Ok, I didn't do so well updating the blog every day like I said! But there really wasn't much to tell over the weekend. Sat. we went shopping for bridesmaid dresses, and found the perfect one! Sun., Alyssa, Rich and I went shopping for furniture for Alyssa and Jaren. Again, we were successful and found a couch and loveseat combo real cheap!
Shopping really wears me out, and I get very weak, especially my legs. No surprise when I spent most of the previous week laying in bed! While dress shopping the girls were very good to me and as soon as I said I was getting tired of standing they got me a chair and MADE me sit down. A few minutes later I was back up, and they MADE me sit down again! lol They take good care of me!
Well, I'll tell you about my adventure today, but its not a story I really want to tell! Its very unpleasant, but I can hardly update the blog without mentioning it. Alyssa and I went to look at another apartment today, and usually I really enjoy getting out with her, even if I'm weak and tired. But today I just wasn't feeling well--woke up with a headache and felt tired and run down. I have also been having hemorrhoid-type pain(this is the unpleasant part!) for several days, sometimes so bad I was in tears. I started wondering if I had an infection "back there". When I got home today I realized I might have a fever so I took my temp a few times, and it ranged from 99.8 to 100.2. I really just wanted to go to sleep, but figured I should call my oncologist and let him decide what I should do, if anything. Of course I knew he'd want me to come in, he always does when I call! So I met Rich at work and he drove me down to Regions. I had blood drawn to check my blood counts, then saw another doc, since mine was really busy. He took a peek and thought I might have a fistula, which happens alot in people who have had radiation in that area, and its only resolved by surgery. But he wanted Dr. J., my onc., to take a look to see what he thought. Not sure what's going on "back there", but got a prescription for 2 antibiotics, and Percoset for pain. Also, my wbc was real low again, so they gave me a Neupogen shot there, and I'll do 1 tomorrow and 1 Wed. here at home. I should be good for chemo on Friday. Oh, and I have to take sitz baths with epsom salt, and drink metamucil or citrucel (sp?) EVERY DAY. Not just once in awhile, like I've been. So, that's my story!
I usually have a lot of pain and bleeding for a few days right after chemo, and I told the doc last time about it. I told him I thought the chemo going through my system really irritated the skin in that area. He nodded and told me its "chemo recall". Huh? Apparently since the combo of radiation and 5FU was so hard on my system this summer, everytime I have the 5FU now, it reacts somewhat like it did during radiation--my body "remembers" the bad things it did to my skin then! I'm finding there are alot of things I wasn't told by my radiation doc! I can get these fistula things, bladder infections, etc. for a long time after radiation is over.
Well, wasn't that fun? I want others with colon cancer to know ALL the side effects, especially if they have radiation also, like I did.
Tomorrow I am planning on staying home! I've got a ton of mail and a pile of papers to go through, plus bills to pay. I think Thurs. Lys and I might look a 2nd time at an apartment, then she want to make a decision, so she can move in on Jan. 1st (which happens to be her 22nd birthday!). Yikes! What will I do without her here??? She'll have to come spend the day with me on my bad days--she's so good to me I'm sure she will anyways. Thankfully, I'll be almost done with chemo by then!
Enough for now! Time to go to bed!
Love,
Tina
ps If none of this makes sense--blame the percoset :)
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Round 5, Day 7 (Thanksgiving!) and 8
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!
I put up a few pictures to show just some of the photos my sister gave Shonna to put all over my living room. They are for me to look at and to help me feel better. And 1 pic is of one of the flower bouquets she gave me. Isn't she special?
Today has been a little better, which is what I hoped for. Still no energy, and a little nausea, but I was able to do a few dishes and sit out in the living room for awhile. I've been going through the ads and making lists! No, I won't be shopping tomorrow (we are having our dinner tomorrow), but some things are on sale all weekend, and I might do some online shopping too.
Saturday we are going shopping for bridesmaid dresses for Alyssa and Jaren's ceremony and reception. I'll probably have to sit down alot, but that's ok. We are just going to one shop.
Other side effects: tingling of hands and feet (mild) and tingling of my lips too--weird. The inside of my mouth feels like its coated with something, and its kind of roughed up. Nothing tastes very good. I dream of the day I can have ice water again! Its almost the worst thing about chemo!
Can't wait to have Rachel, Ken and Brennan here tomorrow! Brennan is not letting them get much sleep! I'm glad Ken has a few days off! Its going to be tough on Rachel when he goes back to work. Brennan needs more attention than the average newborn, and Rachel needs to take care of herself too. Maybe her sisters can help out so she can get a nap now and then :).
I'll check in tomorrow! Hope everyone is having a GREAT time with family and friends. Thanksgiving is a good time to give thanks for family--and to forgive those family members we might not always be thankful for! Don't waste time arguing--you never know how long you'll have with your family--enjoy each other!!
Love to all!
Tina
Day 8
Wow, an exhausting day, but in a good way! We had our Thanksgiving dinner today, and it was a very nice time with family! Holding Brennan was such a wonderful feeling! He is doing very well, even tho he still has oxygen and a monitor (which beeps quite a bit!). Rachel and Ken take such good care of him.
