While at Regions getting chemo last year (sometime in Sept. or Oct., 2010) I was asked if I wanted a visit from a pet therapy dog, and if yes, could it be recorded? I said yes, and received a visit from Chilly. I have met Chilly and his handler, Mary before. I love when the dogs come by to visit. The whole video is interesting, but if you haven't got time to watch it all, my part starts at 13:44. I was reluctant to put this on here, because my face is puffy from steroids, and I have no eyelashes or eyebrows, but the blog is about my experiences with cancer--so here it is! The video is part of a cable program called "Knowledge for Wellness".
Friday, January 28, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
January 24th Update
Hey everyone! I haven't been posting much because there just isn't much to say! I am enjoying life, and giving myself time to heal.
I want to mention my sadness over the loss of a sister blogger. She passed away a few days ago after a long battle with stage 4 breast cancer. I knew she was getting worse, but there still seemed to be hope, so this was sort of sudden. She occasionally read my blog, and it is sad writing this one knowing she won't be reading it. We will miss you Daria! Please pray for her husband and family.
Last Thursday, the 20th, was one year since I finished the FOLFOX chemo for colon cancer. Coming up soon will be my 2 year "cancerversary". In about a month I'll have my CT scan to check for more cancer. The thought doesn't make me nervous yet, but we'll see what happens when the date gets closer! Even though I know God is with me, I still wouldn't like to hear there is more cancer!
As far as the breast cancer goes, I will have my next Herceptin infusion next Wed., Feb. 2nd. The infusions are every 3 weeks. I might have to have some labs done because of the bp med I'm taking, but I won't be seeing my onc at this appt. I'll see him next time to go over my CT and MUGA results.
I'm still thinking about whether or not I want to do reconstruction. I've been reading others' experiences, and there is a private website where you can look at pictures of reconstruction. I'm am so grateful to the women who have put their pictures and their stories there to help others. I would probably have to have some sort of "flap" surgery, because radiation affects the skin too much for implants. One of the flap procedures uses the muscle from your back and brings it around to the front. This sounds painful to me! I'm not sure I want to go through a major surgery and 6 week recovery again. We'll see... Any pros and cons from any readers that have gone through this(recon or not) please e-mail me!
I am LOVING my time off! I feel so guilty sometimes, then I remember all I've been through the past 2 years, and I don't feel so guilty anymore! Also, because of my neuropathy I can't work anyways, at least not until it warms up outside! I usually watch Brennan once or twice a week, I have time to IRON (something I always hated to do but mostly because I didn't have time! Rich was happy to have some of his shirts back!), I am helping out at church again ( I do copying and stuff for the Children's Pastor), AND I joined a women's Bible study that is on Thurs. mornings. It's a Beth Moore study called "Breaking Free". It's pretty intense, and helps you overcome anything that might be holding you captive. I have no idea what that might be right now, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to find out! God wanted me at this study for a reason. The study says that "A Christian is held captive by anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God planned for her". I want that "abundant and effective Spirit-filled life" that God has planned for me! Rachel and Alyssa are doing the study too. Alyssa has also done other Beth Moore studies.
Speaking of Alyssa, she and Jaren are down in Cabo San Lucas on their mission trip right now. They will be building a classroom for the youth in the area and putting on a marriage seminar. She sent me an e-mail after their 1st day. It is warm and beautiful there and she saw some whales in the bay! They asked for prayer for sleep (apparently the bed and pillow are hard as rocks!), and for them not to have any stomach troubles or illness. Also, please pray for the lives they will be touching down there. This is a very poor area where the kids are often left alone during the day. There is lots of drug use also. Pray for the team to be strong in the Lord and the presence of the Holy Spirit to be with them.
Rachel is spending a lot of time trying to get all their paperwork done for the adoption. Many forms have had to be redone more than once. If everything is not PERFECT it has to be redone! They are hoping to be one of the first families called to go over there to adopt their son. Hopefully this will be in March or April!
Shonna is back at school and busy as ever. She works a few hours a week at a nearby library. She will be learning how to play the keyboard and has some sort of singing lessons too, I think. Also choir, theology, and required time in the prayer room. Here is a link to the prayer room. It's great to listen to during your own prayer time or Bible study time.
Well, that's all for today!
Love and blessings!
