I feel good! I feel great!
Not driving back & forth to the hopsital is fabulous! I am so glad chemo & radiation are OVER!
My hair is coming back full force now. I am almost to "cute Pixie cut" status. It's still a bit short, but it can actually get messed up again! Yes...BED HEAD!
And in other news:
I have started exercising again. 3-4 days at the gym doing the elliptical, weights, or walking. My awesome friend likes to take long walks with me. She knows how to push me! We take 4.5 mile walks together. It's so great to have someone to talk to. It makes the time go by so quickly!
I start Weight Watchers almost 2 weeks ago. The first week (well, not a full week, but they kept my weigh day the same from last time), I gained a few ounces. But today was weigh day again (after my first full week) and I lost 2.4 lbs! WOOHOO! If I keep up the 2lb loss per week, that means I will be 20 lbs lighter by our trip to LA in July. I just hope I can keep it up. I have been drinking a ton of water & really working on not boredom snacking. And I am starting a new hobby...CYCLING! Yeah...well, not serious cycling. I just bought myself an awesomely cute beach cruiser. I can hardly wait to get it! It should be in at the bike shop tomorrow!
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
The Latest Update
Done! Finished! Completed!
22 radiation treatments are done! April 8 ended up being the END of my radiation treatments. My onco extended treatment by two days. I found out about that on day 19, which was suppose be be my next-to-last treatment. I cried like a big baby. And I mean ugly cry.
A few days after treatment ended, the blisters showed up. First on my back. Then on my neck. And it was NOT pretty. But here I am two weeks out, almost completely healed. I have some peeling & one spot still cracking on my neck, but it's MUCH better. My throat is also on the mend. I still have some swallowing pain, but it is nothing compared to the worst I had.
Saturday, we had an amazing time with great friends & family to celebrate. We had real love Louisiana crawfish shipped in & showed our VA friends how it's done! Such a fun time!
Upcoming appointments:
May 21 - 6 week follow-up with radiation oncologist
May 22 - PET scan
may 24 - follow-up with medical oncologist
22 radiation treatments are done! April 8 ended up being the END of my radiation treatments. My onco extended treatment by two days. I found out about that on day 19, which was suppose be be my next-to-last treatment. I cried like a big baby. And I mean ugly cry.
A few days after treatment ended, the blisters showed up. First on my back. Then on my neck. And it was NOT pretty. But here I am two weeks out, almost completely healed. I have some peeling & one spot still cracking on my neck, but it's MUCH better. My throat is also on the mend. I still have some swallowing pain, but it is nothing compared to the worst I had.
Saturday, we had an amazing time with great friends & family to celebrate. We had real love Louisiana crawfish shipped in & showed our VA friends how it's done! Such a fun time!
Upcoming appointments:
May 21 - 6 week follow-up with radiation oncologist
May 22 - PET scan
may 24 - follow-up with medical oncologist
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
WOW! It's Been A While
I told you I suck at this blogging thing.
Since my last update, I have completed 15 more radiation treatments. TWO MORE! Yes...Thursday will be the LAST of my 20 treatments! I will be so glad to wake up Friday morning with nowhere to go! I have memorized every curve (and believe me, there are many) of the road to the hospital.
Emory has been an absolute sweetie during treatments. He has sat in the waiting area outside the room at almost every one of my visits. He has made friends with the therapy dog at the cancer center. When she sees me over the counter, she jumps up because she knows my little one is just out of sight beside me. He loves giving her treats. He always says, "Bye, Bay. We'll see you tomorrow!"
Side effects that I have experienced:
Sore throat - imagine the worst sore throat you've ever had. Now imagine it lasting for 3+ weeks. The only thing I can eat comfortably is lukewarm chicken broth. Everything else cause pain. Some foods, like bread, can bring me to tears. Even pudding is hard to swallow. After a version of Magic Mouthwash failed to help, we resorted to Percocet, which does nothing except make me sleep.
Red skin - I look like I have a sunburn on half of my neck, half of my chest, and half of my back. You can actually physically see where the radiation field starts & stops. It doesn't hurt & hasn't blistered, but it itches like crazy!