I didn't sleep well again last night--when I wake up in the middle of the night I usually can't get back to sleep. During the day I was able to do some work, then rest and play on the computer, then get up and do some more, etc. Rich keeps asking if I'm ok, and although I am very tired, I am ok. Tiredness isn't going to hurt me! If I can't sleep tonight, I think I'll take an Ambien. I can take them even in the early morning hours, as long as I have about 4 or 5 hours to sleep. Tomorrow afternoon we have an appt. at a bridal shop to look at bridesmaid dresses. That should be fun, and I'm sure I can find a place to sit when needed.
I think the worst side effects are over now. The tiredness never goes away completely now, like it did for my earlier rounds of chemo. I still get weak showering, going up or down the steps, or doing anything physical! And there is the ever present cold sensitivity. But other than that, I'm hoping the rest of this round goes well!
I'll be back tomorrow!
Blessings to all!
Tina
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Round 5, Day 5 and 6
Not much new to report today. But I am pleasantly surprised that these last 2 days have been better than last round.
Moving around is difficult. I shuffle and feel like I'm moving through wet cement! Got very weak in the shower, and had to keep a hand on the wall so I wouldn't fall over. But I was able to do a few things too, like pick up some of my clothes that's been piling up--one item at a time, and very slowly. The brain fog isn't nearly as bad. I do get sleepier after I nap--I never quite wake all the way back up. I force myself to stay awake until bedtime.
Not too much nausea today. Haven't taken any pills yet.
I will do a 3rd Neupogen shot in a little while. Haven't had much back pain, so don't think its working as quickly as usual.
The cold sensitivity is fading slightly. I can drink room temp things now.
Brennan has had a good day, and might be able to come home tomorrow! I really hope so!
A BIG thank you to my wonderful sister, Dee. This week she printed huge family pics (taken by Shonna) that are now all over my living room walls, she bought me flowers for both the kitchen and my bedroom, she bought me a couple of comedy videos, and she made us meatloaf for supper tonight! She wanted me to have nice things to look at when I'm feeling sick and depressed. How wonderful!! Thank you so much big sister!
That's all for today!
Blessings to all!
Tina
Day 6
First of all I have to say that my wonderful grandson, Brennan, finally came home from the hospital today!! We are so happy to finally have him in his own home.
As for me, the side effects have been slightly worse today. More nausea--took a compazine and then later an ativan. I also have some back pain--not bad, but annoying--from the neupogen shots. And I've had a headache off and on. I'm not letting things get me down though. I know that soon I will come out of this funk and start feeling better. I do feel a little panic now and then when I think of Thanksgiving being here! But then I remember that its just the kids and Dee, and no one cares what the house looks like! And they are all going to help with the meal.
When things start to get to be too much for me I remember to pray and thank God for all my blessings.
This is my 3rd day hibernating in my room. I'm hoping tomorrow I can get around a little more and do some picking up and such. We'll see--one day at a time :)
Love ya all!
Tina
Moving around is difficult. I shuffle and feel like I'm moving through wet cement! Got very weak in the shower, and had to keep a hand on the wall so I wouldn't fall over. But I was able to do a few things too, like pick up some of my clothes that's been piling up--one item at a time, and very slowly. The brain fog isn't nearly as bad. I do get sleepier after I nap--I never quite wake all the way back up. I force myself to stay awake until bedtime.
Not too much nausea today. Haven't taken any pills yet.
I will do a 3rd Neupogen shot in a little while. Haven't had much back pain, so don't think its working as quickly as usual.
The cold sensitivity is fading slightly. I can drink room temp things now.
Brennan has had a good day, and might be able to come home tomorrow! I really hope so!
A BIG thank you to my wonderful sister, Dee. This week she printed huge family pics (taken by Shonna) that are now all over my living room walls, she bought me flowers for both the kitchen and my bedroom, she bought me a couple of comedy videos, and she made us meatloaf for supper tonight! She wanted me to have nice things to look at when I'm feeling sick and depressed. How wonderful!! Thank you so much big sister!
That's all for today!
Blessings to all!
Tina
Day 6
First of all I have to say that my wonderful grandson, Brennan, finally came home from the hospital today!! We are so happy to finally have him in his own home.
As for me, the side effects have been slightly worse today. More nausea--took a compazine and then later an ativan. I also have some back pain--not bad, but annoying--from the neupogen shots. And I've had a headache off and on. I'm not letting things get me down though. I know that soon I will come out of this funk and start feeling better. I do feel a little panic now and then when I think of Thanksgiving being here! But then I remember that its just the kids and Dee, and no one cares what the house looks like! And they are all going to help with the meal.
When things start to get to be too much for me I remember to pray and thank God for all my blessings.
This is my 3rd day hibernating in my room. I'm hoping tomorrow I can get around a little more and do some picking up and such. We'll see--one day at a time :)
Love ya all!
