Tyler went with me to the cancer doctor today. I had blood drawn on Tuesday and the tumor marker number is higher than in the past few months. It is a number that should not be looked at in isolation- but it is a concern...so the dr. wants a CAT scan next week and a dr. visit next Friday instead of waiting another month like we had planned. so hmmm..... not the best news, but no need to panic, I guess. The pt wants me to look into getting a cortisone shot, but Dr. Kash is cautious- so I have to wait for the results of the CAT scan before I see an ortho. dr. So I will continue pt 3 times a week for this stinkin' frozen shoulder. Always something....so keep the prayers and positive Karma a comin'.
xoxo, htfm
Friday, June 10, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
long time
Don't know if anyone ever read this bolg thing that Kim set up..... haven't written in quite a while... been busy with Tyler's baseball games, work at COD and volunteering at the resale shop.
Health wise-..... I am still "stable" which means the tumors I have are not growing and no new ones have been detected. I will go in in 3-4 weeks for yet another CAT scan to continue to monitor the tumors. Unfortunately I have a frozen shoulder- which could be due to when I had lymph nodes removed 10 years ago. It is really painful and I go for pt 3 times a week. I am suppose to do exercises at home 3 times a day- ha! Probably another month of pt. I am unsure if I will have full range of motion. Kinda limits what I can do with my hair! At least the hair thing is ok. I don't look like "chemo chick" anymore. I put the hats and wigs a way...hopefully I won't need them for a long time. The oncologist is kinda somber about the cancer returning. Our last visit was a little bit of a downer. I still go for the "nasty boy" shots once a month and an infusion for the bones every 3 months. this is so much better than Chemo.
I am grateful that I was able to go to so many of Tyler's bb games. The weather was pretty rough on me- but I sure was proud to see him pitch so well at the high school level. Last year I missed most of his travel games and this year I was determined to get to as many as I could. He starts travel bb next week- hopefully I will be able to go out of town with Tyler and Rob to see Tyler play.
As always- Linda is there for me- she kinda took over what my Mom did when I went through this the last time. I know she has sacrificed a lot to go to appts and treatments with me. Rob and Tyler have really helped out around the house. Tyler planted more flowers for me today while we worked in the yard. Nothing like seeing your husband vacuum and clean..... to me that is a sexy picture! My friends....couldn't go through with without all of your support.
Keep the prayers ansd good karma coming..... getting a little anxious about this new CAt scan.
xoxo, HTFM
Health wise-..... I am still "stable" which means the tumors I have are not growing and no new ones have been detected. I will go in in 3-4 weeks for yet another CAT scan to continue to monitor the tumors. Unfortunately I have a frozen shoulder- which could be due to when I had lymph nodes removed 10 years ago. It is really painful and I go for pt 3 times a week. I am suppose to do exercises at home 3 times a day- ha! Probably another month of pt. I am unsure if I will have full range of motion. Kinda limits what I can do with my hair! At least the hair thing is ok. I don't look like "chemo chick" anymore. I put the hats and wigs a way...hopefully I won't need them for a long time. The oncologist is kinda somber about the cancer returning. Our last visit was a little bit of a downer. I still go for the "nasty boy" shots once a month and an infusion for the bones every 3 months. this is so much better than Chemo.
I am grateful that I was able to go to so many of Tyler's bb games. The weather was pretty rough on me- but I sure was proud to see him pitch so well at the high school level. Last year I missed most of his travel games and this year I was determined to get to as many as I could. He starts travel bb next week- hopefully I will be able to go out of town with Tyler and Rob to see Tyler play.
As always- Linda is there for me- she kinda took over what my Mom did when I went through this the last time. I know she has sacrificed a lot to go to appts and treatments with me. Rob and Tyler have really helped out around the house. Tyler planted more flowers for me today while we worked in the yard. Nothing like seeing your husband vacuum and clean..... to me that is a sexy picture! My friends....couldn't go through with without all of your support.
Keep the prayers ansd good karma coming..... getting a little anxious about this new CAt scan.
xoxo, HTFM
Saturday, February 12, 2011
a 38!!!!
Hey there,
Linda and I saw Dr. Kash, my oncologist, yesterday. My tumor markers in my blood work have gone down- to a low of 38. This is good news. He believes that the "nasty boy shots" are the result of this. So...more nasty boy shots in my furture.