Fatigue - So what else is new? Thankfully, my youngest (who stays at home) is very accommodating to my nap schedule.
My hair is growing back. Like...really quickly. Been taking lots of pics. You can find them on FB if you are a friend. I'll post pics later.
Since my last update, I have completed 15 more radiation treatments. TWO MORE! Yes...Thursday will be the LAST of my 20 treatments! I will be so glad to wake up Friday morning with nowhere to go! I have memorized every curve (and believe me, there are many) of the road to the hospital.
Emory has been an absolute sweetie during treatments. He has sat in the waiting area outside the room at almost every one of my visits. He has made friends with the therapy dog at the cancer center. When she sees me over the counter, she jumps up because she knows my little one is just out of sight beside me. He loves giving her treats. He always says, "Bye, Bay. We'll see you tomorrow!"
Side effects that I have experienced:
Sore throat - imagine the worst sore throat you've ever had. Now imagine it lasting for 3+ weeks. The only thing I can eat comfortably is lukewarm chicken broth. Everything else cause pain. Some foods, like bread, can bring me to tears. Even pudding is hard to swallow. After a version of Magic Mouthwash failed to help, we resorted to Percocet, which does nothing except make me sleep.
Red skin - I look like I have a sunburn on half of my neck, half of my chest, and half of my back. You can actually physically see where the radiation field starts & stops. It doesn't hurt & hasn't blistered, but it itches like crazy!
Fatigue - So what else is new? Thankfully, my youngest (who stays at home) is very accommodating to my nap schedule.
My hair is growing back. Like...really quickly. Been taking lots of pics. You can find them on FB if you are a friend. I'll post pics later.
Monday, March 11, 2013
I Told You I Suck At This
Man, I really do suck at blogging. You'd think with as much time as I spend online that I'd at least come & update you.
So, since my last update:
February 1 (the date of my last update) was indeed my LAST chemo treatment!
February 20, I had my repeat PET scan.
February 22, my medical oncologist told me the cancer is GONE! WOOHOO! He said I have a spot of about 1 cm that looks like scar tissue. We celebrated with lunch and then again with dinner (b/c the big kids were at school)!
February 25, I met with my radiation oncologist and got set up for radiation, which included two new tattoos (they are small, but I got ink'd). She said radiation is to blast that 1 cm area where cancer cells could be hiding & to get any other bad cells that may be lurking.
I scheduled to have my port removed on February 28, but Evie got sick, so I rescheduled.
February 28 - Happy Birthday, Evie!
March 2 - Guess who turned 35?! And we had a FABULOUS time at Evie's Spa-la-la birthday party!
March 4 - I got my port removed! WOOHOO!
March 5 - First radiation treatment
March 6-7 - SNOW DAY! Radiation #2 would have to wait. Snow day followed by a day b/c the machine was broken. FUN!
March 8 - Radation resumed.
That brings us to now. I had rad treatment #3 today. 3 down/17 to go!
So far, no side effects of radiation. I meet with the radiation onco tomorrow after my treatment.
So, since my last update:
February 1 (the date of my last update) was indeed my LAST chemo treatment!
February 20, I had my repeat PET scan.
February 22, my medical oncologist told me the cancer is GONE! WOOHOO! He said I have a spot of about 1 cm that looks like scar tissue. We celebrated with lunch and then again with dinner (b/c the big kids were at school)!
February 25, I met with my radiation oncologist and got set up for radiation, which included two new tattoos (they are small, but I got ink'd). She said radiation is to blast that 1 cm area where cancer cells could be hiding & to get any other bad cells that may be lurking.
I scheduled to have my port removed on February 28, but Evie got sick, so I rescheduled.
February 28 - Happy Birthday, Evie!
March 2 - Guess who turned 35?! And we had a FABULOUS time at Evie's Spa-la-la birthday party!
March 4 - I got my port removed! WOOHOO!
March 5 - First radiation treatment
March 6-7 - SNOW DAY! Radiation #2 would have to wait. Snow day followed by a day b/c the machine was broken. FUN!
