of the Taxotere so I will know now what not to do even though I feel hungry with my next treatment.
I had to laugh because in the middle of me laying on the bathroom floor, Renny, my rag-doll cat, came and laid next to me for quite a while. It was as if he knew his mom was sick.
Except for one run to the bathroom in the middle of the night, I slept pretty well and am taking it SLOW today. Very SLOW. One more treatment down, one more treatment to go.
The routine is weight, vitals and then finger stick before going in to see the dr. I had lost the 2 pounds I had gained back and I was surprised with that news after eating almost an entire box of candy my sister Joanne had sent to me.
Temp was good, bp was good. Finger stick showed the white count was up, but because I wasn't bleeding enough from the stick, the platelet count was off. She decided to go in through the vein in the left arm to get a full tube. Once she did that, it showed they were ok.
Onto the room for questions and answers from dr. and exam. I felt even more nervous when the PA came in without her computer. I was thinking the worst that she was gonna tell me it was a no go. She asked how I had been and we determined there was a "non" hormone medicine (my breast cancer is hormone positive- meaning it can grow from taking hormones) I could take to control my body hot flashes. These have been severe over the past two weeks. It is a big deterant to getting restful sleep having to take the covers off and on alllll night long.
She then consulted with Dr. Murphy and he determined I should have my chemo dose changed up a little to avoid my having to get a shot the following day to combat the white count dropping.
The ward where they administer the chemo was FULL. Although my appt was at 9:15, we never got to leave there till after 12:30.
I was unable to rest as I had hoped once I got home due to the steriods. Nick fixed leftovers for supper but as soon as I had finished I knew I was in trouble. I pretty much spent several hours on the bathroom floor. Chemo and salad DO NOT MIX. This is what happened to me after my first round of the Taxotere so I will know now what not to do even though I feel hungry with my next treatment.
I had to laugh because in the middle of me laying on the bathroom floor, Renny, my rag-doll cat, came and laid next to me for quite a while. It was as if he knew his mom was sick.
Except for one run to the bathroom in the middle of the night, I slept pretty well and am taking it SLOW today. Very SLOW. One more treatment down, one more treatment to go.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Taxotere is Taxing
I have discovered over the past week that this chemo is a far cry from the "Red Devil". The Dr. said it was gonna be easier than the other, but I am finding that it is beating me up overall as compared to the A/C. The red devil was more specific in it's attack and the Taxotere is pretty much a drainer of everything.
I think with my white count being down, I am rebounding from the treatments slower and slower. Tomorrow I have my next appointment at 9:15 a.m. We shall see whether or not the counts have increased enough to get treatment number 7.
Sleep patterns are changing again and it was at one point around 4:15 a.m. this morning that Nick and I bumped heads in the dark. We ended up on the couch sitting up trying to catch a few more winks before he left for work.
I have my B3 shirt on today, but do not feel like I am much in the mood for fighting! Guess this is where my support team picks up the pieces again - and prays for all the little details I have no energy to pray for.
I think with my white count being down, I am rebounding from the treatments slower and slower. Tomorrow I have my next appointment at 9:15 a.m. We shall see whether or not the counts have increased enough to get treatment number 7.
Sleep patterns are changing again and it was at one point around 4:15 a.m. this morning that Nick and I bumped heads in the dark. We ended up on the couch sitting up trying to catch a few more winks before he left for work.
I have my B3 shirt on today, but do not feel like I am much in the mood for fighting! Guess this is where my support team picks up the pieces again - and prays for all the little details I have no energy to pray for.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Chemo Treatment - Round 7 Postponed
Headed out today for chemo round number 7 at 10 a.m. My weight was up another 2 lbs which was good. Dr. Murphy asked if I was having any problems since my last treatment. Nothing major except feeling like I wear cement shoes every once in a while when my legs get heavy. My eyes seem to water a lot as if I am crying, but I am really not. He assured me that that was a side effect of the Taxotere.
He did his usual exam and listened to my chest sounds, but then announced that my white blood counts were not where they should be and that I could not get chemo today due to them being below the required level. He said we had to postpone treatment for another week and hopefully they will be back up where they need to be by next Thursday.
Nick and I headed home sorta somber. Oh well, Lord knows what's best at this point. I will use this time to rest and relax and June 3rd will be here before we know it. This does however change things for my surgery AGAIN! UGH! Brenda
He did his usual exam and listened to my chest sounds, but then announced that my white blood counts were not where they should be and that I could not get chemo today due to them being below the required level. He said we had to postpone treatment for another week and hopefully they will be back up where they need to be by next Thursday.
Nick and I headed home sorta somber. Oh well, Lord knows what's best at this point. I will use this time to rest and relax and June 3rd will be here before we know it. This does however change things for my surgery AGAIN! UGH! Brenda
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
B3 Fight Garage Sale- May 22nd!!
GOT JUNK?? Well we are gonna put it to good use! This weekend (possibly Maybe 29th too!) in McKinney, Texas! Yee haw... we are gonna sell some junk and turn it to treasure!!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Round Five - two to go!
Today's (Thursday) chemo treatment played out pretty smooth. I had to see the physician assistant prior to going to the oncology ward and getting my chemo cocktail and she said my counts were excellent. I actually gained one pound in three weeks. Could have been those Peanut M&M's I had on the way home from Walmart yesterday to "get my strength up" after getting groceries in for the upcoming week. :-)
I am a creature of habit and didn't get to sit in "my" usual chair as the ward was very busy so I had to take chemo from a different view. I thought of it like a church goer who always sits in the same pew every Sunday. Guess I just liked being front and center to the nurses station and being able to see their smiling faces straight on. Today I had the side view.
