Super busy day today. Chemo #4 (2 more to go!!!!) which of course took all day. Reed and I left the house around 7 and got back at 5:30...just in time to meet Madison at the Kindergarten Kick Off. Reed dropped me off and Elizabeth gave Madison and me a ride home. The not so good part is that she threw up all over the hall in the big school. And then again in Mrs. Elizabeth's car. And then again in the bath tub. And then about 10 times after that. She's sleeping now...and has been for about 30 minutes. Not sure if she's gotten it all out of just saving it up for the middle of the night. At any rate...she's pitiful. Lethargic...weak. I asked her if I could get her anything and the sweet little angel said, "Just some love." So that's exactly what she got...lots of love!
I, on the other hand, am fine for now. The last two treatments I've been fine until Saturday so hopefully I'll continue to feel good until my baby feels better. I'm not so worried about catching it...they give me lots of drugs for nausea...but I don't really want Madison to feel bad or for Willa to get it next.
OOPS...spoke too soon. Just had another episode of the puke ups.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
The other side of the mountain
Well, now that I half way done I'm heading down the easy side of the mountain. I'm looking forward to finishing up and getting back to normal! If I can make it through this dance recital and the end of the school year while still getting chemo I can do anything! Hopefully we'll be so busy that these last three treatments will fly by.
I've felt really good lately and I've gotten a small dose of normal, just enough to know how much I miss it. Thursday and today I went to preschool to hang out with "my kids" in PMO. Kids are so funny! Today we spent some time looking for Ms Michelle's hair. I lost it somewhere and those sweet kids helped me look for it! Then I took Madison and Eliza to their last dance class before the recital. Then to Wendy's for a frosty!
Last week I had a great time with all the preschool teachers at Black Pelican for a Relay for Life dinner. Then supper club on Saturday at the Clarks'. I also got a lot of work done around the house...mostly in my garden and my office. I have some things planted now and I'm going to try to plant some more tomorrow. And for those of you that have seen my office, you know that I could spend days in here working and maybe put a dent in it. A very sweet friend of my (...Kay...) peeked into my office one day and asked me if I was hoarding! Looks much better now!!!
My mom got her genetic test results back and just as we expected she also has the mutated BRC1 gene. She is scheduled to have a hysterectomy on May 18th. She has some growth in her uterus that the said they "can't rule out as being cancer" so every thing's coming out. My poor mom, Cindy the Saint, is actually looking forward to the surgery so she can have a break! She's been staying in Virginia for the last 2-3 weeks with my Paw Paw. He's been in the hospital and she doesn't want him to be there alone. I'm telling you...she's a SAINT!
So on Thursday we head to Greenville for treatment #4. This time Reed is taking me. Even though he's seen the chemo room he hasn't seen it with me as the patient. I'm sure he'll be fine but it won't be pleasant for him. I'm also hoping to get lots of questions answered by Dr. White. The more time I have to think about things the more questions I have.
I feel like I don't say this enough so I'll say it again. Thanks to all of you that have been so good to me and my family through all of this. I am sure that that is the reason it has been so easy for me. Ya'll have been wonderful!
I've felt really good lately and I've gotten a small dose of normal, just enough to know how much I miss it. Thursday and today I went to preschool to hang out with "my kids" in PMO. Kids are so funny! Today we spent some time looking for Ms Michelle's hair. I lost it somewhere and those sweet kids helped me look for it! Then I took Madison and Eliza to their last dance class before the recital. Then to Wendy's for a frosty!
Last week I had a great time with all the preschool teachers at Black Pelican for a Relay for Life dinner. Then supper club on Saturday at the Clarks'. I also got a lot of work done around the house...mostly in my garden and my office. I have some things planted now and I'm going to try to plant some more tomorrow. And for those of you that have seen my office, you know that I could spend days in here working and maybe put a dent in it. A very sweet friend of my (...Kay...) peeked into my office one day and asked me if I was hoarding! Looks much better now!!!