March 8 - Radation resumed.
That brings us to now. I had rad treatment #3 today. 3 down/17 to go!
So far, no side effects of radiation. I meet with the radiation onco tomorrow after my treatment.
Friday, February 1, 2013
The Last One?
Today, I had what very well may be my LAST chemo treatment! WOOHOO!
Doc said we'll do a repeat PET scan in about 3 weeks (they do them on Wednesday, so either 2.5 or 3.5 weeks). What it shows will determine our next move. Cancer = more, different chemo. No cancer = radiation treatments. He said he's about 80-85% sure the cancer will be GONE!
No other news. Well, my fingertips keep going numb. I had a ridge on every single one of my fingernails. I have about a billion hang nails that I'm not supposed to pull/cut. My stupid monthly visitor showed up yesterday. And I'm feeling about 51 shades of grey. Just nausea. No vomiting. I did take a killer nap today though.
Next appointments:
2/3/13 - Nuelasta shot
TBA - PET scan
Yeah...not the most entertaining blog post, but whatever.
Doc said we'll do a repeat PET scan in about 3 weeks (they do them on Wednesday, so either 2.5 or 3.5 weeks). What it shows will determine our next move. Cancer = more, different chemo. No cancer = radiation treatments. He said he's about 80-85% sure the cancer will be GONE!
No other news. Well, my fingertips keep going numb. I had a ridge on every single one of my fingernails. I have about a billion hang nails that I'm not supposed to pull/cut. My stupid monthly visitor showed up yesterday. And I'm feeling about 51 shades of grey. Just nausea. No vomiting. I did take a killer nap today though.
Next appointments:
2/3/13 - Nuelasta shot
TBA - PET scan
Yeah...not the most entertaining blog post, but whatever.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
The Wonderful World Of Radiation
A week ago, Nathan & I met with the radiation oncologist. Yes...that's a completely different doctor from my medical oncologist. Who knew?
Anyway, it has taken about a week for all of the info to sink in. Radiation does NOT sound like much fun. My doc says that it looks like I'll be getting 5 weeks of radiation. That's 5 weeks, 5 days a week. 25 times. 25 trips to the cancer center for 5-10 minutes of treatment.
The doc went over all of the potential side-effects (dry, red skin, sore throat/difficulty swallowing, fatigue, fibrosis, etc.) and then the odds of developing secondary cancer (like breast cancer). Fun!
After my next chemo treatment on 2/1, we will schedule a repeat PET scan. That will determine whether I am done with chemo or not. If I am, radiation will begin. If I'm not, well...we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
In other news...Yesterday we celebrated Emory's 4th birthday! He is such a big boy!
Anyway, it has taken about a week for all of the info to sink in. Radiation does NOT sound like much fun. My doc says that it looks like I'll be getting 5 weeks of radiation. That's 5 weeks, 5 days a week. 25 times. 25 trips to the cancer center for 5-10 minutes of treatment.
The doc went over all of the potential side-effects (dry, red skin, sore throat/difficulty swallowing, fatigue, fibrosis, etc.) and then the odds of developing secondary cancer (like breast cancer). Fun!
After my next chemo treatment on 2/1, we will schedule a repeat PET scan. That will determine whether I am done with chemo or not. If I am, radiation will begin. If I'm not, well...we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
In other news...Yesterday we celebrated Emory's 4th birthday! He is such a big boy!
Sunday, January 13, 2013
It's Me Again!
Hi, it's me again.
The chick with the cancer.
The bald chick.
Yeah...that chick.
What's been going on in the lovely state of VA? Chemo, that's what. Round 3. The one I have NOT looked forward to.
My oncologist sat & listened to all of my concerns. He assured me that some of the things I've heard won't happen to me because it's different medicine. But that I should be concerned about others. What kinds of things, you ask?
Fingernails - my body may, at any moment, decide that my fingernails need to go. At this point, they are no different than hair.
Fatigue - I believe his exact words were, "Fatigue is cumulative" which is doc speak for "You're gonna be f'ing tired for a long time."
