another week down....

Good labor day to everyone. Well, last week was a whirlwind. Mom and Dad came out to spend some time with me. We have been on the move almost every day. I haven't been able to update, so here is the scoop.
Thursday was supposed to be the second part of my first treatment. I have been feeling great, but when they did the blood tests, my PMN bands, were too low. So THEY REJECTED ME!!! When the Doctor told me they could not give me a treatment, I got very wide eyed. He said it was not unusual for this to happen within the first 3 treatments. Then I spoke with someone whose husband is going through chemo and she said it happened to him also. So I am going to just go with it.
They wanted me to wait a week, and go in on Friday. After that chemo, they are going to give me a shot of Newlast. (i think i spelled it right) It should boost my blood for the next treatment. Just a little setback, but I think it should be fine.
The only thing that bothered me this week were pains in the back of my calves. Not sure if it is due to my arthritis, or chemo side effects. Not too bad though. When I woke this morning, there was hair on my pillow. Think the crowning glory is starting to thin. So, I went through some scarves that my brother brought back from Afghanistan for me last year. I started to wrap my head and actually they looked cute. My cousin sent me a really cute fuzzy hat and she has some great ideas for hair and hats. I think we can have some fun with this.
On a serious note, it does knock you for a loop when you see that. But I guess, like this whole thing, it is how you handle it. I like to laugh, so........
Well, I will try to keep this updated. Oh, I did talk to Dr Anderson about what happened last week. He agreed that it could have been handled better. We are going to work on that.
Everyone have a great week and pray for people in wake of Gustav.

What a mess!

So sorry to my faithful viewers. I have not been in a capacity to write anything since Wed.

I was having some digestive problems and have been down and out most of the time in bed. They did say it was going to be a "side effect", but talk about SIDE EFFECT. Now let me elaborate on that. When we were in class and the first day of treatment, they were very helpful in telling me that if you feel this, then do this. Yeah, I am not so sure that being that general is such a good thing. It seemed like I just kept putting a pill over a pill. I cannot imagine my stomach feeling good about that. I went to the ER on Friday and spent the whole day there. Now they were very deliberate and did just what the book said. I was seen by a physicians assistant, being overseen by a dr. (uh DOOGIE HOUSER) Anyway they gave me morphine for the pain and chest xray and cat scan. Found out that there was no obstruction. Good thing. Then they sent in a nurses aid, with a bucket of soapy water. Most of us know what that is for.
Then they sent me home. They never gave me any fluids, which I would think that would be one of the first things they do. In case I was dehydrated.
Needless to say, I came home and nursed myself and am feeling a lot better today.

I am a little distressed at the lack of formal protocal when dealing with a newly diagnosed cancer patient. I think they assume that we know what questions to ask. I had to deal with 3 different aftercare nurses who weren't even associated with the Regions Cancer Care Center and most likely were rolling thier eyes while I was trying to describe what I was looking for, in the meantime giving them my medical history. I don't know, I am going to do some more research on this subject. Especially, if I am going to continue with this Center.

I have been fighting the medical and social system for 25 years, and although I just love my doctor, they really don't know who they are dealing with. I am going to get this straightened out for me and the next person in my position.

Ok, I am on a mission to clean up this mess. Stay tuned!!!!!!

ok, you want to be a part of this

So, I knew I would have some bad days. Yesterday was one of those. I just cannot seem to get to sleep at night. I can nap during the day, but at night I am just restless. VERY weird dreams. You don' t want to know.
I have so many ideas for nutrition. I have lost about 7 lbs in a week, ( not really complaining ), but I want to keep up my strength.
I think I am going to join a support group. There is one that meets once a week with a psychologist and cancer survivor that is there to answer these questions that you hate bothering the doctors about.
I do want to say that my husband has been so good during this so far. I feel so bad about dropping so much in his lap, but he has been very supportive. Love you Joe!
My kids, what would I do without them. Love you guys.
Well, I hope today goes better. I am still weak, but I am hoping I will get stronger. I don' t have treatment until a week from tomorrow. I am not sure if my side effects will get worse with each treatment. Maybe not. Maybe the 2 week time is supposed to build me up. We will see.

Just a thought.....pray for those poor people in that air crash in Spain and thier families.
Have a blessed day.

hanging in there

Yesterday was a little harder, but it was expected. I am starting to feel the chemo working on my faster changing cells in my mouth and throat. It is a kind of prickling sensation. They said that would be happening. So now I HAVE to eat ice cream and yogurt. Oh too bad for me, huh?
Any body have any ideas on diet and nutrition? I am open to anything to keep up my staminia.

I was able to get Anthony off to program this morning and keeping things as normal as possible for everyone. This is changing our lives, but it will be for the good. Hopefully, I will keep on top of the fatigue. There is a Gilda Radner Cancer Center in Minneapolis that offers free yoga classes for cancer patients and the families. I think I am going to start those. Can't hurt, right?

Ok, everyone have a great week. Love to you all.....Thank you all for your wonderful comments. I love reading them everyday.

So Far So Good

Things are going well. My next treatment will be in 2 weeks. They say I will start to slow down once I finish taking the antinausea meds and that will be on Sunday. So Monday I might crash and sleep all day. Ok, I guess we would all like to do that at least once....then my stamina should start back. Although I am trying to eat well and keep up my normal activity.
Thanks to everyone who has sent thier well wishes. I am now looking into chemo hats and wigs and scarves so I will be prepared in case I lose my crowning glory. Some people say that it will grow back maybe a differnt color, or curly. I think it may come back GRAY.... Oh well. I will try to take some pics of my new look.
If anyone has any ideas for caps or scarves or wigs, let me know. You know this can be fun. See ya tomorrow. Love you all........Life is good.

First day of treatment

Check out my chemo shirt.....it is from Life is Good company. That is what it says and life IS good.
this week has been a whirlwind.
Monday I had my chemo class...There was another man in the class that was just diagnosed with hodgkins. He is in stage 3. That means it is above and below his diaphragm. (I think I spelled it right. If not, I hope my medical terminology prof won't read this blog...hehehe)

Tuesday I had day surgery with the port implant...It is called a smart port ct. It is a power injectable port that enables the nurse to draw blood specimens and administer the chemo drugs through a port implanted in my chest. This way they don't have to damage my veins in my arms or hands. hey...fine by me..!!!!!If interested, you might be able to find more info on the website....www.angiodynamics.com

Wed Joe had surgery on his foot....He is doing well, and we think he will have a speedy recovery. It seems like we turned 50 and started to fall apart. It was funny, the nurses in the day surgery center saw us come in and remembered me from the day before. They just shook their heads and laughed.

Today I had my first chemo treatment...
I am going to SLEEP tomorrow.
Actually, today went really well.Denise came with me (thanks sweetie )and we did a lot of laughing. I don't seem to have any of the side effects that they talked about. Maybe I am jinxing myself, but I feel great. One woman said she could not believe I had my first treatment today, that I looked like I just got back from a shopping trip. That made me feel good. I went shopping for some groceries that would boost me during my treatments. (found a few naughty treats too...hey, I deserve a bag of chips)
They gave me antinausea meds and a steriod (hey Vanessa, maybe I will get those buff arms you are always talking about hahaha) Anyway, I have all this energy and I don't know if I will be falling asleep very soon. Well, this house needs to be cleaned. Let's see, it is ten thirty pm...I should be done by 2 AM.
So that is what is going on and thank you everyone so much for your prayers. I have so many people invading the heavens for me.