My mom got her genetic test results back and just as we expected she also has the mutated BRC1 gene. She is scheduled to have a hysterectomy on May 18th. She has some growth in her uterus that the said they "can't rule out as being cancer" so every thing's coming out. My poor mom, Cindy the Saint, is actually looking forward to the surgery so she can have a break! She's been staying in Virginia for the last 2-3 weeks with my Paw Paw. He's been in the hospital and she doesn't want him to be there alone. I'm telling you...she's a SAINT!
So on Thursday we head to Greenville for treatment #4. This time Reed is taking me. Even though he's seen the chemo room he hasn't seen it with me as the patient. I'm sure he'll be fine but it won't be pleasant for him. I'm also hoping to get lots of questions answered by Dr. White. The more time I have to think about things the more questions I have.
I feel like I don't say this enough so I'll say it again. Thanks to all of you that have been so good to me and my family through all of this. I am sure that that is the reason it has been so easy for me. Ya'll have been wonderful!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Half way there!
I wasn't sure if the title should be "Half way there" or "Half way...house." You be the judge.
Chemo #3 is done. Three more to go. I can't believe how blessed I've been! The side effects I've experienced have been pretty mild so far. Although that could change any day now, even if it does I've still made it half way pretty easily.
This one was very similar to the last one. The actual treatment was painless...easy. Elizabeth Robbins held up a little better this time too. There was only one point where I was a little concerned, but she managed without fainting. I was completely fine that night and Friday. Saturday I started to feel a little off. I stayed in bed all afternoon and all day Sunday. I read an entire book and am half way through another one. But of course now I can't sleep. So here I am...waiting for my Ambian to come and take me off to dream land.
Here's something I'm having a hard time comprehending. It amazes me that people think I'm so brave and strong and inspiring. I don't feel like I've done anything to warrant those titles. I'm just doing what anyone would do in this situation. In fact, while I was laying there trying to fall asleep tonight I couldn't help but wonder if this is it. Every time I get any kind of ache or pain anywhere I wonder if it's somewhere else and they just don't know it yet. I feel like I'm being crazy and over analyzing everything, but still I can't help it.
You know, I had all these scans done...the brain MRI, CT scan and bone scan. The doctor says, "Everything looks great! Do you want a copy of the report?" When I say yes, she follows with, "Keep in mind that this particular radiologists has been over reading things. But I've looked at the films and every thing's fine."
So keeping that in mind I start to try to break these secret codes in these reports. I couldn't find anything in his report that made me worry about the brain MRI, but the CT scan had me a little concerned. He requested a follow up CT scan in three months, which my doctor decided she would order...just to keep him happy. When I told her I was a little unsure about the report she broke it down and put my mind at ease...sort of.
So...Thursday I got a copy of my bone scan report. It says that it looks like I've had broken ribs. I have never broken a rib...certainly not a few of them. When I was in 5th grade Philip was pushing me on a swing at Granny's house and he pushed me too high. The swing flew off the s hook and I flew off the swing. I broke my left arm. But not my ribs! He also talks about my forearm and my hips.
So on nights when I can't sleep...like tonight...I lay in my bed and wonder. I start over thinking every ache and pain until there's no chance of falling asleep without the help of pharmaceuticals. Now my ribs hurt, I feel like I have swollen lymph nodes, and I worry about all the possible things that could have been overlooked. For things to start out so terribly they sure have taken a turn for the better...or have they?
I guess the battle I'm going to have with myself from now on is when to worry and when to let it go. Right now I feel like I'm going to always be waiting for the next round to show up. Hopefully tomorrow I'll wake up and decide to let it go...stop worrying. I completely trust my doctors and I just have to leave it at that.
So there's the crazy lady in me coming out...just to let you all know that even though I do my best to keep things in perspective and put a postitive spin on things, it doesn't always work like that.
So thanks for all the support and prayers. Apparently they are still very much needed.
Chemo #3 is done. Three more to go. I can't believe how blessed I've been! The side effects I've experienced have been pretty mild so far. Although that could change any day now, even if it does I've still made it half way pretty easily.
This one was very similar to the last one. The actual treatment was painless...easy. Elizabeth Robbins held up a little better this time too. There was only one point where I was a little concerned, but she managed without fainting. I was completely fine that night and Friday. Saturday I started to feel a little off. I stayed in bed all afternoon and all day Sunday. I read an entire book and am half way through another one. But of course now I can't sleep. So here I am...waiting for my Ambian to come and take me off to dream land.