Tingling feet/hands - This fun side-effect started last night. It wasn't so much a tingle as it felt like someone lit the bottom of my foot on fire. Sure, some may call that a tingle. I call it pain.
Illness - It's flu season people. Peak flu season. And VA has widespread flu this year. How do I avoid getting the flu? Doc says treat everything I touch like it has the flu. Treat everyone I meet in a store, restaurant, on the street, like they have the flu. Avoid shopping/people altogther if possible. This can be done. Face it...there aren't too many people I like anyway. And I have online shopping, and a husband who can follow a list like you would not believe!
My period - Sure, no one wants to talk about the blood bath in the middle of the month. Mine was supposed to disappear. And for a few glorious days, I thought it had. And then that bitch snuck up on me and WHAM! Go get a pad, lady. You're gonna need it. I relayed this info to the nurse, along with the number of times I empty my bladder & bowels, because these people LOVE to hear all of the juicy details. The doctor walked in and said, "I hear we had a travesty." I said, "Yes, my period. Dammit."
Anyway, away from bodily functions to chemo #3.
Someone explain to me how I got stuck with the nurse from hell? It doesn't really drum up lots of confidence when she has to keep asking what to do and where stuff is. Now, I know all nursing wards are different and you aren't used to things yet, but still. I do not want to be the guinea pig when dealing with the chemicals that are chemotherapy.
When accessing my port, which she must not do much in her inpatient surgical ward, she missed. Missed. Yes...MISSED my port with that giant fucking needle in her hand. And I do not exaggerate when I say this needle is at least 2" long. Quite possibly even longer. It got in with little more than the feeling of pressure/no pain thanks to my awesome numbing cream that I apply before going in. Sounds okay, right? I didn't feel it MISS, so it couldn't have been that bad, right? WRONG! When the nurse started trying to make sure the blood would come out, I got a horrible "OMG! OMG! PAIN! SOMETHING IS WRONG!" kind of pain in my chest. So, she sits with this needle half in/half out while trying to figure out WTH to do with me. She needed a new tray, but couldn't leave me hanging (literally). Thank goodness Nurse Jackie came to the rescue. And thank goodness Nurse Jackie watched over her should like a freakin' hawk when she accessed the port again. And thank goodness Nurse Jackie was our 2nd med checker before the newbie started infecting me with poison.
After I was done with meds, I walked a few laps around the infusion center to get my BP back up. No way was I giving them a reason to keep me any longer!
Friday night wasn't bad. I ate. All good. Nausea was minimal.
Saturday consisted of lots of sleeping. Tried to eat, but didn't get much down. Nausea was a little worse.
Sunday, Neulasta shot at 8:30 am at a hospital an hour away, which meant we had to get the kids up at 6:30. Fun. Did a quick shopping trip through Dollar Tree, picking up only what I needed, leaving behind anything that looked like it could contain the flu bug. Much hand sanitizer was used. We got home to find our power out. It stayed out for, what, 5 hours? Grilled some burgers. YAY for protein! I napped. The kids played outside. Ate some chicken & rice. Some came back for round two. Nausea varies depending on position. As long as I don't turn my head from side to side, stand up, sit down, turn around, or walk, I'm okay ;)
So, tomorrow, I fully expect some sore bones. If not tomorrow, in the coming days. I'm sure those days will consist of lots of heating pads, pain meds, and naps. Hopefully the little guy cooperates.
Upcoming appointments:
Wednesday, Jan 16 - Radiation Oncologist to discuss possible radiation
Friday, Feb. 1 - Chemo #4 - quite possibly the LAST ONE!
2-3 weeks after chemo, repeat PET scan to see what's left (hopefully NOTHING)
Peace out...
Suzi
P.S. Excuse the rambling, run-on sentences, and occasional misspelled word. My Ambien is kickin' in!
The chick with the cancer.
The bald chick.
Yeah...that chick.
What's been going on in the lovely state of VA? Chemo, that's what. Round 3. The one I have NOT looked forward to.
My oncologist sat & listened to all of my concerns. He assured me that some of the things I've heard won't happen to me because it's different medicine. But that I should be concerned about others. What kinds of things, you ask?