Tina
I want to mention my sadness over the loss of a sister blogger. She passed away a few days ago after a long battle with stage 4 breast cancer. I knew she was getting worse, but there still seemed to be hope, so this was sort of sudden. She occasionally read my blog, and it is sad writing this one knowing she won't be reading it. We will miss you Daria! Please pray for her husband and family.
Last Thursday, the 20th, was one year since I finished the FOLFOX chemo for colon cancer. Coming up soon will be my 2 year "cancerversary". In about a month I'll have my CT scan to check for more cancer. The thought doesn't make me nervous yet, but we'll see what happens when the date gets closer! Even though I know God is with me, I still wouldn't like to hear there is more cancer!
As far as the breast cancer goes, I will have my next Herceptin infusion next Wed., Feb. 2nd. The infusions are every 3 weeks. I might have to have some labs done because of the bp med I'm taking, but I won't be seeing my onc at this appt. I'll see him next time to go over my CT and MUGA results.
I'm still thinking about whether or not I want to do reconstruction. I've been reading others' experiences, and there is a private website where you can look at pictures of reconstruction. I'm am so grateful to the women who have put their pictures and their stories there to help others. I would probably have to have some sort of "flap" surgery, because radiation affects the skin too much for implants. One of the flap procedures uses the muscle from your back and brings it around to the front. This sounds painful to me! I'm not sure I want to go through a major surgery and 6 week recovery again. We'll see... Any pros and cons from any readers that have gone through this(recon or not) please e-mail me!
I am LOVING my time off! I feel so guilty sometimes, then I remember all I've been through the past 2 years, and I don't feel so guilty anymore! Also, because of my neuropathy I can't work anyways, at least not until it warms up outside! I usually watch Brennan once or twice a week, I have time to IRON (something I always hated to do but mostly because I didn't have time! Rich was happy to have some of his shirts back!), I am helping out at church again ( I do copying and stuff for the Children's Pastor), AND I joined a women's Bible study that is on Thurs. mornings. It's a Beth Moore study called "Breaking Free". It's pretty intense, and helps you overcome anything that might be holding you captive. I have no idea what that might be right now, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to find out! God wanted me at this study for a reason. The study says that "A Christian is held captive by anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God planned for her". I want that "abundant and effective Spirit-filled life" that God has planned for me! Rachel and Alyssa are doing the study too. Alyssa has also done other Beth Moore studies.
Speaking of Alyssa, she and Jaren are down in Cabo San Lucas on their mission trip right now. They will be building a classroom for the youth in the area and putting on a marriage seminar. She sent me an e-mail after their 1st day. It is warm and beautiful there and she saw some whales in the bay! They asked for prayer for sleep (apparently the bed and pillow are hard as rocks!), and for them not to have any stomach troubles or illness. Also, please pray for the lives they will be touching down there. This is a very poor area where the kids are often left alone during the day. There is lots of drug use also. Pray for the team to be strong in the Lord and the presence of the Holy Spirit to be with them.
Rachel is spending a lot of time trying to get all their paperwork done for the adoption. Many forms have had to be redone more than once. If everything is not PERFECT it has to be redone! They are hoping to be one of the first families called to go over there to adopt their son. Hopefully this will be in March or April!
Shonna is back at school and busy as ever. She works a few hours a week at a nearby library. She will be learning how to play the keyboard and has some sort of singing lessons too, I think. Also choir, theology, and required time in the prayer room. Here is a link to the prayer room. It's great to listen to during your own prayer time or Bible study time.
Well, that's all for today!
Love and blessings!
Tina
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Herceptin #13 Update
Wow, it's been 2 weeks since I posted last! I think about it a lot, I just don't like taking the time to do it!
Last week I had another MUGA scan (for heart function). My heart function was 65% before I started treatment (which is very good), and after starting Herceptin it went down to 51. Then my onc. put me on Enalapril (a blood pressure med), and my heart function has increased to 56! And I haven't had any side effects from the med. I was worried about my bp dropping too low, but I am on a very low dose and am tolerating it well.
Other good news--my hemoglobin finally made it up to 12, which is the bottom of the normal range. It hasn't been normal since last April.
We scheduled some upcoming tests--a CT scan and another MUGA on Feb. 21st (6 weeks), and an MRI and mammogram sometime in April. The CT scan is for the colon cancer--to watch for a recurrence. My onc. wants me to have them every 6 months for awhile. He said because I'm so young, he wants to make sure if anything does show up again we catch it early. He did say, though, that he thinks we did a pretty good job of fighting it so it shouldn't come back!
