Happy Holidays Everyone,
I've had one Dr appointment since my last post. It was just as routine as all the rest are with out having results because no scans were done. It's a little no actually becoming a fight to go these days. The Dr says he'll schedule another scan in or just before February. No reason to do any scans prior to that since he's planning on doing treatments until February 9. After we get the results from the scans we will decide what path to take. More treatments or be done with treatments. Feb 9 is my dad's birthday. Wouldn't that be a nice birthday present for dad. To tell him that I don't have to have treatments anymore. Unwrapped presents are always the best. If I don't have to have infusion treatments I believe I would be put on oral chemo drug that I would take at home. That is what was mentioned when I started chemotherapy anyway.
Side effects are about the same since I started this drug. For 2 or 3 days after treatment I have a major head ache. Bone achiness for 24 hours. Short fuzzed is the major side effect that effects everyone around me. Not sure how long that lasts. Any length is too long. That's all I really have to report on the health front.
Family update is a little different than the last post. Emily is now doing basketball and not swimming. This is her first time playing.. She is tall for her age so I guess she was recruited after a night at open gym which she had a great time at. Her games will be on Saturday morning ! So nothing lighten up on the family schedule on Saturdays. After Christmas break James will have basketball practice , Emily will have basketball games , and Rachel will have cheer competitions. Luckily Paul has the 4 Saturdays off in January off so we can divywill up being 3 places at once.
Everyone traveling away for the Holidays please be safe. I hope everyone has a wonderful, peaceful Holiday season.
What songs do you enjoy listenting to at this Joyful time of year? My favorite o nes are
Silent Night!
Joy to the World
The little drummer boy
Kelly
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Give Thanks
Thanksgiving is near. What are you thankful for?
I sit here a wake in the middle of night. Thinking of what to post on this blog. Today was my treatment day, yesterday was my Dr appointment. I found out the results of my MRI of the brain and ct scan of my chest and abdomen. The news is they found that I did have a brain and it does not have any cancer in it. I'm thankful for that. My CT scan showed stability again. I'm thankful for that. My tumor marker, a blood test showed a decrease! That is great news. This is the first time it has dropped after 4 different drugs...I'm thank ful for that.
Thank you God for listening to all my prayers and to all the prayers said for me.
I'm thankful for the medicine that is being created everyday to help all diseases.
I'm ever so thankful for everyone that is playing a part in the journey that I am on. *I could never mention every ones name.* chemo brain or no chemo brain.
James, Emily , Rachel I'm so thankful for. They are understanding and wise beyond their years. Love them so much.
Paul the best care giver a wife could ask for. Doing above and beyond as a dad and husband.Love Him !
And another Thank you to those that helped plan and organize the wonderful benefit that was a huge success because of all the people that donated, and attended.
And last but not least everyone at Lemmen Holten Cancer Center that help those of us diagnosed with tis little "c" called cancer.
Heres to all of you family and friends that have helped me stay strong along this journey. I'm thankful for all of you.
As far as my chemo treatments I asked how many more rounds and the Dr said after a long sigh. I don't have a number. And then said something I had not heard before. "this is a long process" . "we are finding that the longer it takes to go away...the longer it stays away. Sounds great that I'm on that trail. BUT c'mon now. This gets old after 10 months. A normal feeling I would think. Not knowing answers are always fearful and frustrating. I'm fighting to get off the infusion stage and get on those oral chemo pills that have not been mentioned lately.
updates on the family are Rachel has been working on getting her back hand spring and came home today saying she did it on the springy(tumble track) by herself. Very excited about that for her. Her first competition is Dec 3. Her first 8th grade report card will come home soon. She is doing well academically. Emily has adjusted well to 6th grade. Having class switches and more homework. Age Group swim will start after Thanksgiving and she is excited about that. James is signed up for Saturday basketball where they practice for an hour and then split into teams and play games for an hour. He has been doing good in school too. Paul has tomorrow and then the one more Friday class to teach and he will have about a month and a half off before the next round of teaching starts.. But this time its only 2 hours a day twice a week.
Thank you for reading my blog and giving support in the way that you do.
Thank you for who you are in my life!
Peace to you!
Kelly
I sit here a wake in the middle of night. Thinking of what to post on this blog. Today was my treatment day, yesterday was my Dr appointment. I found out the results of my MRI of the brain and ct scan of my chest and abdomen. The news is they found that I did have a brain and it does not have any cancer in it. I'm thankful for that. My CT scan showed stability again. I'm thankful for that. My tumor marker, a blood test showed a decrease! That is great news. This is the first time it has dropped after 4 different drugs...I'm thank ful for that.
Thank you God for listening to all my prayers and to all the prayers said for me.
I'm thankful for the medicine that is being created everyday to help all diseases.
I'm ever so thankful for everyone that is playing a part in the journey that I am on. *I could never mention every ones name.* chemo brain or no chemo brain.
James, Emily , Rachel I'm so thankful for. They are understanding and wise beyond their years. Love them so much.
Paul the best care giver a wife could ask for. Doing above and beyond as a dad and husband.Love Him !
And another Thank you to those that helped plan and organize the wonderful benefit that was a huge success because of all the people that donated, and attended.
And last but not least everyone at Lemmen Holten Cancer Center that help those of us diagnosed with tis little "c" called cancer.
Heres to all of you family and friends that have helped me stay strong along this journey. I'm thankful for all of you.
As far as my chemo treatments I asked how many more rounds and the Dr said after a long sigh. I don't have a number. And then said something I had not heard before. "this is a long process" . "we are finding that the longer it takes to go away...the longer it stays away. Sounds great that I'm on that trail. BUT c'mon now. This gets old after 10 months. A normal feeling I would think. Not knowing answers are always fearful and frustrating. I'm fighting to get off the infusion stage and get on those oral chemo pills that have not been mentioned lately.
updates on the family are Rachel has been working on getting her back hand spring and came home today saying she did it on the springy(tumble track) by herself. Very excited about that for her. Her first competition is Dec 3. Her first 8th grade report card will come home soon. She is doing well academically. Emily has adjusted well to 6th grade. Having class switches and more homework. Age Group swim will start after Thanksgiving and she is excited about that. James is signed up for Saturday basketball where they practice for an hour and then split into teams and play games for an hour. He has been doing good in school too. Paul has tomorrow and then the one more Friday class to teach and he will have about a month and a half off before the next round of teaching starts.. But this time its only 2 hours a day twice a week.
Thank you for reading my blog and giving support in the way that you do.
Thank you for who you are in my life!
Peace to you!
Kelly
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Felt within the Heart!
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even be touched. They must be felt within the heart! I hope you were able to experience the best and most beautiful things this past Saturday because I sure did. Amazing! Thank you for all that helped with the benefit in anyway that you did. I seen people from bits of my life. Aunts and Uncles that I don't get to see as often as I should. Cousins that I haven't seen. People from my childhood neighborhood. My elementary school, high school friends, church friends, work friends, Paul's friends, the kids' friends, softball friends, neighbor friends, Brothers and sisters friends. Mom and Dad's friends. What a beautiful night you made it be. Thank You All!
I had a Dr appointment last week and I am going to have a CT scan and an MRI this month. I was at the appointment by myself so I told the Dr that Paul would want me to tell him that I am more forgetful now. We agreed to do the MRI of the brain to rule out no signs of cancer there. I'm confident it's just the "CHEMO Brain." and having the test done will put every one's mind at ease now that you know I'm having it done. Other than that things are status quo. I don't have any new signs or symptoms. My hip still bothers me more sometimes than others but mostly it isn't too bad. Treatments are tolerable. I get a headache for 3 days and few mild bone pains but tolera ble. Let's just hope it isn't as nice to the tumors.
Oh yes and then there is my eye sight . My eye sight problems have been resolved for now. The glasses I was putting on to see were actually making things worse. And this was going on for 3 or 4 weeks. I was feeling a little dizzy every now and then. I couldn't read words on the TV. I couldn't read the score board and football games. I couldn't read player numbers from the stands. I couldn't read road signs but I was driving. Scary I know. This past June my eyes changed for the worse some due to age and some due to the drugs but either way I needed stronger glasses. My prescription was a +5.25 I think for both eyes. And the new prescription was a +7. And now its October and the eye Dr tells me I'm right . The glasses are illegal for me to use to drive . I thought he was going to tell me I couldn't dive any more. But no wait....my eyes are actually better. Better than a +5 even. So after spending the bucks on progressive lenses in June I get to do it again. And new contacts too but I'm only buying a box at a time in case they change again. Some chemo drugs can do that ....so now I know.
Rachel is now busy with competitive cheer leading. Practice everyday. Tournaments on Saturday starting in December. Emily's has started swim stroke clinics. Those are just on Saturday mornings. James is currently not doing anything. Probably basketball soon. Halloween was a bit different this year for the Anglim's. Ever since my sisters kids were old enough to trick or treat which has been about 20 + years we have gathered at some one's house for pizza and the little kids going out trick or treating. And for the past ? IDK how many years maybe 10. The Anglim's/Crafts and Drakes have been coming to OUR house. Well this year James was invited for pizza and trick or treating with a friend. Emily went with a group of friends and Rachel wasn't sure if she was going out or not until she got on the bus Halloween morning. Paul was teaching a night class so it was just me at home to pass out the candy. So I built a fire in the fire pit in the driveway and passed out candy that way. My neighbor came and helped me get it started and visited for a bit.
Enjoy the sunshine that we have been having. It's shineing today! All of us here in Michigan know it won't be long and it will be hididng for quite some time.
May God bless all of you!
Kelly
I had a Dr appointment last week and I am going to have a CT scan and an MRI this month. I was at the appointment by myself so I told the Dr that Paul would want me to tell him that I am more forgetful now. We agreed to do the MRI of the brain to rule out no signs of cancer there. I'm confident it's just the "CHEMO Brain." and having the test done will put every one's mind at ease now that you know I'm having it done. Other than that things are status quo. I don't have any new signs or symptoms. My hip still bothers me more sometimes than others but mostly it isn't too bad. Treatments are tolerable. I get a headache for 3 days and few mild bone pains but tolera ble. Let's just hope it isn't as nice to the tumors.
Oh yes and then there is my eye sight . My eye sight problems have been resolved for now. The glasses I was putting on to see were actually making things worse. And this was going on for 3 or 4 weeks. I was feeling a little dizzy every now and then. I couldn't read words on the TV. I couldn't read the score board and football games. I couldn't read player numbers from the stands. I couldn't read road signs but I was driving. Scary I know. This past June my eyes changed for the worse some due to age and some due to the drugs but either way I needed stronger glasses. My prescription was a +5.25 I think for both eyes. And the new prescription was a +7. And now its October and the eye Dr tells me I'm right . The glasses are illegal for me to use to drive . I thought he was going to tell me I couldn't dive any more. But no wait....my eyes are actually better. Better than a +5 even. So after spending the bucks on progressive lenses in June I get to do it again. And new contacts too but I'm only buying a box at a time in case they change again. Some chemo drugs can do that ....so now I know.