Here's something I'm having a hard time comprehending. It amazes me that people think I'm so brave and strong and inspiring. I don't feel like I've done anything to warrant those titles. I'm just doing what anyone would do in this situation. In fact, while I was laying there trying to fall asleep tonight I couldn't help but wonder if this is it. Every time I get any kind of ache or pain anywhere I wonder if it's somewhere else and they just don't know it yet. I feel like I'm being crazy and over analyzing everything, but still I can't help it.
You know, I had all these scans done...the brain MRI, CT scan and bone scan. The doctor says, "Everything looks great! Do you want a copy of the report?" When I say yes, she follows with, "Keep in mind that this particular radiologists has been over reading things. But I've looked at the films and every thing's fine."
So keeping that in mind I start to try to break these secret codes in these reports. I couldn't find anything in his report that made me worry about the brain MRI, but the CT scan had me a little concerned. He requested a follow up CT scan in three months, which my doctor decided she would order...just to keep him happy. When I told her I was a little unsure about the report she broke it down and put my mind at ease...sort of.
So...Thursday I got a copy of my bone scan report. It says that it looks like I've had broken ribs. I have never broken a rib...certainly not a few of them. When I was in 5th grade Philip was pushing me on a swing at Granny's house and he pushed me too high. The swing flew off the s hook and I flew off the swing. I broke my left arm. But not my ribs! He also talks about my forearm and my hips.
So on nights when I can't sleep...like tonight...I lay in my bed and wonder. I start over thinking every ache and pain until there's no chance of falling asleep without the help of pharmaceuticals. Now my ribs hurt, I feel like I have swollen lymph nodes, and I worry about all the possible things that could have been overlooked. For things to start out so terribly they sure have taken a turn for the better...or have they?
I guess the battle I'm going to have with myself from now on is when to worry and when to let it go. Right now I feel like I'm going to always be waiting for the next round to show up. Hopefully tomorrow I'll wake up and decide to let it go...stop worrying. I completely trust my doctors and I just have to leave it at that.
So there's the crazy lady in me coming out...just to let you all know that even though I do my best to keep things in perspective and put a postitive spin on things, it doesn't always work like that.
So thanks for all the support and prayers. Apparently they are still very much needed.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Chemo #2
Well, this is long overdue! It's been exactly one week since chemo #2. This one was way easier than the first one. Elizabeth and I headed to Greenville the day before and had some minor retail therapy and were in our pjs reading by 8pm. Pretty sad that that's a big deal, but it was. Got up the next morning, headed to the Cracker Barrel for a little birthday breakfast and then for some chemo. It was the first time my new port had been used and I was a little nervous. They make it sound like it's the most wonderful thing in the world and guess what...IT IS! They stuck a needle in...which I didn't even feel...and drew blood from it. Then they left the needle in and just capped it off while I met with the doctor. After that they just hooked me up to the IV right through the same needle. Painless! I had no reaction to any meds like I did the first time. It was the best birthday present I could have imagined!
Poor Elizabeth wasn't as excited as me. I've never seen her look so uncomfortable. Bless her heart, she came into the chemo room with me and literally sat on the edge of her chair, holding her purse close to her chest. She was ready to run at any second! After almost an hour of suffering she left and did a little shopping. I was worried that she might not come back...but of course she did. And she looked a little better when she got back.
Since last Thursday it's really been a roller coaster ride with ups and downs. Nothing like the first time where I was tired and weak for about a week. The day after chemo I was starting to wonder if they messed up and just gave me saline...I felt great! I even made it to Brandy and Philip's pink party Friday night. That was just what I needed! I can't tell you how nice it was to see everyone! The hardest part of this whole cancer thing is being stuck at home. I miss seeing people at preschool. I miss going to the grocery store. I miss going to KMart and the bank and the post office. I miss going to lunch with the girls and supper club with Reed. I miss Girls' nights. I miss taking Madison and Eliza to dance and birthday parties. All that to say...it was so nice to go and see just about everyone and celebrate Brandy walking for a cure for Breast Cancer. Brandy...if I could walk up the stairs without getting winded I'd walk with you! But trust me...I'd slow you down. To a crawl!