Fingernails - my body may, at any moment, decide that my fingernails need to go. At this point, they are no different than hair.
Fatigue - I believe his exact words were, "Fatigue is cumulative" which is doc speak for "You're gonna be f'ing tired for a long time."
Tingling feet/hands - This fun side-effect started last night. It wasn't so much a tingle as it felt like someone lit the bottom of my foot on fire. Sure, some may call that a tingle. I call it pain.
Illness - It's flu season people. Peak flu season. And VA has widespread flu this year. How do I avoid getting the flu? Doc says treat everything I touch like it has the flu. Treat everyone I meet in a store, restaurant, on the street, like they have the flu. Avoid shopping/people altogther if possible. This can be done. Face it...there aren't too many people I like anyway. And I have online shopping, and a husband who can follow a list like you would not believe!
My period - Sure, no one wants to talk about the blood bath in the middle of the month. Mine was supposed to disappear. And for a few glorious days, I thought it had. And then that bitch snuck up on me and WHAM! Go get a pad, lady. You're gonna need it. I relayed this info to the nurse, along with the number of times I empty my bladder & bowels, because these people LOVE to hear all of the juicy details. The doctor walked in and said, "I hear we had a travesty." I said, "Yes, my period. Dammit."
Anyway, away from bodily functions to chemo #3.
Someone explain to me how I got stuck with the nurse from hell? It doesn't really drum up lots of confidence when she has to keep asking what to do and where stuff is. Now, I know all nursing wards are different and you aren't used to things yet, but still. I do not want to be the guinea pig when dealing with the chemicals that are chemotherapy.
When accessing my port, which she must not do much in her inpatient surgical ward, she missed. Missed. Yes...MISSED my port with that giant fucking needle in her hand. And I do not exaggerate when I say this needle is at least 2" long. Quite possibly even longer. It got in with little more than the feeling of pressure/no pain thanks to my awesome numbing cream that I apply before going in. Sounds okay, right? I didn't feel it MISS, so it couldn't have been that bad, right? WRONG! When the nurse started trying to make sure the blood would come out, I got a horrible "OMG! OMG! PAIN! SOMETHING IS WRONG!" kind of pain in my chest. So, she sits with this needle half in/half out while trying to figure out WTH to do with me. She needed a new tray, but couldn't leave me hanging (literally). Thank goodness Nurse Jackie came to the rescue. And thank goodness Nurse Jackie watched over her should like a freakin' hawk when she accessed the port again. And thank goodness Nurse Jackie was our 2nd med checker before the newbie started infecting me with poison.
After I was done with meds, I walked a few laps around the infusion center to get my BP back up. No way was I giving them a reason to keep me any longer!
Friday night wasn't bad. I ate. All good. Nausea was minimal.
Saturday consisted of lots of sleeping. Tried to eat, but didn't get much down. Nausea was a little worse.
Sunday, Neulasta shot at 8:30 am at a hospital an hour away, which meant we had to get the kids up at 6:30. Fun. Did a quick shopping trip through Dollar Tree, picking up only what I needed, leaving behind anything that looked like it could contain the flu bug. Much hand sanitizer was used. We got home to find our power out. It stayed out for, what, 5 hours? Grilled some burgers. YAY for protein! I napped. The kids played outside. Ate some chicken & rice. Some came back for round two. Nausea varies depending on position. As long as I don't turn my head from side to side, stand up, sit down, turn around, or walk, I'm okay ;)
So, tomorrow, I fully expect some sore bones. If not tomorrow, in the coming days. I'm sure those days will consist of lots of heating pads, pain meds, and naps. Hopefully the little guy cooperates.
Upcoming appointments:
Wednesday, Jan 16 - Radiation Oncologist to discuss possible radiation
Friday, Feb. 1 - Chemo #4 - quite possibly the LAST ONE!
2-3 weeks after chemo, repeat PET scan to see what's left (hopefully NOTHING)
Peace out...
Suzi
P.S. Excuse the rambling, run-on sentences, and occasional misspelled word. My Ambien is kickin' in!
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