The Avastin I get every other week is causing some weird neurological issues- tingling and complete numbness in my hands and fingers, hurtful muscle aches in my arms and bad joint pains. So..... I may go off of the Avastin as I have been on it almost a year. Also, the pain may be caused by the flomata- a bone density drug. It is hard to believe that it has been a year since I have been re-diagnosed.... The year has gone by in such a blur. I remember- and still have all of the cards people sent me. I am fortunate to have so much support. But- I will take the aches and pains over going back on the toxic chemo!
I see my second opinion dr. at Rush in a few weeks. She may have some insight to the drugs I am taking, and may know of some studies being done at Rush. I really like Dr. Kash, but I am glad to have another dr. on board. Dr. Kash actually encourages people to look in to a second opinion and is not upset by patients going.
Keep up the good work all of you prayers out there! Keep sending positive karma my way!
xoxo, HTFM
Linda and I saw Dr. Kash, my oncologist, yesterday. My tumor markers in my blood work have gone down- to a low of 38. This is good news. He believes that the "nasty boy shots" are the result of this. So...more nasty boy shots in my furture.
The Avastin I get every other week is causing some weird neurological issues- tingling and complete numbness in my hands and fingers, hurtful muscle aches in my arms and bad joint pains. So..... I may go off of the Avastin as I have been on it almost a year. Also, the pain may be caused by the flomata- a bone density drug. It is hard to believe that it has been a year since I have been re-diagnosed.... The year has gone by in such a blur. I remember- and still have all of the cards people sent me. I am fortunate to have so much support. But- I will take the aches and pains over going back on the toxic chemo!
I see my second opinion dr. at Rush in a few weeks. She may have some insight to the drugs I am taking, and may know of some studies being done at Rush. I really like Dr. Kash, but I am glad to have another dr. on board. Dr. Kash actually encourages people to look in to a second opinion and is not upset by patients going.
Keep up the good work all of you prayers out there! Keep sending positive karma my way!
xoxo, HTFM
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Same Old, Same Old...
Not much is new, since I have the "stable" label. I continue to have these weird aches in my muscles...and the Avastin still makes me a tired puppy. But if that is all I have to deal with- not all that bad :)
This Saturday, Linda volunteered to run a bake sale for the "File for the Cure Roadside Party." Our bunco babe- Kelli- and her husband opened a new tax business and are hosting a party, with proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen fund. So....some of us have volunteered to bake and have volunteered our kids to help out at the fundraiser. We are hoping for more baked good donations- so hopefully we can raise some $. Should be fun and it will give the kids another opportunity to volunteer as there will be raffles, food, a photo booth, games and face painting.
Friday I go in for my Avastin treatment and blood work. I need to get home so I can do my baking! Please keep the positive thoughts and prayers a comin'. Gotta believe!
xoxo,
HTFM
This Saturday, Linda volunteered to run a bake sale for the "File for the Cure Roadside Party." Our bunco babe- Kelli- and her husband opened a new tax business and are hosting a party, with proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen fund. So....some of us have volunteered to bake and have volunteered our kids to help out at the fundraiser. We are hoping for more baked good donations- so hopefully we can raise some $. Should be fun and it will give the kids another opportunity to volunteer as there will be raffles, food, a photo booth, games and face painting.
Friday I go in for my Avastin treatment and blood work. I need to get home so I can do my baking! Please keep the positive thoughts and prayers a comin'. Gotta believe!
xoxo,
HTFM
Sunday, January 16, 2011
"Life is Good"
Some of you may already know- but when I saw the oncologist on Friday he said that the tumors are stable and there are not any new ones detected!!!!!! This means that I do not have to go back on Taxol - the chemo drug with the nasty side effects!!!!! If my blood work continues to be good, I won't have to have a CAT scan for about 3 months. YEAH!!!! I will still continue on Avastin- a chemo drug- every 2 weeks, the "nasty boy" shots in my butt and a bone infusion drug monthly. The side effects of the Avastin is the tiredness but this is so much better than the Taxol. My hair is growing slowly, yet still curly and still no grays!
It was so nice sharing this news with Linda, my sister, and my friend Holly who came with me to the dr. I had the CAT scan on Monday and had to wait until Friday for the news. It is still sinking in that I am stable- (probably not mentally stable). I so appreciate all of your prayers, positive thoughts and good karma. I am not out of the woods, but I love this extended "chemocation."
xoxo,
HTFM
It was so nice sharing this news with Linda, my sister, and my friend Holly who came with me to the dr. I had the CAT scan on Monday and had to wait until Friday for the news. It is still sinking in that I am stable- (probably not mentally stable). I so appreciate all of your prayers, positive thoughts and good karma. I am not out of the woods, but I love this extended "chemocation."
xoxo,
HTFM
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
calling for all prayers and good karma...