Then I got tired. I spent a couple of days pretty much in bed then Tuesday I felt great. Wednesday I didn't get out of bed until 5pm. Then today I feel great again. Even though it's up and down it's still an easy up and down. So I get to stay in bed all day...big deal!
On my birthday...AKA chemo day...I also found out that my cancer is genetic. I had the genetic counseling and testing done a couple of weeks ago. I don't understand it completely but there are two genes that are related to breast cancer and ovarian cancer, BRC1 and BRC2. Everyone has them but some people have a mutation that puts them at a much greater risk for breast and ovarian cancer. I have the mutated BRC1 gene. Since I've already had the double mastectomy the next thing is to have my ovaries removed. Luckily, I've got two or three years before I really have to get that done. They're testing my mom to see if she has the mutation as well and then my sister and others in the family. Crazy what they know these days!
So...all of that on my birthday. But let me back up and say that the entire day I was getting text messages from soooooooo many people sending me birthday wishes! I swear it made my day happy...even with chemo! Just when I thought it couldn't get any better I came home to a living room full of presents! I've decided that I'm going to have a garden this year. So I had a big sun hat, all kinds of gardening tools for me and the girls, scarves, seeds, bulbs, gloves, plants...you name it, it was in my living room! So on the days that I have felt good I've been outside planting the bulbs and flowers with my new gloves, hat and tools. Don't get too excited...you probably wouldn't be able to tell. But I can...and it feels good! Can't wait to start my vegetable garden. I'll need a little help from Reed or my brother to get that going.
Oh yeah...did I mention that I'm 95% bald! I mean shiny bald! My hair had started falling out but it wasn't FALLING out! I'm so glad I shaved it when I did.
Well, I feel like I've really rambled on and on about myself! Let me finish up with a quick report on the girls and Reed. They're all doing great! Reed's out fishing today and I know he's happy to be on the water. He may go tomorrow and Saturday too. He'd shrivel up and die if he didn't get to go fishing! The girls are still funny and doing really well with all the changes. It's harder for me than it is for them. They don't even notice. Well...I take that back. Willa cried when she saw my head. But now she thinks it's funny. And Madison will sometimes rub it. They're sweet girls and I'm amazed by what they can handle. A very wise woman...Anna Barrett, you know who you are...once told me what a wonderful learning experience this was going to be for them. It's an opportunity for me to teach them how to be strong and deal with some really tough stuff. Things don't always go the way you'd like for them to but you still have to deal with it and move on. So that's exactly what we're doing down here in Wanchese :-)
Poor Elizabeth wasn't as excited as me. I've never seen her look so uncomfortable. Bless her heart, she came into the chemo room with me and literally sat on the edge of her chair, holding her purse close to her chest. She was ready to run at any second! After almost an hour of suffering she left and did a little shopping. I was worried that she might not come back...but of course she did. And she looked a little better when she got back.
Since last Thursday it's really been a roller coaster ride with ups and downs. Nothing like the first time where I was tired and weak for about a week. The day after chemo I was starting to wonder if they messed up and just gave me saline...I felt great! I even made it to Brandy and Philip's pink party Friday night. That was just what I needed! I can't tell you how nice it was to see everyone! The hardest part of this whole cancer thing is being stuck at home. I miss seeing people at preschool. I miss going to the grocery store. I miss going to KMart and the bank and the post office. I miss going to lunch with the girls and supper club with Reed. I miss Girls' nights. I miss taking Madison and Eliza to dance and birthday parties. All that to say...it was so nice to go and see just about everyone and celebrate Brandy walking for a cure for Breast Cancer. Brandy...if I could walk up the stairs without getting winded I'd walk with you! But trust me...I'd slow you down. To a crawl!
Then I got tired. I spent a couple of days pretty much in bed then Tuesday I felt great. Wednesday I didn't get out of bed until 5pm. Then today I feel great again. Even though it's up and down it's still an easy up and down. So I get to stay in bed all day...big deal!