Tina
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Round 5, Day 3 and 4
Today I had my pump removed about 2:30. Its always so nice to have it disconnected! I slept better last night, but was ready for a nap about 2 hours after getting up! I finally did take a nap after the nurse left. I slept for about 2 hours and feel much better, although it was hard to wake up!
Took my 3rd and last Emend pill this morning. It really seems to help with the nausea. It works for "delayed nausea", which is what I have because the nausea doesn't usually start until after I have my pump removed.
In a little while I'll do my Neupogen shot. Its on the counter now warming up a little (its kept in the fridge). I'll feel much better after I do the shot, because I won't have to worry so much about getting sick. I've stayed home all weekend and tried to avoid catching germs from my daughter who has been sick. When the nurse did my vitals today my temp was 99.2, and my blood pressure was way up. I don't remember the top #, but the bottom was 100! That's very high for me. I think its all related to my low WBC. She told me to drink plenty of fluids, which is hard to do when everything has to be warm! I'm drinking warmish Sunny Delight right now. Tastes better than warm water!
So, side effects over all aren't too bad today. Just tired, but not the mind-numbing fatigue yet. Cramps in legs and such are gone, and I'm taking Metamucil to help the plumbing keep going. Might have to switch to Senekot. Oh-I better take some Tylenol before my shot to help with the back pain! Can't forget that!
Brennan update: He might be able to come home as early as Tuesday! They took him off the monitors, and then took his feeding tube out!! Rachel and Ken will be staying at the hospital with him until he comes home. Rachel loved hearing his little grunts and noises all night. Its so neat that they get to stay there with him now.
That's all for today!
Blessings!
Tina
Day 4
Much more tired today. Shuffling around the house--its hard to get my body to move. The one good point is that my brain is more "with it" than last round at this time. I've spent most of the day in my bedroom. I've brought back the computer, store ads, books, etc.
Took a 2 hour nap this afternoon, and then turned on the tv to help me stay awake. I feel like I could have just stayed asleep for hours! When I woke up I had some nausea so I took a compazine, and then had an early supper. Rich brought home a roasted chicken, potatoes, gravy, and corn from the grocery store. Stomach still not too great, but better. I can take an Ativan later if I need to.
My 2nd Neupogen shot is warming on the counter. I'll do it around 6pm. Didn't have too much back pain with the first shot. If I don't have much back pain with the 2nd, I'll have to do one tomorrow too. Most people have to do 3 anyway. Its just that I usually don't need 3.
Well, overall not horrible! Not as quite bad as the Monday of last round. I expect tomorrow to be the worst day--but praying its no worse than today.
Just heard from Rachel. Brennan's feeding tube had to go back in, because he hasn't been eating well enough. They increased the amount of calories they add to the milk, so he is gaining weight again. We are still hoping he'll be home sometime this week!
Bye for now!
Tina
Took my 3rd and last Emend pill this morning. It really seems to help with the nausea. It works for "delayed nausea", which is what I have because the nausea doesn't usually start until after I have my pump removed.
In a little while I'll do my Neupogen shot. Its on the counter now warming up a little (its kept in the fridge). I'll feel much better after I do the shot, because I won't have to worry so much about getting sick. I've stayed home all weekend and tried to avoid catching germs from my daughter who has been sick. When the nurse did my vitals today my temp was 99.2, and my blood pressure was way up. I don't remember the top #, but the bottom was 100! That's very high for me. I think its all related to my low WBC. She told me to drink plenty of fluids, which is hard to do when everything has to be warm! I'm drinking warmish Sunny Delight right now. Tastes better than warm water!
So, side effects over all aren't too bad today. Just tired, but not the mind-numbing fatigue yet. Cramps in legs and such are gone, and I'm taking Metamucil to help the plumbing keep going. Might have to switch to Senekot. Oh-I better take some Tylenol before my shot to help with the back pain! Can't forget that!
Brennan update: He might be able to come home as early as Tuesday! They took him off the monitors, and then took his feeding tube out!! Rachel and Ken will be staying at the hospital with him until he comes home. Rachel loved hearing his little grunts and noises all night. Its so neat that they get to stay there with him now.
That's all for today!
Blessings!
Tina
Day 4
Much more tired today. Shuffling around the house--its hard to get my body to move. The one good point is that my brain is more "with it" than last round at this time. I've spent most of the day in my bedroom. I've brought back the computer, store ads, books, etc.
Took a 2 hour nap this afternoon, and then turned on the tv to help me stay awake. I feel like I could have just stayed asleep for hours! When I woke up I had some nausea so I took a compazine, and then had an early supper. Rich brought home a roasted chicken, potatoes, gravy, and corn from the grocery store. Stomach still not too great, but better. I can take an Ativan later if I need to.
My 2nd Neupogen shot is warming on the counter. I'll do it around 6pm. Didn't have too much back pain with the first shot. If I don't have much back pain with the 2nd, I'll have to do one tomorrow too. Most people have to do 3 anyway. Its just that I usually don't need 3.
Well, overall not horrible! Not as quite bad as the Monday of last round. I expect tomorrow to be the worst day--but praying its no worse than today.