I haven't blogged in quite a long time! I have been feeling decent of late- just really tired. I still go for treatments every other week- I get the Avastin by infusion twice a month and then the "nasty boy" shots and bone stuff monthly. I really hope I can continue this form of treatment....
Next Monday I go in for another CAT scan and then I will find out the results on Friday the 14th. The outcome of the CAT scan will determine the course of treatment- whether I have to go back on chemo or not. That is why the call for prayers and positive karma. I am hoping I can continue with the medicine I am on- my hair is short, curly and oh so much better than a wig or hat. My energy level is low- but better than when I was chemoing. I even started back working out- nowhere the level I was before, but I am trying. I would hate to disappoint my boyfriends at the health club- they are 69 and 70 but are so happy to see me back at it.
xoxo,
HTFM
Next Monday I go in for another CAT scan and then I will find out the results on Friday the 14th. The outcome of the CAT scan will determine the course of treatment- whether I have to go back on chemo or not. That is why the call for prayers and positive karma. I am hoping I can continue with the medicine I am on- my hair is short, curly and oh so much better than a wig or hat. My energy level is low- but better than when I was chemoing. I even started back working out- nowhere the level I was before, but I am trying. I would hate to disappoint my boyfriends at the health club- they are 69 and 70 but are so happy to see me back at it.
xoxo,
HTFM
Thursday, December 16, 2010
9 days and counting
Can you even believe that Christmas is almost here??? 9 days and I still have shopping to do...
Last week I had an appt. with the neurologist who operated on my back and put the cement in. The results were not as good as we had hoped. He showed me on this hi-tech computer where the cement is. I still get quite a bit of pain from the tumor pressing on the nerves in my spine. So- he ordered another MRI which I had on Monday. This test was the worst.....over 2 hours in the machine, loud, pounding noises and I was not supposed to move. I had tears in my eyes when the tech pulled me out and then I just lost it. My legs and back were so cramped up I couldn't even put my shoes on..... So- tomorrow I will probably get the results from Dr. Kash- my oncologist. I get blood work, see him and then will have treatment. Hopefully it won't be chemo...I am trying to hold off on that nasty stuff for as long as I can. I bought trashy magazines and snacks for Linda and I while we wait during treatment. Yo gotta do what you gotta do to get through this...
Keep your fingers crossed that the mri is good and the blood work remains steady...
xoxo,
HTFM
Last week I had an appt. with the neurologist who operated on my back and put the cement in. The results were not as good as we had hoped. He showed me on this hi-tech computer where the cement is. I still get quite a bit of pain from the tumor pressing on the nerves in my spine. So- he ordered another MRI which I had on Monday. This test was the worst.....over 2 hours in the machine, loud, pounding noises and I was not supposed to move. I had tears in my eyes when the tech pulled me out and then I just lost it. My legs and back were so cramped up I couldn't even put my shoes on..... So- tomorrow I will probably get the results from Dr. Kash- my oncologist. I get blood work, see him and then will have treatment. Hopefully it won't be chemo...I am trying to hold off on that nasty stuff for as long as I can. I bought trashy magazines and snacks for Linda and I while we wait during treatment. Yo gotta do what you gotta do to get through this...
Keep your fingers crossed that the mri is good and the blood work remains steady...
xoxo,
HTFM
Thursday, December 2, 2010
back on schedule
I start treatment again Friday. Not the nasty chemo, but the Avastin and the bad boy shots. I have been off schedule due to back surgery. So.... once again every other week I go in to the Cancer Center.
I tried some shopping today and I don't really think that the back surgery was all that successful. There is one spot that I had radiated and shot up with cement that still bothers me. I guess I was hoping for a miracle but that tumor must really be rubbing on the nerves. I see the neuro dr. next week. I am suppose to be doing some back exercises but........ I have gotten kinda lazy with that.
It was great seeing my friend Kim over Thanksgiving break. She comes in with her husband to see her mom-in-law and George's family. You can blame her for this blog thingy...... I am grateful she started it tho. It helps me keep in touch with family and friends.
xoxo,
HTFM
I tried some shopping today and I don't really think that the back surgery was all that successful. There is one spot that I had radiated and shot up with cement that still bothers me. I guess I was hoping for a miracle but that tumor must really be rubbing on the nerves. I see the neuro dr. next week. I am suppose to be doing some back exercises but........ I have gotten kinda lazy with that.