I do not need another colonoscopy for 2 years (3 years from my last one), and after this mammo and mri I won't need another one for a year.
Some side effects I still have are neuropathy (numbness) in my fingers and feet, and just tired and out of shape! I am starting to work on building my strength and stamina. I have a lot of damage from the colon cancer radiation, and also issues that have to do with missing 18" of my colon! These are annoyances that I will have to live with, although they may get better with time. I am also praying that God will take these problems away and restore to me what cancer has taken. I can be very persistent! I also need to continue to stretch my left arm and shoulder, or it quickly stiffens up. When I had my MUGA last week I had to have my left arm above my head for 10 minutes and that really hurt! Stretching helps a lot, I guess I just have to keep doing it!
I am very pleased with how well my skin did with radiation. I was expecting much worse! The scar area peeled, but it didn't hurt. The whole area, including by the clavicle, is tan looking, and will probably always be that way. I will need to protect it with sunscreen anytime it's exposed (like with tank tops and scoop neck tops) for the rest of my life.
Family update: Shonna is still here on break. She goes back to KC this weekend. Alyssa and Jaren will be leaving on a mission trip next weekend (the 22nd). Rachel and Ken are almost ready to submit all their paperwork to the country they are adopting from. Hopefully they will get to go over sometime in March or April. They have to wait for the country to contact them with the date.
Life is good! God is better!!
Love and blessings!
Tina
Last week I had another MUGA scan (for heart function). My heart function was 65% before I started treatment (which is very good), and after starting Herceptin it went down to 51. Then my onc. put me on Enalapril (a blood pressure med), and my heart function has increased to 56! And I haven't had any side effects from the med. I was worried about my bp dropping too low, but I am on a very low dose and am tolerating it well.
Other good news--my hemoglobin finally made it up to 12, which is the bottom of the normal range. It hasn't been normal since last April.
We scheduled some upcoming tests--a CT scan and another MUGA on Feb. 21st (6 weeks), and an MRI and mammogram sometime in April. The CT scan is for the colon cancer--to watch for a recurrence. My onc. wants me to have them every 6 months for awhile. He said because I'm so young, he wants to make sure if anything does show up again we catch it early. He did say, though, that he thinks we did a pretty good job of fighting it so it shouldn't come back!
I do not need another colonoscopy for 2 years (3 years from my last one), and after this mammo and mri I won't need another one for a year.
Some side effects I still have are neuropathy (numbness) in my fingers and feet, and just tired and out of shape! I am starting to work on building my strength and stamina. I have a lot of damage from the colon cancer radiation, and also issues that have to do with missing 18" of my colon! These are annoyances that I will have to live with, although they may get better with time. I am also praying that God will take these problems away and restore to me what cancer has taken. I can be very persistent! I also need to continue to stretch my left arm and shoulder, or it quickly stiffens up. When I had my MUGA last week I had to have my left arm above my head for 10 minutes and that really hurt! Stretching helps a lot, I guess I just have to keep doing it!
I am very pleased with how well my skin did with radiation. I was expecting much worse! The scar area peeled, but it didn't hurt. The whole area, including by the clavicle, is tan looking, and will probably always be that way. I will need to protect it with sunscreen anytime it's exposed (like with tank tops and scoop neck tops) for the rest of my life.
Family update: Shonna is still here on break. She goes back to KC this weekend. Alyssa and Jaren will be leaving on a mission trip next weekend (the 22nd). Rachel and Ken are almost ready to submit all their paperwork to the country they are adopting from. Hopefully they will get to go over sometime in March or April. They have to wait for the country to contact them with the date.
Life is good! God is better!!
Love and blessings!
Tina
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Enjoying Lazy Days
What a busy time last week was! Thursday all the kids (3 girls and 2 spouses, and Brennan!) were here making cookies. The girls get together here every year to make sugar cookies. We do it the easy way and buy the Pillsbury dough, then shape them, bake, and decorate. Decorating is the highlight. I make butter cream frosting, and we have lots of sprinkles and such. Alyssa, my mom, and I did a little shopping while Rachel was making the cookies. When we got home Rich and Jaren were on the roof clearing off snow. Alyssa was driving and when she saw her hubby up there she squealed and covered her eyes. She didn't like seeing him up there--I hate it when Rich goes up there! Next thing you know, Alyssa is up on the roof too! Lots of prayers were said by me! Jaren jumped off into the huge pile of snow on the ground, after helping Alyssa down the ladder, and Rich carefully slid/jumped off! After the cookies were done, we all ate pizza for dinner, then the kids headed home. At the end of the day I was very tired, but very happy! I am always amazed at how God has blessed me with such wonderful kids!