Rachel is now busy with competitive cheer leading. Practice everyday. Tournaments on Saturday starting in December. Emily's has started swim stroke clinics. Those are just on Saturday mornings. James is currently not doing anything. Probably basketball soon. Halloween was a bit different this year for the Anglim's. Ever since my sisters kids were old enough to trick or treat which has been about 20 + years we have gathered at some one's house for pizza and the little kids going out trick or treating. And for the past ? IDK how many years maybe 10. The Anglim's/Crafts and Drakes have been coming to OUR house. Well this year James was invited for pizza and trick or treating with a friend. Emily went with a group of friends and Rachel wasn't sure if she was going out or not until she got on the bus Halloween morning. Paul was teaching a night class so it was just me at home to pass out the candy. So I built a fire in the fire pit in the driveway and passed out candy that way. My neighbor came and helped me get it started and visited for a bit.
Enjoy the sunshine that we have been having. It's shineing today! All of us here in Michigan know it won't be long and it will be hididng for quite some time.
May God bless all of you!
Kelly
Friday, October 21, 2011
Delay
Sorry in the delay of this post. I am having some sight issues so I have delayed getting on the computer. I have to zoom the page to be able to read the computer screen. This decline in my eyesight is due from chemo and its the second time its happened since starting chemo in February. I'm going to the eye doctor today to get a new prescription.
It's been about two weeks since I seen the doctor. The plan he says is to do 4 rounds of the drug and then do a scan and then do another 4 rounds . If the scan shows a need to change the plan then he will do that accordingly. One round equals 3 weeks. I never imagined having chemo for an entire year straight. And now that I type that I should say I never planned on having chemo this long either. Yes I know its a good thing to be able to have it and all but the positive me should have beaten the odds and been done already. It gets old.
This week is the end of the fall sports for James and Rachel. Monday starts tryouts for Rachel for competitive cheer. Emily will finally start her swim clinics on Saturdays. James will get a break for a while.
Paul is still teaching his classes. This week has been busy for him. He has been helping with the planning of Officer Slot's funeral. Its overwhelming to see how the police and fire departments come together to help their fellow family members (officers) in a time of need. Paul did know officer Trevor and I knew his family through Northview High School.
The weather is changing on us. Are you ready? I was hoping for a mild Halloween but I think its going to take more than my hope. This wind is reminding me of some harsh winters we've had in the past.
If you see Paul in the coming days.....wish him a happy 50th.... Oct 24th.
Thank you to all of you that have brought a nice warm meal over. On my bad days which are less than previous treatments they have been very helpful. Thank you to all that have prayed, and thought of us too.
Next treatment and Dr visit is next Thursday.
Happy Halloween if I don't post before then.
Peace
Kelly
It's been about two weeks since I seen the doctor. The plan he says is to do 4 rounds of the drug and then do a scan and then do another 4 rounds . If the scan shows a need to change the plan then he will do that accordingly. One round equals 3 weeks. I never imagined having chemo for an entire year straight. And now that I type that I should say I never planned on having chemo this long either. Yes I know its a good thing to be able to have it and all but the positive me should have beaten the odds and been done already. It gets old.
This week is the end of the fall sports for James and Rachel. Monday starts tryouts for Rachel for competitive cheer. Emily will finally start her swim clinics on Saturdays. James will get a break for a while.
Paul is still teaching his classes. This week has been busy for him. He has been helping with the planning of Officer Slot's funeral. Its overwhelming to see how the police and fire departments come together to help their fellow family members (officers) in a time of need. Paul did know officer Trevor and I knew his family through Northview High School.
The weather is changing on us. Are you ready? I was hoping for a mild Halloween but I think its going to take more than my hope. This wind is reminding me of some harsh winters we've had in the past.
If you see Paul in the coming days.....wish him a happy 50th.... Oct 24th.
Thank you to all of you that have brought a nice warm meal over. On my bad days which are less than previous treatments they have been very helpful. Thank you to all that have prayed, and thought of us too.
Next treatment and Dr visit is next Thursday.
Happy Halloween if I don't post before then.
Peace
Kelly
Monday, September 19, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
CHANGES
I have devided to try Take Them A Meal website and put a link on the side of the blog if you are interested. The password is 3013. Let me know what you think. My emaiil is kanglim@sbcglobal.net
Have a good weekend. The sun is looking nice out there. How about them Tigers! Cmon Lions!
Peace
Kelly
Have a good weekend. The sun is looking nice out there. How about them Tigers! Cmon Lions!
Peace
Kelly
Friday, September 16, 2011
New Drug
I started my new Chemo Drug called Havalen yesterday. Time will tell how it treats me. It's the newest drug on the market and suppose to be good on the body. By the time I got home I had a killer of a head ache. I can ask for something before I head home next time to help prevent that. Side effects are the usual. Hair loss, don't have to worry about that, fatigue...got it, neuropathy-got it, constipation would be new to me. Those are the most common. I'm still on herceptin too.
I go for my next treatment next Thursday and then have a week off. So I will be doing the opposite of what I was on.
My CT scan of my chest and abdomen results were in. Stable through-out. Only one slight growth of new tumor in liver. One slight decrease in one of the tumors in lung.
My CT scan of pelvis was done two days ago and I go to the radiologist Monday to get those results.
Rachel didn't make the volleyball team but joined the cheer team now.
James starts football games this Saturday. Emily waiting for swim stroke clinics still. Paul is in full swing of teaching and he is busy. Wow.
stay warm everyone...lets see how long we can keep the furnace off. I have my winter hat on my head already.
Prayers for peace to all
Love
Kelly
I go for my next treatment next Thursday and then have a week off. So I will be doing the opposite of what I was on.
My CT scan of my chest and abdomen results were in. Stable through-out. Only one slight growth of new tumor in liver. One slight decrease in one of the tumors in lung.
My CT scan of pelvis was done two days ago and I go to the radiologist Monday to get those results.
Rachel didn't make the volleyball team but joined the cheer team now.
James starts football games this Saturday. Emily waiting for swim stroke clinics still. Paul is in full swing of teaching and he is busy. Wow.
stay warm everyone...lets see how long we can keep the furnace off. I have my winter hat on my head already.
Prayers for peace to all
Love
Kelly
Monday, September 12, 2011
Craziness
Well I said I would update my blog after my chemo today but I really don't have anything to update you on. I have a few things so here they are.
I had a doctors appointment last Thursday. This appointment was a routine appointment that is usually done before my chemo treatment. I had my chemo appointment switched to Mondays for September because we have a wedding to go to at the end of September. IF I had my chemo on the Thursday before the wedding I knew I wouldn't feel good travelling out of town. So I asked for Monday afterwards. So back to the doctors appointment. I checked in what I thought to be 30 minutes early, they want you 15 minutes early. When she said I was early , I was 45 minutes early. AND the doctor is running an hour behind...UGGG. So I finally got called back 2 hours after my scheduled time. I complained that my toes were now completely numb..which is neuropothy...a common side effect from chemo. And I complained about right hip pain. This has been bothering me and slowly getting more prominent the last two -4 weeks.
Dr said well lets cancel your chemo on Monday, I want to put you on a new drug and I want to send you to the Radiologist to see what we can do about that hip pain. HUH? So I left being confused and went to see my chemo nurse and she explained to me that the radiologist will do any test to determine if I need radiation. All right that makes sense. Thank goodness I thought of talking to her . My brain just could not think fast enough to ask the Dr right then and there. And the Dr does give me a chance to ask questions. I just couldn't think of any.
And he scheduled me for a CAT scan. So Friday I received phone calls that both appointment would be Monday (today). But of course even though they were at the same building they were 4 hours apart.
I arrived early enough before my CAT scan to have the chemo nurse access my port because they are just better at it then anyone else. I then headed to the floor where I had to have my CAT scan and registered and filled out paperwork and drink my lovely juice. And then there was a nurse in front of me before I even started on my juice. I said:you're ready for me already....30 minutes early...she said not exactly. I looked at her confused and she said...you have to go back upstairs they didn't use the right needle for a CAT scan....NOWAY you got to be kidding. Sure enough back upstairs I went. The nurse that did it was so apologetic. I hugged her and said I forgave her. The rest of the scan went with out a hitch. We went to lunch and then headed to the dr appointment with the radiologist. He couldn't tell us anything because we hadn't had any test on my hip. He thought my oncologist scheduled something and my oncologist thought he would let the radiologist decide what test he wanted to do. So now I 'm having another CAT scan on my hip. The other scan just covered my chest and abdomen. My chemo is scheduled for Thursday and this drug I need to have on Thursdays once a week for two weeks in a row then off a week then another treatment. Off a week and then back to the beginning I think. I'll find out Thursday for sure. This will not mess up the traveling for the wedding as my old schedule would have.
Wow that was more than I thought.
Paul's teaching m w nights and all day on Fridays. James has football t and Thursdays and games on Saturdays. Rachel is doing gymnastics to get ready for winter competitive cheer and Emily will be doing swim stroke clinics on Saturday starting in October. Mom will just try to keep up with everyone.
If I can ask a favor please pray for good results from the CAT scan today and for the one I will have whenever they schedule it. And Two pray that this new drug I will be having for Chemo is as good as they say it is.
Thanks again for all the support through everything you have done.
Love and Peace to you
Kelly
I had a doctors appointment last Thursday. This appointment was a routine appointment that is usually done before my chemo treatment. I had my chemo appointment switched to Mondays for September because we have a wedding to go to at the end of September. IF I had my chemo on the Thursday before the wedding I knew I wouldn't feel good travelling out of town. So I asked for Monday afterwards. So back to the doctors appointment. I checked in what I thought to be 30 minutes early, they want you 15 minutes early. When she said I was early , I was 45 minutes early. AND the doctor is running an hour behind...UGGG. So I finally got called back 2 hours after my scheduled time. I complained that my toes were now completely numb..which is neuropothy...a common side effect from chemo. And I complained about right hip pain. This has been bothering me and slowly getting more prominent the last two -4 weeks.
Dr said well lets cancel your chemo on Monday, I want to put you on a new drug and I want to send you to the Radiologist to see what we can do about that hip pain. HUH? So I left being confused and went to see my chemo nurse and she explained to me that the radiologist will do any test to determine if I need radiation. All right that makes sense. Thank goodness I thought of talking to her . My brain just could not think fast enough to ask the Dr right then and there. And the Dr does give me a chance to ask questions. I just couldn't think of any.
And he scheduled me for a CAT scan. So Friday I received phone calls that both appointment would be Monday (today). But of course even though they were at the same building they were 4 hours apart.