Just heard from Rachel. Brennan's feeding tube had to go back in, because he hasn't been eating well enough. They increased the amount of calories they add to the milk, so he is gaining weight again. We are still hoping he'll be home sometime this week!
Bye for now!
Tina
Friday, November 20, 2009
Round 5, Day 1 and 2
So I'm going to start my log of round 5. I think I'll just add to this blog for a few days, then start a new one for the next 3 days or so, and so on until its time for round 6. Follow along if you want!
Today I probably shouldn't have had chemo because my neutrophils and overall white blood cell counts were pretty low. The doc let me go ahead, knowing I respond quickly to neupogen shots, and knowing that I wouldn't be able to have Thanksgiving at all if we waited until next week. He did say we are taking a risk, and I should wear a mask if I'm around anyone sick (remember before he told me I didn't need a mask?). I need to watch for fevers and signs of infection, and call immediately with any concerns. I wasn't too worried until I went back to the infusion room to start chemo and my nurse (who had seen my blood counts) was REALLY surprised the doc was letting me get chemo. She assumed I wasn't. She said that's the lowest she's seen the doc allow. THEN I started to worry! But really I'm not too concerned. Unfortunately Shonna is sick with a cold, but she's been sick alot this Fall and I haven't caught anything yet. She's good about washing her hands and I put out a separate hand towel in the bathroom just for me to use. I'll stay home for the next few days too--no running to Target or going out to eat. I have to do a shot on Sunday, after my pump is disconnected, then one on Monday. Tuesday I won't need to do a shot if I get a lot of back pain from it on Sun and Mon, because the back pain indicates the bone marrow is making more white blood cells. If I don't have much pain, then I'll do a 3rd shot on Tues. Then 2 days before my next chemo I'll do one more shot. Last round I did 2 shots at home and didn't have much pain at all, which was unusual.
Side effects for today are: cramping of hands, calves, lips, and throat, and extreme cold sensitivity in my hands and feet. My calves are twitching as I sit here and I do a funny stiff legged walk. The throat thing makes it a little hard to swallow, and I have to keep it warm or it gets worse. Other than the cold sensitivity, the other cramping and such should be gone tomorrow. I feel a little tired and out of it, but not too bad.
Brennan update:
Rachel was very excited when she called me this afternoon. Brennan exceeded his minimum amount of milk at the 3pm check today! (and he pooped on his own too!) He is finally making HUGE improvements. Rachel and Ken are spending the weekend in a family room at the hospital and will have Brennan in the room with them. We might actually have him here for Thanksgiving! I'm soooo excited. Alyssa and Shonna have never held their nephew and really want to see him too.
Oh, I wanted to add something about Jaren too--he and a few other guys are leaving the Basra base and heading up near Baghdad. Something about driving around a General. Anyway, please pray for his safety. He should be heading back to the US (Utah, I think) for some training on Dec. 30th, then home around Feb 1st. Alyssa and I have been apartment hunting, and she hopes to move into someplace Jan 1st, so it will be all ready for Jaren when he comes home. Its tough to make that final decision on an apartment tho! She's being very thorough and I know she will make the right choice.
Tomorrow I'll add to this blog, and change the title to "Round 5, Day 1 and 2".
Until then, take care everyone!!
Love,
Tina
DAY 2
I didn't sleep very much last night, only a few hours. The decadron they give me in my IV with the Zofran keeps me awake. Hopefully I can sleep tonight! I do have Ambien to take, but I don't like to take it with the steroid. Not sure why, just seems like too many drugs at once.
I still have some muscle cramps, but not as bad as yesterday. I've had a little nausea when my stomach gets hungry, so have been snacking alot today.
Took my second Emend pill at 12:30. They give me 1 larger dose pill before chemo, then I take a smaller 1 for the 2 days after. I also take Zofran first thing in the morning and then Decadron after I eat. Then I take them both at bedtime too. I'll continue the Zofran for several days, but only take Decadron til tomorrow, then I'll be done with that. Although, I might try a Decadron on one of my really bad days to see if it perks me up a little. I mentioned it to the nurse, and she agreed that it might help a little, and said to just take one in the morning.
Shonna is still sick with a bad sore throat and stuffy head. I wanted her to go to a Minute Clinic or urgent care today, but she worked instead. She was going to leave early, but decided not to. Maybe tomorrow before she works at 1. I will be relieved when I finally do my Neupogen shot tomorrow eve. to raise my white blood count!
Thanks Ken for the info on the masks again. I'm not going to make Shonna wear a mask, but I do worry about surfaces she touches, even tho she is good about washing her hands. I wipe stuff down with disinfectant wipes.
Thank you to the Bridgewood folks for the 2 meals this week!! Much appreciated! Rich was just going to have cereal last night, but instead we all had yummy soup (and too much cake :)
Tomorrow I'll start a new blog--this one is getting too long. :)
Blessings!