Friday (Christmas Eve), we all went to church together at 2pm. We didn't go to Bridgewood, as their times didn't fit our schedule. We went to our former church, North Heights, and got to see some of their Christmas production. It was nice visiting there as they have wonderful productions, music, decorations and such, but I don't miss it. Bridgewood is home now. After church we had dinner (I make a simple spaghetti dinner) then we opened some presents. Our tradition is the girls open their presents to each other, and Rich and I open our presents to each other. When the kids were really little, Rich and I would open our gifts to each other after the girls went to bed, by the lights of the tree.
Christmas day started off with the kids coming back about 10am, and then they opened their stockings, we had cinnamon rolls, and they we opened the rest of our gifts. My big gift this year was my new laptop, which I got about a week earlier. Love it!! I also got a Chronological Bible from Rich. I plan to read through the Old Testament again, and I thought this might make more sense to me. We'll see. All the gifts Rachel bought for us this year were items that supported orphans, or the families trying to adopt them. She gave me a pretty necklace. Brennan was the highlight of the day. He would help rip open a present now and then, but never really cared what the gift was! He was happy and silly, and fun to watch! The kids all dispersed about noon, then we met up again later at my brother's house for the family get-together. We finished the day around 7:30 or 8.
On Sunday church had only one service at 10, so no sleeping in then either. Rich had to be there a little early in case they needed him for ushering. Alyssa, Rachel and I went shopping after church for some after Christmas sales.
Rich has this whole week off, and we have been doing a lot of shopping. Using gift cards, and getting things we need at good sale prices. I'm finding that going to more than one store at a time is too much for me, unless we are traveling between stores and I get a bit of a break in the car. If I get too tired, Rich will drop me off at the door and pick me up again. Sometimes I just need to find a spot to sit for a bit, or wait in the car and let Rich run in by himself. After we get home (usually late afternoon) I'm pretty much done for the day!
The mornings have been especially nice. I've been sleeping in, and taking it slow, and enjoying the mornings. Rich has been taking it easy too--he needs that. I'm glad he's getting some downtime. We head out around lunch time, get a bite to eat, then hit a few stores.
I was thinking this morning how much I am enjoying this break. I've been doing chemo, then rads (every day for 33 days!), then when radiation was done I so busy with Christmas stuff! So Monday was the first day in a loooong time that I could really take it easy and just do fun stuff, or whatever I wanted! So free feeling! Finally!
I've been very happy lately (although sometimes I'm sure I just look tired!). Some people get depressed after they are all done. There is such a whirlwind of activity for so many months, then it just all stops. While going through treatment you don't always have time to really think about things. Then when it's all over, you have too much time...and think too much. It's hard to understand if you haven't been through it. If you know someone who is going through cancer treatment, don't expect them to bounce back to "normal" right away. They may never be back to the "normal" that you expect them to be. They will be different; changed. And it may take them awhile to move on. Be patient, and just be there for them. And never tell them to "get over it"!!! You might get punched!
Although I have a little different perspective on things, I totally understand what others go through. And I can not say I never feel down or will never get depressed. Right now I am just grateful for each day God gives me. My life is in His hands. None of us know how long we have. Why waste time wishing for this or that? Just count your blessings. Do you have a roof over your head? Heat? Clothes? Food? Family and/or friends? Then you are truly rich and blessed! Help those that don't have those things. And pray for them.
Speaking of those that don't have much, the country that Rachel and Ken are adopting from are NOT closing the adoptions! Our prayers were answered! Things can always change though, and we won't rest too easy until we have that little boy home with us.
Shonna and friends are down in KC at the Onething convention. She'll be back on Sat. Which is Alyssa's birthday. Tomorrow we are watching Brennan for a little while in the afternoon. It's been awhile since I actually babysat him. We have a lot of new toys for him to play with!
Next Monday Rich goes back to work and I will try to put together some sort of schedule for myself. I need to get back to reading God's word, exercise, and make a "to-do" list. There are so many things I want to do, I need to list and prioritize them, or they won't get done! There are things that have been put off for 2 YEARS! :)
On the medical front, I have my next MUGA (heart function) scan next Thursday. Hoping and praying my heart function has increased with the new med I'm on so I can continue getting Herceptin. I will see the doc the following Wed.(the 12th) to discuss the results and hopefully get my next Herceptin infusion.