I arrived early enough before my CAT scan to have the chemo nurse access my port because they are just better at it then anyone else. I then headed to the floor where I had to have my CAT scan and registered and filled out paperwork and drink my lovely juice. And then there was a nurse in front of me before I even started on my juice. I said:you're ready for me already....30 minutes early...she said not exactly. I looked at her confused and she said...you have to go back upstairs they didn't use the right needle for a CAT scan....NOWAY you got to be kidding. Sure enough back upstairs I went. The nurse that did it was so apologetic. I hugged her and said I forgave her. The rest of the scan went with out a hitch. We went to lunch and then headed to the dr appointment with the radiologist. He couldn't tell us anything because we hadn't had any test on my hip. He thought my oncologist scheduled something and my oncologist thought he would let the radiologist decide what test he wanted to do. So now I 'm having another CAT scan on my hip. The other scan just covered my chest and abdomen. My chemo is scheduled for Thursday and this drug I need to have on Thursdays once a week for two weeks in a row then off a week then another treatment. Off a week and then back to the beginning I think. I'll find out Thursday for sure. This will not mess up the traveling for the wedding as my old schedule would have.
Wow that was more than I thought.
Paul's teaching m w nights and all day on Fridays. James has football t and Thursdays and games on Saturdays. Rachel is doing gymnastics to get ready for winter competitive cheer and Emily will be doing swim stroke clinics on Saturday starting in October. Mom will just try to keep up with everyone.
If I can ask a favor please pray for good results from the CAT scan today and for the one I will have whenever they schedule it. And Two pray that this new drug I will be having for Chemo is as good as they say it is.
Thanks again for all the support through everything you have done.
Love and Peace to you
Kelly
Monday, August 22, 2011
Beautiful Weather
I don't know to many people that can complain about the weather lately. Sunshine, blue ski, warm in the day and cool in the night. Just enough rain to keep the grass green. Beautiful!
I am on day 4 after my last treatment. I have a lot of bone pain from the drugs I am getting. It starts at the end of day 2 and last through day 7 but subsides alot after day 5. Other side effects that I experience is tiredness and lack of taste buds. Nothing tastes the way it should. The doctor/physicians assistant asked if their was anything new and I showed her my finger nails....I whined that they were falling off and she confirmed that they are coming off. YUCK! This too is from my chemo treatments. If i pull down the skin in front of my nail I can see all the way under my nail. Kinda cool kinda gross. I'm still tolerating the drugs I am on quite well. No mouth sores or nausea. So that is great. I'm scheduled through September for treatments. I should have a CAT scan before the end of September. I am hoping that I can start Oral Chemo soon but only if it is as kind to me as the drugs I am currently on. PROS and CONS.
The business is about to start for the Anglim household and for a lot of you too. Football starts today for James. Three days a week. School is about 3 weeks out I think. Paul is going to be teaching a few classes in the evening to. can you say Crazy!
Enjoy the rest of the summer there is plenty of it left to enjoy.
thanks for all the help since my last update. Again all of these small things help. Hang out dates, dinners, prayers, taxing,, phone calls, texts. All of them! Thank You!
Love
Kelly
I am on day 4 after my last treatment. I have a lot of bone pain from the drugs I am getting. It starts at the end of day 2 and last through day 7 but subsides alot after day 5. Other side effects that I experience is tiredness and lack of taste buds. Nothing tastes the way it should. The doctor/physicians assistant asked if their was anything new and I showed her my finger nails....I whined that they were falling off and she confirmed that they are coming off. YUCK! This too is from my chemo treatments. If i pull down the skin in front of my nail I can see all the way under my nail. Kinda cool kinda gross. I'm still tolerating the drugs I am on quite well. No mouth sores or nausea. So that is great. I'm scheduled through September for treatments. I should have a CAT scan before the end of September. I am hoping that I can start Oral Chemo soon but only if it is as kind to me as the drugs I am currently on. PROS and CONS.
The business is about to start for the Anglim household and for a lot of you too. Football starts today for James. Three days a week. School is about 3 weeks out I think. Paul is going to be teaching a few classes in the evening to. can you say Crazy!
Enjoy the rest of the summer there is plenty of it left to enjoy.
thanks for all the help since my last update. Again all of these small things help. Hang out dates, dinners, prayers, taxing,, phone calls, texts. All of them! Thank You!
Love
Kelly
Friday, July 29, 2011
Round # 5 Complete
Today I completed round #5. And it took 5 months from 2007 and 6 months in 2011 to have an appointment go pretty much on schedule. Once I was hooked up to my meds I was in and out of there in record time. I believe 10-1 on meds. Lab draw and doctor appointment was a little slow but not terrible. So a pretty good (if you can call it that) day. Sure does wonders for a patients attitude. The doctors appointment was quick. Just asking how side effects are treating you and if you need any refills on medications. My blood sugars are in normal range with the diabetic meds I am. I hope in 3 weeks I will be able to come off of those to see if it will regulate with out them. I also asked for stronger pain meds for the bone pain that sits in before night fall and gets pretty bad for the next 4 days. I took a vicodin 7 hundred or so and I'm still awake...what the? Oh well I'm updating my blog and eating a salad. :)
July has flew by. Nice weather has probably made it feel that way. Or busy kids could have done it too. Rachel's still doing horse back riding lessons and sometimes works at the barn. Emily finished the summer swim team but now started water polo lessons two days a week. James is at Camp Geneva for the week for the first time. Mom is anxiously waiting for him to get home. Two days of storms in his week. He usually sleeps through everything but his mommy is always here for him! And with all of that activity and my treatments we found time to send the kids with Auntie Ann (Paul's sister) and her two daughters to the U.P. for 10 days touring the beautiful upper Michigan and learning about where their Grandma and Grandpa Anglim lived. And a few stories were shared about their daddy's childhood too. They had a great time. Then after they were home for 4 days we met up a my siblings minus one brother and his family, and my parents at Silver Lake. IT was a tad hot but it was fun. James is starting a golf class next week, Emily will have water polo still and Rachel riding lessons. Then Emily will go to camp Geneva the next week. I think we will be down to 4 or 3 weeks left of summer when all is said and done.
Paul has about 3 weeks left of normalcy and then he will begin his business big time. He will begin teaching at GRCC an evening class. He will also teach at downtown campus for Ferris for a week. He will also be teaching in Big Rapids one day a week.
Thanks for the comments, prayers, thoughts, dinners, drives to treatment, visits and phone calls. They all help in the healing process.
Family and Friends Forever
Love
Kelly
July has flew by. Nice weather has probably made it feel that way. Or busy kids could have done it too. Rachel's still doing horse back riding lessons and sometimes works at the barn. Emily finished the summer swim team but now started water polo lessons two days a week. James is at Camp Geneva for the week for the first time. Mom is anxiously waiting for him to get home. Two days of storms in his week. He usually sleeps through everything but his mommy is always here for him! And with all of that activity and my treatments we found time to send the kids with Auntie Ann (Paul's sister) and her two daughters to the U.P. for 10 days touring the beautiful upper Michigan and learning about where their Grandma and Grandpa Anglim lived. And a few stories were shared about their daddy's childhood too. They had a great time. Then after they were home for 4 days we met up a my siblings minus one brother and his family, and my parents at Silver Lake. IT was a tad hot but it was fun. James is starting a golf class next week, Emily will have water polo still and Rachel riding lessons. Then Emily will go to camp Geneva the next week. I think we will be down to 4 or 3 weeks left of summer when all is said and done.
Paul has about 3 weeks left of normalcy and then he will begin his business big time. He will begin teaching at GRCC an evening class. He will also teach at downtown campus for Ferris for a week. He will also be teaching in Big Rapids one day a week.
Thanks for the comments, prayers, thoughts, dinners, drives to treatment, visits and phone calls. They all help in the healing process.
Family and Friends Forever
Love
Kelly
Friday, July 8, 2011
Good while it lasted
The reprieve was good while it lasted. Doctor put me back to it today. C.A.T. Scan did not show any growth and it did not show any shrinkage so the chemo is keeping the tumors stable. Yes, most of us and myself mostly was hoping for better results and no more infusion of chemo and be put on the oral drugs. I asked when that might happen and the doctor said he would like to give me 4 more rounds of this chemo before looking at oral drugs.
So the vacation away from one treatment put my sugars back into normal range with the help of some diabetic drugs that I am still on for the next 60 days. Maybe until chemo is done. ????
The house is quiet. The kids needed to get away and they are having a blast.
The house has been clean in the areas that I cleaned on Wednesday for more than 2 hours. :) I'm almost ready for them to be home. ALMOST.
I'm up because I have a nice head ache. Bones are aching already too. I knew I didn't miss going to get a treatment.
Well thanks again for all the support. You know what you are doing for me,and the rest of the Anglim Family in this time of need. Praying, cooking, thinking, cleaning, friending, texting, driving, and most of all
LOVING!
Thank You
Kelly
So the vacation away from one treatment put my sugars back into normal range with the help of some diabetic drugs that I am still on for the next 60 days. Maybe until chemo is done. ????
The house is quiet. The kids needed to get away and they are having a blast.
The house has been clean in the areas that I cleaned on Wednesday for more than 2 hours. :) I'm almost ready for them to be home. ALMOST.
I'm up because I have a nice head ache. Bones are aching already too. I knew I didn't miss going to get a treatment.
Well thanks again for all the support. You know what you are doing for me,and the rest of the Anglim Family in this time of need. Praying, cooking, thinking, cleaning, friending, texting, driving, and most of all
LOVING!
Thank You
Kelly
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Reprieve
Yes it is true. I get a reprieve this Thursday. The reason could be better but still I get a week off.
The reason? Let me tell you. On Memorial Day I was not feeling the greatest and I was correlating it to the humidity. However by evening I was not feeling well even when I was laying down. So Paul brought me to Emergency where we found my heart rate was elevated and ....my blood sugar was in the 400's! Normal is 90-100. I was dizzy, short of breath. Very Tired and if I walked from one room to the next I had to put my head down on the counter otherwise I would have passed out. I thought a short trip to ER they would say....can't find anything wrong go home and rest ended up being 4 days in the hospital. Not fun at all. Finally after a week of being home on oral insulin meds my sugar is down. My heart rate was probably elevated due to my sugars being high but I still think there might be something going on with the ol ticker. Any time I go for a walk I get pretty worked up so we'll see. I go to my primary doctor on Tuesday. I may be put on insulin I may not. The steroids I get with my chemo drugs raise your blood sugars too. So with my sugars being high my oncologist and I decided to skip this week of chemo so that I am feeling better and we get it all under control. Then I have a CAT Scan on June 30th and my next Chemo is scheduled July 7th.
With skipping this week of CHEMO any one scheduled for bringing a dinner can cancel. We will not need it. I will able to cook this week. Thank You!