Tina
Today I probably shouldn't have had chemo because my neutrophils and overall white blood cell counts were pretty low. The doc let me go ahead, knowing I respond quickly to neupogen shots, and knowing that I wouldn't be able to have Thanksgiving at all if we waited until next week. He did say we are taking a risk, and I should wear a mask if I'm around anyone sick (remember before he told me I didn't need a mask?). I need to watch for fevers and signs of infection, and call immediately with any concerns. I wasn't too worried until I went back to the infusion room to start chemo and my nurse (who had seen my blood counts) was REALLY surprised the doc was letting me get chemo. She assumed I wasn't. She said that's the lowest she's seen the doc allow. THEN I started to worry! But really I'm not too concerned. Unfortunately Shonna is sick with a cold, but she's been sick alot this Fall and I haven't caught anything yet. She's good about washing her hands and I put out a separate hand towel in the bathroom just for me to use. I'll stay home for the next few days too--no running to Target or going out to eat. I have to do a shot on Sunday, after my pump is disconnected, then one on Monday. Tuesday I won't need to do a shot if I get a lot of back pain from it on Sun and Mon, because the back pain indicates the bone marrow is making more white blood cells. If I don't have much pain, then I'll do a 3rd shot on Tues. Then 2 days before my next chemo I'll do one more shot. Last round I did 2 shots at home and didn't have much pain at all, which was unusual.
Side effects for today are: cramping of hands, calves, lips, and throat, and extreme cold sensitivity in my hands and feet. My calves are twitching as I sit here and I do a funny stiff legged walk. The throat thing makes it a little hard to swallow, and I have to keep it warm or it gets worse. Other than the cold sensitivity, the other cramping and such should be gone tomorrow. I feel a little tired and out of it, but not too bad.
Brennan update:
Rachel was very excited when she called me this afternoon. Brennan exceeded his minimum amount of milk at the 3pm check today! (and he pooped on his own too!) He is finally making HUGE improvements. Rachel and Ken are spending the weekend in a family room at the hospital and will have Brennan in the room with them. We might actually have him here for Thanksgiving! I'm soooo excited. Alyssa and Shonna have never held their nephew and really want to see him too.
Oh, I wanted to add something about Jaren too--he and a few other guys are leaving the Basra base and heading up near Baghdad. Something about driving around a General. Anyway, please pray for his safety. He should be heading back to the US (Utah, I think) for some training on Dec. 30th, then home around Feb 1st. Alyssa and I have been apartment hunting, and she hopes to move into someplace Jan 1st, so it will be all ready for Jaren when he comes home. Its tough to make that final decision on an apartment tho! She's being very thorough and I know she will make the right choice.
Tomorrow I'll add to this blog, and change the title to "Round 5, Day 1 and 2".
Until then, take care everyone!!
Love,
Tina
DAY 2
I didn't sleep very much last night, only a few hours. The decadron they give me in my IV with the Zofran keeps me awake. Hopefully I can sleep tonight! I do have Ambien to take, but I don't like to take it with the steroid. Not sure why, just seems like too many drugs at once.
I still have some muscle cramps, but not as bad as yesterday. I've had a little nausea when my stomach gets hungry, so have been snacking alot today.
Took my second Emend pill at 12:30. They give me 1 larger dose pill before chemo, then I take a smaller 1 for the 2 days after. I also take Zofran first thing in the morning and then Decadron after I eat. Then I take them both at bedtime too. I'll continue the Zofran for several days, but only take Decadron til tomorrow, then I'll be done with that. Although, I might try a Decadron on one of my really bad days to see if it perks me up a little. I mentioned it to the nurse, and she agreed that it might help a little, and said to just take one in the morning.
Shonna is still sick with a bad sore throat and stuffy head. I wanted her to go to a Minute Clinic or urgent care today, but she worked instead. She was going to leave early, but decided not to. Maybe tomorrow before she works at 1. I will be relieved when I finally do my Neupogen shot tomorrow eve. to raise my white blood count!
Thanks Ken for the info on the masks again. I'm not going to make Shonna wear a mask, but I do worry about surfaces she touches, even tho she is good about washing her hands. I wipe stuff down with disinfectant wipes.
Thank you to the Bridgewood folks for the 2 meals this week!! Much appreciated! Rich was just going to have cereal last night, but instead we all had yummy soup (and too much cake :)
Tomorrow I'll start a new blog--this one is getting too long. :)
Blessings!
Tina
Today is Round 5
After today I'll have just 3 rounds left. Sounds good to me! This round I'm going to keep a log of side effects each day. I find when I come out of the fog I can't remember much of those 3 or 4 days that I feel so lousy. So each day, I'm going to write a little about how I'm doing. I'll start tonight, unless, of course, I can't have chemo today.
I've had a busy, but good week. I just have to remember that I can't do as much shopping/running around as I used to. I get tired pretty quickly, even on my best days. I've been apartment hunting with Alyssa, and have shopped til I dropped! I had a 30% coupon for Kohl's and I spent alot of money on new clothes for myself, because I had nothing that fit me! I usually don't spend much on myself, but I enjoyed buying smaller clothes :) . Yesterday Alyssa and I helped my mom make apple pies for Thanksgiving--yum! Mom will be going up to my brother's for Thanksgiving, but she made a pie to leave here for us. I LOVE apple pie!