It was great seeing my friend Kim over Thanksgiving break. She comes in with her husband to see her mom-in-law and George's family. You can blame her for this blog thingy...... I am grateful she started it tho. It helps me keep in touch with family and friends.
xoxo,
HTFM
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thank-You!!!
"Thank-You" for coming out and the yummy lunch! I am so sorry for the goof up...if you know what I mean! Hope you found a great tree, and happy decorating! Tis the season!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
A "52!"
About 6:30 last night I got a call from Dr. Kash, my oncologist. Needless to say, I was really nervous. I had blood work yesterday, saw the dr. and had 2 nasty shots in my butt. He called letting me know that the blood work came back really good- especially something they call cancer markers. I measured a 52 which is down quite a bit from before. I think I had highs in the 80's and am usually in the 60's. A normal non-cancer person would measure in the 20's I think. So- he was happy with the report and wanted to share the info. before he went out of town. This really impressed me. He was still at the hospital and took the time to call me to let me know the good news. He feels that these nasty shots are working- as they are estorgen inhibitors. My cancer is estrogen positive- so to not feed the tumors- I can't have any estrogen in my body.
Happy Thanksgiving to all- celebrate the little things.
xoxo,
HTFM
Happy Thanksgiving to all- celebrate the little things.
xoxo,
HTFM
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Post Surgery
Hey there,
I am home already! The surgery went well and the dr. said I could go home if I wanted to. Soooo- home I am with plenty of pain killers. At least I think the dr. said surgery went well- I don't remember much. Rob, Linda and Denise joined me for the hospital party at Edward's. They would know more. I thought it would be best to sleep in my own bed and see Tyler. We have a standing appointment on Thursday night to watch Mentalist together. I sooo enjoy our time together- and I don't know how much longer he wants to hang with his Mom....
The operating room was quite intimidating! 6 huge computer screens were set up at the end of the operating table. I think it was a florascope (sp?) The dr. works at Edward's and Northwestern and is very confident in what he is doing. Called this his favorite surgery- a Kyphoplasty. I asked him if he had a good night's sleep and a good breakfast....his response "I went to church, too". Gotta love a dr. with a sense of humor.
Molly Jo is being a major PITA. She is not crazy about me sleeping in the middle of the day and when she does settle down, she likes to lay on top of me which causes mucho back pain today. She saves this shrill, sharp bark for me and does it right in my ear. Such a doll. Rob took her for a walk to "get the stink outta her." (Lynn's favorite saying)
Well- gotta go find my narcotics- and no I won't share.....
Thanks for your positive thoughts and prayers.
xoxo, HTFM
I am home already! The surgery went well and the dr. said I could go home if I wanted to. Soooo- home I am with plenty of pain killers. At least I think the dr. said surgery went well- I don't remember much. Rob, Linda and Denise joined me for the hospital party at Edward's. They would know more. I thought it would be best to sleep in my own bed and see Tyler. We have a standing appointment on Thursday night to watch Mentalist together. I sooo enjoy our time together- and I don't know how much longer he wants to hang with his Mom....
The operating room was quite intimidating! 6 huge computer screens were set up at the end of the operating table. I think it was a florascope (sp?) The dr. works at Edward's and Northwestern and is very confident in what he is doing. Called this his favorite surgery- a Kyphoplasty. I asked him if he had a good night's sleep and a good breakfast....his response "I went to church, too". Gotta love a dr. with a sense of humor.
Molly Jo is being a major PITA. She is not crazy about me sleeping in the middle of the day and when she does settle down, she likes to lay on top of me which causes mucho back pain today. She saves this shrill, sharp bark for me and does it right in my ear. Such a doll. Rob took her for a walk to "get the stink outta her." (Lynn's favorite saying)
Well- gotta go find my narcotics- and no I won't share.....
Thanks for your positive thoughts and prayers.
xoxo, HTFM
Monday, November 15, 2010
The b'day that just continues!
I received a great box of goodies from Kim who lives in AZ and started this whole blog thing....It is so much fun to receive gifts after one's actual b'day!
Tonight is the final celebration with Toni, Laura and Doreen. We always treat each other on our b'days. I am so fortunate to have such a huge circle of friends.
Thursday I am suppose to go in for back surgery. The dr. will drill holes in my vertebrae and fill the space with cement. YIKES! I will be over night at Edward's for pain control and to let the "cement" set. I don't even want to think about the next back surgery on my lower back- that will be more invasisve. Hopefully I will be able to get off a lot of these pain killers. I feel like a walking pharmacy sometimes.