Time for bed!
Good night and God bless!
Tina
Friday (Christmas Eve), we all went to church together at 2pm. We didn't go to Bridgewood, as their times didn't fit our schedule. We went to our former church, North Heights, and got to see some of their Christmas production. It was nice visiting there as they have wonderful productions, music, decorations and such, but I don't miss it. Bridgewood is home now. After church we had dinner (I make a simple spaghetti dinner) then we opened some presents. Our tradition is the girls open their presents to each other, and Rich and I open our presents to each other. When the kids were really little, Rich and I would open our gifts to each other after the girls went to bed, by the lights of the tree.
Christmas day started off with the kids coming back about 10am, and then they opened their stockings, we had cinnamon rolls, and they we opened the rest of our gifts. My big gift this year was my new laptop, which I got about a week earlier. Love it!! I also got a Chronological Bible from Rich. I plan to read through the Old Testament again, and I thought this might make more sense to me. We'll see. All the gifts Rachel bought for us this year were items that supported orphans, or the families trying to adopt them. She gave me a pretty necklace. Brennan was the highlight of the day. He would help rip open a present now and then, but never really cared what the gift was! He was happy and silly, and fun to watch! The kids all dispersed about noon, then we met up again later at my brother's house for the family get-together. We finished the day around 7:30 or 8.
On Sunday church had only one service at 10, so no sleeping in then either. Rich had to be there a little early in case they needed him for ushering. Alyssa, Rachel and I went shopping after church for some after Christmas sales.
Rich has this whole week off, and we have been doing a lot of shopping. Using gift cards, and getting things we need at good sale prices. I'm finding that going to more than one store at a time is too much for me, unless we are traveling between stores and I get a bit of a break in the car. If I get too tired, Rich will drop me off at the door and pick me up again. Sometimes I just need to find a spot to sit for a bit, or wait in the car and let Rich run in by himself. After we get home (usually late afternoon) I'm pretty much done for the day!
The mornings have been especially nice. I've been sleeping in, and taking it slow, and enjoying the mornings. Rich has been taking it easy too--he needs that. I'm glad he's getting some downtime. We head out around lunch time, get a bite to eat, then hit a few stores.
I was thinking this morning how much I am enjoying this break. I've been doing chemo, then rads (every day for 33 days!), then when radiation was done I so busy with Christmas stuff! So Monday was the first day in a loooong time that I could really take it easy and just do fun stuff, or whatever I wanted! So free feeling! Finally!
I've been very happy lately (although sometimes I'm sure I just look tired!). Some people get depressed after they are all done. There is such a whirlwind of activity for so many months, then it just all stops. While going through treatment you don't always have time to really think about things. Then when it's all over, you have too much time...and think too much. It's hard to understand if you haven't been through it. If you know someone who is going through cancer treatment, don't expect them to bounce back to "normal" right away. They may never be back to the "normal" that you expect them to be. They will be different; changed. And it may take them awhile to move on. Be patient, and just be there for them. And never tell them to "get over it"!!! You might get punched!
Although I have a little different perspective on things, I totally understand what others go through. And I can not say I never feel down or will never get depressed. Right now I am just grateful for each day God gives me. My life is in His hands. None of us know how long we have. Why waste time wishing for this or that? Just count your blessings. Do you have a roof over your head? Heat? Clothes? Food? Family and/or friends? Then you are truly rich and blessed! Help those that don't have those things. And pray for them.
Speaking of those that don't have much, the country that Rachel and Ken are adopting from are NOT closing the adoptions! Our prayers were answered! Things can always change though, and we won't rest too easy until we have that little boy home with us.
Shonna and friends are down in KC at the Onething convention. She'll be back on Sat. Which is Alyssa's birthday. Tomorrow we are watching Brennan for a little while in the afternoon. It's been awhile since I actually babysat him. We have a lot of new toys for him to play with!
Next Monday Rich goes back to work and I will try to put together some sort of schedule for myself. I need to get back to reading God's word, exercise, and make a "to-do" list. There are so many things I want to do, I need to list and prioritize them, or they won't get done! There are things that have been put off for 2 YEARS! :)
On the medical front, I have my next MUGA (heart function) scan next Thursday. Hoping and praying my heart function has increased with the new med I'm on so I can continue getting Herceptin. I will see the doc the following Wed.(the 12th) to discuss the results and hopefully get my next Herceptin infusion.