On my birthday...AKA chemo day...I also found out that my cancer is genetic. I had the genetic counseling and testing done a couple of weeks ago. I don't understand it completely but there are two genes that are related to breast cancer and ovarian cancer, BRC1 and BRC2. Everyone has them but some people have a mutation that puts them at a much greater risk for breast and ovarian cancer. I have the mutated BRC1 gene. Since I've already had the double mastectomy the next thing is to have my ovaries removed. Luckily, I've got two or three years before I really have to get that done. They're testing my mom to see if she has the mutation as well and then my sister and others in the family. Crazy what they know these days!
So...all of that on my birthday. But let me back up and say that the entire day I was getting text messages from soooooooo many people sending me birthday wishes! I swear it made my day happy...even with chemo! Just when I thought it couldn't get any better I came home to a living room full of presents! I've decided that I'm going to have a garden this year. So I had a big sun hat, all kinds of gardening tools for me and the girls, scarves, seeds, bulbs, gloves, plants...you name it, it was in my living room! So on the days that I have felt good I've been outside planting the bulbs and flowers with my new gloves, hat and tools. Don't get too excited...you probably wouldn't be able to tell. But I can...and it feels good! Can't wait to start my vegetable garden. I'll need a little help from Reed or my brother to get that going.
Oh yeah...did I mention that I'm 95% bald! I mean shiny bald! My hair had started falling out but it wasn't FALLING out! I'm so glad I shaved it when I did.
Well, I feel like I've really rambled on and on about myself! Let me finish up with a quick report on the girls and Reed. They're all doing great! Reed's out fishing today and I know he's happy to be on the water. He may go tomorrow and Saturday too. He'd shrivel up and die if he didn't get to go fishing! The girls are still funny and doing really well with all the changes. It's harder for me than it is for them. They don't even notice. Well...I take that back. Willa cried when she saw my head. But now she thinks it's funny. And Madison will sometimes rub it. They're sweet girls and I'm amazed by what they can handle. A very wise woman...Anna Barrett, you know who you are...once told me what a wonderful learning experience this was going to be for them. It's an opportunity for me to teach them how to be strong and deal with some really tough stuff. Things don't always go the way you'd like for them to but you still have to deal with it and move on. So that's exactly what we're doing down here in Wanchese :-)
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Chapter Two: Bald and Bossy
As expected, my hair has started to fall out. Not noticeable, unless you're eating dinner I prepared, using my shower or sleeping in my bed. Lucky for you, only Reed is fortunate enough to enjoy those three luxuries. Besides the gross factor of hair everywhere it's not supposed to be there's the hurt factor. For the last couple of days my scalp has been really sensitive and sore. It felt like I had been wearing a tight pony tail for the last 30 days and just let it down. Not comfy. So today Lisa called to see if the girls could stay the night. Which of course they couldn't get there fast enough! They had all kinds of plans for their big sleep over...Patterson's littlest pet shop collection, bowers (for those of you that are not familiar with a bower it's a bath/shower) and reading books until they all fall asleep in the really big bed. Anyway...on our way home mom and I were discussing my hair situation. I decided we should stop in and see Kim, the most wonderful hair stylist EVER! Timing couldn't have been better...she was just finishing up for the day. So now I'm bald...well...almost! Important part is that my head doesn't hurt anymore and I'm not tripping over wads of hair on the floor.
So as you can see...sleeping is a problem. It's 2:45am and I'm awake. So let's catch up.
Monday was a really nice trip to Greenville for a bone scan. And no...I'm not joking. It really was nice...because of two super sweet friends that spent their entire day with me. Karen and Denise volunteered to take me and even though it was extremely uneventful it was so nice! My mom usually takes me, and as much as I love it was nice to catch up on what's going on outside my house!
Wednesday, Cindy the Saint (aka my mom) took me to Greenville to have this port put in. It's really pretty cool. It's a little round disc like thing under my skin up near my collar bone that has a line that feeds right into a vein in my chest. From now on anytime I need an IV or blood work they can just stick a needle into this port and it's supposed to be so much easier on me. I don't know why but they have had a really hard time getting a vein. If you don't believe me ask Karen and Denise, they witnessed me being poked by several nurses and even led down the hall to another department where that nurse finally got it...after a couple of tries. The surgery itself to put this thing in actually hurts a little more than I expected and I've had the worst headache yet. So Thursday and Friday I was in bed...story of my life! Today I felt much better...now I can't sleep!