Once again, thanks for all of your support and prayers.
xoxo,
HTFM
Tonight is the final celebration with Toni, Laura and Doreen. We always treat each other on our b'days. I am so fortunate to have such a huge circle of friends.
Thursday I am suppose to go in for back surgery. The dr. will drill holes in my vertebrae and fill the space with cement. YIKES! I will be over night at Edward's for pain control and to let the "cement" set. I don't even want to think about the next back surgery on my lower back- that will be more invasisve. Hopefully I will be able to get off a lot of these pain killers. I feel like a walking pharmacy sometimes.
Once again, thanks for all of your support and prayers.
xoxo,
HTFM
Saturday, November 6, 2010
So Overwhelmed!!!!!
This whole b-day celebration has gotten out of hand!!! I am so humbled by the surprise party that Linda and the Bunco Babes had for me today! I don't even know where to begin! I know I will leave something out...... I am so tired but soooo excited with my celebration today!!!!
Linda, Tia and Sharon wanted to take me out for a b-day lunch, Sharon picked me up and we went to get Linda and lo and behold!!! The whole crowd was there, the house decorated to the nines (with pink!) there was food galore and wonderful presents to boot. A pink lit flamego joined us, along with balloons, flowers, pink paper balls hanging from the celing, a pink pig dressed with a boa- the list goes on. 2 Bunco Babes were missed- yet Kaleigh and Shea were able to party with us. (Kaleigh is my neice and Shea is Tia's daughter) The group-Tia, Alice, Kelli, Lisa C, Lisa G, Jenn, Sarah, Leane, Jana, Terese, Linda, Sharon, Meg (who did I leave out?) went in and got me the coolest shoes ever! Even Tyler thinks they are "swag." They are pink patent leather Dansko shoes that have the b/c symbol on them. I told them that the shoes reminded me of a little girl getting her first pair of "Mary Janes.". Sooo totally cool and comfortable. Everyone gave me some kind of "pink" or sparkly ornament- then Linda had a 3 foot bag filled to the top with every imaginable gift- she went overboard this year! The sweetest thing is a silver bracelet that is engraved, "chance made us sisters, hearts made us friends." That about covers it all.
I went home with tons of food, which of course the boys tried to devour as soon as I walked in.
This party is so memorable and I am so thankful for my family and friends. I need to celebrate every day as a "birthday" am am grateful for the funs times I am able to have. It was so nice to be together on a Saturday afternoon- we have such hectic lives with family, work and obligations- that we need to take time and be together. Getting a little teary eyed- and Molly Jo is fighting for my attention once again.
xoxo,
HTFM
Linda, Tia and Sharon wanted to take me out for a b-day lunch, Sharon picked me up and we went to get Linda and lo and behold!!! The whole crowd was there, the house decorated to the nines (with pink!) there was food galore and wonderful presents to boot. A pink lit flamego joined us, along with balloons, flowers, pink paper balls hanging from the celing, a pink pig dressed with a boa- the list goes on. 2 Bunco Babes were missed- yet Kaleigh and Shea were able to party with us. (Kaleigh is my neice and Shea is Tia's daughter) The group-Tia, Alice, Kelli, Lisa C, Lisa G, Jenn, Sarah, Leane, Jana, Terese, Linda, Sharon, Meg (who did I leave out?) went in and got me the coolest shoes ever! Even Tyler thinks they are "swag." They are pink patent leather Dansko shoes that have the b/c symbol on them. I told them that the shoes reminded me of a little girl getting her first pair of "Mary Janes.". Sooo totally cool and comfortable. Everyone gave me some kind of "pink" or sparkly ornament- then Linda had a 3 foot bag filled to the top with every imaginable gift- she went overboard this year! The sweetest thing is a silver bracelet that is engraved, "chance made us sisters, hearts made us friends." That about covers it all.
I went home with tons of food, which of course the boys tried to devour as soon as I walked in.
This party is so memorable and I am so thankful for my family and friends. I need to celebrate every day as a "birthday" am am grateful for the funs times I am able to have. It was so nice to be together on a Saturday afternoon- we have such hectic lives with family, work and obligations- that we need to take time and be together. Getting a little teary eyed- and Molly Jo is fighting for my attention once again.
xoxo,
HTFM
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Lisa G the cooking Machine!