Time for bed!
Good night and God bless!
Tina
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
A Prayer Request and Christmas Wishes
We need some prayer warriors! The country that Rachel and Ken are hoping to adopt "Joshua" from is taking a 2nd vote tomorrow on whether or not to shut down all adoptions for a while. Can you imagine how awful that would be? There are people working on trying to get the country to at least keep it's special needs adoptions open. I know God is looking after Joshua, and will do what's best for him and our family. I'm praying hard we get him home SOON!
I went to the school today to deliver some Avon orders, and it was nice to see some friends and get some hugs! They just have one more day and they will be on Christmas break!
I did a lot of wrapping today! Still have lots more to do, but at least I'm making progress! It's strange to think that soon Christmas will be over for another year!
Shonna is home from school. I love having her here--she livens up the place! Alyssa and Rachel stop by frequently--even Jaren stops by sometimes between jobs. I love it when we have an unplanned houseful!
Tomorrow is another Herceptin infusion, and more blood work. I'll be tired, but too much to do so I'll have to push through! I can sleep next week :)
I want to wish all my readers--family, friends, "blog buddies", unknown readers--a very merry and blessed Christmas. Unto us a Savior is born! God gave us His only son to be a sacrifice for us so we could spend eternity with Him. That is so amazing! I've sent up a prayer for each one of you, that 2011 will be a year full of blessings and good health, and especially, that each one of you feels the presence of the Lord.
Take care everyone!
Tina
I went to the school today to deliver some Avon orders, and it was nice to see some friends and get some hugs! They just have one more day and they will be on Christmas break!
I did a lot of wrapping today! Still have lots more to do, but at least I'm making progress! It's strange to think that soon Christmas will be over for another year!
Shonna is home from school. I love having her here--she livens up the place! Alyssa and Rachel stop by frequently--even Jaren stops by sometimes between jobs. I love it when we have an unplanned houseful!
Tomorrow is another Herceptin infusion, and more blood work. I'll be tired, but too much to do so I'll have to push through! I can sleep next week :)
I want to wish all my readers--family, friends, "blog buddies", unknown readers--a very merry and blessed Christmas. Unto us a Savior is born! God gave us His only son to be a sacrifice for us so we could spend eternity with Him. That is so amazing! I've sent up a prayer for each one of you, that 2011 will be a year full of blessings and good health, and especially, that each one of you feels the presence of the Lord.
Take care everyone!
Tina
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Done With Radiation!!!
Yes!! Today I finished radiation! I AM SO HAPPY TO BE DONE!! I had 33 treatments, starting the end of Oct. There were 4 delays--3 because of the machine, and 1 to give the skin a break.
Overall, I am pleased with how well my skin held up. There are areas that are very red, and could get a little worse the next few days, but hardly any pain at all. Just some discomfort now and then, and some itchiness. My fatigue is the worst part. It's almost as bad as when I had chemo! The fatigue might last a few weeks.
I was told to keep moisturizing for a few weeks, and to keep that area covered with sun block anytime it is exposed (like my clavicle area if I wear tank tops, because the lymph nodes there were radiated). I will need to do this for the rest of my life. Also the area will have a tan look forever.
I have some"cording" on my inner arm on that side. It is deep inside from the armpit to the elbow, and hurts if I touch it or reach for anything. Cording has something to do with the tendons, where they feel like cords and are very painful. I don't think I'll need a physical therapist, I just have to do a lot of stretching.
I brought my "team" (techs, nurse, doc, and front desk staff) some treats--a bowl of fresh fruit, and some homemade treats. I got a few hugs, and was told they never wanted to see me again (unless it was to just stop in and say hi!). They are a great, caring bunch of people.
Nothing new with my heart. I seem to be tolerating the new med ok--no signs of low blood pressure. I have my next heart scan on Dec. 29th. Next Wed. I'll have another Herceptin infusion and more blood tests. I won't see my onc. until 3 weeks after that.
Did I mention I was tired? I have been doing a lot of shopping after rad. treatment, and including tomorrow (Thurs.) I will have had Brennan here 3 days this week. I love that kiddo, but I really don't have the energy for him right now! But he sure makes me laugh! Tomorrow won't be so bad because I can take it easy in the morning since I don't have to go to rads! Then B. will be here around 1:30. Then Friday will be my first day with NOTHING scheduled! I am staying home and getting some Christmas stuff done--like wrapping or cards and stuff. I've got most of my shopping done, and I'll do the last minute stuff next week.