This Thursday, March 25th, my birthday...second Chemo treatment. The only thing to do about that is to turn it into a fun trip. So Elizabeth Robbins and I are heading to Greenville Wednesday to do whatever we want. Translation...Target, Shoe Crate, TJ Maxx just to name a few and start my birthday off with the breakfast of champions...Cracker Barrel! I don't know what it is about the Cracker Barrel but I can't imagine chemo without it!
Of course Firday is Brandy's Pretty in Pink fundraiser party. And I want to go more than anything! I've already got my outfit picked out. Hopefully I can make it for a few minutes.
Well...I guess I'll go catch up on Days of Our Lives. Reed will be leaving in about an hour to go fishing. Maybe I'll have his coffee ready for him when he comes downstairs!
So as you can see...sleeping is a problem. It's 2:45am and I'm awake. So let's catch up.
Monday was a really nice trip to Greenville for a bone scan. And no...I'm not joking. It really was nice...because of two super sweet friends that spent their entire day with me. Karen and Denise volunteered to take me and even though it was extremely uneventful it was so nice! My mom usually takes me, and as much as I love it was nice to catch up on what's going on outside my house!
Wednesday, Cindy the Saint (aka my mom) took me to Greenville to have this port put in. It's really pretty cool. It's a little round disc like thing under my skin up near my collar bone that has a line that feeds right into a vein in my chest. From now on anytime I need an IV or blood work they can just stick a needle into this port and it's supposed to be so much easier on me. I don't know why but they have had a really hard time getting a vein. If you don't believe me ask Karen and Denise, they witnessed me being poked by several nurses and even led down the hall to another department where that nurse finally got it...after a couple of tries. The surgery itself to put this thing in actually hurts a little more than I expected and I've had the worst headache yet. So Thursday and Friday I was in bed...story of my life! Today I felt much better...now I can't sleep!
This Thursday, March 25th, my birthday...second Chemo treatment. The only thing to do about that is to turn it into a fun trip. So Elizabeth Robbins and I are heading to Greenville Wednesday to do whatever we want. Translation...Target, Shoe Crate, TJ Maxx just to name a few and start my birthday off with the breakfast of champions...Cracker Barrel! I don't know what it is about the Cracker Barrel but I can't imagine chemo without it!
Of course Firday is Brandy's Pretty in Pink fundraiser party. And I want to go more than anything! I've already got my outfit picked out. Hopefully I can make it for a few minutes.
Well...I guess I'll go catch up on Days of Our Lives. Reed will be leaving in about an hour to go fishing. Maybe I'll have his coffee ready for him when he comes downstairs!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Well, it's been a little over a week since my first chemo treatment and I've done surprisingly well! I have been so blessed...I haven't felt sick! Of all the possible side effects...and trust me, there are some scary ones...the only ones I've experienced are fatigue and headaches. The fatigue has been the worst of the two. I have literally slept for DAYS!!! I got my treatment on Thursday and slept until Monday afternoon! And even then I took several naps a day. I'm getting my energy back a little more each day. Now I just have this headache that sometimes keeps me in the bed. But overall, I feel like it's nothing I can't handle!
I went to the doctor this past Thursday just to have my blood levels checked. Well, my white blood count is pretty low (that's what fights infection.) I could get sick very easily and it would be pretty bad. Apparently, even a little cold could send me to the hospital. So...anytime I go out in public I'm supposed to wear a mask. That's why I wasn't at the spag dinner Thursday night. I was planning on coming and I really, REALLY wanted to but just couldn't risk getting sick. Never mind the fact that on my way TO the doctor I stopped into preschool and saw all my kids in PMO that I miss soooooo much and kissed all 8 of those snotty little angels! I don't even care...it was so nice to see them. Anyway...my house is my sanctuary. This is where I'll spend a lot of time over the next 17 weeks. I've decided that I need a hobby while I'm on house arrest...so I'm starting a garden.