Lisa G is such a hoot! She just complains that she can't cook- what a bunch of hooey! Lisa brought dinner over for my family and we ate her beef for 3 days!!!!! Of course the brownies went in 2 days. You go girl!
This week has been one of birthday celebrations! Rob and Tyler celebrated last night with me as Rob has parent conferences tonight. Jean-Marie treated me to lunch today and Mollie Jo treated me to a nap this afternoon. I just can't get over this tiredness. I go in for treatment tomorrow but I am hoping my energy level will improve.
I will be having back surgery on the 18th- the neuro surgeon will drill holes in 2 of my vertebrae and put in cement to block the tumors from the nerves. I am getting quite nervous about this procedure. If I can get off some of the pain meds I may have more energy.
Here's to celebrating more birthdays! I still get to go out for lunch on Sat. with my "peeps." A week long b-day party!!!
xoxo,
HTFM
This week has been one of birthday celebrations! Rob and Tyler celebrated last night with me as Rob has parent conferences tonight. Jean-Marie treated me to lunch today and Mollie Jo treated me to a nap this afternoon. I just can't get over this tiredness. I go in for treatment tomorrow but I am hoping my energy level will improve.
I will be having back surgery on the 18th- the neuro surgeon will drill holes in 2 of my vertebrae and put in cement to block the tumors from the nerves. I am getting quite nervous about this procedure. If I can get off some of the pain meds I may have more energy.
Here's to celebrating more birthdays! I still get to go out for lunch on Sat. with my "peeps." A week long b-day party!!!
xoxo,
HTFM
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Time has gone by...
Hey there,
Seems like I have been so busy lately that I haven't had time to blog. Karen, my former next door neighbor from Naperville, came up to visit this past weekend from Kentucky. Karen was my friend who got us the house in Sanibel last May. I still think about how beautiful that trip was. Our boys grew up together for awhile and we have shared some great times together. So this past weekend was quite the whirlwind. The "girls" went out Friday night and then couples came over Saturday night. Our get-together turned in to my own b-day party! Liz, Holly, Karen, Denise and Julie were so generous and gave me fabulous gifts. I was overwhelmed. Thanks to Denise and Rob, things got cleaned up and we got to bed by midnight- which was pretty late for me. I miss Karen already! More on presents later. I have to much to tell!
My energy level is not quite what I hoped it would be. When I don't have to work or have a dr. appointment, I seem to sleep like a teenager- one day until noon! I don't like this aspect of this disease as I feel I am wasting time by sleeping. I did make it through today and yesterday without a nap. So maybe slowly I will regain some energy. I go to the Cancer Center this Friday for shots, an infusion of Avastin and an infusion of a bone drug. No chemo!!!!!! I still experience daily nose bleeds from the Avastin. That I can live with.
The wonderful people at work had a little b-day party for me yesterday. What a surprise! Karen- who retired- came in to help celebrate. She knows me so well.....she gave me a Bear's t-shirt that says "Real Bear Fans wear Pink"! I think Judy was the instigator of the beautiful pink and white pearl bracelet that is the Breast Cancer bracelet from Zales. I love presents! Barbara found this really cool b/c pin that has some funk to it!
Gotta go...Rob brouight home dinner- Ribs! Yum
xoxo,
HTFM
Seems like I have been so busy lately that I haven't had time to blog. Karen, my former next door neighbor from Naperville, came up to visit this past weekend from Kentucky. Karen was my friend who got us the house in Sanibel last May. I still think about how beautiful that trip was. Our boys grew up together for awhile and we have shared some great times together. So this past weekend was quite the whirlwind. The "girls" went out Friday night and then couples came over Saturday night. Our get-together turned in to my own b-day party! Liz, Holly, Karen, Denise and Julie were so generous and gave me fabulous gifts. I was overwhelmed. Thanks to Denise and Rob, things got cleaned up and we got to bed by midnight- which was pretty late for me. I miss Karen already! More on presents later. I have to much to tell!
My energy level is not quite what I hoped it would be. When I don't have to work or have a dr. appointment, I seem to sleep like a teenager- one day until noon! I don't like this aspect of this disease as I feel I am wasting time by sleeping. I did make it through today and yesterday without a nap. So maybe slowly I will regain some energy. I go to the Cancer Center this Friday for shots, an infusion of Avastin and an infusion of a bone drug. No chemo!!!!!! I still experience daily nose bleeds from the Avastin. That I can live with.