We have our Thanksgiving dinner all planned out, and it should be a nice time. I'll be tired, and I'll probably over do it, but it will be so nice to have all the kids around at once. We will really miss Jaren though. The holidays are going to be a little tough for Alyssa, (and I'm sure Jaren too!), but we'll keep her busy and do our best to help her enjoy it!
We are still hoping to have Brennan with us. He is finally showing some big improvements and is getting most of his feeds by himself, instead of through the feeding tube. They are doing cue-based feedings, which means they feed him "on demand". They wait until he lets them know he is hungry, and he's very good at letting them know! Twice a day they make up what he's missed through the tube, because they have a minimum amount set that he needs each day. He's over 7 lbs now! His due date is next Tues. the 24th.
Well, I'm going to get a few things done before chemo--we have a late appt. today--we don't need to leave until noon.
Take care!
Tina
I've had a busy, but good week. I just have to remember that I can't do as much shopping/running around as I used to. I get tired pretty quickly, even on my best days. I've been apartment hunting with Alyssa, and have shopped til I dropped! I had a 30% coupon for Kohl's and I spent alot of money on new clothes for myself, because I had nothing that fit me! I usually don't spend much on myself, but I enjoyed buying smaller clothes :) . Yesterday Alyssa and I helped my mom make apple pies for Thanksgiving--yum! Mom will be going up to my brother's for Thanksgiving, but she made a pie to leave here for us. I LOVE apple pie!
We have our Thanksgiving dinner all planned out, and it should be a nice time. I'll be tired, and I'll probably over do it, but it will be so nice to have all the kids around at once. We will really miss Jaren though. The holidays are going to be a little tough for Alyssa, (and I'm sure Jaren too!), but we'll keep her busy and do our best to help her enjoy it!
We are still hoping to have Brennan with us. He is finally showing some big improvements and is getting most of his feeds by himself, instead of through the feeding tube. They are doing cue-based feedings, which means they feed him "on demand". They wait until he lets them know he is hungry, and he's very good at letting them know! Twice a day they make up what he's missed through the tube, because they have a minimum amount set that he needs each day. He's over 7 lbs now! His due date is next Tues. the 24th.
Well, I'm going to get a few things done before chemo--we have a late appt. today--we don't need to leave until noon.
Take care!
Tina
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Fog is Lifting--Send Me Your Favorite Bible Verse!
I have a few Bible verses that I turn to when I am having a rough time. Maybe some of you have a good verse that you turn to when things are tough? I would love it if you would share them with me, so I can add them to my word doc.
Today is already a better day. I am very weak, but my brain is much clearer! I was actually able to carry on a conversation this morning! Showering is always difficult--my legs were very shaky today! But the hot water feels so good. :)
My hair is really thinning now. The past few days I've been losing a lot of it each time I shower or brush it. I'm hoping to get a shorter haircut soon, then I might have to go hat shopping!
Thanks, Whidbey, for the the ideas about the holidays. I know my health is more important at this time, but I'm a mom, and of course I don't want to "ruin" everyone's holiday. I'll try to set it aside and not worry about it. :-)
In my blog from last Friday (I think), I mentioned that the doc said light exercise helps the fatigue. I think he meant the normal fatigue one gets from chemo, not what I've been through the past few days! I could barely move from the bed or chair I was in! The next few days I should try and move more, to regain some of my strength. Today, just walking around the house is enough. I'm trying to get up and move around more.
I FINALLY got my new tv for the bedroom. Thanks to my hubby for letting me get one--he's always been against a tv in the bedroom. Not very romantic ;). Unfortunately it doesn't work without an antennae or cable hook up, so it'll be a few days before it works.
Don't know if my cousin Jill has a chance to read this, but just want her to know that she is in my prayers as she battles lymphoma. You can do this! And PLEASE accept help from others. People really do want to help, and they really do care about you. Love you!!
Hope to get a bunch of Bible verses from you all!
Thanks for the love and prayers; I pray for blessings for each of you all the time!
Love,
Tina
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Today is already a better day. I am very weak, but my brain is much clearer! I was actually able to carry on a conversation this morning! Showering is always difficult--my legs were very shaky today! But the hot water feels so good. :)
My hair is really thinning now. The past few days I've been losing a lot of it each time I shower or brush it. I'm hoping to get a shorter haircut soon, then I might have to go hat shopping!
Thanks, Whidbey, for the the ideas about the holidays. I know my health is more important at this time, but I'm a mom, and of course I don't want to "ruin" everyone's holiday. I'll try to set it aside and not worry about it. :-)
In my blog from last Friday (I think), I mentioned that the doc said light exercise helps the fatigue. I think he meant the normal fatigue one gets from chemo, not what I've been through the past few days! I could barely move from the bed or chair I was in! The next few days I should try and move more, to regain some of my strength. Today, just walking around the house is enough. I'm trying to get up and move around more.