Tomorrow is my mom's birthday, and Sat. is Rich's birthday. Then Christmas, and the week after that--Alyssa's birthday! She is a new years baby. :)
I hope everyone is staying warm! Even my friend in the Fort Myers, FL area is cold! I hope we get a little break from the cold soon. The cold affects my fingers and feet because of the neuropathy.
Love and Blessings!!
Tina
Overall, I am pleased with how well my skin held up. There are areas that are very red, and could get a little worse the next few days, but hardly any pain at all. Just some discomfort now and then, and some itchiness. My fatigue is the worst part. It's almost as bad as when I had chemo! The fatigue might last a few weeks.
I was told to keep moisturizing for a few weeks, and to keep that area covered with sun block anytime it is exposed (like my clavicle area if I wear tank tops, because the lymph nodes there were radiated). I will need to do this for the rest of my life. Also the area will have a tan look forever.
I have some"cording" on my inner arm on that side. It is deep inside from the armpit to the elbow, and hurts if I touch it or reach for anything. Cording has something to do with the tendons, where they feel like cords and are very painful. I don't think I'll need a physical therapist, I just have to do a lot of stretching.
I brought my "team" (techs, nurse, doc, and front desk staff) some treats--a bowl of fresh fruit, and some homemade treats. I got a few hugs, and was told they never wanted to see me again (unless it was to just stop in and say hi!). They are a great, caring bunch of people.
Nothing new with my heart. I seem to be tolerating the new med ok--no signs of low blood pressure. I have my next heart scan on Dec. 29th. Next Wed. I'll have another Herceptin infusion and more blood tests. I won't see my onc. until 3 weeks after that.
Did I mention I was tired? I have been doing a lot of shopping after rad. treatment, and including tomorrow (Thurs.) I will have had Brennan here 3 days this week. I love that kiddo, but I really don't have the energy for him right now! But he sure makes me laugh! Tomorrow won't be so bad because I can take it easy in the morning since I don't have to go to rads! Then B. will be here around 1:30. Then Friday will be my first day with NOTHING scheduled! I am staying home and getting some Christmas stuff done--like wrapping or cards and stuff. I've got most of my shopping done, and I'll do the last minute stuff next week.
Tomorrow is my mom's birthday, and Sat. is Rich's birthday. Then Christmas, and the week after that--Alyssa's birthday! She is a new years baby. :)
I hope everyone is staying warm! Even my friend in the Fort Myers, FL area is cold! I hope we get a little break from the cold soon. The cold affects my fingers and feet because of the neuropathy.
Love and Blessings!!
Tina
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
I'll Try to Keep This Short...
but no promises! There has been a lot going on lately. I'll start with this song...
It's called "Stay Amazed". We sang this in church on Sunday. During the song (which I love and was already moved by it) a woman came up to me and said as she was looking at me she kept hearing "Life, life, life, abundant life" and she felt compelled to come tell me that God was saying that He will give me abundant life. I had to laugh (through my tears!) because I was singing about how God never ceases to amaze me--and there He was, amazing me!! It was very emotional. It always is when God shows up! I love that I have so many people at church praying for me and caring about me. I hope those of you that are believers can "stay amazed" at all God has done this week.
In other news... Rachel and Ken did very well at their fundraiser on Friday night. We had a lot of snow and the roads were very bad, so we didn't have as many people turn out as we had hoped for, but those who did show up brought their checkbooks (and more importantly, their LOVE), and all the silent auction items sold (except for 2 ). People are still giving them money, and some have donated by clicking on their link (on the side of my page). They still could use a lot more, but what they have gotten so far sure will help!! At the fundraiser we met a woman who recently adopted from the same orphanage that Joshua is at. What a blessing it was to meet her and her little girl! She saw Joshua almost everyday for 5 weeks. She said he has a nanny that loves him and gives him good care. I often pray that Joshua is being loved and cared for, and it sounds like he is! May God bless those that work with him!
I am doing well. My skin is red and burned from radiation, but that's to be expected. It is a little uncomfortable sometimes, but not painful.