I really hope I am not a diabetic and don't have to go insulin but at the same time maybe that's why I was feeling so bad after chemo. Only time will tell.
School is out for the summer. The kids are excited. They are all busy this summer. Cheer camp, volleyball camp, basketball camp, football camp, flag football, Camp Geneva for two different weeks, Drake Family going to Silver Lake in July. Whew...is it over yet. Oh and squeeze my dr stuff in there too and that pretty much covers it.
Hope your summer is a great one! Stay Safe!
Thanks for the prayers!
Peace!
Kelly
The reason? Let me tell you. On Memorial Day I was not feeling the greatest and I was correlating it to the humidity. However by evening I was not feeling well even when I was laying down. So Paul brought me to Emergency where we found my heart rate was elevated and ....my blood sugar was in the 400's! Normal is 90-100. I was dizzy, short of breath. Very Tired and if I walked from one room to the next I had to put my head down on the counter otherwise I would have passed out. I thought a short trip to ER they would say....can't find anything wrong go home and rest ended up being 4 days in the hospital. Not fun at all. Finally after a week of being home on oral insulin meds my sugar is down. My heart rate was probably elevated due to my sugars being high but I still think there might be something going on with the ol ticker. Any time I go for a walk I get pretty worked up so we'll see. I go to my primary doctor on Tuesday. I may be put on insulin I may not. The steroids I get with my chemo drugs raise your blood sugars too. So with my sugars being high my oncologist and I decided to skip this week of chemo so that I am feeling better and we get it all under control. Then I have a CAT Scan on June 30th and my next Chemo is scheduled July 7th.
With skipping this week of CHEMO any one scheduled for bringing a dinner can cancel. We will not need it. I will able to cook this week. Thank You!
I really hope I am not a diabetic and don't have to go insulin but at the same time maybe that's why I was feeling so bad after chemo. Only time will tell.
School is out for the summer. The kids are excited. They are all busy this summer. Cheer camp, volleyball camp, basketball camp, football camp, flag football, Camp Geneva for two different weeks, Drake Family going to Silver Lake in July. Whew...is it over yet. Oh and squeeze my dr stuff in there too and that pretty much covers it.
Hope your summer is a great one! Stay Safe!
Thanks for the prayers!
Peace!
Kelly
Friday, May 27, 2011
Treatment #3
First let me say that I have only updated after a treatment. I don't do weekly updates. Too much laziness or taking it easy to worry about my blog.
Secondly, I have done much better with this drug. I am glad that they switched to it. Even though I have been able to eat better because this drug does not give me any mouth sores or nausea. However I continue to lose the weight. The doctor isn't too concerned with that yet as I have a few to give freely. LOL.
Now I pray that this new drug works better on the tumors too. The first drug didn't shrink any lung tumors but did a little on the liver.
After this treatment the doctor decided to do one more treatment before doing a C.A.T. scan. That way there may be a better chance of seeing some results. I have no idea what the plan would be if there was/or wasn't progress. He may want to do more treatments, he may say I can be done with infusions and go onto the oral chemo.
The anglim's are very excited for the warm weather to get here. The pool is open but no one has been in it.
.
Only 8 1/2 days on the count down for school to be done. Field Trips and Field Day will take up much of the remaining days of school. All the children have had a great year. They have matured and have done quite well with their grades. Mom and Dad are very proud of them.
Everyone grass should be green with all of this rain we have had. Saving on the water bill....yippee.
Enjoy your holiday weekend!
Kelly
A Toledo woman once told a friend of mine. "From the day that you're born, 'til they take you in a hearse, thing are never so bad the they couldn't be worse."
Secondly, I have done much better with this drug. I am glad that they switched to it. Even though I have been able to eat better because this drug does not give me any mouth sores or nausea. However I continue to lose the weight. The doctor isn't too concerned with that yet as I have a few to give freely. LOL.
Now I pray that this new drug works better on the tumors too. The first drug didn't shrink any lung tumors but did a little on the liver.
After this treatment the doctor decided to do one more treatment before doing a C.A.T. scan. That way there may be a better chance of seeing some results. I have no idea what the plan would be if there was/or wasn't progress. He may want to do more treatments, he may say I can be done with infusions and go onto the oral chemo.
The anglim's are very excited for the warm weather to get here. The pool is open but no one has been in it.
.
Only 8 1/2 days on the count down for school to be done. Field Trips and Field Day will take up much of the remaining days of school. All the children have had a great year. They have matured and have done quite well with their grades. Mom and Dad are very proud of them.
Everyone grass should be green with all of this rain we have had. Saving on the water bill....yippee.
Enjoy your holiday weekend!
Kelly
A Toledo woman once told a friend of mine. "From the day that you're born, 'til they take you in a hearse, thing are never so bad the they couldn't be worse."
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Has Spring Arrived?
Sure was nice to wake up to sunshine and warm temperature! What a great start to a Mother's Day weekend,
My last chemo treatment was this past Thursday and went like normal. Arrive and wait. Sit and wait and finally get your cocktail and leave, I think it averages out to be about 6 hours I am there. This new chemo is treating me tons better than the first drug I was on. No sores in my mouth, no nausea. The trade off is bone pain. Still have fatigue with both. That is tolerable. Who can't handle taking a nap right. One more treatment with this drug and then I will have another CAT scan to see if it is shrinking the tumors. If it did maybe I can go on the oral chemo...less side effects. Or maybe the Dr will want to do another 3 round to see if the tumors will shrink more. The idea is to get the tumors shrunk and then go on the oral chemo to maintain the shrinkage. After I am on the oral chemo its like treating high blood pressure or diabetes.
Paul is being the father of the year. Working, teaching a night class that just got done, running the kids to their activities. Taking care of me.
Rachel turned 13 on the 30th of April. It's official. She has been busy with the Equestrian team through school. She fell off for the first time this year after 4 or 5 years of never falling. Had to do it right in front of mom too!
Emily is doing Girls on the Run. She is training for a 5k run which will be the last Saturday in May.
James has been going to a reading program until last week so now he just has boy scouts keeping him busy.
We joined Gilda's club and that has been great for everyone.
Thank you for praying and thinking of the Anglim family.
Love Kelly
If you reached the end of your rope tie a not and hang on.
My last chemo treatment was this past Thursday and went like normal. Arrive and wait. Sit and wait and finally get your cocktail and leave, I think it averages out to be about 6 hours I am there. This new chemo is treating me tons better than the first drug I was on. No sores in my mouth, no nausea. The trade off is bone pain. Still have fatigue with both. That is tolerable. Who can't handle taking a nap right. One more treatment with this drug and then I will have another CAT scan to see if it is shrinking the tumors. If it did maybe I can go on the oral chemo...less side effects. Or maybe the Dr will want to do another 3 round to see if the tumors will shrink more. The idea is to get the tumors shrunk and then go on the oral chemo to maintain the shrinkage. After I am on the oral chemo its like treating high blood pressure or diabetes.
Paul is being the father of the year. Working, teaching a night class that just got done, running the kids to their activities. Taking care of me.
Rachel turned 13 on the 30th of April. It's official. She has been busy with the Equestrian team through school. She fell off for the first time this year after 4 or 5 years of never falling. Had to do it right in front of mom too!
Emily is doing Girls on the Run. She is training for a 5k run which will be the last Saturday in May.
James has been going to a reading program until last week so now he just has boy scouts keeping him busy.
We joined Gilda's club and that has been great for everyone.
Thank you for praying and thinking of the Anglim family.
Love Kelly
If you reached the end of your rope tie a not and hang on.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Update
Hello to all,
Today is Wednesday. 6 days after my treatment with the new drug. It treated me ten times better than the other drug. I was out of bed I think on Friday. Yes I even had Paul drive me to my work to see a friend on her last day of work. I did spend the rest of the weekend laying around and went to church. I was not nauseated at all. YEAH! The worse complaint would be the terrible bone pain. Not joint pain but all over bone pain. And then tiredness. But I will take all of it if I don't ever have to have the first drug again.
So the plan is to have 3 rounds of this drug, still on the same schedule and then have another C.A.T. scan. So sometime in May that should be scheduled.
It is amazing how the days just seem to be flying by. Chemo brain or not. The weather stinks. I want sunshine and the sounds of kids playing outside.
Thank you to all that have been praying, texting, emailing, mailing, and calling. Each one of those things lift my spirits and keep me going.
Peace to all
Kelly
Today is Wednesday. 6 days after my treatment with the new drug. It treated me ten times better than the other drug. I was out of bed I think on Friday. Yes I even had Paul drive me to my work to see a friend on her last day of work. I did spend the rest of the weekend laying around and went to church. I was not nauseated at all. YEAH! The worse complaint would be the terrible bone pain. Not joint pain but all over bone pain. And then tiredness. But I will take all of it if I don't ever have to have the first drug again.
So the plan is to have 3 rounds of this drug, still on the same schedule and then have another C.A.T. scan. So sometime in May that should be scheduled.
It is amazing how the days just seem to be flying by. Chemo brain or not. The weather stinks. I want sunshine and the sounds of kids playing outside.
Thank you to all that have been praying, texting, emailing, mailing, and calling. Each one of those things lift my spirits and keep me going.
Peace to all
Kelly
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
C.A.T. Scan
I had my C.A.T. scan Monday and was told that none of the tumors responded to the treatment. In other words there was no shrinkage. So tomorrow I have my chemotherapy but it will be a new drug. So maybe this drug won't be so rough on me. That is my hopes. My second prayer is that the tumors respond to this drug and shrink shrink away.
Not much to say on this posting. I had the previous posting written while in D.C. but didn't post it until yesterday because I couldn't remember some things and kept forgetting to ask Paul for some help.
Have fun doing your spring cleaning. Hope the weather cooperates and we all can enjoy a true spring.
I'll post again soon
Kelly
Not much to say on this posting. I had the previous posting written while in D.C. but didn't post it until yesterday because I couldn't remember some things and kept forgetting to ask Paul for some help.
Have fun doing your spring cleaning. Hope the weather cooperates and we all can enjoy a true spring.
I'll post again soon
Kelly
Turning the corner
As I lay here in bed while I should be sleeping at 4 in the morning, I'm thinking of everything this past week has brought me and how much better I feel even though I'm not sleeping like I should be,
I'm in Washington DC with the family for Spring Break. This trip was planned before I was diagnosed in Jan and was one of the first questions out of my mouth. Can I still go. When the answer was yes from the doctor I really hadn't had any worries about the trip. Spring break fell between treatments. It had been taking me about 8-10 days to start to feel better after a treatment and we were leaving by train on 7th day after a treatment. Well , for some unknown reason to me I didn't feel good at all the whole week. I actually was having the roughest time of all. I almost feel like the doctor may have upped my dosage with out telling me. I wasn't nauseated at all ....I was very fatigued, climb the stairs and need to sit down and put my head down. I wasn't eating. A bite of something and that was it. I wasn't drinking much either and believe it or not I was over my love of pellet ice cubes too. Then to make matters worse I developed open sores on my bottom cheeks!