I FINALLY got my new tv for the bedroom. Thanks to my hubby for letting me get one--he's always been against a tv in the bedroom. Not very romantic ;). Unfortunately it doesn't work without an antennae or cable hook up, so it'll be a few days before it works.
Don't know if my cousin Jill has a chance to read this, but just want her to know that she is in my prayers as she battles lymphoma. You can do this! And PLEASE accept help from others. People really do want to help, and they really do care about you. Love you!!
Hope to get a bunch of Bible verses from you all!
Thanks for the love and prayers; I pray for blessings for each of you all the time!
Love,
Tina
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Trying to Count My Blessings
Some days its not so easy. Today was a rough day for me. Its the 3rd day of mind-numbing tiredness, and I'm starting to feel trapped. I can't explain the fatigue. I can barely move. I force myself to get out of bed and then sit and stare at tv. I AM thankful the nausea isn't too bad. Today was the first time in a long time that I've just wanted to quit. But I HAVE to finish this. I HAVE to fight this cancer. Thanks to everyone's prayers, I am feeling better tonight. I put a blurb on my facebook, and soon had several people praying for me and encouraging me. You guys have no idea how much your support means to me. I have 4 more rounds left. Right now that sounds like a lot to me! But its just 2 more months. I can do this.*sigh*
I really miss seeing my grandson, I miss doing the dishes (really!), I miss being a part of my kids' lives. Everything gets put on hold for a few days. I'm worried about Thanksgiving now. Don't think I'm going to be able to do it this year. I hate focusing on myself and my needs, but that's what I have to do right now. Only 2 more months.... I'm so grateful for my family. They are so good to me.
Brennan is still in the hospital. Rachel said he had a good day yesterday. He needs to eat more on his own. His little digestive system is still immature. Rachel said his little personality is starting to come through and he is a good baby! Keep up the prayers for Rachel, Ken and Brennan!
I also want to remind everyone of Jaren, serving our country in Basrah, Iraq. I am so proud of my son-in-law! We can't wait for him to be home. I want to have a Thanksgiving/Christmas party for him in Feb. when he is home with us.
Time for bed! I've actually been awake since about 4 pm, and am grateful the fog is starting to lift!
Thanks again for prayers and support. Words cannot express how grateful I am.
God bless you all,
Tina
I really miss seeing my grandson, I miss doing the dishes (really!), I miss being a part of my kids' lives. Everything gets put on hold for a few days. I'm worried about Thanksgiving now. Don't think I'm going to be able to do it this year. I hate focusing on myself and my needs, but that's what I have to do right now. Only 2 more months.... I'm so grateful for my family. They are so good to me.
Brennan is still in the hospital. Rachel said he had a good day yesterday. He needs to eat more on his own. His little digestive system is still immature. Rachel said his little personality is starting to come through and he is a good baby! Keep up the prayers for Rachel, Ken and Brennan!
I also want to remind everyone of Jaren, serving our country in Basrah, Iraq. I am so proud of my son-in-law! We can't wait for him to be home. I want to have a Thanksgiving/Christmas party for him in Feb. when he is home with us.
Time for bed! I've actually been awake since about 4 pm, and am grateful the fog is starting to lift!
Thanks again for prayers and support. Words cannot express how grateful I am.
God bless you all,
Tina
Friday, November 6, 2009
Chemo Was a GO-->Round 4!
Judging by my back pain, I knew my white blood cell count would be way up. Its way over the range. So I was able to do round 4 today--which means I'm halfway done!! 4 more to go! I'm happy we didn't need to delay it more than 2 days. Now I'll be on a Fri thru Sun. schedule. Get chemo and my 5FU pump on Friday, and get pump disconnected 46 hours later on Sunday. A nurse comes to the house to disconnect me.
Dr. J, my oncologist, wants me to do 2 more Neupogen shots. 1 on Monday, and 1 on Tues. I don't quite get why I should do them so early in my cycle, esp. when my counts are way up, but I guess he just wants to make sure they stay up. I grumbled a bit when my nurse told me, but then I figured I'm gonna be feeling like crap anyway, so what's a little back pain? Nbd. By the way, I just want to say that my nurses are awesome. I couldn't have asked for a better place to be treated for my cancer!
I am doing the Emend again this cycle. At first I didn't think it helped that much, but looking back I think it did. Both Rich and my mom said they thought I did better. As for the fatigue, I told my doc on Wed. that I basically sleep through 4 days (even when I'm awake I'm so out of it I may as well be sleeping). He said even tho it sounds ridiculous, light exercise has been shown to help with the fatigue. I must have given him an odd look because he said "I know it sounds crazy!". I love my doctor! So I will try to get out for short walks and maybe use my exercise ball that's collecting dust in the corner. I'll let you know what happens. No promises that I'll do it!
My platelets are way down. Bottom of the range is 150, and I was 103 on Wed. and 100 today. Still acceptable for chemo. I think the doc told me once that we can do chemo until it gets around 70. Then chemo would be delayed until the # comes back up. They don't do a platelet infusion until you are almost down to no platelets, or you start having bleeding problems.