The doctor has also decided to put in a port. This is a little disc like thing that will be under my skin up by my collar bone that feeds right into a vein. They had such a hard time getting an IV in last time that they're concerned about the Taxotere damaging my veins and possibly having to miss some treatments. (I guess I'd be a terrible heroin addict. What would I do if I couldn't shoot up?) It is supposed to make my life so much easier, especially since I hate needles so much. They can even draw blood from the port.
So I'll end my post with a sweet story from my precious little girls. Willa came up to me one day and said, "Mommy, you have no boobies?" "No baby, mommy has no boobies." So she pulls out her shirt and looks down and says, "You want one mine?" Then Madison comes running out of the office (still not sure how she found her way out of there) and says, "You can have one of mine too!" As crazy as they are, they are so sweet! Some people would give you the shirt off their back. My children would give you the boobies off their chest! If that ain't love I don't know what is!
I went to the doctor this past Thursday just to have my blood levels checked. Well, my white blood count is pretty low (that's what fights infection.) I could get sick very easily and it would be pretty bad. Apparently, even a little cold could send me to the hospital. So...anytime I go out in public I'm supposed to wear a mask. That's why I wasn't at the spag dinner Thursday night. I was planning on coming and I really, REALLY wanted to but just couldn't risk getting sick. Never mind the fact that on my way TO the doctor I stopped into preschool and saw all my kids in PMO that I miss soooooo much and kissed all 8 of those snotty little angels! I don't even care...it was so nice to see them. Anyway...my house is my sanctuary. This is where I'll spend a lot of time over the next 17 weeks. I've decided that I need a hobby while I'm on house arrest...so I'm starting a garden.
The doctor has also decided to put in a port. This is a little disc like thing that will be under my skin up by my collar bone that feeds right into a vein. They had such a hard time getting an IV in last time that they're concerned about the Taxotere damaging my veins and possibly having to miss some treatments. (I guess I'd be a terrible heroin addict. What would I do if I couldn't shoot up?) It is supposed to make my life so much easier, especially since I hate needles so much. They can even draw blood from the port.
So I'll end my post with a sweet story from my precious little girls. Willa came up to me one day and said, "Mommy, you have no boobies?" "No baby, mommy has no boobies." So she pulls out her shirt and looks down and says, "You want one mine?" Then Madison comes running out of the office (still not sure how she found her way out of there) and says, "You can have one of mine too!" As crazy as they are, they are so sweet! Some people would give you the shirt off their back. My children would give you the boobies off their chest! If that ain't love I don't know what is!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
First Chemo Treatment...
So today was the day. Overall...okay. Started out a little rough. The nurse had a really hard time getting the IV in and had to try two different spots. And as I said before...I HATE needles! So that was a little tough. Then I got a couple of things through the IV before the chemo drugs. One of them was Benadryl. That hurt like crazy...and I got a rash around the IV. So then they started one Chemo drug. That went fine. Second Chemo drug...not so fine. They told me that there could be some side effects and what they might be but they didn't make it seem like a big deal. So when I started having a hard time breathing and having back pain I just sucked it up and dealt with it. After a couple of minutes it passed. They came to see how I was doing and if I had any side effects. So I said, "Yes. I was having a hard time breathing and having some back pain...but it's gone now." She looked at me like I had 4 heads and wouldn't leave my side for a while. From there it was fine. So far I feel fine, just a little off. Not really sick in my stomach, just off. The next couple of days are supposed to be the hardest so we'll just have to wait and see.
Had the brain MRI and the full body CT scan yesterday. Got the results today. Dr. White was very frustrated with the radiologists because she felt like he was reading too much into the scans. He saw all these small spots...too small to measure...which she said was probably just scar tissue and nothing to worry about. However, I will have to have another CT scan in 3 months.
So...we're off to a good start! I've got a long way to go and it certainly isn't going to be fun but I can do it!
Had the brain MRI and the full body CT scan yesterday. Got the results today. Dr. White was very frustrated with the radiologists because she felt like he was reading too much into the scans. He saw all these small spots...too small to measure...which she said was probably just scar tissue and nothing to worry about. However, I will have to have another CT scan in 3 months.
So...we're off to a good start! I've got a long way to go and it certainly isn't going to be fun but I can do it!
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