Paul and I both called the doctor Monday and the nurse wanted him to describe the sores to her. Guess what peeps? He hasn't seen the sores, He offered to bring me down there and the nurse kept saying that she couldn't help us with out knowing what the sores looked like. But she wouldn't let Paul bring me in. I think I was so upset that I didn't call the nurse back to describe the sores. Tuesday I was trying to help Paul pack for the trip as we were leaving at 10 Thursday for Chicago to catch the train to DC. I figure I would call the doctors after hours. That way I could talk to a doctor. Sadly after describing the sores to the on call doc he didn't think the sores were from my chemo drug. Well I wasn't actually calling to see why I had the sores I w anted and needed some meds for these sores. doctor and he wanted me to call back in the am to get an appointment. We asked if we should go to ER or Urgent care or even my female doctor but he said it would be better if someone for the office could look at it. Here I was trying to be on the ball and get some meds before we left on Thursday for our trip. Anyway we called back on Wednesday morning and after telling the nurse we were suppose to call for an appointment they said a nurse would call back soon they were tagging the note as urgent. The nurse again wanted to know what the sores looked like, we told them we were suppose to get an appointment but they said they were to busy . No one had any openings. UUUUGGGGGHHHHHH. But she did recommend two different ointments to [pit on the sores.
I want you all to know that I have only made two phone calls after hours to this office. Once in 2007 and now this phone call. I can not believe this is normal practice. It's so frustrating. I don"t even get it. And yes we had mention on more than one occasion that we were going out of town.
So Wednesday night I tell Paul I didn't want to go and we had a talk about how he still needed to go for the kids sake and his. And when I felt better we could try to find a flight for me to catch up with them. The girls were sad but I told them I would come when I could , James was okay with mom not coming. He just wanted to get on the train. In fact I remember James coming home from school on Wednesday. I was laying on the coach and he said :Are you feeling better mom? I told him no. He then asked if I wasn't feeling better in the morning was I going to DC and I said I don't know. would you be sad if I didn't go and he said matter of fact..NO. I said I was happy to hear that.
I watched the kids pile in the van. There were no tears from anyone. Whew
My sister came to stay the night with me bearing many of varieties of food to try to find what I could eat. Not much luck in that department. But I did get a great back rub,
Friday morning came and I was hungry so I tried a little of everything and even had some awful ensure. By mid afternoon and no nap I figure I turned the corner and started to think about looking online for plane tickets. And trying to figure out when I should catch up with the rest of the family. Some good friends that live near by were walking their dog while I was resting on my deck. They checked in on me and offered to start searching for flights. Then my sister came back to my rescue after her day at work. I was feeling like trying something to eat so I rode with her to Culvers to get out of the house and we ordered a fish dinner to go to share. I nibbled but didn't get 1/2 of the 1/2 I took . The exhaustion, the dry mouth, everything was just not cooperating with me. By Friday night I was feeling better but not better and a flight was bought. A Saturday flight in the afternoon. The good thing was my sister offered to drive me . My mom came along, On the way to Detroit we stopped at McDonald's for a rest room and we ended up ordering lunch. I just stared at the menu and kept thinking gross. But I ordered a chicken wrap. Figured no bread was good for the the dry mouth and I could just eat the chicken or try. Well I DID IT MOMMY. I ate all the chicken. YEAH for me I didn't eat the wrap or anything else but I did eat the chicken.
Another good thing was I had a direct flight and it was only a little over an hour long.
I was gifted from those great friends that live near by that offered to help find a flight , the gift of first class. It was my first time and it won't be my last . WOW.
The family was very excited to see me and from the airport we went to see our friends , We were able to visit for 3 hours before I was ready to leave for rest. It was a short visit but a much needed visit.
Sunday we went into DC and went to the SPY Museum. and The Smithsonian History museum I think it was called, No that was yesterday we did that. Tuesday ...today we are doing the Cherry Blossom's and Vietnam memorial and Arlington Cemetery. I have a wheel chair in case of tiredness. Everything else we do is just planned the evening before. We leave Thursday at 4pm and get into Chicago at 9 am.
And every day I have ate a little more. 1/2 a burger and 2 tacos today.
So this is my update until after the next treatment which should be April 14. I haven't received my schedule from the office yet, I;m sure it is in the mailbox waiting for us to open it,
Just to up date everyone that has volunteered to bring dinners too. If you will wait to sign up for anymore.. I don't know how many treatments I will have and I would rather not see people signing up all the way out into June and July. I don't want to be having treatments then.
Please keep praying. I don't know where I would be with out all of your support.
Thank you for caring my friends
Kelly
I'm in Washington DC with the family for Spring Break. This trip was planned before I was diagnosed in Jan and was one of the first questions out of my mouth. Can I still go. When the answer was yes from the doctor I really hadn't had any worries about the trip. Spring break fell between treatments. It had been taking me about 8-10 days to start to feel better after a treatment and we were leaving by train on 7th day after a treatment. Well , for some unknown reason to me I didn't feel good at all the whole week. I actually was having the roughest time of all. I almost feel like the doctor may have upped my dosage with out telling me. I wasn't nauseated at all ....I was very fatigued, climb the stairs and need to sit down and put my head down. I wasn't eating. A bite of something and that was it. I wasn't drinking much either and believe it or not I was over my love of pellet ice cubes too. Then to make matters worse I developed open sores on my bottom cheeks!
Paul and I both called the doctor Monday and the nurse wanted him to describe the sores to her. Guess what peeps? He hasn't seen the sores, He offered to bring me down there and the nurse kept saying that she couldn't help us with out knowing what the sores looked like. But she wouldn't let Paul bring me in. I think I was so upset that I didn't call the nurse back to describe the sores. Tuesday I was trying to help Paul pack for the trip as we were leaving at 10 Thursday for Chicago to catch the train to DC. I figure I would call the doctors after hours. That way I could talk to a doctor. Sadly after describing the sores to the on call doc he didn't think the sores were from my chemo drug. Well I wasn't actually calling to see why I had the sores I w anted and needed some meds for these sores. doctor and he wanted me to call back in the am to get an appointment. We asked if we should go to ER or Urgent care or even my female doctor but he said it would be better if someone for the office could look at it. Here I was trying to be on the ball and get some meds before we left on Thursday for our trip. Anyway we called back on Wednesday morning and after telling the nurse we were suppose to call for an appointment they said a nurse would call back soon they were tagging the note as urgent. The nurse again wanted to know what the sores looked like, we told them we were suppose to get an appointment but they said they were to busy . No one had any openings. UUUUGGGGGHHHHHH. But she did recommend two different ointments to [pit on the sores.
I want you all to know that I have only made two phone calls after hours to this office. Once in 2007 and now this phone call. I can not believe this is normal practice. It's so frustrating. I don"t even get it. And yes we had mention on more than one occasion that we were going out of town.
So Wednesday night I tell Paul I didn't want to go and we had a talk about how he still needed to go for the kids sake and his. And when I felt better we could try to find a flight for me to catch up with them. The girls were sad but I told them I would come when I could , James was okay with mom not coming. He just wanted to get on the train. In fact I remember James coming home from school on Wednesday. I was laying on the coach and he said :Are you feeling better mom? I told him no. He then asked if I wasn't feeling better in the morning was I going to DC and I said I don't know. would you be sad if I didn't go and he said matter of fact..NO. I said I was happy to hear that.
I watched the kids pile in the van. There were no tears from anyone. Whew
My sister came to stay the night with me bearing many of varieties of food to try to find what I could eat. Not much luck in that department. But I did get a great back rub,
Friday morning came and I was hungry so I tried a little of everything and even had some awful ensure. By mid afternoon and no nap I figure I turned the corner and started to think about looking online for plane tickets. And trying to figure out when I should catch up with the rest of the family. Some good friends that live near by were walking their dog while I was resting on my deck. They checked in on me and offered to start searching for flights. Then my sister came back to my rescue after her day at work. I was feeling like trying something to eat so I rode with her to Culvers to get out of the house and we ordered a fish dinner to go to share. I nibbled but didn't get 1/2 of the 1/2 I took . The exhaustion, the dry mouth, everything was just not cooperating with me. By Friday night I was feeling better but not better and a flight was bought. A Saturday flight in the afternoon. The good thing was my sister offered to drive me . My mom came along, On the way to Detroit we stopped at McDonald's for a rest room and we ended up ordering lunch. I just stared at the menu and kept thinking gross. But I ordered a chicken wrap. Figured no bread was good for the the dry mouth and I could just eat the chicken or try. Well I DID IT MOMMY. I ate all the chicken. YEAH for me I didn't eat the wrap or anything else but I did eat the chicken.
Another good thing was I had a direct flight and it was only a little over an hour long.
I was gifted from those great friends that live near by that offered to help find a flight , the gift of first class. It was my first time and it won't be my last . WOW.
The family was very excited to see me and from the airport we went to see our friends , We were able to visit for 3 hours before I was ready to leave for rest. It was a short visit but a much needed visit.
Sunday we went into DC and went to the SPY Museum. and The Smithsonian History museum I think it was called, No that was yesterday we did that. Tuesday ...today we are doing the Cherry Blossom's and Vietnam memorial and Arlington Cemetery. I have a wheel chair in case of tiredness. Everything else we do is just planned the evening before. We leave Thursday at 4pm and get into Chicago at 9 am.
And every day I have ate a little more. 1/2 a burger and 2 tacos today.
So this is my update until after the next treatment which should be April 14. I haven't received my schedule from the office yet, I;m sure it is in the mailbox waiting for us to open it,
Just to up date everyone that has volunteered to bring dinners too. If you will wait to sign up for anymore.. I don't know how many treatments I will have and I would rather not see people signing up all the way out into June and July. I don't want to be having treatments then.
Please keep praying. I don't know where I would be with out all of your support.
Thank you for caring my friends
Kelly
Monday, March 28, 2011
Three down
the third treatment is done. yeah and yuck. This time I think the thrush is as bad as it has been. YUCK and OUCH!
I didn't get to see the doctor at my appointment. Had to see the PA. My CAT scan will be scheduled for the Monday or Tuesday before my next treatment. Then they will have the results when I see the doctor . I see the doctor before every treatment.
The third treatment went okay. I was home an hour earlier than any other treatment day. The morning was a waiting game but some how my nurse kicked it in gear for the pm, I'm still shooting for the 4 hours they said it would take. This appointment I was there at 9and left at 330.