The wonderful people at work had a little b-day party for me yesterday. What a surprise! Karen- who retired- came in to help celebrate. She knows me so well.....she gave me a Bear's t-shirt that says "Real Bear Fans wear Pink"! I think Judy was the instigator of the beautiful pink and white pearl bracelet that is the Breast Cancer bracelet from Zales. I love presents! Barbara found this really cool b/c pin that has some funk to it!
Gotta go...Rob brouight home dinner- Ribs! Yum
xoxo,
HTFM
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Kaleigh and her New "Do"
My neice Kaleigh got a pink hair extension put in her hair for a breast cancer donation! There are some salons who are sponsoring this during October. I told Kaleigh that next year- I want one, too! My hair has been growing a little- it is about an inch long, but it it very fine like a baby's. I have some bald areas...so I still can't go without a hat or wig. Around the house the boys are ok with it. I have to keep a hat handy near the door in case someone stops by. The color is a little lighter- but still no grays! That's right.... my sister and I don't have any grays, either did our Mom when she passed. We swore she dyed her hair cause she was 74 and had no grays. I am hoping that since I am off the Taxol my hair might grow a little more.
My bottom is still so sore from those shots! I think I get the double shots again in 2 weeks. It was kind of nerve racking having 2 nurses come at me with big ol' needles and giving me the shots in tandum. I guess that's better than chemo.
As my friend Kim says, "Gotta go burn dinner."
xoxo,
HTFM
My bottom is still so sore from those shots! I think I get the double shots again in 2 weeks. It was kind of nerve racking having 2 nurses come at me with big ol' needles and giving me the shots in tandum. I guess that's better than chemo.
As my friend Kim says, "Gotta go burn dinner."
xoxo,
HTFM
Friday, October 22, 2010
Guarded Good News!
The CAT scan showed the tumors as being "stable", however there are 2 "hazy spots" that are new on one of my lungs. They don't know what the spots are. Sooooo- I am officially off of the chemo drug- Taxol and still on Avastin- which is an infusion drug that is suppose to limit the blood supply to the tumors. The Avastin causes me to have bloody noses and makes it more difficult to heal sores. I started on shots in my butt today that are estorgen inhibitors. It was weird- both nurses came in and gave me the shots at the same time in either cheek. It was better than doing one and then the other as the serum is very thick and hurts going in- better than chemo. I will still be on a monthly bone infusion drug. If the blood work comes out ok and I feel ok, the plan is to rescan in 2-3 months, based on the tumor markers in the blood work. This is sure more info. than you want to know!!!!
I have back surgery scheduled for Nov. 18th. The neuro surgeon will go in and drill holes in 2 vertebrae and fill the area with cement. This will hopefully get rid of some of the pain in my upper back where the tumors are. Later on, the other surgeon wants to go in and file down the stenosis that has developed in my lower back. What a life it would be to have less back pain!!!!
Football for Tyler is over and I am grateful we made it through without an injury. Only 3 more years to go. He made a touchdown last night which was cool. I was happy that I was able to go to all 9 of his games as I missed so many baseball games in the spring and summer.
Molly Jo is getting bigger and bolder. Like a 4 year old, she gets annoyed when I am on the phone. She is a diva dog, as she sleeps in with me when I need to. Hopefully- I will gain back some energy in a few weeks as I am off the Taxol. The pain meds cause me to be very tired but if I have the surgery- who knows? I may get that Type A personality back.
My Bunco Babes have been so helpful in making my family and I meals. It has been such a blessing. Two associates at work- Jenny and Barbra have also made me meals the past 2 weeks. Then Denise sent Chuck over with homemade stew and a homemade apple pie this week. I just wish I had more of an appetite- I am sure that will come with being off the Taxol. The boys are sure appreciative of all of the food. Having the meals has really helped me not to have to worry as much.
I so appreciate all of your prayers, good thoughts and positive karma. Keep it going....
xoxo, HTFM
I have back surgery scheduled for Nov. 18th. The neuro surgeon will go in and drill holes in 2 vertebrae and fill the area with cement. This will hopefully get rid of some of the pain in my upper back where the tumors are. Later on, the other surgeon wants to go in and file down the stenosis that has developed in my lower back. What a life it would be to have less back pain!!!!
Football for Tyler is over and I am grateful we made it through without an injury. Only 3 more years to go. He made a touchdown last night which was cool. I was happy that I was able to go to all 9 of his games as I missed so many baseball games in the spring and summer.
Molly Jo is getting bigger and bolder. Like a 4 year old, she gets annoyed when I am on the phone. She is a diva dog, as she sleeps in with me when I need to. Hopefully- I will gain back some energy in a few weeks as I am off the Taxol. The pain meds cause me to be very tired but if I have the surgery- who knows? I may get that Type A personality back.