I had a MUGA (heart function) scan recently and got the results of that last Wed., when I had my Herceptin infusion and saw my oncologist, Dr. Jahagirdar. My heart function has gone down quite a bit, so I have a new med to take that might help improve it. It is a blood pressure med. I don't have high blood pressure, but this should help jy heart. I have to watch for symptoms of low blood pressure, and symptoms of heart trouble (swollen ankles, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath). I will get my heart checked again in 5 weeks. I have to have my potassium checked weekly while on this med, because it can go to high. If that happens, Dr. J. said there are other things we can try. We want to keep me on the Herceptin, because that is my best chance of keeping the cancer from coming back. But sometimes, if the heart gets too bad, it has to be stopped. I'm hoping this med works!
I informed work yesterday that I would like to extend my leave until the end of the school year. I will go back next Fall. I hope they will let me, I haven't heard back from them yet. I've been thinking about this for some time, and talking it over with Rich and my onc., and I think it is the best thing to do. I can't go out in the cold to do recess because of my neuropathy, and I'm still going through radiation, and the fatigue from that is starting to kick in. It will be a while before I feel up to working. Then, I'd just like to enjoy life for awhile. The last 2 years I haven't worked much, but I've been going through surgeries, chemo, etc, so I have not exactly been enjoying my time off. I've missed 2 summers also. So, anyway, those are a few of the reasons. This heart trouble sort of sealed the deal for me.
Well, I need to go --have to bring mom to an eye appt. in Stillwater. Of course she's ready and waiting for me already! :)
Have a great day!!
Tina
It's called "Stay Amazed". We sang this in church on Sunday. During the song (which I love and was already moved by it) a woman came up to me and said as she was looking at me she kept hearing "Life, life, life, abundant life" and she felt compelled to come tell me that God was saying that He will give me abundant life. I had to laugh (through my tears!) because I was singing about how God never ceases to amaze me--and there He was, amazing me!! It was very emotional. It always is when God shows up! I love that I have so many people at church praying for me and caring about me. I hope those of you that are believers can "stay amazed" at all God has done this week.
In other news... Rachel and Ken did very well at their fundraiser on Friday night. We had a lot of snow and the roads were very bad, so we didn't have as many people turn out as we had hoped for, but those who did show up brought their checkbooks (and more importantly, their LOVE), and all the silent auction items sold (except for 2 ). People are still giving them money, and some have donated by clicking on their link (on the side of my page). They still could use a lot more, but what they have gotten so far sure will help!! At the fundraiser we met a woman who recently adopted from the same orphanage that Joshua is at. What a blessing it was to meet her and her little girl! She saw Joshua almost everyday for 5 weeks. She said he has a nanny that loves him and gives him good care. I often pray that Joshua is being loved and cared for, and it sounds like he is! May God bless those that work with him!
I am doing well. My skin is red and burned from radiation, but that's to be expected. It is a little uncomfortable sometimes, but not painful.
I had a MUGA (heart function) scan recently and got the results of that last Wed., when I had my Herceptin infusion and saw my oncologist, Dr. Jahagirdar. My heart function has gone down quite a bit, so I have a new med to take that might help improve it. It is a blood pressure med. I don't have high blood pressure, but this should help jy heart. I have to watch for symptoms of low blood pressure, and symptoms of heart trouble (swollen ankles, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath). I will get my heart checked again in 5 weeks. I have to have my potassium checked weekly while on this med, because it can go to high. If that happens, Dr. J. said there are other things we can try. We want to keep me on the Herceptin, because that is my best chance of keeping the cancer from coming back. But sometimes, if the heart gets too bad, it has to be stopped. I'm hoping this med works!
I informed work yesterday that I would like to extend my leave until the end of the school year. I will go back next Fall. I hope they will let me, I haven't heard back from them yet. I've been thinking about this for some time, and talking it over with Rich and my onc., and I think it is the best thing to do. I can't go out in the cold to do recess because of my neuropathy, and I'm still going through radiation, and the fatigue from that is starting to kick in. It will be a while before I feel up to working. Then, I'd just like to enjoy life for awhile. The last 2 years I haven't worked much, but I've been going through surgeries, chemo, etc, so I have not exactly been enjoying my time off. I've missed 2 summers also. So, anyway, those are a few of the reasons. This heart trouble sort of sealed the deal for me.
Well, I need to go --have to bring mom to an eye appt. in Stillwater. Of course she's ready and waiting for me already! :)
Have a great day!!
Tina
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