The weekend and this morning has been in laying position either with layers of blankets on my in a lawn chair in the sunshine or just on the couch or bed. Energy is hard to come by for some reason this time it seems.
Thank you for all the cards, prayers, surprises, and thoughts. I need and love them all.
Pray for spring!
I didn't get to see the doctor at my appointment. Had to see the PA. My CAT scan will be scheduled for the Monday or Tuesday before my next treatment. Then they will have the results when I see the doctor . I see the doctor before every treatment.
The third treatment went okay. I was home an hour earlier than any other treatment day. The morning was a waiting game but some how my nurse kicked it in gear for the pm, I'm still shooting for the 4 hours they said it would take. This appointment I was there at 9and left at 330.
The weekend and this morning has been in laying position either with layers of blankets on my in a lawn chair in the sunshine or just on the couch or bed. Energy is hard to come by for some reason this time it seems.
Thank you for all the cards, prayers, surprises, and thoughts. I need and love them all.
Pray for spring!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
7 Good Days
Here's hoping the next 7 days are the best 7 days before my next treatment. The weather is trying to cooperate with every one's attitude. I'm feeling a lot better than the last posting I made. Saturday I started feeling better and everyday has been better since. I went to work the last three days for 1/2 day. Today I stayed home due to exhaustion. Lots of naps are needed to keep the energy up.
We have joined the Gilda's Club about a month ago. It is a beautiful house, with a lot of things going on.It has been a good thing for all of us. We have not been to any Laughfest events yet.
This next treatment I have will be number 3. I think the doctor will schedule a C.A.T. scan after this treatment to see if there has been progress on the tumors. After we receive the results we will decide if we continue on with this drug, change drugs or maybe even discontinue drugs because of phenomenal results! I will pray for that.
We are going to Washington DC the first week of APRIL. Thankfully with permission from the doctor back in January. Since we had bought tickets prior to my diagnosis . Thankfully spring break falls after a treatment week. We will be staying with Paul's brother Van in D.C. and I just found it will be Cherry blossom festival. Ohhh how pretty that will be.
Thank you for all your prayers and support.
Kelly
As a child my family's menu consisted of two choices: take it or leave it.
Buddy Hackett
We have joined the Gilda's Club about a month ago. It is a beautiful house, with a lot of things going on.It has been a good thing for all of us. We have not been to any Laughfest events yet.
This next treatment I have will be number 3. I think the doctor will schedule a C.A.T. scan after this treatment to see if there has been progress on the tumors. After we receive the results we will decide if we continue on with this drug, change drugs or maybe even discontinue drugs because of phenomenal results! I will pray for that.
We are going to Washington DC the first week of APRIL. Thankfully with permission from the doctor back in January. Since we had bought tickets prior to my diagnosis . Thankfully spring break falls after a treatment week. We will be staying with Paul's brother Van in D.C. and I just found it will be Cherry blossom festival. Ohhh how pretty that will be.
Thank you for all your prayers and support.
Kelly
As a child my family's menu consisted of two choices: take it or leave it.
Buddy Hackett
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Paying for it
Wow! I had the best 5 days after chemo ever! The new meds really worked. BANG! Not so fast Kelly.
I was feeling good enough to make my birthday treat for my work family and Paul drove me out there to share it with them. I was tired but otherwise still thought I felt good. Getting out of the house was huge. After we left my work we went to a store to buy a new pillow for myself. New Pillow is understatement for the item I was using for what is called a pillow. Came home and took a nap. I still think I felt okay on Tuesday evening. When I woke up Wednesday I was really tired. By the time lunch time came around I was freezing and nauseated. I thought maybe I needed to eat something and that did help. I even ate a little something before taking off for ash Wednesday mass. Going to church probably wasn't the best idea. By the time we got home I turned the space heater on left my winter jacket on and my hat. Still freezing. Took my nausea meds and went to bed after a warm and fuzzy blanket was delivered to me. Now I have several bouts of diarrhea and chills off and on. I want to eat but everything is going through me so fast. Paul is working today and the kids are at school. Maybe I'll go soak in Epsom salts. AHHHHH. Moral of story don't take more than you can chew? I thought I could chew that much. Today is a new day with snow flakes falling every which way from the sky. Did I hear 50's for the 8 day forecast! YIPPPEEEEE,
It's been pretty quiet at my house. Not very many texts this week. Hint Hint.
Pray for sun and spring time.
and healing of course
Peace my friends
Kelly
I was feeling good enough to make my birthday treat for my work family and Paul drove me out there to share it with them. I was tired but otherwise still thought I felt good. Getting out of the house was huge. After we left my work we went to a store to buy a new pillow for myself. New Pillow is understatement for the item I was using for what is called a pillow. Came home and took a nap. I still think I felt okay on Tuesday evening. When I woke up Wednesday I was really tired. By the time lunch time came around I was freezing and nauseated. I thought maybe I needed to eat something and that did help. I even ate a little something before taking off for ash Wednesday mass. Going to church probably wasn't the best idea. By the time we got home I turned the space heater on left my winter jacket on and my hat. Still freezing. Took my nausea meds and went to bed after a warm and fuzzy blanket was delivered to me. Now I have several bouts of diarrhea and chills off and on. I want to eat but everything is going through me so fast. Paul is working today and the kids are at school. Maybe I'll go soak in Epsom salts. AHHHHH. Moral of story don't take more than you can chew? I thought I could chew that much. Today is a new day with snow flakes falling every which way from the sky. Did I hear 50's for the 8 day forecast! YIPPPEEEEE,
It's been pretty quiet at my house. Not very many texts this week. Hint Hint.
Pray for sun and spring time.
and healing of course
Peace my friends
Kelly
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Treatment #2
Thursday MARCH 3 was my second treatment. The day before my birthday. Better than on my birthday I guess. Anyway it was a day just like all the other days. LONG! I saw the doctor before my treatment and was able to complain about all my symptoms that I could remember after my first treatment. You all are saying write them down Kelly. Well mothers, I did but I forgot my paper at home on the counter right where I would remember it.You've been there before right? Anyway for the symptoms I could remember I was able to get prescriptions for and some they gave me right in my IV.
My hair was falling out in the shower, and blowing out of my scalp when I blew dry it for two days so I shaved it myself. Well I used a #2 and now in the shower and all over the bathroom after blowing drying my hair so I'm not freezing I have all this short hair all over. Now I know why I had it shaved before it started to fall out in 2007.
I'm feeling more alive today. Kids are helping with picking up and getting there chores done and I'm able to tell them what they need to do instead of everyone doing nothing. I'm sure they love me for that. Paul is working this weekend. I don't like things to get far behind when he's working cause then that's more he has to do when he is not working.
Thank you to all of you who call,text, or send a card. It sure does brighten my days.
To my work family, I don't know what to say. You are amazing, thoughtful,caring individuals. We are blessed to be a part of your family. A thank you seems so small to say. But Thank You from the bottom of our hearts.
And everyone else that is bringing dinner over and driving me to my treatments, bless you too. Everything everyone is doing is so helpful no matter how big or small.
In all this madness of the world it is wonderful to know there are wonderful individuals still alive today. I am blessed to know a ton of them.
Thank you family and friends.
Love you all
Kelly
and the Anglim Family
The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love-Hubert H. Humphrey
My hair was falling out in the shower, and blowing out of my scalp when I blew dry it for two days so I shaved it myself. Well I used a #2 and now in the shower and all over the bathroom after blowing drying my hair so I'm not freezing I have all this short hair all over. Now I know why I had it shaved before it started to fall out in 2007.
I'm feeling more alive today. Kids are helping with picking up and getting there chores done and I'm able to tell them what they need to do instead of everyone doing nothing. I'm sure they love me for that. Paul is working this weekend. I don't like things to get far behind when he's working cause then that's more he has to do when he is not working.
Thank you to all of you who call,text, or send a card. It sure does brighten my days.
To my work family, I don't know what to say. You are amazing, thoughtful,caring individuals. We are blessed to be a part of your family. A thank you seems so small to say. But Thank You from the bottom of our hearts.
And everyone else that is bringing dinner over and driving me to my treatments, bless you too. Everything everyone is doing is so helpful no matter how big or small.
In all this madness of the world it is wonderful to know there are wonderful individuals still alive today. I am blessed to know a ton of them.
Thank you family and friends.
Love you all
Kelly
and the Anglim Family
The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love-Hubert H. Humphrey
Saturday, February 19, 2011
A New Day!
Yes! Today feels like a new day. A" good day"! The sun helps the mood so much. I didn't sleep through the night so I was worried about how my day was going to be but after waking up at 2am and staying awake until 5 I was feeling tired so I went back to bed. I fell back to sleep and woke at 810. Took a shower and had enough energy to make it upstairs and have breakfast with everyone. YEAH! Then we went to GILDA's Club to join. What a great place. I felt like we were at the home of 19 KIDS AND COUNTING. A beautiful home. Great Volunteers for a great cause. We had an informational meeting for new members, a tour and brunch. YUMMY! Then we bought 60 dollars in t-shirts for the laugh fest.
Later this afternoon we are taking a ride to Lowell for a family gathering for birthdays at my mom and dad's house. I'm hoping the car ride isn't to long. Since my chemo treatment I feel motion sickness quite easily.
Enjoy the sunshine everyone. And tonight I should sleep like a baby I have my sheets drying outside. Smell that fresh air on your pillow case....hmmmmmmm.
Shalom
Kelly
I searched for a funny quote for today's post
I have six locks on my door all in a row. When I go out, I lock every other one. I figure no matter how long somebody stands there picking the locks, they are always locking three. ~Elayne Boosler
Later this afternoon we are taking a ride to Lowell for a family gathering for birthdays at my mom and dad's house. I'm hoping the car ride isn't to long. Since my chemo treatment I feel motion sickness quite easily.
Enjoy the sunshine everyone. And tonight I should sleep like a baby I have my sheets drying outside. Smell that fresh air on your pillow case....hmmmmmmm.
Shalom
Kelly
I searched for a funny quote for today's post
I have six locks on my door all in a row. When I go out, I lock every other one. I figure no matter how long somebody stands there picking the locks, they are always locking three. ~Elayne Boosler
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Day to Day
Today is the sixth day after treatment. I've been very tired. I will close my eyes for a minute and it's 30 or 60 minutes later when I wake up. One time it was 4 hours later.
Last night was filled with a few bouts of nausea. Enough to make me lay on the bathroom floor. I over came it with the help of Paul. The poor guy. How he does it I don't know. Some donut holes helped too. I've been finding that if I eat small, tiny meals I'm not as nauseated. I wouldn't even call it a meal. A few bites of something every hour is working for the most part. And thanks to Joe too. your surprise visit with the donut holes worked out great. I'd take a small bite of the donut and hand it off to Paul. Thinking he'd put it back in the package for when I needed another bite. I searched for the donut and then looked at him and he was eating the donut....LOL. Love those guys who will finish what you don't eat....or were you thinking gotta love those police men...?