My Bunco Babes have been so helpful in making my family and I meals. It has been such a blessing. Two associates at work- Jenny and Barbra have also made me meals the past 2 weeks. Then Denise sent Chuck over with homemade stew and a homemade apple pie this week. I just wish I had more of an appetite- I am sure that will come with being off the Taxol. The boys are sure appreciative of all of the food. Having the meals has really helped me not to have to worry as much.
I so appreciate all of your prayers, good thoughts and positive karma. Keep it going....
xoxo, HTFM
Monday, October 18, 2010
A no chemo week
I was off chemo last Friday and started to feel a little better. It takes me longer to get back my energy now than when I first started treatment. I had a CAT scan last Thursday and see the dr. this week for the results. If the tumors are still "stable" I may be going off chemo for what I call a chemocation. We won't know for how long...it will depend on the next set of scans and an MRI. I will have to go in to the Cancer Center every other week for an infusion of Avastin- a drug that cuts off the blood supply to the tumors, have a monthly infusion of the bone drug and have a monthly shot. Not quite sure what the shot is for- possibly a maintenance drug to cut off the estrogen to the tumors. So- pray for good results for this Friday......I will be so disappointed if I have to continue chemo. The chemicals seem to be just building up in my body and it is so difficult to rally and feel better. Still all I want to do is sleep. I woke up at 6 this morning to see Tyler off to school. Molly Jo and I went back to bed until Linda Sue called at 9:45 wondering if I was still sleeping! I was never a sleeper or a napper and that is all I want to do- sleep late and nap in the afternoon. (So does Molly Jo my diva dog!)
Tyler is finishing up football this week. It will be nice to have him home before 6 at night. His last game is Th and I will just be overjoyed if we get done with the season injury-free! Then only 3 years to go hoping he doesn't get hurt! I am such a mom....
Please keep the prayers and positive karma going. I appreciate everything!
xoxo,
HTF
Tyler is finishing up football this week. It will be nice to have him home before 6 at night. His last game is Th and I will just be overjoyed if we get done with the season injury-free! Then only 3 years to go hoping he doesn't get hurt! I am such a mom....
Please keep the prayers and positive karma going. I appreciate everything!
xoxo,
HTF
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Black Monday...
Yesterday was the worst ever. I am really weak today and am forgoing work tonight on the advice of my friend Denise. I am so hoping that last Friday was the final chemo for awhile. I think the toxicity is just building up too much and attacking everything else in my body. I am a strong lady and this sh_t is just bringing me down. I never miss work! Oh well, Chuck- Denise's husband - thinks I should just retire and play with him and his grandkids. Not a bad idea....
I think it is almost official....Karen from Kentucky is coming up for a weekend on the 22nd!!!! I just miss her so much. She was my next door neighbor in N'ville and our boys grew up together. Karen knows how to have fun and always cheers me up with her cards and gifts she sends in the mail. Just thinking about all of the fun times we have had makes me tear up. More later....
xoxo,
HTFM
I think it is almost official....Karen from Kentucky is coming up for a weekend on the 22nd!!!! I just miss her so much. She was my next door neighbor in N'ville and our boys grew up together. Karen knows how to have fun and always cheers me up with her cards and gifts she sends in the mail. Just thinking about all of the fun times we have had makes me tear up. More later....
xoxo,
HTFM
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Sending hugs your way!
Hi Helene, I'm sending you strength to make it through your next chemo on Friday. Then-chemo holiday. I think you should not be nervous about taking a break. You are going to be monitored all the time. It will be nice to hopefully feel better for a longer length of time. Nancy's mom has had a few holidays from her chemo and has had good results for a couple years now. If need be, she started it up again, then took a break when the doctors said so. You need to regain your strength!
I'm so proud of you! You have powered through this like a super woman with special strength. When you are feeling better, we need to go out and pamper you with a fancy dinner.
Hang in there this week! And remember, sleep when you need to, eat when you want to and smile lots-it helps. Oh, and a glass of wine once in a while does wonders!
Love ya sister, Julie
I'm so proud of you! You have powered through this like a super woman with special strength. When you are feeling better, we need to go out and pamper you with a fancy dinner.
Hang in there this week! And remember, sleep when you need to, eat when you want to and smile lots-it helps. Oh, and a glass of wine once in a while does wonders!
Love ya sister, Julie
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