Nick sent his usual text for any requests for food prior to his arrival - of course I wanted French Fries! Couldn't deal with the chicken sandwich today on top of steroids - ugh.
It was a good thing he came because they had to do the Benedryl administration again and I had to sign the "no drive paper" due to loopieness so we had to leave one vehicle there so he could bring me home. Franklin drivers thanked me for that - I was pretty loopie to say the least.
As you can see in this picture I am toting a new beanie. There was a wife of a patient there that crochets caps while she sits with her husband having chemo. She saw me wearing my turban and asked if I would like one of her caps. It brought a big smile to my face and I traded out my turban for the soft cap. The nurses said she can make them while she waits she is that fast at crocheting. What a sweet way of giving back to cancer patients.
After an afternoon of an intense nap (I dreamt of floods-Whoa Nelly) Nick and I took a brief walk around the apartment complex and sat by the pool for a few minutes in the cool evening breeze. I am hoping for a better first night after chemo as the last treatment was not so good.
Thank you to everyone for your continued support, cards, love, messages, meals, gifts and prayers. I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel with chemo. One down today and two more to go - then onto surgery - yee ha!
I am a creature of habit and didn't get to sit in "my" usual chair as the ward was very busy so I had to take chemo from a different view. I thought of it like a church goer who always sits in the same pew every Sunday. Guess I just liked being front and center to the nurses station and being able to see their smiling faces straight on. Today I had the side view.
Nick sent his usual text for any requests for food prior to his arrival - of course I wanted French Fries! Couldn't deal with the chicken sandwich today on top of steroids - ugh.
As you can see in this picture I am toting a new beanie. There was a wife of a patient there that crochets caps while she sits with her husband having chemo. She saw me wearing my turban and asked if I would like one of her caps. It brought a big smile to my face and I traded out my turban for the soft cap. The nurses said she can make them while she waits she is that fast at crocheting. What a sweet way of giving back to cancer patients.
After an afternoon of an intense nap (I dreamt of floods-Whoa Nelly) Nick and I took a brief walk around the apartment complex and sat by the pool for a few minutes in the cool evening breeze. I am hoping for a better first night after chemo as the last treatment was not so good.
Thank you to everyone for your continued support, cards, love, messages, meals, gifts and prayers. I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel with chemo. One down today and two more to go - then onto surgery - yee ha!
Monday, May 3, 2010
B3 Fight and 5K Girls on the Run in Nashville.. Rain or Shine...or in this case FLOOD!!
"As you guys probably know by now Nashville had 100 flood this weekend and many homes are devastated and some families lost loved ones. We are so saddened by this. The worse it got for us was a river in our front yard massive flooding around us and our basement covered in water.
We are just so grateful and blessed that the only thing we had to deal with was a flooded basement. The rain started coming down as we left Saturday morning for the B3 Fight 5K. When we got to Shelby Park at 6:50am to register, there were a lot of people...:) You'll see in the pictures. Everyone kind of gathered under one cover as they could and so we waited to start the run. At 8am they announced that the lightning was too dangerous to allow anyone to run, so they canceled it.....:( They then announced that in 10min they would still give out the door prizes as if the race actually happened by pulling peoples names from the registration tabs. I felt that we should stay and wait because the Lord is with us and always gives us favor. I think they gave out between 15 - 20 door prizes. The last door prize was going to go to the 1st place ALL OVER winner of the race and when they pulled the name is was one of my brother's....:) We jumped up and clapped our hands, giving our a yipee...... so excited.......knowing that whatever we got this day would go to you Brenda, because its all for her. So you have a $50 gift certificate for a pair of new running shoes from New Balance in Cool Springs that's coming your way. I also have a goody bag for you.
While we were there I got to meet Jennifer who organized the event and allowed us to run for B3 Fight.
From there we left to go home and then got stranded at home unable to leave because of all the flood planes.
Bill, myself and the rest who came out feel so blessed that we could lift you up in prayer Brenda this morning and that we had the opportunity to come together for you.
We praise the Lord for having favor on us and to bless you by healing you completely. we all believe in you and that Christ is supernaturally working through you.
I hope you guys like the pictures.
Have a blessed day
Ilonka, Bill and Family...:)"
We are just so grateful and blessed that the only thing we had to deal with was a flooded basement. The rain started coming down as we left Saturday morning for the B3 Fight 5K. When we got to Shelby Park at 6:50am to register, there were a lot of people...:) You'll see in the pictures. Everyone kind of gathered under one cover as they could and so we waited to start the run. At 8am they announced that the lightning was too dangerous to allow anyone to run, so they canceled it.....:( They then announced that in 10min they would still give out the door prizes as if the race actually happened by pulling peoples names from the registration tabs. I felt that we should stay and wait because the Lord is with us and always gives us favor. I think they gave out between 15 - 20 door prizes. The last door prize was going to go to the 1st place ALL OVER winner of the race and when they pulled the name is was one of my brother's....:) We jumped up and clapped our hands, giving our a yipee...... so excited.......knowing that whatever we got this day would go to you Brenda, because its all for her. So you have a $50 gift certificate for a pair of new running shoes from New Balance in Cool Springs that's coming your way. I also have a goody bag for you.
While we were there I got to meet Jennifer who organized the event and allowed us to run for B3 Fight.
From there we left to go home and then got stranded at home unable to leave because of all the flood planes.
Bill, myself and the rest who came out feel so blessed that we could lift you up in prayer Brenda this morning and that we had the opportunity to come together for you.
We praise the Lord for having favor on us and to bless you by healing you completely. we all believe in you and that Christ is supernaturally working through you.
I hope you guys like the pictures.
Have a blessed day
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