So besides being tired. I'm exhausted. Any thing I do makes me feel like I'm recovering from the flu.
The kids are being great. Even telling me I should take a nap. I have sores on my tongue and in my throat. Rinsing with salt water/or baking soda and water works great.
This weekend started off with us getting our family picture taken. We were suppose to do it after treatments in 2007 but never did. And we had to get it done before I could get my hair colored BLOND. The kids asked if I would color it blond before it fell out. Anything for the kids right? So we had the pictures taken outside at the Ford Museum. After the pictures we had breakfast at Big Boy with the photographer and her great assistants. Then off to Aquinas for a pink out basketball game. After the game we brought the kids to my sisters. Kim and Stan brought the kids to my brothers in Sand Lake to go sledding. My brother makes a Luge Run in his yard. We've had so much snow he's made a double Luge run. I'll post a picture so you can see how big it is.
Paul and I had a restful evening at home. I was exhausted. Then on Sunday evening I went to get my hair colored. Everyone was surprised when I returned home. They all like it. I look like I went south and got a tan!
I enjoyed sitting in a chair with the slider open and the sun shining on me today and Monday.
I also took a drive out to work just to say Hi to everyone. It's always nice to see everyone there. Work friends are just like family. I haven't been there all week.
Hi again to you Brian! LOL.
Peace to all! Enjoy the warm temperatures!
Kelly
I liked the quote ...I did not have any surgery lately.
I got the bill for my surgery. Now I know what those doctors were wearing masks for. ~James H. Boren
Last night was filled with a few bouts of nausea. Enough to make me lay on the bathroom floor. I over came it with the help of Paul. The poor guy. How he does it I don't know. Some donut holes helped too. I've been finding that if I eat small, tiny meals I'm not as nauseated. I wouldn't even call it a meal. A few bites of something every hour is working for the most part. And thanks to Joe too. your surprise visit with the donut holes worked out great. I'd take a small bite of the donut and hand it off to Paul. Thinking he'd put it back in the package for when I needed another bite. I searched for the donut and then looked at him and he was eating the donut....LOL. Love those guys who will finish what you don't eat....or were you thinking gotta love those police men...?
So besides being tired. I'm exhausted. Any thing I do makes me feel like I'm recovering from the flu.
The kids are being great. Even telling me I should take a nap. I have sores on my tongue and in my throat. Rinsing with salt water/or baking soda and water works great.
This weekend started off with us getting our family picture taken. We were suppose to do it after treatments in 2007 but never did. And we had to get it done before I could get my hair colored BLOND. The kids asked if I would color it blond before it fell out. Anything for the kids right? So we had the pictures taken outside at the Ford Museum. After the pictures we had breakfast at Big Boy with the photographer and her great assistants. Then off to Aquinas for a pink out basketball game. After the game we brought the kids to my sisters. Kim and Stan brought the kids to my brothers in Sand Lake to go sledding. My brother makes a Luge Run in his yard. We've had so much snow he's made a double Luge run. I'll post a picture so you can see how big it is.
Paul and I had a restful evening at home. I was exhausted. Then on Sunday evening I went to get my hair colored. Everyone was surprised when I returned home. They all like it. I look like I went south and got a tan!
I enjoyed sitting in a chair with the slider open and the sun shining on me today and Monday.
I also took a drive out to work just to say Hi to everyone. It's always nice to see everyone there. Work friends are just like family. I haven't been there all week.
Hi again to you Brian! LOL.
Peace to all! Enjoy the warm temperatures!
Kelly
I liked the quote ...I did not have any surgery lately.
I got the bill for my surgery. Now I know what those doctors were wearing masks for. ~James H. Boren
Friday, February 11, 2011
First Chemo Treatment
I arrived at my first Chemo treatment after a slow down on 131 due to an accident. My taxi got me there via division pretty quickly after that bump in the road. Good job Melissa! My appointment was at 9 am. However I wasn't called to the lab area until 9:20. They need to do blood work first to make sure your red and white blood cells are at normal range to due the treatment. Then the pharmacy has to have those results before them make your personal concoction. During this time you are back to the waiting area. At about 10 or after I was called to the Chemo area. In this area you have a personal partion with a reclining chair, cubby for personal belongings and a tv. Warm blankets and pillows are offered too. My nurse came to me about 1045. I think that is a generous time. I think it was later. At this time she access my port and started a saline bag for extra fluids. Then I take Tylenol orally and receive Benadryl by IV. After the Benadryl is done dripping I was given the Herceptin Drug. That lasts an hour and a half. After that was done I had to listen to the IV pole beeping , hit my nurses button, and wait for the next drug. Then she came and gave me a steroid and anti nausea med through the IV. After those were done dripping she started the Chemo drug. It had to be given at the slowest rate to start in case of an allergic reaction. And she had to watch me for reaction. Then she sped the drip of the IV up every 15 minutes until 45 minutes passed. Then I was on full tilt. I was done at 3pm However I asked for a copy of my lab work and that took 30 minutes. So I got home at 4pm.
That is a long Day. I laid on the coach until our dinner arrived. I ate good I thought. After dinner, I laid on the couch and dozed off and on -5 minutes here and there. I wanted to stay awake as much as I could because I haven't been sleeping all that good. I made it to 1030. However I was up at 1 until 430. Then I was up with the kids at 6:00. Now I'm updating this blog and I will be going to bed.
How am I feeling you ask? The best I can describe is like this....and I get this description from a guy I use to work with.....I've felt worse and I've felt better. He use to say...I've seen worse and I've seen better when I would ask if he thought something looked okay... Good ol Porfideo. I use to hate when he said that. Now it comes in handy. I have a great head ache. That started before I went to bed so I know it's not just from lack of sleep. Then I feel like I'm full of junk....which I am. But that's the best I can describe it to you. And a little joint pain too. There's my complaining. I'm done with that.
I was asked to give a shout to someone on my blog and I said I would but I decided that I'm adding a stipulation to that. You have to post a comment on my blog to get a shout out back. And this starts as of today. So if you post a comment on my blog you may get your name mentioned in my blog. OOOOOO.
Thanks for all the prayers and support.
Kelly
We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust the sails. ~Author Unknown
That is a long Day. I laid on the coach until our dinner arrived. I ate good I thought. After dinner, I laid on the couch and dozed off and on -5 minutes here and there. I wanted to stay awake as much as I could because I haven't been sleeping all that good. I made it to 1030. However I was up at 1 until 430. Then I was up with the kids at 6:00. Now I'm updating this blog and I will be going to bed.
How am I feeling you ask? The best I can describe is like this....and I get this description from a guy I use to work with.....I've felt worse and I've felt better. He use to say...I've seen worse and I've seen better when I would ask if he thought something looked okay... Good ol Porfideo. I use to hate when he said that. Now it comes in handy. I have a great head ache. That started before I went to bed so I know it's not just from lack of sleep. Then I feel like I'm full of junk....which I am. But that's the best I can describe it to you. And a little joint pain too. There's my complaining. I'm done with that.
I was asked to give a shout to someone on my blog and I said I would but I decided that I'm adding a stipulation to that. You have to post a comment on my blog to get a shout out back. And this starts as of today. So if you post a comment on my blog you may get your name mentioned in my blog. OOOOOO.
Thanks for all the prayers and support.
Kelly
We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust the sails. ~Author Unknown
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Sacrament of the Sick
Superbowl weekend started of by my mom, Paul and I heading down to the first annual HELP ON THE HILL put on by the Van Andel Institute. My sister Kim joined us for the second part held on Saturday.
It was very informative. It was for cancer patients and their family/ care givers. Just to educated you on cancer in general. Plus to inform you of all the great things happening right here in grand rapids.
Saturday ended on a very moving moment. I had the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. To help you understand what this is I've inserted the following:
The Oil of the Sick
The oil used in administering the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is called Oil of the Sick. It is one of the three Holy oils blessed by the bishop of the diocese at his cathedral on Holy Thursday morning, the other two Holy Oils being Holy Chrism and the Oil of Catechumens, which is used in Baptism.
Oil of the Sick is pure olive oil—nothing being added except the blessing of the bishop. Its appropriateness as part of the outward sign of Anointing of the Sick is evident from the healing and strengthening effects which are characteristic of olive oil.
The essence of the sacrament lies in the actual anointing and the short prayer which accompanies the anointing. In giving the sacrament, the priest anoints the sick person on the forehead and hands. During this anointing, the priest says: "Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up."
Counteracting undue fear When faced with the danger of death, a person normally will experience a feeling of great anxiety.
This is to be expected. God has planted in human nature a strong attachment to life which we commonly call the instinct for self-preservation. He has done so precisely in order to assure that we take due care of our physical well-being and do not expose ourselves to unnecessary danger to our life.
We need not feel ashamed, therefore, nor convicted of lack of faith if we find ourselves apprehensive when the shadow of death looms over us. To counteract this fear of death when it needs to be counteracted, and to remove all cause for fear, God has given us the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.
Graces of the sacrament
In common with all the sacraments, Anointing of the Sick confers sanctifying grace.
It is an increase in sanctifying grace that Anointing of the Sick gives, since it presupposes that the recipient already is free from mortal sin. Thus there is intensified in the soul that supernatural life, that oneness with God, which is the source of all spiritual strength as it is also the measure of our capacity for the happiness of heaven.
Besides this increase in sanctifying grace, Anointing of the Sick gives its own special sacramental grace.
The primary purpose of the special grace of Anointing of the Sick is to comfort and to strengthen the soul of the sick person. This is the grace that quiets anxiety and dissipates fear.
It is the grace which enables the sick person to embrace God's will and to face the possibility of death without apprehension. It is the grace which gives the soul the strength to face and conquer whatever temptations to doubt, despondency, or even despair may mark Satan's last effort to seize this soul for himself.
Doubtless some who read this have already received Anointing of the Sick, perhaps even several times. If so, they know by experience, as does the writer, what peace of mind and confidence in God this sacrament bestows.
However, there is a secondary and conditional effect of Anointing of the Sick: the recovery of bodily health by the sick or injured person. The condition under which this secondary effect can be expected to operate is stated by the Council of Trent: "When it is expedient for the soul's salvation."
God does not multiply marvels unnecessarily. Whenever possible he works through natural causes. In this instance, recovery will be the result of the powers of nature, stimulated by the graces of the sacrament.
Thank you all who were there. Your hands were very calming. It is an amazing feeling. Emotional,but peaceful.
Peace
Kelly
When you throw yourself a pity party-don't forget to invite Jesus!
It was very informative. It was for cancer patients and their family/ care givers. Just to educated you on cancer in general. Plus to inform you of all the great things happening right here in grand rapids.