Little baby B is starting to perk up and eat more. Still not enough to come home, but finally some improvement!
Thanks to my mom, my sister, and friends Carol and Jeanne for the food donations! As usual, they were very grateful at the cancer center!
My hands are pretty stiff and crampy, so its taken me a long time to type this! There are probably a few typos I didn't catch!
Hope all is well with everyone--send me some updates!
Love you all!
Tina
Dr. J, my oncologist, wants me to do 2 more Neupogen shots. 1 on Monday, and 1 on Tues. I don't quite get why I should do them so early in my cycle, esp. when my counts are way up, but I guess he just wants to make sure they stay up. I grumbled a bit when my nurse told me, but then I figured I'm gonna be feeling like crap anyway, so what's a little back pain? Nbd. By the way, I just want to say that my nurses are awesome. I couldn't have asked for a better place to be treated for my cancer!
I am doing the Emend again this cycle. At first I didn't think it helped that much, but looking back I think it did. Both Rich and my mom said they thought I did better. As for the fatigue, I told my doc on Wed. that I basically sleep through 4 days (even when I'm awake I'm so out of it I may as well be sleeping). He said even tho it sounds ridiculous, light exercise has been shown to help with the fatigue. I must have given him an odd look because he said "I know it sounds crazy!". I love my doctor! So I will try to get out for short walks and maybe use my exercise ball that's collecting dust in the corner. I'll let you know what happens. No promises that I'll do it!
My platelets are way down. Bottom of the range is 150, and I was 103 on Wed. and 100 today. Still acceptable for chemo. I think the doc told me once that we can do chemo until it gets around 70. Then chemo would be delayed until the # comes back up. They don't do a platelet infusion until you are almost down to no platelets, or you start having bleeding problems.
Little baby B is starting to perk up and eat more. Still not enough to come home, but finally some improvement!
Thanks to my mom, my sister, and friends Carol and Jeanne for the food donations! As usual, they were very grateful at the cancer center!
My hands are pretty stiff and crampy, so its taken me a long time to type this! There are probably a few typos I didn't catch!
Hope all is well with everyone--send me some updates!
Love you all!
Tina
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
No Chemo Today
My white blood cells (specifically neutrophils) are too low for chemo today. I will do a Neupogen shot at home today and tomorrow, then go back on Friday. If my labs look better on Friday I can have chemo. 2 weeks ago when I did my shots I didn't have all the pain I usually do, and I didn't do the full shot--I did 300mcg. This time the doc wants me to do the full shot both days (480mcg), so I am a little worried that it will cause me more spine pain. I've already taken 3 ibuprofen, and I'll take 2 Tylenol in 2 hours, and keep alternating them for a few days. I'll do my shot in a few minutes--I'm letting it warm a little since its stored in the fridge.
Its always a little disappointing to not have chemo when you expect to, but there is always a silver lining--I can have another smoothie. :) I have some frozen berries, so I think I'll just make one here at home. Again, I have to let it melt some before I drink it,(and wear gloves to touch the frozen stuff!) but at least I can tolerate it cold.
Love and blessings!
Tina
Its always a little disappointing to not have chemo when you expect to, but there is always a silver lining--I can have another smoothie. :) I have some frozen berries, so I think I'll just make one here at home. Again, I have to let it melt some before I drink it,(and wear gloves to touch the frozen stuff!) but at least I can tolerate it cold.
Love and blessings!
Tina
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Round 4 and Baby B Pictures!
Rich and I got to hold our little grandson for the first time on Saturday. We all hope he can come home soon. He's doing well, but his digestive system is still too immature.
I've had a busy few days! Went to the high school football game (great game!! We won!) It was fun to see Alyssa's cheerleaders in action! It was only in the 40's, so I was pretty cold and tingly--but I made it through!
Tomorrow is my 4th chemo. So I'll be halfway done! I think the nausea was a little better last time with the Emend, but not much. But I'll take what I can get! Tomorrow will be a rough day. I'm especially worried about the cold. I'll have my scarf and hot tea again at the end of chemo to keep my throat from freezing up. That was not a good feeling when that happened last spring! Then Thurs. I feel a little better, and Friday afternoon or evening the nausea starts. Then I sleep for the next 4 days or so! My "good" days were not so energetic this time! I feel tired each day, but its not too bad. I had my "day before chemo smoothie" today! I have to let it melt alot first, but at least I can drink it. Yum! I've found Sunny Delight, like orange juice, tastes pretty good warmed up, so I have another option for getting something to drink.
Thank you to those that donated treats for the cancer center! They will be so appreciative tomorrow! All the volunteers and nurses say thanks and tell everyone we brought in treats. I wish all you who donated could be there to see how grateful everyone is!
Thanks also for the wonderful soup Carol and Janet. Carol, it tasted GREAT, and we still have a little left over. We'll be enjoying Janet's beef barley soup tomorrow. It makes me feel good to know my family is getting a good meal once in awhile! Thanks so much!!
Hope everyone enjoys the nice weather we'll be having this weekend! Spend time with loved ones and count your blessings!
Love ya all!
Tina
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