Saturday ended on a very moving moment. I had the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. To help you understand what this is I've inserted the following:
The Oil of the Sick
The oil used in administering the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is called Oil of the Sick. It is one of the three Holy oils blessed by the bishop of the diocese at his cathedral on Holy Thursday morning, the other two Holy Oils being Holy Chrism and the Oil of Catechumens, which is used in Baptism.
Oil of the Sick is pure olive oil—nothing being added except the blessing of the bishop. Its appropriateness as part of the outward sign of Anointing of the Sick is evident from the healing and strengthening effects which are characteristic of olive oil.
The essence of the sacrament lies in the actual anointing and the short prayer which accompanies the anointing. In giving the sacrament, the priest anoints the sick person on the forehead and hands. During this anointing, the priest says: "Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up."
Counteracting undue fear When faced with the danger of death, a person normally will experience a feeling of great anxiety.
This is to be expected. God has planted in human nature a strong attachment to life which we commonly call the instinct for self-preservation. He has done so precisely in order to assure that we take due care of our physical well-being and do not expose ourselves to unnecessary danger to our life.
We need not feel ashamed, therefore, nor convicted of lack of faith if we find ourselves apprehensive when the shadow of death looms over us. To counteract this fear of death when it needs to be counteracted, and to remove all cause for fear, God has given us the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.
Graces of the sacrament
In common with all the sacraments, Anointing of the Sick confers sanctifying grace.
It is an increase in sanctifying grace that Anointing of the Sick gives, since it presupposes that the recipient already is free from mortal sin. Thus there is intensified in the soul that supernatural life, that oneness with God, which is the source of all spiritual strength as it is also the measure of our capacity for the happiness of heaven.
Besides this increase in sanctifying grace, Anointing of the Sick gives its own special sacramental grace.
The primary purpose of the special grace of Anointing of the Sick is to comfort and to strengthen the soul of the sick person. This is the grace that quiets anxiety and dissipates fear.
It is the grace which enables the sick person to embrace God's will and to face the possibility of death without apprehension. It is the grace which gives the soul the strength to face and conquer whatever temptations to doubt, despondency, or even despair may mark Satan's last effort to seize this soul for himself.
Doubtless some who read this have already received Anointing of the Sick, perhaps even several times. If so, they know by experience, as does the writer, what peace of mind and confidence in God this sacrament bestows.
However, there is a secondary and conditional effect of Anointing of the Sick: the recovery of bodily health by the sick or injured person. The condition under which this secondary effect can be expected to operate is stated by the Council of Trent: "When it is expedient for the soul's salvation."
God does not multiply marvels unnecessarily. Whenever possible he works through natural causes. In this instance, recovery will be the result of the powers of nature, stimulated by the graces of the sacrament.
Thank you all who were there. Your hands were very calming. It is an amazing feeling. Emotional,but peaceful.
Peace
Kelly
When you throw yourself a pity party-don't forget to invite Jesus!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Exit South to Florida
After my Jan 20th appointment I was able to escape to Florida with my mom for a week. Thanks to my sister for not being able to use the ticket she was going to use AND to my nephew and his great job he has.
Anyway we arrived in Florida to 70 degree weather. Mother nature did not disappoint the entire week. We had 70 degree or better everyday. No clouds and BLUE skies. It was beautiful. Almost a dream.
Now it's back to reality as I am writing this on the day which will be known as the Blizzard of 2011.
I have an appointment tomorrow to get some questions answered. Then Friday and Saturday Paul and I will be attending a seminar for cancer patients and their families called Help on the Hill hosted by Van Andel Institute. It is designed to help people understand cancer research and cancer clinical trials.
And then my first Chemo appointment will be Feb 10. in the morning. I did not receive Chemo before going to Florida but I did receive the drug Herceptin. They want to give these drugs together so my first Chemo was moved from Feb 3 to Feb 10. Sorry if I did not mention this prior today.
I'm at home with the kids on their first official SNOW day of the school year. They had a tornado warning day but not a snow day. I'm cleaning, relaxing and cleaning. Trying to think of everything I can do and need to do before the storm of chemo starts.
A lot of people have offered their time, and services. Thank You. In regards to dinner for the family I have decided that I have to have a treatment first before I know how long if any side effects will take place. Trying to be positive and hopeful here. If I'm down and out, I'm all for dinners and every ones help. I've made a list of things we could use help with. I'm going to try to add a few things to my blog for people to access. Like calenders to volunteer on. So bear with me. You may see an entirely looking blog if I need to change things. Feel free to comment and email me anytime. I love reading peoples comments and positive thoughts.
Love you all and thanks for the support!
Kelly
There is little difference in people but that little difference make a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative. W. Clement Stone
Anyway we arrived in Florida to 70 degree weather. Mother nature did not disappoint the entire week. We had 70 degree or better everyday. No clouds and BLUE skies. It was beautiful. Almost a dream.
Now it's back to reality as I am writing this on the day which will be known as the Blizzard of 2011.
I have an appointment tomorrow to get some questions answered. Then Friday and Saturday Paul and I will be attending a seminar for cancer patients and their families called Help on the Hill hosted by Van Andel Institute. It is designed to help people understand cancer research and cancer clinical trials.
And then my first Chemo appointment will be Feb 10. in the morning. I did not receive Chemo before going to Florida but I did receive the drug Herceptin. They want to give these drugs together so my first Chemo was moved from Feb 3 to Feb 10. Sorry if I did not mention this prior today.
I'm at home with the kids on their first official SNOW day of the school year. They had a tornado warning day but not a snow day. I'm cleaning, relaxing and cleaning. Trying to think of everything I can do and need to do before the storm of chemo starts.
A lot of people have offered their time, and services. Thank You. In regards to dinner for the family I have decided that I have to have a treatment first before I know how long if any side effects will take place. Trying to be positive and hopeful here. If I'm down and out, I'm all for dinners and every ones help. I've made a list of things we could use help with. I'm going to try to add a few things to my blog for people to access. Like calenders to volunteer on. So bear with me. You may see an entirely looking blog if I need to change things. Feel free to comment and email me anytime. I love reading peoples comments and positive thoughts.
Love you all and thanks for the support!
Kelly
There is little difference in people but that little difference make a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative. W. Clement Stone
Thursday, January 20, 2011
First Appointment
Today was my first treatment of Herceptin. This drug corks all the cancer cells. Once attached to the cells it brings other immune cells to help kill the cancer cells. This is not a chemo drug. Medically speaking it is a monoclonal antibody. This will be taken with my chemo from now on. This drug I had for one year after I was done with chemo the last time. My appointment was scheduled for 9:30 and I arrived at 9:15. I was called at 10:12. I think I started receiving my juice at 1040. Then after taking a little nap because I'm given benadryl in case of allergic reaction. Mom and I ate Tuna Fish sandwiches that she made. Mom sure does know how to make those sandwiches. We walked around the Lemmen Holten Center for awhile then headed back to my chair. Then My iv pump started beeping and my nurse came over and she exclaimed....WHY isn't this dripping? 50 minutes of no meds. UGH! Finally home at 2:30.
You are the only person on earth who can use your ability.- Zig-Ziglar
You are the only person on earth who can use your ability.- Zig-Ziglar
Monday, January 17, 2011
Port Placemnet
This morning I am going for a MUGA test. It is a test that measures your heart activity. Done because drugs can affect your hear. Get a baseline score before the drugs come to invade the cancer. Then at 2 pm I'll be under light sedation to have the port put in. This is an advice they adminster the chemo through so they don't have to poke my veins all the time.
Shouldn't have anything else to post until after the first treatment Feb 3.
I am having one herceptin treatment before I head to Florida Jan 24. The doctor wanted something cooking in me before I headed down to the sunshine state. That I am having done this Thursday Jan 20.
God is listening to our prayers!
Kelly
Shouldn't have anything else to post until after the first treatment Feb 3.
I am having one herceptin treatment before I head to Florida Jan 24. The doctor wanted something cooking in me before I headed down to the sunshine state. That I am having done this Thursday Jan 20.
God is listening to our prayers!
Kelly
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Just when I least expected it!
Well I actually never thought I would be posting here again. And how ironic for it to be a little over 2 years since my last update.
Since my last post I have been very diligent about my 6 month doctor appointments with the breast surgeon and oncologist. Never missing an appointment. Always obeying when to have test done. All of my blood work came back good. My tumor marker numbers have never elevated. No concerns for the doctor. No concerns for me. I had a doctor appointment on Dec 23rd and some tests done between then and Jan 6Th.
I received an unexpected phone call on Jan 11, 2011 that a routine 6 month test had some areas of concern and was given a time to be at the oncologist the next day.
I was then told with out " beating around the bush" that the cancer has returned. There are spots in my liver and in both lungs. The doctor was just as shocked with the test results as I. So Now the diagnosis is called Metastatic Breast Cancer.The plan of action is to start chemotherapy on Feb3, 2011. I will have chemo every three weeks for about 6 rounds. After 3 rounds they will do a pet scan and determine further action. I will be also receiving Herceptin which I received after I was done with chemo in 2007.This time it will be administered with the chemo.
I will post again when I have other news to post. Please Pray for the Anglim Family.
Feel free to bring Paul out for some heckling. He'll need to release too. Thanks for your support and prayers. Feel free to email or comment. I'll need to do some positive reading too.
I've heard many times "God only gives you the cross you can carry" I thought I already new myself? I told the kids that God carries you when you are weak, but I told them I wanted to walk and follow his foot steps.
Kelly
Since my last post I have been very diligent about my 6 month doctor appointments with the breast surgeon and oncologist. Never missing an appointment. Always obeying when to have test done. All of my blood work came back good. My tumor marker numbers have never elevated. No concerns for the doctor. No concerns for me. I had a doctor appointment on Dec 23rd and some tests done between then and Jan 6Th.
I received an unexpected phone call on Jan 11, 2011 that a routine 6 month test had some areas of concern and was given a time to be at the oncologist the next day.
I was then told with out " beating around the bush" that the cancer has returned. There are spots in my liver and in both lungs. The doctor was just as shocked with the test results as I. So Now the diagnosis is called Metastatic Breast Cancer.The plan of action is to start chemotherapy on Feb3, 2011. I will have chemo every three weeks for about 6 rounds. After 3 rounds they will do a pet scan and determine further action. I will be also receiving Herceptin which I received after I was done with chemo in 2007.This time it will be administered with the chemo.
I will post again when I have other news to post. Please Pray for the Anglim Family.
Feel free to bring Paul out for some heckling. He'll need to release too. Thanks for your support and prayers. Feel free to email or comment. I'll need to do some positive reading too.
I've heard many times "God only gives you the cross you can carry" I thought I already new myself? I told the kids that God carries you when you are weak, but I told them I wanted to walk and follow his foot steps.
Kelly
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